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* Attorney General Lisa Madigan was in southern Illinois yesterday. The Southern Illinoisan highlights her work for Paul Simon and his encouragement of her to run for public office. But her father, AG Madigan noted, wasn’t exactly thrilled when she told him of her intentions to run for the Illinois Senate…
After several minutes of sitting with his head in his hands, [Speaker Madigan] finally replied.
“He looked up and simply asked me, ‘Why?’” Madigan said.
* And this is kind of a cute story…
When Mike Madigan entered the life of his would-be stepdaughter, he forgot to bring the ice cream.
Lisa Madigan, then 10 years old, thought Mike seemed like “a nice enough guy” but she didn’t fully understand what it was he did in the state legislature.
All she knew was that her mom’s last boyfriend had owned two ice cream parlors.
“Quite frankly, when I first met him, I was disappointed,” Lisa Madigan said Tuesday evening.
* The Daily Egyptian has this quote high up in its piece…
When asked by an audience member in the packed Hiram H. Lesar Law Building Auditorium whether the audience would see her as a candidate for governor in 2010, Madigan’s response was short but to the point.
“You might,” she said to the audience’s applause.
From the looks of things, she’s already started campaigning.
* Comptroller Dan Hynes is also on a tour…
People from the community listened to Comptroller Dan Hynes who accused Illinois of not paying its share of Medicaid costs. Many of the attendees are on Medicaid and cannot find doctors or dentits in Rockford who will see them. Instead they are having to drive to Chicago or Moline to find a physician who will accept their Medicaid card. Paulette Mattson suspects the state doesn’t realize the extent of the problem.
“Show the state more cause they’re so unaware of really what’s going on cause they don’t need Medicare. Take all your officials, put them on Medicare or Medicaid, see what happens.”
More here.
Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias is also out on the hustings.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 9:24 am
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Although I have usually voted Republican, I believe Lisa would be an excellent Governor. I had a chance to interact with her when she was a Senator and I was impressed. The only question would be legal issues which could arise with her father being Speaker.
Comment by One of the 35 Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 9:30 am
I was at the Madigan event last night at SIUC. The Southern’s piece captured the night well I thought. I was personally impressed with how well Lisa came across in person. I expected a stiff legalistic talk, what I got was a more personal speech that gave me a better idea who LM is.
On a side note, last night was the last event that Mike Lawrence, the chairmen of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, was to be involved in before his retirement.
Mr. Lawrence has been a tireless servant for the people of Southern Illinois, and has carried on the legacy of Paul Simon with pride. I personally wish him well in retirement. Hats off to you Mr. Lawrence.
Comment by Speaking At Will Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 9:35 am
lisa v. hynes v. alexi v. rod = governor rod. lisa v. hynes v. alexi = governor alexi
alexi v. hynes or lisa = governor alexi
lisa v. hynes = governor lisa
hynes v. homer simpson = governor homer simpson
Comment by anon Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 9:41 am
The problem of rural communities and access to medical care is complex, and may well have much to do with the lifestyle choices of physicians and other medical professionals, in an era when their services are increasingly scarce. But
there are solutions, though expensive ones, like effectively paying doctors a substantial premium to move to or stay in rural areas. Government premiums, either through direct subsidies or through improving access to more lucrative private insurance. There are lots of ideas.
However, in Chicago-centric Illinois, with its
government by Machine and urban liberal Democrats, the plight of rural areas is barely on the radar screen. It’s all about the cities, mostly, the city of Chicago. Occasional our urban guv tosses out a million here or there to great fanfare, like the emperors of yore…but it seems to be working.
The only way that rural dwellers can reverse this trend is to organize politically to a far greater extent than they have been. It’s a chance
for Republicans, but they seem unable to take
up even the most obvious opportunities to rebuild a constituency, even in a time of great economic distress.
Comment by Cassandra Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 9:46 am
==“Quite frankly, when I first met him, I was disappointed,” Lisa Madigan said Tuesday evening.==
I can imagine that quote may come back to haunt her. A certain Illinois Governor’s campaign tactics exploit expressions like that. But Repubs could jump on it, too.
Comment by Captain Flume Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 9:50 am
Having the executive branch and the half the legislative branch controlled by a single family is consistent with how we do things in Illinois, so I guess I would vote for her.
Obama in the White House + Lisa Madigan in the governor’s mansion + Mike Madigan in the House + Daley mayor of Chicago (with Olympic money) + Stroger in Cook County…well, there will be so much money being thrown around, there probably won’t be a competitive election in Illinois for a generation or two.
Comment by Leroy Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 9:51 am
Remind me again what’s working so well down there that more of Springfield is what we need? I see 2 career politicians offering a new flavor of vanilla.
Also can we please have some information on the status of Republicans running next year.
Comment by shore Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 9:51 am
It’s not that cute when her anecdotal stories have been campaign-approved to get just this kind of coverage. “Lisa the independent thinker.” Smart, but not cute.
Comment by Bill S. Preston, Esq. Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 10:01 am
Are we paying for these trips or are the campaign-funded trips?
Comment by Downstate weed chewing hick Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 10:09 am
Rich why is the section titled Lisa on the Stump if Hynes and Alexi are out there is well. Should we expect all Lisa all the time on Cap Fax for the next 2 years?
Comment by Progressive Dem Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 10:21 am
PD, the most complete stories online were about Lisa.
Back the heck off.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 10:24 am
From the perspective of our eternal campaigner Blago, the more Dem contenders in the primary the better, I’m sure.
Comment by Cassandra Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 10:42 am
Geez PD, no wonder rich wanted everyone to calm down.
Comment by Speaking At Will Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 10:46 am
Like them or not, it’s clear the Dems have a pretty formidable farm team. If Obama doesn’t move up, there could be some sharp elbows thrown in the 2010 primaries. I’m assuming Blago won’t be in the mix.
Dems moving up could give the GOP a chance to work on their farm team and maybe pick off a state office. The question is, who’s ready?
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 10:58 am
It’s past time to put the fawning Lisa Madigan stories aside and measure her on her own.
Comment by Doggone Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 11:07 am
Doggone, you appear to be a new commenter. Perhaps you missed the not exactly flattering coverage here a couple of weeks ago about LM.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 11:11 am
Dan Hynes enjoyed a multi-city swing through Rockford and the Quad Cities yesterday, with an interesting focus on Medicaid payment delays.
Lots of public interest in the topic, which generated solid media for Dan Hynes.
Comment by there he goes again Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 11:26 am
Dems and Republicans both have red blood, so we need to look at the person. Is this a type of person that can drink a cup of coffee with you and listen to your story? Will this person work for “you”? Does this person have the same values as you? Forget about party lines and look at the person.
Comment by Deeda Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 11:49 am
I made a joke!! Get it RED blood. Illinois is blue and we all have RED blood. I crack myself up.
Comment by Deeda Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 11:51 am
=When Mike Madigan entered the life of his would-be stepdaughter, he forgot to bring the ice cream.
All she knew was that her mom’s last boyfriend had owned two ice cream parlors.=
Lisa’s mom dated Jim Oberwies???? Has things played out differently, the Republican Party of Illinois might actually have a future.
Comment by chic ster Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 12:09 pm
AA is going out on a limb here, but not very far, to say that Shirley Madigan has much more class and common sense to have ever accepted even one date with the likes of Oberweis.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 12:28 pm
SAW–I agree with you regarding Mike Lawerence. I am sure he is looking forward to the next chapter of his life, and I know I am looking forward to reading his commentary again. It seems he is already doing a little campaigning as well, given his quote about Lisa Madiagn in the article.
Deeda–I did get it. You are a fantastic comedian. Stop with the hilarity. Please. Seriously. Stop.
Comment by Vote Quimby! Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 12:29 pm
A lakefront liberal woman visiting more conservative country and spinning soft pedaled yarns and waxing nostalgic about about their childhood brings back memories of Hillary’s “listening tour” through upstate New York.
What it sounds like she omitted from the tale of her father’s reaction to her announcement of pursuit of elective office however, was the basis for his bewilderment, and the rationale for his lack of enthusiasm and perhaps discontent.
I suspect that; knowing his daughter as he did, that he had little concern for her handling of the responsibilities of elective office and and challenges of public life. What I am not sure was whether his concern for his daughter arose from the prospect of being baptized into Hollywood Hendon’s House of Lords, or whether it was due to his concern that she would have to contend with the likes of Pate Phillip, or serve under Emil Jones. I suspect that could actually go either way, but I have to believe that was large part of the cause for his concern. While a man of few words, who chooses them carefully, if her dad did share those thoughts with her; its a shame that she didn’t let us in on those details, and her reaction as well. That would have provided valuable insight into both of them.
After reading this story however; am I the only one that had the momentary psychotic vision of where we might be today, if instead she had been Lisa Oberweis?
Comment by I Scream, You Scream we all Scream for Ice Cream Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 12:31 pm
Iscream, what you missed is that she decided she wanted to run against one of MJM’s strongest and oldest allies.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 12:32 pm
==I’m assuming Blago won’t be in the mix.==
Don’t be so sure,Word! Bring it on. The best is yet to come.
Comment by Bill Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 12:48 pm
==The best is yet to come.==
Bill, I’m certain you’re right, but not in the way you think.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 12:50 pm
===Bring it on===
You do get the irony in that, don’t you?
Besides, I think it’s been brung.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 12:53 pm
lol
Comment by Bill Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 12:57 pm
Captain Flume, you may be right. But if Lisa’s opponents ever throw the “I was a bit disappointed” remark back at her, with or without the context (she was describing her 10-year-old self, in a humorous way) she’ll probably be fine. Even out of context, it’s far tamer than the stuff that you hear people say about those two. She may have just inoculated herself. “Clever girl,” as Batman would say.
Comment by Zora Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 1:24 pm
Nothing against Lisa Madigan but these fluff stories make me wretch. It must be me.
I was interesting to see that she taught in apartheid South Africa. I wonder how long she did that?
Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 1:53 pm
Rich,
I knew that part and didn’t miss that at all. I am pretty confident that her father knew she could be stubborn and bull headed already whenever she wanted to be. Any father paying the least bit of attention learns that lesson about their daughter pretty early on.
I just interpreted the dialog and question more as rhetorical than a politically calculated one. Like any good lawyer he had the answer to his question; regardless of personal political ramifications, already in hand.
I suspect that he knew that by the time she came to tell him about it her mind about running was made up. Asking the question on the basis of the impact on him was no longer relevant, there was little likelihood of disuading her.
I am still guessing that he felt more concerned about the prospect that she failed to fully think through having to serve first along with and under Emil; and also under Pate.
Given how things have unfolded however I am sure neither of them has any regrets. Besides after being battlle tested those first few years its easy for her to face everyday with a smile on her face. After all; she married a cartoonist.
Comment by I Scream, You Scream we all Scream for Ice Cream Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 2:05 pm
Zora
AG Madigan is certainly clever, no doubt. I hope she is clever enough to remain AG for a few more years (and keep that Bat Signal plugged in).
Comment by Captain Flume Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 2:15 pm
So, is the Lisa Madigan story an effort to pretend that Mike Madigan hasn’t arm twisted many of his cronies to win the AG’s race after first clearing the way for her to be in the IL Senate? My question is how can she even pretend to be indep from MJM when he has bullied plenty of folks for their contacts and money to put her where she is.
Comment by DHouser Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 3:04 pm
Will Lisa actually have to run? Get This: Blago is indicted, impeached or otherwise removed from office. Quinn is appointed gov, but resigns to take Obama’s seat. Under that scenario, Lisa could be the next guv. No “running” needed. Far-fetched? Maybe. But we could go on and on with this and come up with some interesting conversation.
Comment by Deep South Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 3:10 pm
DS, that would involve getting all of that done before Obama vacates the seat. If he wins. And if Emil Jones cooperated. He won’t.
Impossible.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 3:18 pm
Rich, I think it COULD happen, but I admitted it was far-fetched. And its fun to think about these various scenarios. Might be a good question of the day.
Comment by Deep South Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 4:29 pm
I don’t know the Treasurer, but I guarantee you we are fortunate to have 2 elected officials like our Attorney General and our Comptroller.
Comment by steve schnorf Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 5:34 pm
I thought Lisa’s dad said When she told him she was running for Senate “crap now we have to get Farley indicted so she can take his seat. He’s only been there 26 years, anything you want sweety”
Comment by Northsidepollworker Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 5:51 pm
At least the Dems seem to be building up a good field of candidates for governor with no obvious weak link. I’m starting to look forward to this campaign!
Comment by Angry Chicagoan Wednesday, Oct 22, 08 @ 11:32 pm