Reyes has taken a lot of flak for previously supporting Obamacare, as highlighted on this blog. He has also been criticized for running as a Democrat, then as an Independent, and now as a Republican all within a two year period.
Reyes continues to claim that he never ran as a Democrat.
But he did, according to the Rock Island Argus/Moline Dispatch.
Per Brandy Donaldson's report from July 2, 2011:
Rock Island attorney Eric S. Reyes announced Saturday he will seek the Democratic nomination to run for U.S. Congress against U.S. Rep. Bobby Schilling, R-Colona, in the 2012 election.
Mr. Reyes formally announced his candidacy among friends, family and supporters, including state Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline, and former state Sen. Denny Jacobs, at O'Melia's restaurant in Rock Island.
Having the support of the Jacobs family is a big deal in Rock Island County, and it's hard to say he wasn't running as a Democrat when the FIRST SENTENCE OF THE ARTICLE SAYS HE WAS RUNNING AS A DEMOCRAT!
But it goes further than that: Reyes talked about his platform.
Reyes pledged support for amnesty, which is a no-brainer, especially since he still passionately supports that.
He used a Democrat talking point on Medicare:
"Medicare is in danger of essentially being ended by the other party. We need to protect that."And he pledged his eternal support for Obamacare:
"There is a health care law with a lot of provisions that are already helping people, but a lot of provisions facing the threat of repeal. We need to protect that as well. There are plenty of things I stand for that I will go to Congress and fight to protect."So next time you hear Eric Reyes lie, make sure you correct it.
"I never ran as a Democrat." Yes, you clearly did.
"I never supported Obamacare." Yes, you absolutely did.
Don't run away from your past, Eric. We know who you really are.