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Afternoon shorts
Thursday, Mar 9, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller · I posted this below, but it’s way buried. House GOP Leader Tom Cross will endorse Judy Topinka today, along with about 22 of his members. · Charles Box was finally confirmed today as ICC chairman. · No CTA strike until April 9 - right after the General Assembly adjourns. · “Pro-family” groups deem guv’s budget “unacceptable.” · Zorn drops his two cents into the Nation of Islam fiasco. Here’s a suggestion, offered to me by a friend: The governor should generate a statement of tolerance, respect and fairness that pointedly but perhaps not specifically repudiates remarks such as those made by Farrakhan. Then he should risk offending any closet anti-Semites and homophobes on the commission by demanding that all members sign it or be given a swift and deserving boot.
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- Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 1:11 pm:
Nice idea, Zorn. One standard, applied equally to all members of the Commission. Sounds like a winner.
- DOWNSATE - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 1:19 pm:
Blago will only approve it if it does one of two things.One if it gives him a better chance at re-election.Two if it puts more money in his war chest.
- ron - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 1:25 pm:
sounds like judy topinka has the nomination going her way. cross is jumping on the bandwagon. nothing like going with the winner, even if it is late in the primary. as i stated in a previous post topinka 36% brady 25% oberwies 20% gidwitz 15% others 4% blago gets 68% edwin 30% others 2%
- southernilrepub - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 1:36 pm:
Rich,
Which members of HRO are endorsing?
- grand old partisan - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 1:38 pm:
Regarding Cross’s endorsement of JBT – I was under the impression that he has already endorsed her, or at least made comments that would make this endorsement anything but a surprise.
Re Zorn: I agree with YDD that his proposal sounds like the next-best thing to a perfect resolution. I encourage everyone to read the entire column. I only wish I could articulate the case that well……guess that’s why he makes the big bucks!
- Skeeter - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 1:54 pm:
Apparently, it is “Pro-Family” to be against early education and against health care screenings for children.
I differ on those issues. I believe that education is good and I believe that children should have access to quality health care and should receive screenings for health issues.
According to the “Pro-Family” group, I am “Anti-Family.”
I hear they are going to be issuing a press release Friday officially stating that “up” is now “down.”
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 2:26 pm:
Ron -
Hate to dissappoint you, but from what I here, the latest tracking polls have Topinka dropping like a rock and Oberweis gaining quickly.
Topinka’s early lead appears to be evaporating rather quickly, as anybody whose watched the debates can understand. She’s simply undistinguished, which was made apparent when asked what could be done to trim the budget. You’d think as State Treasurer, she would be head and shoulders above everybody on budget issues, but all she could mention was “cut Medicaid”, the same idea her competitors had already mentioned.
Not to mention the heavy negative t.v. ads, and the phone calls and direct mail that we haven’t even heard about.
GOP — it’s nice to be back on the same side of the debate with you again.
- Hon. John Fritchey - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 2:32 pm:
Guys,
For what it’s worth, I gave that idea, almost verbatim to one of the leaders in the Jewish community two weeks ago while we were in Springfield, early in the day before Sen. Silverstein’s press conference (which people were trying frantically to avert), as a potential means of equitably addressing this whole fiasco at the front end. I was informed later on that the Governor’s office was apprised of the concept. Apparently, they didn’t think much of it at the time.
- Hon. John Fritchey - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 2:33 pm:
I am in no way trying to take sole ownership of the idea, I think a lot of people were of a similar mind. My only point is that it was on the table.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 2:41 pm:
Rep. Fritchey -
Jumping out a third story window seems crazy when you smell smoke, but makes a lot more sense when the fire is outside your bedroom door.
Perhaps they will reconsider.
- ISU REP - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 3:01 pm:
YDD:
Would these perhaps be Oberweis tracking polls, because I have it from good authority from the Martin Campaign that hes going to win in a landslide…Let’s be realistic here…the Milk Man is crashing and burning like the Hindenberg. Maybe this will be the last time he embarasses himself and the party by running for office. YIPPEE!
- ONE M.C.M.A.D - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 3:07 pm:
YDD, there is no need to consider common sense. Simultaneous, even if you don’t have CS, and someone tells you a logical solution, more CS. To ignore common sense means there is a lack of and further points to ignorance.
- Rahm - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 3:11 pm:
Skeeter’s a broken record. I almost hesitate to comment on him as it just draws attention to his idiotic posts.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 3:25 pm:
ISU REP -
No, it’s a third party tracking poll.
ONE M.C.M.A.D. -
For once, I don’t know what to say.
GOP-
I agree with you on Cross’s endorsement — old news. I did find it interesting that half of his caucus is NOT endorsing Topinka. If they can’t get the insiders to all line up, Topinka is in big trouble.
- grand old partisan - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 3:49 pm:
YDD, can you provide us with some more specific information about the results of this tracking poll?
- Anon - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 4:10 pm:
Just came from an event with the Gov and he got a little testy today when pushed on this issue, but still managed to say nothing meaningful.
- grand old partisan - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 4:18 pm:
In the spirit of Rep. Fritchey, I’d like to note many of the other things Zorn mentioned in his columns were points I was arguing yesterday - that Johnson’s “grumbling that it (Farrakhan’s speech) was ‘perceived by some as anti-Semitic,’ doesn’t count,†or that the “slippery, vague declarations of her own beliefs in lieu of a repudiation of Farrakhan†is unacceptable to “tolerant voters of all faiths and orientations.â€
Regardless of whomever came up with “the proposal†first, I wish the Gov would just go ahead and implement it. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m happy that this whole episode is giving him some much deserved humiliation, but the controversy is starting to hurt the entire state, not just Rod’s image.
- southernilrepub - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 4:39 pm:
Here is the list of Reps that endorsed JBT
State Representative Suzanne Bassi – 54th District – Palatine
State Representative Bob Biggins – 41st District – Elmhurst
State Representative Rich Brauer – 100th District – Springfield
State Representative Joe Dunn – 96th District – Naperville
State Representative Roger Eddy – 109th District – Hutsonville
State Representative Brent Hassert – 85th District – Romeoville
State Representative Carolyn Krause – 66th District – Mount Prospect
State Representative Jim Durkin – 82nd District – Countryside
State Representative Mike McAuliffe – 20th District – Chicago
State Representative Jim Meyer – 48th District – Naperville
State Representative Beth Coulson – 17th District – Glenview
State Representative Sandy Pihos - 42nd District – Glen Ellyn
State Representative Angelo Saviano – 77th District – River Grove
State Representative Ron Stephens – 102nd District – Highland
State Representative Eddie Sullivan – 51st District – Mundelein
State Representative Jim Watson – 97th District - Jacksonville
State Representative David Winters – 68th District - Rockford
State Representative Pat Lindner – 50th District – Sugar Grove
from judyforgov.com
- Hon. John Fritchey - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 5:01 pm:
Guess that’s what I get for trying to add a little light from the inside to the discussion. Oh well.
- ANONYMOUS - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 5:10 pm:
· Charles Box was finally confirmed today as ICC chairman.
WHY HAS CHARLES BOX’S APPOINTMENT BEEN CONFIRMED BY THE SENATE AND HE WAS JUST RECENTLY APPOINTED AND JAMES WRIGHT, EXECUTIVE INSPECTOR GENERAL HAS HAS HIS APPOINTMENT SINCE JULY 1, 2005 AND HE HIS APPOINTMENT HAS NOT BEEN CONFIRMED BY THE SENATE.
WHAT’S UP WITH THAT!
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 5:12 pm:
Frog -
Um, Fritchey’s not saying, “me, me, me”, he’s saying the idea was already suggested to the Gov and he turned it down once.
There are pleny of publicity hounds in the GA. Fritchey ain’t one of them. Fritchey lives by the “There’s No Limit What You Can Accomplish If You Don’t Care Who Gets the Credit” Motto.
According to his website, he’s only issued one press release in 2006, and about a dozen over the past year. Not a Publicity Hound.
- renewerer - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 5:49 pm:
NPR took the commission story nationwide this afternoon, but declined to mention Blago’s statements that he didn’t know who his people were picking. The WBEZ reporter they used as the local source asctually treated Rod pretty gently.
- Roy Slade - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 6:14 pm:
YDD- for probably the very first time, I agree with your above statement: “Jumping out a third story window seems crazy when you smell smoke, but makes a lot more sense when the fire is outside your bedroom door. Perhaps they will reconsider.”
ISU- I also have been told that JBT’s polling numbers have zoomed downward. However, that was from another candidates poll (but it does match up with numbers I have heard last weekend).
I am not saying that she will lose- but I am sure the puckering going on is significant. I am also told that even though the milkmans negatives are through the roof- he is still tracking in the low 20’s- which puts him in the game. I hope that it is only a glitch, as he is obviously our weakest candidate. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 6:42 pm:
Roy - Thanks. I’m sure we’ll agree on something else soon. I’m for campaign finance reform, how ’bout you?
I always thought that Brady was the candidate that matched up best against Blagojevich, except he drifted too far to the right for Illinois with intelligent design, prayer in schools, no rape/incest exception for abortion, and “marriage is for pro-creation”. He was especially far Right given Oberweis’s lock on the Right’s endorsement.
My guess, either JBT or one of her backers cut a deal with him to stay in the race, or he’s already thinking about running against Durbin.
Either way, if Roeser is smart, he’ll call Brady, show him the polls, and promise him the moon if he’ll drop out and endorse Oberweis.
Speaking of cutting deals, how about Brady getting the Illinois State Rifle Association endorsement insead of Topinka? The wheels are definitely falling off the Topinka campaign.
- Bubs - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 6:50 pm:
YDD, you are crowing/spinning a bit too much about JBT. It’s beginning to look forced.
Worried for Blago?
- Mr. ANON - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 7:12 pm:
Speaking of Fritchey ..Alexander “Alexi” G. decided to take some more casino $….this time from the Flynn Family of Emerald Casino fame. One might think getting with the shady Florida money a weeks ago would have taught him a lession, The Fritchmeister gets credit ’cause Alexi give “credit” for the 5 point ethics plan he unveiled during the 7 minute State House conference today.
- B Hicks - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 7:17 pm:
Hey Bubs, there you go again.
As soon as someone criticizes Judy, you label it spin, or that we’re just plain terrified that she is going to win.
Dude, regardless of what you say, or what you try to spin, she is barely hanging in there with those three clowns.
If you’re so confident, why don’t you sit back, relax, quit monitoring this blog, and wait for her to win. When she does, you can post the old, told you so, comment. You’re the one that sounds worried.
All she has to do is win the primary, after that it’s a walk to the mansion. The indictments are going to take care of Rod, remember.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 7:33 pm:
anon 6:34 - Pretty tough talk for someone who goes by “anon”. Have you pulled the trigger on running statewide? Didn’t think so.
Besides, why would Fritchey want to run statewide? He likes his neighborhood and his law practice, and he’d have to give both up. To be treasurer? It’s a dead-end job, at least for now.
Bubs-
I have to admit I was a little worried for Rod, until I saw the current GOP field up on stage. I’m in the camp right now who believes that probably only Patrick Fitzgerald can beat Blagojevich.
But I do believe in evolution, and I think the only way my party will ever get better is if your party gets better. Topinka is a textbook example of The Peter Principle, and she’s constipated your party’s progress. Once you guys purge yourselves of Topinka, you will make room for more principled candidates, which will force our candidates to be more principled. In the end, no matter which side wins, I think we all do.
In short, I’d rather have a principled, conservative GOP Governor than a weaselly, moderate GOP Governor.
I was really shocked though that the ISRA didn’t endorse Topinka. They’ve been in her camp for years. Brady is actually a hunter, but something tells me that there is more to it than that. There almost always is when Vandermyde is involved.
- Six Degrees of Separation - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 7:37 pm:
This is an unusual election year in that there is an apparent opportunity vote available for the Repubs of disaffected Dems that will either stay home, make no mark in the Gov ballot position, or even vote R, in protest of the last 4 years and the perceived arrogance and slights of the current Occupant.
And in a blue state, a coalition of sorts will need to be assembled if any potential challenger is to pull off the upset.
This plain fact would seem to eliminate Oberweis right out of the gate. It simply ain’t gonna happen with the numbers. In this sense, he’s in the same neighborhood as Andy Martin.
Brady, despite his right-of-IL platform, could use some Reaganesque charm to get the independents and the center. He hasn’t seemed to appeal to disaffected Dems and suburban swing voters yet, IMO.
Gidwitz has the money, and possibly fairly good positioning on the issues to gain more than he loses, but his lack of pizzazz has translated into a stagnant campaign.
That leaves JBT, and it is a calculated gamble by her endorsers that she will have enough name recognition, appeal to female, independent, suburban and disaffected Dem voters to put together that coalition, despite the negative baggage that she carries.
For me, that’s it in a nutshell. GRod is still in a good position as things stand today, but he would be advised to not take on too many more “male bimbo eruptions” like “CommissionGate” if he wants to holds on to whatever standing he has now.
- Six Degrees of Separation - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 7:44 pm:
YDD-
Your combining “The Peter Principle” and “Topinka” in the same sentence nearly made me spit my Coke into the monitor.
- Bubs - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 7:50 pm:
Hey Hicks, just cool down ol’ buddy, it’s only March and the GOP Primary. Just wait until I really get start pasting Blago Boy next month!
Speaking of stalking, Hicks, I notice a pattern that when I post I can usually count on some silly personal blather back from you. The last two times it has taken you 25 and 27 minutes, respectively, after my post. So who is the “monitoring” psycho here?
FYI, I hear of tracking polls that show only Gidwitz is moving, at about a half a million bucks a point. JBT, Oberweis and Brady are approximately the same since Feb. and a fairly large undecided remains, due to a lack of interest. I suspect that is why Topinka is pulling out of further debates. It is hardly the move of a losing candidate.
- A.J. Pierzynski - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 7:58 pm:
Sometimes, even if the ball is clearly caught, you have to run to first. Even if some call it cheating. That’s why I like Oberweis, he’s the kind of guy that would run to first, no matter what.
- Former Minion - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 8:09 pm:
Some of you people (one person?) are so fixated with Fritchey, it’s kind of creepy. All he did was offer some insight on the TOPIC of this thread (do you even remember what it was), and you go off on him.
As for him being smart, with degrees from Michigan and Northwestern, and a teaching stint at Northwestern, it’s kind of hard for you to go with that argument. (Although maybe it would be smarter for him to stay out of these childish exchanges) And you wonder why no other legislators post under their names here. Way to foster more dialogue with the electeds.
YDD had it right about the Treasurer’s race, and Fritchey even laid it out on his blog, Fritchey looked at it long and hard after trying to get several OTHER Dems to run for the seat, and decided he didn’t want to run. Real egotistical. You would have said the same crap if he did run. Idiot(s).
I’ve known Fritchey for a while now, and I’m sure he would have no reluctance to take up your concerns with you, which is kind of hard to do, when you hide behind a keyboard.
Keep up the good work Rep. (But maybe skip the posting, can’t be worth the grief.)
- Bubs - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 8:30 pm:
Hey, Rich! I just saw that the FTN websites have a new target . . . YOU!!! Apparently, you and Carol Marin are part of a pro-Topinka apologist cabal.
Congratulations! You aren’t anybody in this state until you have been smeared by that crowd.
Young Man, I don’t want to hear about Jack Roeser (or Tom Roeser) finding you hiding under their beds. Besides, there isn’t much room down there anyway, what with all the homosexuals, Moderate Republicans, and NOW members taking up all the floor space.
- anon - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 8:33 pm:
Don’t worry he’s taking care of it….I feel better now
http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/panel09.html
and
http://www.sj-r.com/extras/breaking/index.asp#1080
- B Hicks - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 8:46 pm:
Yep, Bubs, you figured me out. I sit, eyes glued to the monitor, awaiting your next posting with great eagerness. I can’t help it; your writings are like that of Holmes.
Logic is logic. That’s all I say.
I do spend too much time here.
- anon - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 8:54 pm:
A vain attempt by Cross to salvage a JBT campaign that never really took off ! Think they’re a little worried !? Sorry for the reality check but she’s in trouble. Oby just keeps “self destructing” while tearing her down with his “Ah Ha –gotcha” sensationalized retoric. Too bad … JBT is a nice gal, great treasurer but not a governor. She’s played dodge ball with the voters, showing up where she’s comfortable, dodging the questions & issues. 14 years in the legislature & 3 terms as treasurer would polish it up but doesn’t. Haven’t heard anything exciting or new from her, Oby or Gid. Just because you can balance the a check book doesn’t make you the CEO. And I see people are back on that “Brady made a deal” scheme again…Geeezzz haven’t they figured out he’s running to win this & may just do that.
- Papa Legba - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 8:55 pm:
Did anyone else notice that JBT is looked rather gaunt last night? Were her clothes too big, has she lost weight or is she ill? She doesn’t look real good. Sort of weak and burnt out.
- Anon - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 9:26 pm:
I think we’ll get some insight into the race soon. I’m sure the Trib. will do one more poll and probably the Sun-Times as well. I’m guessing that at least one of them will be out by Sunday.
- Anon - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 9:28 pm:
YDD,
If it’s a third party tracking poll, why isn’t it public? I’m not doubting you–just wondering.
- Hon. John Fritchey - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 9:42 pm:
Ok kids, enough silliness. I really don’t want to stop posting here, but out of respect for Rich and everybody else here, I also don’t want to become a distraction on every thread on which I post because of some goof.
For nine years, all I’ve done is work my ass off to do a job that I love. My performance is obviously fair game to be questioned, as is my personality I guess. People that know me know that I don’t take myself seriously at all (I remember my roots, which is a story most of you don’t know), but I do respect the job and enjoy being a State Rep. If you want to call arrogant for that, so be it.
‘Jimmy Froglegs’ I have a proposition for you. You have the backbone to reveal your identity to the community here (in a verifiable way) and I’ll agree to a live debate on the blog. You can attack me or my record and I get to respond and question your motivations. Seems fair enough, but I won’t hold my breath. It’s more likely that you’ll pop up under your ‘name’ or a new one and try to deride me in some nonsensical way for being willing to openly take you on for all to see.
To everybody else, I apologize for the distractions. All I’ve tried to do is offer insights from the other side of the gallery. Carry on.
- political hack - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 9:48 pm:
hey former minion, you want to foster dialogue with electeds, become a lobbyist. As for Fritchey he is what he is. YDD, I’ve seen polling and your dead wrong. It’s JBT, Diary boy (moving up but not close) Brady and than Gidwitz. Latest PRIVATE tracker. Hack that computer boy.
- Anon - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 9:52 pm:
Hack,
Any insight into Blago’s margin of victory?
- political hack - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 10:02 pm:
anon–Blago should get over 65% unless the chainsaw ad takes off. EE hasn’t put over a million on the air as reported. It’s more like $700K. Probably not enough to damage Blago. Just like Rod to step into a big pile od %h1t two weeks out–offending many of the best voting blocks for the dems–jews,gays and blacks! Guess he needed help with the white ethnics!
- James T Kirk - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 10:03 pm:
Hey Jimmy Froglegs, Rep Fritchey is a good guy. He has the guts to say what he thinks on here and his own blog. As far as the political lumber in Springfield goes he’s one of the best. Hey Rich, what up with you and Tom Roeser, you guys gonna rumble ? I would like to hear you on his radio show.
- Anon - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 10:05 pm:
Hack,
Is your 65% figure based on judgement or have you seen recent polls on the Dem side?
- Ed Murnane - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 10:06 pm:
What’s with the Fritchey bashing? He’s a hard worker, fair, and willing to share some insight into what’s going on in circles not all of us can enter. And he’s not afraid to criticize/chide/question his own party. Don’t drive him away, but encourage others on both sides of the aisle to open up as he does.
- grand old partisan - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 10:08 pm:
YDD: seriously, can we find out more about these tracking polls you referenced? I’m not asking because I necessarily think you are wrong. I’m genuinely curious
- anon - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 10:13 pm:
99%-100% of the Fritchey bashing here is coming from one person. I wouldn’t read too much into it.
- southernilrepub - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 10:28 pm:
I’m not normally one to come to the defense of Demos. In all honestly I’ll respect Fritchey for having an honest an open debate on the gun issue on his blog. Shame on you for being an A#$ and showboating yourself. I just hope that your not a Republican out there giving “us” an even worse image than we have now! I expect something like that from the Milkman camp.
On an unrelated note, Rich is there anywhere we can get some reliable polling numbers!! Please I beg of you!!!!!!!
- southernilrepub - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 10:30 pm:
Rich, your keeping those numbers on the pay site? Some of us are poor college students and we can’t afford your fine publication!
- Anon - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 10:38 pm:
Yes Rich,
WE WANT NUMBERS! WE WANT NUMBERS! (sound of tin cups banging on wooden tables)
- Bubs - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 10:46 pm:
Incredibly, I think Blago’s Commission problem is about to get worse, not better.
If Rod thinks Louis Farrakhan is going to even blink over this controversy, or feel guilty about his anti-semitic remarks, or look to calm things down, he’s crazy! Farrakhan will earn plenty of points with his constituentcy by standing firm, and a larger controversy just means more limelight and press attention for the Minister, as well as more outrage in the black community for Farrakhan to feed upon. The only “common ground” is going to be found by Farrakhan and Meeks.
When I dwell upon the different directions this could take, and how bad some of those paths could get for Blago, I marvel at what a mess has been created.
- Tony Soprano - Thursday, Mar 9, 06 @ 11:41 pm:
Lifelong Republican here but I’ll give Fritchey credit. When I lived in his district about 3 years ago I had a legislative concern and called his office.. I was impressed when he answered his own legislative office phone and listened to my thoughts on a bill. He also opposed the bill and told me he would vote against it. I’ve worked with State Reps before that would never answer their own phones. Hats off to Rep. Fritchey
- anon - Friday, Mar 10, 06 @ 6:05 am:
be wary of newspaper polls folks & don’t judge a candidate by a newspaper poll often NOT very accurate ! in this case is it likely voters, past primary voters or those hard “d” or “r” that vote in every primary election. everybobody’s “internals” are going to be different too. the methods used by campaigns are not always the most “sound” …not saying lying or wrong …just the way they do their sampling & frankly who does it, professionals seeking answers & trends or a bunch of people making random phone calls. it really only gauges message, id ect. the only poll mattering here is march 21 ! good luck & fair play to everyone running !!