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Topinka and Oberweis aren’t making nice-nice.
Oberweis suggested Topinka would have to meet certain conditions to get his formal endorsement. The only condition he cited was calling for much-criticized lobbyist Robert Kjellander to resign his post on the Republican National Committee.Topinka brushed off Oberweis.
“I don’t see that we’re going to talk about conditions, for heaven’s sake, we’re trying to bring a party together,” she said.
Her running mate, DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett, had harsher words.
“If he wants to have any future in Illinois politics he should wake up and smell the coffee,” Birkett said. “Judy won this race fair and square. He lost. He should embrace her.”
How long will it take her to pull her party together? Can she? Do you think a third-party conservative is a possibility?
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 5:56 am
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Morning Rich:
I was just thinking about a third candidate. However, if Meeks decides to get on the ballot - perhaps those not align with Topinka on the republican side can run a fourth candidate.
I love that there are factions within both the republicans and democrat sides. At some point, you have to question how true you are to the a certain party when they pass STUPID (still finishing up my coffee and I don’t have a better word) policies or policies that favor one part of the population and not the other. Yes, I’m looking for a balanced agenda.
Don’t get be started on the economic policies affecting this state. They slant to the one side.
As for Obie- as much as this poli geek love to hate him - he was neck and neck with JBT in the polls. You got to love him for that - people actually voted for him! I love his maverick style. But I love anyone who can stand up against the party and speak their minds. Good for him for asking Kjellander to step down. Dude, how much corruption can you put up with.
Hey Obie, perhaps you can back this third conservative candidate?
Okay, I would like to this set up this summer. A Republican candidate, Democratic candidate, conservative candidate and a progressive candidate - and let the healthy discussions begin - and yes, the mud slinging. You got to work for my vote, candidates! And just because I’m a person of color doesn’t mean that I will support a democrat. So, quit trying to stick us in one category…..
Comment by Marta Elena Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 6:08 am
To begin with what did you expect from Obie he is a fringe element kook.As far as Meeks as soon as Blago pats him on the head he will get back in line and wait for the polls to open in November so he can be hearded their.Don’t you know the black man owes their vote to the Democrats.Why?I don’t know after 4 years of Blago they are not any better.
Comment by DOWNSTATE Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 6:25 am
In chess their is an axiom “the threat is stronger than the execution”. That means that your opponent may compromise himself more to avoid the threat than the damage you’d do.
So also with Sen. Meeks. His negotiating position is stronger when he’s not a candidate.
Comment by Pat collins Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 7:24 am
Why would they not form a 3rd party conservative candidate, the numbers are there.
Comment by B Hicks Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 7:34 am
Correction, a 3rd party conservative ticket.
Comment by B Hicks Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 7:36 am
What would Oberweis call his third party, in light of the GOP tradition and his own livelihood?
- The Bull Headed Party
- The Bull Cow Party
- The Brown Cow Party (?)
Comment by Committee on Names Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 8:10 am
I was thinking of another phrase containing bull…but it was not mentioned above, I think that would be perfect for the master of made up accusations…
Comment by ISU REP Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 8:14 am
It’s always fun to watch the so called establishment, (still haven’t figured out who they are and where they have their meetings, though I think they are in Chicago) and the consv. nuts (their meetings are in Carpentersville in a factory in the middle of town) talk about unity. Maybe one day the two of them might figure out that they need each other to win.
1)Dump Natl GOP connection, all the RNC uses Illinois for anyway is as a trash disposal.
2)Throw the consv. nuts a bone.
3)Bring in some new talent to run our campaigns
4)Develop a new field organization.
And someone get JBT a haircut.
Comment by frustrated GOP Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 8:33 am
Who cares? Obie is a perennial loser and Topinka a perennial winner. Obie does not represent Conservatives, he represents wackos.
Comment by Schiznitz Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 8:42 am
Can any of you believe the arrogance of Joe Birkett? How can he make threats to Mr. Oberweis about having future in Illinois politics?. Jim Oberweis ran a great campaign and received a respectable number of votes. A person does not need to be chastised because he values reform over party loyalty. And as far as Tuesday results show, many Illinois voters share Mr. Oberweis’s concerns. Mr. Birkett you are wrong sir.
Comment by HuckFinn Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 8:46 am
Doesn’t matter if Obie can’t get elected. Look at the vote count. JBT has work to do in her own house, I don’t understand why people would want to vote for Obie but a lot of them did and if JBT doesn’t do something to comunicate with those folks a lot of them may not vote in Nov.
Comment by frustrated GOP Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 8:52 am
Hate and obsessiveness works. If people wanted a classy, classic conservative, they’d ahve chosen brady. I think the real story is that Obie does not want to win office, he wants to expand his dairy business. Every election, new ice cream shoppes open up. He’d be bored with being gov, so he aligns himself with crazies (Chicken Joe and FTN) and comes up with retarded proposals (Got Straws).
Comment by Wumpus Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 9:12 am
Meeks is more conservative on social issues than TOpinka, he could win.
Comment by Bubo Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 9:28 am
Why are we still talking about Oberweis?… He is private sector news now. Good ice-cream and a great business man, not candidate for gov anymore. Time to move on. No major third party opposition will run. They will do the Jim Edgar.
Comment by Lovie's Leather Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 10:19 am
Oberweis was not a fringe candidate. As an idea I liked him. I liked his positions. I liked his resume. I even like his ice cream.
BUT, as a candidate, one-on-one, he was an empty suit. I knew he was anti-Rod. Good, but what else? His speaking ability before any large group of people was almost non-existant. He had no passion.
SO, I voted for Brady. I look forward to the 2008 race for U.S. Senate. I see him as the frontrunner in the primary.
Oberweis needs to pull back and reflect on his political losses. Right now I still have some positive feelings for him. Feelings that could transform into votes at some point in the future.
However, if he pulls an O’Malley so he can go sulk in a corner and pull a spoiler in the General, I will actively work against him if he ever runs again.
Social issues are important. The right to life is the most precious one we have, but the election of a governor is not going to make a difference in the political climate unless the General Assembly changes leadership as well.
Go downstate. Go to the suburbs where you polled well and help conservative candidates in November running for the legislature. Don’t let the base stay at home. Please don’t encourage that by your actions or words.
Congress is at stake as well. Democrats want to impeach the president because he spied on Americans who were in communication with terrorists in a time of war.
Help our Republican candidates. You may not be on the ballot this fall, but the issues you care about will.
Comment by Anon Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 11:19 am
Yeah Topinka might need the conservative votes to win. I’d like to see her campaign in the black community too. She once showed up in a black institution on the south side. She should do more of that. Especially if blacks are disenchanted with Blagojevich. I don’t like Topinka though but she’s the other choice unless something else comes along.
Comment by Levois Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 11:25 am
It’s really a sad day with Oberweis. I mean come on… the only way the Republicans can beat Blago is through unity. Now, Oberweis sets conditions for his participation.
Now, one can say that its staying true to his principles. But having spent over 20 years working at senior management positions in very large organizations, this isn’t about principles, or a common goal its about leadership and Oberweis’s lack thereof.
Granted he started and runs a successful business and probably through his own force of will is accustomed to getting his own way. That is why sometimes CEO’s of start-ups don’t make good leaders in politics. He’s showing why that could very well be the case with him.
My message to Oberweis, join the party and find a place at the table in the Topinka administration, otherwise, you can keep spending your millions while the rest of us move on.
Comment by Quitar Player Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 11:28 am
Anon your right and it is time for people like me to quit the name calling we have one party that everyone should be welcome to and one enemy we have to defeat.Only it looks like that Obie wants to sit this one out to punish god knows who.
Comment by DOWNSTATE Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 11:28 am
I don’t know how I feel about a Third-Party conservative ticket, however, I will tell you one thing:
If Oberweis wants a future in Il Politics, he will tour around and help other social conservatives win.
Someone else said it like it was and this is the truth. Social conservative candidates do not want to be seen at an event with Topinka, so who else but the next best thing to the nominee… Jim Oberweis!
Comment by Jeff Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 11:31 am
Judy may have to visit the Kjellander issue, like it or not.
The one thing the Hard Right wants above all else is Bob Kjellander’s resignation. Judy has to consider what will help make the peace with the broader spectrum of GOP conservatives. (That leaves out the fanatics in Carpentersville, who will never be satisfied with anything less than Total Power for their agenda.)
When you look at the small range of powers and responsibilities for a GOP National Committeeman, it is obvious that the whole thing started as a personal vendetta against KJ from certain conservatives. A major impetus was the ouster of Gary MacDougal as State Chair. The Hard Right thought they had finally found their Holy Grail, i.e. control of the Illinois GOP apparatus, until Big Bob decided that they hadn’t, and acted. They have never forgiven him, and his lobbying has left him exposed to their attacks. (But rest assured he is not losing any sleep over the attacks.)
Bob Kjellander is not the ogre portrayed by conservatives, and is in fact a pleasant and decent man who has worked hard for the GOP. But he has become an “identity issue” for Conservatives, fairly or unfairly, and it may be necessary for him to consider stepping aside, if only for the good of party unity, and victory in November. As JFK once said, “Life is not fair.”
One problem is that Judy alone can’t deliver KJ’s resignation, even if she ever wants it. Only Jim Edgar or Karl Rove can.
Comment by Bubs Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 11:42 am
Whatever. Did a post:
http://backyardconservative.blogspot.com/
2006/03/oberweis-levels-of-excitement.html
Comment by Backyard Conservative Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 11:54 am
I’d like to thank the one person here who even acknowledges that Judy campaigns in the African-American community. And she does. Frequently and to great enthusiasm. Just ask the political leaders from the South Side, and they’ll all say that Judy has reached out to them. Many of her programs directly benefit first-time home owners and community development projects that make her a force in all ethnic communities. I wouldn’t begin to underestimate her strength, as she said, across the board and across the State and that includes non-traditional communities who wouldn’t ‘normally’ support a Republican.
Comment by Dem Voting R Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 12:46 pm
“To begin with what did you expect from Obie he is a fringe element kook.”
tsk…. tsk…. what respect 32% of the vote earns you…. seems the judy and joe show will learn the hard way - foolhardy to disrespect the earnest element of your party…. perhaps judy and joe don’t consider such folks bretheren?
Comment by Daniel Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 1:10 pm
“Obie does not represent Conservatives, he represents wackos.”
an awefully lot (230,000) of “wackos”…. eh there, tiger?
Comment by Daniel Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 1:13 pm
The problem is, does anyone in the JBT camp know how to talk to the other side of the party without pissing them off? Obie is the message boy. Learn what the message is and deliver. Sometimes someone losses their position for no other reason then they are a liabliltiy. Hey, JBT deleiver Bob’s head and it might buy some peace. Looking up at a $15 million head start, you might need to swallow and get some people to deliever. You get another chance to actually lead the party again, dcon’t screw it up.
Comment by frustrated GOP Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 1:26 pm
“The problem is, does anyone in the JBT camp know how to talk to the other side of the party without pissing them off?”
it’s farrrr toooo late…. their contempt is palpable…. let ‘em rot with 39-41% in nov
Comment by Daniel Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 2:26 pm
Obie and the far right of the party aren’t exactly in the position to be demanding or dictating anything. The way to get your positions heard is not to threaten the nominee, but tread lightly…Once again showing Obie is out of touch…It is important to separate Obie from the Obie supporters…he’s the nut job and I have faith his voters have more common sense than he does…
Comment by ISU REP Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 2:28 pm
ummmm…. would seem to me…. that the *ahem* “victor” - an individual who garnered a mere 38% - might need to realize the precarious position she is in…. and that it would be best if her mouthpieces were to at least feign praise in the direction of those she will undoubtedly need to rely on, HEAVILY, if she is to have ANY chance - chance - at victory in Nov…. you see, isu, we (the base) have nothing to lose - for, we haven’t had a seat in ages…. and when this is the case, it’s best NOT to give us more reason to spurn your pleas…. though, joey has cemented my decision to stay home that day in Nov - prolly would have voted (holding my nose) for judy…. but now - nahhhh…. don’t like to be threatened/lectured by a third-rate running mate
Comment by Daniel Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 2:44 pm
Exactly how many elections has Oberweis won? He should be the last lecturing anyone on what they should do…Brady didn’t ask for anything in return for his support of JBT…As they say cream rises to the top and the curdled milk at the bottom is Obie..
Comment by ISU REP Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 2:51 pm
Topinka would be wise to make public overtures to Oberwiese. Bring him on board at all costs. KJ’s head on a plate is not much to ask in return for party unity. Would it bring the hard right, myself included, to her side? NO. But it would bring across some of the more compromising elements of the coservative base and free her up to focus on dem crossovers.
She won’t do it. The liberal establishment of the ILGOP are too arrogant to bother reaching out. They expect conservatives to come to them, deliver votes and shut up.
My guess is Brady waves the “conservatives for Judy” banner. It won’t work. He’s right on the issues and likable enough, but he has no charisma.
Expect Topinka to ignore the base. She’ll focus almost exclusively on (D)s dissafected with Rod. For those of you who complain there was no primary on the democrat side, the Blago/Topinka matchup is it.
Comment by Veritas Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 3:34 pm
Veritas, excellent post…. well side…. kudos
Comment by Daniel Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 3:40 pm
For guys that aren’t going to vote you sure talk alot.
Comment by Bubs Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 3:41 pm
“For guys that aren’t going to vote you sure talk alot.”
not voiting is as much a statement as being a good little sheeple
Comment by Daniel Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 3:44 pm
Make any statement you like by staying home - no one can hear it, and no one cares.
Comment by Bubs Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 3:55 pm
Once again Oberweis hasn’t ever won a primary much less an election…You berate Brady but at least he’s one something the only thing Oberweis has a record of is losing….Somehow I have a feeling Oberweis would keep setting conditions first it would be Kjellander, then he would demand she change her stance on issues, and so on..He’s just trying to stay in the headlines for a little longer instead of gracefully bowing out…then again we all know there’s nothing graceful about Oberweasel
Comment by ISU REP Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 4:03 pm
“Make any statement you like by staying home - no one can hear it, and no one cares.”
judy and the likes of you, will - as you watch roddy gloat from the podium as he revels in delivering yet ‘nother victory rant
Comment by Daniel Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 4:06 pm
…. and what has brady done with his life?…. “politician” - WOW!!!!…. i’m impressed - NOT…. at least Jim has palpable results…. Brady’s a career hack….
Comment by Daniel Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 4:14 pm
You mean inheriting wealth…yea that takes plenty of skill….
Comment by ISU REP Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 4:22 pm
…. as much skill as puckerin’ up for the fat cats that OWN brady…. he should have CAT stamped across his forehead…. what kinda “conservative” goes to bat for the corp boys to keep the illegal alien supply nice and healthy?!?…. well????
Comment by Daniel Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 4:26 pm
“SO, I voted for Brady. I look forward to the 2008 race for U.S. Senate. I see him as the frontrunner in the primary.”
No doubt he has the goodwill of all Illinois Conservatives.
Comment by T.J. Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 4:29 pm
Thank goodness Oberweis is out of the picture.
I thought his idea to draw straws to choose one candidate to challenge JBT was just plain nutty. Then today at the mailbox I get another example of the rocket scientists running his campaign when I find a direct mail piece from them, TWO DAYS AFTER THE ELECTION!
Brilliant!
I must say, I do look forward to voting for Brady for US Sentate.
Comment by stoney Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 4:42 pm
Daniel, do you actually know anything about Brady? I don’t like Obie and was glad he didn’t pull it out, but I still respect him as a businessman. At least gather the info enough to know that Brady is an incredibly successful business leader who has built his own companies. Inherited? Not exactly…look at the facts and you will realize that he has built his businesses from the ground up or reversed the fortunes of what little he did inherit.
Anytime you are ready to have the intellectual debate that you claim you desire, Daniel, there are many of us willing to have an honest discussion. Just let us know when you are done pissing and moaning over a lost election…then we can have a real discussion that isn’t filled with lies, distortions and anger.
Comment by the wonderboy Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 5:08 pm
Daniel, you seem to know Brady quite well. I’m intrigued, since I also know him quite well, and I see none of the negative attributes you assign to him. I concede that in the past he has not been a terribly hard campaigner, but the fact is that he didn’t need to.
This campaign he worked hard and people related well to him. He’s very conservative but he doesn’t wear it on his shirtsleeve. He knows there are real problems facing Illinois and it’s citizens, and that’s what they want to hear him talk about.
He’s a self-made successful business owner, a very decent person, and even though I disagree strongly with some of what he believes, he would have been an honorable candidate who I could have supported in the general.
But perhaps I don’t know him as well as you do. So why don’t you post under your real name and we can make our own judgement as to the value of your observations.
Comment by steve schnorf Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 5:29 pm
Steve you’re right on. Bill is a good man I helped him run down state and spoke to him often. I meet his wife mother aunt and family. It’s not what they say it’s there actions that tell you what their really like and they are good people who really care about what happens to others in a way that humble and gracious. I was told stories about deals with Bill that didn’t work out which can sometimes turn bad and the person wanted a 4X8 because of the positive way Bill treated the guy. I could go on and on. I saw him discuss a deal with a farmer right their and then the farmer looked a little rough (something you learn around here is don’t under estimate the wealth of the poor farmer’s) Bill without a blink treated him with respect and caring and answered his questions. Then went on to address in deft a lot of political issue’s and legislation in detail of someone who has been there. We need candidates like that in office in this party we need a different direction for this state. I know the election is over but we need to look at the future.
Comment by Anon Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 7:53 pm
For any of you “true conservatives” out there that are claiming not to vote for JBT just because she doesn’t represent all of your opinions,WAKE UP! NO ONE is ever going to come along that represents all that you believe so you’d better learn to live with the candidates that we have post-primary. If you really care that little about the condition of the state then stay home, then we will know whos fault it is that we get 4 more years of Blago. Keep crying over your spilled milk(man) or wake up and join the rest of us.
Comment by Tazewell Pundit Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 10:15 pm
Also, Obie never said that KJ stepping down was a condition of his endoresment. That’s twisting his words around.
Comment by Tazewell Pundit Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 10:20 pm
Also, Obie never said that JBT calling for KJ to step down was a condition of his endoresment. That’s twisting his words around.
Comment by Tazewell Pundit Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 10:21 pm
Tazewell:
It’s a matter of principle and character. Believe it or not, there are times when losing is preferable to compromise. A loss for Judy in November will allow the ILGOP a chance to finally move beyond the corruption and ineptitude of the party’s ruling left wing. I’ll take the “loss” to see Judy removed from elected office.
Comment by Veritas Friday, Mar 24, 06 @ 1:58 am
I think you’re all missing the point. It’s time for JBT to step up to the plate, recognize that the conservative candidates significantly outpolled her and Gidwitz, and start acting like a candidate all Republicans can agree on. It’s time for us conservatives to join her in good faith–as long as she demonstrates that she’s actually interested in winning our votes.
If JBT & Co. want to play intraparty politics during the general election, then all bets are off.
But come on, children, can’t you find a less influential place to squabble? Some of us want to beat the Governor.
Comment by Thrasymachus Friday, Mar 24, 06 @ 9:35 am
Anon - Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 7:53 pm:
Those were very good comments about Bill. I felt that on his last campaign stop in Champaign Saturday before the election, Bill was listening to the voters and he came up with some excellent ideas on unifying the party.
We all know that Judy will not adopt the right policies for the right portion of the party - it would kill her. But maybe some issues we can agree upon should be touted by Ms. Topinka. I believe she’s for 2nd Ammendment rights. She’s for parental notification.
What are some other things we can unify on and make her more palatable for the right?
What about a woman’s right to know before an abortion?
What are some issues we can unite upon and push them to the forefront?
I don’t like GRodBlago and would love to defeat him in November if nothing else but the pension issue and the money “sweep”. But other people aren’t like me and some of us feel that with Judy’s positions, they can’t vote for her. What kind of issues can we gather around and what do you think would “appease” the right and left sides of the party?
Comment by Central IL Stater Friday, Mar 24, 06 @ 2:46 pm
On abortion: I’ve never understood the logic behind viewing the right to have a fetus ripped from one’s body as the defining core of women’s rights. This is a big deal because it has become a line in the sand; if we can find a better way to assure women’s rights, then as far as I can tell abortion’s days are numbered.
Maybe JBT should adopt the language of incrementalism–”I’m against abortion, and support an eventual ban…but we have some work to do before we can even talk about that”
Thoughts?
Comment by Defensor Pacis Friday, Mar 24, 06 @ 10:26 pm