* The US Chamber of Commerce has posted a tough new TV ad on YouTube which blasts Alexi Giannoulias. I’m checking the buy at the moment. Subscribers may know more tomorrow. Rate it…
Illinois Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias is about to take a hard hit from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, as the powerful business lobby goes on the air with a commercial slamming the Democrat’s “record of failure” and linking him to the state’s 10.5 percent unemployment rate. “Does anyone think Alexi Giannoulias can create jobs?” the commercial begins. “Look at his record of economic failure: Giannoulias was an executive at Broadway Bank, which was driven into the ground and taken over by the feds. As Illinois state Treasurer, Giannoulias lost $85 million in college savings for parents, causing more pain.” The new ad hits the airwaves a day before President Barack Obama makes a long-awaited trip to Chicago to raise money for Giannoulias.
* If Giannoulias had any campaign cash, he might be able to share this report from Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch…
The financial industry spent $251 million as it sought to tamp down the financial-reform bill that was recently signed into law. Brokerages and banks, which were kept afloat through a bailout valued at more than $1 trillion, spent a whopping $84 million alone. Insurers, which were also battling health-care reform, spent $85.9 million through July 26, according to the Center for Responsive politics. See the latest data at Opensecrets.org. […]
So who were the pigs at the trough? Sen. Charles Schumer (D., N.Y.) received $2.14 million. Rep. Mark Kirk (R., Ill.) received $826,149, and House Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.) accepted $742,445 from the securities industry alone.
“Pigs at the trough” is a great line. Trouble is, Kirk is sandwiched in between two Democrats. Then again, Kirk voted against the financial reform bill, while those two Dems voted for it. From NBC5’s blogger…
Obviously, Kirk is a much cheaper vote than Schumer. Schumer wouldn’t do Wall Street’s bidding for $2 million. Kirk needed less than half that.
Kirk should take that “pigs at the trough” statement as a compliment. No candidate ever lost an election because he had too much money. Schumer is an enormously successful politician who won his last election with 70 percent of the vote, and is given a 100 percent chance of winning again this year by fivethirtyeight.com. Kirk could have worse company.
* Meanwhile, Rod Blagojevich’s biggest radio cheerleaders Don & Roma are shocked - SHOCKED - that Giannoulias’ family bank loaned some money to a company affiliated with Tony Rezko. Listen…
Look, it’s a legit issue. I get it. But these two people have literally fawned all over Blagojevich for more than two years. It’s one of the most embarrassing transformations I’ve ever seen. I’m so disgusted with their behavior that I refuse to appear on that station. Giannoulias wasn’t mentioned in Rezko’s original indictment, but Blagojevich was. Their duplicity is simply mind-boggling.
*** UPDATE *** Ex wives are not always the most reliable sources, and should probably be left alone. But Kimberly Vertolli appeared at Mark Kirk’s campaign kickoff last year and said he’d make a fine US Senator. And now Chicago Magazine has published part of an interview with Kirk’s ex that is pretty darned explosive…
Her marriage to Rep. Mark Kirk (R-10th Dist.) may have ended amicably in June 2009, and the two may remain friends today, but Kimberly Vertolli said that she will not “advocate” for her ex in his Senate run because she fears he is too influenced by a “Svengali figure” in his life—a former staffer named Dorothy “Dodie” McCracken. […]
[Carol Felsenthal]: Is there any kind of insinuation that there’s any kind of romance going on between them?
[Kimberly Vertolli]: I will not characterize their relationship. […]
CF: Was it political differences that contributed to you and Mark divorcing?
KV: I think that if Dodie McCracken had not continued to be in our lives, we probably would still be married.
Oof.
And then there’s this…
CF: What about the rumors that Mark Kirk is gay?
KV: That’s been going on since he first ran. It’s highly unusual for a man to have been married to a woman for eight years and not produced children. And it’s unusual for a man to have not been married until he’s 40 years old. [Kirk was 41]. So people get suspicious. It’s human nature. When we don’t understand something, we want to attach an explanation to it. It’s not an accurate explanation that Mark is gay, but nevertheless, that’s how some people choose to reconcile it.
Vertolli told Chicago Mag that she won’t be voting for Kirk because of his vote against a bill to eliminate “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” - a vote that she blamed on Ms. McCracken.
* Obama could raise big money in Chicago: At the Palmer House, the president will help his protege Giannoulias, talking to a crowd that paid up to $2,400 a ticket at an event a Democratic Party source estimates will bring in about $1 million.
a lot of people who live on the north shore work in the financial services industry and I don’t see the problem with the congressman getting their support anymore than a democrat who represents government workers getting the support of government unions.
Ratings, ratings ratings. I don’t think they really like the guy or support him. Rich, will you appear on my show? It is pretty much you talking into one tin can while I listen through the other. It is a very focused/targeted demographic of one.
The only thing I will listen to on WLS any more is Roe Conn’s show, especially when Ron Magers drops in. Roe has his own political views, which are more conservative than mine, but the difference in his show is that I think he works harder at keeping it balanced in terms of the arguments made on either side of an issue. And, he’s funny. The Wades are not funny. Bruce Wolf is sometimes funny, but the rest of the day WLS is just too stridently one-sided, in order to hang on to the Limbaugh audience demographic they treasure.
KV: “I will not characterize their relationship.”
KV: “I think that if Dodie McCracken had not continued to be in our lives, we probably would still be married.”
That leaves a lot open to interpretation. Svengali figure?
Is it just me or does it seem like Rep. Kirk’s ex-wife alluding to an affair between the congressman and Ms. McCracken? Could Rep. Kirk be the next Jack Ryan?
CofC is trying to compete w/ NRA as irrationally focused mouthpiece of its chief executive and attempting to brainwash its members to be single party, single issue. Pathetic.
Can Kirk get anything clear and on message longer than an hour? Hacks all over the country are in disbelief at the two candidates IL must choose from the major parties for the US Senate.
Obama and his WH crew should have done a better job suggesting to Alexi that he needs to think about another choice in his future.
The ILGOP, to their credit, finally got behind one candidate, but … how about checking out if you are getting a sitting congressman, or Commander McBragg, or at worse, Walter Mitty, who lives in a world he thinks is true, yet lacking in reality.
“It’s highly unusual to have been married for eight years and not produced children.”
It’s not THAT unusual. For one thing, some couples simply choose not to have children at all. Many others have fertility or health issues. My own parents took 6 years to have their first child (and it wasn’t for lack of trying, from what I’ve been told). Marrying at age 40 or later for the first time is also much more common than it used to be. Sometimes it just takes a while to find the right person. Ultimately those issues are no one’s business but theirs.
- college savings hit - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 1:35 pm:
Someone ought to let voters know the average family income of these College Illinois Investors –they all knew the risks and most of them have gotten their investments back–its such a BS hit. For the most part these are wealthy indivudals that had extra money lying around and used it for their well off grandkids
No, they didn’t, because the type of investment was radically changed from ultra safe to aggressive and unsafe. Giannoulias didn’t even catch it. The investors couldn’t possibly have known.
Wow, that interview with Kirk’s ex is unbelievably weird.
The biggest thing I take out is that Kirk’s exposed as dishonest and 2-faced again. His vote to keep DADT was just a calculated political move, for now. He plans to vote for repeal at a later time. Pretty strong testimony coming from an ex who remains on good terms with Mark Kirk.
I also think it’s curious that she never says Mark isn’t gay. She chose her statement carefully and deflected the question. Wouldn’t an ex want to deny such a rumor in no uncertain terms if she honestly could? Just sayin’.
KV: “It’s not an accurate explanation that Mark is gay”
Sounds like she’s sayin’ he isn’t gay. This rumor has gone around for some time up here in the 10th. I don’t know if he is or isn’t, and it’s possible his wife wouldn’t know either.
10th Indy, I’m not buying it. That would be a pretty major thing to leave out. Mark himself has given a very similar round-about answer to the question about gay rumors, in fact nearly identical. I’m thinking of an on camera with WGN-9 about a month ago. Clearly the intent is to give the impression it’s a “no” to the question. But in fact it stops well short of a “no.” Kirk is a lawyer don’t forget. He knows how to parse words.
I think we have to at least acknowledge that a legitimate question is raised as to whether Kirk is trying to avoid being caught in another outright lie sometime down the road. Although I would note that Kirk has previously made outright denials, during the primary for example. And I think that just makes the hedging/question avoidance now more odd.
the congressman has an exwife who doesn’t like his party or the fact that she’s not in total control of his campaign and policy decision making. This is not news its trash.
- fredformerAnon - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 2:15 pm:
I thought the “get the spouse to speak ill of the candidate” was used to great success when Ryan ran against Obama. Perhaps this means baby Giannulius will someday be president?
- Louis G. Atsaves - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 2:23 pm:
Oh Dear! This December I will be celebrating my 30th anniversary with no children. I never knew that I was really gay all these years. Thanks “experts!”
- Quinn T. Sential - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 2:25 pm:
How about this quote:
{Vertolli told Chicago Mag that she won’t be voting for Kirk because of his vote against a bill to eliminate “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” - a vote that she blamed on Ms. McCracken.}
Chicago Mag bother to check to see if Ms. Vertoli is even a registered voter in Illinois?
If not, then how relevant is that, and isn’t that something the reader should be entitled to know if a quote like that is included?
But 10th Indy, any flat denials since the real dustup started over Kirk’s lies/embellishments/whatever you want to call them all started a month or so ago?
I’m thinking not, but if I’m wrong I’ll stand corrected. But I would expect Kirk to flat out deny again, if necessary. I think in his mind he’s got no other choice, regardless of what the truth is.
Usually I’m the first to bash Kirk, but I have to take his side here.
The ex-wife claims that some woman had an undue influence and without the woman, she and Kirk would also be married.
At the same time, she suggests he might be gay.
For a relationship with a woman to break up a gay man’s marriage seems counter-intuitive.
With regard to the no-children thing — not that I call myself an expert, but it is much easier for a younger man to reproduce. After 40, if a couple wants to have children, doctors are often involved. Which also can be very expensive (often not covered by health insurance). Not that I’m an expert. Just reporting what I hear.
Kirk knew his divorce was an issue - that’s why he trotted out the ex when he announced. After her public endorsement, the fact she wouldn’t actually vote for him - and over his tacking to the right on DADT - is pretty newsworthy. It should also be an indication of how far the GOP generally, and Kirk in particular, have felt the need to pander to their base in this election cycle (after originally hailing Kirk as a “moderate” who could work with the other side).
The word salad about their relationship, why his marriage broke up and the long standing rumor mongering is fun and salacious, but not really anything to jump on as news.
Now they are asking an ex-wife for comments?
How low can they go?
I know a lot of old married men and women who never had children. That doesn’t reflect on their biology or sexual perferences!
Kirk obviously perferred to focus on his career until he settled down as a Congressman. That is what a lot of guys do - they focus on their careers until they believe they can provide enough security to marry.
This ex’s comments are worthless and just plain mean. If this is how she presents herself and how she refers to her ex-husband, she ought to remain silent to prevent looking even more foolish.
Typically a male is able to reproduce all of his life. There might be some dip in ‘potency’ as a male ages, but there isn’t a cut-off like that of a woman in menopause. As long as a man isn’t sterile, a man can have kids well into his 90’s or beyond.
So really, I’m not sure what his Ex is driving at. It might be more difficult for her to conceive after 40, but it wouldn’t be a problem for Kirk to father a child.
And as Rich pointed out, there are many that simply choose not to have children.
- Will County Woman - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 3:57 pm:
Ah yes, ain’t nothing like a woman—when she gets angry. Watch out! I wonder what is the Ex’s motivation in speaaking out now as opposed to last year? The hurt/pain of the divorce was a lot fresher last year than this year.
Now that the “is he gay”? question has been answered by Kirk’s ex-wife, I that hope her answer finally puts the (non)issue to rest!
I can’t wait to see what Dorothy McCracken looks like. Usually married men go for the exact opposite of their wives. So, maybe Dorothy is a dark-haired raven type?
- Quinn T. Sential - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 3:59 pm:
Berkely Bear,
If his ex-wife is not a registered Illinois voter, then whether she would or would not vote for him is irellevant, if she could not vote for or against him legally anyway.
She said some people may look at his life and think he’s gay, but that it is not a correct view. In other words, he’s not. End of story. I guess she used too many big words for some people to comprehend
I guess the adage Hell has no fury etc pretty much sums it up in this situation…being a political spouse has few up sides.
It is difficult to watch someone you love turn into a commodity.
I couldn’t care less if Kirk was gay, I just loathe his political stand on all the issues…
I’m no Alexi fan, but is it the Chamber of Commerce’s position now that government should be the driving force in “creating” jobs? A state official, no less?
How about some private enterprise? Isn’t that them?
The only position I’ve seen from the U.S. Chamber in recent years in regards to jobs was that businesses that employed illegals shouldn’t be busted — the cheap labor is good for business.
How Ironic–
Possible v. probable (and also of course dependent on the age of the woman). If both are over 35, often doctors are needed.
Not that I’m an expert or anything.
WCW, Dodie is a blonde, for whatever it matters. I think it’s pretty telling that this afternoon, my blog has been hit by dozens of searches for “Dodie McCraken photo”. I consider that to be a pretty pathetic illustration of where the priorities of many people lie - who cares about the issues, let’s see how the two women in Mark Kirk’s life stack up.
Skeeter, if you bothered to read my blog, you’d discover that the photo you are talking about (the 10th District democrats all smiling around Rod Blagojevich during a Highland Park parade apperance) is perfectly in keeping with one of our major themes (which has been recognized here), which is that the Illinois Democrats (with the exception of non-Blago-fan MMadigan) enabled and supported Blago even while the feds were closing in during his re-election bid. So, that’s why a “years-old” photo is important and relevant.
Dodie’s appearance is a legit question? Really? What bearing does that have on the U.S. Senate race? Please explain.
Great, TA. Let’s all bring up photos of old rallies. George Ryan, heck let’s bring back the stuff from Sheriff O’Grady to PROVE that the GOP enables crooks. All legit, right? No wonder the level of debate has fallen so low.
And the other question? No bearing at all, but it is perfectly human to be curious as to what she looked like. You can say “I wonder what Kirk’s ex-wife looks like” without saying “Hmmn. No that I see her, I’m voting for Kirk.”
And just to torture everyone, I do have a picture of Dodie on my blog in a post from last year, but it won’t come up by searching for her name. So there.
I was at a luncheon with both Mark Kirk and Kimberly back in early 2004. Dodie McCracken was there too, and I did not notice any tension between the women. It appeared though that despite Ms. Vertolli is saying in the article, she was still a Kirk staffer.
For the record, Kimberly did state she supported President Bush’s reelection and had some bad things to say about his then Democrat opponents, so either she was being dishonest then or now about having not supported him.
Somebody using her name has also commented at great length at times in the past few months at Team America’s blog. Perhaps he would be the only one to know if it were truly her or not, but in those posts, the person advocated quite strongly for Kirk’s election and also vehemently denied the whole gay thing.
I’m not surprised to see the usual Mark Kirk defenders on here weighing in and creating more noise to confuse the issue.
And I don’t care if someone is gay. But I, like a lot of people, do care if they are lied to, and we know of course Kirk has been less than honest with us many times before.
The gay rumor thing isn’t going to go away, no matter how Mark’s words or those of his ex are spun or interpreted, and no matter how un-PC and unwelcome such discussions might be.
And it’s not homophobes or right wingers who are mostly adding gasoline to the fire. It’s mostly openly gay men who are saying Mark Kirk is gay in the blogosphere, and not all of them are nuts or Alexi shills. That Mike Rogers for example at BlogActive.com is a very respected reporter. He’s a big part of that HBO documentary “Outrage.” It’s an excellent movie and if you’ve seen it you know Rogers is no bombthrower. But he is openly gay and he hates hypocrisy. Rogers is the guy who did the first really major “outing” of Kirk after Kirk voted against the repeal of DADT a little while back. Did Rogers get it wrong? I don’t know. Just sayin’ what’s out there and it’s not going away no matter how hard some might wish it would. And I would say this new Chicago magazine interview raises more questions than it answered.
10th Voter, to the best of my knowledge, it really was KV, and you’re right, she did defend Kirk pretty vociferously. Why she would even sit for this interview has me scratching my head a little bit.
I don’t buy that Vertolli isn’t supporting Kirk. I think the entire story was condoned if not planted by the Kirk campaign. It’s a soft sell on Kirk moving to the left on DADT and gives him plausible deniability with the right. He’s going for the Log Cabin republican vote and trying not to offend the tea partiers in the process.
‘[Kimberly Vertolli] will not “advocate” for her ex in his Senate run because she fears he is too influenced by a “Svengali figure” in his life—a former staffer named Dorothy “Dodie” McCracken.’
===He’s going for the Log Cabin republican vote and trying not to offend the tea partiers in the process.===
OK, Mark Kirk is a lot of things, but he isn’t a contortionist. You’ve covered Kirk for a long time, so you probably know him better than most people. That said, I think you’re off target thinking Kirk’s campaign condoned or planned Kimberly’s interview. Too much downside, not enough upside.
Also, I do buy her contention that she isn’t supporting Kirk for the Senate. She’s known him for at least 15 years, maybe longer. Didn’t they also serve together at the Pentagon? Given that she knows him best and still won’t support him speaks volumes to me.
47th Ward, if you decide to engage Ellen, who is 10-year Kirk conspiracy theorist, you better don your tinfoil hat, pronto, lest you suffer some permanent brain damage trying to make sense of her anti-Kirk manifestos.
“It’s not an accurate explanation that Mark is gay, but nevertheless, that’s how some people choose to reconcile it.” Umm, sounds like a nondenial denial.
Kirk was having a good week until this happened. I wonder if he missed an alimony payment
- 32nd Ward Roscoe Village - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 10:41 pm:
See Kirk visiting 4-H’ers in the sheep barn at the Lake County Fair: http://wagnerfeed.blogspot.com/2010/08/fair-pictures.html
Too bad the 4-H’ers only get ribbons this year–the state has so far allocated zero to pay prize premiums according to the extension office.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 11:15 pm:
=Kirk was having a good week until this happened….=
Poor thing. Must be the alimony payments.
Gotta wonder how much more “interesting” this is going to get with Ms. Vertolli, Ms. McCracken, former campaign managers speaking out on Kirk’s behalf at Rogers’ site, etc.
And we thought the 04 Senate Race was giving people “something to talk about”!
I do have to admit that Ms. Gill’s perspective is quite “intriguing”.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 11:54 pm:
=Dodie McCracken was there too, and I did not notice any tension between the women.=
Hm. Since we’re all “bantering” on this thread, “popular” opinion of those close by in those days seems to indicate that quite the opposite was true. Ms. McCracken has been well known for voicing some very “strong” opinions of Ms. Vertolli’s “behavior” while supporting her husband–in public no less. Without getting “nipped” for it.
Fred, how do you “get” the (ex) spouse to say something bad if she is not predisposed to do so?
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 12:41 am:
Interesting Q, RFK. I’ll add another to support the continual AMBIGUITY we seem to be “force-fed” from Kirk’s campaign on a daily basis:
Can one even count on “hell hath no fury” anymore in evaluating an ex-spouse’s feedback during an election?
Could it be that we’re all much more “advanced” and “progressive” now? Or, maybe it’s just us “plain folk” here in Illinois who don’t “get it” and are therefore “behind”?
Power is power, after all. Isn’t it?
Ever get the feeling that you’re watching a really good “political thriller” FULL of intelligence and CI?
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 12:46 am:
Throw any elections in some “little country” lately?
That WAS snark, BTW, but at the same time, it could raise paranoia levels just a bit to play it safe–maybe.
Sick of the “ambiguity” yet?
I’m betting you will be by the time this is over. And that’s probably a good thing.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 12:53 am:
=This is not news its trash.=
Oh, that’s precious coming from you, “shore”.
“MR. Vertolli-Kirk” ring a bell? And RECENTLY, I might add, shore.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 12:54 am:
“Post-divorce, shore.” This year, as a matter of fact.
Want a link?
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 1:09 am:
=I tracked Vertolli down last week in New Jersey, where she is working as general counsel to a family-run company there.=
No longer at Baker, huh?
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 1:14 am:
Interesting how Ms. Vertolli blames everything “RIGHT” on Ms. McCracken. For as long as I’ve been “tracing” Kirk, I have not run across even ONE single item that discusses or even sheds light on what Ms. McCracken’s personal views or positions are on issues. As a matter of fact, I’d bet the the “Right” would be hardpressed to tell you who he is because they don’t know–or care much–about the “liberal” 10th.
Something doesn’t smell right.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 1:15 am:
Sorry: “…would be hard presed to tell you who *s*he is….”
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 1:18 am:
As a matter of fact, most of my contacts in DC, including former Cheney staffers, have never heard of her. Something’s not right here.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 1:20 am:
And the Porter rumors are accurate, but still….
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 1:21 am:
Enough. I’m beginning to sound like Sneed.
Hmmm.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 1:22 am:
Sorry, can’t resist. One more: Ms. Vertolli sounds desperate to suddenly start painting Congressman Kirk as a “rightie”.
I don’t think that’s gonna work, hun. Sorry.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 1:45 am:
BTW, ask Flannery. He probably knows what’s going on.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 2:07 am:
=Sorry, can’t resist. One more: Ms. Vertolli sounds desperate to suddenly start painting Congressman Kirk as a “rightie”.=….
…via Ms. McCracken? lol
They’re desperate. Giannoulias must have them on the run to pull something like this. Wonder if a bees gotten into their “collective” bonnet.
The only reason Kirk’s sexuality is an issue is that he seeks the support of full-mooner, prurient sheet-checkers. Their “leaders” (Roeser, et al) are the ones who keep it going.
A reasonable response to the question is “none of your business” followed by a “ask your momma/wife/sister” if there’s a followup.
But if you want to roll with that crowd, you pay a price.
How is it “conservative” to be peeking in bedroom windows?
Which “crowd”, seeker? Dems don’t peek into windows when it suits them politically?
How about those who normally don’t (i.e., a good portion of Conservatives), but when they begin to feel it’s just one scandal after another, begin to wonder about “judgment”, regardless of “sexuality”.
People need to stop blaming sexuality (or using it as an excuse) to paint the town “red”. That’s probably what bothers many most when it comes to electing someone. Poor judgment; not sexuality.
I hope Carol Felsenthal ask Ms. Vertolli in the next segment of the interview if Kirk’s total inability to be truthful had anything to do with their divorce.
- chiatty - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 12:47 pm:
Rich,
I’m with you on Don Wade and Roma. A couple empty headed gasbags.
- shore - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 12:50 pm:
the ad is brilliant, more please.
a lot of people who live on the north shore work in the financial services industry and I don’t see the problem with the congressman getting their support anymore than a democrat who represents government workers getting the support of government unions.
- Wumpus - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 12:51 pm:
Ratings, ratings ratings. I don’t think they really like the guy or support him. Rich, will you appear on my show? It is pretty much you talking into one tin can while I listen through the other. It is a very focused/targeted demographic of one.
- ChicagoR - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 12:57 pm:
“It’s not an accurate explanation that Mark is gay”
Wow, that’s a tortured phrasing.
- Downstate weed chewing hick - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 1:05 pm:
Well said, ChicagoR
- Newsclown - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 1:05 pm:
The only thing I will listen to on WLS any more is Roe Conn’s show, especially when Ron Magers drops in. Roe has his own political views, which are more conservative than mine, but the difference in his show is that I think he works harder at keeping it balanced in terms of the arguments made on either side of an issue. And, he’s funny. The Wades are not funny. Bruce Wolf is sometimes funny, but the rest of the day WLS is just too stridently one-sided, in order to hang on to the Limbaugh audience demographic they treasure.
- bored now - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 1:08 pm:
looks like i was wrong, it’s not just powerful men that kirk falls under the influence. wow…
- Way Way Down Here - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 1:09 pm:
===When we don’t understand something, we want to attach an explanation to it.===
Didn’t care much before, but now I’m wondering what it is we don’t understand.
- George - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 1:11 pm:
“Dodie McCracken” might yet become the most interesting (and most hilariously named) political figure of the year.
Stay tuned…
- The Captain - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 1:15 pm:
Is the press going to talk about a) jobs and finance or b) sex?
I’ll put $100 on sex, sex, sex.
- Wensicia - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 1:18 pm:
KV: “I will not characterize their relationship.”
KV: “I think that if Dodie McCracken had not continued to be in our lives, we probably would still be married.”
That leaves a lot open to interpretation. Svengali figure?
- Aldyth - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 1:19 pm:
Ex spouses are rarely helpful to a campaign. This one just tossed a stink bomb into the works.
- rick - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 1:20 pm:
Is it just me or does it seem like Rep. Kirk’s ex-wife alluding to an affair between the congressman and Ms. McCracken? Could Rep. Kirk be the next Jack Ryan?
- D.P. Gumby - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 1:22 pm:
CofC is trying to compete w/ NRA as irrationally focused mouthpiece of its chief executive and attempting to brainwash its members to be single party, single issue. Pathetic.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 1:27 pm:
Can Kirk get anything clear and on message longer than an hour? Hacks all over the country are in disbelief at the two candidates IL must choose from the major parties for the US Senate.
Obama and his WH crew should have done a better job suggesting to Alexi that he needs to think about another choice in his future.
The ILGOP, to their credit, finally got behind one candidate, but … how about checking out if you are getting a sitting congressman, or Commander McBragg, or at worse, Walter Mitty, who lives in a world he thinks is true, yet lacking in reality.
- downstate hack - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 1:29 pm:
The Chamber Ad. is an A. very effective Ad. in my opinion.
- Secret Square - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 1:34 pm:
“It’s highly unusual to have been married for eight years and not produced children.”
It’s not THAT unusual. For one thing, some couples simply choose not to have children at all. Many others have fertility or health issues. My own parents took 6 years to have their first child (and it wasn’t for lack of trying, from what I’ve been told). Marrying at age 40 or later for the first time is also much more common than it used to be. Sometimes it just takes a while to find the right person. Ultimately those issues are no one’s business but theirs.
- college savings hit - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 1:35 pm:
Someone ought to let voters know the average family income of these College Illinois Investors –they all knew the risks and most of them have gotten their investments back–its such a BS hit. For the most part these are wealthy indivudals that had extra money lying around and used it for their well off grandkids
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 1:39 pm:
SS, agreed. I’m in the same boat. Seven years married, no kids.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 1:40 pm:
===they all knew the risks ===
No, they didn’t, because the type of investment was radically changed from ultra safe to aggressive and unsafe. Giannoulias didn’t even catch it. The investors couldn’t possibly have known.
- just sayin' - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 1:41 pm:
Wow, that interview with Kirk’s ex is unbelievably weird.
The biggest thing I take out is that Kirk’s exposed as dishonest and 2-faced again. His vote to keep DADT was just a calculated political move, for now. He plans to vote for repeal at a later time. Pretty strong testimony coming from an ex who remains on good terms with Mark Kirk.
I also think it’s curious that she never says Mark isn’t gay. She chose her statement carefully and deflected the question. Wouldn’t an ex want to deny such a rumor in no uncertain terms if she honestly could? Just sayin’.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 1:42 pm:
Also, to daVe, who was deleted, I didn’t write the story, just quoted it. Also, I’m on no secret list. Act like an idiot and get deleted.
- 10th Indy - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 1:49 pm:
JS - according to the writer Vertolli says just that:
“He’s not, she says”
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 1:50 pm:
10th, that’s not supported by the actual quote.
- 10th Indy - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 1:51 pm:
Rich -
It’s an edited version of the transcript
- Wensicia - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 1:54 pm:
KV: “It’s not an accurate explanation that Mark is gay”
Sounds like she’s sayin’ he isn’t gay. This rumor has gone around for some time up here in the 10th. I don’t know if he is or isn’t, and it’s possible his wife wouldn’t know either.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 1:56 pm:
10th, I asked the author about it in an e-mail a while ago. Waiting on a reply.
- just sayin' - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 2:00 pm:
10th Indy, I’m not buying it. That would be a pretty major thing to leave out. Mark himself has given a very similar round-about answer to the question about gay rumors, in fact nearly identical. I’m thinking of an on camera with WGN-9 about a month ago. Clearly the intent is to give the impression it’s a “no” to the question. But in fact it stops well short of a “no.” Kirk is a lawyer don’t forget. He knows how to parse words.
I think we have to at least acknowledge that a legitimate question is raised as to whether Kirk is trying to avoid being caught in another outright lie sometime down the road. Although I would note that Kirk has previously made outright denials, during the primary for example. And I think that just makes the hedging/question avoidance now more odd.
- shore - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 2:04 pm:
the congressman has an exwife who doesn’t like his party or the fact that she’s not in total control of his campaign and policy decision making. This is not news its trash.
- fredformerAnon - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 2:15 pm:
I thought the “get the spouse to speak ill of the candidate” was used to great success when Ryan ran against Obama. Perhaps this means baby Giannulius will someday be president?
- Louis G. Atsaves - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 2:23 pm:
Oh Dear! This December I will be celebrating my 30th anniversary with no children. I never knew that I was really gay all these years. Thanks “experts!”
- Quinn T. Sential - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 2:25 pm:
How about this quote:
{Vertolli told Chicago Mag that she won’t be voting for Kirk because of his vote against a bill to eliminate “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” - a vote that she blamed on Ms. McCracken.}
Chicago Mag bother to check to see if Ms. Vertoli is even a registered voter in Illinois?
If not, then how relevant is that, and isn’t that something the reader should be entitled to know if a quote like that is included?
- 10th Indy - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 2:25 pm:
JS
I have heard give a flat denial. Several times.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 2:25 pm:
===“get the spouse to speak ill of the candidate”===
Actually, she didn’t talk much at all back then.
- just sayin' - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 2:31 pm:
But 10th Indy, any flat denials since the real dustup started over Kirk’s lies/embellishments/whatever you want to call them all started a month or so ago?
I’m thinking not, but if I’m wrong I’ll stand corrected. But I would expect Kirk to flat out deny again, if necessary. I think in his mind he’s got no other choice, regardless of what the truth is.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 2:34 pm:
Let’s take it easy on this topic, please. Seriously. Back off until we know more.
- 10th Indy - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 2:38 pm:
OK. I give the Chamber ad an A+. Starkly effective even without the sound.
- Skeeter - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 2:41 pm:
Usually I’m the first to bash Kirk, but I have to take his side here.
The ex-wife claims that some woman had an undue influence and without the woman, she and Kirk would also be married.
At the same time, she suggests he might be gay.
For a relationship with a woman to break up a gay man’s marriage seems counter-intuitive.
- Skeeter - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 2:44 pm:
With regard to the no-children thing — not that I call myself an expert, but it is much easier for a younger man to reproduce. After 40, if a couple wants to have children, doctors are often involved. Which also can be very expensive (often not covered by health insurance). Not that I’m an expert. Just reporting what I hear.
- Berkeley Bear - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 3:00 pm:
Kirk knew his divorce was an issue - that’s why he trotted out the ex when he announced. After her public endorsement, the fact she wouldn’t actually vote for him - and over his tacking to the right on DADT - is pretty newsworthy. It should also be an indication of how far the GOP generally, and Kirk in particular, have felt the need to pander to their base in this election cycle (after originally hailing Kirk as a “moderate” who could work with the other side).
The word salad about their relationship, why his marriage broke up and the long standing rumor mongering is fun and salacious, but not really anything to jump on as news.
- Ace Laredo - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 3:01 pm:
I can’t imagine why the ex-wife would ever agree to that interview. An ugly campaign just steadily gets worse.
- Wumpus - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 3:03 pm:
Also, many consider me a Svengali type figure to Rich Miller. There is nothing improper about our relationship.
- college savings hit - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 3:13 pm:
the money was always in the market–there was no such thing as an “ultra safe investment” in the stock market.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 3:15 pm:
csh, yes, there was. Go read up on that before you come back here.
- VanillaMan - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 3:21 pm:
Now they are asking an ex-wife for comments?
How low can they go?
I know a lot of old married men and women who never had children. That doesn’t reflect on their biology or sexual perferences!
Kirk obviously perferred to focus on his career until he settled down as a Congressman. That is what a lot of guys do - they focus on their careers until they believe they can provide enough security to marry.
This ex’s comments are worthless and just plain mean. If this is how she presents herself and how she refers to her ex-husband, she ought to remain silent to prevent looking even more foolish.
- How Ironic - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 3:51 pm:
@Skeeter-
Typically a male is able to reproduce all of his life. There might be some dip in ‘potency’ as a male ages, but there isn’t a cut-off like that of a woman in menopause. As long as a man isn’t sterile, a man can have kids well into his 90’s or beyond.
So really, I’m not sure what his Ex is driving at. It might be more difficult for her to conceive after 40, but it wouldn’t be a problem for Kirk to father a child.
And as Rich pointed out, there are many that simply choose not to have children.
- Will County Woman - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 3:57 pm:
Ah yes, ain’t nothing like a woman—when she gets angry. Watch out! I wonder what is the Ex’s motivation in speaaking out now as opposed to last year? The hurt/pain of the divorce was a lot fresher last year than this year.
Now that the “is he gay”? question has been answered by Kirk’s ex-wife, I that hope her answer finally puts the (non)issue to rest!
I can’t wait to see what Dorothy McCracken looks like. Usually married men go for the exact opposite of their wives. So, maybe Dorothy is a dark-haired raven type?
- Quinn T. Sential - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 3:59 pm:
Berkely Bear,
If his ex-wife is not a registered Illinois voter, then whether she would or would not vote for him is irellevant, if she could not vote for or against him legally anyway.
- ANON - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 4:02 pm:
She said some people may look at his life and think he’s gay, but that it is not a correct view. In other words, he’s not. End of story. I guess she used too many big words for some people to comprehend
- Loop Lady - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 4:12 pm:
I guess the adage Hell has no fury etc pretty much sums it up in this situation…being a political spouse has few up sides.
It is difficult to watch someone you love turn into a commodity.
I couldn’t care less if Kirk was gay, I just loathe his political stand on all the issues…
- phil sanders - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 4:35 pm:
Rich you said it best nothing good can come of this this will keep the Alexi hit squad working for weeks to come.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 4:42 pm:
I’m no Alexi fan, but is it the Chamber of Commerce’s position now that government should be the driving force in “creating” jobs? A state official, no less?
How about some private enterprise? Isn’t that them?
The only position I’ve seen from the U.S. Chamber in recent years in regards to jobs was that businesses that employed illegals shouldn’t be busted — the cheap labor is good for business.
- Skeeter - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 4:51 pm:
How Ironic–
Possible v. probable (and also of course dependent on the age of the woman). If both are over 35, often doctors are needed.
Not that I’m an expert or anything.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 4:54 pm:
WCW, Dodie is a blonde, for whatever it matters. I think it’s pretty telling that this afternoon, my blog has been hit by dozens of searches for “Dodie McCraken photo”. I consider that to be a pretty pathetic illustration of where the priorities of many people lie - who cares about the issues, let’s see how the two women in Mark Kirk’s life stack up.
This entire thing really disgusts me.
- Team America - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 4:56 pm:
Anon 4:54 was mine, sorry.
- Jim Ridings - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 4:56 pm:
Someone once referred to Don and Roma as the Archie and Edith of morning radio. Enough said.
- Skeeter - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 5:00 pm:
Team America, the guy who promises intelligent discussion but the centerpiece of his blog is a years old photo, is disgusted?
Wait to he sees the “10th District Loves George Ryan” post. Then he will be really disgusted.
I happen to think that wondering what the woman looks like is a perfectly legit question.
- Team America - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 5:08 pm:
Skeeter, if you bothered to read my blog, you’d discover that the photo you are talking about (the 10th District democrats all smiling around Rod Blagojevich during a Highland Park parade apperance) is perfectly in keeping with one of our major themes (which has been recognized here), which is that the Illinois Democrats (with the exception of non-Blago-fan MMadigan) enabled and supported Blago even while the feds were closing in during his re-election bid. So, that’s why a “years-old” photo is important and relevant.
Dodie’s appearance is a legit question? Really? What bearing does that have on the U.S. Senate race? Please explain.
- Skeeter - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 5:16 pm:
Great, TA. Let’s all bring up photos of old rallies. George Ryan, heck let’s bring back the stuff from Sheriff O’Grady to PROVE that the GOP enables crooks. All legit, right? No wonder the level of debate has fallen so low.
And the other question? No bearing at all, but it is perfectly human to be curious as to what she looked like. You can say “I wonder what Kirk’s ex-wife looks like” without saying “Hmmn. No that I see her, I’m voting for Kirk.”
- Team America - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 5:23 pm:
And just to torture everyone, I do have a picture of Dodie on my blog in a post from last year, but it won’t come up by searching for her name. So there.
- 10th Voter - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 5:49 pm:
I was at a luncheon with both Mark Kirk and Kimberly back in early 2004. Dodie McCracken was there too, and I did not notice any tension between the women. It appeared though that despite Ms. Vertolli is saying in the article, she was still a Kirk staffer.
For the record, Kimberly did state she supported President Bush’s reelection and had some bad things to say about his then Democrat opponents, so either she was being dishonest then or now about having not supported him.
Somebody using her name has also commented at great length at times in the past few months at Team America’s blog. Perhaps he would be the only one to know if it were truly her or not, but in those posts, the person advocated quite strongly for Kirk’s election and also vehemently denied the whole gay thing.
- just sayin' - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 6:02 pm:
I’m not surprised to see the usual Mark Kirk defenders on here weighing in and creating more noise to confuse the issue.
And I don’t care if someone is gay. But I, like a lot of people, do care if they are lied to, and we know of course Kirk has been less than honest with us many times before.
The gay rumor thing isn’t going to go away, no matter how Mark’s words or those of his ex are spun or interpreted, and no matter how un-PC and unwelcome such discussions might be.
And it’s not homophobes or right wingers who are mostly adding gasoline to the fire. It’s mostly openly gay men who are saying Mark Kirk is gay in the blogosphere, and not all of them are nuts or Alexi shills. That Mike Rogers for example at BlogActive.com is a very respected reporter. He’s a big part of that HBO documentary “Outrage.” It’s an excellent movie and if you’ve seen it you know Rogers is no bombthrower. But he is openly gay and he hates hypocrisy. Rogers is the guy who did the first really major “outing” of Kirk after Kirk voted against the repeal of DADT a little while back. Did Rogers get it wrong? I don’t know. Just sayin’ what’s out there and it’s not going away no matter how hard some might wish it would. And I would say this new Chicago magazine interview raises more questions than it answered.
- Team America - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 6:42 pm:
10th Voter, to the best of my knowledge, it really was KV, and you’re right, she did defend Kirk pretty vociferously. Why she would even sit for this interview has me scratching my head a little bit.
- Ellen Beth Gill - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 7:12 pm:
I don’t buy that Vertolli isn’t supporting Kirk. I think the entire story was condoned if not planted by the Kirk campaign. It’s a soft sell on Kirk moving to the left on DADT and gives him plausible deniability with the right. He’s going for the Log Cabin republican vote and trying not to offend the tea partiers in the process.
- MrJM - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 7:13 pm:
‘[Kimberly Vertolli] will not “advocate” for her ex in his Senate run because she fears he is too influenced by a “Svengali figure” in his life—a former staffer named Dorothy “Dodie” McCracken.’
So all this time we’ve been wrong about Mr. Kirk?
He’s not a tool he’s a puppet.
– MrJM
- BigTwich - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 7:31 pm:
“Kirk is a lawyer don’t forget. He knows how to parse words.”
No, he does not.
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 7:36 pm:
===He’s going for the Log Cabin republican vote and trying not to offend the tea partiers in the process.===
OK, Mark Kirk is a lot of things, but he isn’t a contortionist. You’ve covered Kirk for a long time, so you probably know him better than most people. That said, I think you’re off target thinking Kirk’s campaign condoned or planned Kimberly’s interview. Too much downside, not enough upside.
Also, I do buy her contention that she isn’t supporting Kirk for the Senate. She’s known him for at least 15 years, maybe longer. Didn’t they also serve together at the Pentagon? Given that she knows him best and still won’t support him speaks volumes to me.
Don’t ask, don’t tell indeed.
- Team America - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 7:50 pm:
47th Ward, if you decide to engage Ellen, who is 10-year Kirk conspiracy theorist, you better don your tinfoil hat, pronto, lest you suffer some permanent brain damage trying to make sense of her anti-Kirk manifestos.
- Chicago Cynic - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 8:31 pm:
“It’s not an accurate explanation that Mark is gay, but nevertheless, that’s how some people choose to reconcile it.” Umm, sounds like a nondenial denial.
- Connie P - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 8:48 pm:
Kirk was having a good week until this happened. I wonder if he missed an alimony payment
- 32nd Ward Roscoe Village - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 10:41 pm:
See Kirk visiting 4-H’ers in the sheep barn at the Lake County Fair: http://wagnerfeed.blogspot.com/2010/08/fair-pictures.html
Too bad the 4-H’ers only get ribbons this year–the state has so far allocated zero to pay prize premiums according to the extension office.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 11:15 pm:
=Kirk was having a good week until this happened….=
Poor thing. Must be the alimony payments.
Gotta wonder how much more “interesting” this is going to get with Ms. Vertolli, Ms. McCracken, former campaign managers speaking out on Kirk’s behalf at Rogers’ site, etc.
And we thought the 04 Senate Race was giving people “something to talk about”!
I do have to admit that Ms. Gill’s perspective is quite “intriguing”.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 11:54 pm:
=Dodie McCracken was there too, and I did not notice any tension between the women.=
Hm. Since we’re all “bantering” on this thread, “popular” opinion of those close by in those days seems to indicate that quite the opposite was true. Ms. McCracken has been well known for voicing some very “strong” opinions of Ms. Vertolli’s “behavior” while supporting her husband–in public no less. Without getting “nipped” for it.
Like I said, “Hm”.
- RFK fan - Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 11:59 pm:
Fred, how do you “get” the (ex) spouse to say something bad if she is not predisposed to do so?
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 12:41 am:
Interesting Q, RFK. I’ll add another to support the continual AMBIGUITY we seem to be “force-fed” from Kirk’s campaign on a daily basis:
Can one even count on “hell hath no fury” anymore in evaluating an ex-spouse’s feedback during an election?
Could it be that we’re all much more “advanced” and “progressive” now? Or, maybe it’s just us “plain folk” here in Illinois who don’t “get it” and are therefore “behind”?
Power is power, after all. Isn’t it?
Ever get the feeling that you’re watching a really good “political thriller” FULL of intelligence and CI?
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 12:46 am:
Throw any elections in some “little country” lately?
That WAS snark, BTW, but at the same time, it could raise paranoia levels just a bit to play it safe–maybe.
Sick of the “ambiguity” yet?
I’m betting you will be by the time this is over. And that’s probably a good thing.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 12:53 am:
=This is not news its trash.=
Oh, that’s precious coming from you, “shore”.
“MR. Vertolli-Kirk” ring a bell? And RECENTLY, I might add, shore.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 12:54 am:
“Post-divorce, shore.” This year, as a matter of fact.
Want a link?
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 1:09 am:
=I tracked Vertolli down last week in New Jersey, where she is working as general counsel to a family-run company there.=
No longer at Baker, huh?
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 1:14 am:
Interesting how Ms. Vertolli blames everything “RIGHT” on Ms. McCracken. For as long as I’ve been “tracing” Kirk, I have not run across even ONE single item that discusses or even sheds light on what Ms. McCracken’s personal views or positions are on issues. As a matter of fact, I’d bet the the “Right” would be hardpressed to tell you who he is because they don’t know–or care much–about the “liberal” 10th.
Something doesn’t smell right.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 1:15 am:
Sorry: “…would be hard presed to tell you who *s*he is….”
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 1:18 am:
As a matter of fact, most of my contacts in DC, including former Cheney staffers, have never heard of her. Something’s not right here.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 1:20 am:
And the Porter rumors are accurate, but still….
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 1:21 am:
Enough. I’m beginning to sound like Sneed.
Hmmm.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 1:22 am:
Sorry, can’t resist. One more: Ms. Vertolli sounds desperate to suddenly start painting Congressman Kirk as a “rightie”.
I don’t think that’s gonna work, hun. Sorry.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 1:45 am:
BTW, ask Flannery. He probably knows what’s going on.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 2:07 am:
=Sorry, can’t resist. One more: Ms. Vertolli sounds desperate to suddenly start painting Congressman Kirk as a “rightie”.=….
…via Ms. McCracken? lol
They’re desperate. Giannoulias must have them on the run to pull something like this. Wonder if a bees gotten into their “collective” bonnet.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 6:57 am:
The only reason Kirk’s sexuality is an issue is that he seeks the support of full-mooner, prurient sheet-checkers. Their “leaders” (Roeser, et al) are the ones who keep it going.
A reasonable response to the question is “none of your business” followed by a “ask your momma/wife/sister” if there’s a followup.
But if you want to roll with that crowd, you pay a price.
How is it “conservative” to be peeking in bedroom windows?
- Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 7:31 am:
=But if you want to roll with that crowd…=
Which “crowd”, seeker? Dems don’t peek into windows when it suits them politically?
How about those who normally don’t (i.e., a good portion of Conservatives), but when they begin to feel it’s just one scandal after another, begin to wonder about “judgment”, regardless of “sexuality”.
People need to stop blaming sexuality (or using it as an excuse) to paint the town “red”. That’s probably what bothers many most when it comes to electing someone. Poor judgment; not sexuality.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 7:34 am:
Sorry. Should have “word”. word.
- (618) Democrat - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 7:40 am:
I hope Carol Felsenthal ask Ms. Vertolli in the next segment of the interview if Kirk’s total inability to be truthful had anything to do with their divorce.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 7:51 am:
618, you’re assuming that all of them can still tell the difference between a truth and lie, and what’s wrong and what’s not.
- Concerned Observer - Thursday, Aug 5, 10 @ 10:21 am:
Day late to the party, but since I’ve made it a goal to ‘rate’ each ad in the two big races, thought I’d weigh in.
B+, maybe A-. Well done…except I’m not sure what I’m supposed to be telling Alexi to “stop” when I call his office. Maybe I just missed it.