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* Democratic US Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias is now running a second TV ad which builds on his first one. The new ad is called “Details.” Let’s rate the new one….
* Meanwhile, Sen. Kirk Dillard has issued a pretty detailed and interesting white paper on economic development. Step one, the budget…
Spending will be capped at Fiscal 2010 levels for the foreseeable future. […] The Dillard Administration will utilize zero-based budgeting and embark on a process to rebuild state government from the ground up.
He takes a look at lots of different things, including health care…
While we wait for the outcome on the national debate on health care reform, Illinois will create a pilot program designed to encourage a small businesses and sole proprietors to pool their employees into larger groups, remove certain coverage mandates, and allow health maintenance organizations to place reasonable deductible costs on their policies.
Manufacturing modernization…
The Illinois Modernization & Retooling Program will be reinstated to assist Manufacturers in making necessary reinvestments in their facilities to enable for them to remain competitive and keep there existing workforce in Illinois.
Tax incentives…
Examples include a tax credit for new jobs created, a sales tax holiday to spur retail sales and a letter of credit program to allow projects to proceed and create jobs.
Dillard also talks the talk on education to the point where people like Mayor Daley might be OK with him…
The Dillard Administration will continue to invest in Early Childhood education and commit resources to training our workers to compete in the 21st Century global economy. Illinois needs to set high standards for all children regardless of where they live and then provide the necessary tools to teachers, administrators, school boards and parents so that they can succeed at the local level without unnecessary government interference. The state will renew its commitment to make sure that every child can attend school safe from violence and prepared to learn. And we will focus on stemming performance erosion in the vital middle grades.
Some of it is insidery, but important. For instance, organized labor will work much harder to defeat a Republican who refuses to abide by the legislative “agreed bill process” for workers’ comp and unemployment insurance. Dillard tries to set their minds at ease…
Kirk Dillard strongly believes in maintaining the sanctity of the agreed-bill process. Recognizing that the process often only promotes communication when stakes are high and stances are far apart, Dillard will form on ad-hoc basis the Illinois Jobs Creation Council. The Council’s goal will be to seek areas of common-ground interest to promote creative ideas on the creation of jobs—something that benefits both sides. It is Dillard’s belief that finding those common areas of interest will spur better and more innovative ideas on attracting and keeping good-paying jobs in Illinois.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 1:17 pm
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Geez…another candidate who’s for new jobs. Someone tell me - when will it end.
Comment by Deep South Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 1:24 pm
DS, at least these two are talking about jobs, which is more than I can say for most other statewide candidates and editorial boards.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 1:32 pm
Good lord. Is Alexi really going to keep flogging Hartmarx?
Comment by r_k Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 1:37 pm
Looking forward to attack ad on Alexi for his bank and some of the loans they wrote…
He said ‘come on in’….
As for the ad, eh. Too bad Tim Nieukirk isn’t running again….
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 1:38 pm
r_k, I assume he will until the message is sufficiently burned in. That takes a while.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 1:38 pm
I give it a 6. In the first ad, the saved jobs were the punch line. In this follow-on, it’s the beginning point and it sends a different message. Now it sounds like he’s ready to pressure US businesses to create jobs (in order to do business in the US?). Hmmmm. Also, the 4 issue areas cited at the end of the ad are said/shown too quickly for most people to grasp. Might have been more effective to have picked only 2 or 3, and to have presented then them more slowly.
Comment by KeepSmiling Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 1:40 pm
===Good lord. Is Alexi really going to keep flogging Hartmarx?===
At this point he can flog whatever he wants. Between Hoffman’s ad trying to set the world record for blinking in 30 seconds and Cheryle’s complete and utter failure to develop a media presence beyond that of a student council election… I say stay positive and stay on message, Alexi (jobs and economy).
Comment by Obamarama Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 1:41 pm
the gop wants change out of its leaders this year. Dillard maybe a smart nice guy, but that’s not enough to make up for the failure of the party establishment. moderates like me are more in the mood for tea party people than the same old figures.
alexi F-, 0 street cred w/job creation.
Comment by shore Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 1:44 pm
Giannoulias’ ad builds on the first and continues to drive the message home. Good, smart, well-produced, this is very effective and I’m assuming he’ll have the dough to keep this going through the primary. I especially liked the China message, which I think will strongly resonate with voters.
Dillard outlining a thoughtful, comprehensive plan to rebuild state government? The GOP will be foolish if they don’t get behind this guy 100%. He is the only Republican running who has a chance to win in November.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 1:46 pm
Re: Alexi’s new ad–It’s a good political ad with some “jobs” details. But, I do think that using the same graphics and people as the earlier Hartmarx ad will limit this one’s effectiveness. Viewers who catch it on TV out of the corner of their eye will think, “oh, I’ve already seen that a bunch of times” and tune out.
Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 1:47 pm
Reading Dillard’s plan it makes me wonder if he did it internally or farmed it out to some economic development consulting shop. Things I like are the R&D tax credit, restoring funding for the CAFR at the University of Illinois and offering tax credits for producers of biofuels that aren’t ethanol. He also calls to invest and create inter-modal transportation hubs, which are critical if Illinois is to be a leader in the next generation of biofuels.
Totally agree with Rich that Dillard’s economic paper is by far the most detailed of any GOP campaign. Brady and McKenna go around and rehash the same old talking points we have been hearing from campaign after campaign for the last eight years. Also McKenna and Brady’s talking points offer no specifics and have been deemed totally unfeasible by policy professionals. That quote from that lady at Lutheran Social Services yesterday was a good whack.
Comment by Big Policy Nerd Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 1:48 pm
Was not a Dillard fan but this is a very well done plan (overlooking the typos). Addresses the major foundations of economic development. Surprised and impressed at how far he drilled down into specific issues and programs. You can tell he and his staff come from the Edgar (2nd term especially) econ development way of thinking. He makes efforts to address “labor” issues but they ain’t gonna like some of his ideas, neither will the trial lawyers. But hey, it’s the right direction for this state.
Comment by RobRoy Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 1:50 pm
Got to give Dillard credit. At least it is the start of a plan. Even if you don’t agree with every thing in it, at least it is a start to an actual strategy. Better than his primary opponents, and certainly better thought out than Quinn and his cohorts have come up with and they are in power.
Comment by downstate hick Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 1:55 pm
I pointed this out before, but even with Alexi’s pressure,Hartmarx went on to close one plant downstate IL and one out of state plant, and sent the jobs across the border. Des Plaines is still around. So much for a great success.
I like Dillard and his plan. I vote in the Dem primary, but this seems like a real credible first step.
Comment by Niles Township Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 2:09 pm
I don’t like this commercial! The only reason he was involved in the Hartmarx affair was because they were Obama’s suit providers. It wasn’t like he actually HELPS businesses, just his buddy’s. The end result was nothing more than a fluffy commercial.
It still makes me mad that he’s running.
Comment by Fan of Cap Fax Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 2:21 pm
===DS, at least these two are talking about jobs, which is more than I can say for most other statewide candidates and editorial boards.===
Rich, you’re right of course. But is there a candidate who’s against jobs? For years, every candidate for public office here in Southern Illinois has said he or she is for jobs. Well, 20 - 30 years go by and we’re still waiting. Seems like nothing more than standard campaign rhetoric.
Comment by Deep South Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 2:23 pm
Dillard is really taking charge of this race. No cheap potshots at others and serious, detailed plans. Dillard has shown he can work across the aisle politically and I believe he will soften barriers between business, labor and the private sector. Dillard is exactly what this state needs.
Comment by Joe from Joliet Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 2:24 pm
===Well, 20 - 30 years go by and we’re still waiting.===
Frankly, I’ve always thought that was somewhat of a problem with your region. No offense. I love S. Illinois, but y’all wait for others too much, in my own opinion.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 2:26 pm
Good ad by Alexi. He’s the winner in Feb. and Nov..
Dilliard freeezing spending at 2010 levels is suspect. What spending levels is he talking about? The ones that the GA passed which Quinn ignored or the actual Quinn spending levels which far exceed any reasonable revenue estimate. How will he replace the stimulus money that Quinn spent in 2010? I like job creation too but it would have to be really fast and they would have to be really well paying in order to effect 2011 or 2012.
Still, he has the best plan and the best chance to win in November among the righties which is why I’m counting on the repubs to self destruct in the primary as usual.
Comment by Bill Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 2:28 pm
Rich: you’re astute to point out the agreed bill process part. He embraces it, and then will use it to get both sides into the room to encourage action. Smart.
I also like that this has a deeper level of details AND is easy to read/understand. It either wasn’t put together by a committee, or someone had the wherewithal to make it cohesive.
Nice.
Comment by Middle of the Road Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 2:33 pm
Actually, the rumor is that the Dillard people are really playing up the Jim Ryan - Stu Levine thing… at least that’s what the Ryan people are saying.
I would hotly dispute that Dillard is “taking charge” of this race. He’s still down 20 on Ryan and effectively tied with Brady and Adam according to last public poll.
Would be nice to see a new poll though.
Comment by John Bambenek Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 2:34 pm
Dillard, in his white paper :
“Promote long term solutions to the state’s three main fiscal obligations that drive our deficit : public pension systems, Medicaid and health care costs.”
I didnt see any plan or solution with regards to pension in his document.
Comment by Reality is Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 2:37 pm
Giannoulais is taking on the banks? LOL!
Since when?
This sweetie of an ad will be shown again by any political opponent wishing to remind voters whose side Giannoulais is really on.
Sweet ad. If it was from someone other than Giannoulais, it is a winner. Coming from Giannoulais, it is ridiculous.
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 2:39 pm
Maybe his plan is to pay what the state owes to the pension systems.
Comment by Bill Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 2:40 pm
A good ad.
Dillard’s plan is very good indeed. Dillard’s problem is the same as all the other candidates -with seven chirping chicks in the nest all screaching for attention and food (i.e. money), the GOP is in overload. Ryan is cruising on name recognition, but the question will have to be asked on what else is in the cupboard.
Comment by Bubs Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 2:40 pm
Dillard lost my support a while back for many of the extreme positions he was advocating. He would have been better to lead with something like this and stay quiet on the rest.
This is the first reasonable approach I have seen. All these restore 2005/2007 spending levels fail to take into consideration little things, like increasing costs, infaltion etc.
That said, there are contractual obligations the State has incurred which provide for increases, so “freezing” spending at 2010 levlels woudl put the state in violation of many of its contracts.
Comment by Ghost Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 2:50 pm
Lexi ad has good production qualities. Nothing new visually. Picked the right topic–jobs–but his message is very weak. Essentially, “I’ll somehow force banks to give away money.” It’s a nice populist idea, but it’s not a serious solution.
Overall rating–6
Comment by Abe Froman Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 2:52 pm
–It’s a nice populist idea, but it’s not a serious solution–
… but a populist jobs idea make a good :30 TV ad when hunting–voters not pundits.
And visuals–factory floor with hugging workers–aces.
Comment by David Ormsby Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 2:58 pm
—remove certain coverage mandates, and allow health maintenance organizations to place reasonable deductible costs on their policies. —
That sounds fantastic /snark
Comment by Jimbo Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 3:07 pm
===Sweet ad. If it was from someone other than Giannoulais, it is a winner. Coming from Giannoulais, it is ridiculous.===
As much as it pains me to agree with you, VanillaFriend, I do in this instance. I liked the last ad which was quite similar to this one however it doesn’t make a lot of sense to me to open the banking can of worms. He’ll have plenty of time to talk about banks when Cap’n Kirk spends millions of dollars on negative ads come GE season.
Comment by Obamarama Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 3:29 pm
Dillard’s zero based budgeting and freezing expenditures are great ideas…on paper. The problem arises when converting the budget into operating results. It’s execution that drives performance, not grandiose plans. Unfortunately, neither Blagojevich or Quinn have been able to deliver exceptional performance, although Blagojevich staff did succeed in operating state government with 13,000 fewer state employees than either Ryan or Edgar. However, Blago and Filan gave up the gains in generous AFSCME contracts.
Quinn has good intentions and no shortage of plans, as his TAB report detailed, but he has been unable to execute the management plan. The result will become evident next Spring when most of his state agencies won’t have enough FY10 appropriation to make payroll through May 2010.
Comment by Louis Howe Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 3:38 pm
I agree with robroy, 1:50. Dillard’s plans do sound like Edgar policy wonk stuff and that’s good.
Comment by One of the 35 Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 4:13 pm
Dillard wants to freeze spending at 2010 levels?? Won’t that just lock in all the over-spending and keep our debt level recklessly high? That doesn’t sound like a much of a plan, and certainly doesn’t address the current problem.
Comment by Whatever Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 4:56 pm
This is a great plan by Dillard. More importantly - he is the only candidate that actually has a track record to get things done and legislation passed. It’s time we all come together and realize Kirk Dillard is our next governor.
Comment by Alice Waters Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 5:02 pm
The thing that is most impressive about Dillards plan is that he has the experience and know-how to get it through the legislature!
Comment by Johny Lepp Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 5:03 pm
Now that all the campaign staffers have painted Dillard as the second coming or a disaster in waiting, let’s get real. No economic plan will be universally hailed as the answer to all our problems. We’re in too complicated of an era to expect miracles. What I do like about Dillard’s plan is that it is well-thought out, shows an understanding of how government actually works, provides starting points for further discussion, and has intellectual integrity.
Whether you agree with what he says or not, this is a really good effort and speaks well for his operation.
Comment by Middle of the Road Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 5:19 pm
Dillard has 4th place locked up and no warmed over Edgar/Topinka mush plan is going to change that.
Comment by Curt Fellini Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 5:22 pm
Noticed he fixed the “language of the bod” prob he had earlier. Better.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 5:31 pm
I obviously like Kirk Dillard, I make no bones about it. I think he represents the sort of public official we need more of. I like his economic development plan, it is well thought out and fairly comprehensive. I believe much of it could actually be accomplished.
To the extent, though, that he speaks to the budget, there are no numbers, and there is a reason for that. The numbers simply can’t be made to add up.
Freezing spending at the 2010 level keeps you from having to discuss, at least for now, what you would cut to get down to a sustainable spending level. Unfortunately, our revenues in 2011 are going to be, counting the disappearance of the stimulus money, short by about $5-7 billion dollars of supporting the 2010 spending level. And, spending for ‘11 is going to face $800 million in new debt service for the short-term pension borrowing and I believe roughly another $800 million to plug the gap for the 2010 underfunding of group insurance and Medicaid. So, to hold spending to the 2010 level would actually require it be cut by $1.6 billion not counting the 800 pound elephant in the room.
I don’t pretend to make the effort to keep up with specific numbers anymore, but most of this can be discussed in pretty broad brush strokes.
We are not bringing in enough money this year to support our level of spending. I really don’t think anyone would debate that. Although Illinois usually trails the nation out of recessions, let’s be really generous and say base revenues will grow by $800 in ‘11. We’ve already seen that we have at least $1.6 billion in new ‘11 expenses. Then we have to replace the stimulus money, which is being used to pay for base spending in 2010. And then, we get to replace $3.2 billion of the pension payment that is being paid out of one-time revenues this year. It doesn’t require a CPA to do the very rough math. It can’t be made to fit. And, of course, none of that includes the couple of hundred million it takes to fund the union contracts, the unavoidable cost growth in group insurance, the growth in pension payments the ‘95 schedule requires, etc etc.
Why do you suppose that Governor Quinn is talking about cutting 5-15% of 2010 spending in 2011? Why is he proposing to raise taxes. And Hynes is proposing roughly the same. Do you suppose they have developed death wishes? No, they are acknowledging reality.
We have to insist that out Gubernatorial candidates show us the numbers this year, not just good ideas.
Comment by steve schnorf Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 6:29 pm
As part of the team that was asked by Sen. Dillard to help craft a real plan, I can tell you that it was done internally and I was impressed by Kirk’s vision and thought. He had economists, business leaders, economic development officials, budget experts and more. Dillard actively participated in every meeting and call. I was flattered to be asked to participate in this multi-month process and Dillard’s dedication and experience clearly show he is best suited to step in and lead.
He didn’t want a simple 5 point generic plan like most candidates designed only for a headline to put in a commercial. It clearly show that he is serious and focused on jobs and the economy.
Comment by 4 percent Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 7:02 pm
While Mr. Schnorf certainly extremely well versed on budget matters, in reading Senator Dillard’s plan its clear that it’s intended to be a job-creation overview, not how to fix the budget. While addressing the budget problems must be a part of it, Dillard clearly did a really good job of balancing practical concerns with political realities. For example, I think it was really smart to suggest a 2010 freeze date to bring tax eaters to the table. A dramtically earlier date (like McKenna’s) would probably be a non-starter. It’s those little nuances that make this a smart plan.
Remember what Gen. Eisenhower said (paraphrased): “Plans are nothing…PLANNING is everything.”
Comment by Giannelli Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 7:27 pm
==I love S. Illinois, but y’all wait for others too much, in my own opinion.==
I think it’s ingrained down here. From Ken Gray to Paul Simon to….? Now that people may actually realize their mining jobs are not coming back, maybe they will do the smart thing: move to somewhere else and come back occasionally to visit. Those that are left are fighting over the crumbs….
Comment by Vote Quimby! Wednesday, Dec 9, 09 @ 11:47 pm
Zero-based budgeting…what a novel idea…I agree with an earlier comment that the paper had common sense ideas/solutions and it was easy to read.
I also appreciate Dillard’s awareness of CFAR issues. Brady, the only one not from the Chicagoland area, didn’t include anything on agriculture. Brady also said it was his “statewide jobs tour” yet he only went to Chicago to discuss his plan.
Even though Dillard is from the Chicagoland area, I think this plans shows his awareness of issues throughout the state.
Comment by Republican Mom Thursday, Dec 10, 09 @ 7:56 am
Another really solid ad from Alexi’s team. The only issue that will matter over the next 12 months will be jobs. Compare Alexi’s ad to Hoffman staring straight into the camera, blinking feverishly with his stiff hair extolling his own virtues. He can talk all he wants about reform. Voters don’t care when they can’t find a job or are afraid they are going to lose the one they have. Hey Hoffman, a couple of memos does not a reformer make.
Comment by Laborguy Thursday, Dec 10, 09 @ 10:29 am
Giannoulias new ad???? At first I stopped watching it because I thought it was the same as the last. About 20 of the 30 seconds uses the same audio and video as the last ad… The same footage of him with the workers and their same statements. They even used the same closing line! It is “we need more people like Alexi in politics, a person that cares”. Yada yada yada. I would give it a 3. Giannoulias should have come up with a new ad with all that money he’s got.
Comment by Ted Thursday, Dec 10, 09 @ 1:47 pm
Rich- Are you kidding…do you honestly think Alexi is going to create jobs if he gets elected to the senate? Tell me one senator who EVER created a job..He ain’t runnin’ for governor. I love Dick Durbin whose wonderful for Illinois but he didn’t get us any jobs either…
Its all white noise when they promise jobs. You are so smart..I can’t believe you are falling for this empty, typical, political promise that will never be delivered
Comment by gayguy in lakeview Thursday, Dec 10, 09 @ 4:11 pm
Did I say he would? But these things need to be debated and he, unlike his top Dem opponent, is doing that.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Dec 10, 09 @ 4:17 pm
Rich, who do you think his top Dem opponent is?
Comment by Ted Thursday, Dec 10, 09 @ 7:33 pm