Guitarist Walsh, Congressman Walsh cross paths again as musician goes to bat for Tea Partyer's opponent
As Joe Walsh the legendary Eagles guitarist plans a Schaumburg concert to benefit 8th Congressional District Democratic candidate Tammy Duckworth, Joe Walsh the Republican congressman is criticizing her supporters as the "Hotel California liberal elite."
Walsh, a McHenry County Tea Partyer, took a tongue-in-cheek jab at his opponent Duckworth, a former member of the Obama administration, and at the musician, pointing out that the guitarist is represented by agent Ari Emanuel, brother of Democratic Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Guitarist Walsh on Tuesday announced he would not only be endorsing Duckworth in her general election bid but plans a special July 1 benefit concert at John Barleycorn in Schaumburg. Tickets range from $100 to $2,500, which includes a reception with the musician.
This is not the first time the Joe Walshes have crossed paths.
The guitarist spent time in Evanston as a child, the same place, coincidentally, where the congressman lived for many years with his family before moving to McHenry.
Walsh (of the Eagles) threatened to sue the McHenry Tea Partyer two years ago over the use of his song "Walk Away" in the campaign against three-term Democratic Congresswoman Melissa Bean of Barrington.
Walsh has framed the concert announcement as "evidence" that Duckworth, of Hoffman Estates, is in the pocket of the "liberal elite".
"Is anyone really surprised when Tammy gets support from the liberal entertainment industry?" the congressman's campaign said in a statement. "Tammy can have the support of the 'Hotel California' liberal elite, Congressman Walsh is more concerned with getting the support of hardworking families from the 8th District."