103 Comments - Carl Nyberg - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:35 am: Tom Balanoff of SEIU should probably be on the list. - Captain Flume - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:38 am: Maybe Greg Baise at IMA - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:39 am: List more than one, please. C’mon, now. You can do it. - reformer - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:41 am: In the GOP, I’d put the following: * Doug Whitley, head of the state Chamber * Greg Baise of the IMA * Paul Caprio of Family PAC * Jack Roeser of Champion News * Dallas Ingemuson * Steve Rauschenberger of the URF * Big Bob Kjellander, former national committeeman * Ron Gidwitz - Captain Flume - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:44 am: oops, not sure about party affiliation, esp. since top influencers at least try to be bi-partisan for the good of their causes: Greg Baise Jim Edgar Al Ronan Henry Bayer Rod Blagojevich (may be negative but his influence is still being felt) Jesse Jackson, Sr. - Joe in the Know - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:52 am: Democrats (in no particular order): Dave Ellis Mike McClain Tom Cullen Mike Kasper Joann Sullivan Rob Uhe Steve Brown Jerry Stermer Penny Pritzker Bill Harte GOP (in no particular order) Whitley Baise Roper (Chicago Chamber) Edgar Matt O’Shea (House GOP Chief of Staff) Jay Keller (lobbyist) Jack Roeser (Family PAC) - Face Time - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:54 am: Rahm Emanuel Jim Thompson David Axelrod Steve Brown Patrick Ryan Valerie Jarrett Jim Edgar Jesse Jackson Bill Cellini (at one time anyway) Thom Serafin and Rich Miller - 47th Ward - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:55 am: Off the top of my head, Tim Degnan, Victor Reyes, Joe Berrios, Larry Suffredin, Bill Filan, Tom Hynes, Jim McPike, James R. Thompson, Bill Celini… Oh, and Rich Miller for sure. - LouisXIV - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:57 am: For Dems: Tom Balanoff - SEIU Terry Cosgrove - Personal PAC Rod Blagojevich (you didn’t say it had to be a positive influence) Madigan’s chief of staff Jesse Jackson Sr. Michelle Obama (presumably) Mayor Daley’s chief of staff Bill McNary - Citizen Action For the GOP Jim Thompson Jim Edgar Dan Webb - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:58 am: People, kindly leave me off your lists. Thanks. - Stormin Normin - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:00 pm: This is more Chicago centric, than Illinois. Three years ago the list would’ve included Cellini, Kjellender,Rezko, Levine, etc. Jesse Jackson does not deserve to be on this list, but will somehow buy his way on. I’m sure the head of unions from Chicago and from the John Deere and Caterpillar people have some political muscle as well. Here’s a list I quicly threw together. Republicans - Andy McKenna. Pat Ryan, Joe Scheidler, Jim Thompson. John Kass. Dems - Pritzkers, AKP Media, Walsh Construction, Elzie Higginbottom, Fred Eychaner, Johnson Publishing, Rick Garcia, Bill Daley. Independents - Rich Miller? - OneMan - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:02 pm: You can however add OneMan to them But besides me on the GOP side Baise Jack Roeser Mancow Proft (outside of him running for Gov) Denny Hastert - You Go Boy - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:07 pm: Nice, Rich…ask us to do some work for you, then put conditions on it. You sound like my brother. - VanillaMan - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:07 pm: Rich Miller - Influential Blog Master. Andy Shaw - Better Government Association Henry Bayer - AFSCME Jill Stanek - Anti-Abortion Spokesperson Jesse Jackson - Former 1988 Pres candidate David Axelrod - Campaign guy Rahm Emanuel - WH Chief of Staff Ron Gidwitz - Owner of expensive art Jim Thompson - Owner of Thompson Center Jim Edgar - Owner of great hair Patrick Fitzgerald - Federal Prosecutor Abner Mikva - old man with funny name Mike Ditka - Coach William Ayers - Domestic Terrorist Oprah Winfrey - Superstar! Dennis Hastert - Former Coach Louis Farrakhan - A guy with a big church Eric Zorn - Yellow Journalist Michael Sneed - Another one Rich Whitney - A Greenie Steve Bartman - Ryan & Blagojevich supporter Dan Ryan - Famous Deceased Voter - Bill - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:09 pm: Dems Dan Walker Otto Kerner Paul Powell Niles Sherman Cliff Kelly Dan Rostenkowski Rod Blagojevich Tony Rezco Repubs George Ryan Scott Fawell Roger Stanley Stuart Levine Bill Cellini Tony Rezco Patrick Fitzgerald - Bill - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:11 pm: Oh Yeah and Bill Scott on the repub list. - fan - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:11 pm: GOP:Thompson, Edgar, Greg Baise, Dave Vite, Bill Cellini, Jack Dorgan, Jack Roser, Denny Hastert, Carter Hendren, Dave Sullivan, Paul Caprio, Ron Gidwitz, Nuding & O’Shea. Dems: Dave Ellis, Tim Mapes, Penny Pritzker, John Dunn, Balanoff, Cosgrove, Gannon, Bill Daley, Tom Cullen, Mike Kasper, McClain. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:11 pm: Can the snark, please. Thanks. - VanillaMan - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:13 pm: Did I say Roland Burris? No - I didn’t think so. - Bill - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:15 pm: OK, Sorry. - Ned Racnad - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:16 pm: Charlie Wheeler has trained practically the entire press corps. That training affects what statehouse reporters see as news. - dupage progressive - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:20 pm: so, let me get this straight, we’re doing the project for you?? lol. Most of the names I can think of are already listed: R’s — Baise, Vite, Baise, Cellini, Jim Edgar D’s — Bill Daley, Bill Harte, Bayer, Balanoff, Carrigan, Gannon, Maggie Daley, David Axelrod, Rahm, Valerie Jarrett, Arne Duncan Indep. - Carol Marin, Rich, Andy Shaw - Been There - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:21 pm: GOP Duchossois Andy McKenna Jerry Roper Jim Edgar DEM Denny Gannon - CFL Jesse Jackson, Sr Mike Carrigan AFL-CIO Tim Drea AFL-CIO Juan Ochoa – McPier Bill Daley Tim Mapes Steve Brown Alan Dixon Ed Smith – downstate labor Henry Bayer – AFSCME Tom Balanoff - SEIU Fred Eychaner - Just My Opinion - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:23 pm: Jeff Holden - Illinois State Medical Society - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:24 pm: Some of you are really stuck in the past. Alan Dixon? - I'm just saying - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:25 pm: Bill Gainer, Mike Kasper, The Joyces (How could anyone forget them), Tom Cullen, Filan, Balanoff, Burt Odelson (Hate saying it but true) Tim Mapes, Emil Jones, some of the revs on the west and south side….. - Scooby - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:29 pm: Not to be critical of people for trying, but these suggestions seem to be heavy on people who’s names appear in John Kass’ column and/or people who seem like a big deal at Saputo’s. Dick Durbin’s won big in each of his statewide races going back to the 1990’s, Barack Obama became only the 3rd African American to join the US Senate since reconstruction when he won statewide and went on to the White House and Blagojevich is the only Democrat elected Governor in this state since 1972 and I haven’t seen any mention of anyone close to Durbin, and only Axelrod for Obama and Balanoff for Obama and Blagojevich. So let me add Pete Giangreco and Terry Walsh of the Strategy Group who’s big wins include Obama 2004, Obama 2008, Blagojevich 2002 & 2006, Foster’s special and general in 2008, Quigley’s special last year and the Senate Dems supermajority. - siriusly - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:30 pm: In no particular order of course - here’s as many as I could think of who I believe are real influences in their parties (The Madigans, Burkes, President Cullerton and Mayor Daley excluded per your instructions) Democrats: John Gianulis Jesse Jackson, Sr. Donald McNeil Tom Cullen Mike McClain Michael Kasper Elgie Simms, Jr. Courtney Nottage Tom Hynes The Steans Family (sorry Rich) Fred Eychaner Michael Bauer Republicans: Caprio Roeser Todd Vandermyde Jim Thompson Jim Edgar Jim Fletcher - Bring Back Boone's - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:31 pm: Patrick Fitzgerald Tim Mapes Dennis Gannon Penny Pritzker Shelia O’Grady Cindy Canary John Potts Victor Reyes Jim Edgar Jim Thompson Steve Brown Dallas Ingemunson Dennis Hastert Mike Carrigan Ken Cosgrove Mike Noonan - reformer - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:35 pm: To round out my earlier GOP list to 10: * Jim “The Milkman” Oberweis * Joe Calomino of AFP - Will County Woman - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:38 pm: How is Jerry Stermer not snark? To the person who listed him are going just by virtue of the job/title he holds, rather than his ability to protect his boss from himself and others, and make sure that he comes off looking good at all times, or as much as possible? - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:38 pm: Maybe I should’ve asked for explanations. Do you really think Oberweis is an influencer today? Maybe at one time, but today? Same goes for Cellini, etc. - reformer - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:41 pm: Rich is right that The Milkman probably has little clout nowadays. I’ll delete him from my list and insert Fran Eaton of IL Review. - the list - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:48 pm: Good luck with this list, Rich. In my opinion the top non-elected influencers from each party include: Republicans (hate to say this, but I can’t think of 10): Jack Kubik - as former Chief of Staff to House Minority Leader Tom Cross (and he was a Rep). He continues to have enormous influence in Republican circles and is respected by Democrats. Baise - You need him if you want to get anything done related to taxes or jobs Douglas Whitley - He has more influence that most realize and care for him to have Cindy Canary - Campaign for Political Reform Executive Director; has become the person to wave the magic wand on reform issues Matt O’Shea - As Chief of Staff to Cross, he has influence, but possibly not enough to land him on your list Democrats (in no particular order): Michael Kasper - most influential lobbyist in the Capitol; election lawyer extraordinaire who helps every democratic member and some republicans stay on the ballot Shaw Decremer - Works the House floor for the Speaker; top campaign manager for house and aldermanic races; rank and file members consider him to be the person to turn to when you need answers Tim Mapes - The “gatekeeper” to the Speaker; the only person with more power than Tim Mapes is the Speaker himself Sean Vinck - appointed Quinn’s legislative guy but seems to be responsible for just about everything in the Governor’s office David Vaught - long time friend of Quinn appointed special counsel and now director of OMB; like Vinck seems to have his hand in everything and always has Quinn’s ear Eric Madiar - new counsel to President Cullerton and prior lawyer to Madigan; in a short time has become the guy that signs off on everything Heather Weir Vaught - #2 to Dave Ellis in the Speakers office and the go-to person for legislation; helped with the blagojevich impeachment; most influential woman on Madigan’s staff, besides Joanne Sullivan John Dunn and Billy Gluntz - Mayor Daley’s right hand men; get stuck delivering the tough messages but both are respected and a little bit feared Ann Spillane - Chief of Staff to AG Madigan; rules with an iron fist and gets results for Madigan - Anon - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:49 pm: Bill Houlihan John Simmons Pete Giangreco Pritzkers Mike Kerrigan Ed Smith Steve Brown - OneMan - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:49 pm: ok… Jim “The Milkman” Oberweis Is going to play a role in the congressional race and may play a role in the challenge to Lauzen. His pockets may not be as deep, but they are somewhat deep. OneMan Well I am the only sane Republican blogger in the state Duchossois Money and more generally the outsized for the size of it’s industry role that horse racing plays in this state. Andy McKenna His ability to raise the $$$ Proft Perhaps the sharpest ‘voice’ the right has in Illinois right now. Lots may not agree with him but you can tell he has a PR background. Jack Roeser Huge mailing list and willing to spend to back what he believes in. Also plays a big role in Northern Kane County which is a large GOP area in the state. Hastert: His role in Kendall county and the shadow Kendall casts in GOP politics in the western collars and beyond. The Guy who is running against Kay Hatcher who is Kendall County GOP Chair. – Again Kendall county casts a big shadow in the western collars and beyond - VanillaMan - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:51 pm: Rich - you are asking us crazy people. We’re going to give you some crazy answers with perhaps a gem or two in them. That’s the best we can do. Remember, I was the one that gave you Oprah. I’m right, and you know it, but too proud to admit it. Oprah Freakin’ Winfrey - Queen of the Media World. Queen of talk and the person who made Barack Obama president. Now, how many of our other bloggers would have come up with that correct answer? Bill? wordslinger? I thinketh not, oh bearded wonderboy! - Stormin Normin - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:52 pm: Strategy Group definitely deserves to be on the list. Sometimes they get passed over because they often work the same campaigns as AKP. They do have an impressive track record. - dont forget - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:53 pm: For the dems don’t forget Mike Thomson. The House democrats election guru. - Been There - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:54 pm: =+=Some of you are really stuck in the past. Alan Dixon?=== I had to think of some downstaters to show I get south of I-80. But his endorsement, which he still gives out, means just as much to downstate dems as does Edgars to the GOP. - indupage - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:55 pm: Pat Brady - R party chair, RNC committeeman, chair of RNC ethics committee Jim Durkin - R State Rep, chair of McCain Illinois, leader in House action for impeachment - reformer - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:18 pm: indupage: Both of your names are disqualified because both are current officials. See the criteria. - Will County Woman - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:22 pm: Media/communications types are still drivers of opinion, not only in terms of who they are, but most importantly because of what they chose to communicate. For me, I have to feel like the information that I am getting is on straight-up and honest. This list is by no means all-inclusive/exhaustative: Press: Mick Dumke Laura Washington Jack Conanty Carol Marin John Kass Eric Zorn Carlos Hernandez Gomez Commentator/Analysts: Paul Green Tom Serafin Andy Shaw - Little Egypt - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:22 pm: VanMan, I usually agree with you and on the Oprah thing, I will admit that she put forth a lot of effort in helping Obama get elected. I don’t think it will work though for a second term. Opray is losing some of her political capital and I don’t think she’s going to be as influencial the next time she tries. She’s gaining the reputation of one who stands for nothing and falls for everything. - publius - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:22 pm: yes cellini there more government employees and decision makers in place because of him than anyone can imagine and more development deal partners of his than any one can ferret out–an d he maybe the smartest guy of all listed–win or lose the indicted in this state often recover even winding up as commentators on tv—he certainly remains influential–although invisible most of my ten are already mentioned but i would add jim reilly - Will County Woman - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:25 pm: sorry, and I think the people on my list do a good job of keeping politicians in check to varying degrees and in that way influence politicians. - Been There - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:25 pm: At the risk of again being accused of being stuck in the past: Bill Harte & Bill Luking - JonShibleyFan - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:26 pm: Awesome question. Probably not the top ten, but I’ll give it a shot… Dem: David Axelrod Tom Balanoff Christie Hefner/Bill Marovitz Ed Geppert (IFT Prez) Fred Eyachner Penny Pritzker Tim Mapes GOP: Dick Duchossois James Owens (Caterpillar) Todd Vandermyde Doug Whitley Greg Baise Jack Roeser BOTH: Frank Clark (ComEd/Excelon) Jim Sweeney (Local 150 IUOE) Dan Clausner/Bill Olson (Booze and Beer barons) I’m sure I’ll read someone else’s list and slap my forehead and say “oh yeah!” - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:30 pm: Been there, those two guys are some of the most influential and relatively unknown Dem influencers in Illinois. Particularly Harte. - way northsider - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:36 pm: Christie Hefner and Bill Marovitz - davehostetler - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:46 pm: On the Republican side: Adam Andrejevski - Sunshine advocate John Bambenek - Put back Amendment guy Fran Eaton - Illinois Review - what! - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:47 pm: John Lowder has his hands in every budget, every single year. Ultimately his staff puts together most budgets. He has to be on the list - Quinn T. Sential - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:47 pm: No particular order; and no need to rationalize most of these, although quite a few were left off of other lists, I think I could make a good case for any of them being included. Democrats Beth Kanter Penny Pritzker Gerry Shea Glen Poshard Al Ronan Bill Daley John Filan Abner Mikva Marilyn Katz Jeremiah Joyce Republicans Ron Gidwitz Dr. Lois Frels Greg Baise Dallas Ingemunson Demetra DeMonte Bob Churchill Joe Scheidler Jack Roeser Mary Alice Erickson Tolbert Chisum - davehostetler - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:49 pm: Oh, forgot–anything wrong with mentioning Tony Peraica? - Been There - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:10 pm: I am sticking with the older guys. Ex-elected officals except Donavon. Dick Devine Tom Donavon Adlai Stevenson Dan Rostenkowski Tom Hynes And a couple of whipper snappers, sort of. Dan Shomon Tom Binigno Mike Daly - One of the 35 - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:13 pm: Rich: Don’t remember anyone mentioning Mike Lawrence, but he should be on any such list as a respected, experienced wonk. - 15th - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:15 pm: Jerry Clarke - Feldman - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:19 pm: I don’t think Peraica is even influential with the voices in his head. - Machine - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:20 pm: TIM MAPES - Top Confident to the Speaker and Master Parliamentarian. MARTIN QUINN - 13th Ward Political Field General MOODY BROTHERS- Political Assassins WILL COUSINEAU - Director of Issues Staff and top political Strategist - Chicago Guy - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:20 pm: My list is all democrat with the exception of Jim Reilly. Fundraisers: Lou Sussman Jack Guthman Sandy Guthman Lou and Susan Manilow Pritzkers Art Johnston City Hall connections: John Satalic Ed Bedore Greg Goldner Alison Davis Bill Daley Lance Tyson The Sister Agency Board Chairs: Gery Chico Marty Nesbitt Michael Scott Bill Brandt Terry Peterson Jim Reilly I’m leaving out the Obama people like Valerie Jarret but they will be back. - indupage - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:23 pm: Reformer - Pardon the mistake, I read the question too fast. Thanks for calling me on it;) - IMO - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:25 pm: Dems: Wayne Whalen Bill Luking Michael Bauer William R. Daley Tom Lanctot Jim Tyree Tom Moore Hefner/Marovitz Jay Doherty Bill Gainer Reps: Tom Roeser Pat Brady Chris Robling Ron Gidwitz Greg Baise Media & PR: Michael Sneed Andy Shaw Jim Terman Anne-Marie St. Germaine Paul Green John Kass Marilyn Katz Abdon Pallacsh Carol Marin Charles Thomas - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:25 pm: Chicago Guy, very good list - Southern IL GOP - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:28 pm: GOP Nick Bellini - Anon West Side - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:31 pm: The one and only Pete Giangreco - Just Me - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:34 pm: Greg Baise Jim Edgar Ron Gidwitz Chicago Tribune Editorial Board Thom Seraphin - John Bambenek - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:37 pm: You’d think with the shear numbers of politicians, pundits and press that all but plagairize my work that I’d be on the list /snark - Been There - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:37 pm: Rich, aren’t all these lists pretty much like your subscriber list? Either way, there are a lot of names on here that we sometimes forget about. I would rather have this team list over the elected officials list if you took off Daley, Durbin, Gov and the Four Tops. - observer - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:01 pm: I think a lot of these are good. Greg Goldner may be a good addition. - Pot calling kettle - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:17 pm: I’m surprised no one listed the Speaker, since many consider him to be unelected… My list would be the staffers that have moved through Speaker Madigan’s office and into offices (government, lobbying firms, non-profits, etc.) all around Springfield and Chicago. Individually, some are more influential than others, but as a group, the former Madigan staffers seem to be ubiquitous on the Illinois political scene. - redbyrd returns - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:20 pm: Dems Dennis Gannon Jack Lavin Mike Carrigan Mike Kasper Henry Bayer David Axelrod Pritzkers Repubs Jim Thompson Dick Duchosis Bruce Dold Andy McKenna Pat Brady Tom Roeser Fran Eaton - George - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:22 pm: Rich, if you put John Kass on your list I will smite you - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:24 pm: George, I wouldn’t do that, but the Trib’s edit board is going on the GOP influencers list for sure. - My Kind of Town - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:31 pm: Interesting no one’s mentioned Ray LaHood. - George - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:31 pm: Well, that’s acceptable. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:32 pm: MKoT, probably because Ray ain’t here any more. - Randolph - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:38 pm: Pretty much everyone on my list has been listed previously. Regardless, Rich knows who the real influencers are and isn’t asking us to do his work. The one comment I’d make is that it is curious no one has listed a pollster. Without them, no one would know which way to influence. I’d start that list with Dave Fako… - phocion - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:46 pm: A few of the biggest names haven’t even been mentioned here. Hmmm…now that’s really being the guy behind the guy behind the guy. And, no, I aint tellin’. - bill preston - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:56 pm: R Fran Eaton - controls the conservative message Bobbi Peterson - runs the central committee D Kasper & Nottage - best around, whenevr you see something pass or fail and ask how look to these 2 - 4 percent - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 4:06 pm: Dave Vite goes about his business quietly but is one of the most respected and effective folks. - Chicago Guy - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 4:07 pm: I’m going to push my luck and provide a few more names. All dems. Legacy names with clout: Chris Kennedy Anne Roosevelt Assorted other names: Bill Griffin Linda Hawker John Filan Frank Kruesi Mary Sue Barrett George Ranney Plus one Republican Paula Wolff, Chair of the Tollway Authority - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 4:20 pm: The problem, 4 percent, is where to put Vite. He plays both sides quite well. - wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 4:21 pm: CG, George Ranney is bedrock, establishment GOP, is he not? Lost to Judy Koehler for the GOP senate nomination in ‘86? Is Sam Vinson still doing his lobbying thing? - Chicago Guy - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 4:24 pm: Wordslinger, I must admit I assumed George Ranney is a Dem. I was thinking of his influence through Metropolis 2020 and in Lake County. - Politico - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 4:29 pm: These three may take sides on issues but can be always be relied upon for smart and independent analysis: John Kass Carol Marin Thom Serafin - Brian Costin - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 4:36 pm: How about John Tillman of the Illinois Policy Institute, Joeseph Bast of the Heartland Institute, and Joe Calamino of the Americans for Prosperity Chapter in Illinois. - Angry Republican - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 5:02 pm: What about the big law zoning law firm in Chicago (Banks?). Not sure which list to put them on, but Lawrence Msall and that Shakman guy wield some influence - Jacksonville - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 5:04 pm: I like the names that try to remain beneath the fray, yet wield enormous influence: Ken Bruce (yes, still); Jim Montana, James Bruner. - Really? - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 5:09 pm: Rich-What about the head of the Illinois Hospital Association? I beleive that is Howard Peters. And the Wirtz family. ??? - 4 percent - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 5:33 pm: Republicans Greg Baise Dave Vite Jerry Roper Pat Brady Al Lerner Jim Edgar Todd Vandermyde Rev. Bob Vanedenbosch Jack Roeser Dems Tim Mapes - Dems Mike McClain - Lobbyist Mike Carrigan - AFL Bill Perkins - SEIU Jim Collins - ITLA Jack Lavin Al Ronan - Trash Talker - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 5:38 pm: Luking Filan, Bill Mapes Brown, Steve Kasper Cullen Thomson Dave Sullivan John Potts John Lowder Eric Madiar - The Court Jester - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 5:57 pm: one man, if YOU don’t know his name, how can the guy from Kendall County be influential? Please tell me you were joking?? vite, Hastert, Big Jim, Baise, Kasper, Edgar, potts, ronan, Steve Brown.. - GOP - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 6:14 pm: tony peraica - Stormin Normin - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 6:38 pm: Bob Clifford. He’s big with the trial lawyers and he was Cook County States Attorney Anita Alvarez’s biggest supporter. - hm - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 6:40 pm: Jim Edgar Thom Serafin Steve Brown Abner Mikva Dick Duchossois - Thomas Westgard - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 6:53 pm: Rich, this is fascinating. I look forward to all of this being fleshed out a little bit more. I won’t submit a list because I don’t have the background for it, although I do keep seeing the names Phelan and Balanoff cropping up in the most unexpected places. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 7:50 pm: GOP Paul Vallas Andy McKenna Jerry Roper Jim Edgar DEM Dennis Gannon - CFL Jesse Jackson, Sr Mike Carrigan AFL-CIO Bill Daley Tim Mapes Gilbert Villegas-HACIA Ed Smith Henry Bayer – AFSCME Tom Balanoff - SEIU Terry, Jim Allen-134, Masons - LakeviewJ - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 8:53 pm: Adlai Stevenson III Billy Ocasio - RINO - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 9:30 pm: Terry Cosgrove, Penny Pritzker, Jim Edgar, The Manilows,ASK, Strategy Group, Ann Spillane, Bill Brandt - Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:01 pm: It’s really not fair to come in at the end of the day and scribe a list after seeing so many good suggestions (and a few loopers-I mean, really, a couple of these old horses couldn’t get you yesterday’s paper, and if they could, they would want to trade you for today’s and $10.) Therefore, instead of a full list, I write to just point out a few missing names: Francis Cardinal George Dr. Eric Whitaker John Rogers Rocky Wirtz Ty Fahner Lori Healey I would vote ChicagoGuy, IMO, and 4% as having the best lists, fwiw. - ABCBoy - Thursday, Nov 5, 09 @ 12:27 am: Ditto all the above. Rather than repeat many of what the others said, I’ll try to add a few new ones: All Republican based or GOP leaning: John Tillman-Illinois Policy Institute John Tsarpalis–Sam Adams Alliance Joseph Bast–Heartland Institute Denis Healy–Turtle Wax CEO - Anon - Thursday, Nov 5, 09 @ 9:33 am: Carter Hendren - Wumpus - Thursday, Nov 5, 09 @ 9:35 am: Dem -Roland Burris GOP Wumpus unk - Jerry Reinsdorf Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.