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Blackburn drops out, endorses Simon

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Illinois

* Democrat Duffy Blackburn used his speech today at the Democratic County Chairman’s event to announce that he is “suspending” his comptroller campaign. “I wholeheartedly endorse Sheila Simon,” he told the attendees.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 10:19 am

Comments

Smart.

Tough road for either one, and at least Simon has a little name recognition.

Comment by walkinfool Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 10:21 am
I don’t know anything about Duffy other than “his (or is it her?) name is not Sheila Simon” but if he/she turned out to be a legitimate candidate, he/she would have gotten my vote over Simon.

There is something really crass about Simon. As JBT noted, she seems to want to hold an office more than she wants the office she’s running for. I haven’t seen any evidence yet that she understands the job of Comptroller.

I’m not a fan of Quinn, but her behavior towards him was problematic. There are way to go about separating that wasn’t it.

Plus, how many times is she going to tell us about her father?

It is too bad the Democrats do not have an alternative in this race.

Comment by Skeeter Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 10:35 am
Dude,
She was beatable…

Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 10:38 am
I’m starting to wonder if the name recognition will make a big difference.She’s waved her father’s name so much,it’s almost obvious that it’s a distraction from her lack of substance.

Comment by leonard Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 10:44 am
One wonders what payoff he received or will receive.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 10:47 am
Yet another in a long line of better qualifications sacrificed on the altar of a better chance to win.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 10:52 am
Did anybody even know that he dropped into the race, let alone that he has dropped out? The guy has like 20K in the bank. He was never an issue.

Comment by Raising Kane Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 10:52 am
I don’t see him (or Simon) beating JBT unless if she seriously goes down in flames. Good luck to him, whatever he decides to do later on.

Comment by Timmeh Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 10:56 am
===I’m starting to wonder if the name recognition will make a big difference.===

Of course it will. In down-ballot races without many substantive issues, name recognition is usually the most important thing.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 11:05 am
Listened to his announcement via internet. First time I ever heard him speak, probably won’t be the last, given he is dropping out this time, to run next time.

At least with a Primary Opponent, Sheila simon could have been in the discussion through March. Now, Sheila Simon will be forgotten until NEXT State Fair possibly.

You got what you wanted Sheila, an open field to a Constitutional Office. Now you have to win, which means … beating … arguably the most popular GOP officeholder in the State, who is running as an incumbent, and has a 3 to 4 to 1 money advantage against you … today.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 11:16 am
I’m naming my imaginary drinking buddy Duffy Blackburn, great name.

Comment by The Captain Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 12:17 pm
Wow. Dropping out. “Shot heard round the……….booth”

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 12:53 pm
His 2 minute endorsement of her was 1000 times better than her 15-20 minute ramble about herself and how dan Hynes didn’t do anything about the Dixon corruption case.

He should have stayed in the race.

Comment by Spliff Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 1:02 pm
My question is does JBT run? She has to be a top choice for Lt. Gov. (gotta do something to balance out the ticket). Does the GOP have a candidate ready to step in?

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 1:13 pm
Duffy Blackburn’s would be the perfect faux-authentic Irish pub for the Loop.

The phony back story could be something like “Duffy Blackburn was Michael Collins bodyguard. With a price on his head during the Irish Civil War, he fled to Chicago where he opened a public house just like this at 35th and Emerald, a favorite of Babe Ruth’s when he played at old Cominskey Park…..”

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 2:01 pm
Poor Duffy

Comment by Just Observing Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 2:12 pm
It’s a smart move by Blackburn. Rather than be the person who lost to the person who lost to Judy Barr Topinka, he can build his statewide network and name recognition and run again in four years.

Simon has too much name recognition to make it worth running in a comparatively expensive primary for a down ballot office.

Comment by Brendan Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 2:21 pm
Word, that is just perfect.

Comment by Soccermom Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 2:47 pm
I thought he gave a much better speech actually.

Comment by shore Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 2:55 pm
That is fabulous Word, except everyone knows the Babe drank at McCuddy’s.

Comment by Chavez-respecting Obamist Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 2:58 pm
Yeah, well, when you’re concocting one of Chicago’s many faux-authentic Irish pubs, you’re allowed a little literary license…..

That reminds me, James Farrell wrote most of “Studs Lonigan” at Duffy Blackburn’s…..

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 3:03 pm
Seems like more of a Rosemont or Niles or Arlington Heights place than a Loop place.

Unless of course it was the bar at some hotel.

Comment by Skeeter Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 3:08 pm
Skeeter, as a Streeterville resident, you know Timothy O’Toole is not making the chicken quesadillas back in the kitchen, right?

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 3:15 pm
Just lost $100. I bet that he would beat the filly down the stretch.

Comment by 1776 Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 3:25 pm
Wordslinger,

As a Streeterville resident, I know never to set foot in Timothy O’Tooles.

That being said, and although the place does not have a long history and it is in a new building, D4 is actually a pretty good Irish bar. Nice place, nice selection of beer, good owner who in proper Irish barkeeper style can be sort of rude * * * at times. For a place that opened within the past five years, it has more of an authentic Irish bar feel than most places. If you happen to be wondering around Michigan Ave. and want a good place for a beer and a sandwich, that’s the place.

Comment by Skeeter Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 3:53 pm
= My question is does JBT run? =

She told a reporter at last year’s Republican Day she was running for re-election. She’s said on camera this year she’s running for re-election. Her people are wearing “for Comptroller” merch. What more do you need?

Comment by Dirty Red Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 4:47 pm
Sure JBT says that she’s running now, and I’m sure she intends to…but I would think she is on some candidate’s short list for Lt. Gov.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 4:52 pm
I wonder if JBT might still run for governor.

She was in a crowded primary the last time out. I’m sure she can see the paths, both in the primary and general election.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 5:43 pm
This democrat will vote for a republican in the general and not vote in the primary. S Simon has done nothing to earn this opportunity just as she did not deserve to be selected as Lt Gov. Topinka has assembled a quality staff unlike the very dysfunctional and revolving door in the Lt Gov’s Office.

Comment by Moonshine Wednesday, Aug 14, 13 @ 10:45 pm