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GOP delegates prefer Rutherford by wide margin

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Illinois

* This is pretty overwhelming…

Citing name recognition and popularity, respondents to a Daily Herald survey of GOP delegates to the Republican National Convention overwhelmingly prefer state Treasurer Dan Rutherford to be the party’s gubernatorial nominee in 2014.

The survey was sent to the state’s 54 directly elected GOP delegates and 54 alternates, as well as the 12 delegates and 12 alternates elected at the state party’s convention in June. A total of 51 delegates responded to this survey question, asking them to select from among five choices — state Sen. Kirk Dillard, of Hinsdale; state Sen. Dan Duffy, of Lake Barrington; state Sen. Matt Murphy of Palatine; Rutherford; and Congressman Aaron Schock of Peoria. Respondents also were given the option to name someone else.

Of the responses, Rutherford, of Chenoa, received 73.1 percent of votes. State Sen. Kirk Dillard, of Hinsdale, was a distant second, with 9.6 percent. Schock received 5.8 percent of votes, Murphy 2 percent and Duffy no votes.

More than just those guys are looking at a bid. Kabillionaire Bruce Rauner has been eyeing a gubernatorial race for quite some time. Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno is also being mentioned as a possible candidate.

* So, good luck with this…

Republican party officials say the Republican Governors Association plans to call a meeting in Illinois after the Nov. 6 election, encouraging a smaller primary this time around. If Rutherford, Schock and Brady all join the fray, many veterans foresee a repeat of the crowded 2010 field, noting that their similar bases — all are located within a 100-mile radius downstate — could benefit suburban candidates like Dillard and Murphy, should they too squeeze into the picture.

Discuss.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 10:50 am

Comments

Why was Bill Brady not on the list? Can you properly gauge support of any downstate potential candidate without including Brady in the pool?

Comment by Downstate weed chewing hick Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 10:58 am
Can someone please explain to me why Rutherford is so popular? What has he done? In my opinion he has to be the most overrated Illinois Republican…nay, Illinois Politician at the current moment.

He’s a big proponent of cutting state spending, but as soon as pontiac prison was on the chopping block, he switched modes and was all for keeping the prison open. You can’t have it both ways. If you are for spending cuts, you have to deal with the fact that antiquated prisons (like Pontiac) are going to be first on the chopping block. Prisons are not meant to support the local economy. If you buy into that philosophy, then you can’t be out there condemning the State for overspending.

Comment by dirt diver Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 11:03 am
Rutherford chaired the Romney campaign in Illinois.

My only question is why didn’t he get 100%?

Meaningless, meaningless, meaningless.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 11:04 am
I’d like Rutherford more if he hadn’t gone out of his way to badmouth Illinois to rating agencies.

Why was Duffy even in a poll? That’s quite a stretch.

Comment by walkinfool Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 11:07 am
– Kabillionaire Bruce Rauner has been eyeing a gubernatorial race for quite some time.–

I’d like to volunteer. For a kabillion dollars.

Gotta love those clueless rich cats.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 11:09 am
The RGA needs to bring the main contenders - which I believe to be Dan Rutherford, Aaron Schock, Bill Brady, Bruce Rauner and Adam A. - into a room and tell them that one needs to be the standard-bearer for the party in late 2013 and early 2014. We don’t need another repeat of 2002, 2006 or 2010. We need one person to take the torch, easily win the primary and go up against whomever the Dems pick for their gubernatorial candidate. In fact, it would be helpful for the RGA and NRSC to hold a joint meeting and try to figure out who will run for Governor and Senator. 2014 will be too important of a year in Illinois and nation-wide for the ILGOP to fritter away another election cycle.

Comment by Team Sleep Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 11:10 am
“By sundown tomorrow …” Dillard will get his recount and WIN this poll.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 11:12 am
Walkinfool, great point. What a great trait in a statewide official, bad mouthing the state in order to fuel the fire on potential downgrades to the state’s credit rating. What would you expect from someone that’s in cohoots with Ty Fahner (former employer) and the goons at the commercial club.

I hope for Illinois’ sake that the GOP puts up a legitimate candidate in the general election like Kirk Dillard. Heck, I would even take JBT. Hopefully, the GOP doesn’t shoot itself in the foot like 2010 when the choice was between Quinn and Brady.

Comment by dirt diver Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 11:13 am
Rauner vs Preckwinkle. No matter who wins, downstate loses.

Comment by Fight for Chicago Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 11:15 am
===The RGA needs to bring the main contenders===

So, you want an organization from outside Illinois deciding who will be Illinois’ gubernatorial nominee? Really?

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 11:16 am
@dirt diver -

Oswego Willy has warned me not to bet against self-inflicted wounds.

CircularFiringSquad would probably agree.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 11:16 am
“I want a completely WIDE-OPEN primary, allowing only the few candidates that the few leaders of the ILGOP think are the best …”

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 11:18 am
Rich - given how much the RGA spent in Illinois in 2010, I would be okay with that. Let’s face it - the next gubernatorial (general) election could cost both candidates $50 million combined. If a candidate is going to ask the RGA or DGA for serious dollars, I don’t see an issue with either organization stepping in to ensure their investment(s) are worthwhile.

Comment by Team Sleep Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 11:19 am
“Let me just say bluntly,…”

It’s too early to think this poll means anything more than Rutherford, today, is “preferred” (preferred? Too many way to be defined in a ‘poll’, not an ‘election’) comapred to a selection of 4 others.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 11:24 am
===If a candidate is going to ask the RGA or DGA for serious dollars, I don’t see an issue with either organization stepping in to ensure their investment(s) are worthwhile. ===

Stepping in to make sure the campaign is functioning properly is one thing. But what you’re arguing for here is that a DC-based group actually pick the Illinois candidate. You’re arguing that money equals dictation. That’s quite dangerous.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 11:24 am
The party needs a big expensive long primary to figure out what exactly it stands for (which isn’t exactly clear), who is legit, and which of these guys/gals is the real deal. I’d actually really really really like to see Joe Walsh get in if things in congress don’t work out because despite his many personal issues, I think his damn the torpedoes approach would be a refreshing departure from the clubby Springfield-ness of rutherford, dillard (whose insidereness makes a lot of conservatives physically ill), and the others.

Aside from Preckwinkle, Radogno has the most unpleasant demeanor I’ve ever seen of a politician on tv-and this includes Joe Walsh and the late Jesse Helms and I don’t think she’ll translate well. Duffy and Murphy are unremarkable and unserious. Schock’s only 2 notable moments in congress thus far include his clothing and lack thereof.

Comment by Shore Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 11:27 am
YDD hit the nail on the head. These delegates were hand-picked by Rutherford, and it is indeed surprising that Rutherford doesn’t poll higher. One also wonders if Rutherford really wants to give up his cushy gadfly lifestyle as Treasurer for the headaches as Governor, or even a Governor candidate.

I would sure like to see this poll repeated among County Chairmen and Precinct Committeemen.

Comment by Cincinnatus Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 11:29 am
SNARK

@Rutherforddan - “The windows at the Governor’s Mansion range between 6 to 9 ft. I like Green. #measuringthedrapes

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 11:36 am
Shore,

Are you for real? Joe Walsh for governor? Nevermind, I just answered my own question.
I usually keep an open mind when reading your posts, but this is really out there.

Comment by Loop Lady Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 11:42 am
The republican party wins the governorship when it fields a moderate, experienced, competent candidate. Absent that, the dems get to elect fools like quinn. Kirk dillard has the brains to run this state.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 11:45 am
Duh. Rutherford is chair of the delegation. He handpicked or signed-off on most of the names as Romney delegates. Natural back-scratching. Only the ingrates and Santorum delegates would not be voting for him.

Comment by just sayin' Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 11:47 am
–The party needs a big expensive long primary to figure out what exactly it stands for (which isn’t exactly clear),–

Didn’t they just have one of those?

All I remember from that is virtually all the GOP gubernatorial candidates at a debate agreed that the United States government derives its powers from God or “the Lord,” to quote Sen. Dillard.

Only Schillerstrom said “the people” (you know, like “We the people”). He was polling at 1% or so when he dropped out.

Cincy, you’re kind of down on Rutherford. Is there a particular GOP candidate you’re sweet on, lol?

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 11:50 am
@Cincy -

=== if Rutherford really wants to give up his cushy gadfly lifestyle as Treasurer for the headaches as Governor, or even a Governor candidate. ===

Short answer: Yes.

Dan’s only 57. He’s spent his entire adult life in politics. Even if his political career has exceeded his wildest early expectations, I doubt its his life’s dream to be State Treasurer anymore.

I think this “poll” is meaningless, but still believe he’s the early, early favorite to be the nominee.

I wish Rauner the best of luck. I hope the more than $1 million he’s contributed to political candidates has bought him lots of love.

And I hope he has a good explanation ready for why he contributed hundreds of thousands to Claypool, George Ryan and Tony Peraica.

Before he gets in, I’d recommend he sit down with Ron Gidwitz to find out how much fun it is to actually have your name on the ballot.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 11:52 am
YDD is right on the $.

The Romney delegation that was handpicked by
Rutherford voted for him at a 73% clip based on name recognition?

Is anybody “SCHOCKED” by this.

Comment by Quinn T. Sential Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 12:11 pm
@QTS -

Thanks Chief.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 12:18 pm
Does it really matter folks? Rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic perhaps. If the GOP couldnt win in the watershed 2010 election cycle this hot stove league dialogue gauging the cubby bears chances in October is only made to sell world series tix in advance.

Comment by Madison Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 12:21 pm
Schock? Really? I guess it would at least get him out of Congress, then I can move out of state. He’s the GOP answer to Blago only he doesn’t dress as well.

Comment by Excessively Rabid Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 12:37 pm
So Shore has moved from shilling for Sen. Hush Money to Joe Walsh? Fascinating.

Comment by The Captain Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 12:41 pm
@Rabid -

I agree that Schock is the GOP’s version of Blagojevich. Its worth pointing out that Blago was nominated.

Schock can raise money, just like Rod did, so don’t rule him out.

The challenge for Schock is differentiating himself from Rutherford among the party faithful. Not easy.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 12:53 pm
The successful Republican candidate needs more than the attribute of “can (s)he get elected.” Once elected, can he govern? The posters on this blog are constantly down on Rutherford’s performance as Treasurer, his gaffes, trips, and constant travel on the taxpayer dime as he goes all over the state promoting his programs as Treasurer. I think Dan is a swell guy, but has risen as high as he should. His next step to Governor is a whole ‘nother kettle of fish, and I don’t know if Dan can sustain the scrutiny. Howza ’bout Ambassador to some small Scandinavian country…

Comment by Cincinnatus Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 1:13 pm
Word, Cincy is a Dillard guy. It’s one of the things I like about Cincy too.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 1:13 pm
–His next step to Governor is a whole ‘nother kettle of fish, and I don’t know if Dan can sustain the scrutiny–

Scrutiny? If you’re going to play that game, put your cards on the table. What are you talking about?

And are you speaking just for yourself or Sen. Dillard, too?

47, believe me, I know.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 1:18 pm
I just have a hard time believing the current GOP is going to nominate a never-married man who voted in favor of civil unions. I wish they were that progressive, but I just don’t believe it.

Comment by ChicagoR Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 1:37 pm
Again, most missing the point here.

How can the DH be so stupid as to not realize that the entire Romney delegate slate was hand picked by Rutherford? Most are more Rutherford followers than actual Republicans. This is sloppy work by the DH as usual.

AS far as what’s actually going on out there…

The fact is that Schock has been quietly sucking up to Chicago GOP money and has forged some alliances in the Chicago area.

Dillard and Rauner are staying low key, knowing not much done now will matter after November. But both are instant Tier 1 candidates.

Andrezjewski, Rutherford, Oberweis, Lauzen, Brady, are all desperately trying to get some traction but for varying reasons will have little chance of building a large following.

Still in the rumor stage are the likes of Duffy, Dold, McConnaughay, Cronin and Radogno.

The RGA and ILGOP have almost no chance of clearing the way since the party is so fractured and fratricidal. Besides, why would anyone get out when last time proved that 22% of the primary vote could lead you to the governor’s mansion?

Comment by Adam Smith Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 1:58 pm
No Brady? No Matt Murphy?

Comment by Dirty Red Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 1:58 pm
I knew I forgot someone…

But it also is rumored that Murphy’s two-year term has put his gubenatorial hopes on hold…

Comment by Adam Smith Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 2:10 pm
As I recall, Brady was measuring for curtains at the mansion, too.

Cincy has admitted the obvious, that he’s a died-in-the-wool Dillard guy.

Comment by reformer Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 2:16 pm
U GOP guys all check the network schedule our show is on every week during prime time…something none of the repub wannabes are ready for.

Comment by The biggest loser Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 2:23 pm
===As I recall, Brady was measuring for curtains at the mansion, too.===

100% agree, and said so. That was also weeks before Election Day

“Let me just say bluntly,…”

Measuring the curtains 2 years before the election even occurs deserves some sort of snark.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 2:25 pm
=== The successful Republican candidate needs more than the attribute of “can (s)he get elected.” ===

@Cincy -

It IS a threshold question though, and not a threshold that many in the GOP can cross.

For example: Tom Cross has often been mentioned as a potential statewide candidate. I don’t think you have to go too far back into Tom Cross’ record to understand why he can’t win a statewide GOP primary.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 2:47 pm
speaking of Cross - did anyone notice the picture Rutherford just tweeted with Cross in the background in his golf shorts with his caddy Kevin Artl looking for his clubs. Cross should be running statewide - didn’t he promise the Republican House Members he would only be Leader for 10 years?

Comment by cross bow Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 3:06 pm
Correct, YDD. Very few Republicans can be elected state-wide in Illinois, and in all fairness, Dan is one such official.

I believe it is time to put a first family in the Governor’s Mansion, Word, and not someone who has a theoretical understanding of children. As I have said in the past, I believe that ALL government subsidies, tax breaks, and tax spending programs should be geared to children ONLY, and not toward corporations or adults. Someone with a family, and a young one at that, has the first-hand experience to understand that children are our future.

Comment by Cincinnatus Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 3:10 pm
And Rod doesn’t count. We can see how much he appreciated his kids by his behavior.

Comment by Cincinnatus Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 3:11 pm
The burning question I have about a Rutherford governorship is this: Does he park Pongee and ride in the big black SUV?

Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 3:11 pm
===…Pongee…===

Next role …

Director of IDOT?

CMS Fleet Services?

“My Governor appointed me to ‘X’. Waiting for ILSenate approval. #Pongeeisreal

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 3:15 pm
Besides Brady wasn’t only measuring the curtains at the Mansion but also for his Downtown Chicago Condo he loved so much.

Comment by cross bow Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 3:15 pm
It would have been a more interesting poll if Bill Brady’s name had been included. It is a given that Bill Brady will be running for governor again in his third attempt. I think in Bill’s case it will be “two strikes and you’re out” in the GOP voter’s minds and that is why Rutherford will be the strongest contender.Dan is thinking about running and now that this poll shows him to be a front runner, there is little doubt that Rutherford will run governor. This poll was just another nudge that will get Dan off of the fence. Instead of the current pat answer that “I am considering running” we will hear soon hear Dan publicly saying “I will be running”. Kirk Dillard will “never make it” on the GOP ticket for governor because no conservative or moderate Illinois Republican will ever forget nor forgive him for that political commercial he made for Obama when Obama ran for President years ago. That albatross will hang from Dillard’s neck until he has retired from Illinois politics.

Comment by Melvin Gibson Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 3:38 pm
===Dan is thinking about running and now that this poll shows him to be a front runner, there is little doubt that Rutherford will run governor. This poll was just another nudge that will get Dan off of the fence.===

Thinking?

Nudge off the fence?

Yeah, um … ok. Good luck with that.

===Dan is thinking about running and now that this poll shows him to be a front runner, there is little doubt that Rutherford will run governor.===

A real “scientific” poll, leaving out loads of possible opponents, and the “voters” in this “poll” were brought to the convention by the Rutherford Crew. Who do ya think they are going to back?

There was “little doub”t when Rutherford was sworn in as Treasurer that he was running for governor next.

This faux call for Rutherford is tainted, at best. The second Rutherford decides to call this “poll” meaningful, will be the moment every ounce of credibility will be shot.

Other than that …

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 3:49 pm
@Cincy -

Sounds like you already have Whitney Houston picked out as a theme song.

Having kids is fine, but doesn’t mean a hill-of-beans if your public policy doesn’t match up with your campaign photo op.

Sounds to me like you just want to bash Rutherford for not having kids, which I find highly objectionable.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 3:59 pm
Although there are too many variables to even talk about republican candidates (i.e. L.Madigan challenging Quinn, Durbin retiring, White Retiring)/ Rutherford and Schock wont run against Madigan. Rutherford would go after whites seat, he loves his name and attention more than actually working to help IL. Schock would probably go senate if Durbin retired.

This poll has no real winners and 1 loser and 1 bigger loser.
1. Schock small loser- if he can’t beat Murphy or Dillard he is way behind and I doubt people leave ILs problems to a 30 yr old professional politician.

2. Rutherford-Bigger Loser- Delegates should not be voting for people other than the campaign chairman in my opinion.

I would also like a Kajillion Dollars.

Comment by Psssh Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 4:05 pm
===Rutherford would go after (Jesse) whites seat===

Been there, done that …

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 4:10 pm
You know dear, name recognition aside, it seems to me that Rutherford needs to demonstrate some kind of actual achievement as Treasurer before he attempts to seek the highest office in the state. And so far, he hasn’t.

Comment by Debbie Reynolds Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 4:42 pm
You know dear, as far as “actual achievement,” Bill Brady, Judy Baar Topinka, Jim Ryan, George Ryan and Jim Edgar had pretty lite resumes prior to throwing their hat in the ring.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 6:03 pm
@YDD: You know dear, you really need to get your facts straight.

“Light resumes”? Judy had served as Treasurer for THREE TERMS, before running for governor; Jim Edgar served TWO TERMS as SoS running Illinois’s largest statewide bureaucracy & customer service system; Jim Ryan served THREE TERMS as IL-AG and was considered the most successful prosecutor in the state of Illinois; AND George Ryan had served as SPEAKER of the IL House and TWO TERMS as SoS running Illinois’s largest statewide bureaucracy & customer service system; before they ran for governor.

Comment by Debbie Reynolds Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 6:14 pm
- Someone with a family, and a young one at that, has the first-hand experience to understand that children are our future. -

This has to be the silliest statement you’ve made in a while. I assume this means you support Governor Quinn as he is a father of two?

I agree with YDD, you’re toeing a pretty questionable line with this argument.

Comment by Small Town Liberal Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 6:39 pm
Debbie,
I loved you in How the West Was Won.

Comment by Bill Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 6:40 pm
@Debbie: You know dear, I don’t think that the word “accomplishment” means what you think it means.

What, exactly, did Topinka, Edgar, George Ryan or Jim Ryan actually “accomplish” in all those years?

We already know corruption was rampant under George Ryan at the Illinois Secretary of State and “customer service” was abominable. Trust me, that’s pretty much what he inherited from Jim Edgar.

Jim Ryan was the most successful prosecutor in Illinois? You clearly don’t know what the Illinois AG’s office does. Here’s a hint: very little criminal prosecution.

And Topinka? State Treasurer is actually a pretty tough job to screw up. But we managed to lose a bundle to on hotels in Springfield and Collinsville on her watch.

If you’d mentioned that Jim Edgar fought to toughen our state’s DUI laws and Jim Ryan helped create a network of crisis nurseries to protect children from abuse and neglect, I’d actually have given you credit.

What a sad state for the GOP that I’m actually a better advocate for them than their loyalists/apologists.

Look, despite the fact that the DH “poll” is meaningless, Rutherford is still the future of the Illinois GOP and one of their best hopes for winning the Governor’s mansion. I know that there’s some within the party that are rubbed the wrong way by that because of his relatively better relationship with organized labor, his sometimes moderate stance on social issues, and his willingness to work with Democrats from time-to-time for the common good of the people of Illinois.

Frankly, it wouldn’t surprise me if you all succeeded in running him out of the party based on those three reasons alone.

Just don’t try to base it on the some phony idea that he’s “unqualified.” He’s BETTER qualified than all of the aforementioned candidates floating their names.

Elections are kind of like a lengthy job interview process. You send in your resume, make some follow-up phone calls, and if you meet the threshold qualifications, you get an interview with the electorate. If Rutherford doesn’t deserve an interview, its hard to imagine who in the GOP does.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 8:05 pm
P.S.:

2010 Vote Totals:

Brady: 1,713,385
Quinn: 1,745,219
Rutherford: 1,811,293

You know dear, its called math. As I said before, if you can’t be civil, atleast be right.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 8:10 pm
YDD,

Anytime you are an advocate for my party, I stay out of the way! I know I can’t do better.

These are the things I LOVE about my GOP. Edgar & Thompson would have been run out so fast these days even level headed GOP members couldn’t save the rest of us. But let’s talk “qualifications & litmus tests”

Don’t forget to order your “Fire Madigan” t-shirt YDD, that is all we have left…

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 8:49 pm
To also be “fair” - “Never confuse activity with achievement” - John Wooden

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 9:01 pm
Duffy/Walsh 2014
No one, not even a red light camera, can stop them.

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 9:18 pm
=== Anytime you are an advocate for my party, I stay out of the way! I know I can’t do better. ===

“Ability is a poor man’s wealth.”

- John Wooden

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 9:41 pm
Judy did do alot as Treasurer, thatis where we need to part company. The regret over Rod stems from Judy getting defined by Rod and when it all went down, a closer examination of the Judy Topinka record by the voters (2010) gave sweet redemption I was glad to see!

Keep going Judy.

I miss Edgar, but I also miss being in Kindergarden and taking naps.

You have to move on.

The lesson of Jim Edgar for us in the GOP is so clear;

Understand how to run to middle, govern to the Right as much as you can, while ensuring the Left can’t stop your moderate movement back Left, come a November election.

The Edgar model can’t work, however, because no one can make the dual movement. We as a GOP forbid that. We as a GOP will refuse to let Moderate Left movement be just Moderate Left Movement, and allow the save haven of the Middle to attainable come election time.

That is our party’s failure.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 10:04 pm
“The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom, William Blake” - Annie Savoy, Bull Durham

Sorry YDD, I needed a mindless quote, and there are more than a few in Bull Durham.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 10:11 pm
I must admit that between “Anonymous’” observations on the latest Walsh controversy, the scuffle over the ceremonial bill signing, shore’s descriptions of Rutherford, Dillard, and Radogno, and Team Sleep’s firm “commitment” to returns on “investments,” this is one of the rare days on which I find myself absolutely speechless.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 1:27 am
@Willy -

I don’t mean to sell Topinka short. I think she’s a good person, with good ideas, and a straight shooter. My point is that a State Treasurer, like Comptroller, doesn’t have much of an opportunity to rack up much in the way of “achievements.”

Treasurers make the papers when they lose money on investments, and Comptrollers get noticed when the state’s checks aren’t going out on time.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 7:44 am
YDD -

As I make the point to members of my party that “As far as running a good Treasurer’s office, the Rutherford staff runs a great campaign”

Rutherford may indeed be qualified, but it would be real nice if Rutherford would focus on the actual job, not social media and self-promotion.

You do a good job AND add those elements, everything else seems to fall into place. It’s the “hard work” of the Office that Dan seems to always be “lacking”.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 8:04 am
I’m waiting for the Democrat poll on who their gubenatorial candidate will be: Quinn,L. Madigan, or TBA.

Comment by johhnypizza Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 8:58 am
–I believe it is time to put a first family in the Governor’s Mansion, Word, and not someone who has a theoretical understanding of children.–

Gee, I think I’m starting to understand where you’re going with this.

You’d been so subtle up to now.

Not a very original or admirable political tactic. Jack Roeser does it much better.

Once again: when you go down this road, are you speaking for Sen. Dillard as well?

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 11:51 am
@YDD: You know dear…I didn’t say they had accomplished anything prior to their runs, I simply corrected your flippant remark about their resumes being “lite”.

Comment by Debbie Reynolds Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 1:47 pm
@Bill: Thank you, dear!

Comment by Debbie Reynolds Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 1:48 pm
Perhaps someone made this observation already, but the survey went out to 108 Illinois delegates and alternates. (Of them, about 15 or so are Santorum delegates; the rest are Romney delegates and Rutherford has been their bandleader). Only 51 bothered to respond, and of them, only 73% went with Rutherford. That’s about 35 votes. Seems like the remaining 90 or so Romney delegates are a little reluctant to make their anti-Rutherford opinions known. If the Rutherford team, which clearly controls this delegation, can’t muster up more than a third of the delegation to vote for him, I don’t think is says much for the Rutherford campaign for governor at this point. YDD was (nearly) right — if Rutherford couldn’t scramble 90% out of this delegation, it doesn’t really show any strength in his corner.

Comment by Conservative Republican Wednesday, Aug 29, 12 @ 10:37 am
meant “60 or so Romney delegates”

Comment by Conservative Republican Wednesday, Aug 29, 12 @ 10:56 am