* OK, this is a bit much…

When it comes to managing the state, Republican Bill Brady says Gov. Pat Quinn is worse than former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

“There’s no question,” Brady told reporters during a campaign swing through central Illinois Thursday. “In terms of fiscal mismanagement this administration is far worse than the Blagojevich six years.”

Pat Quinn is not a good manager, but he didn’t get us into this mess.

And “Rod Blagojevich was better” is not really a message that will sell with voters. So why bother? Brady has been off his game since his campaign ran that anti-union ad last week and polls showed a tightening race. Stick to the message, man.

* The same thing goes for Gov. Quinn…

Gov. Pat Quinn said Tuesday he believes civil unions, agreements legally recognized to give gay and lesbian partners rights and benefits, could be passed into law by the time “Christmas comes around.

“The votes are there, I believe, Quinn said. “In the Senate for sure, and definitely I think we can do it in the House. […]

While he believes there is enough support among Democrats and Republicans for a new General Assembly to pass the measure in 2011, he said he thinks it will be taken up before then, during the fall veto session.

“I think we can pass it this year. I would like to see it voted on earlier, Quinn said.

Why the public desire to push a plan like that through a lame duck General Assembly? Stick to the economy, governor.

* And the president should’ve known better last night…

We also — if I’m not mistaken, we’ve got the junior senator from Illinois, Roland Burris, in the house. Where’s Roland? There he is right there. (Applause.) Appreciate Roland for his outstanding service.

“Outstanding service”? He’s just lucky nobody picked up on that.