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* Springfield is one of those areas where newspaper endorsements can have an impact, especially in races that are totally within Sangamon County. So this surprise endorsement of Democrat Tony DelGiorno over Rep. Sara Wojcicki Jimenez might possibly move the needle a click or two…
Jimenez, the 99th district incumbent, began her career as a television journalist before going to work for state government, including communications jobs for the state treasurer, state comptroller and House Republicans. She was serving as chief of staff to first lady Diana Rauner before moving to the state House. DelGiorno is a lawyer and a member of the Sangamon County Board.
Jimenez cites her top priorities as education and solving the state’s budget crisis. She backs the governor’s desire to tie parts of his turnaround agenda to passage of a budget. She correctly takes the approach that the state needs to get its spending under control before considering additional revenue. But despite her background as a state government employee, she struggled to convey any of that inside knowledge or provide many specifics on some of her objectives. Her answers hewed to more partisan lines.
DelGiorno, by contrast, offered numerous specifics on policy, including practical ideas such as reinstating a lapsed state tax credit for research and development and looking to emulate a New York program that encourages new businesses to expand or relocate there through tax breaks and partnerships with higher education institutions. He does support redistricting and, seeking to dispel the notion that he’s a pawn of Madigan, said he’d support someone else as House speaker if he faced opposition. That’s not likely to happen, but it’s encouraging that DelGiorno did say he would support term limits for legislative leadership.
In this race, based on preparedness and specific ideas, DelGiorno earns the edge and the endorsement.
Sounds like Sara has been too closely handled. She’s smart, she’s been around the process for years and generally knows her stuff. I was shocked at that editorial.
You’ll recall that DelGiorno recently touted an early October poll which had him trailing by just 5 points, 43-38. 38 is a very long way from 50 plus one. But the unions are making a big push for him on the ground that doesn’t show up in his relatively weak campaign finance disclosures.
Jiminez, on the other hand, is getting big bucks from the GOP. Stay tuned.
* Related…
* Bernard Schoenburg: DelGiorno apologizes for backer’s vulgar Facebook post
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:01 am
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Sounds like Sara is letting herself be too closely handled. Having smarts and experience doesn’t count if you don’t show them or use them. It will be interesting to see whether or not trusting in the Rauner method pays off for her.
Comment by Commander Norton Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:04 am
It’s up to Labor and state workers “knowing” Rauner to use this endorsement as fuel.
This endorsement has some cache to move the needle, it’s now up to the groups with the most to gain to get their members to Vote Accordingly.
If I was Labor or a state worker, and the endorsement went the other way, I wouldn’t have been deterred if the goal is to send Rauner a message, but this gives “a lift”, mentally, that they may be doing the right thing after all(?)
Remember McCann… Remember it, but it takes work to make it happen.
As for Rep. Jimenez, I said she works hard, and has tried to be thoughtful, but the Cowardly 7 letter, followed by turning her back on Labor, state worker labor, an endorsement like this is stinging.
Should be a great finish.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:08 am
She’s too closely tied to Rauner, which makes her race one of the proxy fights. That matters in an area with lots of State employees.
As -OW- would say, vote accordingly.
Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:08 am
Told my wife the other day, at this level, need to connect to those in your district. Common phrase here, those voters will most likely “vote accordingly.”
Comment by New Slang Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:09 am
If he wins he deserves it. I have seen him numerous times working the ground game. Have yet to see sara at anything us common folk attend. of Comercials for both running recently. His have been more on a positive tone and hers mostly negative. I wonder if the negative gets drowned out with all the pther negative.
Comment by Union thug Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:12 am
=== I have seen him numerous times working the ground game. Have yet to see sara at anything us common folk attend===
The ground game isn’t attending functions where you see the same people over and over again. You go to a few of those, but spend most of your time knocking on doors. I just don’t think he’s doing enough of that. We’ll see.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:17 am
>Sounds like Sara has been too closely handled.
It’ll sound snarky, but that’s how it is for all gop candidates, including incumbents, in the state. Rauner has iron control. My local gop candidate for representative began with an interesting mix of views, but over the last couple of months is strictly on Rauner’s talking points. Even with a dem governor, house and senate, the legislative and executive branches had a lot of disagreement. The thought of one man controlling both of those branches of government is disconcerting at best.
Comment by Earnest Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:18 am
Jimenez commercial uses the Rauner status quo line. I’ve done my part by voting against Jimenez to eliminate Rauner’s impasse status quo.
P.S. Color me shocked about the SJ-R endorsement.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:19 am
“The Journal paper was always my friend –wha’ happen?”
Bruce Rauner
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:19 am
Rich, he has been knocking on doors. I hope it’s enough of them….
Comment by Union thug Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:22 am
Much like Rauner, Jimenez doesn’t understand how much Rauner is hurting Springfield.
DelGiorno has a huge advantage over her because he is listening to the district. Jimenez is only listening to the govenor.
Jimenez losing would be the nail in the coffin for the Rauner’s political career and he knows this so he is throwing a lot of money her way.
Representatives are supposed to represent their district, not the govenors agenda.
She is oblivious to what the district is saying because of Rauner’s money. That’s why the SJR is supporting DelGiorno.
Comment by John C Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:24 am
It would be really great if Mathis was endorsed as well. Avery Bourne never votes her district and should not have been endorsed.
Comment by Mal Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:25 am
UT - what do you do define as something “us common folk attend”? Not trying to be snarky, but if she is out walking every weekday, all day Saturday and Sunday afternoons then she would have little-to-no time to attend a lot of functions or events. I know she is out walking - and has been since June - and I know that myself and several other friends have been walking for her just as stridently as a lot of Tony’s people have been walking.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:26 am
The race will show if Sangamon County voters have any thoughts when voting or if they just go in and vote GOP not matter if the GOP candidate votes against their interest.
Comment by Give Me A Break Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:26 am
Recall that Sara wasn’t even the local GOP’s choice for filling the seat. Momentum is shifting in Tony’s favor.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:30 am
Her commercials make like she’s an outsider, not part of the partisan mess. That her priority is a balanced budget.
But what, exactly, has she done?
Oh well.
Comment by Sir Reel Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:31 am
One of Sarah’s volunteers came by my house a few days ago. When I told her my occupation and that I was not happy about her performance on the arbitration bill, the worker commented that she had “been hearing that a lot”. I told her that I would vote for the person who represented the constituency and not campaign donors - like Sam McCann. I gave the volunteer my name and phone number if Sarah would like to talk to me. Still waiting for that phone call….
Comment by DrMe Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:31 am
===Jimenez losing would be the nail in the coffin for the Rauner’s political career and he knows this so he is throwing a lot of money her way.===
That’s truly wishful thinking, not based on any fact.
Rauner will be extremely formidable when up for re-elect. The odds of unseating an Illinois governor in a re-elect is one of the toughest asks around.
This race, thus seat is one of many skirmishes. That’s it. No coffins or nails…
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:34 am
I was shocked at the editorial, also; however, this isn’t your father’s SJ-R. Brand new publisher yet again, can’t keep staff, only 2 staffers and 3 “community members” on the ed board. The paper is a shell of its former self. When Copley owned it, it was reliably GOP. Previous ed boards leaned heavily Dem. This new bunch will be fascinating. I thought the Bourne endorsement was even more shocking.
Comment by Indochine Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:40 am
Mal - why?! I grew up in the 95th. I know Mike and I like Mike. But he is just as much a part of Madigan’s machine as Ms. Bourne is part of Rauner’s combine. Every effort for Mike - mail, ads and workers - are paid for by the DPI and Speaker Madigan’s other funds. He was recruited by Speaker Madigan and was actually asked to run in 2010 after the Hannigs stepped away.
On a side note it looks the SJ-R set up a “candidate dart board” and threw nice, sharp darts and just went with that. They are all over the map with these endorsements.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:40 am
Break - considering the fact that Bryce Benton actually won the 99th District’s share during the primary I would say that Sara’s chances with the local GOP voters is pretty good.
John C - no way. Rauner running for reelection in what is likely HRC’s midterm will be very advantageous for him. And if some of his candidates lose - but lose closely - this year, they will come back in a non-presidential year and have the name ID, infrastructure and (likely) cash to compete again. Even if guys like John Bradley or Dan Beiser eek out victories in two weeks they may be sitting ducks in two years.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:45 am
“Every effort for Avery - mail, ads and workers - are paid for by Diana and Bruce Rauner, with help from Ken Griffin and Richard Uihlein. She was picked from a pool by Bruce Rauner and was actually asked after Rep. Rosenthal “stepped away”. … ”
Bud… “Same”
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:48 am
Willy - yes, I know. I admitted as much. But growing up and still having ties in that district it is incredible how Mike’s defenders point to Avery and then clutch their pearls when Mike’s flaws are noted.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:51 am
Word # 1019
Luuuv the Mike Lafontaine reference!
Comment by Dave Dahl Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:53 am
- Team Sleep -
It’s all good.
===Mike’s defenders point to Avery and then clutch their pearls when Mike’s flaws are noted.===
Concur. You’re on that.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:53 am
I was a little surprised that the SJR, whom I’ve always considered GOP leaning, did not endorse Wojcicki. I would be really surprised if Sara ever voted against the wishes of the Governor when voting for or against any bill. That’s her big problem, the fact that she worked for Diana Rauner and was appointed to her seat by the Governor. It’s obvious why Rauner appointed Brauer and Poe to their current jobs. He wanted to fill their former seats with his own people in those Districts who would be reliable allies to the Governor in voting against Union interests.
Comment by The Dude Abides Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:54 am
the only way the SJR moves the needle is if all the people it’s let go in recent years suddenly vote as a bloc.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:59 am
Dude - do you know Tim Butler? Like, at all? Because if you did you may disagree with him on some issues and policies stances but Tim is a solid guy with a lot of relevant real world experience.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 11:03 am
=== Break - considering the fact that Bryce Benton actually won the 99th District’s share during the primary I would say that Sara’s chances with the local GOP voters is pretty good. ===
Sam’s vote total in the 99th would have been higher if a lot of the Dems I and others spoke to weren’t drawn to vote for Bernie. Those Dems are now in play.
Team, I expect Jimenez to win, but I can hope.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 11:10 am
Labor, state workers,retirees, SIU, UIS
Comment by Liberty Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 11:15 am
I give DelGiorno a fighting chance. He’s been by my house twice to his opponent’s zero. But, you are probably giving the SJ-R too much credit. It was once a very good news source for a mid-sized community. Not now. Circulation is way down and most locals find it to be just plain awful. It seldom writes its own editorials, borrowing instead from the likes of other papers such as the Sacramento Bee. The SJ-R hardly speaks for an to the local community. It is doubtful that it will sway opinion one way or the other.
Comment by Keyser Soze Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 11:20 am
It seems the SJR’s endorsement of Bourne boils down to she is a Republican (need more for balance) and a fresh voice (no experience.) Strange qualifications to merit an endorsement. To say Mathis is solely getting support from DPI is inaccurate. He is getting support from AFSCME, SEIU, AFL-CIO, IFT, IEA, UMWA, IRTA and others. While these groups generally lean Democrat, I don’t think I’d say they are “Madigan funds”. Some of these groups have endorsed Rosenthal, Davis and Shimkus in the past.
Comment by Tough Guy Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 11:23 am
@Team, No I have not ever personally met Butler. I have heard him speak on TV a few times. Also my nephew’s wife likes him and went to a campaign function for Tim not long ago and I hear things from her. When listening to him he comes across and reasonably articulate and intelligent. I’ve also heard him speak and mention talking points that sound practically word for word like Rauner. If he ever votes for any bill against the wishes of the Governor I will come on here and give you a shout out. My whole point is that I want an independent voice representing the best interests of the constituents in my District, not someone whose prime directive is carrying water for the Governor’s agenda.
Comment by The Dude Abides Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 11:55 am
Both have knocked on my door. I also answered a poll that seemed interested in this race a week or so ago that aligned her with Trump and him with Madigan. The pollster did not seem surprised when I expressed my resentment at my rep’s refusal to break ranks and vote for spending authorization for state employees to be paid for doing their jobs which they were dutifully reporting for and doing even with the budget uncertainty. I know the court orders covered most state employees, but not all of us.
Comment by DownStateGrl Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 11:56 am
Del Giorno needs to remind Sangamon voters how Rauner tried to crucify McCann against the will of the electorate and failed.
Wojiscki-Jiminez is Rauner’s handpicked replacement for Raymond Poe, who is also now on the Rauner Administration payroll.
No wonder Rauner tries to tie Del Giorno to Madigan.
Comment by Winnin' Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 12:20 pm
Their choice is between political appointee Sara and an outsider Tony. Will SPFLD give its power to the machine or to its democracy?
Comment by Union Man Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 12:25 pm
If Jiminez wins this election, voting as she has against her district the last year, then you can bet she will view it as blank check. She will feel she can do whatever she “or I should say Rauner” wants and will not be held accountable.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 12:36 pm
Regarding the backer’s vulgar, sexist Facebook posts, it’s going to take real men standing up and speaking out against such idiocy to ever gain ground. Go ahead and disparage the candidate for their beliefs and record. But don’t put a woman’s achievements through hard work and commitment down to her looks.
I can’t wait for November 9.
Comment by Fairness and Fairness Only Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 12:38 pm
Tony walked our neighborhood a couple of weeks ago. He was thoughtful and insightful. In the spring I was with some friends who know Sara and her husband personally. Her husband spoke to us but Sara didn’t open her mouth, and her husband was wearing an elect Sara t-shirt. This was a public event in downtown Springfield, was under impressed by her to say the least. Tony has my vote.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 12:46 pm
Current Tony radio ad says he is in favor of term limits(I bet MJM loves hearing that) and that he will fight the Chicago political machine(say what??) and there may be a mention or two about being an independent voice(uh, okay)
Nobody with an IQ over 75 should believe any of this is possibly true.
Comment by Piece of Work Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 12:53 pm
Tough Guy - every mailer, ad and staffer for Mathis is paid for by the DPI and Speaker Madigan.
Union Man - hyperbole much?!
Norseman - who knows. I think the spread will be close - maybe 2% or so - but I agree that Rep. Jimenez will win.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 12:57 pm
Rich Miller
Tony has walked every neighborhood in the district at least once and has hit some areas twice now. Your method of weighing how much he has walked is flawed. He has not only talked with the voters he has listened to them.
Comment by Publius Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 1:19 pm
My gut is that Sara’s name recognition, reputation and demeanor will carry her through. DelGiorno is a formidable candidate though and has a bright future in politics if he chooses to stay in the political arena.
Comment by Soccertease Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 1:32 pm
Have met Sara a couple of times.
Have not met Tony yet.
Sara said “I’d appreciate your vote”.
I replied “You seem like a really nice lady but I’m going to vote for the other guy. I think he will represent the district’s interests better than you and the Governor.”
I’d have probably voted for her if Dillard or Brady or a level-headed Republican had gotten the nomination and beat Quinn.
No Trump.
No Rauner.
Comment by Bleugrass Boy Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 1:43 pm
It’s the second time the SJ-R editorial board has taken a pass on endorsing Jimenez. The first time was for a seat on the Springfield Park Board. And that was a completely different publisher/editor/editorial page editor. It’s pretty telling. It’s striking how someone as knowledgeable and intelligent as Jimenez has almost nothing to say about anything except for cliches and other meaningless verbal furniture.
In the SJ-R/WMAY debate, I was moved by her story about being stalked and sexually assaulted during her TV reporters. There are some real creeps out there, and it took courage and fortitude to keep going in what’s already a tough, grinding, thankless business. She mentioned it in response to a question about who she would vote for for president.
But then she couldn’t help but pander and leave open the possibility that she would vote for Donald Trump. It was evidence of the craven, cold political calculation that people can’t help but smell since Jimenez got into the arena.
I also wonder about how well the scorched-earth, DC-style tactics the Raunerites have brought are playing Downstate. Mike Madigan is a well-known, horrible person — just witness what his campaign organization did to the woman running for state rep in the Democratic primary in the Quad Cities. His campaigns and those of the candidates backed by him long have followed that thread and clearly work.
But districts in cities like Springfield contain a lot of people who know each other, either personally or by reputation. The kind of campaign you and your supporters wage reflects on you personally. You’re not just a nameless, faceless person as you might be in Chicago or the suburbs. Politics also is the business of Springfield, so to speak, and its voters can be savvy about the dark arts being practiced in this race. Readers should check out this Facebook post by a lady who knows both Wojcicki and DelGiorno: https://www.facebook.com/ckinrris1/posts/10211086034247166.
It’s been a long while since Springfield has seen a general election-competitive state House race. I wonder whether the race won’t be decided by how the electorate views Jimenez and DelGiorno’s conduct over the last couple of months.
Comment by Marty Funkhouser Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 2:29 pm
Team Sleep-No argument the several are paid by the DPI. But you said every one which is not close to being true. Check the contributions and expenditures on the SBE web site. Look at it thoroughly. Lots of expenditures for printing and media paid for by the Mathis campaign by contributors. I’m also looking at a printed flier for Mathis paid for by the Illinois AFL-CIO Committee on Political Education right now. I live in the district so I know what I receive.
Comment by Tough Guy Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 3:13 pm
Tough Guy - my parents live in the district and every mailer they have received is paid for the DPI or Democratic Majority (which, to be honest, is pretty much the same thing). Granted they are not union members, and I know that my wife receives targeted pro-Duckworth mailers because she is a Teamster. You are certainly correct that Mr. Mathis is receiving a decent chunk of coin from unions. But the targeted mailers and ads are all DPI and Democratic Majority comps.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 3:21 pm
This is the guy who gets an F from the NRA, complains about it, claiming to be pro-gun/pro-2A, then posts his NRA survey on the web with his gun banning positions.
Yea that’s gonna leave a mark
Comment by Todd Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 3:23 pm
Thanks for the facebook status post. I found it to he helpful.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 3:31 pm
Folks, just listen to his radio ads. Do you really believe what he is saying in any of them? He might as well tell people to expect that $2500 savings per family if they get Obamacare.
Comment by PoW Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 3:55 pm
Not sure what to say Team Sleep. Facts are stubborn things even if you don’t want to accept them. I’m gonna call it a day now for this post.
Comment by Tough Guy Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 4:12 pm
How does one find out if the SJ-R is on the list of unpaid vendors…..
Comment by blue dog dem Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 5:10 pm
She was forced on the local sang co republican party by a tone deaf rauner. There are many local Rs that are less than enthusiastic about her nod. Not her fault personally but that’s an undertone. She hasn’t logged enough time in as a local R to get the sang co base excited. Nice girl but too new to the party and many Rs feel like they were bait and switched.
Comment by Nugget Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 7:51 pm