Question of the day
Friday, Aug 11, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller
It’s Friday, so let’s lighten things up a bit.
Do you plan on attending the State Fair this year? If so, what are you most looking forward to seeing or doing?
If not, you can comment on my latest Sun-Times column.
The Illinois State Fair always produces some fun political stories, and this year will be no different. […]
Madigan will take his feud [with Dem treasurer candidate Alexi Giannoulias] a step further next week, however. The speaker won’t appear on the “unity stage” with the rest of his own party leaders. He’ll be at the fair, but not on the stage. […]
Speaker Madigan’s daughter is Attorney General Lisa Madigan. Lisa will be in Springfield for a fund-raiser the night before, but she also won’t appear on the State Fair stage. A spokesman for Lisa’s campaign told me this week that the attorney general is remaining “neutral” in the governor’s race because of her office’s criminal investigations into Blagojevich’s administration, so she can’t appear with Blagojevich at a political event.
There’s more to this story, so you should read the whole thing. You should also subscribe to the Capitol Fax because I found out some stuff after I wrote the column.
UPDATE: Some of these new attractions look pretty darned cool. From a press release:
· Hometown Pride: Located inside Gate 2 on the Illinois State Fairgrounds, Hometown Pride is an opportunity for communities across Illinois to showcase the best their city has to offer to thousands of guests from across the state and the Midwest. Every day, the history, industry and tourism information for a different city will be featured. Some of the cities include Decatur, Champaign, Quincy, Effingham, Kankakee, Jacksonville, Galesburg, Bloomington.
· The Jungle Attractions: Located just inside the Main Gate, The Jungle features several new animal attractions this year. Additions include Close Encounters of the Exotic Kind, a mix of Royal Bengal tigers and African lions; Great Little Bear Show, featuring three North American black bears; and Live Shark Encounter, a shark show in which divers get into a tank and feed sharks.
· Horseshoe Eating Contest: Located on the Lincoln Stage, GoldenPalace.net brings the first-ever horseshoe eating championship to the Illinois State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 12. GoldenPalace.net has placed a total purse of $4,000 on this Major League Eating ™ event, an official stop on the 2006 World Series of Competitive Eating.
· Drive in Movie: A fun oasis themed like a classic drive-in movie that encourages visitors to sit down and relax for a few minutes while enjoying a cartoon on the Big Screen in the Hometown Pride area. Fairgoers can get their picture taken in one of three dream cars from another decade as they park and watch four cartoons featuring Bugs Bunny, Roadrunner and friends.
· White Sox Baseball Trophy: Continuing the celebration of the White Sox World Series Championship, the White Sox and U.S. Cellular are bringing the 2005 World Series Trophy to the Illinois State Fair. The authentic World Series trophy will be on display Saturday, Aug. 19 in the U.S. Cellular tent across from the Emmerson building on Main St. from 1:00 -
4:00 p.m. The visit is part of a 45 city tour across Illinois and Northwest Indiana.
I love the Fair.
- Way Northsider - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 8:07 am:
Going on Governors Day. Besides the obvious things, the butter cow has GOT to be visited:-)
- anon62701 - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 8:12 am:
I’ll be there several times and go through all the buildings and tents. There will be one all expenses paid trip for grandkid, nephew, and neice to ride the rides and see things. But most of all, I am looking forward to fair food. I don’t know why, but it just tastes better at the fair.
- SouthernILRepub - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 8:16 am:
Republican Day
However it looks quite bleak. But your posting of that poll from yesterday leaves one with some hope that JBT may just still pull this thing out.
- VanillaMan - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 8:30 am:
Yup! Tomorrow!
The kids, sparkling clean beasts of burden, and blue ribbons are waiting to be passed around!
As a Chicago kid, I go nuts seeing the farm animals being judged and you just can’t find cleaner, more beautiful farm animals than at the fair. I will make sure to see every chicken, turkey, duck, goose, and quail at the poultry exibit. And, as a silly annual pilgrimage, I will find the winning “Meat Trio” and break the good/bad news to them.
Which by the way, I sometimes wish was how we treated elected officials; pick them, fatten them up, and eat them. Blagojevich looks mighty tasty by the way - lots of pork around that guy!
- B Hicks - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 8:42 am:
Two concerts, D-day, and a day for little Bobby.
What an arrogant family; Mike’s mad because Alexi might pose a future threat to little Lisa. But, I guess he’s right; dude has a ton of cash.
Who knows what the next Democratic Gubernatorial primary will hold. It could be a good one: Dan, Alexi, Lisa, and who knows, maybe Mr. Dart.
She just lost the Hicks family support.
- bored now - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 8:48 am:
don’t be so hard on her, “she’s daddy’s little girl” (quote from dc)…
- Leroy - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 8:59 am:
I hear they are planning on changing the official name from ‘The Illinois State Fair’ to ‘The Illinois State Fair, Rod Blagojevich, Governor’ this year.
- SilverBackDemocrat - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 9:00 am:
I am hoping I can make it to Democrat day; it is always great to see like minded brothers and sisters. Like Mr. Hicks, I am becoming disturbed with Speaker Madigan not supporting Alexi. I do not care if he likes the guy. He is a Democrat, and he won the Democratic primary. Therefore, he should be included on the Illinois Democratic web-page, listed as a candidate. I voted for Paul Mangeri, but I am voting for Alexi now. He is actually an attractive candidate for the Democratic party, sounds good, appears to be smart from what little I have read. Speaker Madigan needs to get over it, Alexi is a good Democrat.
I’m going to do my best to make it to D-Day, but after reading Rich’s post about not many D’s going to be there, there might not be too many Democrats there. Future Democratic Governor primaries look like they will be very exciting-lots of good Democrats to choose from in Illinois.
- Larry McKeon - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 9:06 am:
Numerous posts have criticized Lisa Madigan for not distancing herself from the Governor because of her role in the investigations regarding inappropriate and possible illegal hiring activities.
My understanding is that she indicated months ago that she would do so.
Now she is being critizised for doing exactly what she said she would do.
You can’t have it both ways.
- Tom - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 9:07 am:
Two words…BUTTER COW!!
- Ravenswood Right Winger - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 9:12 am:
Bow Wow, fka Lil’ Bow Wow, is on stage today! Foreigner on Sunday!!!
- I'll Fry Anything Once - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 9:19 am:
Accomplished: Eating Vose’s corn dogs & seeing the animals. (It’s hard to watch a pig walk–especially from behind–and not be amused. Hamhocks in their natural state.)
Still to come: Going to the Fiddle & Banjo Contest on Saturday. And, of course, seeing the Butter Cow.
- bored now - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 9:19 am:
You can’t have it both ways.
ok, you do understand we’re talking about politics, right? i mean, it’s POLITICS!!!
politics is a medium were people *do* get to have it both ways, all the time. so it’s hardly a matter of one politician or another sticking to their “principles,” but rather one politician (or another) picking one particular principle to stick to, rather conveniently for themselves. it’s hardly a principled stand.
(for the record, i don’t care if lisa madigan is a no show, per se…)
i’ll probably be at dem day again (although i have to add that it was a *lot* more fun being a republican).
- SilverBackDemocrat - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 9:22 am:
Brother Larry, you are correct about what Lisa said. It is the best thing for her to do, and I support her in whatever she does; however, I do hope that she supports the Gov. and does not remain neutral in the Governors election. I hope her people work hard for all Democrats on election day. In addition, my point in my above post was directed at her Dad. I guess he really does hold grudges against people. Nonetheless, I hope he changes his mind and throws his support to Alexi. Then again, there are times when I forget that we are Democrats (my bad, no disrespect intended to Mr. Speaker). Bring back the “one-punch straight ticket.”
- Still Anon - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 9:34 am:
I would if I could. This Chicagoan loves to watch the ridin’ and ropin’ events. Now that takes skill!
- Anonymous - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 9:38 am:
Everyone knows the hatred between Gianulias and Madigan is driving this feud, but I wouldn’t read to much into it and assume that the dems aren’t united. Aside from the Madigan/Gianulias camps, I have heard everyone is working together pretty well. However, I think that as leader of the Democratic Party of Illinois (not necessarily as speaker) Madigan should be there even if he is upset Gianulias beat “his guy†Mangieri. It sends a bad message. Although, I am kinda glad that the Blago people are handling the rally this year… Hopefully, there will be a few small changes to make it nicer while also keeping the tradition.
- Todd Castro(ger) aka Wumpus - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 9:43 am:
Good call little lisa. Appearances mean a lot. I did not know her office was investigating the guv
- Rich Miller - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 9:44 am:
“Main Gate Mel” the answer to your question is “No.” Please don’t do that again.
- bored now - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 10:08 am:
anonymous 9:38am: the “feud” is all on madigan’s part. giannoulias is probably befuddled by the so-called democratic party chair’s lack of support. alexi may still believe that the illinois democratic party is not a personal fiefdom but an actual “political party” in the traditional sense of the word…
- Captain America - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 10:13 am:
I always attend on Governor’s Day/Democrat’s Day It’a a excellent way to get a glimpse of Illinois outside the metropolitan Chicago area.
I particularly enjoy the County Chairman’s Breakfast where you usually hear all the same speakers you hear at the rally. It’s a great opportunity to size up candidates competing in the Democratic primaries.
I usually attend several affordable fundraisers/hospitality events hosted by candidates/organizations.
I’m happy to hear that Mayor Daley may be attending -can’t recall seeing him at the Fair - for a really long time.
I try not to get caught up in the various internecine party feuds. Duirng spirited primary contests, I like to characterize myself as supporting my preferred candidate rather than being agisnt the others.
I think it’s appropriate for Lisa Madigan to keep her distance from Rod given all Rod’s legal problems - I like them both personally - but it’s common knowledge that they don’t like each other.
I don’t know what to think about the Madigan/Alexi G situation.
I’d rather see all the candidates and Speaker Madigan together at the rally regardless of their personal and political differences because ” a house divided against itself cannot stand.” As far as I am concerned Dan hynes is the only candidate who has a legitmate, valid reason not to attend - the health and well-being of his wafe and her twins are paramouunt.
I really wish more Cook County and Chicago Democrats would particpate on a regular basis in Governor’s/Democrat’s Day at the State Fair!
- annoyed all the time - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 10:13 am:
i miss the fair and can’t get there this year - but honestly I don’t see it promoted much around chicago proper nor up north from chicago - has anyone seen ads for it this year? in years past I used to see posters at restaurants and such - haven’t seen much this year - maybe i missed them somewhere?
- Goodbye Napoleon - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 10:23 am:
Not going, but every year I look forward to Rich Miller’s coverage. Do they have funnel cakes? I think there is more to the so-called feud then we know about. Lisa is doing the right thing. Aside from the conflict of interest, I’m surprised more Dems are distancing themselves from the Governor already.
- fair - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 10:24 am:
Vose corn dogs, butterfly pork chop sandwich at the pork producers….. is it lunch time yet?
The fair is a nice change of pace for a week.
Mike Madigan has Irish Alzheimers…he never forgets….. He didn’t become state party chair for the good of the party, so no one should be surprised at his actions.
D-day will be fine regardless. It just gives Rich and the mainstream media something fun to write about. Half the crowd doesn’t listen to the speeches anyway.
Judy gets creative points for her float that said, “Coming soon to the mansion…lights on…experience it!”
- Goodbye Napoleon - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 10:32 am:
arent’t I meant to say aren’t
- drunk politico - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 10:58 am:
Two words - Budweiser Tent.
- Larry McKeon - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 11:01 am:
I have two tix for pork sandwiches. Can’t live without them.
- Long Time Dem - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 11:11 am:
Madigan, in his arrogant old age, has come to believe that HE is the Democratic Party. How dare someone run–and win–against HIS candidate in the Democratic primary! “Leader” of the Democratic Party? I don’t think so.
- FORMER STATE EMPLOYEE - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 11:12 am:
I missed the parade last night. What kind of reception did the Gov get from the fine people of Springfield?
- Schock's Photographer/Operative - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 11:28 am:
I cannot wait to begin building Aaron’s 2008 gubernatorial arsenel.
I can’t wait to get a snapshot of Rod & Lisa disco groove (ala, George Ryan/JBT Polka video) as well as the following:
The Ken Dunkin and Rod House Party Slam Dance (there goes KD’s SOS aspirations).
Tom Dart and Rod doing the Cook County Jailhouse Rock.
Susana Mendoza and Rod holding hands near the Butter Cow.
In all seriousness…if I were an ambitious D, I’d steer clear of the Unity Stage as well as any snapsots near Elvis…never know how that footage can come back to haunt a campaign….hahahahhahahhahahah!!!!!
- Schock's Photographer/Operative - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 11:37 am:
AAAAhhhhhhh….sorry Aaron.
I meant 2010.
I guess I’m not much of an operative.
- Horse Racing Fan - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 1:20 pm:
I’m at the fair now for the next week. Heading over for the first of many pork chops on a stick.
Rich, I expect to see you over at the harness races in the main grandstand sometime this week.
Fri. Sat. Mon @ noon. Tues.Wed.@4:30
Thur.@ 3
- Lovie's Leather - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 1:26 pm:
Thursday=Republican day… I am so there with the Radogno shirt on…
- Little Egypt - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 1:32 pm:
Try to get off the beaten path and find your way to the “Milk A Cow”. It’s down the road past the barns of cows & horses. While there, you will find the best bargains at the fair in the line of Prairie Farms yogurt, milk & ice cream sandwiches. They sell them for their price - no markup.
By the way, the fair parade was to begin last night at 6 p.m. but at 6:15 GoverNOT Hairdo was being interviewed by the Springfield TV people. So does anyone know when the parade actually started and what was the reception for GoverNOT. I speculated that he was going to be at the front of the parade and ride in the car with the Grand Marshal, an Iraq Army vet, so he probably would not be booed. Am I correct? What a genius!
- HANKSTER - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 2:01 pm:
I must admit that Wisconsin has a much better state fair than Illinois does.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 2:23 pm:
I’m at the Fair now. Had a chop on a stick and a Guinness, watched a couple of horse shows (racing was canceled because of rain) and just all around enjoying myself. I love the Fair.
- CrunchyCon - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 2:25 pm:
The little crunchy cons are looking forward to the kiddie rides, funnel cakes and Conservation World and of course the livestock and horse judging and 4-H entries/winners. This year we hope to see the draft horses, too. We LOVE the State Fair!!!
- Lovie's Leather - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 3:33 pm:
Quite honestly… right now I am thinking about the state fair when Ryan danced with Topinka. I remember when I was a little Lovie, and I went to the state fair and saw Judy Baar Topinka, George Ryan when he was SOS, and Jim Edgar… and even Jim Thompson. The state fair is a very nastalgic thing for me… just thinking about when the Republican party was far-and-wide the best party… before the Ryan scandal and various other national events… I just remember how things were and how much my parents loved the party and politics. Now, like many, they are disgruntled Republicans… waiting for another Jim Edgar…
- zatoichi - Friday, Aug 11, 06 @ 5:14 pm:
The Fair - If it’s on a stick, fried, or leaves a mark on a napkin then it is on the approved food group. Boiled egg on a stick, wooooo….. Then again warm night, beer tents, and live bands. The topper, no matter what your physical shape really is, you always feel better when checking out the fair crowd.