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* From an AP story entitled “GOP cautiously confident of big gains this fall”…

“We’ve got to start talking about issues,” said Pat Brady, the state party chairman in Illinois. “By mid-September, we can’t just be the party of ‘We aren’t the Democrats because people are really fed up.”

* The Question: The budget, corruption and the economy are obvious issues here, so what other issues should the Republicans focus on in Illinois? As always, explain.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 12:39 pm

Comments

representing your constituency instead of the party.

Comment by Bman Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 12:43 pm
They obviously should be talking about adopting the Illinois Dems platform and doing all they can to shun conservatives and right-leaning moderates.

Comment by John Bambenek Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 12:45 pm
republicans can’t talk credibly about corruption because of george ryan. and they don’t have a credible budget plan, at least not one that the markets will buy. and they are completely complicit in crashing our economy with george bush’s tax cuts for the rich (paid for by the middle class, of course), corporations and other special interests, de-regulation (no one can be surprised that bp dumped oil in the gulf, because the bush administration was so lax in enforcement), etc.

all the republicans can talk about is abortion, gay marriage, and regulating social mores. which is why they nominated bill brady. republicans: taking us back to the dark ages… just because!

Comment by bored now Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 12:45 pm
Water.

Water will be the next oil, so-to-speak. it is a limited resource and no body is doing anything to plan to increase water supplies forthe increasing populations etc.

Infrastructure. We need real plans to replace bridges, repiar and expand roads. Not just a wait for it to break and fix it, but an actual long term strategy.

Job growth. Not cut taxes and magic jobs will appear, but real plans to lure in jobs and work to the State.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 12:47 pm
I don’t think there are other issues they should be focusing on, per se. I agree with Pat Brady. They need to offer a substantive vision on those core issues. Saying the other guys are bad only gets you so far. Folks need a reason to believe in you.

Comment by Montrose Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 12:47 pm
They lack a cohesive vision of where they want to take the state. What I get from them is a word salad of one-liners about lower taxes, business-friendly, Family values, blah, blah blah. But not any particular thing to point at on the horizon and say: “THAT is our goal, by such and such a date, this measurable goal will be achieved, if we get the mandate. All our efforts will be directed to that goal.”

Frankly, the Dems don’t seem to have one, either. I have to laugh when I hear either candidate go to multiple rallies in a day, and say, “Education is my number one priority”, “The environment is my number one priority” “Lowering crime is my number one priority” “Jobs are my number one priority”, etc. etc. EVERYTHING is the “number one priority”, to the audience of the moment. Which means everything they say is number… two.

Not everything is priority. Rather, all those things are your RESPONSIBILITY. How you actually prioritize your attention to them is your POLICY.

One goal. Just one, and it may end up in opposition to other goals at times, but please, guys, one, simply-defined goal.

Comment by Newsclown Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 12:50 pm
Anonymous - @ 12:47pm be I

Comment by Ghost Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 12:50 pm
If they stick to simple, digestable issues like public safety, not spending more than you make, full-time job creation, and individual liberties, those message (and all the examples of how the last 8 years are in contrast to those principles), they hit a home run. Imagine pictures of early release prisoners, unemployment statistics, stacks of unpaid bills, and a list of Nanny State ideas (for lack of a better phrase) on a 60-second ad. It would be interesting to see how many state regulations have been added to the Illinois Administrative Code in the past 8 years– whatever the number, I’m sure it’s several hundred, that number or that visual would stick in people’s heads. Add it all up, and it would be a very effective message about the need for less government, safer communities, better jobs, and an ability to say “no” on bills we can’t afford right now.

Comment by DzNuts Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 12:53 pm
Bambenek, grow up. The overwhelming majority of us in the GOP are sick and tired of “You Republicans are really Democrats in Disguise” Tin Foil hatters. Stay on the extreme if you want, but don’t criticize others for refusing to follow you off the cliff like a bunch of blind lemmings.

Add private sector job creation, good governance and administration to the mix, safe neighborhoods, good local schools. Creating an environment where people and jobs come to Illinois instead of leave Illinois.

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 1:03 pm
1. go listen to people esp latino and african americans and hear their issues.
2.ways to reduce prison population and protect public safety with diversion programs. the DOC is going to bankrupt the state if populat8on isnt reduced someway.
3.encourage volunteerism,citizen participation, transparency.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 1:06 pm
Make the case that the Dems have been in complete control of state government, and that’s why we are in the mess we are in.
Tarnish the brand.

Comment by curtis Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 1:07 pm
If the Republicans tackle fiscal issues like grown ups, they’ll be fine. If they keep talking about how tax cuts solve all problems in every period and how the gays are ruining everything, then they’ll turn Illinois into Mississippi.

The Republican Party used to be the party of grown-ups. But I guess that’s not fun, is it?

Comment by lakeview Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 1:07 pm
I think that those items are already enough. It has been theorized, based on sociology studies, that people cannot hold on to more than 2 or 3 ideas at a time. More confuses them. I believe this theory is absolutely correct, especially in the realm if political messaging.

I actually think there should be two prominent overarching themes that every Republican should use in this cycle:

Good Governance - corruption, transparency, accountability, lean government, waste fraud and abuse

Economy - jobs, spending, taxes

Were I Pat Brady, I would come up with a state-wide set of principals on these issues. He should then offer every Republican in the state some proposed focus-group tested wording on each issue that each campaign could choose to modify to their heart’s content, use outright, or discard.

Each campaign should choose a third theme on their own to round out their messaging. Someone above mentioned Water. Up here in the Chicago suburbs, you have no idea who water is an issue. From its sale (e.g. DuPage County Water Commission, often referenced on CapitolFax) to its removal (these recent floods have been more than a heartbreak for those flooded). Water is a good example of this third localized theme.

The candidates for public office should learn these themes in nauseating detail, then beat them like a drum, and try not to deviate from talking about only these issues (HEAR ME MARK KIRK AND BILL BRADY).

Republicans would have a set of tested, consistent, reinforcing and logical themes. Campaigns would save some money by having actual focus-group information they could normally not afford. The state party would be strengthened. Voters would get the campaign message since they will be hit from all sides with consistent messages from all the candidates running for office in their locales.

Comment by Cincinnatus Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 1:15 pm
Republicans should support term limits, for all elected officials, and the ability to hold recall elctions for any elected official. They should promise that they would cut the salary of state legislators to $55,000, per year, and that the salaries won’t increase while the state has a budget deficit.

Comment by Conservative Veteran Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 1:37 pm
As a Dem, I’d love to see them talking about banning gay marriage, no exception pro-life policies, teaching intelligent design/creationism in schools, tax breaks for legislator’s own businesses, etc. Ya know, the Brady plan.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 1:40 pm
For a long time, the GOP brand in IL stood for solid and adult leadership, e.g., Jim Edgar, Jim Thompson, Bob Michel and John Porter (note: this should make the conservatives heads explode), Henry Hyde (note: and this should make the moderates heads explode). Get back to that and repeat the Governor-as-CEO theme. (Example: Bill Brady should do a roll out of his proposed senior staff and Cabinet, as much as these folks will step forward now.)

Comment by Scott Fawell's Cellmate Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 1:44 pm
This isn’t a very smart thing to say. He’s taking the Dem bait. Ranks up there with they are gonna raise $5 million….

Comment by View from the Cheap Seats Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 1:58 pm
Louis-

Thanks for demonstrating the point. Referring to a significant portion of your base that you cannot win without as “tin foil hatters” is so mind-numbingly stupid it defies reason. And my point wasn’t to be on a RINO-watch, it was mocking all the mopes who keep saying to Republicans don’t associate with X, Y or Z…

Comment by John Bambenek Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 2:01 pm
Newsclown…Bravo! Couldn’t have said it better. Cincinnatus sounds great, too.

I’d like to add that there’s no “theme”. I can’t go to my neighbors and sell a program that doesn’t exist. Goals and written plans are good for politicians!

Comment by Fan of Cap Fax Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 2:09 pm
bored now, I am bored with yout boiler plate speech..tax cuts for the rich. All tax rates were cut under Bush.

What would be a gimme increase in a rational state is a toss up in IL.

Comment by Wumpus Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 2:10 pm
Bambenek, I am referring to a tiny handful like you, not the significant portion of the base. That significant portion has woken up and has long stopped with the stupid “tin foil hat” commentating and bickering that you displayed earlier.

Save the tar and feathering for the Democrats this year. Make yourself useful.

I feel that Pat Brady is helping the ILGOP pull things together in a positive fashion. If that annoys you somehow, then remain annoyed.

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 2:11 pm
1. Public safety

2. Equal opportunity. Provide a level playing field for all, no set asides, no disadvantaged whoever, no special interests. Help disadvantaged with the paperwork bid on state contracts but only award them to the lowest bidders.

3. Reform the schools, change the entire school funding system and primary and secondary level to pay the pupil, not the school, in the form of a voucher that can be used at any school, public, charter or private … maybe that will cause the entrenched education organization to cut out some of the bureaucracy and make sure the kids actually learn.

4. Cut the government bureaucracy … there is still a bunch left that is unnecessary … and hire the case workers really necessary to help people get their lives back on track (this actually goes back to the level playing field).

Comment by Retired Non-Union Guy Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 2:16 pm
Me thinks Mr. Bambenek must be having a bad day.

Comment by Deep South Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 2:18 pm
Focusing on what is great about Illinois, our positives. Focusing on our diverse communities, our strong industries, and our great educational institutions helps build pride and enthuasism. It is contagious.

Another major focus that stands out is the need for serious ethics reform. We need legislation to curtail lobbyists influence on our legislature, the unchained and wholesale sale of government to the highest bidder or the largest campaign war-chest contributors.

Both parties continue to ratchet up the venom toward each other with the help of the media. We need to redirect our attention to what is good about Illinois and how we can make it better. That means dismantling the the media hate machines that continue to pit one against the other.

Focus on how great we are and how much greater we can be. Actually we can do his without mass killing of kittens and puppies….which leads me to the final point…when all else fails, just focus on keeping one’s foot out of one’s mouth.

Comment by Justice Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 2:24 pm
I think they need to explain and talk about a plan to deal with the states debt

Comment by OneMan Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 2:25 pm
Brady ought to focus on issues he can find common ground with Madigan and Cullerton on. Otherwise, we’re in for a long four years if Brady wins.

Brady is going to have to work with Dem majorities. He shouldn’t waste any time offering ideas that will never see the light of day in the GA or have any chance in the courts.

If he continues to spout goofy ideas, he may still win but there will be gridlock. If he comes to this from a moderate position, he’ll not only win, he might actually get something accomplished.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 2:33 pm
The Republicans should insist that all state contracts be thoroughly scrubbed, not just the ones over $1 mil, which our Pat claims to be scrubbing. They should be reviewed for quality of service, cost of service, whether the contracted service is actually being provided (probably not, in a number of cases), no-bid add-on data and all of this information should go on line in an easily understood format accessible to all, with an option for taxpayers to comment online for each contract. We also need to know how many “contract workers” the state is hiring in order to monitor those because that is part of the cost.

Democrats, despite their claims that an income tax increase is needed on middle class taxpayers because of the state’s budget , have been remarkably quiet about the state’s multibillion dollar contract outlays. Republicans should point this out because of the huge sums of taxpayer monies (no, it’s not the Democrats’ money, it’s our money).

Comment by cassandra Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 2:37 pm
Hope and optimism.
Hope carried Obama into office on a landslide. It carried Reagan so well it helped get the first George Bush elected. Stay positive and upbeat. Yes, we are in a mess and yes we can overcome the mess. “Our best days are ahead of us.” “We will get through this.”
Candidates to be positive and let the PACs do the mudslinging.

Comment by Richard Afflis Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 2:43 pm
If I were a Republican strategist, I would make the claim that the Dems are trying to turn Illinois into “California on the Prairie”.

It’s a theme that would yoke the state’s cratering budget to the “family values” hooie that turns out the GOP base.

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 2:44 pm
Brady did mention natural resources when he announced his candidacy last year. Perhaps talk about that in addition to the state’s financial issues and reviving the state’s economy.

Comment by Levois Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 3:00 pm
The need for Illinois to “reinvent” its governmental structure. Illinois has numerous units of government at the state and local level,which have outlived their usefulness in a 21st century society. Is there a need for township government in counties that are predominantly urban and under municipal control? Are there duplications of functions and services that can be better provided through consolidation?
Republicans would be wise to discuss ways to bring a 19th century governmental structure into the 21st century and with it ways to more efficiently and economically serve the public.

Comment by WRMNpolitics Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 3:02 pm
Republicans can talk about how, if they take over the majority in the House, they will be independent of their leadership, how they won’t support the same rules for their speaker that they invented under Daniels.

Comment by REFORMER Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 3:08 pm
What Republicans won’t support is term limits, abolishing township government,and drawing a non-partisan map if they win the draw.

Comment by REFORMER Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 3:12 pm
Government employee pensions and other retirement benefits appear to be one of the main drivers of state, county and local government economic troubles. Not a racy topic for a campaign, especially if government employee unions are a major contributor. But the bond issuing to cover the cost of these plans, surpassing anything available in the private sector, can’t go on. Each new bond issue will be followed by a bond rating downgrade and increased government borrowing costs. The recent disclosure in California of obscene salaries and retirement benfits for gov officials in the small town of Bell has apparently lit the fire in that state on the issue. This issue is one of the main reasons Illinois is rated below 40th in most indexes for places favorable to business. Like I said, not racey. But, the politicians and citizens can ignore the issue, but the issue won’t ignore them when time comes to write the checks and the money’s not there.

Comment by Cook County Commoner Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 3:38 pm
One party government doesn’t work whether Reps or Dems. Grid lock is good because goverment can’t be a runaway train.

Comment by jt Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 3:45 pm
I still think the GOP should campaign on a basic check and balance argument. A GOP gov to balance and kep in check a dem GA. i.e. yah dont want the gov and the GA to be from the same party, makes things to cozy

Comment by Ghost Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 3:49 pm
Creating an environment for job growth.

Effective law and order. (Liberal Democrats favor extending the death penalty moratorium and eventual elimination of capital punishment, ineffective gun control, lenient sentencing, etc. The Republicans have a solid record of responsive, assertive, and effective law enforcement, and I believe this will resonate with the voters.)

Fighting terrorism on the local level.

Cost-effective/efficient government. Strategies to reduce and streamline state agencies.

Comment by Conservative Republican Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 4:04 pm
Winning and serving with Honor.

Comment by The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 4:07 pm
Public sector compensation. Specifically public pensions, an issue that is going to only get more attention in the coming years. As Mayor Daley recently said: taxpayers can’t afford these pensions any longer. Something will have to be changed in a big way on current retirees.

Comment by Luke Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 4:11 pm
Cincinnatus is right on target!!!!

Comment by downhereforyears Friday, Aug 6, 10 @ 5:38 pm
Geographic diversity among Illinois political leaders, and divided government so that both parties have a seat at the table. Voters can intuitively “get” this, and history suggests better government results.

Comment by anon Sunday, Aug 8, 10 @ 2:17 pm