68 Comments - right of right - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 4:49 pm: This would be a good move for Rauschie and Gidwitz. Steve will give Gidwitz credibility with conservatives, and Gidwitz has money. - right of right - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 4:51 pm: By the way, this is a double whammy to Topinka. One conservative drops out reducing the number of white men fighting for that vote, while giving credibility to the other social “moderate” in the race. This would be very interesting if true. - Chocoloco - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 4:52 pm: This is very interesting. If Raushy is the LG candidate, he will win even if his running mate Gidwitz does not win the primary. This means that the GOP could potentially be running with a Topinka/Rauschenberger ticket in the general election, which I believe would be very competitive. - Yellow Dog Democrat - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 5:14 pm: I never believed Rauschenberger would hang for long, but I did actually think he would hang longer than Gidwitz. This obviously breathes new life into the Gidwitz campaign at a time when Topinka is still trying to find her footing. Given the problems Topinka has had with PersonalPAC lately, it would be hilarious if they actually endorsed Gidwitz over her in the primary, now that he appears to be in this for the longhaul. I believe PersonalPAC is just getting started with it’s shredding of Topinka. Of course, Gidwitz still needs to figure out how to get himself out from underneath that embarrassing mess in Joliet. - Hector - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 5:15 pm: When Rausy and P. Giddy lose maybe Rausy can then work for the Slumlord and manage his malignant apartment complexes. - Astute Citizen - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 5:21 pm: It seems to me, Yellow Dog, that you’re about the only person who’s still talking about that non-issue for Gidwitz in Joliet. - Anonymous - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 5:31 pm: Anyone who thinks PersonalPAC attacking JBT is hurting her is smoking crack. Maybe at Gidwitz’ slum. It helps in a primary to be attacked by that far left nutball group. And Rod doesn’t want to focus on abortion against JBT in the general — because the only differences are things like parental notification and it’s Rod on the fringes on that issue. - Lake County Republican - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 5:36 pm: So much for all of the lofty standards of Seve R. Seems like he will do anything to get closer to the mansion. After what he has had to say about himself and his values how can he reconcile with joining a so called moderate? What if anything does Steve really stand for, other then himself? - Hector - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 5:38 pm: Hey Yellow Dog: Is it just me or is the Astute Citizen not so Astute? I think the statistics below constitute Gidwitz’s slum a MAJOR ISSUE! • In 2003, 529 code violations, nearly half were immediate threats to health and safety • In 2004, 1,159 code violations – over twice the number indicating a bad situation is only getting worse. DANGEROUS: • For tenants, police and firefighters • Inadequate security provisions • Police responses to property 5 times a day, every day • Burnham neglects to pay for police security contracted for • 7 murders in 12 years, 8 violent sexual assaults in 5 years • Victims include little children • One false fire alarm every 3.36 days. Residents ignore alarms • Faulty smoke detectors, fire doors, garbage chute doors, stand pipes, exit lights, emergency lights, building structure, alarm system, stairways, parking lot, missing fire extinguishers, missing window screens • Burnham is over $300,000 in arrears to the City for police security - anon - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 5:40 pm: This has absolutely nothing to do with JBT - she is and always will be considered the front-runner and whomever she decides to be her running mate will, I imagine, also be considered the front-runner. I think this actually makes Rauschy look worse than it did when he was in the Gov. race. Why would he want to latch onto someone with the poll numbers that Gidwitz has? Money? Not everything is about money (i.e. Gidwitz spending millions and not getting anywhere for it) Who’s Oberweis gonna pick? - ndpotus - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 5:45 pm: Does anyone think this would work better reveresed? With Raushy on top and Gidwitz for LTG? - The Yellow Kitten - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 5:46 pm: I wonder if any of the 8 violent sexual assaults that took place at Gidwitz’s slum ended up in a pregnancy? What would Rausy and Gidwitz’s response be to a abortion from that sexual assault that took place under Gidwitz’s control. - LittleEgypt - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 5:56 pm: Today’s rumor is tomorrow’s “fax”. - Graydog - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 6:15 pm: I was at an event with Rauschenberger and he said some VERY unfavorable things about Gidwitz to me. Bascially, he can’t stand the guy. So why does he want to run with him? Stupid move, if you ask me. Conservatives will never forgive him if he does this. Team up with Obie, Brady…anybody but Gidwitz and Topinka. - GoodbyeRauschy - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 6:23 pm: Wonder if this means Dan Profit will now run the Gwit campaign with the New Yawkers? - Anon - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 6:24 pm: If true, this freezes up JBT’s fundraising in a pretty big way. When Obie goes negative on her, will she have the money to respond? This makes things very interesting. - Levois - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 6:24 pm: This might be heck of a race yet. Plus I’m still saying, “Who’s Rauschenburger?” - Rich Miller - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 6:38 pm: Graydog, perhaps you’d like to share some of those things SR told you? - Anonymous - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 6:58 pm: I agree with Nick, why would Rauschy defer to someone he’s leading in the polls? I always was under the impression that Stevo was the most credible alternative to Topinka. - Mrs GOP - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 7:05 pm: This is what I was looking for. I have always had mimized feelings on Topinka but liked Rauschenberger who along with Gidwitz should have enough money to finance their campaign. I hate Rep Jim Watson and Doug Whitley as possible running mates for Topinka. Giddy and Rauschy for me! - Bobby GOP - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 7:14 pm: Don’t know what there really is to either like or not like about Rep Watson as a runningmate to JBT, since I don’t think he has much of a record on most issues either way… but I do think that the entry of Rauschenberger into the LG race pretty much eliminates Watson from entering, unless he is looking to get a nice job from JBT when her and Rauschenberger are elected. Looks like Whitley will be her option at this point. Probably will help her in the finance dept a little more too. Doubt Watson would give up a house seat to run at this point without a clear path to a nomination. - scoot - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 7:16 pm: why don’t they save each other time and money and both just drop out already. Then, together they can fight for no more naughty t-shirts - Philosophe Forum - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 7:26 pm: None of this matters. Rove’s backing Topinka. He’s desperate for the GOP to have total control of the state. - Nick Name - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 7:28 pm: Considering their poll numbers, this is like that saying about two one-legged men leaning on each other for support. The Fear of Judy is strong in them. - Anon - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 7:38 pm: Isn’t it funny how all these voices always chime in supporting Judy Baar and bellowing that only a moderate can win in Illinois, but they don’t seem to like the idea of moderate Ron Gidwitz being given a heaping helping of credibility from Steve Rauschenberger in his run for governor? It’s because it’s not about moderate or conservative at all. It’s about the old dogs of the GOP who support Judy and their fear of being shut out by outsiders like Gidwitz and Rauschenberger. That’s why they hated Peter Fitzgerald. And that’s why they leap to bash on Gidwitz and Rauschenberger. - Anon - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 7:54 pm: Very smart move for Steve Rauschenberger! He’s giving up his seat, so he has to land somewhere else besides single digits in the Gov. race, and he will be an instant favorite in the LG race. He can’t make a deal with Judy ( . . . yet), thanks to Dan Proft’s recent commentary. (Besides, the Wingnuts would beat the tar out of him.) But if Ron G. drops, or Judy otherwise wins, he can say he is “forced” into being the LG end of a strong, and potentially winning ticket. - ANON - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 7:57 pm: Anon 7:38 How is Gidwitz an outsider? He has been on the inside for far too long. This seems like a desperate move by two mopes desperate for attention! Combined they are polling below Obie…which is as sad a statement as one can make. - ANON - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 8:01 pm: The Cicero, Keyes, Jack Ryan team Unites!!! I wonder if Dan Proft will get the same inflated salary as Calomino and the New York Folks. Keep printing the mail & running the terrible ads. The Milkman is the only true option now!! Pingback IlliniPundit.com » Blog Archive » Shifting Tickets - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 8:11 pm: […] Rich Miller at Capitol Fax, as usual, is all over it. […] - AngryJolietan - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 9:09 pm: No, I have not forgotten about Ronnie’s ownership interest in Evergreen Terrace. FYI the City of Joliet has initiated a condemnation lawsuit against Evergreen. I’d love to attend Gidwitz’s deposition. I blog on this subject frequently. To quote Hawk Harrelson, “cinch ‘er up and hunker down!” BTW Rich, are you watching the White Sox DVD highlights on Comcast now? - Political Hack - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 9:16 pm: Even us political hacks understand no one votes for the gov because of who he/she has as his/her running mate. Rausy knows he can’t win for gov–know he gets to tap into Ron’s dough. I see nothing in it for Gidwitz. Maybe my fellow hacker Lis can tell me why his guy thihks this is smart. Isn’t it kinda like Dawn Clark Netsch asking Glen Poshard to join her. Just doesn’t make sense. I bet it takes most people 2 minutes before they can even think of Poshard’s running mate–why cause they just don’t matter! Hack on that for awhile - Observing Democrat - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 9:18 pm: I’m a Dem but I hope Judy wins the primary and beats Rod. Nonetheless, I don’t think the conservatives will get behind this ticket so you are left with the same 3-4% that were supporting Gidwitz plus whoever else they can mop up until March. I think this slumlord thing is a non-issue — didn’t he own like 1 or 2% of the complex. He probably didn’t even have any management authority. I don’t see Republican primary voters really caring about a slum apartment complex. - SouthernILRepub - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 9:25 pm: It is good to see the Gov field thining, but not in this way. Would have been nice to see the Milkman drop out, he is too radical. This makes Brady look like a better dark horse to slide into the spot. However the announcement for Rauschy to LT Gov, definitely makes things for Poe more interesting and difficult. Prior to this it looked as if Poe had it in the bag. Rauschy is likely to loose a great deal of credibility from the Southern IL people that have warmed up to him. - 4% don't cut it - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 9:31 pm: Jim Watson recently announced for State Rep for all those conspiracy theorists who think he is in for Lt. Gov. He is NOT. Secondly, rumor is that Poe is pulling out tonight. Hard to make a run for Lt. Gov when your own local GOP party doesn’t slate you at the Monday night meeting. - Leopold Bloom - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 9:40 pm: The lions eating their young . . . Poor Nancy. - Jeffrey Isbell - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 9:44 pm: Southern IL People have warmed up to him? I am a Southern Illinoisan and the concensus for Rauschy is: “Who is Steve Rauschenberger?” Let’s see… Topinka is going to pick someone else besides the people already in the LT Race, which I hear is not favorable to the IRP who seem to like Poe. Gidwitz has picked someone else besides the Lt. Governor Candidate. Rauschenberger has “felt the need” to step down and run with Ron Gidwitz (Beats the heck out me, why!). Who’s left? Oh, Oberweis (who is in until November) and Brady (who likely won’t be in past the new year). What’s wrong with POE?!?! I “Think Poe” would make a great LT. Governor and would be willing to do whatever I could do to assure victory for him (as long as it is within the limits of the law, people!) This leaves Poe as a sole LT Governor candidate and Oberweis as a sole Governor Candidate. I still think about those BBQs with Ice Cream State Parties! Okay, so the other LG candidates are saying, “What about me?” Hey, I support your right to be on the ballot even though I may not favor you. I’ll sign the petition and tell you that I support your run for LTG but this doesn’t mean that I’ll support your election. Something else that I want to cover: “nice to see the Milkman drop out, he is too radical”. I would much rather see a Radical candidate with Conservative views running for the Republican Nomination and win then a Radical candidate with LIBERAL views running for the nomination. Let’s see as a Republican, do I want the so-called radical one with conservative views or the radical one with liberal views. CONSERVATIVE VIEWS FOR ME, PLEASE! - SouthernILRepub - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 9:44 pm: Poe, dropping out to! This election gives Republicans even more reason to leave IL! - respectful - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 9:45 pm: I give Proft an A for creativity. Assuming he can get Steve on the ballot, Dan figured out a way for Steve to be a winner in the primary. I wonder if Steve would enjoy being second fiddle to JB-T for four years. - Leopold Bloom - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 9:48 pm: If I were Poe, I would be a little ticked. Here’s a guy who stuck his neck out early, barbecued chicken throughout the state for the last year, and is now asked to step aside. Talk about your own people throwing someone “under the bus.” - ndpotus - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 9:51 pm: My issue is this. Why would conservatives flock to Gidwitz with Rausenberger as LTG? That makes no sense, in POTUS politics it does because a VP is named usually after someone has the nomination, but in this case I see moderates sticking with Gidwitz or JBT and conservatives going to Oberweis and Brady. Lets see what happens - Rich Miller - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 9:51 pm: 4% Don’t cut it: I would’t be too all-fired sure of myself if I were you. No decision made yet. - SouthernILRepub - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 9:54 pm: Rauschy did have a following, he had been making the rounds for the past two years at Lincoln Dinners. Poe for LT As well!! I should clarify radical; Milkman shoots from the hip too much and his runners in So. IL are too overbearing; they have an ability to turnoff people to him. Don’t get me wrong I can’t stand the though of JBT being our nominee. She is our version of slick Rod. Oberweis is just the perennial candidate that can’t make any traction and he will tick off conservatives sometime by saying something dumb. What about his closeness with Geo. Ryan in the US Senate race? Really conservative there! Brady/Poe ‘04!!!! - ndpotus - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 9:57 pm: One other thing, has one heard about Raushenberger passing petitions for LTG? Someone may want to check his petitons and see if they crossed out Gov and put LTG? Just something to look at Pat Quinn did something very simalair four years ago, when he could not make up his mind what office to run for… - roy slade - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 10:00 pm: Poe is a good guy- loyal to his friends, and pretty good with a crowd. But, lets face it, he was not prepared to be a “heartbeat” away from Governor. I think the anon at 7:54 PM may have it correct- “But if Ron G. drops, or Judy otherwise wins, he can say he is “forced” into being the LG end of a strong, and potentially winning ticket”. The question is- is Rauchie that deviously smart? - Tom in NJ - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 10:07 pm: Sorry, this doesn’t make sense. Rauschy, should not be playing second fiddle to Gidwitz, someone who hasn’t little understanding about state government, issues important to conservatives or (for that matter) housing management. I’m guessing this has to be about money and that’s too bad. Rauschy is the superior candidate, though if he (or his staff) can’t get him to stay on the phone and raise the $’s, then maybe I should reconsider that. - Jeffrey Isbell - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 10:13 pm: Let me clear up one thing: George Ryan was the Republican Governor when Jim Oberweis was running for Senate. At that time it would appear good to get the Governor’s nod, however, we know now that it is not good. I think you need to look into Oberweis’ “closeness” with Ryan. Many articles have surfaced lately (/eyes topinkavich) regarding this but nearly everyone has said that there are no ties. If I, as a Republican, speak to Senator Obama does this mean that I am “close” with him or have “ties” to him!?!? Of course not! Wanting Ryan’s nod was the courteous thing to ask for. I attended an event recently and Jim Oberweis and Bob Kjellander were both in attendance. While we all know that Jim doesn’t “necessarily like” Bob, Jim said hello to him and offered him a piece of “Oberweis Icecream Pie”. Does this mean Jim has ties or is close to Bob?!?! HECK NO! It’s the courteous thing to do. Why can’t people be courteous to others without being accused of being close or have ties to them. The Scout Law states: “A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.” This would be a good oath for the candidates to talk as well. I’m a firm believer in being COURTEOUS to ALL people! - Rich Miller - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 10:18 pm: Jeffrey, the two Oberweis/Ryan meetings happened in 2003, not 2002 - the second time Oberweis ran for Senate. Ryan was out of office by then. And Oberweis asked for help from Ryan at the first meeting, according to witnesses who were there. Hope that clears up that “one thing.” Now, back to the topic at hand, please. - SouthernILRepub - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 10:19 pm: Scout Motto: Be prepared! More importantly I do check the facts and Obie has a record of shooting off at the hip. Rich, can you maybe link up some of those Obie classics? - Norseman - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 10:26 pm: The agenda is to beat Blago. The radical right just doesn’t get it. Illinois will NOT elect an extremist conservative. Try working with the moderates of the party instead of trashing them, you will be more effective in advancing your agenda with a Republican governor than a Democrat one. - SouthernILRepub - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 10:30 pm: Do any of these Watson rumors have credibility? - anon - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 10:37 pm: http://www.dailyherald.com/story.asp?id=129278 Another story up… - Bobby GOP - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 10:44 pm: SouthernILRepub - this is from Watson’s hometown paper today… Watson in running for Lt. Gov. BY KARI THOMPSON State Rep. Jim Watson, R-Jacksonville, has confirmed that he’s on the short list of candidates for lieutenant governor to run with Judy Baar Topinka. Ms. Topinka formally announced last week she would make a bid for the state’s highest office, and she has yet to select her running mate. Published: 12/6/2005 - Yellow Dog Democrat - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 10:55 pm: If you ask me, this whole switch is a bloody relief for Taxenberger. He is not, nor has he ever been, a True Conservative. He’s a True Wonk, and it was simply embarrassing to listen to him embrace intelligent design, insist teachers should carry concealed weapons and the assualt ban was a mistake, and speak out against AllKids, an initiative he would have led in the old days. - Jeffrey Isbell - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 11:07 pm: “Watson in running for Lt. Gov. BY KARI THOMPSON State Rep. Jim Watson, R-Jacksonville, has confirmed that he’s on the short list of candidates for lieutenant governor to run with Judy Baar Topinka. Ms. Topinka formally announced last week she would make a bid for the state’s highest office, and she has yet to select her running mate.” To me, this article does not state that Watson is running for Lt. Governor. This article is telling me that Watson is being considered as a candidate for Lt. Governor with JBT. Maybe the appropriate title should be: “Watson may be running for LT” - Rich Miller - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 11:34 pm: Give it up, Jeffrey. I talked to Watson tonight. - Graydog - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 11:57 pm: Rich, I’m not going to share things that SR said to me, because I support him and I’m not into blabbing specifics. If I did, I wouldn’t have any friends left. But I think it’s very clear to Steve, and many other conservatives, that Gidwitz is very much tied to the George Ryan wing and McKenna & Friends. That should be troubling to any conservative who would be asked to consider Gidwitz for Governor. With conservative voters being the majority during primary (non-national) elections, it puzzles me why Steve would form an alliance with a social moderate-liberal. - Kyle T. - Tuesday, Dec 6, 05 @ 11:59 pm: Conservative dream ticket. Brady and Rauschenberger. Conservatives leave Rauschenberger and head for Brady. Gidwitz helps to finance Rauschenberger. Brady finally uses some $$$ to define himself. If he can’t raise it his family members will write a check. JBT hit from three sides with differing visions. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Dec 7, 05 @ 12:02 am: Fair enough, Gray Dog, but I had to ask. - Joan of Arc - Wednesday, Dec 7, 05 @ 12:03 am: You are right Kyle. Brady could be the winner of the day. Those conservatives loyal to SR go where they wanted to go in the first place. With Brady AND Rauschenberger. Brady is running strong in southern Illinois and this just solidifies his candidacy. - blue cat - Wednesday, Dec 7, 05 @ 12:07 am: Heard a rumor that Raymond Poe and Jim Watson are out of the Lt. Governor’s race. Can anyone confirm? - JAXman - Wednesday, Dec 7, 05 @ 12:15 am: What’s the latest word on Jim Watson? I’m in his district and I’m getting two different stories. One says he’s likely in and one says he’s likely out. I really like Jim and I think he’d be great on the ticket. Anyone know anything? - Jill'smom - Wednesday, Dec 7, 05 @ 12:25 am: Headline today should read, “Rauschenberger crazy like a fox” His decision eliminates one conservative candidate from the race. His conservative base heads for Brady. Gidwitz achieves payback for the way he was left at the alter by Topinka and gang. Gidwitz is happy. Brady is happy. Oberweis is..Oberweis. Maybe Rauschenberger is a little more clever than we think. What part of paring with Brady or Gidwitz would Rauschenberger not like going into a general? - The Conservative - Wednesday, Dec 7, 05 @ 12:27 am: This should be called the Dream team or Judy’s nightmare in Springfield: With Senator Rauschenberger now running for Lt. Governor and Representative Poe and Watson deciding to stay as State Representatives, this leaves Sandy Wegman, Bruckner and Kurtheria running against Rauschenberger. This should be an easy win for Rauschenberger. Gidwitz brings his money and the ability to get media coverage for he and Rauschenberger. With the bulk of the Conservatives going to Brady and Personal pack and the Pro-Lifers mad at Judy, I see dark days ahead for Judy. Gidwitz doesn’t stand a chance in the primary but will make a wonderful Pit Bull attacking Judy. By March we could easily have a Brady Rauschenberger dream team to take on the Blago. - The Colonel - Wednesday, Dec 7, 05 @ 5:53 am: Raquschy covered a blunder with an embarrassment, and that with another blunder. He’s through. - Optimistic - Wednesday, Dec 7, 05 @ 7:11 am: What a great team. The merger of a conservative businessman with a long and distinguish list of civic and business accomplishments and an admitted policy wonk with great credentials in the operations of state government. And they both bring to the table a real urgency and desire to return honesty and integrity to Springfield. What is there not to like??? - 4% don't cut it - Wednesday, Dec 7, 05 @ 8:31 am: Rich - Don’t be TOO sure of yourself….you’re not the only one who knows Jim Watson and speaks to him. Believe it or not, legislators often times tell their friends things they don’t tell the press. I’ll bet ya lunch that he’s out. - Anon - Wednesday, Dec 7, 05 @ 8:59 am: The Gidwitz/Rauschenberger pairing will–at the very least–make things a more interesting in the race. While I agree that no one votes for a candidate because of a Lt. Gov. running mate, Steve will be a very articulate attack dog with great press relations. EVERY Republican on the ticket at some time has had a relationship with George Ryan…and Bob Kjellander for that matter. So have a bunch of Democrats. But the Ron/Steve ticket has every right to take the high ground on pointing out the problems the party faces at the hands of Big Bob. And I think that JBT’s apparent strategy of staying out of the debate since she has a good lead may go out the window. She’ll get called out, and that’s where its going to get interesting. The point to this new “marriage of inconvience” (as Kass put it) is that Ron Gidwitz, with his CEO background and mindset, actually may be best suited for being governor, but lacks the charisma to make it on his own. Someone who knows him quite well tells me that the more you hear him, the more you admire him (an “acquired taste”). Pairing him with someone like Steve makes sense for both of them, and I give Gidwitz lots of credit for pulling it off. Will their be synergy? Undoubtedly. Only time will tell whether its enough. - anxiety - Friday, Sep 8, 06 @ 2:28 am: Watch out for pitfalls in securing financing for your business “There is nobody so irritating as somebody anxiety less intelligence and more sense than we have.” For most small anxiety the need to raise funds arises continually. Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.