44 Comments - Anonymour - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 12:31 pm: Compared to the other “top tier” candidates, or compared to OW? - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 12:38 pm: The “most qualified” out of the four? Ya think? Jil Tracy is a member of the General Assembly, working on the Pension Committee, with Bill Brady no less, seen in her Caucus as a leader, represents a diverse district, requiring knowledge in Higer Education, Interstate Commerce, Agriculture… and being part of the Legislature, Jil Tracy has contact with colleagues throught Illinois that has given her the opportunity to learn about all of Illinois, just by talking to a seat mate, or someone across the aisle. She is not a former Mayor of an 8 precint town. She is not a 1st term Councilwoman, with 3,608 votes, finishing second to her credit. She is not a candidate seat-filler who sqandered a chance to build a base, and was until recently best known as a trivia answer. Of those 3, and Jil Tracy, who can BE Governor of the 5th Largest state, starting today, if need be? Jil Tracy is the best qualified, and this time, with the Guv Candidates choosing their #2s, it says even more about the #1s Jil Tracy is the most qualified, she is. - Darienite - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 12:38 pm: Voted ‘no’, as none of the running mates could step in readily. - Ron Burgundy - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 12:39 pm: Of course he’s right. Doesn’t mean he’s not biased, however. And I bet Gov. Quinn is thrilled to hear the Lt. Gov’s job is supposed to be “communicating his message.” - Chavez-respecting Obamist - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 12:42 pm: It’s a pretty low standard, but of the 4 she’s the most qualified. FTR, I didn’t think Sheila Simon was a good choice in any way except politically. Quinn needed someone from downstate–add that she’s a woman and Paul Simon’s kid and I can see why he chose her. I think finding someone from downstate would have been a good idea for Rauner and D-lard as well. - Cincinnatus - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 12:46 pm: Quincy can never be considered Cook County or its collars. - Shore - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 12:49 pm: I’m stunned that edgar thinks dillard’s lt gov is great. at the very least the party seems to be trying to learn lessons of 2012. - siriusly - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 1:00 pm: Dillard could have done better, but I would feel better about Tracy being Governor than any of the others. So I guess, yes, I do agree with Governor Edgar’s point. - downstate commissioner - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 1:00 pm: Voted “yes”. Willy summed it up pretty well; I’m as qualified as a couple of the lt gov candidates. At this point though, will probably vote for Rutherford in the primary. - A Naughty Moose - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 1:01 pm: Evelyn Sanguinetti. Italian for Sarah Palin? - Ron Burgundy - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 1:07 pm: I should also add in my opinion, only Dillard’s pick of Tracy is a net positive for his candidacy. The others are a wash. - Lil Enchilada - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 1:10 pm: Does he think picking a woman will soften voters about the GOP and their 1940’s views? - Demoralized - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 1:12 pm: I think from a comparison perspective Edgar is right. Tracy knows how state government works at least. No matter what people’s opinions are on the benefits of being an “outsider” you can’t get things done in Springfield if you don’t know how to get them done. Like it or not everybody has to work within the system. Tracy knows the system. - A guy... - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 1:13 pm: I rarely ever agreed with Jim Edgar. More than Mr. Right, he’s usually Mr. Right now. The party keeps saying they’re going to reach out to women and minorities. Rauner and Rutherford have made choices that indicate some seriousness in that vein. If you haven’t promoted many of either through your ranks, you have to look to effective people in lower offices. They’re all ready to be LG “candidates”. If and when a time comes, the job should prepare them for becoming a temporary Governor. If they succeed, it won’t be temporary. If it’s so darn important, why are we currently going on a second year without one? - East Central Illinois - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 1:14 pm: I think this is a very postive move for Dillard. The others don’t even compare to her at all; thus helping Dillard in the overall campaign. - Center - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 1:16 pm: I’m not sure who’s pick is most embarrassing…Bill’s, Dan’s or Bruce’s…a former mayor of a very small town, a beginner alderman or a nice guy who happens to be Asian. At least Brady didn’t pander to a minority group (except for last name). I hope a reporter asks Rauner how many other people (women) he approached before he settled on Ev. Were Senators Christine, Karen, Pam & Sue all asked?? I bet they were. Why did they all say NO?!?! If Bruce hates the establishment, then why did he ask all of those entrenched pols?! - Elo Kiddies - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 1:16 pm: @ A Guy — We have a Lt Gov. right now. You can find her name on the internet. But who will Quinn run with? Plenty of pickins left after the Republicans chose their mates. - One of the 35 - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 1:24 pm: Edgar is right. A downstater from Adams County gives good geographic balance to the ticket. A state rep knows how state government works. Tracy is just a better choice than the others. - MrJM - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 1:30 pm: “And the winner of the 2013 Tallest Dwarf award is…” – MrJM - Robert the Bruce - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 1:45 pm: Edgar makes a strong case. I’d agree that Dillard picked the most qualified Lt. Gov. That won’t stop Rauner from making a more populist case that Dillard/Tracy, part of state government, are part of the problem that he’ll need to clean up. - Jon Zahm - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 2:00 pm: Tracy by far has the most gravitas of the 4. Sanguinetti has the least. You could pull a backbench trustee or Alderman off of hundreds of boards across the state who would have comparable credentials to this first term councilperson. - flea - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 2:06 pm: Why is it Edgar keeps inserting his ego into this matter? - downstate hack - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 2:16 pm: Obviously the best choice of the four. Should give Dillard a deserved boost as people compare Ms. Tracy to the other picks. - Johnny Q. Suburban - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 2:18 pm: Most qualified? I’m not even sure anyone can possibly answer that question. I’m not sure how being a state rep qualifies someone to become governor. The two positions are separated by miles and miles and miles. What qualifies someone to be governor is intelligence and critical thinking ability, not political experience. Besides, I’m not sure a guv’s pick for lt. guv would ever influence a voter one way or another. (Unless you enter EW Jackson territory, which I think it’s safe to say none of these four are close to) - Chi - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 2:18 pm: “At least Brady didn’t pander”… Did you type that with a straight face? - steve schnorf - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 2:35 pm: Remember, you don’t have to outrun the bear….. - steve schnorf - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 2:37 pm: guy, so Tracy’s not a woman who should be reached out to, or what? - Cincinnatus - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 2:53 pm: - steve schnorf - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 2:35 pm: Remember, you don’t have to outrun the bear….. +++++++++++++++++++++++++ Snort! - Chicago Cynic - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 3:28 pm: Low bar. I voted yes. - A guy... - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 3:42 pm: Schnorf, Are middle aged white women new ground in the Lt.Gov. business? I think Asians and Hispanics are. So, I guess, or what? is the answer to give you. - Kwark - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 3:48 pm: ====Why is it Edgar keeps inserting his ego into this matter? ==== I also thought this an interesting question. Besides wanting to boost his fmr CoS and protege, Edgar has a noticeable serious dislike for businessfolk who try jump the line into electoral politics. And Rauner comes straight out of central casting. Or maybe it’s just Rauner himself. - Adam Smith - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 4:17 pm: At the Lt. Guv debate you’ll need to tie strings to at least three candidates’ ankles so they don’t float away. Dillard made the only strong choice. Too early to tell if the other three prove to be assets or liabilities. I wonder if any of them can see Russia from their house? - LincolnLounger - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 4:27 pm: I’m sure Edgar allowed his name to be used by the campaign. Like it or not, that’s a huge aspect of Dillard’s campaign. I suppose as much as it drives plenty of us crazy, they certainly are consistent. - railrat - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 4:59 pm: voted yes 2 candidates that can draft a bill submit a bill work a bill and pass a bill can current Gov. or any of the other “teams” say that ? NOPE - Big Muddy - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 5:06 pm: If Shiela Simon can do it then anyone can. Mmmkay? - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 7:01 pm: - Anonymour -, Thanks, appreciate the ‘Shout-Out’, but remember, I am just above, ‘Anybody’ being better then ‘No One’ - Just The Way It Is One - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 7:36 pm: Yes, on the whole. Although not mandatory, it would really help, of course, that the Lt. Gov. Candidate really understand first-hand, if at all possible, the inner workings in Springfield, although a couple of the others (as a former Mayor of a Village or Town, an Attorney/former State-wide Candidate) are MINimally qualified, just not AS qualified. And Rauner’s choice is just not really in THAT category even–at least as about as miniscule an amount of background conceivable (and surely NOT the Best choice)…! - Illinois for Rutherford - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 7:48 pm: Show your support for Dan Rutherford by liking Illinois for Rutherford today! http://www.facebook.com/electdanrutherford - fake county chairman - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 7:54 pm: I wonder why she turned down Cong. SCHOCK in the beginning and went with LARD.I know JILL and DAN respect each other as both are very close to there families.Jill is very smart and headed the impeachment process against blago. - Soldier Of Fortune - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 9:00 pm: If I may be so bold to compare Rauner to FDR. FDR was highly critized for the Truman pick. Remember him? EPS is no Palin. She is very bright. Actually can can differentiate tactic from strategy. A rare quality in both candidates and campaigns. - Percival - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 9:22 pm: Rep. Tracy is of course the most qualified to be Governor. But Mr. Kim at least brings something of a different angle, with his international business experience that Dan Rutherford intends to bring to bear for business development. What Ms. Rodriguez and Ms. Sanguinetti bring to the table in substance is still a bit mysterious at this point. - Not a country bumpkin - Tuesday, Oct 8, 13 @ 10:35 pm: Jim who? Is that the guy that still thinks he’s relevant? Any one of the four Lt. Gov candidates will be capable of doing what Lt Govs usually do. Brady’s pick is a good one. She is sharp and articulate. So what if she comes from a “small town”? - VPlena - Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 1:28 am: Ultimately people for Governor just like they vote for President. The second person isn’t likely to change an election. The first rule for choosing a running mate is Do No Harm, i.e. Thomas Eagleton, Geraldine Ferraro, Dan Quayle, Sarah Palin. Of the 4 chosen Jill Tracy, I.M.O. is the least likely to do any harm. - Oak Tree - Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 7:42 am: All 4 lieutenant governors seem to be acceptable to me. None of them seem to be over-powering gubernatorial material (or else they might have run for governor themselves). They should all “float” should the Illinois ship of state happen to founder upon the upcoming rocks, lose another captain to death or the federal penal system , and start to sink. They all seem capable of taking over as captain should the need once again arise. Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.