North Cook News

Mike Baumer, Chairman of Hanover Township Republican Organization (HTRO), expressed concerns over rising prices under the Biden-Harris administration. He said that this increase has made it challenging for families to afford basic needs, contrasting it with the economic stability experienced during the Trump administration. Baumer shared his views with the North Cook News on October 16.

"Everyday costs for necessities like food, gas, and rent have soared under Biden and Harris, much higher than during Trump's presidency," said Baumer, Chairman of the Hanover Township Republican Organization. "Many families are finding it harder to make ends meet and cover their essential expenses. Under Trump, inflation was kept in check, allowing citizens to avoid constant financial stress. Americans deserve a stable economy where they can afford a decent life, not one where they're overwhelmed by ever-growing costs."

According to NBC News, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 2.4% in September over a 12-month period, slightly above expectations but a decrease from August's 2.5%. On a monthly basis, the CPI increased by 0.2%, driven primarily by food and shelter costs. Grocery prices saw an increase of 1.3%, particularly in meat and eggs, while dining out expenses rose by 3.9%. Housing costs experienced a year-on-year jump of 4.9%. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, rose by 0.3%. Despite moderation, inflation continues to impact households, which have had to adjust to a cumulative rise of 21% since 2020. Following this report, stock markets eased and jobless claims increased slightly, leading to heightened expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut. Inflation remains a primary concern for voters.

The Heritage Foundation reported that inflation under President Biden has risen by 20%, compared to an increase of 8% during Trump's tenure. Inflation surged from 1.4% when Biden took office to reach 9.1% after eighteen months, with mortgage rates doubling from 2.9% to 7%. The average deficit under Biden is reported at $1.5 trillion compared to $750 billion under Trump (excluding COVID-19 years). The foundation noted higher success with Trump's disinflationary policies such as tax cuts, deregulation, and energy production in contrast with Biden's approach involving higher taxes, regulation, and spending on green energy programs.

In an article dated October 11, Wall Street Journal author Aaron Zitner discussed voter preferences in swing states: "Across the full set of 4,200 swing-state voters, Trump gets 46% support and Harris draws 45%. The survey finds that the race in every state — and therefore the presidential election — is too close to call…. By 10 percentage points more say Trump than Harris would be better at handling the economy—the issue that voters cite as most important to their choice of candidate." Zitner also noted that "by 16 points," voters favored Trump for handling immigration and border security.

Baumer resides in Streamwood and was first elected as Committeeman for Hanover Township in 2018. According to HTRO’s website, he is "focused on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing the Party’s membership, and communicating the Party’s positions on issues that matter to Hanover Township voters."