*** UPDATE *** I didn’t even know he had an exploratory committee. I guess he thinks it went well, though. From an e-mail forwarded by a reader…
Statement by Robert L. Zadek, Republican Candidate for the United States Senate Illinois
Zadek Announces his candidacy for US Senate.
Rockford, IL (April 24, 2009) — “Several months ago, I began an informal exploration of a run for the United States Senate from Illinois. That informal exploration began with meetings with citizens and activists across the state. I attended many events across the state as well speaking to people and confirming the need and desires of the people for fundamental change in Illinois and our nation.”
Can’t you just feel the Z-mentum building?
[ *** End of Update *** ]
* This e-mail just arrived in inboxes throughout the state…
Breaking News!
This morning, Chicago Sun-Times columnist, Rich Miller, reported the findings of a scientific poll pitting Pat Quinn against Lisa Madigan in a hypothetical Democratic Gubernatorial Primary. The poll asked Chicagoans who they would vote for; and, across the board, Lisa is the clear favorite. […]
While Lisa continues to contemplate her future in public service, please show her your support. Send her a clear message right now with a contribution of $25, $50, or $100 and let Lisa know that you support her too!
Doesn’t sound like an attorney general candidate to me.
* Gov. Quinn is taking some heat on hiring…
So far, Quinn has given most of the top jobs to white men.
Seven of his hires are women, racial minorities or both. They include Quinn’s general counsel and policy director, but most are in second-tier jobs such as deputy chief of staff or scheduler.
The Illinois Association of Minorities in Government calls it “a huge concern” that women and minorities haven’t been more prominent among Quinn’s appointments.
“Minorities across this state have a lot of experience, and we think that experience should be reflected in his administration,” said Jonathan Lackland, the association’s executive director. “Those are individuals who can come in and help him see things differently.”
Quinn sounded pained by the criticism.
“Well, I don’t know how they can say that if they take a look at the people I’ve brought in and intend to bring in,” he said.
* Patterson has a review of Rep. Jack Franks’ radio appearance this morning with Mancow Muller.…
Muller asked Franks, who is an attorney, if Franks would represent him if Muller went on a parking meter vandalism spree in Chicago. Franks said yes. Muller blasted the city’s higher parking meter fees more than a dozen times during the show.
Franks did speak up to challenge show guest Gov. Pat Quinn to blow up the state budget in order to fix it. Rather than just continuing existing programs from year to year, Franks wants to start the entire budget at zero and rebuild it. Quinn was not persuaded.
But Franks was much quieter when Muller interviewed Kim Kardashian, who is mostly famous for being Kim Kardashian. She insisted that while she’s “a curvy girl,” she still wears a size 2.
Franks admitted he doesn’t know who Kardashian is.
Franks is floating his name for attorney general.
LIVE session coverage...
- hmm - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 2:37 pm:
Jack Franks may be the only person floating Jack Franks’ name for Attorney General.
- Vote Quimby! - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 2:39 pm:
Rich, shouldn’t you get a cut of the donations that come in? Of course, the AP would want its share…
- Scott K - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 2:46 pm:
Dan Hynes is running for atty general!!!!
- bardo2 - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 2:49 pm:
I think Franks is a legit candidate for statewide office. He’s clearly one of the smartest guys roaming around the Capitol (elected or otherwise) and let’s not forget that he was calling BS on Blago before it was cool to call BS on Blago.
- siriusly - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 2:52 pm:
Rich - Every year we hear some of the same names (ala Bill Daley) but the same people don’t pull the trigger. You should put up a QOTD or wager question on who will or will not pull the trigger on a statewide run.
Here are the names that I have heard of for AG: Franks, Fritchey, Hynes, Hamos, etc.
Others floating their names for “something statewide”: Boland, Clayborne and Lucas Dell’Abate
I think Franks would be a good AG candidate, he is good on TV/Radio and was a solid Blago critic.
- Third Generation Chicago Native - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 2:54 pm:
Who sent out the Lisa needs more campaign funds, and who was taking in the money? I can’t believe Madigan would stoop that low.
On Mancow, imbecile, I heard on his morning show, Muller celebrated the suicide of Freddie Mac CFO David Kellerman.
- VanillaMan - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 2:58 pm:
While Lisa continues to contemplate her future in public service, please show her your support. Send her a clear message right now with a contribution of $25, $50, or $100 and let Lisa know that you support her too!
What a lousy attitude. I support views on issues, not candidates. How can we bring back humble public service and return to a government that works for it’s citizens if the candidates to office believe we support them?
Geez, no wonder we have so many egomaniacs in office.
When Lisa Madigan takes a public stand that makes her unique among other candidates, she is just another Illinois politician with a famous last name.
- Hair today, gone.... - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 3:01 pm:
Kim Kardashian is a size 2????? My 50 year old butt is smaller than that!
- steve schnorf - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 3:10 pm:
How can we have an AG who doesn’t know who Kim Kardashian is? (whoever the hell she is)
- Hair today, gone.... - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 3:12 pm:
I think hell has just frozen over. Kim Kardashian’s name has been mentioned on the Capitol Fax Blog! What is the world coming too?
- Rich Miller - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 3:18 pm:
I didn’t know who she was, either. I Googled her and I still don’t know who she is. But, since I see what she’s done, we probably ought to just move along to a different topic. lol
- OneMan - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 3:22 pm:
I got an e-mail from Julie Hamos yesterday, I have no idea how she got my e-mail…
As for Kardashian she is famous for having a big A– and Rod is famous for being a big A–
- Leave a light on George - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 3:27 pm:
Ok different topic. That press association you don’t like is reporting that the personnel manager at IDOT just got the axe.
The newly fired has a name that is familiar to me. If it is who I think it is what a weenie.
- VanillaMan - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 3:27 pm:
For our next debate question, we go to this undecided voter, Steve Schnorf.
SS: “I would like each of you to explain the impact Kim Kardashian has on the state of Illinois, and specifically as Attorney General.”
Dan Hynes: “That is an excellent question Mr. Schnorf! As Comptroller, I ensured that the effects of Kim Kardashian was monitored on a quarterly basis. We noted how her dress size swelled during her ’skank-lite’ phase when she was seeing that indicted hip-hop artist, and how her breast sizes grew during a low rating period of her reality show. Believe you me, sir, Dan Hynes, (that’s me!), keeps a finger on Kim Kardashian!”
Julie Hamos: “I want you to notice that I don’t squash Kim Kardashian like a cockroach because you really can’t crush cockroaches like her, or like you, Mr. Schnorf. I believe we are all better off when we listen to the army of cockroaches which is our citizens of this great roach hotel, Illinois.”
John Fritchey: “There is no reason to care about Kim Kardashian. None at all. I want you to notice how I stand as a citadel of reason and reform on the Kardashian issue. She is hot, I know, but as an issue for the Illinois Attorney General’s office, she is not hot at all. She is actually extremely cold. Hot and cold. I hope I am clear on that.”
Boos from the studio audience
Jack Franks: “Earlier, before I announced my candidacy, I had a lengthy discussion and have actually met Kim Kardashian. I sized her up. I let her speak. I looked her straight into those bloodshot dilated eyes and ignored her pouty little lips and those magnificent man-made chests of hers and ladies and gentlemen…if you want an Attorney General who knows about any effect Kim Kardashian could possibly have on this state, then I am your candidate!”
Crowd applauds wildly
- You Go Boy - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 3:39 pm:
Kardashian…..isn’t he the guy who liked Remington so much, he bought it? Kim may be his daughter….or son. Who the hell cares.
- VanillaMan - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 3:44 pm:
SS: And I have a follow up question, please? Who is Kim Kardashian?
Dan Hynes: That is another excellent question Mr. Schnorf! She is related to the Kardashian family, I have it here in my debate talking points…somewhere.
Julie Hamos: That is an easy one. She is a queen capable of laying 30 eggs at a time and can live after her head has been cut off for a week!
John Fritchey: Uh, she’s someone that Jack Franks met once.
Jack Franks: She is a star in a television series called Keeping Up with the Kardashians an American reality television series airing on E!. It debuted on October 14, 2007, the series documents the lives of the Kardashian/Jenner family, the former of which consists of the ex-wife and children of late attorney Robert Kardashian. Ryan Seacrest is the executive producer of this show. In 2009, sisters Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian have decided to move and shoot their own reality TV show in Miami, Florida.
- siriusly - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 3:45 pm:
No, actually Kardashian is the daughter of one of OJ Simpson’s Defense lawyers, so perhaps Blago should be calling them.
- Hair today, gone.... - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 3:47 pm:
Sorry Rich, last Kardashian post, I promise. Her father was a lawyer who defended OJ Simpson. Her mother divorced him and married Bruce Jenner. Everyone got it now?
- Anon - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 3:50 pm:
The sister was on “Celebrity” Apprentice.
- Arthur Andersen - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 3:54 pm:
Rich, here’s a QOTD to consider: What is VM’s day job?
- EmptySuitParade - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 3:58 pm:
In which state is Franks planning to file. Odds on favorite in IL must be StateWideTom
- frost - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 4:02 pm:
Wish I could chime in on the conversation about the adult film star, but I have nothing to offer.
Also on the political front, some guy with the first name Raja is looking at running for comptroller, if Hynes doesn’t run for that office. I don’t know much about the guy (can’t remember his last name!) …. Anyone got some info?
- VanillaMan - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 4:03 pm:
Rich, here’s a QOTD to consider: What is VM’s day job?
I’ll just tell you. I operate a large bank of computers that are continually compiling and rebuilding programs used by people everyday.
I also make chewing gum in an Easy Bake Oven under one of the computer stations.
Sorry, gotta go - one of the machines is done!
- Reddbyrd - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 4:05 pm:
WLS-Am keeps lock on slogan “World Laughing Stock”
THink I’ll head to CafePress and work on some shirts
- Amy - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 4:12 pm:
meanwhile, candidate for everything, Tom Dart, is named to Time Magazine’s 100 most important persons list.
wonder what he thinks of Craig’s List now that the authorities in Mass. are using Craig’s List to find victims/witnesses of the so called Craig’s List Killer.
- It's me Jack - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 4:15 pm:
I listened to Jack Franks this morning on my drive back to the patch. He did an awesome job. He would make a great AG or Comptroller or whatever…only if you leave me alone Jack!
- Amy - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 4:21 pm:
forget the Kardashians, in Ilinois we have Keeping Up With the Blagojevichs.
- Six Degrees of Separation - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 4:23 pm:
What is VM’s day job
Illinois Poet Laureate.
- soccermom - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 4:36 pm:
I think the Rod video gives new meaning to the expression, “floating his name…”
- wordslinger - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 4:41 pm:
AA, being VMan is an all-day job.
- SweetLou - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 6:42 pm:
Is Zadek reading the yellow pages in that picture on his website?
Oh and he lost me in the second line on his website. When are these people gonna drop the idea of the “flat” tax? It’s NOT gonna happen!
- Skeptical Cynic - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 9:15 pm:
Hack Franks and his father will have alot of explaining to do about the hospitaldeal in McHenry.
- Hon. Cranial Lamb - Saturday, Apr 25, 09 @ 9:16 am:
Is it me or is Robert Zadek reading the phone book on his website photo?
- steve schnorf - Saturday, Apr 25, 09 @ 10:44 pm:
VM,lmao
- aronan - Sunday, Apr 26, 09 @ 4:34 pm:
Who’s Bruce Jenner?