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* Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady touted Congressman Aaron Schock for governor the other day…
Brady gave strong hints to Congressman Aaron Schock running for governor in 2014. “
I think Aaron impressed a lot of people down there both in the media world and delegates, the activists. Very serious guy, very good, gave one of I thought one of the best if not the best speech to the delegation. Tell you what, he would be a tough guy for Pat Quinn to beat. He’s young, he’s smart, he’s energetic, raised a lot of money, ” Brady said.
He said he can’t comment on if he’s had a discussion with Schock about running because that is up to Schock to discuss publicly. Brady believes Schock would help mobilize the young voters.
* But Schock has some vulnerabilities…
An Illinois congressman eying a potential 2014 run for governor drew criticism Wednesday from a left-leaning, campaign-finance watchdog for allegedly improperly soliciting a donation and using campaign funds for personal use.
U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock was one of two Illinois lawmakers targeted by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) in its “Most Corrupt Members of Congress” report, which also took aim at Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL). Thirteen Republicans and seven Democrats made the group’s list.
In zinging Schock with a “dishonorable mention” in its list, CREW accused him of improperly soliciting a donation to a super PAC and using his political funds for a stay at a five-star hotel in Greece and for home exercise DVDs.
“Rep. Schock’s naïve disregard for campaign finance regulations reflects discreditably on the office he holds,” CREW Executive Director Melanie Sloan said in a prepared statement. “The only reason he’s been able to avoid accountability is the sheer ineptitude of the Federal Election Commission.”
A call and email to Schock’s spokesman Wednesday was not returned.
CREW cited a report by Roll Call that alleged Schock asked House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) to contribute $25,000 to an anti-incumbent super PAC called the Campaign for Primary Accountability to help U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) oust 10-term incumbent U.S. Rep. Donald Manzullo (R-IL) in last March’s primary.
Federal election law permits $5,000 contributions on such requests.
The group also slammed Schock for billing his campaign for $154,466 in questionable expenditures in 2008 and 2010, including a stay at a five-star luxury hotel in Greece and a series of P90X workout DVDs.
“Rep. Schock needs to work less on his abs and more on following the law,” Sloan said.
Ouch.
* And here’s what the Club For Growth’s Andy Roth has to say about Schock…
He’s a very liberal Republican. The reason he decided to go with Kinzinger is because they are two peas out of the same pod. Schock on our scorecard only got a 44%, which is a flunking grade for anybody. Unfortunately, Schock is a young guy in his early 30s as is Kinzinger but they are trying to portray themselves as the next generation of Republicans in Illinois. Awful way to reenergize the GOP.
With regard to the FEC complaint against him, Schock admitted to his crime in the press. He said he would support Kinzinger against Manzullo and he wanted Cantor’s help so he went to Cantor and said Cantor please give $25,000 to the Campaign for Primary Accountability and by doing that he broke the law. As a lawmaker, you cannot solicit for more than $5,000.
Clearly, they [Cantor and Schock] are targeting conservatives because they have impeded leadership’s ability to pass large spending bills with liberal Democrats. We saw that with the debt deal last year and earlier this year with the highway bill. We will see it again this year with the farm bill.
* The Question: Should Aaron Schock run for governor? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.
I would also ask that Congressman Schock and all other interested parties to please refrain from e-mailing their supporters and asking them to vote in this poll. Thanks.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 12:42 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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Nah, stay in congress for a while longer.
Comment by OneMan Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 12:44 pm
No, I’d stay in the likely majority in DC and pile up seniority on Ways and Means. That’s some real power.
Plus, it’s Congress, so you can pick and choose your fights. Governors can’t.
I don’t think the Illinois governor job is going to be very fun for a few more years. He’s young, he’ll have other chances.
The ayatollahs in that Club for Growth must not brook any apostasy if they’re down on Schock and Kinzinger
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 12:51 pm
My guess is that he’s raising his profile in case there is a special election for the US Senate int he near future. $3 million in his war chest gives him a nice head start and I think he really likes DC.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 12:54 pm
I agree with 47th. Not that I’d vote for him, but I’ll bet he’d rather stay in DC than come home and have to actually work for a change.
Comment by Cheryl44 Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 12:56 pm
Definitely should run. Then won’t be governor or congressman.
Figures Pat Brady would love the guy.
Comment by too obvious Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:01 pm
I am by no means a fan of Mr. Schock but sure let him go for it. If the people of this state want to put the boy in the big chair then have at it. It will be a chance to see if he is what his supporters want us to believe he is. Real question is can he win?
Comment by Bemused Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:02 pm
Zero management experience. Not even experience in an organization like a company, the military, or even a big government agency. He’s never seen an org chart, managed a team (other than staff lackeys), set or managed a budget.
He can be a great messenger for the GOP. He’s articulate (almost to the point of being glib), and certainly has voter appeal, but both parties will need to put forward serious candidates for a serious job in 2014. Schock just isn’t there yet.
Comment by Adam Smith Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:05 pm
He would be better suited to stay in DC. There is plenty of time to get mired down in Illinois politics.
Besides, his vote is needed in Congress if we are to continue our path to financial ruin.
Comment by Sunshine Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:11 pm
If you’re going to use a crew report you should disclose that melanie sloan is a former legal consel to US Senator chuck schumer-a democrat-and that she created the organization in 2006-the cycle her boss was chairing the DSCC-the democratic senate campaign arm and that most of its targets were-shockingly-no pun intended, Republicans.
As for schock you also left out his endorsement of susanna mendoza-a democratic official in either the city of chicago or cook county, which won’t play well. He’s not a serious congressman by any sense and he’s more in the rutherford category of goof who likes to get headlines kind of a thing to me. I think all of these guys are exceedingly vulnerable to a tea party run by joe walsh when he’s defeated in the fall. Unlike pat hughes who came from left field, Walsh will have the, ahem, credentials of having been a congressman and I think he’ll be hard for them.
Comment by Shore Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:11 pm
I voted “No”, and this is why:
Age - At a time in his life where just about everyting you do is “experience”, why leave Congress when there are still so many “firsts” to be done for him. He could be Chairman of Ways and Means before turning 45, and why would you want to leave? There is so much growth, as a member of Congress, and age is a real factor. Learn and grow.
State of the “State” - I am not saying that you are “applying” for a bad job, but … you are applying for a bad job. We all want the “right person for the right time”, and where Illinois is at, Schock is not the best fit for the skill set necessary. In my opinion, Illinois is a house that is a “fixer-upper”, and Schock would be perfect, once the house was livable, and needs someone to make the house … a home.
Timing - Let’s say Schock wins … gets 2 terms … now what? Still too young to to be called “seasoned”, and too old to be considered a “fresh face”.
Distance in years, plus timing, equals “right person for the job.”
If Schock has set a personal “shelf life” and wants to be out by 40 or so, and wants the jobs of ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’ … I dunno, but he might, but Schock will have to weigh the the timing of what CAN be a long career, with many accomplishments, or what could very well be a “now what” experience when its all said and done.
Finally, “Safety Net” - Are we as Republicans willing to roll the dice on one of our young leaders to be a Governor … or be out of the game for a while? Two year terms do not afford the cushion of, “well, if I run and lose, I am still ‘X’ …”. No such luck. It’s either ‘in’ or ‘out’ … I dunno if I am ready to lose Schock, a member of the Ways and Means, to a primary race or a general election race loss, when there is no clear reason that Schock has to run … now … today …too much risk, and not enough reward, for Aaron, and for Illinois.
I have said, and I 100% stand by … “let ‘em all run”. If you are asking me, however, on a specific situation, like you are with Congressman Schock, I hope Aaron takes ’stock’ of the 3 things I brought up and weighs it.
As far as I can tell, Illinois .. and the job of Governor … will be here for a while …
Schock seems to always be in a hurry and to all of our benefit, (including his own!), it has worked out. But this might be one dance he should sit out, because he will have other songs for a very long time.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:14 pm
My phone wont let me vote, but I will repeat what I said a few weeks ago. School is a great legislator, and great legislators make horrible executives. Stick with what ya’ know.
Comment by Just Me Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:16 pm
===My phone wont let me vote===
Click the link.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:19 pm
No, and I agree with 47th. Republicans are always accused of eating their young. I always believed that was because they want them to sharpen their claws to the point where they can finally prove, and show, that they can step into the oldsters’ shoes.
Stay in DC, Aaron, and away from the “bad elements.” Build up your reputation, and then come back to take over the State as a true reformer who will get us back on track.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:23 pm
Everybody who wants to should run for Governor. From both parties. Except Pat Quinn.
Comment by jake Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:24 pm
I voted yes. I might not want Rep. Schock to win the governor race, but I hope that he won’t run for re-election, to the U.S. House, in 2014. Six years is long enough for him to be in Congress. I hope that State Sen. Lahood would replace him.
Comment by Conservative Veteran Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:26 pm
If Obama is re-elected, he should run. If Romney wins, he should not.
I’m not really a fan of his, but I do believe he has some experience running his own business. I will leave it for others to expand, but he is not the blank slate in the private sector that others allege.
Comment by LincolnLounger Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:26 pm
Before Rep. Shock runs for governor, he will have to deal with the perhaps fatal fact that Pat Brady said he should run for governor.
Comment by Boone Logan Square Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:26 pm
Ah, autocorrect, what fun you have with Aaron Schock’s last name…
Comment by Boone Logan Square Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:28 pm
===Six years is long enough for him to be in Congress. I hope that State Sen. Lahood would replace him.===
Remind me … how long was LaHood’s “Dad” in Congress? … A Chief of Staff? ….
Yeah, that’s what I thought … good luck with that ===Six years is long enough for him to be in Congress.=== ‘bit’
Too funny.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:29 pm
===Before Rep. Shock runs for governor, he will have to deal with the perhaps fatal fact that Pat Brady said he should run for governor.===
Next thing Schock would need is Edgar endorsing him! Aaron will have Dillard to thank for that “Curse” not happening.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:31 pm
Go ahead Aaron, run. You’ll lose. Then you won’t be either a Congressman or a Governor. Rutherford and Pongee will drive right over you in the primary anyway
Comment by Senator Clay Davis Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:34 pm
No. As governor he couldn’t garner the corporate compensation he makes working for the fossil fuel industries and Wall Street in Congress. He’s established a record of success when he achieved his goals of “making it more profitable for oil companies” and his other clients. He also has opposed efforts to help his constituents here in Illinois and supported the party line without consequence. It’s hard to imagine how he could be better off than he is now. Also, his ethical weaknesses could place him at greater risk at the position of governor.
Comment by Crime Fighter Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:37 pm
===He’s a very liberal Republican===
I almost spit out my coffee. In what way is he a “very liberal republican?” I’d really like to hear that whopper.
Comment by Boone's is Back Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:37 pm
===In what way is he a “very liberal republican?” ===
When compared to the Club for Growth and its agenda. Understand?
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:40 pm
Sure. Why not? He’s very ambitious, and for the long-term it’s easier to run for President from a Governorship than from Congress.
I wouldn’t vote for him.
Comment by walkinfool Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:40 pm
===Rutherford and Pongee will drive right over you in the primary anyway===
Please, Treasurer Rutherford is 100% focused on 2 things; being the BEST state treasurer Illinois has seen, and getting Mitt Romney elected president of the United States.
Being governor is NOT on Dan Rutherford’s radar … I am not on “the Twitter” or “the Facebook” and have ZERO idea who or what is a “Pongee” so I might not be the BEST person to ask about the Hard-Working, Focused State Treasurer Dan Rutherford …
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:40 pm
As a congenital Democrat with a bad moon rising I would like to encourage young Aaron to run. The bloodletting during the GOP primary would be a thing to behold. It’s about time for Oberweiss, AKA the Milkman, to spend some millions trying to get elected to something again.
The milkman has money and I’m sure a willing cohort of consultant types could be found to take Schock on with a campaign of “insinuendo” and “scrootenings”.
Comment by IrishPirate Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:42 pm
You don’t have to be on either Facebook or Twitter, Willy, to know what Pongee is.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:42 pm
Some would call your statement a “tell.”
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:43 pm
===Some would call your statement a “tell.”===
Some would say you know very little of Snark … some … might say that.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:44 pm
Then either you need another cup of coffee to get your snark on, or I need another one to get my detector properly calibrated. Or both.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:47 pm
It’s kind of odd that a state party chairman is shining up particular, potential candidates two years out. Some thought he did the same thing for Brady at the state fair.
Still, considering the last GOP chairman used the office to grease the way for his own run for governor, maybe it’s not so bad.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:48 pm
47 as always is good at reading the tea leaves. But special election or not. Durbin is up in 2014 - so that’s a regular Senate seat election. I’m guessing Durbin won’t run again and Schock is just doing the politically smart thing by positioning himself for whatever options there may be.
I voted yes in the poll because I think he would be better than the usual pathetic candidates the GOP puts up. But I would never vote for him (except on the blog).
Comment by Siriusly Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:49 pm
===I need another one to get my detector properly calibrated.===
Yeah … um … it’s you.
With kindest regards, I remain.
Sincerely yours,
Oswego Willy
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:55 pm
If it’s a race against Quinn I think he should do it, because he’d win.
Comment by Maroon Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 2:08 pm
I voted no for several reasons, I’ll list them.
1) He’s not ready for prime time. I think he showed that in Tampa not being able to answer simple questions. He also has a penchant for sticking his foot in his mouth, experience will help this.
2) While the Club for Growth might think he’s a liberal republican he is most certainly not, he’s pretty conservative and conservative’s have a hard time winning State-wide in Illinois. See Brady loosing in a Republican wave and Kirk winning.
3) Tied too closely to the “worst congress ever.” This is the same reason why Romney should have not picked Ryan, the House Republicans have a poor reputation (for a reason) and this allegiance will drag him down, especially since I don’t see much improving in the next year.
4) Quinn will probably not be the candidate and the Republicans will need a strong candidate who can produce in the collar counties, this will be tough for a downstate conservative.
In short, he needs to grow up, run to the middle and distinguish himself from the losers in Congress.
Comment by Ahoy! Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 2:08 pm
=Yeah … um … it’s you.=
lol Yes, it seems you’re right…this time at least.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 2:12 pm
== need another one to get my detector properly calibrated ==
Don’t let him give you a hard time, sometimes Oswego Willy snark detectors fail when there isn’t a Tom Cross golfing comment.
Comment by OneMan Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 2:18 pm
===Don’t let him give you a hard time, sometimes Oswego Willy snark detectors fail when there isn’t a Tom Cross golfing comment.===
Or the ‘Quality Candidate’ that ‘Jack!’ Ryan was … yeah, nothing is perfect.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 2:21 pm
…or he isn’t taking potshots at young Jason. It’s alright. He has a knack for keeping us all on our toes.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 2:23 pm
And…for sometimes going a bit too far. Unless that last one was snark, too, Willy.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 2:24 pm
===And…for sometimes going a bit too far. Unless that last one was snark, too, Willy.===
If you have to ask … then maybe you actually DO need to get that calibrated …
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 2:27 pm
======In what way is he a “very liberal republican?” ===
When compared to the Club for Growth and its agenda. Understand? ===
I get it- but from that standard Michelle Bachman would be a liberal republican. I guess I was just being “cheeky.”
Comment by Boone's is Back Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 2:29 pm
===It’s about time for Oberweiss, AKA the Milkman, to spend some millions trying to get elected to something again.===
He is. He’s currently the Republican candidate in the 25th Senate District against Corrine Pierog.
Comment by Chucky Jay Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 2:36 pm
== Or the ‘Quality Candidate’ that ‘Jack!’ Ryan was … yeah, nothing is perfect. ==
Hey only in Illinois can a scandal involving the wife get you tossed… Club going Jack was still better than Allan Keys
Comment by OneMan Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 2:39 pm
I’m in his district, get his emails, send him emails telling specifically why he is wrong on issues and never get any responses. The longer he is in Congress the more empty his suit becomes. He’s becoming the puppet for the guy behind him pulling his strings w/ no core except getting Schock elected.
Comment by D.P. Gumby Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 2:41 pm
===Club going Jack was still better than Allan Keys===
THANKS … to ‘Club going’, ‘Jack!’ … ‘Jack!’ begat Keys.
…but we digress …
I am curious what would Schock’s campaign look like. How would he run in the Primary, and, when it is NOT Quinn this time … how does Schcok run in the General, if he got that far.
Would be interesting.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 2:43 pm
The whole “Washington Times” hit on Schock linked above is worth a read for what it reveals about the Club for Growth and their pals.
It’s by the great writer and humanitarian William Kelly, and contains some very, very, subtle homophobic references. If you are in a coma, you won’t catch them, so pay attention.
Why is that the first club out of the whack-a-doo right-winger golf bag? Where are there heads at?
For the Big Brains whose prurient imaginations inevitably lead them there, a little history: I can think of four GOP statewide candidates who have had to put up with this creepy nonsense in the last 30+ years, and all won primaries and general elections.
So your “electability” concerns are nothing more than a rational for sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong.
Maybe it’s time to get some game and stop peeking in bedroom windows. Unless you’re into that sort of thing.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 2:43 pm
I want to see the Shock-Plummer-Rutherford-Walsh primary for governor. Such fun!
And, a Schock-Kinzinger ticket in the Fall would be handsome as all get out! Ahhh, the “Young Guns” ticket will save us all.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 2:45 pm
===I want to see the Shock-Plummer-Rutherford-Walsh primary for governor. Such fun!===
(fainted …dog comes by, licks face … wakes to read again … puts head in hands … asks self, ‘Why?… Why us republicans?’ …)
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 2:49 pm
“the Shock-Plummer-Rutherford-Walsh primary for governor”
The tagline for the debates could be “Four Hats, No Cattle!”
Comment by ChicagoR Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 2:53 pm
I don’t believe that this thread needs a distraction…or if it does, nothing even close to the 04 Senate race. But, since it’s been brought up:
Without the 04 race going down the tubes in the “questionable” way it did, we probably wouldn’t have a Senator Kirk either.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 2:55 pm
Schock should interview for the position of Editor-in-Chief of Men’s Health, thus affording himself some real-world experience. Even if he fails, perhaps Jason Plummer would give him a job, then they would both be gainfully employed, and still only X years old…
Comment by Midstate Indy Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 3:00 pm
And BTW, with all of the conspiracy theories out there at the time, that last observation never even crossed my mind until we were already way into the last senate race.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 3:01 pm
Sure he should run. But G-d help us if he wins.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 3:11 pm
When Schock served in Springfield, representing Peoria, he was relatively moderate on racial issues. He didn’t move to the right until he ran for Congress.
If he becomes governor, I suspect he would show similar leanings, since moderate Republicans win statewide (Judy Barr, Dan, Mark). A moderate would work with the Democrats who will still control the General Assembly. Gridlock will be over. Structured rollcalls will be back.
Comment by reformer Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 3:18 pm
So far he’s not shown any qualities that would make him a good gov. He doesn’t seem to grasp any issues. He’s not good at working across the aisle. I don’t see any reason to support him rather than support an adult.
Comment by Skeeter Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 3:22 pm
That GOP primary will be a beauty: Schock, Rutherford, Dillard, Bill Brady, Proft, Walsh, Rauner…Am I leaving somebody out? Maybe Jim Ryan will be talked into it again.
Comment by reformer Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 3:25 pm
No Jim Edgar? Not even for a few days of pondering and gut-wrenching hand-wringing?
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 3:30 pm
I’m sure Edgar could be talked into it if Mark Kirk were running.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 3:30 pm
Good one Boone Logan. Funny because it’s true.
Comment by too obvious Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 3:33 pm
“the Shock-Plummer-Rutherford-Walsh primary for governor”
The tagline for the debates could be “Four Hats, No Cattle!”
best comment in weeks, can anyone find a caption for that
Comment by reagan Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 3:41 pm
Am I the only one who thinks Rutherford will chicken out in the end? I believe Dillard when he says he will give up his state senate, but Danny needs too badly to be in office with all the trappings. It’s essential to his being.
This is, after all, the chairman of the IL delegation to the GOP national convention, who decorated his car in Tampa with Illinois flags like a diplomat. (I bet Pongee was SEETHING with jealousy.)
Comment by Little Edie Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 3:43 pm
–Hey only in Illinois can a scandal involving the wife get you tossed…–
Especially when other Republicans are peeking in the windows and gossiping on the Internet and the Chicago Tribune and WLS-TV are filing suits to open your divorce records.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 3:53 pm
===This is, after all, the chairman of the IL delegation to the GOP national convention, who decorated his car in Tampa with Illinois flags like a diplomat. (I bet Pongee was SEETHING with jealousy.)===
Please tell me someone has a picture of the car with the flags …. P L E A S E ????
And do NOT send that picture to Rich Miller …do NOT send it …the picture … of the car … with the flags …
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 3:53 pm
@ Skeeter “I don’t see any reason to support him rather than support an adult.”
Uh, who’s the adult?
Comment by olddog Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 3:54 pm
I say “Run Doogie Run!” It sure would shake up the field and might bring in some new blood to a tired old party that hasn’t looked so grand lately.
Comment by Nearly Normal Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 4:06 pm
===Especially when other Republicans are peeking in the windows and gossiping on the Internet…===
Fast-Forward to 2014 Republican Primary for Governor … Do we even have to say that these things WILL be going on in that race.
The ILGOP is good at one thing since George Ryan … Self-Destruction. The ILGOP has made it an art form, and do it, to cut the nose off their face…
Let the whispers and double-speak begin, (but not here, please…)
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 4:07 pm
=Especially when other Republicans are peeking in the windows….=
Kind of makes you wonder, doesn’t it, who the “hypocrites” in the Republican Party are. Those who believe government shouldn’t look in anyone’s windows (even though some will tell you they do not like what’s going on there)–and those who would use someone else’s and even offer a “peak” into their own for political purposes.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 4:19 pm
I say yes, but just because i want the downstate trio of schock rutherford and brady to siphon votes from one another to give dillard a clear lead.
Comment by a little bit original Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 4:26 pm
I think we all would like to forget: Adam Andrzejewski…but unfortunately the one who yells loudest gets the most attention. If I were Schock I’d stay a long way from this thing until Adam A. is out of the picture.
Comment by GreatPlainser Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 4:42 pm
Lisa will crush him in 2014.
Comment by tominchicago Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 4:45 pm
Adam Smith - Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 1:05 pm said….
“Zero management experience. Not even experience in an organization like a company, the military, or even a big government agency. He’s never seen an org chart, managed a team (other than staff lackeys), set or managed a budget”.
Adam, are you talking about SCHOCK or OBAMA?
Comment by Election2012 Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 5:04 pm
I’m a Dem who has only voted for one R statewide (Judy for both Treasurer and Gov) so I’m open to the idea of voting for a GOP candidate. But Schock ain’t it. Here’s why:
a) As everyone has pointed out: he has absolutely no experience. Our state is in the crapper, and we need a serious leader (who doesn’t come from the extreme wing of either party) to dig us out. He’s never led on any issue.
b) ideology: WashTimes hit piece aside, the guy is just too far to the right for most in Illinois. He’s not a good fit for our state.
c) personal issues: I’m not trying to rumor-monger or insult here. The fact of the matter is it doesn’t take long for people to start muttering things about Schock’s personal life (for the record, I really don’t care at all). But if he runs for statewide office, expect those to become a loud and obnoxious distractions, and as I pointed out above, the state’s current dire circumstances need to be our Number One focus.
d)Potential benefit to the state if he stays in DC: I don’t see his district booting him any time soon. If he sticks around the Swamp long enough, he can rack up the kind of seniority that could really be a boon to the entire state.
Comment by Moderate in Lakeview Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 5:24 pm
too extreme for Illinois.
Comment by amalia Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 5:30 pm
As a public service reminder…..
In one hour, Sale vs. Verlander. Sox up one with 19 to go. Wildcards are not an option. One of these teams is going to the playoffs, one is going to have a long winter.
In an hour and 10, Bears vs. Packers. A Bears win gives the Packers an 0-2 start at home and will curdle their cheese curds.
Some things are much more important than politics and government.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 6:10 pm
Probably better off as a congress-critter for now
Comment by RNUG Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 6:17 pm
No. As far as I am concerned, he is still a kid who has yet to deomonstrate that he can do much of anything but toe his party’s line. In any case, i can’t think of a worse resume than to have your most recent employment that of a Congressman.
Comment by Skirmisher Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 6:41 pm
@Wordslinger, oh, I’m just so nervous about the Sox. who would have thought that at the beginning of the season! it’s just killing me. Go Sox! Go Bears!
Comment by amalia Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 7:02 pm
Here’s a concept for you.
Governor Schock goes toe to toe with the Speaker of the House.
Comment by Bemused Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 7:35 pm
Schock should run. It would be extremely entertaining watching him trying to coherently answer questions about anything.
Quinn is done for. He will be unseated in the primary by Lisa Madigan then become a federal judge.
Lisa will crush Schock in the general.
Comment by DuPage Dave Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 7:41 pm
1. It would have been better to be arguing about politics than watching the Bears game (let alone waiting for the Sox game).
2. Pat Quinn would never become a federal judge for too many reasons to list here.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 10:15 pm
1. It would have been better to be arguing about politics than watching the Bears game (let alone waiting for the Sox game).
2. Pat Quinn would never become a federal judge for too many reasons to list here.
Comment by Anonymour Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 10:16 pm
Schock in Congress = Stay in nice hotels, eat at nice restaurants, constantly travel all over the world. Not be held accountable for any real problems that is your fault.
Schock as Governor = Stay in a big empty house, eat in the big empty house, travel all over Illinois. Be held accountable for all sorts of stuff that isn’t your fault.
Is this really a debate for him?
Comment by Just Me Thursday, Sep 13, 12 @ 11:17 pm
Congressman Schock is carrying a lot baggage related to campaign finance reform. I think he is too young to understand truly ethical behavior.
Comment by Goldwater Friday, Sep 14, 12 @ 4:39 am
I would rather see Schock run for Mark Kirk’s Senate seat (with Kirk’s blessing)and have Dan Rutherford run for Governor.
Comment by Rutherford Fan Friday, Sep 14, 12 @ 8:22 am