|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| Local News | This story published
online: Thursday, July 7, 2005 12:31 AM CDT |
National radio personality Mike Gallagher brings book, syndicated show to Decatur
|
|
But not in Decatur.
The nationally syndicated radio talk show host pulled into downtown Decatur on Wednesday in a red, white and blue motorcoach to sign copies of his new book, "Surrounded by Idiots: Fighting Liberal Lunacy in America" at Striglos Haines & Essick.
Gallagher also broadcast his radio show from his patriotic-hued ride parked downtown.
"Every time I see Decatur on the screen, I know I'm in for a good call," Gallagher said. "This is a smart, articulate town. It really is. This is a passionate community."
And it's not just local conservatives who call in.
The book signing was Gallagher's third trip to Decatur and one of about 25 stops on his nationwide tour.
"I insisted that Decatur be on the list," Gallagher said.
The event was sponsored by Striglos Haines & Essick, JL Hubbard Insurance and Bonds, DemirCo Corporate Communications, The Chamber of Commerce for Decatur and Macon County and WSOY.
Brian Byers, host of the WSOY weekday morning radio show "Byers & Co.," said Gallagher has remained loyal to Decatur over the years as his career has taken off.
"No matter how much face time he gets on television, the new book, being one of the top 10 radio hosts in America, he continues to be such a down-to-earth nice guy," Byers said. "He genuinely likes the people of Decatur."
And the feeling was reciprocated by hundreds of fans.
David Wilhour of Decatur arrived at about 5:30 a.m. to be first in line to get a signed copy of Gallagher's new book.
Wilhour has called in to Gallagher's show to disagree with him on occasion. But he agrees with Gallagher most of the time, especially when it comes to supporting the U.S. military.
"He isn't afraid to profess his faith," Wilhour said.
Justin Young, 23, of Decatur credited Gallagher for spurring his interest in politics. He says he listens to Gallagher every day.
"Everything he talks about - from abortion to war to everyday life - he's right on the money," Young said.
Mike Frazier can be reached at mfrazier@;herald-review.com or 421-7985.
printer friendly version | 
e-mail this story
Herald-Review.com contains selected news and
information
from the Herald & Review newspaper. For complete
coverage CLICK HERE.
[ TOP
OF PAGE ]
Copyright 1996-2005 Herald
& Review, Decatur, IL, a division of Lee
Enterprises.
All rights reserved. This page, or any file with a
copyright notice, may not be published, broadcast, or otherwise
distributed
without prior written permission. Herald & Review, 601
East William Street, Decatur, IL, 62525
217-429-5151.
Read our Privacy Statement Read our Do Not Call Policy
The
Herald & Review is a member of CING - The Central Illinois Newspaper
Group. Other CING properties include:
The Mattoon Journal-Gazette, The
Charleston Times-Courier, The Business Journal and The Prairie
Shopper.
 |
 |