A matter of insignificance

From the Bernie Schoenburg column in the State Journal-Register: (emphasis mine)

Meanwhile, in the 17th Congressional District, incumbent DON JOHNSTON of Moline, who defeated Rock Island County Democratic Chairman JOHN GIANULIS for the seat back in 1998, said he thinks his opponent, TOM BENSON, was "put up to it."

"I’m sure John's still bitter about losing back in '98," Johnston said.

Benson, who lives in Rock Island and works for the state in Springfield, said he's been a friend of Gianulis since childhood, but the decision to run was his own. He also said that most of the money raised by Johnston's 17th District organization is spent on JV Consulting, Johnston’s own direct-mail and advertising business.

"I wouldn’t vote for Don Johnston," said Gianulis, who is director of personnel for the governor’s office. He said he didn’t put up Benson to run, but he will vote for him, and expects he will provide the party "much better than what we've been getting from Don Johnston."

"Who cares who is state central committeeman?" added Gianulis. "The race itself is very insignificant."

He said his main concern is to re-elect Blagojevich.

Johnston said he was a friend of Benson's parents and is disappointed by the challenge. JV gets some of the money his political fund spends, but not most of it, and he said he charges smaller Democratic organizations only postage.

He also said his company has made more than 500,000 automated phone calls for county organizations, most at no charge.

"In my view, John Gianulis is insignificant," Johnston said.