106 Comments - Just Observing - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 12:13 pm: I tend to agree with Nowlan’s view… Lisa will not run for Gov. while her Dad is Speaker. - 47th Ward - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 12:16 pm: It’s a toss-up from what I can discern from the tea leaves. I voted no, but could easily be wrong as I often am. I saw her recently and she had the air of someone in campaign mode. I heard a rumor from a credible source back in May that said she was leaning against. I honestly don’t know what she’s going to do but I can’t wait to find out. There are a whole lot of dominoes leaning up against this decision, waiting to fall into place. - Dude Abides - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 12:20 pm: I tend to agree, I think her father would be a big distraction in her campaign. - Bill White - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 12:20 pm: This captures my thoughts perfectly . . . === It’s a toss-up from what I can discern from the tea leaves. I voted no, but could easily be wrong as I often am. === - Anonymous - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 12:21 pm: Yes. If not now, when? - Chicago Cynic - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 12:22 pm: I’ve been saying She’s in for months and I still believe that will happen at the end of the day. After all, who doesn’t put their kids first? - QC Examiner - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 12:26 pm: Nowlan calls Lisa a “lady in waiting”. Isn’t that even more sexist and denigrating than calling her a “princess” since a lady in waiting is a servant to a princess? I’m surprised Rich didn’t call out Nowlan on this like he did Kass. Shocked, even. lol - Gregor Samsa - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 12:26 pm: There “is* a “freshness date” on how long she can hold out and not take the next step. This cycle may be it. She shouldn’t run until Mike steps down as Speaker, but he need not leave the House, or Party chairmanship. She has a better chance to run with a fresh Democratic Presidential race going on to activate the base. Her kids are still young and she may not yet be willing to put them thru the whole ugly process. So she’s not likely to want to go to D.C., but Governor is almost as bad in terms of the drag on personal time. - siriusly - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 12:30 pm: I voted yes, but I usually believe in trend predictions and all the smart insiders I know are now saying “no”. - B Dylan - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 12:30 pm: I think she’ll run befcause it’s hers for the taking and people are ready for a woman. Plus, people will be excited to see her dad go and that probably won’t happen if she sits it out. - wordslinger - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 12:34 pm: Only a guess, but I said “yes.” She can be Quinn one-on-one and would be odds on favorite in a three way race. No one dreams of being attorney general forever. Governor is the job everyone wants. - Stones - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 12:37 pm: Despite some recent bad publicity I think she’ll still run. It’s possible her father could opt to retire. - D P Gumby - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 12:43 pm: Waiting until the kids are older is much better for the family. Plus she really enjoys being AG. Who in their right mind would want to be Gov. now? - Hey There - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 12:46 pm: Although a month ago I would have said “yes” I now say “no”. However, a lot will depend on polling that comes out (hopefully soon) about the effect her father has on her chances. I hope Rich and others poll not only general election voter universes on this issue, but also Democratic voters, and I hope they poll this SOON. Inquiring minds want to know. - soccermom - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 12:46 pm: If she doesn’t run now, I think the window will close. Who knows what will happen six years from now? If Gov. Quinn chooses to retire after his next term — not a certainty, by any means — there will be a number of high profile Dems interested in that open seat. - zatoichi - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 12:47 pm: What is the rush? Time is on her side and why step into the mess right now? - Rich Miller - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 12:47 pm: ===Who in their right mind would want to be Gov. now?=== You could’ve said the same thing in 78, 82, 90, 02, 06 and 10. But folks still lined up around the block. - horse w/ no name - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 12:47 pm: Obviously no one knows what’s happening behind the Madigan’s doors. But I think she would have never even made the comment that she was considering it if she hadn’t pretty much made up her mind. - Because I said so... - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 12:49 pm: I voted no but hope I’m wrong. If she’s planning to run, why not just announce? - QC Examiner - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 12:53 pm: Looks like sexism is alive and well at CapFax. Both Gumby and Samsa think women with young children should not run for high office—which is exactly the criticism the left made against Sarah Palin. Lisa’s kids have a stay at home dad. Are Democrats really making the case that only the mommy can properly raise the children? What’s “progressive” about that? - Anon - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 12:53 pm: I’m a Quinn supporter, and acknowledge a certain amount of wishful thinking. However, I still can’t imagine why she would insert herself into the mess that it the Governor’s office. As soon as she does, a lot of her luster will be worn away, and he approval numbers will decline. How far they will decline is unknown, but the speaker, pensions, the susnet of the tax increase, and health care issues will all create significant drag on her. This will not be an annointment. If she runs, she will have a bruising primary, followed by a bruising general. She will have to raise a lot of money, which always exposes you to the dark underbelly of Illinois politics and business. Finally, when she last had a difficult general election, she barely squeaked by Joe Birkett, a very flawed man. So tell me again why she wants to do this? - OneMan - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 12:54 pm: Well I was wrong about Daley… But I voted no. I think she would have pulled the trigger or at least been more obvious about it by now. - Rich Miller - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 12:57 pm: ===I think she would have pulled the trigger or at least been more obvious about it by now.=== Nah. She loves playing this game. - horse w/ no name - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 12:58 pm: -which is exactly the criticism the left made against Sarah Palin- QC - What voice on the left said this in 2008? I’, willing bet you cannot produce a single example of this. That is a wildy false historical rewrite and a pretty embarrassing one at that. - Robert the Bruce - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 1:02 pm: I continue to believe she will run and voted yes. Yes, her father’s position is a distraction, but she can win anyway. - cassandra - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 1:04 pm: I’ve been back and forth at least twice, but I am now wondering what other options might be open to her. It looks to me as though Hillary will be announcing in 2015 and there will be a lot of excitement around the possibility of our first woman President which may increase possibilities for other prominent woman candidates. I believe Lisa also has a good relationship with the President. So might there be other options that look better, and, let’s face it, less tedious, than Illinois guv. Senator? A cabinet position under Hillary? A federal judgeship en route to the Supreme Court? We should all have these problems. - Responsa - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 1:06 pm: People have been projecting upon her a lot of ambition, extraordinary political smarts, and have been anointing her the heir apparent for several higher offices for a number of years. Frankly, looking at Lisa I increasingly only see an average, not an inspirational public servant. There is no obvious fire in the belly for problem solving, or a thirst for power in her. I do not think she even wants to run for such a thankless job as the governorship. - Rich Miller - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 1:07 pm: QCE is into agit prop. Ignore him. - A guy... - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 1:12 pm: She’s very smart and very cautious. She needs an adoring public begging her to run. She’s safe where she is and apparently likes the work. A bird in the hand… That’s why I vote no. - Cook County Commoner - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 1:13 pm: I say “No” at least until her father abdicates. A Lisa Madigan run would become a media sideshow, probably on a national scale. The unavoidable appearance of nepotism would make for a nasty, personal campaign which would draw national attention, which Illinois gets enough of as is. For all the wrong reasons. - Raising Kane - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 1:14 pm: I predict she announces she is not running on July 5th. - Irishpirate - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 1:15 pm: I don’t think she runs because of dad’s position. He ain’t going anywhere until there’s embalming fluid involved or a drool cup. Plus she hasn’t run a serious race for ten years. I’m constantly surprised how many people say how tough she is or how impressive. I have yet to see it. Perhaps she will surprise me. It wouldn’t be the first or last time my impression of a candidate or office holder was wrong. - Norseman - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 1:18 pm: I believe she’ll run because the timing is better now than it may be in the future. Also, while daddy adds some baggage, he’s going to help her more than hurt her. This election she faces an unpopular governor and an opponent whose family name can be a negative for him as well. Now daddy can help with money and positioning on issues (he can help her pass legislation she champions). If she holds off, she may find herself having to face a more popular governor without the help of her father. While a family disagreement on a few issues is probably a guarantee, I don’t see it turning into a Blago/Mell free-for-all. Besides, I suspect the Speaker will surprise folks and retire if she is elected. - A. Nonymous - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 1:26 pm: @ Cassandra - “I believe Lisa also has a good relationship with the President” I disagree. I think the President has a pragmatic relationship with her. The WH wanted her to run for O’s former Senate seat and she turned them down. Not cool. That, and Obama and Mike Madigan very definitely don’t get along any more than they have to. I’m not sure the President has a horse in this race — maybe not even Bill Daley seeing as how lackluster his stint as CoS was. Remember, one of his nicknames is “no drama Obama”. He won’t engage in the race if there’s no upside. – I voted yes. Magic 8 ball came up “Signs point to yes” so there’s a 1 in 6 chance it’s right. The only people who know for sure are Lisa and (maybe) her husband. - Dirty Red - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 1:29 pm: I’m voting “yes” today. There are a lot of wheels in motion for her not to go for it. If she steps in, I don’t believe Daley is as serious about staying in as he claims. I also think Samsa’s point about “freshness” has some validity, but I don’t think the kids are holding her back. All that aside, I find it very interesting that typically insightful commenters, such as Raising Kane, are so specific on this topic. I may be on loose ground here. - ChicagoDem - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 1:39 pm: I can’t see a sitting Dem holding state-wide office take on a sitting Dem Governor. What would be her reason for doing so; because she wants to solve the many problems facing the state? If this is the case, and she genuinely cares about the well-being of citizens of the state, all she has to do is call her Dad and ask him to work with the Governor and Sen. Cullerton for the benefit of the people after all they’re all Dems and they live in Chicago, and they all go to the same party meetings and they all….. - Juvenal - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 1:44 pm: Either way it isn’t good news for Daley. - Pot calling kettle - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 1:45 pm: Today, I vote no. I think her father as speaker would be too much of a drag. And, if she were to lose, it would cause problems with future aspirations. - Raising Kane - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 1:45 pm: Sorry, Dirty Red, I don’t have any insider knowledge. I just think July 5th is the perfect day to do an announcement if it is going to disappoint people. If she is running I am guessing that she rolls out her big fundraising numbers on the 15th and then announces the following week or maybe (to further kill us) she waits another week. Just my thoughts. - downstate commissioner - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 1:46 pm: Voted “no” The Republican candidates are already beginning the trash talk, Daley is too, the father question won’t go away unless he does (unlikely, in my opinion), she has a lot of respect and apparently enjoys her job-why should she bother? It it really worth it? Also, it is not sexist to bring up her kids, even with a stay-at-home husband; most women are just wired differently than men: they will only sacrifice so much time away from their kids before they say “no more”. She may be ambitious enough to go after the governor’s job, but her kids will certainly be a larger part of the equation than they will be for her opponents. - NW IL Democrat - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 1:47 pm: My crystal ball says … “no, she won’t run.” A run would force too much change for the family (her father, her’s) and life is pretty damn good for them right now. I think by not running she preserves her good options for the future — governor, senator, judicial … whatever. - Calhoun Native - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 1:47 pm: No. I think the family dynamic complicates it too much. It’s going to be Daley v. Rutherford. - downstate commissioner - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 1:49 pm: Rich, I voted before I went to comments, then after I posted, I went back to the top, and found that I had to vote again to review the voting. Did I vote twice? - Ruby - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 1:58 pm: No in 2014, yes in 2018 after her dad has retired. Lisa Madigan enjoys her current job as Attorney General. She would only run against Governor Quinn if the polls show that Quinn has little or no chance of winning. Lisa Madigan has plenty of time to run for governor after Quinn’s second term. She will continue to be popular with the voters no matter what she decides. - Raising Kane - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 2:01 pm: Ruby, that supposes that Quinn gets re-elected. It’s more likely that somebody else wins and then goes on to serve two or three terms. LM would still be young but 6 terms as AG might make her go brain-dead. - MrJM - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 2:04 pm: I voted no because: 1) Her dad has exhibited no enthusiasm for her running for governor, 2) She’s young enough that she can wait for someone else to “solve” the state’s problems and pay the crippling political price, and 3) I have a very difficult time imagining ANYONE wanting that cursed and thankless job. In other words: I have no idea what she’s gonna do. – MrJM - soccermom - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 2:05 pm: Hey, commish — you don’t have to say “downstate.” Nobody from Chicago would be worried about voting twice. - soccermom - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 2:20 pm: MrJM and everybody else who says the smart thing would be to wait until all the state’s problems are solved (as though that day will ever come): Champions want the ball. If you don’t want to jump in and fix the problems, this is not the right job for you. - k3 - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 2:21 pm: If not now, then when? - Downstater - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 2:21 pm: No, I agree, it will be Daly versus Rutherford. Rutherford wins. - Grandson of Man - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 2:24 pm: I voted a cautious yes because I believe the field is weak enough for her to win. - Louis G. Atsaves - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 2:25 pm: Her father was Speaker of the House during her first election as AG and during her reelections. The “father” issue existed back then, but the spotlight was dimmer than now. I voted that she would probably run. How long can she wait? Her alternatives are reelection or Washington, DC. I worked in two family businesses, one owned by my family. In both instances the patriarch at the top didn’t wish to step aside. Both those family businesses are long gone now. I know State Government isn’t a family business, but there are families out there who treat it as such. Lisa Madigan ultimately has to think about herself and her future under these circumstances. - Chavez-respecting Obamist - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 2:25 pm: She’s not running. I wish Bill wasn’t either, as I’m as sick of his family as I am of hers. - Will Caskey - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 2:28 pm: I learned long ago not to make any predictions about people in Illinois with the last name of Madigan. - Esquire - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 2:31 pm: If Lisa were smart, you might pass and bide her time. This is not a happy time to be Governor and the prize may not be worth the effort now. She is still relatively young and she is secure in her current elected office. - Anonymous - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 2:36 pm: I’m leaning yes, and think she will end the suspense prior to the July 4th weekend. She can then have some “campaign inauguration” parades and events. The Speaker will figure out his potential impact on her chances better than any of the “experts”, during the campaign, and will not allow her to lose on his account. - Chicago Cynic - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 2:37 pm: “Champions want the ball. If you don’t want to jump in and fix the problems, this is not the right job for you.” Fortune favors the bold. Waiting until everything works out just so didn’t work for Mario Cuomo or countless others who over-calculated and in the end failed to get the big job. If she skips this, I’m not sure how much interest there will be next time, nor would I be confident that all those she effectively told she was in would still be with her. As to the kid issue, the person who has spoken of this is Lisa herself. It was clearly an issue in saying no on the Senate race. It’s not about “who will raise the kids,” it’s about wanting to be with your kids. I know one possible statewide candidate who is really struggling with it right now. He loves his kids and wants to be with them, but also wants the job. I’ve got young kids myself now and would really have a hard time committing to something that would take me away from them for a year. - Arthur Andersen - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 2:44 pm: I’m leaning no. Mr. Speaker complicates the equation and at least one poll says he drags her down a fair piece. Also, given that he says he’s going out boots up, that doesn’t leave her with many options if he sticks with that stance. - reformer - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 2:50 pm: == Also, it is not sexist to bring up her kids == Riiight. That will work, especially coming from a conservative who is already suspect for wanting to ban abortion and keep gays as second-class citizens. I’m sure the best way to win over the suburban women who voted for Kirk but dissed Brady is to say Lisa should be home raising the kids, that she can’t run because of her dad. - Sunshine - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 2:52 pm: I don’t think she will enter. It’s nice to keep building a campaign chest so you can help influence others, but I think her Dad will be too much of a shackle and distraction. I’m not certain why anyone in their right mind would want to be Governor in Illinois, which supports my thought that Quinn isn’t in his right mind. But, hey, you have people who want power, or have cash and nothing else to do, or think they are blessed and want to share their great wisdom. Heck, I’d even vote for Lisa if her Dad was not there. It’s sad to see someone like him, with such power, driving us the wrong direction these many years. She couldn’t overcome that stigma. - Pete - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 3:15 pm: Do we know that Quinn is planning to run again? - Just Observing - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 3:15 pm: http://voices.suntimes.com/early-and-often/politics/capitol-fax-readers-betting-against-a-lisa-madigan-run-for-governor/ - Loop Lady - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 3:15 pm: Calhoun Native: no way… Quinn vs. Rutherford…the Daley brand is damaged, and I can’t see Bill gettin’ on with folks south of I-80… - Bigtwich - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 3:23 pm: Yes. I am sure there are people thorough history who decided to avoid having to do things in hard times but I can not remember their names. - CircularFiringSquad - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 3:28 pm: We voted “yes” because — what the heck— it will be more fun. The people who see the Father as a problem are largely the predatory lenders and their allies, fans of utility overcharging and health care price gougers. Hard to see how PQ or BankerBilly wrap their arms around them. Oh wait BankerBilly is one of them. The likely GOPie will be CousinBrucey. The AG should do just fine. - Rolo Tomassi II - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 3:37 pm: I voted yes. This is her moment. She is one of the best public officials in recent memory. Campaigning for her is a pleasure. - SAP - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 3:43 pm: Her next tough campaign would be her first. I don’t think she has the stomach for it. I don’t think it has anything to do with being the daughter of the Speaker of the House. - Want her to run but - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 3:46 pm: I’ve actually thought about this and have be back and forth. As much as I’d like her to run and win; she’d be taking the worst of risks to her reputation and good name to do so. So I vote “no”. Nobody gets the chance to decide who their family member is (except in this case Lisa’s mother did) Quite frankly, if Mike stepped down, who would be able to run the House as well as he does? Why is him being Speaker such a problem anyhow? She has proven to all that she is her own person. I guess the “jackals” would be the ones that have the biggest problem. - Want her to run but - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 3:48 pm: who would want to be Governor of this state anyway? - Rich Miller - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 3:53 pm: I’m sticking by my previous comments. - Wensicia - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 4:05 pm: Tentative yes; there’s no better time with the Democratic incumbent polling so low. If she chooses to run, her father will do what’s needed to diminish their political connection. - Steve - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 4:05 pm: I voted Yes. I think she will run. She has the qualities that Illinois voters like. I believe her father could still keep his job and Lisa would still win. Illinois voters don’t care about nepotism, corruption, high taxes, and big regulations. Those aren’t issues the mean much here.Demonizing Mike Madigan isn’t going to work here. It didn’t work last election. Mike was still standing after a 67% income tax increase. I doubt voters will blame Lisa. After all, Lisa didn’t really have anything to do with it. Illinois is a stagnant place with high unemployment : the people who vote don’t mind that. It’s not Texas. - Sir Reel - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 4:13 pm: I voted no. That’s too bad. I’m not sure Daley can beat Quinn or if so, he’d be any better. Quinn has been a disappointment especially his hiring of executive staff below Director level. Similar to Blago’s hacks. - VonKlutzenplatz - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 4:16 pm: I was convinced she was in it, but her father seems to want to hold on so I just don’t see it. If she runs with the Speaker retired, she wins by 20. If she runs with the Speaker in office, she loses by 10. That’s a bit too much even for Dems. The Speaker is not exactly broadcasting his plans, but it just doesn’t seem like moves are being made. Why pick a fight with Cullerton if he’s leaving anyway? - A Casual Observer - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 4:25 pm: There are three distinct signs that Lisa has decided not to run: 1) At this point in time and place, if Lisa was sure that she was running for governor she would have already made a public announcement. “The early bird gets the worm” in this gubernatorial race. 2) Her dad Mike Madigan would “never” have decided to stand firm against the union leadership in regard to state pensions if Lisa had decided to run. That fact was the first and most obvious tip-off. It was Mike’s way of saying, “Even I have to confront the the wart that I have allowed to grow on the end of my nose. I have a political legacy that I want leave and being the guy who let Armegeddon happen isn’t the legacy I want to leave for my footnote in Illinois history.” 3) When Will County Executive Larry Walsh held a fundraiser for Pat Quinn “that told the tale”. Yes, Walsh can shout out that he is not endorsing Pat Quinn but that he is simply helping out the governor but those of us who know Larry know that Larry is brilliant when it comes to political savy and strategy. He always knows which way the political winds are about to blow. Larry would “never” have done that unless he was sure that Lisa was out and that Quinn was going to be “their guy”. Larry is tight with Mike, Pat, and the unions. He is the guy who “knows what is really happening” within the Illinois State Democrat Party. 4) In fairness to Lisa and Mike, who would want to give their own kid an old beater car on it’s last legs with 350,000 miles on the odometer? You know it is only a mattter of a few hundred miles until it breaks down along some deserted country road and your kid will have to pour his/her life savings (and political credibility) into it to temporarily fix it and get it to limp along for another couple hundred miles. Nope, it is Lisa for attorney-general and Pat Quinn to continue on as the captain of the Titanic. Mike Madigan will be there at the pier to wish his old buddy Pat “bon appetit” when he departs on his last journey. - Calhoun Native - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 4:26 pm: Loop Lady @ 3:15 I’m way south of I-80 and about the only thing folks in these parts know about Daley is that 1) He’s Rahm’s brother and 2) He worked in Washington. Even that much knowledge down here is a stretch, so the brand damage here is minimal. I do think that the Quinn brand is in trouble here. - 47th Ward - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 4:28 pm: ===1) He’s Rahm’s brother=== Lol! - Calhoun Native - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 4:32 pm: 47th @ 4:28 Yup. That about sums it up. - All for One - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 4:44 pm: Did any of you just get an e-mail this afternoon from the Lisa campaign? Basically, it says the state’s in trouble, she’s thinking about running to do something about it, and donate money to her before July 1 in case she does decide to do something about it. One of the weirdest political campaign donation requests I’ve ever received. - Rich Miller - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 4:45 pm: Could you forward that to me, please? Thanks. - mokenavince - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 5:01 pm: Lisa sits it out. Madigan’s only bet on a sure thing. Mike will be speaker as long as he lives. Daley and Rahm will take control. Downstate will get their with tons of oil. - Publius - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 5:02 pm: As i said in a comment some days ago, i believe she will join a chicago law firm and make some big bucks. So i voted no. - MrJM - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 5:42 pm: “Champions want the ball. If you don’t want to jump in and fix the problems, this is not the right job for you.” Talking about champions and Illinois governors in the same post? Hilarious! – MrJM - Angry Chicagoan - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 5:46 pm: No, because as extraordinary as it is, her father won’t step out of the way. - walkinfool - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 6:00 pm: @Calhoun: Your point #2 explaining your “No” vote, was the signal to me that “Yes” Lisa is running. MJM is pushing to leave a positive legacy right now, (in his mind), in case he has to step down for her. Reading Madigan tea leaves is a magical mystery tour. - too obvious - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 6:01 pm: Wish Lisa would just make it official and get in so we can dispense with the Repubs playing pretend again. Rauner could maybe give the money he would otherwise waste to a good charity and maybe do some good. And we wouldn’t have to hear Dillard tell us for the millionth time that he worked for Jim Edgar back in the last century. - one of the 35 - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 6:07 pm: I voted yes. I think the Speaker believes she can win even with him remaining Speaker. He is, after all, the Speaker. - Contratista - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 7:18 pm: I was leaning No, but then I received a very interesting email from Lisa Madigan today that seems to be a run up to an announcement that she’s going to run. It is also looking for campaign contributions. Who knows? - Lord Stanley's Cup - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 8:10 pm: I was no until the email this afternoon as well. Which leads me to believe it was a head fake. Or was it? Argh. - anon - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 8:25 pm: Yes-I just hope so. - Swing Voter - Monday, Jun 24, 13 @ 10:51 pm: My money is on Lisa running and here is why: 1. The “fire mike Madigan” strategy has never worked and never will. He is the wizard of oz, man behind the curtain, he keeps a low profile intentionally. Serious ask ten random people tomorrow who mike madiagne is and I bet most people say a Blackhawk forward. 2. She is at the height of her political p - Bored Chairman - Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 1:56 am: Horse and Rich, Well, since you put out the challenge, here’s a voice on the left that said Palin can’t or shouldn’t raise a family and run for high office: http://newsbusters.org/blogs/kyle-drennen/2008/09/03/cbs-wapo-s-sally-quinn-slams-palin-s-parenting-needs-rethink-her-prior Before attacking a commenter, you both might want to consider a google search. Horse, YOU’RE the one trying to rewrite history here. The left smeared Hillary, then Palin, in 2008. That is not agit prop, Rich. That is the fact. Btw. I hope Lisa runs. I would vote for her. - Guessing - Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 6:27 am: Not sure whether she will run, but every anomoly that made it through the GA in the last 30 years that was beneficial to the few at the expense of the many will be thrown up as another MJM power move.And her candidacy will be defined as just another power move by her father. Even with her very good record as AG, she will suffer by being defined as a path to his continued consolidation of power. She knows that; He knows that. Why she put herself through that is a mystery to me. - Common Sense - Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 7:52 am: Lisa Madigan sent an email to her supporters yesterday asking for donations and highlighting her accomplishments as AG. - Common Sense - Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 7:54 am: I agree with Swing Voter. MM is popular in his district. Look at CCW. Concealed Carry was an issue in IL for three decades. The day he tells the GA it’s OK to support more guns on the street, its no longer an issue, hence why Quinn is on his own - olddog - Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 8:54 am: @ Bored Chairman 1:56 Now that you’ve mastered Google, you might want to consider *reading* the stories you find. Here’s what Sally Quinn actually said, “… I worked part time. But I know the pressures, and I know the problems that just caring for one special needs child takes out of you. And it seems to me that- RODRIGUEZ: Sally, let me interrupt you- QUINN: -for someone who’s President of the United States, which she could well be, that there are going to be enormous conflicts. Which we all have conflicts and guilt. But I think this is — this is too much.” Newsbusters is hardly an objective source, anyway. - phocion - Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 9:11 am: old dog, The quotes you provide support the case that Sally Quinn said the Palin shouldn’t seek high office because of her family commitments. Not sure what you’re saying about “reading” the article. And Newsbusters gave the transcripts of the interview - what’s not objective about that? - Rahm's Middle Finger - Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 9:13 am: 1. The “fire mike Madigan” strategy has never worked and never will. He is the wizard of oz, man behind the curtain, he keeps a low profile intentionally. Serious ask ten random people tomorrow who mike madiagne is and I bet most people say a Blackhawk forward. The poll Rich put out had his name ID at about 60%. That will only increase. Nice try though. - Patrick Yeagle - Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 9:18 am: I voted yes, only because of the huge amount of money she’s raised. I doubt she would have put so much effort into fundraising if she was still on the fence. (And she sure as heck doesn’t need that much to run for attorney general again.) Granted, something may have changed her mind since she began her fundraising effort. One thing is certain: if she runs for governor and wins the primary, she’ll be bombarded by pro-gun groups who are angry at her for defending the state’s ban on concealed carry. Nevermind that it’s her job to do so; there are a lot of one-issue voters out there who are afraid she’ll try to take away their guns as governor. - Tobor - Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 10:22 am: Her father as a distraction will be with her for the rest of his life. - A. Nonymous - Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 10:36 am: @ SAP - “Her next tough campaign would be her first” Perhaps I’m misunderstanding what you wrote, but Joe Birkett may disagree with you. That race was closer than many appear to recall. She only got 50.4% in 2002. And her father being the Speaker was an issue in that race too. John Schmidt ran against her in the primary for that reason (in part). – @ Yeagle - “there are a lot of one-issue voters out there who are afraid she’ll try to take away their guns as governor.” They already do. Again, look back to the Birkett race. Remember her gun ad against him? - Joe Bidenopolous - Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 10:44 am: I voted yes based on hope alone - at the beginning of session, I internally pegged it 50-50, at the end, I’d have been around 90% but since then, my gut has lowered it to the 70% range. But, as many have said, the list of people who actually know could be as small as 1 and maybe as big as 4-8. All that said, why hasn’t anyone mentioned 2015 mayoral? Her campaign apparatus is ramped up and will have been primed from 2014 (and loaded to the gills with cash if she runs for AG again), the current occupant doesn’t appear to have the same inevitability as last time around or an exceptionally close relationship with the 13th ward lord, and Rahm himself called it, what, the 3rd best exec job in the nation…above IL Gov. The city has problems, but not on the scale of the state, and if this is what she wants, she gets to stay in the city and not travel to Springfield. Kind of a no brained really - DanL60 - Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 11:34 am: I said “No”. Might she stay in as AG now, and take a shot at Mark Kirk in ‘16 when she’s safe? - LisaforIL - Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 4:02 pm: She’s definitely in, and the boys (that continue to trash talk an undeclared candidate) know it. LM has my vote! - North West - Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 7:13 pm: She already demurred on a Senate race, and (for better or worse, depending on your view of meritocracy and the role of the Court) she is not what is currently considered US Supreme Court material. It seems like its Gov or staying with AG, so I’m saying Yes. - justbabs - Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 10:28 pm: If you go back to LM’s D2s from 2009, semi-annual at that time, she had almost as much as her last report - off by about $400,000, or about 10%. Hardly a big jump to indicate a major race coming up. Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.