North Cook News

Mike Baumer, Chairman of Hanover Township Republican Organization (HTRO), expressed concerns about the economic challenges faced by families under the Biden-Harris administration. He contrasted this with what he described as greater economic stability during the Trump administration. Baumer made these remarks to 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% over a 12-month period ending in September, slightly exceeding expectations but showing a decrease from August's 2.5%. On a monthly basis, the CPI increased by 0.2%, driven primarily by food and shelter costs. Notably, grocery prices saw an increase of 1.3%, with dining out rising 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 signs of moderation, inflation continues to impact households that have seen a cumulative rise of 21% since 2020. Following this report, stock markets eased and jobless claims increased slightly, leading to expectations of a potential Federal Reserve rate cut.

The Heritage Foundation reported that inflation has risen by 20% under President Biden compared to an increase of 8% during Trump's tenure. Inflation surged from 1.4% at the start of Biden's presidency to a peak of 9.1% within eighteen months, with mortgage rates doubling from 2.9% to approximately 7%. The average federal deficit under Biden is reported at $1.5 trillion compared to $750 billion under Trump, excluding COVID-19 years. The foundation attributed higher success in managing inflation to Trump's policies such as tax cuts, deregulation, and increased energy production.

In an article published on October 11 in the Wall Street Journal, 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 further noted that "by 16 points," voters favored Trump for handling immigration and border security.

Baumer has been involved in local politics since his election as Committeeman for Hanover Township in Streamwood in 2018. According to HTRO’s website, he focuses on increasing Republican voter turnout and membership while communicating party positions on key issues affecting Hanover Township voters.