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This just in… Hynes not interested in LG spot

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* Dan Hynes’ former campaign manager Mike Rendina just called and said this about the Sun-Times report that Hynes would consider taking the lt. governor position if asked…

“The Sun-Times is wrong. Dan is not interested in that position.”

Sounds pretty clear to me.

Rendina called and texted me this morning and asked me not to write anything about lite guv until I talked to him. I didn’t see either one until now. Oops on my part.

OK, so now what?

* 11:22 am - Tribbies…

Gov. Pat Quinn said today that his Democratic rival, Dan Hynes, does not want to be his running mate to replace the controversial Chicago pawnbroker who announced he would walk away from the party’s nomination for lieutenant governor.

More from Cohen’s spokesman about the conversation with Speaker Madigan…

There were no ultimatums or incentives, but Madigan explained to Cohen “the trajectory of how the race would go” if he remained in, and that if he got out now he may be able to salvage a future in politics, Swilley said.

Swilley said the conversation left open the idea that if Cohen helped the party control the damage, he could begin to rebuild his name and move on, perhaps running for public office down the road.

Cohen asked Madigan for help recouping the millions he spent on his campaign. Madigan made no such offer, Swilley said, but Cohen views the matter as an “open discussion.”

“We are certainly going to ask for help,” he said. “We’re going to ask them to help us with some fundraisers.”

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 10:56 am

Comments

Hey Rich…do you think they could talk David Hoffman into running for Lt Gov.?? It would give them some clean government credibility…but would he want that job? What is that job? I know Paul Simon was Lt Governor…

Comment by gayguy in lakeview Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:01 am
Thank you Dan Hynes. (Someone in the Quinn camp probably put that nonsense out there in the first place. still winning ugly?)

p.s.,

If Quinn doesn’t get his tax increase, please don’t sign off on any borrowing schemes for the remainder of your time in office.

Comment by Will County Woman Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:02 am
Netch.
Hynes backer.
As honest as Abraham Lincoln.
Wackier than Mary Lincoln, but in a cute way.

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:07 am
===do you think they could talk David Hoffman into running for Lt Gov.?===

lol

It’s not that they couldn’t talk him into it, it’s that they won’t even try.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:07 am
- still winning ugly? -

You’re sure still losing poorly.

Comment by Small Town Liberal Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:09 am
Art Turner.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:10 am
I know this may sound absurd, but hear me out. Looking at the map, if you take out Scott Lee Cohen’s votes, one candidate dominated downstate. That candidate is Mike Boland. Having a down stater on the ballot may help to even out the ticket. Boland would not bring a lot of fire to the ticket, but after SLC isn’t that a good thing?

That being said, I think Turner will be the nominee. I just don’t know if it is wise to give it to a guy that only won one county.

Comment by UISer Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:11 am
It’s gonna be Art Turner…a loss for the House, but a big help to Quinn.

Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:12 am
I like Vanilla Man’s suggestion.

It just strikes me that the state central committee needs to find the person who is best qualified, rather than the person who is the best political fit. That would send a clear message that the Democrats get it. Netsch (or someone like her) is the anti-Cohen.

Comment by the Other Anonymous Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:13 am
===Boland would not bring a lot of fire to the ticket, but after SLC isn’t that a good thing?===

He also gave a legislative scholarship to the daughter of his largest campaign contributor. In this post-Cohen age, ;that’s probably a deal-killer.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:13 am
The idea of Sheila Simon getting the nod intrigues me. It brings instant gravitas to the ticket and a respected southern Illinoisan to boot. Added bonus: her father served in that role back in the 60’s.

Comment by Knome Sane Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:13 am
David Hoffman would be the strongest candidate imaginable. I don’t think there’s much disagreeing with that.

Create the job of independent inspector general for him (since the real job of Lt. Gov. is really nothing as everyone knows).

The Dems would own the reform issue, even with the Blago trial going on.

The only downside is maybe they have to keep Hoffman in reserve in case Alexi has to step aside in the U.S. Senate race if it looks like he’s too weak to stop Mark Kirk. (Alexi, your Obama appointment is waiting.)

And of course some Dems would likely be terrified at the thought of Hoffman being unleashed on state government.

This is an historic opportunity for Quinn. He could change the whole debate and reclaim his spine if he was willing to fight for Hoffman’s slating. Quinn would get most of the Independents back in his camp.

Comment by just sayin' Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:14 am
Good point Rich, I withdraw my previously absurd notion.

Comment by UISer Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:15 am
Turner won Cook and second-placed dozens of counties to Cohen, who he couldn’t out-spend.

Comment by Super Anon Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:15 am
Sheila Simon is also a good idea to help Quinn shore up the woman vote. I havent seen vote breakdowns, but I know that Quinn was polling poorly woth women prior to the primary. She would be great at helping close that important gap.

Comment by Anon Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:16 am
Super Anon and others, Turner also paid himself and his family members bucks from his campaign fund. That could become an issue without a full explanation - and even then it’s complicated.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:18 am
*I havent seen vote breakdowns, but I know that Quinn was polling poorly woth women prior to the primary.*

That was against Hynes. It will be a different picture against a Republican, especially Brady.

Comment by Montrose Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:19 am
I fully expect it would be Art Turner, and then Rickey Hendon if Turner didn’t want it. You just have to go down the line until somebody accepts. Most will be pushing for Turner, because they don’t want Hendon. And Boland would be the one downstater on the ticket if they wanted to go that route. All I ask… please, please, please… don’t have some Alan Keyes style freakshow!

Comment by Heartless Libertarian Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:19 am
Dawn Clark Netsch?

So they can have all the Dems who ran for gov promoting raising the income tax on the same ticket?

Comment by Hisgirlfriday Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:20 am
With all respect to Turner, the Dem ticket is already full of Cook County candidates, three of whom are African-American. He doesn’t add anything. A qualified downstater is needed since the GOP ticket has 3 of them, assuming Brady wins the nomination.

Comment by Reformer Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:21 am
Montrose - Women outside of Cook County may not think Brady is so bad. Simon would be a big help outside of Chicago, up and down the ticket.

Comment by babs Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:23 am
I say get your dad to take the nomination Rich….give him something to do and keep him out of mom’s hair.

Comment by Doug Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:23 am
Doug, as you know, his bout with insanity during the Obama campaign probably disqualifies him. lol

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:25 am
Why all the Dawn Clark Netsch talk? She is 84 years old, and she endorsed Dan Hynes for governor. It would be absolutely insane to put her on the ticket, if she would even accept.

Comment by Heartless Libertarian Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:25 am
There is one person from downstate who came out for Quinn earlier than virtually anyone else, and that was Dave Koehler. liberal enough on social issues to keep the lakeshore happy, conservative enough on guns to appeal to the rest of downstate. a small businessman, minister, long-time focus on job collaboration. And with Koehler and Brady in the same DMA, why not pick the best candidate to strike at the heart of his base. Any choice other than Koehler is a HUGE missed opportunity.

Comment by in the know Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:25 am
=== David Hoffman would be the strongest candidate imaginable. I don’t think there’s much disagreeing with that. ===

Really? How many counties did he win? What’s his experience in state government? How does he run as the state’s Reformer-in-Chief without trashing the reform package that Quinn just signed?

Hoffman’s strong suit is trashing other Democrats. That doesn’t make him a great guy to have on the team in my book.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:26 am
as much as I would love to see another woman on the ticket, or to delve into Hispanic representation, what I care about most is geographic diversity. currently, there is none. yes there is the cry that they won’t vote for us anyway. but what is the right thing to do? find the best downstate candidate and put that
person on the ticket.

Comment by Amalia Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:26 am
===Why all the Dawn Clark Netsch talk? ===

A grande dame of the party with no future ambitions.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:27 am
I think if we are looking for a conservative downstate Democrat, John Sullivan’s name ought to be thrown out there.

Comment by UISer Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:28 am
=== “We are certainly going to ask for help,” [Cohen’s campaign] said. “We’re going to ask them to help us with some fundraisers.” ===

Cohen’s consultants should be the ones writing the checks.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:28 am
needs to be a woman — 4 white guys running for top of ticket = bad news

Comment by just sayin' Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:30 am
===Why all the Dawn Clark Netsch talk? ===

Because Jim Edgar was already taken.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:30 am
Also, the D-2 trouble for Turner is bad.
We don’t need any more trouble on this ticket!!!!

Comment by just sayin' Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:30 am
in the know -

Good point.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:31 am
===4 white guys running for top of ticket = bad news ===

Only Jesse White’s name is “white.”

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:32 am
If we are talking conservative downstaters for the office of Lt. Gov. How about Bill Haine. Arguably the most conservative member of the GA as well as a long time Madison County State’s Attorney. Not to mention a Vet.

Comment by WOW Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:35 am
+in the know

good thought out choice most of us up North would not have thought of it

Comment by Third Generation Chicago Native Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:35 am
Is there any reason that it shouldn’t be Sheila Simon?

Comment by been there Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:36 am
Art Turner would be my pick. It would be fun watching Rep. Turner debating Jason Plummer.

Comment by (618) Democrat Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:38 am
The best reason to make it Sheila Simon is it already fits one of Quinn’s verbal tics — repetitively referring favorably to Sheila Simon.

Now if Quinn could just get “Land of Lincoln” to run his campaign, he’d be all set.

Comment by Corduroy Bob Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:40 am
“Hoffman’s strong suit is trashing other Democrats. That doesn’t make him a great guy to have on the team in my book.”

Go back and look at the trend lines from the pre-election polls:

https://capitolfax.com/2010/02/01/polling-charts-exit-polling-and-electoral-predictions/

Hoffman was on track to pass Alexi. Another week or two and I bet he would have.

I think you would be hard pressed to find a single serious observer who would honestly say that Alexi is a stronger candidate than Hoffman.

Voters in both parties missed lots of wonderful opportunities this time.

Comment by just sayin' Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:40 am
How about Cheryle Robinson Jackson? She’s ready, energetic, available and she’s not going to run against Lisa Madigan for Gov.

Comment by KeepSmiling Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:42 am
Pick me and I will announce in my inaugural speech that I am resigning immediately and will not staff the office. But I would expect my family and friends to call me “governor” for life.

Comment by Knome Sane Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:43 am
Was the Hoffman vote in the primary a strong pro-Hoffman vote or a Dem concerned about Alexi in the general vote?

Personally, my vote was a vote against Alexi’s Broadway Bank vulnerabilities and had very little to do with Hoffman himself.

I don’t get what adding another white guy from Chicago adds to the ticket.

Comment by Hisgirlfriday Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:45 am
just sayin’: I think that was exactly Rich’s point — that Hoffman’s strong point is trashing fellow Dems, which is why he was trending up in the primary against a Dem. In a general election — especially for a position that is teamed up with the Gov candidate — you have to be able to support fellow Dems. Hoffman hasn’t shown he knows how to do that.

Comment by the Other Anonymous Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:46 am
We are certainly going to ask for help,” [Cohen’s campaign] said. “We’re going to ask them to help us with some fundraisers.

You know, if I were SLC, I’d have my withdrawal form all made out and such. And I’d not deliver it until I got that help…..

Comment by Pat Collins Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:46 am
Ooops, I meant to say “Yellow Dog Democrat’s point.” Sorry.

Comment by the Other Anonymous Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:47 am
What’s Dave Neal doing these days?

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:49 am
You know, all this talk about Hoffman’s polling and the like - when was the last time a Lt. Guv candidate won the race for the top of the ticket.
The Lt. Guv candidate essentially has to follow the Hippocratic Oath: First do no harm.

Comment by JonShibleyFan Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:51 am
“that Hoffman’s strong point is trashing fellow Dems, which is why he was trending up in the primary against a Dem.”

First of all, I totally disagree with the premise. Hoffman is known for a lot more than trashing Dems. It’s not fair to say that’s his “strong point.”

But it’s exactly that kind of hysterical fear Hoffman instills in the crusty old party establishment that makes him such an attractive candidate to regular voters, especially Independents.

Picking Hoffman would signal a rebirth of the old Pat Quinn, the one people used to like.

Comment by just sayin' Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:55 am
*You know, all this talk about Hoffman’s polling and the like - when was the last time a Lt. Guv candidate won the race for the top of the ticket.
The Lt. Guv candidate essentially has to follow the Hippocratic Oath: First do no harm.*

Great point, Shibley. Even in the age of Cohen, the Lt. Gov. candidate is not going to matter much once we get beyond the first few days after the new candidate is announced.

Comment by Montrose Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:56 am
Cheryle Jackson? During the Blago trial, running not just Blago’s ex-running mate but his ex-communications manager would be a VERY bad idea.

So far I am more sure of who I don’t want the nominee to be than who I actually want. About the only alternative to Sheila Simon for the Downstate woman demo I’ve been able to come up with is Deanna Demuzio.

Comment by Hisgirlfriday Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:56 am
Quinn gets a downstater or woman and it will quickly be seen and dismissed for what it is: tokenism.

Plain and simple.

In the case of a downstater, it would only reinforce the notion that the Chicago dems have little or no use for downstate dems. We all know how unimportant and unpowerful the lt. gov spot is after all the reporting about it last week.

The dems really shot themselves in the foot here. oh well.

Comment by Will County Woman Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:56 am
just sayin, what are you smoking? Alexi won the race. He won the only poll that counts. To say in a week or two weeks Hoffman would be ahead is beyond ridiculous. Hoffman has no business on any Democrat ticket.

Comment by (618) Democrat Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:57 am
Excuse me, I meant to refer to Dave O’Neal, Thompson’s one-time LG who quit because he was bored. Not sure if he is currently among the living, which might be a minor obstacle.

Naming a Metro East former Sheriff, moderate Republican, with no ambitions for the top job? Quinn could do worse.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:57 am
Not sure if women will flock back to Quinn. Name any females that Quinn has appointed to any high level office.

Comment by phocion Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:57 am
whomever gets the nod must be someone Quinn can trust to do his bidding…Pat should definitely be able have to a major say so in the choice…there are, in fact, constitutional duties of the Lt. Gov office bloggers…Pat is an example that one can do (or not do) whatever one wishes with those responsibilities…I am so pleased that Madigan has taken some heat on this snafu…

Comment by Loop Lady Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:58 am
is there any reason it shouldn’t be Sheila Simon. i’m one who is tired of the generational politics, so that would be one reason. another is that while she is very respected, do we actually think she has the right experience? as opposed to, say, a Dan Hynes, Art Turner, David Hoffman whose names have been discussed?

The Republican ticket is not without diversity…they have a guy
with a Hispanic surname and born in Honduras, a guy who is Asian American, Judy (yuk), and three white guys. our ticket is diverse, and there is currently only one white guy, and two women.

it’s hard for me to say it since I’m such a supporter of women, but putting another white guy from downstate on the ticket is just what should be happening. find the right guy.

Comment by Amalia Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:59 am
Now what? Three words: Linda Chapa LaVia

female suburban Latina legislator, veteran, charismatic

Comment by Stuck with Sen. CPA Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 11:59 am
It would be nice to pick someone who had the apparent appeal to voters that Scott Cohen had– 212,000+ voters must have found something in his campaign message that they liked. You can say that he “bought” his way to teh nomination, but spending lots of money didn’t help Dan Hynes, or Jim Oberweis, or Ron Gidwitz. So there must have been something besides that, some appeal with the need for jobs with and a non-political background that helped his cause. Just because the singer is off-key doesn’t mean it’s a bad song.

Comment by Captain Flume Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 12:11 pm
Dear JonShibleyfan,
George Ryan was lieutenant governor before he was secretary of state and then governor.

Dear phocion,
Quinn appointed Michelle Sadler secretary of Human Services, an enormous department.

Comment by been there Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 12:15 pm
This is easy.

Roland Burris for Lt. Gov.

Comment by Ghost Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 12:22 pm
Note that Sheila Simon is not the candidate her dad was. And that’s not intended as a slight to her.

Remember in 2007 she got her lunch eaten by Brad Cole in that tiny race for mayor of Carbondale.

And put this in the it’s a small world file, Brad Cole just had his lunch eaten in the Lt. Gov. race on the Republican side. He finished near the bottom, with only 9%.

Comment by just sayin' Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 12:23 pm
Boland -

“He also gave a legislative scholarship to the daughter of his largest campaign contributor. In this post-Cohen age, ;that’s probably a deal-killer.”

Yes, but his wife can at least nominate him at the State Central Committee.

Also, Quinn and Boland used to pal around together when they were signature gathering gadflys against the machine.

Funny how they all sell out eventually: Singer, Houlihan, Quinn, (maybe) Boland.

Comment by True Observer Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 12:24 pm
I say Dan Hynes is the best overall candidate to replace SLC. Hynes has shown the ability to pick up votes all over the state. His being from Chicago won’t help this argument but I still think he’s the best option.

Comment by leadbutt Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 12:25 pm
Forget the downstate or conservative choice - Brady/Plummer will own those voting blocs (people who would vote without regard to philosophy if the person lives downstate or right wingers). I think Quinn’s best counterbalance would be a moderate Chicago suburban or exurban candidate, who looks more credible as the next governor than the 25-year-old right wing ideologue on the GOP ticket. Perhaps a woman. A 2010 version of Penny Severns or Peg Breslin.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 12:41 pm
just sayin’ writes:

#

a rebirth of the old Pat Quinn, the one people used to like.

The voters rejected Quinn for Treasurer in 1986, Secretary of State in 1994, US Senate in 1996, and Lieutenant Governor in 1998. I’d say the old Pat Quinn was not one the people liked very much.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 12:41 pm
Hamos? A few people I know have shot it down pretty good already, but they need a woman on the ticket — Pretty interesting how the GA lost three last week - Bassi, Coulson and Hamos … I know they gained Ann Williams, ect.

Comment by P. Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 12:42 pm
Ummmm what future in politics?

Comment by Levois Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 12:44 pm
== Is there any reason that it shouldn’t be Sheila Simon? ==

A couple. Another legacy on the ticket isn’t going to do the Dems a ton of favors. Also I think you are way overestimating the number of folks who know who she is (or even have that much of a recollection of her dad (it’s been 13 years since he was in office).

It might play well with some folks within the Democratic party, but outside of the party not so much…

You want a name

Linda Chapa-LaVia (if she had ran, she could have won it being the only woman with all of those men).. Suburban mom, vet, small business owner…

Comment by OneMan Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 12:49 pm
A Quinn and Hines ticket would prove to be very formidible. However, Quinn would NEVER let Dan Hynes be on the Quinn ticket with him. There is just too much bad blood between the two men. Hynes could do it but Quinn would never agree to it since he is an incumbent. I am more inclined to believe that Dan Hynes would agree to run as Quinn’s Lt. Governor if Pat Quinn would allow him to do so.

Scott Lee Cohen had the Democrat Party “over the barrel” and he is a smart street-wise guy and he knew that. He would never drop out after spending the tons of money on his campaign unless Madigan agreed to compensate him in some way. I don’t know if it was cash paid back to Cohen through a third-party, a promise to help get Cohen appointed to some political or governmental position in a couple of years after the heat and publicity dies down, or what it was but Mike Madigan had to give up something to Cohen. Cohen is not a stupid guy. He cut some type of deal with Madigan. And, I don’t think (nor do many others) that Cohen was wrong in asking for compensation for what he had personally spent to self-fund his campaign. Madigan is asking Cohen to “fall on his sword for Quinn” so Cohen is asking for Madigan and Quinn to at least pay for his sword or the future medical bills for committing this suicide act for them.

Comment by Donovan Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 12:50 pm
NOT Hamos. who is the current version of Severns, Breslin?
that’s a good idea. just not someone from the City of Chicago, someone not from Cook County. Penny is so missed!

Comment by Amalia Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 12:54 pm
Been there, that doesn’t contradict my point.

I am not saying it isn’t a place from which one could launch or advance one’s career. But did Joe Birkett stop Republicans from calling Topinka a RINO (or do folks even remember Birkett was her running mate?)?

The LG candidate is not going to win you the race. But if they’re bad enough (SLC), they can lose it for you.

Comment by JonShibleyFan Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 12:55 pm
Just a couple thoughts..
1- It seems as if Hoffman’s stock is rising and he could potentially have a good to great political career in the future, notwithstanding the loss to Alexi in the primary. The Lt. Gov job would appear to be a dead end for someone like Hoffman unless other ethics/auditing tasks could be added to the job description.

2- Since a lot of names have been thrown out, I’ll add another: Sen. Clayborne from Belleville. I think adding a downstate minority would be a great addition to the Dem ticket. Also, adding him could help offset any repub gains made in the metro-East w/Plummer.

Comment by ModerateGOPer Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 12:56 pm
Cheryle Jackson!?!?!
You owe me a new keyboard.

I hear Conan O’Brien is free…

Seriously, if you want some downstate votes and an appeal to women, Simon might work. Plus the name still carries warm and friendly memories.

Comment by Gregor Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 12:57 pm
Hynes needs to be lt. governor it’s the only logical choice.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 12:58 pm
Art Turner - won only one county.
Netsch - You gotta be kiddin’ me!
Sheila Simon - ran a horrible campaign for Carbondale mayor - no way!
Hynes - he don’t want it.
Hoffman - won’t be asked.
Cheryle Jackson - LMAO - Blago ties
Boland - no way…baggage.
Who then? Probably Art Turner

Comment by Deep South Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 1:07 pm
The voters rejected Quinn for Treasurer in 1986, Secretary of State in 1994, US Senate in 1996, and Lieutenant Governor in 1998. I’d say the old Pat Quinn was not one the people liked very much.
————
But they elected him in 1982 to property tax appeal board, 1990 as State Treasurer, nominated him in 1994 to run for SOS, and won in 2002 and 2006 for Lite Guv so he has about a 50/50 record.

Comment by Niles Township Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 1:11 pm
=== Hoffman was on track to pass Alexi. ===

Unfortunately, just sayin’, the name of the game is passing your opponent on Election Day.

Personally, I think it was a mistake for Hoffman to get involved in the Democratic primary in the first place.

He should have run as an independent ~ its much more suited to his rhetoric and his values.

He made a name for himself criticizing mayor daley and statehouse democrats.

He continued that trend by criticizing organized labor, our democratic state treasurer, and our Democratic President’s tax, trade, and foreign policy.

Maybe he’ll set his sights on Mayor now, who knows? Its a non-partisan office, so that might work for him.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 1:20 pm
I’m confused about the political strategy here.

Why would Hynes refuse this? Is it demeaning to be asked after losing to Quinn? Does his refusal leave the door open for future political possibilities?

I’m curious about why one would turn this down if asked by the party.

Comment by Macbeth Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 1:29 pm
Champaign County Auditor Tony Fabri would provide the Democratic ticket some Downstate balance.

Comment by T.J. Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 1:31 pm
I wonder if Hynes says no because Quinn won’t take him? It seems like feelers were sent out-maybe they were rejected.

Oh well, I think it could have worked.

Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 1:37 pm
From what I read, I think we may have Hoffman’s message wrong here…He said was against unfair clout — Democrats or Republicans or anyone. I’ll bet that’s why all the newspapers liked him. But how does that translate in a general election? ..I think it depends on how mad the voters are. Didnt Pat Quinn appointed him to some ethics job so he might like him…or maybe he was just using him (I’ll admit it…I’m a fan)

Comment by gayguy in lakeview Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 1:51 pm
==Roland Burris for Lt. Gov. ==

Sounds like the straight line to replace the old one about sending Gerarldo up on the space shuttle — so we can study the effect of weightlessness on weightlessness.

Comment by Anon Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 1:53 pm
Anyone other than Art Turner will require a really good explanation from the Democrat party as to why they were chosen.

Art Turner came in second in the Lt. Gov race and so if we’re going by “the voice of the people” he would be the runner-up choice.

To pick someone that didn’t even run in the Lt. Gov race (Linda Chapa LaVia and Shelia Simon) would show the Democrat base that the party leaders feel they know what is best for them and that the voters opinions don’t matter.

Comment by Nikoli Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 1:53 pm
If Hynes won’t run (and I suspect Jesse White wouldn’t switch jobs), I wonder if the way to go is not trying to balance the ticket by region, race, or gender, but rather to pick the most telegenic viable candidate possible. Maybe a younger figure, but still more experienced than Plummer.

What kind of a race would we see if Kwame Raoul became the nominee? He doesn’t have the baggage of being a machine operative — if anything, people associate him with Obama. He’s young but would still project gravitas and experience next to Plummer.

Comment by Boone Logan Square Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 1:55 pm
so Turner came in second and we need a really good explanation, which means what to you? here’s a good
explanation of why we need to pick someone….there
is no one who is from somewhere other than Cook County.
I don’t consider my party diverse if it simply looks at
race and gender. I am concerned that my party does not
reach out to people other than urban folks. that’s not
representative of Illinois.

Comment by Amalia Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 1:59 pm
How about the other Reform King Pat Collins?

Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 2:02 pm
Alright, here’s my case for a Cheryle Lt. Gov…. Cheryle Jackson was a smart professional staff person. So smart she left Blago’s team. The point is, the campaign can remind us one more time, that she left before his second term.

Most important to the party’s Lt Gov slating is avoiding any “new” scandal. All potential candidates will have a weakness, but Cheryle’s weakness will not add to the list.

Cheryle would definitely come across as a stronger and more accomplished candidate than Plummer, while attracting younger, more energetic types - and of course a broad range of women and/or black constituents.

To win this race, Quinn’s absolutely has to attract new voters and keep them motivated enough to vote. I think he really needs someone like Cheryle. Going with an 84 year old grand-dame-of-politics is not going to cut it. It may help Lisa in four years, but I think it will cost them the 2010 elections.

Comment by KeepSmiling Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 2:08 pm
Glenn Poshard - helps with downstate, strong on education, unlikely to run for gov when Quinn is done

I would think that the last point would be a big plus for anyone looking at this spot.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 2:36 pm
I don’t think any of 2nd place Lt. Governor candidates behind Cohen deserve it. To me, those LOSERS are the main #1 reason Cohen won (I know others suspect some weird MJM conspiracy, blame the media, blame the voters). Those LOSERS for Lt. Gov. did poor opp research, spent too much time coming up with funny ads or pointless ads and not enough inspiration to win the office the first time on their own. Huge mistake to give ANY of the LOSERS a 2nd shot.

Comment by washedmyhands Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 2:40 pm
Amalia- That sounds like a problem that should have been addressed in the primary, seeing as how that’s what the primary is for. If the Democrat party cared so much about location and diversity, it should have found diverse candidates from other parts of the state.

To decide now to pick someone who is a woman and from downstate is wrong. The only reason the party has this decision in front of it is because it elected Scott Lee Cohen and booted him out after finding out what it should have found out earlier.

I’m really sorry you can’t put together a decent ticket made up of candidates of different backgrounds and geographic locations based upon the people remaining in the Lt. Governor race, but it seems to me that should have been considered months ago, not now when you magically have an open spot on the ticket.

And, just to be clear, if the GOP had a problem with their Lt. Governor candidate, I would be the first one saying the GOP should nominate Matt Murphy because he won second place in the primary.

It is the right thing to do, but unfortunately its more than likely not what will be done…

Comment by Nikoli Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 2:44 pm
===strong on education

I think Poshard is an honest guy and I also think the plagiarism charge was overblown, but anyone selected will have to go through extra vetting and the plagiarism charges will take up weeks of press coverage.

Comment by ArchPundit Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 3:24 pm
Whoever mentioned Bill Haine (state senator from Edwardsville, former state’s attorney) is thinking along the same lines I was. Not a big fan of Haine’s personally, but he could keep Brady/Plummer in check downstate so that they don’t do a clean sweep down here. Personally, though, I find Art Turner more appealing. (There, I said it — I could easily vote for a Chicago/Chicago ticket, as I have in the past. I wonder, though, if most Chicago Dems could swallow a downstate/downstate ticket if the candidates were otherwise acceptable. Seems to be there’s frequent condescension — not on this blog, but out there at large — when it comes to people who live south of Joliet, or, God forbid, Springfield. Guess what? We read newspapers and have the Internet and libraries and everything. Hey, we even have univerities down here! Some of us travel the world. I’m just saying…)

Comment by Steve Downstate Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 3:53 pm
The only reason I can think to put a downstater on the LG ticket is to help races -down the ballot- … I seriously doubt the presence or absence of a downstater is gonna alter the matchup of Quinn vs. Brady very much. People just don’t vote based on the LG matchup, any more than they vote President based on the VP picks.

But it could be that a downstater to vote for would push some downstate House / Senate Dems, those in marginal races, into more contention in 2010. Does anyone have good data on this, however, that someone on the ticket really -does- have that effect? Or is this more campaign folklore?

If it’s not a fairly well documented effect, I think Quinn should be way more concerned about the dismal primary turnout in Chicago and Cook County and think about running mates who could energize and boost turnout there, because on the net you’re gonna create more Democratic votes that way. Kwame Raoul … is a really interesting suggestion. Would play well in Cook and in the collars, trans-racial appeal like Obama, wouldn’t alienate African-Americans who feel they ought to have the spot, after Art Turner as the #2 runner-up in the race. Taps into some of the old hope, change mystique that IL Dems really need these days. Worth a thorough investigation at any rate.

Comment by ZC Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 4:47 pm
hey just sayin’, you stole my identity. or did you have it earlier? Either way, I don’t want to be confused with whatever you’re dishing out today, so I’m switching names…

Love Art Turner, but if there is a chance to go with a woman - and I don’t care what race - that would make sense. Was trying to say before that we currently have NO diversity (gender, race, religion) running for Gov. or Lt. Gov. on the R side. That’s all I’m saying. Quinn needs help with women & in the minority community.
Thank God we dodged the Cohen bullet.

Comment by city girl Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 4:54 pm
well Nikoli, since it appears you don’t care about the Democratic party, we’ll not take your views into account.

Comment by Amalia Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 5:00 pm
Given the popularity or lack there of Brady and Quinn in rural downstate areas on Primary day, I don’t think its wise to for Quinn to pick someone in hopes it will increase his appeal from downstate when there is a good chance it won’t. This is going to be a suburban election, so Quinn needs to pick a collar county candidate or someone from the Metro east area. How about State Rep. Emily McAsey? She would add youth to the ticket (Age 31) but has expirence as a one-term State Rep and as an ADA in Will County. Will was the worse of collar counties for Quinn in the primary (it went 55-45 Hynes)so he would be shoring up support in a county he needs for the General.

Comment by Lewis Grad Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 5:04 pm
Keep Smilin’, more like keep dreamin’.

Comment by Whaaaa? Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 5:44 pm
Linda Chapa Lavia doesn’t have a chance. I saw where she lost all 8 counties in the state central committee race. She has burned too many bridges. What about a Cheryle, a Julie, a Shelia, or a Karen? I do feel a woman on the ticket would be helpful to the party

Comment by joshuatree Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 6:21 pm
Ditka

Comment by kj Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 8:12 pm
AA, Pat Collins wouldn’t sully himself by submitting his qualifications to voters. You know what he thinks of their work to know.

The Hoffman people here kill me. The Mini White Knight as guv lite? Sure, he’s not just another politician. LG is such an important job.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 8:20 pm
That was my sentiment too, Whaaaa?

I don’t care if Cheryle Jackson left after the first term. Blagojevich’s trial isn’t limited to allegations from what he did after 2006.

Comment by Hisgirlfriday Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 9:00 pm
Hoffman? Jackson? Collins? What are you people smoking? A geographically balanced ticket doesn’t matter because PQ knows it will be Cook County that gets him elected and he should do whatever it takes to max his Cook County vote. I think Turner has the edge, though I admit I’m intrigued by the Poshard suggestion since I always felt he got screwed in his gov race. Sheila Simon lost her mayor’s race and as a reward she gets to run statewide? Sometimes I wonder where some of these posters are coming from.

Comment by Rambler Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 9:28 pm
Careen Gordon is the perfect choice.

Comment by Blue Dog Dude Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 9:28 pm
==Careen Gordon is the perfect choice.==

Now that’s funny! I don’t care who ya are!

==How about State Rep. Emily McAsey?==

You mean the rep that the only thing she can claim is her “ice cream man child molesters” bill? Please.

I’m not opposed to a strong female candidate in any way, shape, or form, but those two particular suggestions got a chuckle.

The Simon name would carry more votes just on recognition alone before McAsey or Gordon. The Chapa LaVia suggestion is a bit intriguing though. Charismatic, veteran, small business owner, and won’t back down, are all good qualities for any candidate. Toss in Latina female, and IMO that would gather a ton of votes that Quinn may not get otherwise.

Comment by Unnamed For Now Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 10:19 pm
wow, washed my hands usually I don’t comment but such an acerbic statement on your part made me have to say something. you have a point about the other candidates not getting their message across right. they used the same methods of communication and didn’t get out and talk to voters and walk precincts. their bad, that matters. but I don’t think it was due to a lack of inspiration on their part.

Comment by usually Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 10:24 pm
I don’t mean to harsh on Sheila Simon because she is a woman, or to imply that she _isn’t_ necessarily qualified or capable of being IL Gov. But the fact remains that I’m not aware of her ever having experience running anything close to the size of IL’s bureaucracy.

I know it’s supposed to be the Year of the Outsider, but the number one, top priority should be to get someone who’s qualified to lead if Pat Quinn dies. It’s hard to know what prepares you to be gub, but I’d say someone with prior elected experience is a strong plus, not a minus, in this regards.

Comment by ZC Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 10:24 pm
If the democrats want a fighting chance to win in November, they better all get together and work out a deal with Hynes. Quinn may think he can win with another democrat but the facts are clear. Hynes won 50% of the vote and Quinn won 50% of the vote. Sure, most dems will come home to roost and back Quinn, but for a unified ticket they need Hynes. Especially with what looks like a “red wave” on the horizon.

Comment by anon Monday, Feb 8, 10 @ 10:26 pm