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*** UPDATED x1 - The plot thickens *** As if things couldn’t get any weirder

Friday, Jun 23, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Tribune

Is there room for another heel in the Illinois governor’s race?

Former pro wrestler Jon “The Illustrious One” Stewart says yes — and he’s looking to put his rivals for the Libertarian Party nomination in a half nelson, then body-slam Bruce Rauner and whoever the Democrats select in the general election.

“Politics is wrestling with suits and ties on,” Stewart, 50, told Chicago Inc. “I’m comfortable on a mic, and I’m not afraid to tell the truth.”

It isn’t The Illustrious One’s first run for elected office. Back in 1997, he unsuccessfully ran as a Republican for the state House on the North Shore — with a little help from President Donald Trump’s counselor Kellyanne Conway.

“I was her first political client,” said Stewart, who lives in Deerfield and now runs his family’s used-car dealership. “She’s probably one of the smartest people I’ve ever met so I’m not surprised she has got to where she is.

* Let’s welcome him to the race with a caption contest, shall we?

Also, click here for a wrestling promo video where he describes himself as a “son of a millionaire.”

*** UPDATE ***  Many thanks to a commenter for posting a link to this video

Stewart is pro-Trump. The governor has spent the better part of two years running as far away from Trump as he possibly can. So, it’s possible that Stewart could give him some troubles with the base. Remember how some trade unions (particularly Local 150) backed the 2014 Libertarian Party candidate? Hmm.

       

58 Comments
  1. - Linus - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:11 am:

    Fresh from his latest North Korean field trip, former NBA all-star and celebrity diplomat Dennis Rodman announces his Illinois gubernatorial bid.


  2. - Oswego Willy - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:12 am:

    “Now one with the feather boa… “


  3. - Oswego Willy - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:13 am:

    “Well.. if we take it as a black and white photo… “


  4. - Oswego Willy - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:13 am:

    “I think an earring might be over the top… “


  5. - enoughalready - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:15 am:

    “I’ll tell you something. This country is going to the dogs. You know, it used to be when you bought a politician, that son of a b**** stayed bought.”


  6. - Oswego Willy - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:15 am:

    “We couldn’t find a better background?”


  7. - Oswego Willy - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:17 am:

    “No, his hair is naturally curly… “


  8. - Give Me A Break - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:17 am:

    Jon Stewart shows off what Leader Currie loaned him after this year’s COWL event.


  9. - A guy - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:18 am:

    I don’t dress like this NOT to be noticed.


  10. - A guy - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:18 am:

    Lovie, Canfield’s for everyone.


  11. - Oswego Willy - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:19 am:

    “If we shoot it as a black and white no one can tell the color of his hair… I know, but sunshine yellow is a bit… bright… “


  12. - Oswego Willy - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:20 am:

    “Who took this picture?! Look at that picture! Look at it. You see what I see?!… Look at that shadow behind him, it ruined the whole shot!”


  13. - Jocko - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:21 am:

    If you thought Bruce’s costumes were campy, you ain’t seen nothing yet.


  14. - Oswego Willy - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:22 am:

    “But if we shoot this in black and white the colorful bedazzling will get washed away. Do we want to lose all that bedazzling?”


  15. - Henry Francis - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:22 am:

    At least he is more genuine with his costumes than the man he is seeking to replace.


  16. - stl boy - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:22 am:

    Well, it sure beats the Carhart look for getting your attention.


  17. - Amalia - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:22 am:

    Stewart goes for the Dame Edna vote


  18. - Slippin' Jimmy - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:23 am:

    Used car Tycoon, son of a Millionaire, your next Governor- Ready for the People!
    1-800-USED CAR for your next Ride


  19. - Oswego Willy - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:24 am:

    “Its steaming my clams, you couldn’t get another lamp to his left… to wash out that shadow… this is a professional headshot. I’m embarrassed, this isn’t quality work… “


  20. - Grandpa2 - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:27 am:

    I will join Jesse and Arnold in the pantheon of Great Governors!


  21. - Oswego Willy - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:27 am:

    “He wanted to take the shot bare chested, so WE talked him into the bedazzled robe and boa. Follow?”


  22. - Ducky LaMoore - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:28 am:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIibo-CFZqM


  23. - Anon221 - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:28 am:

    Jon Stewart will bring reality back to Illinois!

    (Watch out OW, he may give you a run for HBO rights!)

    From Wikipedia: Stewart has produced two different reality show pilots, one involving his families auto dealership and one about rescuing independent wrestling organizations, but both have been put into “Turn Around” by his affiliated Hollywood production companies.[10]


  24. - Oswego Willy - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:28 am:

    “Ok, I’m spitballing, I grant you, what about if he shaves his head and wears business casual clothes, at least for the announcement?”


  25. - Puddintaine - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:29 am:

    Garry Glitter called, felt that your outfit was a wee bit distasteful.


  26. - Oswego Willy - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:30 am:

    “(Sigh) No, this IS him out of costume. That’s why I wanted you to see this before we meet with him.”


  27. - A guy - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:31 am:

    By all means, send along the “serious” headshot.


  28. - Slippin' Jimmy - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:32 am:

    The golden locks were a Fraternity bet, the robe and Boa were Gorgeous George’s idea. My childhood idol!


  29. - Oswego Willy - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:34 am:

    ===(Watch out OW, he may give you a run for HBO rights!)===

    We’re negotiating right now for Seasons 5-8, if and when Rauner wins. I’m loyal, but there may be other bidders. The ratings have been great, thanks to Bruce and the ads.

    “Caption?”

    “I dunno, the hat makes him look silly. Let’s take another without the hat… “


  30. - Just Observing - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:35 am:

    What legislative seat did he run for? I seem to remember a wrestler running in the 2000 GOP primary for Illinois’ 10th congressional district — the one when it was an open seat right after Porter retired and Kirk won.


  31. - Kippax Blue - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:36 am:

    Dino Bravo clap-clap- clap clap clap
    Dino Bravo clap-clap- clap clap clap…


  32. - Slippin' Jimmy - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:38 am:

    Jon ” The Illustrious One” Stewart, toughest man I ever ‘fought’!
    Killer Kowalski


  33. - DuPage Saint - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 9:40 am:

    Doesn’t anyone wear a tie anymore?


  34. - Springfieldish - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 10:02 am:

    Now THAT’S what I call an intimidating former federal prosecutor!


  35. - illinoised - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 10:06 am:

    “I wear an $18 watch and drive an old van. My pearl snap shirts are in the laundry. I’m aimin’ to be fixin’ the state after winnin’ the election.”


  36. - Cubs in '16 - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 10:10 am:

    ‘Jose Canseco goes drag.’


  37. - @MisterJayEm - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 10:16 am:

    “No, sorry, not that Jon Stewart.”

    – MrJM


  38. - BIG R. Ph. - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 10:18 am:

    Ladies and Gentlemen! Let’s get ready to RRRRRRRRRRRumble!!!!!


  39. - Way Way Down Here - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 10:25 am:

    A little fussy Jon, but I think it will be alright for the press conference.


  40. - BIG R. Ph. - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 10:25 am:

    And let us not forget that President Donald Trump (boy that still feels good to type) won all but 11 counties in Illinois


  41. - Roman - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 10:30 am:

    To the update: is Cory Lewandowski lurking?


  42. - Rich Miller - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 10:30 am:

    ===won all but 11 counties===

    While I get what you’re saying, keep in mind that people vote, not counties. He lost the state by 17 percentage points and almost a million votes.


  43. - zatoichi - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 10:30 am:

    Pro wrestling and used car sales just screams sincere Statesman!


  44. - Winnin' - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 10:33 am:

    “Nyuck, Nyuck, Nyuck…”


  45. - @MisterJayEm - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 10:35 am:

    “Former pro wrestler Jon “The Illustrious One” Stewart says yes — and he’s looking to put his rivals for the Libertarian Party nomination in a half nelson, then body-slam Bruce Rauner and whoever the Democrats select in the general election.”

    ✘ il·lus·tri·ous adj. well known, respected, and admired for past achievements.

    ✔ il·lus·tra·tive adj. serving as an example or explanation.

    – MrJM


  46. - Winnin' - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 10:37 am:

    “And Rocky Balboa will be my running mate.”


  47. - CrazyHorse - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 11:02 am:

    “I’m pretty sure I can choke out the little guy with Leprechaun hat. As for the tall, skinny guy with the carhartt and the duct tape…that’s gonna be fun.”


  48. - Anonymous - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 11:03 am:

    He is head of State Police I thought


  49. - Tabbybum - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 11:05 am:

    Professional wrestling? Isn’t that where large men without pants fight over a belt?


  50. - Streator Curmudgeon - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 11:10 am:

    Wrestler Jon Stewart proposes saving Illinois economy with kelp farming, wears kelp necklace while announcing run for Govenor.


  51. - wordslinger - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 11:12 am:

    What’s his base?

    We already have a governor who likes to play dress up, has the ethics of a used car salesman and the honesty of a pro wrestler.


  52. - Amalia - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 11:48 am:

    Jon Stewart for Illinois. A different kind of Daily Show.


  53. - Streator Curmudgeon - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 11:57 am:

    Rich, I’m having a hard time making fun of something that’s already a joke.

    Caption contests are more fun when they feature humorless gasbags.


  54. - Just Sayin' - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 12:54 pm:

    With the characters running on both sides, maybe another Jesse Ventura isn’t out of the picture if the voters don’t like the other options.


  55. - btowntruthfromforgottonia - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 1:13 pm:

    “Unlike your current Governor I can actually cut an intentionally heel promo.”


  56. - Arsenal - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 3:50 pm:

    ==Remember how some trade unions (particularly Local 150) backed the 2014 Libertarian Party candidate?==

    And how did that work out for them?

    Rauner’s vulnerable, but I’ll be very surprised if he has to work on most Republicans.


  57. - siriusly - Friday, Jun 23, 17 @ 3:50 pm:

    I like it.

    What better way to get the legislature to work together than a governor from a third party that both parties can hate.

    Rauner is also from Deerfield.
    And so was the late Gov. Walker.
    What’s up with Deerfield ?


  58. - battery reconditioning system - Wednesday, Jun 28, 17 @ 9:24 am:

    The Way to Use a Completely Free Video Battery Charger Very good article on batteries. It was insightful. I found out that you can recondition any battery using a couple simple measures. I discovered it in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZzR6HAGEqw


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