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*** UPDATE *** Gov. Quinn’s campaign manager responds to Hynes’ new ad…
Today, Comptroller Dan Hynes released yet another in a series of negative, deceptive campaign commercials designed to misstate Governor Pat Quinn’s record in office.
This misleading Willie Horton-style ad hearkens back to campaigns of years past that exploited the fears and prejudices of American voters. We had hoped that, with the election of President Barack Obama, such politically motivated fear-mongering was behind us all. Sadly, that has not proven to be the case.
Like Hynes’ previous commercials, this ad reflects a desperate campaign that resorts to destructive negativity because it can offer no positive message to voters.
Quinn for Illinois has challenged the Hynes campaign to a mutual agreement to run only positive ads that inform voters about the issues that matter most to them – jobs, economic growth, and honest government.
Today, as the Independent Voters of Illinois – Independent Precinct Organization announces its endorsement of Governor Pat Quinn, we are proud that Quinn for Illinois is releasing a new, positive campaign ad that focuses on a brighter, greener, more progressive future for all the people of Illinois.
As this campaign moves into its final weeks, we look forward to offering Illinois voters a positive, progressive choice on Feb. 2. We trust the good sense of the voters of Illinois, and we believe they will vote for Governor Pat Quinn.
Dear Gov. Quinn: People have a right to be afraid when you’re letting convicts out early. People like these two…
In the photo, Jennifer Hall sits beside her boyfriend, Joe Hoffman. Her hair cascaded down both sides of her face and her lips were parted in a half-smile. It was Aug. 25, 2008, her 36th birthday.
“My hair was down to my waist for 20 years,” she said. “I woke up bald — no teeth, 85 staples in my head — out of a drug-induced coma.”
Two hours after the photo was taken, Hall and Hoffman were attacked by a homeless man, Derrick King, near Wabash Avenue and Roosevelt Road, after telling him they didn’t have any cigarettes. King and a second person then beat, stomped and kicked Hall unconscious, she said.
When King, 48, pleaded guilty this October to two criminal charges in the attack and was sentenced to three years in prison, Hall and Hoffman thought he wouldn’t be able to harm anyone else — at least for a while.
But just 18 days after that plea, state records show, King was paroled as part of the early-release program that Gov. Pat Quinn on Wednesday called “a big mistake.” And the next day, King allegedly threatened another woman, near the same place he attacked Hall, yelling, “Remember the couple who got beat real bad for not giving a cigarette? That was me,” police said.
As I wrote in comments, I think Hynes’ ad would’ve been far more effective if it had used a victim instead of the mug shots.
*** UPDATE 2 *** From the Hynes campaign…
“If Pat Quinn, and now his campaign manager, really believe that the secret release of 1,700 dangerous criminals, some of whom are already back behind bars for committing violent crimes, is not a serious public safety issue and thus worthy of a political campaign, then they are free to argue that point. I would hazard a guess, however, that they may be the only two people in Illinois who feel that way.” – Hynes spokesman Matt McGrath
[ *** End of Updates *** ]
* As I told subscribers this morning, Dan Hynes has a new TV ad. The backup info is here. Script…
“It’s an outrage. Pat Quinn caught secretly releasing 1,700 dangerous criminals to try and save money.
“But his bad judgment shouldn’t surprise us. Quinn’s driven our deficit to $13 billion. And he wants to borrow even more. And to pay for his borrowing, Quinn wants a 50 percent tax hike on the middle class. We have to do better. Democrat Dan Hynes: a record of fiscal responsibility, and he’ll keep Illinois safe.”
Sen. Bill Brady also whacked the governor…
Brady maintained prisons chief Michael Randle told the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability that Quinn was responsible for the cost-savings program. Quinn ended the program last week, calling it a “mistake,” and said he was unaware of it until learning about it from The Associated Press.
Brady, a member of the accountability commission, said he asked Randle during a recent commission hearing who made the choice to release inmates early. According to a transcript provided by Brady, Randle said it “was a program that was recommended and approved by the governor’s office.”
“The governor?” Brady asked, according to the transcript. Randle responded, “Yes.”
“Assuming the governor is telling the truth, that means Mr. Randle lied before a bi-partisan commission, and he should be fired,” Brady said in a statement today.
* Meanwhile, Gov. Quinn has a new positive TV spot. In it, the governor talks about how he restored funding for the MAP scholarship program. Have a look…
Matt McGrath of the Hynes campaign responded to the Quinn TV ad this morning…
“Anyone who believes Pat Quinn’s new campaign ad probably also believes ‘the tapes’ will prove Rod Blagojevich is innocent.”
Quinn also has a new radio ad featuring Congressman Danny Davis and Secretary of State Jesse White. Listen to the spot by clicking here. Script…
Danny Davis: And this is Congressman Danny Davis.
JW: The primary election is right around the corner. So we’re urging you to vote for a governor who stands with us.
DD: When the legislature cut the budget for human services in half, Governor Pat Quinn stopped them. He made sure that people and families continue to get the help they need.
JW: When Springfield provided only half of the tuition grant money for college students from poor families, Governor Pat Quinn pushed the legislature to restore the full amount – helping thousands of students to stay in school.
DD: And Governor Quinn has a real plan to bring new jobs and opportunity. His “Jobs and Growth for Illinois” plan will create thousands of good jobs by improving public works, expanding clean energy and providing loans for new and expanding businesses.
JW: Let’s keep a good man in the Governor’s Office, working for us. This is Jesse White…
DD: …And Danny Davis, urging you to join us on February Second in voting for Governor Pat Quinn!
Thoughts?
* Related…
* Hynes: Budget gap is the top priority
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 10:42 am
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The Hynes spot is exactly what he should be airing right now. Well done.
The Quinn spot is well produced, but MAP Grants and Green initiatives aren’t at the top of voters lists right now.
Comment by dc Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 10:49 am
Hynes’ “Willie Horton” ad is decent. It is nothing that we won’t see from the GOP down the road. But the “nuclear option” doesn’t work in Democratic primaries. I can’t remember the last time it did in this State. Maybe I am wrong??? Someone give me an example of the last time the nuclear option worked in Illinois.
If I was with Quinn, the one thing Hynes’ needs to be called out on is this ‘fiscal watchdog’ nonsense. When Hynes came into office twelve years ago, the state had a surplus. Hynes has been there for twelve years and today there is a $13 billion deficit. There is not one example of him ever doing anything substantial to address revenue or spending problems besides fighting with Emil Jones over “member initiatives” which he lost, and the time he got in the flight with Blago over flu vaccines. Barack did the same thing when he ran against Hybes in the Senate race and blasted Hynes for sitting on the sidelines during budget debates. Someone needs to call Hynes out on it. You can’t be a ‘fiscal wathdog” when all you do is fire the occasional shot from the sidelines. Time to return fire! Let the good times roll!
Comment by Big Policy Nerd Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 10:52 am
I liked the Hynes ad. It made you stop and think about things that are important, safety and fiscal responsibility. The Quinn ad didn’t do much for me.
Comment by Paul S. Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 10:52 am
I’m just really uneasy with the Randle/prisoner thing. Trying to think of the timeline, but some of these prisoners were let out starting in the fall, wasn’t Randle still unapproved by the Senate as of yet. I’m having a hard time thinking he’d go this far without authority/knowledge from above.
I like Hynes ad. I rate it higher than the jolly/happy one here by Quinn. The state is in a mess, I don’t need ‘I’m a great leader’ ads by Quinn trying to pretend different.
Comment by Cindy Lou Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 10:54 am
fiscal responsibility and crime-great if you are running in a GOP race.
Comment by shore Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 10:56 am
Sorry for my Quinn friends, but Hynes spot is great. I give it a 9.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 11:01 am
I wonder about a backlash against Hynes’s mostly negative campaign. With the short time available, I don’t think he can move both Quinn’s negatives and his own positive name recognition. I’d rate the spot as pretty good in isolation of these concerns–especially if there were still a couple months left to move opinion. But it looks like desperation to me.
Comment by Ray del Camino Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 11:04 am
Has Hynes told us yet how he is planning on dealing with next year’s $13B deficit if he wins? Or how he would have dealt with this FY’s deficit?
In case you don’t know, the answer is no.
Comment by dave Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 11:04 am
Whoever sits in the governor’s chair in November will have to do something about Illinois’ fiscal situation. This is especially true because it is unlikely that in an election your even our tax-loving Pat will go through with a wealth transfer from the middle class to Democratic politicians, their cronies, state bureaucrats, and the “poor.” …I mean, his middle class income tax increase. Like Democratic liberals everywhere, our Pat wants big expensive government, fat public employee paychecks, and massive entitlement programs–and he wants the middle class to pay for them, not the fat cats. In fact, many politicians are fat cats, economically speaking. They sure don’t want to pay.
So, somebody will have to do something come 2011.
I’m just not sure that our Pat should be doing it, based on his performance so far. He can’t fire anybody. He can’t negotiate. He can’t count. He is easily intimidated. He can’t find anybody competent to work for him.
That’s great for Democratic pols–they can walk all over him for four years or more. But for the rest of us, our Pat is a bad investment.
Comment by cassandra Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 11:06 am
you go Dave…
Comment by Loop Lady Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 11:06 am
Policy Nerd, I won’t speak for him, but I’m guessing Blair Hull would have a different opinion of whether “nuclear options” by opposition in the democratic party works.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 11:16 am
Where was the Hynes watchdog in the Blago years? I do not recall Quinn taking the budget from a surplus to a $13B hole in his one year. Seems both of them were on the train that created the problem. Since they both want the big job, now comes the nice looking ads that spin the selected issue while ignoring some history on both sides. Typical election stuff.
Comment by zatoichi Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 11:16 am
This is the “hail mary” pass from Team Hynes. It is a good ad and I don’t think a GOP firm could produce one that is much better or different. Quinn’s team had to be waiting for this. If you have done a focus group recently though, you would know that this kind of stuff doesn’t work. When you test stuff like this it causes people to tune out. Quinn should respond with nothing but ” Jobs Jobs Jobs!”
Comment by Burrito Bandit Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 11:23 am
The Hynes’ ad is a good piece for the campaign. How much air can he afford is the big question. At this point probably more helpful to the republican candidate in the general, than putting Hynes over the top. Too little too late for the Feb 2 primary, unless terrible weather limits the votes to 20% of eligible voters.
The weather is probably the biggest unknown for all. For example a blizzard in the Chicago area and good weather downstate probably gives Brady the Republican nod. But bad weather downstate kills him. Any thoughts on advantages to a very low turnout?
Comment by downstate hack Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 11:28 am
The Hynes ad is good, but I dont think it will do anything to bring his own numbers up. The Quinn ad is also good, but negatives must immediately be answered with negatives. That lead in the polls could be eroded pretty quickly if effective negative ads are answered with puffy positive pieces. If Quinn is going to run positive ads, I at least hope that they have proven wildly effective with female focus groups.
For the next month, Quinn needs to take the gloves off and hit Hynes twice as hard as whatever hit he just took. Negative ads dont bring numbers up, they just drive opponents numbers down. Dont let Hynes drive your numbers below his.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 11:28 am
dave, it is you who doesn’t . Dan Hynes has a comprehensive plan to deal with the state’s short and long term economic goals which is available on his website, unlike Quinn whose only plan seems to continue to borrow and spend until the state goes broke. Then he will try to coerce the GA into passing his woefully inadequate tax plan. It won’t work. He should have talked to Madigan first. By the way, before Quinn takes credit for funding MAP he should probably try to figure out where to get the money. He “saved” human services from 50% cuts by not paying them anything.Great fiscal management by the temp gov.
Comment by Bill Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 11:29 am
@ Anon- Policy Nerd, I won’t speak for him, but I’m guessing Blair Hull would have a different opinion of whether “nuclear options” by opposition in the democratic party works.
That’s a blast from the past…I haven’t though about Blair Hull in years. The difference here is that Blair Hull started with no one knowing who he was, so he spent tens of millions telling people who he was and got nowhere. So he spent tens of millions more, still wasn’t getting any traction and was stuck somewhere close to dead last. Then he took a punch in the gut that guaranteed his place in the bottom. Hull was never a tier one candidate, and maybe Hynes isn’t either. I would like to see a poll with name id to see how many people even know who Hynes is.
Comment by Big Policy Nerd Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 11:31 am
===The weather is probably the biggest unknown for all. For example a blizzard in the Chicago area and good weather downstate probably gives Brady the Republican nod. But bad weather downstate kills him. Any thoughts on advantages to a very low turnout?===
Brady’s biggest downstate problem by far is Jim Ryan, not the weather.
And if you subscribed, you’d know the size of the Hynes buy. It’s substantial.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 11:31 am
===he spent tens of millions telling people who he was and got nowhere===
Hull was leading the field when he tanked. By a large margin. Yes, it was thin, but he did get some traction. Try facts instead of hazy memories. Then again, it was only four years ago.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 11:33 am
=== I don’t think a GOP firm could produce one that is much better or different.===
A much better ad would’ve featured a victim of one of these early outs. Remember Lisa Madigan’s victim ad against Birkett in 2002? Devastating.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 11:34 am
** Dan Hynes has a comprehensive plan to deal with the state’s short and long term economic goals **
No he doesn’t. He has a bunch of rhetoric, but the fact is that this budget crisis cannot be dealt with without an immediate income tax increase. Dan Hynes wants you to believe otherwise, because that is the only way that he can attack Quinn. But while Quinn’s tax proposal doesn’t make up all of the deficit, Hynes plan, as you would say, is even more “woefully inadequate.”
Bill - I think you are smart enough to not believe that Hynes plan will solve the immediate budget crisis Illinois is facing.
Comment by dave Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 11:35 am
==A much better ad would’ve featured a victim of one of these early outs.==
That is an excellent idea! It would be even better if one of those losers commits another atrocity after they got out. It is only a matter of time.
Comment by Bill Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 11:37 am
@ Rich Miller
Maybe I am drunk off too much coffee…I don’t remember polls showing Hull up big? Was he? Like was he in the high 20’s ever? Maybe I stand corrected…Hull wasn’t leading in those polls when that divorce stuff came out was he?
Comment by Big Policy Nerd Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 11:37 am
dave,
Hynes plan has the potential to solve the crisis for good by revamping the archaic way that Illinois taxes are assessed. In the meantime extending the sales tax to services, sin taxes, and budget reform would stem the tide in the short term. Quinn’s “plan” would take care of about 1/4 (3.5 billion) of the current deficit by raising the income tax 50% with no relief from future deficits. He then plans to make up the rest by breaking contracts with the state’s dedicated employees and stiffing the “human services” people that he supposedly champions.
Comment by Bill Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 11:43 am
In regards to Hynes’ commercial…are those pictures the real criminals that have been held or recently let out? I believe so. It hasn’t been discussed, but something bothers me about their faces being plastered across our living rooms everytime the commercial is aired. As a conservative, I believe it was a mistake to give them early release. However, if I was a family member of an inmate, I would not relish seeing their picture every night. Let their punishment be time served. Blast Quinn, if you may, that he let those folks out early, but by showing their faces to me is ethically just not right. That’s just how I feel.
Comment by anon Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 11:47 am
**Hynes plan has the potential to solve the crisis for good**
Bill - I don’t disagree with you. But he has NO viable plan to deal with the immediate problem. The immediate problem simply cannot be solved with an immediate increase in the income tax.
Your AFSCME brothers and sisters know this, which is why they are actively and aggressively pushing for an increase to the income tax now. They also know that Hynes wants to cut even more state workers and services.
So I ask again - what viable plan does Hynes have to deal with the immediate crisis?
Comment by dave Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 11:48 am
–”A much better ad would’ve featured a victim of one of these early outs. “–
I bet that’s the next one coming already in production?
–It would be even better if one of those losers commits another atrocity after they got out. It is only a matter of time–
Did’nt I read that some of these prisoners released already have committed new crimes?
Comment by Cindy Lou Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 11:49 am
The Hynes ad is powerful and well designed to tie Quinn’s lack of executive action on the budget to a bungled early release program. The budget news is only going to get worse for Quinn, and frankly, all democrats as the latest U of I furlough days announcement protends. The blame goes back to Quinn’s poor start out of the box last Spring and Speaker Madigan’s impossible requirement demanding republican votes on any tax increase. 1994 may look like a cake walk for democrats unless they radically change strategy.
Comment by Raymond Moley Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 11:52 am
Rich at 11:34 had it exactly right. The Hynes ad goes soft on Quinn. A brutal and more effective attack would put Derrick King and his victims front and center. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-quinn-parole-side-31-dec31,0,6485835.story
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 11:53 am
That is a fair point about Hynes’ plan. His plan is “elect me Governor” then we will have a statewide refferdum to vote to increase taxes. It is a fair criticism.
Comment by Pretty N' Polish Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 11:57 am
Exactly how many non-political/non-seasonal JOBS JOBS JOBS! did Quinn bring to, or make happen in, Illinois last year? Keep in mind that when he got into the governor’s office he was talking about JOBS JOBS JOBS! So, if I were Quinn I would not counter with JOBS JOBS JOBS! unless I had substantial numbers to back that up with.
This proves my point Burrito B:
==DD: And Governor Quinn has a real plan to bring new jobs and opportunity. His “Jobs and Growth for Illinois” plan will create thousands of good jobs by improving public works, expanding clean energy and providing loans for new and expanding businesses.==
Quinn will or Quinn plans to… in other words, he hasn’t. see what I mean Burrito? How does Danny Davis know what will happen? At the federal level the government is saying that the job outlook remains somewhat bleak for the forseeable future. Does Davis know something that the federal forecasters don’t?
==DD: When the legislature cut the budget for human services in half, Governor Pat Quinn stopped them. He made sure that people and families continue to get the help they need.==
For goodness sake, Quinn signed the budget and he made the cuts. If he has made sure that people are getting the help they need, why are so many social agencies crying now because they are on the brink of closing?
==JW: When Springfield provided only half of the tuition grant money for college students from poor families, Governor Pat Quinn pushed the legislature to restore the full amount – helping thousands of students to stay in school==
Quinn tried to push the GA, but they didn’t budge during the fall veto session. Instead they sent him right back to the drawing board. Serious question, have some of them budged since? Where are Madigan and Cullerton on this?
==JW: Let’s keep a good man in the Governor’s Office, working for us. This is Jesse White…==
Where are Quinn’s accomplishments as Governor? Saying that he is “working for us” tells me absolutely nothing really. Give me unrefutable facts and results that are Illinois’ interest.
Re: Early Prison release
It is worth noting that both of early release plans had problems. The publicized one had DUI felons leaving early at the height of the X-Mas season when all hands are on deck trying to discourage drunk driving. A young woman was killed this past holiday season because her boyfriend was driving under the influence.
Quinn had to scramble to get the DUI felons rounded up and re-sent to prison. WOW!
Illinois lawmakers and Sec. of State White have taken DUI very seriously over the years and have gone to great lengths to punish offenders. I’m not sure why or how they were let out in the first place, but the fact that they were was a slap in the face to every Illinois lawmaker who has worked hard to address, stop and punish drunk driving. Look at this list of lawmakers: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/press/2001/may/010518d1.html
Of course we know about the the problems with the secret early release program. I think the Tribune was right to wonder out loud how increasing government with two new executive level really helps. Prisons in Illinois are dangerous and overcrowded.
What was Quinn’s reponse to the downstate prison hostage situation last month? I don’t recall hearing or seeing anything. Are two of our prisons still on lockdown?
At a City Club luncheon earlier this year, didn’t Quinn, albeit in jest, threaten to release dangerous felons and send them to lawmakers’ houses?
Comment by Your giving out misguided information Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 12:00 pm
Hynes continuing his negative attacks against Quinn is just more proof that his campaign is desperate. Hynes lacks substantive policy ideas and so he goes negative. Quinn’s campaign has the right idea in staying above the fray and talking about the issues.
Comment by Nopetism Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 12:02 pm
Democratic primary and we’re talking about crime and taxes? Jobs and environment are going to resonate with the electorate this season. Willie Horton ads appeal to a fearful GOP voter who won’t pick up a Dem ballot anyway. This ad smells of desperation. But my bigger question is, why do all the criminals have beards? Was it a shout out to Rich Miller?
Comment by Dan K Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 12:09 pm
That’s a good question, Dan. I’ll ask. lol
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 12:11 pm
===Willie Horton ads appeal to a fearful GOP voter who won’t pick up a Dem ballot anyway===
Please.
People who live in the city aren’t exactly loving the crime.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 12:12 pm
Big Policy Nerd, Rich is right. This is a link to a survey usa poll done int feb before the march election:
http://www.surveyusa.com/2004_elections/il040211primary.pdf
Comment by wise guy Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 12:12 pm
I just got a press release from the Quinn campaign:
“Hynes accepts endorsement of former Blagojecvich lackey and possible Blagojevich Senate appointee, CapFax poster known as Bill ”
Hynes campaign is too much. What is he trying to hit Quinn on. Prison release… AND the deficit…. AND borrowing… AND an income tax. The ad would have been much more effective if it was focused solely on the prison release. Dan’s team still has yet to figure out how to hit Quinn ($2 million on the income tax and no movement) so are just trying to throw anything at the wall and see if it sticks.
Quinn’s ad is good. He remains focused on jobs and the economy. The winning message. My guess is that MAP grants and green jobs test off the charts. Their campaign has one message Jobs. That’s why Quinn is up so big.
And no one has mentioned the AA ad. A great idea by the Quinn campaign. Danny Davis’ voice was made for radio.
Comment by Little Lebowski Urban Achiever Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 12:34 pm
the Quinn people strike me as worried. The positive spin that you guys are putting on is understandable, but under the circumstances is it apporpriate? Don’t you guys think your being a bit intellectually dishonest and insulting?
If times were good or on the mend, Quinn’s Ad would be excellent. But given the reality of what we face and where we are headed in this state,the Quinn Ad just doesn’t jive with the truth, right now. I appreciate Quinn’s optimism, and it makes me wonder if he has some good news he’s just not sharing with us right now?
When is Quinn’s SOS address?
Comment by Judging by the reponses here... Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 12:47 pm
==I just got a press release from the Quinn campaign:
“Hynes accepts endorsement of former Blagojecvich lackey and possible Blagojevich Senate appointee, CapFax poster known as Bill ”==
Guys, please knock stuff like this off!
Comment by oh, and this is totally unacceptable and uncalled for.. Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 12:50 pm
Is this guy one of the early releases?
Parolee charged in Fenger student’s slaying
January 4, 2010 11:31 PM | 9 Comments | UPDATED STORY
randallwhite.jpgA 42-year-old parolee with a long rap sheet was charged with fatally shooting a 16-year-old boy outside of a Far South Side convenience store last week.
Randall White, of the 11900 block of South Wallace Street was charged Monday night with first-degree murder in the Wednesday slaying of Fred Couch Jr., 16, according to Chicago police. White is expected to appear for a bond hearing Tuesday.
Calumet Area detectives working with the area’s gang enforcement unit arrested White Sunday near his West Pullman home after White was positively identified in a photo array. White, who attempted to flee after observing police arrive at his residence, was arrested after a short foot chase, police said.
Police believe White was the gunman captured on a surveillance video fatally shooting the prone Fenger High School sophomore outside of Big Sam’s Mini Mart at 333 W. 119th St.
Police say Couch was in a parking lot when White approached in a dark vehicle. When Couch saw White, the offender exited the vehicle with a handgun and opened fire, fatally striking the teen.
Friends and family described Couch as having had numerous run-ins with police. His accused killer — currently out on parole — also has numerous arrests and felony convictions, including a 2007 conviction for weapon possession by a felon.
White served just over two years of a six-year sentence before being released two weeks before Couch’s murder. Police didn’t offer a motive for the slaying.
Comment by curious Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 12:53 pm
The Hynes ad could be a lot tougher, as others have noted, showing a victim of a secret early release prisoner.
Shore, Dems and Independents care about crime and fiscal responsibility, too. By the way, when was the last time, on any level, the GOP led the way on fiscal responsibility? Eisenhower?
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 12:58 pm
Little Lubby,
There was an actual Blagojevich lackey who surfaced during the 06 campaign and swore that Rod was “an honest man who always does the right thing”…it was Pat Quinn.
Comment by Bill Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 1:00 pm
Quinn’s annoying pest attitude towards what he once called an ankle biter (Hynes) is wearing thin. I’m offended by Quinn’s press release (update above).
First Quinn flops all over on what he knows/knew about the ’secret’ and now he wants to downplay and call fear mongering what is reality not just a fear. While he’s blowing Dan off as if Dan is silly, I’m sure I read this last week that the guy sent in for the number the guy did on victim over smokes tried to (after release) intimadate again for smokes and bragged of the last incident.
Gov. Quinn, there’s a difference between fear mongering and having real legit concerns. The press release may have been more sensible if some of these guys had not already re-committed crimes.
Comment by Cindy Lou Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 1:13 pm
fear-mongering? get the Illinois Crime Victims Association, rather than an actual victim of crime because you don’t want to exploit him or her, and hold a press conference and if you can do an Ad.
The the Illionis Crime Victim Association tell Quinn and his camp how victims concerns are not fear-mongering. Let them talk about the psychological effects, trauma and pain etc.
Or go read their literature and rebut with those type of facts. Take no more than a day or two to do this because you want to make sure it is done well so that no one dare use the term “fear-mongering” when talking about this early prison release issue.
Comment by Hynes, the Quinn Camp Manager just opened the door for you... Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 1:25 pm
When you have no solutions and no creativity, you go negative. Scared people make irrational decisions (which IMHO is what choosing Hynes over Quinn would be). I think the Willie Horton ad is something that everyone involved in politics should be ashamed of. I can admire cut-throat advertising and strategy but have some integrity too. “This monster is coming for your wife and daughters”–feeding this type of bigotry honestly disgusts me. But all that aside, is the Hynes ad effective? It depends on how you define that. Memorable, yes. Dramatic, yes. Will it win Hynes the votes he needs? I doubt it. So from a practical perspective (as well as a personal one) I think it’s a bad move. To me it says that Hynes doesn’t have enough to say without going for the cheap shot.
Comment by MarkMac74 Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 1:47 pm
Don’t worry we will run the victom ad when Pat wins the primary….
Also will someone ask the Cook County states attorney how a guy can be charged with beating someone that bad and end up coping a plea so they get a 3 year sentence?
Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 2:12 pm
is one of Quinn’s achillies heels—perhaps the biggest to date.
The campaign manager had to release a statement,
an ill-advised and insenstive one at that, and with so many people who have come out of the wood work here today feigning moral outrage and indignation with Hynes means, to me, that this issue has hurt Quinn or at the very least he and his people are very concerned that it will hurt him.
I recall how anxious the Quinn camp was that Hynes not use the “sleeping at the wheel video” in an attack ad. They suggested it would be a “bad move,” or it would make Hynes look “bad/desperate” or it would be a “cheap and (somehow) unfair” shot etc.
Then, I’m reminded of the Spa Ad and the Trial Lawyer Ad that Rich posted before the Christmas break.
The early prison release struck a chord with the public last week, thanks to the media. By all indication it struck a serious negative chord for Quinn. Whether or not it will translate into more votes for Hynes or less votes Quinn is unknown at this time, unless someone did some quick polling, but the early prison release did two things:
1. got peoples attention
2. got people talking
and neither of those were particularly good things for Quinn.
Comment by the early prison release issue... Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 2:23 pm
The Hynes ad is fair game. Most everybody in Illinois who is paying attention knows that the fiscal situation is dire and that there are no easy answers to fix it no matter WHO the candidate is. Most everybody who lives and votes in Illinois also understands that campaign promises are “suspect” at best, and that real reform is almost impossible in this state. That is why IMO so many of this year’s campaigns, especially, have been unable to draw much interest or involvement. There is a feeling of muddled messages and futility within the electorate to be able to affect change no matter whom they elect.
But Quinn and Randle and company releasing dangerous criminals into the streets is really simple for folks to understand, and people do not like it one bit. It gets to voters at the gut level. It reeks of poor judgement and secrecy by an administration that in the past year often did not seem to think things through. Even if Quinn ends up being elected, this sort of exposure to his weaknesses by his opponent(s) should hopefully force him to self examine his processes and staff and make him an improved governor in the future. Hynes should not only keep up the attack on this issue right up until election day, but should make it stronger.
Comment by Responsa Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 2:26 pm
The response and the emotions posted here demonstrate that this race isn’t over.
First off, the Hynes ad works. Expect Quinn to get hurt with it. The Governor’s response is silly and sad and claims that the ad is unfair. So, not only does Hynes score here - so would any GOP candidate against Quinn. If this is the best response Quinn can come up with he is being badly served.
Quinn did this. He knew the risks, right? So he should have had a head-start on any blowback, right? If this is the best he can do - he is a weak candidate that will be easily picked off this year. Quinn is either incompetent or dim as a gubernatorial candidate, neither of which should recommend any political support in February.
If we do not clean out the incumbants next month - expect Illinoisans to do that job for us in November, by electing Republicans. Do it now. Dump the incumbant dead weight.
Nominate Hynes. Dull, fair and competent will beat dull, fair and incompetent every time.
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 2:35 pm
Hynes’ ad is a good ad, but the message is:
1) 20 years out-of-date;
3) Out-of-touch with voters’ top concerns: jobs, education, health care.
Quinn’s ad is dull, but well-produced and on message.
I don’t think either ad is a game-changer. If Hynes’ is at 40% right now, a VASTLY superior GOTV effort — which the IFT and others can offer — might get him to 44%. But unless Quinn drops dead, Hynes will be spending more time with his family next year.
Can’t help but wonder what would have happened if Hynes had listened to those urging him to drop his $4 million in the County Board President’s race instead…
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 2:39 pm
It’s shocking that Quinn is getting away without answering even basic questions.
Look at this Dec. 30 AP story - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34633721/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/ - it says “The AP searched Corrections records and found at least 18 of the parolees were back behind bars.”
The story names Derrick King (see above), Alfred Wooten (saying he committed criminal trespass and domestic battery after he was secretly released), Quince Campbell (weapons charges) and Joshua Paddock (FOUR domestic battery charges).
But it continues, “Quinn contended that 56 had been returned to prison, eight for new crimes: Six for retail theft or drug offenses, one for a drunken driving and one for domestic assault. Spokesmen would not comment on the discrepancy between the governor’s numbers and the AP’s.”
Well either the AP is lying or the governor is. I doubt the AP could make up these names and crimes, so draw your own conclusions about who’s not being truthful.
For another example, on Jan. 1 the Daily Herald said - at http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=347893 - “William Abruscato was sentenced to 14 months in state prison on a domestic battery conviction after using a steak knife to cut a woman’s hand and threatening to torch her Antioch-area trailer home Aug. 2, Lake County sheriff’s police said. Police reports state Abruscato tried to stab the 59-year-old woman in the chest, but she stopped the blade with her left hand. State records show Abruscato entered the prison system Sept. 25 and was paroled Oct. 8. … The Associated Press lists Abruscato as one of at least 18 early parolees who is already back behind bars. The details of his most recent arrest, including when and where it happened and the specific charges, were unavailable Thursday.”
How can Pat Quinn get away with not answering what crime Abruscato, who previously tried to stab a 59-year old woman in the chest, committed after he was secretly released?
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 2:48 pm
It’s false logic to assume that attacking Quinn helps Hynes. And as far as getting people’s attention–these stories were getting plenty of press without the ad. I don’t think Quinn approached Hynes about refraining from negative ads because he was scared about what H. might say. I think he honestly thought it was the right thing to do. This is a guy who refuses campaign money from questionable sources on principle.
Comment by MarkMac74 Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 2:50 pm
MarkMac, the stories may have been getting generic press, but the the campaign that gets its version and perception of it into the public eye the best is the campaign that controls how the public views the story.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 2:56 pm
Negative or not, Mark, even though items have been in the press, I think what may not only get people’s attention but also keep it (ex: the truthful ad) is Quinn’s constant desire to duck and avoid the issues that show Quinn has had a year in office and the state and it’s serious issues have only grown worse and Quinn wants us to not notice and continue to think he’s the right man to lead Illinois out of this. Are we to hush, hush, and keep smiling?
Comment by Cindy Lou Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 3:01 pm
I agree–the one who controls the message usually controls the public perception. Some explanation is called for. But what interested me was Quinn’s approach to the situation. That he chose to air a positive message while Hynes went on the attack. It just says something interesting about their characters. And to me that doesn’t give the impression that Quinn is “ducking” or “avoiding” the issues. Everyone is aware of the problems facing Illinois. It’s the solutions that need some attention–both by the candidates and by the press.
Comment by MarkMac74 Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 3:24 pm
MarkMac74 - “This is a guy who refuses campaign money from questionable sources on principle.”
This is also the guy who had his staff offering facetime with the Governor to lobbyists for something like $20,000.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 3:46 pm
it’s good that the media got the public’s attention on the two early prison release programs. Hopefully no one took the “thanks to the media” part any other way.
AP has done a superb (A+) job staying on the early prison release program, as have all of the others in the media.
The public needs and deserves to be aware. This is a major public saftey issue IN ADDITION to being a public budget issue. The first role of any government is to provide for the saftey and protection of its citizens.
Comment by for the record... Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 3:59 pm
Cassandra, “whoever is sitting in the governor’s chair in November” will be Governor Quinn. As you know, whoever wins in November isn’t seated until January.
Comment by steve schnorf Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 7:30 pm
Saw Hyne’s ad and I have to ask: just when did he become a Republican?
Quinn didn’t really “solve” the MAP grant problem, he just kicked the can down the road. Hynes should do an ad showing a foot kicking a can down a road a few times, until it disappears over the edge of a cliff. That’s Illinois’ budget. Hynes and Quinn share blame equally on it, too. Along with the entire legislature.
But that doesn’t fit into 30 seconds very easily.
Comment by Gregor Tuesday, Jan 5, 10 @ 10:35 pm