CALL Pressure routes
Make a call. It takes three minutes.
John's family does not accept the suicide ruling, and no agency has explained the 161 miles between the Atlanta airport and where he was found. The people who can change that respond to constituent pressure. Below are direct numbers and short scripts. Pick one, dial, read the script, hang up. Under a minute each.
- 01
Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL-16)
He's already engaged. Thanking him and asking for an update keeps the case in his queue.
Called? Tell us →PhoneScript"Hi, my name is [your name] and I'm calling to thank Representative LaHood for his work on the John Combs case, the lineman from Rochelle who died in Alabama in October 2024. I want to know the latest on the congressional investigation and how the office is keeping pressure on the agencies involved. Thank you."
- 02
Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL)
Senior Illinois senator. A federal review fits his portfolio.
Called? Tell us →PhoneScript"Hi, my name is [your name] and I'm a constituent. I'm calling to ask Senator Durbin to support a federal review of the death of John Combs, a 24-year-old IBEW Local 196 lineman from Rochelle who died in Montgomery, Alabama in October 2024 while doing Hurricane Helene restoration work. Multiple agencies have refused to share information with his family. Representative LaHood is already engaged. Senator Durbin's support would help. Thank you."
- Script
"Hi, my name is [your name] and I'm a constituent. I'm calling to ask Senator Duckworth to back a federal review of the death of John Combs, a 24-year-old IBEW Local 196 lineman from Rochelle who died in Montgomery, Alabama in October 2024 while doing Hurricane Helene restoration work. The family has been unable to get answers from local agencies. Thank you."
- 04
Montgomery Police Department
Lead investigating agency. Public pressure on the case status is legitimate.
Called? Tell us →PhoneScript"I'm calling about the death of John Combs on October 4, 2024. His family has been unable to get answers. Can the department provide a current status of the investigation, including whether it is open or closed?"
After the call
Tell us you called.
Volume matters. If you called, send a two-line email: which office, and what they said. We use the count to push back when an office says "we haven't heard from constituents."
Email us that you called →
Or write to [email protected].