* Didn’t Congressman Schock say people should wait until after the election before making plans for the next election? Well, most of us figured he probably wasn’t serious about those words of caution, and now we can be certain…
When he first won election to Congress in 2008, Rep. Aaron Schock became the youngest member of the House of Representatives. Now, Schock has his eye on becoming the youngest governor in Illinois history.
On Wednesday, less than a week before he’s favored to win a third term in Congress, Schock met with top officials at the Republican Governors Association in Washington, to discuss the possibility of running for Illinois’s top job in 2014. Four sources in Illinois and Washington with knowledge of Schock’s meeting with the RGA said his interest in the race is an open secret, and that he’s told donors he is seriously considering the contest.
“He’s made it pretty clear to a lot of donors,” one well-connected Illinois Republican told us. “That’s common knowledge around here.”
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 2:24 pm:
Boy is Pongee …. Angry!
If Schock can get the cash-money behind him, organize some sort of field crew early … It’s so crazy, it just might work.
None of these guys want someone ahead…unless THEY are the ones organizing early.
I am no “Schock-ed” by this at all.
Didn’t say it was “good”, just not shocked.
- dave - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 2:27 pm:
I’m SHOCKED!
- cassandra - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 2:33 pm:
Election Day isn’t even gone and already Illinois pols are going to be gearing up for the big political drama of 2013-14 in Illinois. If a significant mainstream candidate enters the race,or appears very likely to do so, then other potential candidates will have to move up their timelines to right now.
Most significantly, how will this affect the governor’s behavior. Will he become less enthusiastic about the pension cost shift? More enthusiastic? Will he still be saying he won’t continue the “temporary” tax increase when next year rolls around. How will this affect his relationship with AFSCME, will they suddenly become pals again. Any chance of expanding the taxing of services or will that become a forbidden subject until after November 2014.
We won’t be bored when the presidential race is over.
- Dirty Red - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 2:35 pm:
He plays in Peoria.
- OneMan - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 2:43 pm:
Well this should be fun…
- J - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 2:50 pm:
How does Dan Rutherfold feel about getting beaten to the punch on this?
- Small Town Liberal - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 2:55 pm:
- Now, Schock has his eye on becoming the youngest governor in Illinois history. -
He’s forever trying to live up to the image of his twin brother, the youngest television doctor of all time…
- MOON - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 2:56 pm:
Given the current state of the economy and poor condition Illinois is in, anybody seeking the Governor’s office is both crazy and stupid !
- Nearly Normal - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 2:59 pm:
I just received a twenty-page tabloid-sized newsletter from the Gov er Rep. Schock. This piece has all-color photographs and includes “The Aaron Schock Story” and other exciting reading.
I was amazed that he would spend that kind of money in that his re-election is a no-brainer. Perhaps this is the first of many as he prepares to run for Gov?
- Give Me A Break - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 3:03 pm:
And his platform will be:
Do away with tax increase.
Give AFSCME their raises.
Protect AFSCME and teachers pensions.
Stop facility closures.
All with less GRF, this is going to be fun.
- Capitol View - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 3:04 pm:
I’ll add to Moon’s comment — anyone seeking the Governor’s Office before Speaker Madigan retires is both crazy and stupid.
- just sayin' - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 3:04 pm:
Lisa Madigan, please call your campaign office.
- LincolnLounger - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 3:07 pm:
If Obama wins, he should start running immediately. 2014 will be a great Republican year. Even Illinois Republicans might not muck it up. MIGHT.
- Calhoun Native - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 3:11 pm:
A tirelessly self promoting congressional back bencher with few legislative accomplishments who’s major skill is looking good on TV wants to be governor? Seems to me that didn’t turn out so well last time.
- mokenavince - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 3:15 pm:
I wonder how much the GOP in Illinois will support
him ? Or will they treat him like JBT?
When it comes to spending the GOP throws money around like sewer covers.
- Darienite - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 3:18 pm:
He’s floating a trial balloon. What’s his name recognition in the ‘burbs? Is he nothing more than Bill Brady with 6-pack abs?
- Skeeter - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 3:18 pm:
Good point, Linc. 2014 will be far better than 2010.
/snark/
- hisgirlfriday - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 3:19 pm:
His latest campaign mailer brags that he votes with Obama 30 percent of the time and has 12 labor unions supporting him. No way would he be doing this if he wasn’t going to aim for statewide office. By the way it also has a picture of him at 15 dirty from a job at a gravel pit. On one hand I thought that went against the rich kid impression I had always had of him but on the other hand I thought: At what age does that whole boy wonder thing wear off?
- Brendan - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 3:23 pm:
@J Friday: Rutherford is a “down ballot” candidate and always will be.
- LincolnLounger - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 3:29 pm:
Snark all you want, Skeeter, but look at historical trends of two-term Presidents (GWB withstanding, but that was an anomaly.) Conversely, if Romney wins, Schock shouldn’t run.
I don’t like him personally, but comparing him to Blago is really unfair. He is smart as a tack and brings new meaning to personal ambition. He’s a prodigious fundraiser, tireless worker, and “back benchers” don’t get seats on Ways & Means. Underestimate him at your peril.
- siriusly - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 3:29 pm:
How quickly will he change that campaign to US Senate when Durbin announces he’s done?
- siriusly - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 3:30 pm:
@Brendan - so true.
- shore - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 3:45 pm:
I really don’t think it’s premature. Most people in the chicago area have never heard of him and know nothing about him beyond his clothing stunts. I think Walsh is a major factor.
- Precinct Captain - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 3:47 pm:
Gotta get fundraising and support bases running early to take on Rauner money.
- Cincinnatus - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 3:53 pm:
This is quite a slap in the face to Schock’s fellow downstaters Bill Brady and Dan Rutherford. I would like to see the steam coming out of their ears. We’re days away from a crucial election for this State when several local candidates can sure use his physical presence. Instead, he is doing his usual self-promotion in D.C. while Rome burns.
- amalia - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 3:55 pm:
saw him a few years ago at an event in D.C. and he was just full of himself. in a way that is unusual in someone just starting out. and he was filled with sugar coated venom. cannot stand his politics or him.
- wordslinger - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 3:56 pm:
The dude’s a winner, in that, he’s never lost.
Winning is winning.
Somebody in the GOP will have to smack down the homophobes like Roeser.
Cincy, do you want to volunteer Sen. Dillard for that task? Because it’s all about doing the right thing, for the folks?
- He's Involved - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 4:03 pm:
No member of the Illinois delegation has been more engaged in the campaign than Schock. My guess is that his trip to DC included fundraising work for the targets.
- Small Town Liberal - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 4:11 pm:
Cinci - You’re compassion for potential Dillard opponents is truly an inspiration to us all.
- wordslinger - Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 4:20 pm:
–We’re days away from a crucial election for this State when several local candidates can sure use his physical presence. Instead, he is doing his usual self-promotion in D.C. while Rome burns.–
Rome’s burning? Missed that.
I’ve been distracted by Pres. Obama and Gov. Christie putting their shoulders to the wheel out east for the folks.
Splendid behavior.
Cincy, be careful here. You’ve peddled this nasty peeking-in-the-bedroom-window stuff before.
Get over it. Mind your own business.
What goes on behind closed doors is none of your business, nor mine, nor anyone else’s.
That’s what conservatives like I say.