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* One of the more intriguing rumors of the past few months was that Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle might run for governor. Nope…

Ms. Preckwinkle’s take: Time is on her side. She likes her job and intends to keep it. “I’m going to run for re-election,” forgoing a bid for governor or any other spot that’s been dangled in front of her, she says. “I like to sleep in my own bed.”

* The Question: Would you like to see someone challenge Gov. Pat Quinn in the 2014 Democratic primary? Who would that be, and why? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.

Online Surveys & Market Research

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 11:08 am

Comments

$2.7 M Medicaid hole - plugged
Necessary tax increase - passed
Spending - cut more than any Governor
Job growth - 136k+ since January 2010
Unemployment - 11.4% in 2009, now 8.2% (not great, but better)
Companies moving? - From WI/IN to IL, not the other way around.
Manufacturing - expanding (Ford, Chrysler, Navistar, LaFarge, etc)
Transportation - Just signed $1.6 trillion in transportation authorization for roads, rail and more.

Say what you want about his style, but Pat Quinn has a tough resume to run against. If he gets Pension reform done, a challenger would have a tough time saying they could do better. Downstate will have their own candidate who will fight for their state jobs, but the swing voters will respect his hard work.

Comment by Resume speaks Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 11:16 am
Yes. Because everything Dan Hynes & Harold Wasnington said turned out to be true. Also Quinn has implemented much of the same Blago agency-level policies of dysfunctional government using Blago functionaries. Illinois has seen enough damage from Blago the self-described Reagan Democrat.

Since Lisa Madigan has been defender-in-chief of Quinnovich miscreants, she would be just as bad, so let’s hope it’s not her.

Comment by Crime Fighter Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 11:16 am
a downstate Democrat who Quinn has alienated would be intriguing.

Comment by Ravenswood Right Winger Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 11:18 am
Cue Bill Daley…

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 11:32 am
Yes. I am not sure who I would like to see run on the Democrat ticket against Quinn but my first reaction is that it should be a female Democrat from central or southern Illinois. That would give Independents, moderate Republicans, and moderate Democrats a sense of comfort and relief that we finally have a Democrat Party candidate running for governor that “hasn’t already sold his soul” to the Chicago Democrat Party powers-that-be (such as Mike Madigan).
I really think that Independents and quite a few moderate Republicans would back a Democrat candidate of integrity from central or southern Illinois. A woman candidate would be just that much more likely to be “believed and respected”. People living in Illinois (in general) have become extremely cynical of both parties and their “hand-picked” candidates.

Comment by Phineas Fogg Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 11:37 am
Democrats can’t count on Republicans nominating Brady again. Quinn may be unelectable.

If party leaders do decide to back Quinn, however, it may be because they calculate the state might be better off with a sane Republican who would secure GOP votes in the legislature for what needs to be done. When the GOP is in the complete minority, as they are now, they can be completely irresponsible.

Comment by reformer Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 11:38 am
Democrats can’t count on Republicans nominating Brady again. Quinn may be unelectable.

If party leaders do decide to back Quinn, however, it may be because they calculate the state might be better off with a sane Republican who would secure GOP votes in the legislature for what needs to be done. When the GOP is in the complete minority, as they are now, they can be completely irresponsible.

Comment by reformer Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 11:38 am
I am a Republican that would vote for Bill Daley, but it is not going to happen. Also, I see no plausible GOP candidate on the horizon, except for, perhaps, Snooki.

Comment by Been There Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 11:44 am
I am guessing on republicans side Dan Rutherford. Dens anyone from south of I80 would be a good bet.

Comment by anon Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 11:57 am
Jason Plummer…?

Lord knows we need entertainment during these hot, dry times.

Comment by Sunshine Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 11:57 am
I voted “yes” because I think the primary process strengthens candidates.

It made Obama a better candidate and Quinn a better candidate for the General Election.

It gives Quinn an extra six months to talk about his record, which, as “resume speaks” points out, is pretty impressive.

Are there legit criticisms of Quinn? Sure. Just as there are legit criticisms of Obama.

Ironically, most of the arguments coming from the Right are based on the idea that Government — and individuals within Government — are Omnipotent. Funny argument from the party of small government, I think.

15 years ago, I argued that individual lawmakers and individual governors have no control over the economy, at least its immediate ups and downs. States can impact the trend line however by making critical investments in education (cradle to Career), infrastructure (roads to energy to communications), and social safety net programs that families rely upon.

15 years ago I pointed out that Congress, The President, and the Federal Reserve can barely move the economy, and then only by working together.

Now, in a global economy, the federal government can only affect the trend lines. As the economy becomes more globalized and integrated, the power of any state becomes diminished.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 11:58 am
“a tough resume to run against.”-are you a quinn relative?

Usually people get primaried when they betray the base. I am not sure how quinn has done that. He’s vulnerable to the right kind of republican, but Kirk showed how hard it is for even that kind of republican to win and he ran against a much weaker candidate than quinn in a better gop year.

Toni Preckwinkle will never be Governor of Illinois. Sorry.

Comment by Shore Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 11:58 am
Yes, someone who can gather the support from voters and unions Quinn has lost.

Comment by Wensicia Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 12:03 pm
What are the characteristics of a “right kind of Republican,” Shore, as you seem to know?

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 12:07 pm
Dan Hynes had some great ideas to solve the State’s budget problems last time. He needs to connect better with voters, however. That’s where Governor Quinn had the edge in the 2010 primary. Whether you like him or not, Governor Quinn is personable. Much like George W., people can relate to him. Hyunes would have to focus on making himself into a candidate with whom Joe Citizen would want to have a beer.

Don Harmon would also make a great candidate. He’s bright, articulate,works effectively as a legislative leader and serves his constituents exceedingly well. He is among a small group of people that I would say are the future of the State Democrat Party.

Given her popularity, Attorney General Lisa Madigan needs to be given strong consideration. However, even though she should be judged on her own record, as long as her father remains Speaker, she’ll have to run against his negatives especially downstate and in the suburbs.

Now, if the Speaker retires in time for the next campaign, the General will easily be the front runner if she wants it.

Comment by GA Watcher Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 12:11 pm
A female from the Senate would be perfect - Toi Hutchinson, Heather Steans, or Susan Garrett.

Toi Hutchinson is from Southern Cook County and could sway whats left of the machine down there.

Heather Steans could put together a challenge from the left and could raise a lot of money.

Susan Garrett is leaving and has voted against the tax cut.

All of this doesn’t matter if Quinn passes pension reform as that will get enough people out of the race.

Let’s not rule out that PQ might not run again…

Comment by Lakewood-Balmoral Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 12:16 pm
I’d like to see Jack Franks finally give it a go - and stop just talking about it.

I would say Lisa - but I really don’t think she wants a demotion. Heh.

Comment by Apple Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 12:20 pm
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart would destroy Pat Quinn in a Democratic Primary.

Comment by PQ's Primary Opponent Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 12:20 pm
Is there anyone who cares as much about the veterans? What other issues do we have? BTW, since when do Governors not get to sleep in their own bed in Cook County?

Comment by just asking Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 12:20 pm
As much of a letdown Quinn has been, the most likely primary challenge would come from 1) Lisa Madigan, 2) a Madigan toady, 3) a Rahm toady. Face it, he’s as much of an independent Dem as we’re going to get.

Comment by lake county democrat Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 12:24 pm
Still typing, shore? Since you’re so quick to label people, I’d truly like to understand what the “right kind of Republican” means to you so that we can all get on board with your brand of “Republican.”

After all, what hope is there for Republicans if we can’t even agree on the basics–regardless of whether we’re talking about a moderate or a conservative.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 12:30 pm
PQ’s Primary Opponent might be on to something with Dart. So long as he doesn’t hire Joe Trippi again

Comment by Lakewood-Balmoral Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 12:36 pm
reformer, while your statement may well be true, the incentives buried in there for GOP minority parties are perverse and should not be incentivized. “Do nothing but throw rocks, win future office” is too fast becoming the norm for governance in DC, we should not encourage it here in IL.

Comment by ZC Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 12:39 pm
Why don’t we let Mike Madigan be Governor AND keep his job as Speaker? Things would be a lot smoother.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 12:53 pm
I agree with YDD about a primary making Quinn tougher for the fall.

The job is his until someone takes it from him. Given the bad and worse choices he’s dealt with over the past two years, I’m not sure anyone could have done much better.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 12:57 pm
=Face it, he’s as much of an independent Dem as we’re going to get.=

I think lcd is right from an “image” perspective. I also think that people in this election are going to want to steer clear of the “DC element” as much as possible. Illinois might be corrupt, but it often pales in comparison to the “slickness” of DC politics on display in our State today. And so far, I can’t think of anything Quinn has done to lose that likeability factor as a “Midwestern boy,” obvious “warts” and all.

OTOH, Daley–someone I might have considered voting for as well at one time, seems to have “left home” quite some time ago, even when he is here.

And Bravo, ZC! I can’t even count the number of times I mentioned how the DC behavior that became painfully obvious during the last election, was unflattering–especially for Republicans.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 12:58 pm
Yes I’d like to see PQ primaried. How about John Sullivan? Downstater, moderate, likeable. Anyone?

Comment by Knee Jerk Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 1:00 pm
Hey, Phineas, it’s not “Democrat Party candidate running for governor.” That’s Tea party slang for “Oh no! Liberals!” .

Comment by Cheryl44 Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 1:01 pm
“I like to sleep in my own bed.”

Like that has been an impediment to the last couple Govs.

Comment by titan Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 1:05 pm
Yes, because it’s important to have 2 good choices in November. I would like to see Dan Hynes in a rematch.

Comment by Ahoy! Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 1:07 pm
I voted No. I’m a lifelong Republican but didn’t vote No because I think he can be beat. He’s actually done a decent job despite failing to build a strong team of directors. Granted, he’s had to work on the budget cuts, Medicaid, etc because of the huge financial stress on Illinois because it goes against every fiber of his being.

I just think that Lisa Madigan and others would be worse. Politically, a downstate Democrat will never win a primary against Quinn. Not enough people.

Comment by 1776 Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 1:13 pm
ZC
I agree that obstruction isn’t good for the state. But it’s already SOP for the Senate GOP. In the House, it depends what year it is.
I also recall that during Madigan’s two-year stint in the minority, there wasn’t a single Dem vote to allow Edgar to sell bonds.

Comment by reformer Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 1:26 pm
Yes, as long as it’s not a token opponent like Ed Eisendrath. Same reasons as YDD.

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 1:31 pm
–Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart would destroy Pat Quinn in a Democratic Primary.–

Sure he would. Right after he wins those Senate, County Board Pres. and Mayor’s races. Maybe he, Chris Kennedy and Bill Daley can square off first in the Perennial Trial Balloon Primary.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 1:34 pm
Speaking of “obstruction,” while I voted “No” (as a life-long Republican who has not been welcome by our new ILGOP “leaders” for a couple of years now even though I’ve been very active in the GOP for decades AND actively supported our “Golden Boy” for Senate originally), I DO believe that a downstater could win against Quinn. If the Dems could come up with a “conservative” democract who has enough $ to get himself out there in enough time, I’ll bet there are some current Rs who’d consider voting for him/her–depending on who the Rs put up this time.

But then again, Dems in this State are pretty good at keeping the DINOs out, unlike the GOP and RINOs. (My goodness, I can’t believe that I, too, am now using the term “RINO” for purposes other than to describe self-proclaimed Moderates to Conservatives.)

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 1:40 pm
(My goodness, I can’t believe that I, too, am now using the term “RINO” for purposes other than to describe self-proclaimed Moderates to Conservatives.)

I guess that’s what the “DC element” can do to some people. I do have to admit that I’m in a state of total “chaos” as far as “identity” is concerned right now. While the DC folks in our party are having an EXTREMELY “conservative” influence on me, I’m also beginning to really dislike the GOP in this State.

Therefore, if I start calling out to start a third major party in Illinois, too, please be kind enough to intervene.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 1:45 pm
And as far as that “identity” problem is concerned, just as an FYI for anyone who might care: it started right around the time someone swipped my identity here on CapFax during the Senate race. Imagine that.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 1:47 pm
Tom Dart would make a great canidate,smart good looking So. Side Chicago guy.

Comment by mokenavince Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 1:48 pm
Yes, because he has been a terrible Governor. His signature accomplishment is slashing $2billion from health care for seniors and the working poor - cuts that will certainly boomerang in the form of higher costs in the long run. I just saw a poll in a swing district and 72% of respondents opposed the cuts. And Pat Quinn’s approval rating: 18%. Democrats should realize that the Republicans might not be so obliging next time by nominating their least viable candidate.

Comment by Eugene Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 1:48 pm
As a life-long Southern Illinois Democrat, absolutely. Would love to see a Hynes/Quinn re-match. Hynes isn’t the best politician, but he’s the kind of person who can govern. If not him, maybe Tom Dart or John Sullivan.

Comment by anon Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 1:51 pm
When I read posts like “Resume Speaks”, I really feel like I am in the Twilight Zone. Except for his Mother, I cannot imagine that anybody thinks Pat Quinn is anything besides an accidental Governor who is not quite as terrible as he was his first two years.

The Democrats own the mess in Springfield lock, stock, and barrel. Too bad the State GOP is a disaster. I’m beginning to think the only hope is a very deep pocketed businessman who can open his checkbook, recruit out of state talent (no more of the same loser “consultants”, please) who will be a fiscal conservative that doesn’t scare the bejesus out of suburban swing voters and soccer Moms.

Comment by LincolnLounger Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 2:01 pm
===I cannot imagine that anybody thinks Pat Quinn is anything besides an accidental Governor===

Did you miss the primary and general elections in 2010? He earned his spot on his own.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 2:05 pm
I voted yes. I agree with previous comments that primaries CAN strengthen candidates, when done right. It is not a general election, you can’t go for the jugular and descend into typical electoral practices, it wounds the party and ends up costing more than the General will. For example, see the GOP gubernatorial races in 2006 and 2009, and GOP Senate race in 2004.

Comment by NIref Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 2:24 pm
Gov. Mitch Daniels (R-IN) said of his own citizenry in the Chicagoland area, “People in Northwest Indiana are entitled to all the corrupt government they are willing to pay for.”

It’s just the same for us when it comes to Illinois state government, but I would also add “inept” to the line.

Comment by Brendan Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 2:24 pm
Julie Hamos could be a fun opponent as she has experience overseeing major agency budget cuts.

Comment by Bluefish Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 2:24 pm
=recruit out of state talent (no more of the same loser “consultants”, please) who will be a fiscal conservative that doesn’t scare the bejesus out of suburban swing voters and soccer Moms.=

I’m wondering why you believe that “out of state talent” will be able to help. I worked very closely with IN-state consultants and staff from right here in Illinois during one Senate race and thought they did an amazing job–especially with voter outreach.

On the other hand, while they certainly didn’t scare the “bejesus out of” me, some of the DC consultants, DC staffers (some not all), and quite a few “consultants,” staffers, former staffer, AND supporters from a certain district in Illinois seem to know very little about Illinois, voters, and Midwestern values. I think they’d been around the “DC culture” for WAY too long–and just generally, might not be very “nice” people. And paranoid?..mmm…mmm.mmm.

Just sayin’.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 2:46 pm
Eugene wrote: “Yes, because he has been a terrible Governor. His signature accomplishment is slashing $2billion from health care for seniors and the working poor - cuts that will certainly boomerang in the form of higher costs in the long run. I just saw a poll in a swing district and 72% of respondents opposed the cuts.”

It’s people like this that helped us get into our budget hole.

Comment by Politicos Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 2:57 pm
Quinn has started to slowly pile up some accomplishments and if he can close the deal on pension reform it’s going to be hard to argue he is ineffectual.

Still, almost every poll shows that he’s pretty unpopular and he has not proven himself to be a good communicator. And his accomplishments do leave him vulnerable to an attack from his left flank.

I voted no because although i’m no fan of Quinn, I’m a Dem and I think a primary challange would ultimately fail and then just hurt our chances of holding the office.

Dart is intriguing, but he’s passed up other chances…I don’t see him rolling the dice on this one.

Comment by Richard Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 2:57 pm
Oh, and I forgot to mention “rabid.” Everyone is the “enemy” and needs to be taken out…unless, of course, you’re bringing shoeboxes of money and/or are from “way out there”…and I mean way.way.out.there. Then it doesn’t matter whether you’re friend or foe. It’s probably because their needs for “outsiders” are extremely specific.

They don’t have, or need a, bus. The words they live by are “Space is extremely limited in this luxurious limousine of mine. What can you offer ME to get in?”

Hopefully, they’ll learn soon enough that people are not impressed by their “limousines” or their manners. They just want to participate in the process because they see it as their duty as Citizens. That thought seems to make their eyes glaze over because it’s such a foreign concept to them.

NOT Midwestern values.

I’d stick to the Illinois people, Lincolnlounger, if you REALLY don’t want to scare the “bejesus” of out anyone in future.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 3:24 pm
Other than Dan Hynes or even Lisa Madigan to name two people who should run in a 2014 Democratic primary to challenge Gov. Quinn, it would be nice to find a prominent downstate Democrat to run. Who says Chicago-area people got to run this state?

Comment by Levois Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 3:37 pm
Tom Dart.

Comment by Along 64 Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 3:58 pm
Brandon Phelps for Lt Gov. No Republican ticket could beat them.

Comment by Along 64 Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 3:59 pm
Quinn has steadied his ship a bit, but his approval ratings remain very low. The question is, can anyone actually beat him in a primary and are any viable candidate even interested in taking the job on?

Rank and file Illinois state legislators simply don’t have enough gravitas to unseat an incumbent governor in a primary, no matter who the governor is. And they have long voting records that Quinn would be able to pick apart.

Interesting that Lisa Madigan’s legion of CapFax supporters have been almost silent in this discussion…confirmation that she’s not interested in running for anything now????

If Dan Hynes couldn’t pull it out last time (and he ran a better campaign than most people give him credit for,) he can’t this time.

Tom Dart is an attractive candidate who can sound like a reformer but still play ball with the money folks…he’s probably the most legit contender out there. But I think he’s one of a handful of Dem pols who actually likes Quinn personally and he would have to give up his spot as sheriff to run. Seems too risk-adverse for this assignment.

Chris Kennedy has money and the name, but he’s held one public position, Chairman of the U of I Board….hasn’t gone so well. And he’s use to being a boss in the corporate world, which makes for a bad candidate.

A downstater would be interesting, but would have to be a liberal to have any chance in a Dem primary. By my count, there are only 3 downstate liberals left in Illinois: Dick Durbin (doesn’t want the demotion,) Sheila Simon (doesn’t seem to be the disloyal type,) and Naomi Jakobsson (see above about GA members.)

Conclusion: Quinn is vulnerable to a primary challenge, but there just doesn’t seem to be viable candidate out there who actually wants to take him on.

Comment by Paddy Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 4:34 pm
Hynes spent his entire tenure as an elected official being scared of his shadow. Those of you expecting leadership from him in a top tier elected office will be sorely disappointed. I’m afraid it’s going to turn into an anybody but PQ situation and we will again get what we deserve.

Comment by Hawkeye Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 5:01 pm
How about Jesse Jackson Jr?

Comment by Logic not emotion Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 5:46 pm
I negotiate deal…you take Kirk and run him for governor if Republicans can appoint new sena tor?

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 6:09 pm
That last one was snark, of course.

Sort of.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 6:13 pm
I voted yes because Quinn is okay, but it would be fun to watch. I’d like to see Brandon Pheps run. A lot of upstate GOPers would take DEM ballots to vote for him.

Comment by siriusly Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 8:33 pm
The reason Quinn should be primaried is because Illinoians may tire of bottom of the barrel state government leadership. Quinn satisfies Democrats used to nominating and electing future felons, but everyone else in Illinois recognizes the gigantic economic hole that is their state, and will want a governor capable of basic math skills.

Go ahead. Renominate him. Eventually the blind pigs that are the Illinois GOP will find the blind truffle that is the Governor’s mansion.

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 8:42 pm
Although this wouldn’t happen it would be interesting if Lipinski was nominated for governor.

If Robert Dold loses his reelection bid I could see him running for Governor and Shilling being his LT on the GOP side.

Comment by A Modest Proposal Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 9:49 pm
–Eventually the blind pigs that are the Illinois GOP will find the blind truffle that is the Governor’s mansion.–

What’s a blind truffle?

VMan, in a global economy filled with LIBORS and Wall Streets and credit derivative swaps and Federal Reserves and sovereign banks, and energy needs and productivity advances and wage differences, etc., any governor that could waive a magic wand to fill an “economic hole,” would have done so by now.

State governments educate, medicate, incarcerate and pave the roads (there has to be an “-ate” there somewhere). Any other claims are just P.R.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jul 16, 12 @ 10:43 pm
=I voted yes because Quinn is okay, but it would be fun to watch.=

I do hope that was a typo because I believe that if you truly believed he was okay, you would have voted “No.” Otherwise, that was extremely devious, siriusly–and artfully malicious.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 17, 12 @ 12:08 am
Yes, if state government only “-ates” (like “paveating” roads) and all other claims are “just P.R.,” how does it manage to do so much damage?

(I’m not picking on you, word. It’s just that it’s nice to see V-Man back. And just as a thought: maybe it’s all the additional ongoing, almost perpetual “campaign” stuff that elected officials do nowadays–the stuff beyond the “-ates”–that causes so many problems for our State…and Country.)

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 17, 12 @ 12:20 am
=== Quinn is vulnerable to a primary challenge, but there just doesn’t seem to be viable candidate out there who actually wants to take him on. ===

I think that a lot of those “viable candidates” know something that you and many of the other posters on CapFax do not: Quinn’s not that vulnerable.

It is very difficult to run a negative primary campaign against an incumbent and win, which is why it hardly ever happens. Its even harder when that incumbent is generally regarded as a decent human being.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Jul 17, 12 @ 4:44 am
Quinn has been both a terrible and a good Governor. On the terrible side, he does not work with the legislature and he governs by press release and photo op. On the good side, he is not evil in any way, and under his leadership the state has generally moved in a good direction relative to where it was going before he took over. Things could be worse, and might be with a person who has not been tested in the Governorship. Even people who knew Blagojevich well were surprised to the point of shock about his behavior in office–for example his father-in-law, who knew both Rod and also knew almost everything one could know about Illinois politics.

Comment by jake Tuesday, Jul 17, 12 @ 6:58 am
Dart is too busy pandering to too many audiences. He’ll neutralize himself unless he starts to focus.

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Jul 17, 12 @ 8:50 am
If Bill Foster wins in the new IL-11, he seems like he’s a good fit for governor. He’s had management experience in public and private sector. He’s a smart guy. He’s been elected over good chunks of Illinois. And he doesn’t look like either a Springfield insider or a puppet for some political boss.

Comment by Carl Nyberg Tuesday, Jul 17, 12 @ 9:10 am
“the Chicago Democrat Party ”

“the State Democrat Party”

Who knew that we had a FOUR party system in Illinois (ignoring the greens, liberterians and larouchies)?

Comment by Chris Tuesday, Jul 17, 12 @ 9:11 am
One aspect of the dysfunctionality of Illinois politics is that the Illinois General Assembly isn’t a farm team for talent.

People go there and feel like big shots, but they aren’t building their skill set. It’s run by the bosses, and the individual representatives and senators are mostly satisfied as long as they continue to get treated like big shots.

Comment by Carl Nyberg Tuesday, Jul 17, 12 @ 9:17 am
Gery Chico would like to believe he’s got the resume to run for governor.

Anita Alvarez probably fits in this category too.

Comment by Carl Nyberg Tuesday, Jul 17, 12 @ 9:27 am