* Sen. Bill Brady held a “unity” rally in DuPage County over the weekend. It was mainly designed to bring his former foes together under one roof…
Before Brady took the stage, his opponents in the primary race took turns praising the longtime Bloomington lawmaker and attacking Springfield leadership.
“We need a Republican governor so badly in Springfield,” said Kirk Dillard, who lost the primary election to Brady by just 193 votes.
He said out-of-control spending, post-census remapping and the releasing of prisoners has made it time for Republican leadership.
Dillard added that he had spent time campaigning with Brady over the past several days.
* Brady also used the event to ostensibly begin to reach out to independents and at least show he was open to competing for parts of the Democratic base…
“Minorities are not, in this state, dependent on government jobs They’re looking for private-sector jobs,” said Brady, a real estate developer with other business interests. “They understand it’s private-sector principles that will bring big-box construction jobs, permanent jobs and affordable quality food to their communities.”
One of the few times Brady campaigned in Chicago during the primary was when he did so on behalf of the “big box” (read: WalMart) stores.
* Brady said he wouldn’t be unveiling his own budget plan…
But as he attacked Quinn’s recent call for a 33 percent increase in the state’s income tax—moving the personal rate from 3 percent to 4 percent—Brady also said he would not use his position as a state senator to sponsor his own budget plan. […]
“It doesn’t need to be put in legislation. It’s not complex,” Brady said of his fiscal plans. “We’re not going to play (the Democrats’) game. They’re all about politics and game playing.”
It won’t be put to paper because of the uproar it would cause.
* There were some other weird coverage aspects to the rally. First up, Fox Chicago…
Brady knows where votes are concentrated — and said it’s no co-incidence today’s rally was in the heart of Pat Quinn country.
Addison is the “heart of Pat Quinn country”? Does Fox (or Brady) know where Addison is? Yes, it’s far more Democratic than it used to be, but you gotta go a bit east for Pat Quinn country.
Tribune…
Brady, however, said he’s never been able to win office dependent upon Republican votes alone—even in his conservative GOP base of McLean County.
That line is little but rhetoric. George W. Bush beat John Kerry 60-40 in Brady’s Senate district.
ABC7…
All of Bill Brady’s rivals attended the event, except Andy McKenna. ABC7 is told McKenna had a prior family commitment.
Yeah, he still owes his wife a fortune from his failed primary race against Brady. [/snark]
* Related…
* Quinn, Ponce & Marin: Governor Pat Quinn joins us on Chicago Tonight Monday evening at 7P on WTTW/Channel 11. We’ll talk taxes or no taxes, legislative gridlock, teacher layoffs, and the November election.
* Illinois Democrats to pick Scott Lee Cohen replacement March 27
* Quinn One Step Closer to Finding Running Mate
* 3 former candidates have applied to be lt. gov.
* Political runners-up shouldn’t win: I don’t recall Daley saying “If you run for public office and the person drops out before the election or even after the election, the person who was second moves automatically up” four years ago when medically incapacitated Cook County Board President John Stroger had to withdraw from his re-election bid shortly after eking out a victory over Commissioner Forrest Claypool.
LIVE session coverage...
- wordslinger - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 8:58 am:
A lot of good stuff here. We learn, or have reinforced:
–Fox is clueless.
–McKenna is a sore loser.
–Brady is going to avoid like the plague any serious discussion of the state’s most pressing problem.
- shore - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 9:02 am:
McKenna is the one with the wealth. If he gave his wife the money, how does he owe her. I’ve never read that she was wealthy or had a job.
Please explain.
He’s going to be a very very very tough sell on the north shore. the pro life anti gay marriage stuff is a deal killer and remember mark kirk, a prochoice pro-gay rights congressman struggled. The last prolife candidate of any office to win the north shore outside of peter fitzgerald was george hw bush. We’ll see.
- Brennan - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 9:03 am:
Brady received as much coverage on ABC7 as the Coffee Party people.
ABC described the event as kicking off the “listening tour”, but I thought Brady started that a week ago in Chicago.
- VanillaMan - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 9:07 am:
Please tell me that Brady’s construction business doesn’t do big box stores, and has never built a big box store. Please.
- John Bambenek - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 9:12 am:
There was another absence of noteworthiness. All the statewide candidates were there: Plummer, Kim, Enriguez, Rutherford… one was conspicuously missing… Judy Baar Topinka.
- CircularFiringSquad - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 9:21 am:
Somebody needs to pass along the email Dillard sent out before the Brady blatherfest….not so chummy….guess that requires a media that has sources beyond the press release basket.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 9:23 am:
===Please explain. ===
First, it was labeled as snark. Second, those were listed as loans from his wife.
- Levois - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 9:26 am:
“Please tell me that Brady’s construction business doesn’t do big box stores, and has never built a big box store. Please.”
Please explain. What does it matter?
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 9:27 am:
IMHO opinion, Brady has a huge asset to his Campaign that I hadn’t even considered–and that his wife, Nancy.
I had an opportunity to chat with her during the St. Pat’s Day Parades on Saturday, and she’s amazing–absolutely delightful, campaigns extremely well, and really appeals to the public. I’m now wondering whether the high numbers he had with women in the ?last? poll can be attributed in great part to her.
She’s going to make a huge difference in this race. Trust me.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 9:28 am:
===I’m now wondering whether the high numbers he had with women in the ?last? poll can be attributed in great part to her.===
Highly unlikely, considering that only a tiny number of voters know who she is.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 9:30 am:
And…Brady’s Mom was at the kick-off yesterday. Another amazing woman, who is set to hit the campaign trail whenever she’s needed. People absolutely adore her, too.
I’m telling ya…that “hometown” appeal of downstate shines brightly in these two women–and plays very well out here, too.
- Easy - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 9:35 am:
CFS-
I’m willing to bet whatever Dillard may have said pales in comparison to what Hynes and former mayor Washington said about Quinn–with a 1000 media points behind it during the month of January.
You are gonna have to change your name soon.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 9:42 am:
Probably true, Rich. But I’d bet those numbers will stay high and probably get higher as more people get to know both Nancy and Brady’s mom.
And it’s not just appeal on the trail. She gave a great speech during the kick-off, and is seems very comfortable in front of the cameras and press.
I’m under the impression that on her own, and with the advice of some good consultants, she’ll be able to help control damage that’s sent his way and perhaps even help “balance” any strong negative perceptions folks may have of him on certain issues.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 9:44 am:
Dillard did a great job during the kick-off, cracking jokes with Brady about their recent “experience”.
A true gentlemen, and obviously willing to help out–and I think he can, a great deal.
- I'm just saying - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 9:44 am:
I think hanging the campaign on his Mother and Wife will not bring you success, we all saw how well it worked out for Dan Hynes in the senate race, when his wife was the talking head in the ads……
we are electing Bill Brady to be our governor, not his wife to be first lady……..
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 9:54 am:
I understand, just. Over-exposure in commercials, for example, is a risk–and I think that Hines definitely went overboard.
However, I know for a fact that there is alot of work that can be done “behind the scenes”, too, with e.g., women’s orgs, church groups, etc. that makes a huge difference when it’s time to vote.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 9:56 am:
…Hynes….
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 9:59 am:
I haven’t yet experienced the “max” in public appearances for popular Candidates’ spouses, though. Parades, fairs, luncheons, dinners, etc. always welcome a popular spouse, and those appearances again, make a difference. And can even optimize outreach whenever she goes out on her own.
- ABCBoy - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 10:06 am:
Although I’m sure she’s great, the spouse factor will be nil. This isn’t a presidential election. Does any average voter know who/what Pat Quinn’s or Blago’s wife looks like?
“He’s going to be a very very very tough sell on the north shore. the pro life anti gay marriage stuff is a deal killer and remember mark kirk, a prochoice pro-gay rights congressman struggled.”
Maybe. But by all accounts Brady won’t be running on those issues–at all. You’re also assuming that the social issues TRUMP the economic & budget issues this year. I doubt they do. And Kirk had a rough run lately because it was 2006 and 2008–rough years for the GOP and in 2008 significant Obama coat-tails. Illinios in 2010 is very different.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 10:07 am:
ABCBoy, Pat Quinn is not currently married.
…Which kinda proves your own point.
- corvax - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 10:23 am:
nbc5 reprted, if i heard correctly, that 200 people attended. seems less than skimpy. is that right? does that sort of thing not matter to republicans because their voters are too busy to participate at that level?
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 10:26 am:
===
…or Blago’s wife looks like?
===
You’re kidding, right?
- just sayin' - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 10:26 am:
The “Bring a Stray” promotion reportedly did little to boost attendance at Bill Brady’s rally. Go figure. [massive snark]
- ABCBoy - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 10:36 am:
===
…or Blago’s wife looks like?
===
You’re kidding, right?
===
If any layperson knows what Patty Blago looks like, it’ simply the result of the scandal. Normal people barely follow politics, let alone know what a candidate’s spouse looks like (outside of presidential-level politics). That knowledge mostly related to professional pols, partisans, and political junkies. It will basically be a non-factor.
- ABCBoy - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 10:37 am:
I mean, “…That knowledge is mostly limited to…”
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 10:37 am:
===
He’s going to be a very very very tough sell on the north shore.
===
Not what I heard over the weekend. Haven’t studied the North Shore, but I heard that the outlying areas are liberal, but those closer to the lake are extremely Conservative.
===
nbc5 reprted, if i heard correctly, that 200 people attended.
===
That’s about right. However, there was another event in Addison that I didn’t attend and I don’t know what the turnout there was. I’d imagine that those attending the first might not have wanted to go to the 2nd either. Furthermore, while it was an ILGOP “call”, I was under the impression that it was really more of a DuPage focus. However, I bumped into quite a few folks who were out supporting the Bradys that day from o/s of DuPage–like from my area.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 10:43 am:
===Haven’t studied the North Shore, but I heard that…===
That’s usually a bad place to start.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 10:43 am:
ABCBoy, seems that many knew who Brenda was (popular), same with Jayne. I was even “joking” with Gidwitz a little while back about how Christine seemed just “a little” more popular than he was.
I’d bet that Mrs. B would have been out there more, too, if she wasn’t crticized as much as she was.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 10:44 am:
===
That’s usually a bad place to start.
===
Wiser words have never been spoken.
- ABCBoy - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 10:54 am:
“I was even “joking” with Gidwitz a little while back about….”
If you’re ‘joking’ with Gidwitz, then I’m going to venture that you’re probably not the average joe voter who doesn’t pay attention to a race until the last month.
I don’t think I’m going out on a limb here by saying that outside of presidential-level elections, a candidate’s spouse has negligble positive effect. Perhaps if the spouse is a major whack-job and gets negative media they can be a drag. But expecting Brady’s wife to be the difference-maker in this campaign is just unrealistic.
As for the DuPage GOP event–the Addison Township brunch was earlier that day. This weekend was chalk-full of GOP events in DuPage. Cronin’s corn beef & cabbage dinner Friday night, St. Paddy’s Day events all over on Saturday. Addison & the Brady thing Sunday as well as a small social event to honor the passing of a conservative activist as well.
It wouldn’t shock me much if some of the DuPage GOP faithful was a bit tuckered out by Sunday afternoon/evening.
- Cheryl44 - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 10:54 am:
Nancy Brady and his mother can’t make me forget Brady thinks ‘the market’ should decide whether or not I make as much money as a man doing the same job.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 11:00 am:
===
If you’re ‘joking’ with Gidwitz, then I’m going to venture that you’re probably not the average joe voter who doesn’t pay attention to a race until the last month.
===
You’re assuming that being active and knowing what appeals to John and Jane Q. Public are mutually exclusive. I consider a “gift”. lol It’s the only one I have, so please don’t rain on my parade.
- Wonkette - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 11:04 am:
“The last prolife candidate of any office to win the north shore outside of peter fitzgerald was george hw bush.”
So, Fitzgerald and George H.W. Bush won on the North Shore. Not exactly moderates, there, Shore. Musta had some other appeal than social issues.
- ABCBoy - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 11:07 am:
“You’re assuming that being active and knowing what appeals to John and Jane Q. Public are mutually exclusive. I consider a “gift”. lol It’s the only one I have, so please don’t rain on my parade.”
I like to think I have that “gift” too, but the more I hang around political circles, the more I realize how insulated & in a bubble we all can become without realizing it.
Either way, I think my point still stands. Even if a person can recognize the spouse of a gubernatorial candidate, I’m pretty sure it’s not going to make a big impact on the race.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 11:21 am:
===
I like to think I have that “gift” too, but the more I hang around political circles, the more I realize how insulated & in a bubble we all can become without realizing it.
===
That’s why you have to get out regularly with the Voters, too. And be able to expand/limit your exposure to only communications that are required to perform the immediate analysis.
===
Even if a person can recognize the spouse of a gubernatorial candidate, I’m pretty sure it’s not going to make a big impact on the race.
===
I’d be saying that, too, if my Candidate were single or divorced and didn’t have a comparable “surrogate”.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 11:24 am:
Nah. That was a lie. Here on CapFax, among friends, I’d admit that my Candidate could be at a bit of a disadvantage.
- MrJM - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 11:46 am:
‘“We need a Republican governor so badly in Springfield,” said Kirk Dillard’
And Bill Brady as governor in Springfield would be sooooo bad.
- ABCBoy - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 11:51 am:
===
I’d be saying that, too, if my Candidate were single or divorced and didn’t have a comparable “surrogate”.
===
I’m saying that and I’ll be voting for Brady. As I said, it’s nothing against Mrs. Brady–I just think putting a lot of stock in a candidate’s spouse to sway an election isn’t particularly realistic. 99.9% of voter’s attention will be on the issues, the general climate, the media spin, the tone of the purchased ad buys, and the personalities of the candidates themselves. I’d be shocked if somebody actually pulls the trigger on behalf of of Brady simply because they like his wife and/or because Pat Quinn is single.
I think this is really a side issue though. I didn’t really intend on this little observation to de-rail the thread.
- YNM - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 12:23 pm:
“The REAL” … for all the comments you’ve made on this post alone, I hope the Brady campaign has you on their payroll.
- Beowulf - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 1:45 pm:
Regarding Brady’s wife as a political asset: If my wife is any indication of many of the other female voters and what they take into consideration when they go to vote on election day, here is what happened at my house.
I am a GOP precinct committeeman who was deeply involved in helping one of the other GOP primary candidates for governor(incidently, it was not Bill Brady although I do like Brady). Since my wife is usually very supportive of any candidate that I work for, I just assumed that she had voted for the same candidate that I had on Primary Day. However, I found out that I was wrong because she later told me that she had voted for Bill Brady rather than my candidate. I asked her, “Why?”
She said that when we went to a Bill Brady fundraiser one afternoon, Bill Brady’s wife Nancy came over and talked with her and told my wife that Bill was sincerely motivated by simply wanting to help fix the inept Illinois state government. In other words, Bill’s wife got at least one woman (my wife, darn it) to switch her vote to Bill Brady. My wife really liked his wife Nancy and what she had to say about her husband. So my point is, a candidate’s spouse can indeed make for a very persuasive agent to help secure votes for her husband’s candidacy.
- ABCBoy - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 3:37 pm:
OK. How’s this:
If Brady ends up beagin Quinn by, say, 2,000 votes or less, then it was because of his wife.
Otherwise she’ll be a non-factor.
- LouisXIV - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 4:06 pm:
I have to agree that the second place finisher should not automatically get the nod if the winner has to drop out. Just as Oberweis (who was the runner up but the spot went to the horrible Keyes) or Claypool (who was runner up but lost the spot to the equally disastrous Stroger). On the other hand in a multi-candidate field even the winner only receives around a quarter of the vote so you could say that 75% voted against him too. The real problem here is that the lt. gov. runs separately in the primary and then the gov. and lt. gov. winners have to run together. Either you make em run together in the first place or elect em separately.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 5:10 pm:
===
If Brady ends up beagin Quinn by, say, 2,000 votes or less, then it was because of his wife.
===
Seems that a few votes paid off for him during the Primary. Never know. He might pull it off again. lol
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 5:22 pm:
Awwww…welcome back, Beowulf!!! Haven’t seen you around for a while; nice to have you back. Mrs. Beowulf must have let you out of the doghouse, huh? lol
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 5:33 pm:
===
…for all the comments you’ve made on this post alone, I hope the Brady campaign has you on their payroll.
===
No.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 5:34 pm:
Not yet, anyway.
- jimbo2600 - Monday, Mar 15, 10 @ 8:07 pm:
Brady appears to be a fan of Walmart where 85cents of every dollar spent is in Arkansas in the morning (great for our tax base) & Ohio spent $40 million in medicaid for Walmart employees in 2009 (don’t have the Illinois subsidy $ amount.
- Conservative Republican - Tuesday, Mar 16, 10 @ 4:02 pm:
Rich Miller, you are wrong about Brady not campaigning in Chicagoland. He made numerous campaign appearances in Chicago and suburbs throughout the campaign. Just because you and the media choose to ignore that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.