* Treasurer Dan Rutherford with his new running mate Steve Kim…

* The Question: Caption?

Also, bonus points for anyone who can explain to me two things: 1) What does Kim really bring to the ticket?; and 2) How is Kim the best person qualified to take over the governor’s job if, God forbid, something happens to Rutherford?

       

79 Comments - Ron Burgundy - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:19 pm: “These pressers are making me thirsty!” Can’t help you with those questions, Rich. No idea. - NIref - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:19 pm: Dan Rutherford and Steve Kim show their allegiance to the national GOP by doing their best Marco Rubio impression. - Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:22 pm: “No, ONE of you drinks the water while the OTHER sings ‘Oh Susana!’ Geez Rich, I was trying to figure out the speed, tragetory, and distance needed to land on the Moon with a liquid oxygen fuel tank that can withstand a harsh takeoff and two landings, one ON the moon and the second ain back 40 acres out in Oswego … now you ask the “Kim” question…the Moon landing seems like “cake” now! 1) Kim brings… ok, I am going to skip this one, and get right back to it … 2) Kim is the BEST person … becasue … and … then there is … I think we are ALL missing … ‘At the end of the Day’ … Ok, I got nothing yet, but I will try real hard after I solve that Moon thing … - Anon. - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:23 pm: “Even Edgar Bergen could neve pull this off.” - Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:24 pm: @FakeJasonPlummer - I know @Capitolfax, right? I mean, I know what it takes to be a good LG, and I can’t see what Steve Kim Brings that I don’t bring #ExceptPowerRangerActionFigures - Ghost - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:26 pm: Kim brings the moderate/conservative white male vote to the ticket…… He is qualified to take over as Governor because he supports tap water over botteled water…. what more do you need from a Gov? - Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:26 pm: The Rutherford/Kim ticket try out that famous Marion Counnty Moonshine everyone raves about… - his girl friday - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:26 pm: Dan: follow my lead on everything I do and we’ll get elected. Steve: yes sir Senator - use right hand for water - Senator is it ok to use my left had for my glasses Dan: no Steve right hand for the glass Steve: Senator - I mean my eye glasses Dan: oh ok - just make it quick - Jake From Elwood - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:27 pm: Dan and Steve doin’ their best Marco Rubio impersonations. - Because I said so... - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:28 pm: Ron Burgundy; you win, LOL! - Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:29 pm: “Senator Rutherford, take your time, and Mr. Kim, you too … tell us… why is Steve Kim the best choice as your running mate, and Mr. Kim, what do you bring to the ticket, and why should Illinoisans feel better knowing you are the ‘#2′ … take a moment to answer, there is water there too if you need it, take your time …” - Amalia - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:29 pm: Drink and drinker. oh, there were so many supportive Rutherford comments here before, why should we squelch his vibe now? the sharp dressed man vote is totally covered. As is the no girls allowed vote. - Just Me - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:30 pm: Kim is qualified the same way Jill Tracy and Sheila Simon are qualified, and for that manner Bruce Rainier too. - Just Me - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:31 pm: (Bruce Rauner, stupid autocorrect) - Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:31 pm: @FakePongee - I never needed water! I just needed my oil checked and air in my tire. Steve Kim is no Pongee! #MyTreasurerComeBack - N'ville - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:34 pm: Drinking the Kool Aid… - Dizzy Cow - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:34 pm: Kim - ” I did this faster than Reboletti that’s why I’m here.” - Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:35 pm: @FakeTomCross - Well, for one, Steve Kim will not play golf on Election Day…. The Rutherford/Kim ticket take a break after splitting 37 hot peppers to pander to some group that likes hot peppers for a sweet Tweet about something irrelevent to both of them and Illinois. - CircularFiringSquad - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:37 pm: First he make DandyDan look tall Qualified?…just look at PQ —everyone, including Oscar The Puppy, is qualified. - Whatever - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:38 pm: Baffling choice. - Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:39 pm: Steve Kim shows how, if Treasurer Rutherford chokes while drinking a glass of water, he can step right in, without missina beat, and finish a glass of water for the citizens of Illinois. - Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:41 pm: Yeah, um, I hadn’t forgotten the questions you asked Rich, and I am working real hard on them. As an aside, my physics qunadry and weight to speed formula came back from MIT as workable, so there is real hope I can answer those questions… I think(?) - The Muse - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:42 pm: “After announcing Steve Kim as his running-mate at a campaign event, an awkward moment ensued when Dan Rutherford revealed that, in fact, he actually thought he chose a woman but Mr. Kim’s name appeared last name, first name on the research sheets.” I can think of no other reason why he made this choice. - Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:44 pm: “That’s funny, the Rutherford/Kim ticket never have a second glass of water after bloviating …” - Anonymous - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:46 pm: If they win, the voters qualify Mr. Kim for the ticket, as they do any elected winner. - Chavez-respecting Obamist - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:47 pm: The Muse beat me to it. - Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:48 pm: While completing their “selfie” Scavenger Hunt, the Rutherford/Kim ticket was disqualified because you can plainly see someone else TOOK the picture, even though they both are drinking a glass of water (1 point) in front of a podium (3 points), stand by an American flag (2 points) with the state flag (5 bonus points) and cleaning glasses (1 point)…. the following points will be deducted, and 9 more points will be taken as penalty if they want to continue in the Hunt. - Nearly Normal - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:51 pm: Kim: Dan, I’m thinking we should put the glasses down and answer the questions! Dan: Remember that when you need more time to come up with an answer you take a drink of water. Also, don’t make bubbles while you are stalling. Kim is a member of a minority and that makes positive waves for Dan. He wants to appeal to a diverse Illinois electorate and get some independents and minority Repubs to pull a Republican ballot in the primary. Kim is certainly better prepared to assume the governorship than Jason Plummer! - the unknown poster - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:56 pm: Watch how we can both drink a glass of water and make the other person appear as though he is singing. - Stones - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:58 pm: “Jeff Dunham has nothing on us. Not only does the puppeteer drink but so does the dummy” Answer to the two questions: 1. With Kim in his name maybe the voters will think he’s actually a woman? Seriously, the R’s are desperate to put together a ticket with something other than two aging caucasion males. 2. Simple, he isn’t the most qualified. - Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:58 pm: I guess NASA got a copy of my numeric calcualtions that MIT gave the “green light” to and have asked me to speak during the Astro-Physics symposium in the Spring and MIT asked if I could be a Fellow in the Math Think Tank they are starting for me. As for the Steve Kim questions, I will pass those on to NASA with my acceptence to speak. You never know, NASA might have the mathematical solution to both questions …but I will keep trying. The Rutherford/Kim ticket practice their “Spit takes” when someone asks a question they don’t like … - CLJ - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:59 pm: Dan and Steve join in on Michelle Obama’s campaign to drink water. If they win the primary and go up against Daley, Steve can talk about what it was like to work for him at AT&T. - Rich Miller - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 12:59 pm: ===better prepared to assume the governorship than Jason Plummer=== Um, you really wanna set the bar that low? - Judgment Day (Road Trip) - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 1:06 pm: Well, it’s not really an answer, except by comparison: 1) What does Kim really bring to the ticket? He’s alive, and he’s not Jason Plummer or Joe Walsh. He’s actually pretty smart. 2) How is Kim the best person qualified to take over the governor’s job if, God forbid, something happens to Rutherford? IMO, his background actually looks interesting for Lt. Governor. with Rutherford First off, he’s really an achiever. Korean background, immigrant, and a successful legal/business background. You’ve got the makings here of someone possibly effective in business development, particularly in Asia - which is a strong market for Illinois, and one we would like to grow. Kim could workout to be a big time edge in marketing Illinois if you work it right. This could be a race where Quinn talks Populist, but Rutherford talks Economics. If you want jobs and economic growth here in IL - looks like that is where Rutherford/Kim is heading. Smart first steps. Just a thought. - 13th one - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 1:07 pm: Cannonball! - Boone's is Back - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 1:11 pm: “Because South Korean-American former Republican AG candidates are this country’s backbone.” 1-2… this must be rhetorical - Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 1:11 pm: @FakeJasonPlummer - Look, @Capitolfax, I am the GOLD STANDARD for LG competency. How many times do we all here, “he ain’t no JP!” No one can be, no one will be. #MeasuringStickForDopey. “Senator Rutherford? (Rutherford takes drink)…Mr. Kim? (Kim panics, grabs second glass starts drinking) … ok, either one of you… where are you hiding Pongee and why hasn’t his former car dealership heard from him in weeks?” - wayward - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 1:11 pm: Rutherford and Kim, the new poster children for Michelle Obama’s “drink more water” push. - Skeeter - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 1:18 pm: Can’t beat Ron Burgundy’s caption so I won’t even try. Regarding what Kim brings — apparently, he brings pink Kleenex AND an extra rag in his front pocket. You can’t be too prepared on that issue. If a nose runs, he’s got it. In all honesty though, what he really brings is nothing, which is good Rutherford. Kim is not likely to do or say anything that will draw attention away from Rutherford. Is Kim qualified? Come on. Let’s be honest. We’ve survived with some truly terrible govs. since about 1998. He can’t be any worse than the last three, and that will do for now. But the main point of his being on the ticket is simply to not lose anything. Nobody is going to vote against Rutherford because of Kim. And that makes him a pretty good selection. - Anonymous - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 1:18 pm: Dan and Steve are actually talking to each other so press can’t hear them. Dan: ” Kim…what’s with the pink hanky?! And quit trying to channel your uncle from Star Trek…..jeez, you’re not helping! Steve: “blubb, blubbbb, blubbbb…” Star Trek” - Anonymous - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 1:20 pm: “Senor Wences showed me this trick” - Anonymous - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 1:21 pm: Rutherford aims for hip hop audience by naming Lil’ Kim as running mate. - Anonymous - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 1:22 pm: Not Jason Plummer sets the bar too low? He’s also not Scott Lee Cohen! - Anonymous - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 1:24 pm: DR-They just asked why I’m wearing PQ’s tie. What should I say? SK-Keep stalling, I’ll think of something. - Are Ya Kiddin' Me? - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 1:32 pm: I shall call him….Mini Me….. - Norseman - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 1:33 pm: Both candidates simultaneously come up with the idea to gleek prank their running mate. - In the know - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 1:46 pm: skipping the caption contest, let me play apologist. 1)suburban, Asian, business background (to support the narrative of the campaign), he’s smart and though boring, will do adequate job at the chicken circuit in and around Cook County, which is where the general election will be won. Not a woman but on paper isn’t he a good ticket balancer for the 50ish, white, Chenoa, career politician? I doubt you’ll see him outside of suburbs. As for best qualified, I had the same critique until the names simon and wood were mentioned as OFFICE holders. Lets be perfectly frank, the last truly “best qualified” LT. Gov was George Ryan - siriusly - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 1:53 pm: Combining both parts of my response: Steve Kim is ideally suited to be my running mate because when he uses his left hand as an ESP antenna, he can read my mind as long as we’re both touching water. - 4 percent - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 2:01 pm: Steve is qualified because (a) he is breathing and (2) he promised to stay the entire four years, thereby preventing Lisa from taking the Governor’s office if something happens to Dan. He’s not Jason Plummer or Sheila Simon. The glasses make him look smart. - Thirsty - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 2:01 pm: “And now, a toast to Paul Ryan.” - Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 2:02 pm: Steve Kim has a limited “base” that can be seen as one tht can get votes to Rutherford. There is a very limited infastructure (I can’t believe I am being this polite) in Chicago to get that voter base to the Polls to actually pull a Republican ballot specifically for Rutherford/Kim, today. Steve Kim was a disaster running against Lisa Madigan. Now, all you who are saying “look who he was running against, OW, you even say take a shot to move up, he did, and now you are dinging him for it?” Be. Real. Steve Kim was MIA, here on this site, Kim was mocked for his lack of funds and campaign acumen. When Quinn ran against GHR, and Rutherford ran against Jesse White, you could actually …SEE … infastructure being put into place for another run, building, and allowing the loss to be a stepping stone, not a boulder falling on them, ending a career. I do not recall anyone saying, “Man, good run, Steve Kim really helped himself out, and we are going to see much more from him.” I heard, “Who?”, “How much money did he raise?”, “When do you see him last?” “WHERE did you see him last?” You can’t walk that entire Lisa Madigan experience “back” and say it was …good… can you? No. Now, with notnhing built upon that “walk” for AG, Steve Kim is seen as a doormat to Lisa, AND the running mate for Dan Rutherford. He is. What governmental experiece does Steve Kim bring to LG, and heaven forbid for Rutherford, governor? When you run for LG, you are running for Governor. The job is to be governor if needed, not, “economic czar”, or “business czar”, those are things to keep the LG busy. That’s it. Very disappointing pick, and while Steve Kim might be a “nice guy” and all that, the reality of who “Steve Kim is” is the “put-up” candidate for Lisa Madigan who didn’t put up anything close to a … contest? Caption? The Rutherford/Kim ticket try to take the secret capsule that will make GOTV available through telepathy… - flippy - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 2:11 pm: “So, whenever you hear the words ‘Pension Reform,’ everyone takes a drink.” - Downstater - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 2:16 pm: Yes, making bad picks for Lt. Governor does have consequences. Look no further than Pat Quinn, as a prime example. - Chicago Cynic - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 2:18 pm: “Republican running mates Dan Rutherford and Steve Kim gargle in response to the question, ‘So how you going to pay for that if you let the income tax increase expire?’” - Quizzical - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 2:27 pm: Keep drinking, the ‘I’m excited about our chances’ pills can be pretty hard to get down. 1) Kim brings real experience in getting walloped in a state wide race, he’s shown he can do it without getting a DUI or kicking a dog on tv afterwards. 2) something about picking a name out of a phone book being better than what we have now. - Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 2:29 pm: Also, what was a running joke up till the day Steve Kim was announced as Rutherford’s running mate? “Who were Lisa’s last two opponents? No fair using a ’search engine’!” The only thing that has changed is the faux glee NOW as Steve Kim is on a ticket. It is… what it is. To the Question, Dan Rutherford and Steve Kim take a drink before the “yodeling” part of the “Best Ticket” competition resumes. - Anonymous - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 2:34 pm: “Rutherford Surprises Himself with LG Pick” Rutherford, to himself: Dang it, when I said I wanted Kim as my running mate, I meant Kim Maisch. Who the heck is this guy? Kim, to himself: He thinks I’m a woman? Boy this is awkward. So to answer the bonus question, Maisch’s experience with the National Federation of Independent Businesses gives her stellar business credentials and her years of experience working with the General Assembly means she can hit the ground running if Rutherford can no longer fulfill the duties of the office. That’s what Kim brings to the ticket. This is all some horrible misunderstanding. I’m sure they’ll get it straightened out soon. - 47th Ward - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 2:36 pm: Anonymous 2:34 is me. Sorry. - zatoichi - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 2:37 pm: …and with a drink of water the formal portion of the Nathan’s Hotdog eating contest starts. - walkinfool - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 2:50 pm: See. We both passed the cinnamon challenge. - hisgirlfriday - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 2:54 pm: Sorry to go OT but where did this his_girl_friday character at 12:26 come from? That’s not me in case another post from my doppelganger shows up, fyi. - Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 3:03 pm: There is only ONE - hisgirlfriday-! - too obvious - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 3:16 pm: Hey it worked for that Rubio guy…..oh wait… - Arthur Andersen - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 3:39 pm: “This Kool-Aid is good!” - Loop Lady - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 3:39 pm: As JJJ Sr. once said on SNL, …Rich’s questions are MOOT cuz Dan is not going to win the Gubby contest…these guys look totally flummoxed in this photo…”Hey,whose idea was this anyways”? - 10th Indy - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 3:43 pm: Penn and Teller demonstrate a death-defying new trick… - Downstate Illinosi - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 4:02 pm: Come on, just because he can’t play the banjo doesn’t make him unqualified to be the LG. - Rich Miller - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 4:10 pm: I think some of you are misunderstanding by omission. Sheila Simon wasn’t the most qualified, but she most definitely brought her family name to the ticket. So, that was something and it was significant. I’m wondering whether Kim brings either. - Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 4:19 pm: Rich, Steve Kim brings 2 first names, that says it all. Kim also lacks cash & cache. Other than that…. - Wensicia - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 4:25 pm: “Just keep drinking, they’ll go away eventually…” - A. Nonymous - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 4:27 pm: Caption - Hoping to avoid a Bobby Jindal Moment, Rutherford and Kim take glance away from the camera while sipping their water mid-speech. Also, bonus points for anyone who can explain to me two things: It is not possible to explain the inexplicable. 1) What does Kim really bring to the ticket?; Eyeglasses. A glass of water. And, apparently, a hanky. In that order. and 2) How is Kim the best person qualified to take over the governor’s job if, God forbid, something happens to Rutherford? He’s not, but Matt Murphy is up for re-election to an already-tiny minority SGOP caucus. - Yuck - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 4:34 pm: If you don’t swallow I won’t either. - A guy... - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 4:35 pm: They all seem to use the same standard as Blagojevich used to pick LGs. - Anonymous - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 7:42 pm: Really? No one found his one?!!! Pfft. This one’s easy. (Because I did MY research and found (what I believe is) the video of the event (or at least one of the rehearsals)). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO7NVn6gkcQ Answers: 1) Steve knows the lyrics he’s responsible for singing; and 2) Steve knows ALL the lyrics to the song in case he ever has to sing it on his own. Can’t wait until Mr. Rutherford announces the answers on Twitter next month to see if I’m right. - Anonymous - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 7:43 pm: lol That should have been: “No one found This one?!!!” - Just The Way It Is One - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 8:18 pm: Rutherford: “God, I wish this was actually VODka in here right now!” Kim: “I dunno Dan–it tastes pretty BAD–might HAVE some vodka in it actually…!” (By the way, the only thing I can scrounge up for you as to the reason for DR’s choice of him is that he thinks Mr. Kim may appeal somewhat to Minorities in the Chicagoland area (?), but, yes, I agree–there are MANY others out there no doubut better qualified to serve as Governor, in all due respect to DR’s choice for Running Mate…)! - 618er - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 8:56 pm: Who is Steve Kim? - Hans Sanity, Sr. - Monday, Sep 16, 13 @ 10:19 pm: With Illinois gubernatorial candidates now required to run with their choice for Lt. Governor, GOP candidate Dan Rutherford and his choice, Steve Kim, confirm their partnership by exchanging saliva. believe they can start - Mama - Tuesday, Sep 17, 13 @ 8:36 am: What does Kim bring to the ticket? Could it be as simple as the fact that Kim is an outsider who has a clean record to the ticket. Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.