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Question of the day

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* If you had to choose between the current crop of Republican gubernatorial candidates, whom would it be? Whom would it definitely not be? Explain.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:13 am

Comments

Bill Brady, because I’m a Democrat.

Comment by Empty Chair Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:18 am
Dillard because he can both win & govern…imagine that!
Rauner is a disaster. He hate of unions is bad for the GOP. Unions may not be right on everything but hating them is bad public policy.

Comment by Senate Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:19 am
Dillard. And I’m a Democrat

Feel like he is the most moderate. Wish he would be a little more on the social issues.

Wouldn’t mind a rational and moderate republican governor right about now.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:20 am
Dan Rutherford who is the most socially moderate of the candidates. Could not support any of the rest.

Comment by Bourbonrich Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:21 am
I’d choose Rutherford as he sets a tone at least of reaching out to all citizens.

It definitely would not be Rauner. Everything about his campaign is phony. The ultimate insider running as an outsider. The guy who made a fortune off public pensions looking to wack pensioneers. A guy who ducks every tough question.

I’ll probably end up pulling a GOP ballot to vote against Rauner.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:22 am
Probably Rutherford because he seems to be the adult in the race.

More or less equally opposed to the rest of the field for variopus reasons …

Comment by RNUG Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:23 am
Rutherford is the only Republican I’ll vote for. If he doesn’t win the primary, I’ll vote for a Democrat.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:27 am
Off the list… anybody who spouts the “government should be run more like a business” line. Pretty sure that’s Rauner’s primary talking point… but the others will start spouting that stuff soon enough. The government is not a business. It’s responsibilities and objectives are different.

Comment by FoxValleyPride1 Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:28 am
Rutherford - he’s smart, likeable, knows how to govern, and frankly, he knows how to add, not subtract, on the campaign trail.

Comment by anon sequitor Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:30 am
Rutherford is the only one with a hope of winning, so as a Democrat I am happy with anyone else.

If I had to pick, I’d go with Rauner, for the simple pleasure of watching as consultants drain him personally
of millions, which would no doubt be good for the economy.

Comment by Juvenal Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:30 am
I kinda like Rutherford. He’s working for it. And he has seemed surprisingly thoughtful.

But as a Democrat, I like Rauner. Spend that money, dude — expand the Illinois economy. We appreciate it — not enough to vote for you, but we appreciate it nonetheless.

Comment by Soccermom Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:32 am
If at first you don’t succeed… Paid for by Democrats for Brady

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:35 am
Pat Quinn. Oh wait, he’s a Democrat? Could’ve fooled me!

Comment by JC Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:35 am
i really want to be for kirk. my hesitation runs thusly: implying pay raise veto ok tactic, strike one; punting to a referendum on gay marriage a political dodge, foul ball.

i still prefer him to rutherford, but i would vote for rutherford over any dem. brady is a self delusional conservative in an empty suit.

rauner is entertaining, as long as he doesnt get over 10% of the vote. he is ill prepared, even moreso than the usual rich guy candidate. he seems unwilling to do the due diligence required to govern, and i doubt he listens. he will commit a gaffe or two along the way that people will pounce on. if he avoids that by never stating a position, that will also wear thin.

Comment by langhorne Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:37 am
I won’t be voting in that primary, but if I did it would be for Dillard. He’s a direct descendant of the Thompson-Edgar winning wing of the GOP and I would argue has the right blend of experience and skill to govern Illinois well. His lurch to the right in recent years is a negative for me, but in a divided government his worst instincts will be checked.

Rauner would never get my vote. Either Brady or Rutherford would be better governors.

I’m still hoping Joe Walsh gets in though. That would be awesome!

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:38 am
Dan Rutherford who is the most socially moderate of the candidates. Dillard’s been around a long time, but would be my second choice. Rauner and Bradley will never get my vote. If either of those get the nod, then I leave that slot on the ballet blank.

Comment by wizard Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:38 am
Oswego Willy, he’s got the temperament and intelligence to run government.

The others are all committed to sticking it to public workers. I can’t support folks who want to hurt my family financially for things I haven’t done.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:38 am
None of them.

Way, way too much extremism for Illinois.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:41 am
I would choose Rutherford, because he is more of a moderate and seems to be reaching out in a way independents could support. I would not vote for Bill Brady, because he is neither of the above, and he has already proven he can’win.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:42 am
Dan Rutherford I believe he can get things done

Comment by Just Because Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:43 am
Dillard, because he would be the best at Governing from day 1. There are other reasons as well, but that’s the ability to actually do the job is reason number 1. I still believe he needs to change his position on gay marriage and support it.

I’m very unimpressed with the rest of the field, Rauner doesn’t seem to know anything about Government, Rutherford is just a political gadfly and Brady lost to Pat Quinn already and hasn’t seem to learn from his mistakes. I”m not sure he could beat him if they faced each other again despite his talking points about “almost beating him last time.”

Comment by Ahoy! Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:43 am
- Norseman -,

It’s just you and me…

I am not going to burden Brady, Dillard, or Rutherford (note: alphabetical order!) with any mention, but will say I will support the Nominee, as I did Brady, even if that support is a very harsh light, in hopes of HELPING to focus the Nominee’s General Election win. Period.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:44 am
Dan Rutherford. He has the skills to lead the State. He is a statesman who can work with both parties in the General Assembly to get something done.

Toss up between Brady and Rauner–definitely not interested in either one of them being the Republican nominee. Brady had his shot, though he shouldn’t have–he is too conservative for my tastes and I just don’t think he has what it takes to get us out of this mess. Rauner is trying to buy the nomination and that annoys me–as someone else said, the ultimate insider trying to play like an outsider.

Comment by Susiejones Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:45 am
As a Moderate, Dillard because while he’s a Conservative (from a variety of perspectives, which I can certainly appreciate), he has his priorities set and the focus is jobs, the economy, and our State. I also like his “business” background (I’ll admit I’m partial to attorneys and their ethics, especially in today’s world), I believe he has the ability to unite Moderates and Conservatives to the greatest extent possible and practicable, and most importantly, I trust him. And from an imagie perspective, he’s a true statesman per my definition.

Surprisingly enough, I will not be voting for Mr. Rutherford. His latest strategy seems divisive and extremely reactionary to me.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:47 am
That obviously should have been “image perspective.”

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:49 am
“Rutherford is the only Republican I’ll vote
for. If he doesn’t win the primary, I’ll
vote for a Democrat.”

Same here.

Comment by Kruse Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:51 am
Rutherford because he actually projects some energy and is more moderate and electable. Not Brady after last time, and certainly not Rauner for too many reasons to name.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:51 am
Rutherford is ok, not great, but heads above the rest.

Rauner, not even if he was the last Republican still standing.

Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 11:55 am
I supported Dillard last time and think he would make a good governor. I think he has had his chance and failed to pursue with gusto. Maybe he does this time. I would be comfortable with Rutherford - I think he has more desire and connection to voters than Dillard. Time will tell.

Comment by dupage dan Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 12:00 pm
Just to add - Couldn’t do Rauner for reasons others have clarified. He’s so phony his helmet is invisible. How’s that for a non sequitor?

Comment by dupage dan Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 12:03 pm
Rutherford, he seems more moderate in tone, less anti-public worker, and just not as nuts as the rest.

Though truth be told I haven’t heard as many negatives about him than either Brady or Rauner, does that mean he is not being taken that seriously as a candidate by the dems?

Comment by iThink Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 12:03 pm
I think I fall into anyone but, Brady… If he couldn’t beat PAT QUINN in 2010 when the GOP won everywhere, he can’t win now.

All the rest I am fine with, but probably prefer Rauner or Dillard

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 12:04 pm
I’m teetering between Dillard and Rutherford. Both were better senators than Brady. Rauner is a non-starter for me. I think Dillard and Rutherford would have the best chance of winning a general. Still deciding.

Comment by A guy... Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 12:06 pm
Rutherford, by voting for civil unions he doesn’t come across as a total RW which is anathema to critical voters (women in the burbs).

I am anti-Dillard, I just don’t trust him.

Comment by Ravenswood Right Winger Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 12:07 pm
Rutherford, he is the one I have interacted with the most and there have been the fewest Oh no… moments with him so far.

As for who I wouldn’t, not sure there is anyone right now in the GOP primary who is a showstopper. We will see if the Lt. Governor candidates change thant

Comment by OneMan Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 12:08 pm
Kirk Dillard is the only one of that bunch that I would vote for. And I would vote for him enthusiastically, he’s smart, experienced and likeable. Those are the three things I look for in most candidates.

Rutherford seems okay I guess, but he also comes across as very superficial and cardboard-ish.

Rauner is completely unlikeable and his TV ads are awful. Bill Brady is the Democrats dream opponent, again.

Comment by siriusly Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 12:08 pm
Disclaimer…not Republican.

Rutherford: Yes
Brady: Not
Rauner: Not in my lifetime!

Comment by Ready To Get Out Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 12:08 pm
Rutherford is the best of the bunch with Dillard not all that far behind. Something that will give Dillard an edge in the primary.

Bill Brady? Meh.

Bruce Rauner would be a train wreck.

Comment by Bill White Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 12:11 pm
Rutherford. I’m in the conservative wing of the party, but his ability to win statewide and his big tent philosophy of social issues not determining good and bad Republicans is definitely what others in the party need to learn. The other candidates are jokes:

1. Brady - lost to Quinn last time
2. Dilard - lost to Brady in the primary
3. Rauner - Never been elected to a public office

Comment by SirLankselot Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 12:12 pm
Oswego Willy is my dream GOP candidate (from a sensible governance perspective) however Joe Walsh would be the most entertaining.

Comment by Bill White Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 12:14 pm
Rutherford would get my vote, closely followed by Dillard. Brady is so yesterday and Rauner is so extreme so no on those two.

Comment by Nearly Normal Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 12:19 pm
Dillard can no longer be considered a moderate. When you serve as the state chair for ALEC, you lose your M card.

http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Kirk_Dillard

Comment by Soccermom Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 12:20 pm
Echoing the majority, Dillard or Rutherford are acceptable at the moment; Brady or Rauner are not a consideration.

Comment by Darienite Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 12:21 pm
Having known the candidates for only 4 years, for me it would be Rutherford in a landslide. People speak of Dillard’s moderation and ability to govern, but I’m convinced that quality is a thing of the past, as I haven’t seen it since knowing him.

Comment by Hamilton Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 12:23 pm
As a dyed-in-the-wool D, I might normally say Brady (most beatable), but I’m going with Rutherford. He’s relatively moderate on social issues (and if he won, I personally think he would moderate more with the power of incumbency), he’s likable and really, i think he’s geniune.

Dillard is way too freakin’ shifty in the last decade, shamelessly opportunistic (witness the Obama ad when BHO was popular here and the ALEC State Charimanship when extreme right wing Republicanism came back in vogue), and I simply don’t trust him. And I’ll never forgive Edgar for closing down all of the fair beer tents, even if there’s been somewhat of a revival.

Brady - ummm, if I want Jim DeMint-style representation, I’ll move to South Carolina, thank you.

Rauner - kidding, right? But please, spend the money. And if you win the primary, at least it will be an entertaining general.

If it weren’t colossally unwise for me to do so, like Word, I’d pull an R ballot in a second and vote for Rutherford. I really don’t like my D choices.

Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 12:39 pm
Well team Rutherford is clearly doing their job on here. I’m not averse to him, but some of the inside baseball stuff is a bit much to swallow. For example the entourage with which he travels, the often demeaning way he treats staff in public & the arrogance his other staff carries themselves with. That’s the downside to this business. You get to know people sometimes to intimately, because on paper Rutherford should be the best.

Comment by Downstate GOP Faithless Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 12:49 pm
Dillard is too conservative for me but he has a record of sometimes voting for gaming bills. Rutherford isn’t as conservative but had a record of voting against the gaming bill. I hate being a single issue person but just for this reason Dillard would get my vote if I wasn’t pulling Dem ballot.

Comment by Giddy Up Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 12:49 pm
I gotta go with Norseman on this and write in Oswego Willy.

Comment by PublicServant Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 12:52 pm
Dillard. Moderate. Trustworthy (can make deals when he has to). Experienced budget guy.

But has he actually started campaigning? Does he have any money? At some point he needs to get out in public and act like he wants the job.

Comment by BleugrassBoy Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 12:57 pm
I have some warmth for Rutherford.

The puppy killer will be easiest for Dems to beat.

I sorta see Dillard’s “moderation” being more of a brand than a reality.

And I will fight against financial sector parasites and vampires entering government.

Comment by Carl Nyberg Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 12:58 pm
Completely undecided at this point. I have to learn more about each and what they have stood for in the past vs what they say now.

Comment by FormerParatrooper Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 1:05 pm
Dan Rutherford would be a refreshing change for Illinois. Takes questions on issues and answers them, thoughtfuly, even if his staff tries to yank him out of the way.

Bill Brady proved that an ineffective legislator and businessman can do the impossible, lose to a Governor who supported and ran with Rod Blagojevich while that was fresh in voters’ minds. What has he done since to prove that could win any better the second (third primary) time around?

Comment by OurMagician Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 1:07 pm
It seems today’s Republicans are all about negativity and obstruction. The candidate who offers innovation and positivity will attract quite a bit of attention….and could get some Dems to pay attention. But I don’t think that candidate can win GOP primary. The rabid, foaming-at-the-mouth base wants an Obama-bashing, shut-down-the-government, get-rid-of-healthcare champion.

Comment by Deep South Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 1:11 pm
Rutherford. Socially moderate, fiscally conservative.

I would rule out the other three. Brady is too far to the right. Dillard and Rauner stand for nothing.

If Rutherford gets the nod, it will likely be the first time I vote GOP for Gov (although I did undervote the second time Blago was on the ballot). Only way I vote Dem this time is if Kwame is the nominee. If Kwame gets the nod I’m undecided.

Comment by Skeeter Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 1:14 pm
None of the above. Except Willie.

Comment by Chavez-respecting Obamist Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 1:17 pm
Rutherford. As a Dem, he’s the most palatable. And if he completes “evolving” on same-sex marriage as Kirk did, I might actually vote for him over Daley.

Comment by ChicagoR Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 1:27 pm
Bruce Rauner can not relate to the other 99% of the State! - No vote for Rauner! Brady - No way! Brady does not even take time to return calls to voters in his own district.

Comment by Mama Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 1:37 pm
I’m excited for Rutherford, I can live with Dillard. Rauner and Brady no way.

Comment by MM Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 1:38 pm
I like Dillard, but he is tied up with the Tea Party. I never support anyone tied in with the crazy Tea Party group!

Comment by Mama Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 1:42 pm
Rutherford. He’s the least conservative. Democrat here voting Republican this round.

Comment by In_The_Middle Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 1:47 pm
At present, Dillard. Overall, the tested and prepared bit doesn’t sound all that bad. Definitely not any of the rest. Dillard seems to have a moderate backbone with enough political sense that presentation has to cater to primary voters in order to get a run in the general. Thoughts might change, they might not but I’d rather support a genuine moderate that flexes conservative in the primary than a hard righty that tries to feign moderation.

Comment by Midstate Indy Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 1:48 pm
Rutherford is probably the best option with D-Lard the next best. Brady is a solid Meh. As for Rauner there is only one person who could make me vote for Rauner. Unfortunatley that person is Pat Quinn.

To be honest with you as far as i am concerned everyone announced (and most not announced) would make better Governors than PQ. So the bar is REALLY low.

Comment by Mason born Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 1:48 pm
Yes - Rutherford because he is the hardest campaigner.

No - Bill Brady or Rauner because they don’t campaign well.

Comment by Just Me Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 1:56 pm
Anyone except Dillard, unless he makes another commercial supporting Obama, then in that case it will be ANYONE except Dillard.

Comment by A Nanny Moose Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 1:57 pm
I just like Rutherford and Dillard. They both seem like reasonable people with experience. Brady - dull boring with virtually no ideas I agree with. Rauner - the rich kid showing off his new expensive bat at a sandlot game. It’s just a bat.

Comment by zatoichi Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 2:01 pm
Senator Dillard — because when he wins he’ll be able to do what governors are supposed to do: govern.

Comment by Sarge Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 2:05 pm
I like Dillard, but think his time is past.

I like and voted for Brady last time but he couldn’t close the deal. Don’t know what is different this time around.

I don’t know Rauner.

Favoring Rutherford at the present. He has legislative and leadership experience, and is the only one of four who has won statewide. In fact, while he didn’t run against Quinn in ‘10, his numbers were better than Quinn’s in many parts of the state.

Comment by BehindTheScenes Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 2:11 pm
I like Dillard. He is a true conservative most of the time.

Comment by Howell Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 2:19 pm
It’s pretty clear to me that Rutherford is the best of the Republican candidates.
That said, his threat to go to the rating agencies over the borrowing proposal to pay off bills is my biggest turn off about him. If the Fahner/Civic Committee thing went anywhere or if another candidate could inform the public about Illinois’ credit rating being lower than it should be, then I think Rutherford has a serious problem.

Comment by Timmeh Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 2:26 pm
Rutherford - yes
Dillard - maybe
Brady - no
Rauner - no

Comment by Endangered Moderate Species Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 2:30 pm
Count another vote for the gentleman from Kendall County, Oswego Willy.

Comment by anonymoose Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 2:33 pm
Dillard is easily the most “electable”- state wide, and he would be my first pick. I would be a tad more concerned with Rutherford- but not unhappy with his candidacy. If Brady or Rauner get elected as the result of another in fractured primary- which could happen- I will write off another loss to Quinn….and cry.

Comment by Roy Slade Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 2:47 pm
- CR-O - & - anonymoose -,

Thank you. Make sure you spell it right come Election Day! (j/k) You all are too much.

At this rate, my Rally will have to move from the phone booth I have to a cubicle at a library real soon!

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 2:52 pm
Maybe Rutherford or Dillard.
Not Brady or Rauner.

Rutherford gets a maybe even though when I was in high school and he was running for re-election to the IL house, he made a stop met some people. He asked a buddy of mine how old he was (18) and chatted him up for about 5 minutes. Then he came over to me and asked my age (17). That’s was the end of our talk.

Comment by Henry Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 2:55 pm
Rutherford. The others have already locked themselves into a no tax increase or no extension of the 5% tax no matter what. Rutherford is not for an increase or continuing the 5% tax, but hasn’t totally shut the door on those things.
Would have said Dillard last week until he shut the door on an increases.

Comment by second street Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 2:57 pm
I would support Rutherford, in part because as many have already pointed out, he is the closest to a moderate in the field. But, also, I met him several times when he was my state senator, and I like him as a person. Would never support Raumer.

Comment by G'Kar Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 3:23 pm
Rutherford, good campaigner and moderate, which makes him electable. He has done a good job as Treasurer. No big issues.

Comment by Downstater Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 3:24 pm
Willy, never say never. If I’m counting right, you are third and moving up fast. Look out, D LARD!

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 3:30 pm
Brady is Harold Stassen lite.

Rauner is the stretch version of Ross Perot.

Dillard strikes me as sorta like George H. W. Bush — lotsa experience, comes across well, but ultimately a disappointment.

Rutherford reminds me of “W” in two ways: the frat boy arrogance, and he knows his business a lot better than his detractors think he does.

I’m leaning Rutherford, but I’m not thrilled with any of the choices.

Comment by curmudgeon Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 3:31 pm
Candidate OW, make that two library cubicles please. I am a big guy and a tad claustrophibic.

_________
[ ]
[w-I-L-L-y] FOR ILLINOIS
[_________]

Comment by anonymoose Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 3:42 pm
I imagine that it will be Rutherford. I am afraid that what happened to Shock with all those ‘independent’ adds will start happening to Rutherford. I believe we will find out why his mouth was really wired shut and other things like that.

Comment by So what? Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 3:43 pm
Well, it started out as wILLy in a nice square….

Comment by anonymoose Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 3:43 pm
Ok, get the signs a-ready, start looking for venues for the fly-around… lol

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 3:56 pm
Dillard is the best choice but isn’t gaining traction.

Brady is a 3x loser. Enough.

Rauner won’t tell us positions. Enough.

Beginning to think it may be Dan.

Comment by 1776 Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 4:02 pm
Slogan: Up With Willy?

Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 4:05 pm
I’ll get working on the Willy buttons. It’s one of the small badge-a-mint machines so I’ll have to pull a Quinn-like night and day schedule to meet the demand.

*** Oswego Willy for Governor - he’ll put the rally back in the Governor’s day rally ***

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 4:10 pm
Dan Rutherford A due to less extreme than the F candidate - Brady who has proven himself to be a loser. Rauner maybe just for the entertainment value if he can beat the D candidate. Dillard = dullard. No thank you.

Comment by captaingeorge Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 4:14 pm
OK, you asked….some of my favorites venues….(the heck with media markets)

Norway, Illinois (want to be inclusive, your electoral victory may hinge on the turnout of Norwegians and Campaign Manager Norseman’s kin-folk.
Industry, Illinois (always need more industry)
Bulpitt, Illinois (tavern - yer gonna need a stiff drink)
Burnt Prarie, Illinois (appeal to the environmentalist)
Vienna Fraternal Cemetary - rally and sceance at grave site of Hon. Paul Powell to see if he has any campaign cash tucked away. Expensive race.

Comment by anonymoose Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 4:17 pm
As of today ‘None of the Above’ is my first choice. Back in second place for me is Rutherford as he is more of a social moderate and a fiscally conservative.

Comment by Small Town Taxpayer Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 4:27 pm
- Norseman -,

I can only pay in Cannoli or golf balls, send invoices to - AA - per usual for billing.

Been on IL 71 corridor & Norway often. Love that town.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 4:34 pm
Mason born’s comment warmed by Democratic heart. So I hope fervently that Mr. Rauner is the grand old party’s standard bearer. Given the incompetence that Governor Quinn has often exhibited as an executive, but his populist leanings Rauner seems the best Republican to declare class war on.

If Daley should win I would much rather have another Republican opponent because Daley really can’t stack up to Rauner as a pro-business and pro-growth candidate.

It is really stunning how little support Rauner has among Republicans who read this blog.

Comment by Rod Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 4:51 pm
At fair recruiting Willy Workers

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 4:53 pm
I am generally a Democrat but have been known to vote GOP when the candidate is far better (EXP: JBT vs Blago).
I’ll go with Dillard as the more moderate candidate and closer to be able to represent me since I don’t have billions…not even millions.

Comment by Belle Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 5:26 pm
Dillard. Judging from the early shots across the bow of his campaign, Dillard must be the matchup that doesn’t work for Daley OR Quinn.

Comment by DanL60 Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 5:31 pm
I Will vote for Dan in both the primary and the general. I will Never, under any circumstance, vote for Rauner or Brady.

Comment by Anon-Partisan Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 5:42 pm
anonymoose, we can’t forget the Lutefisk and Kringlas for Willys Norway rally.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 5:49 pm
Dillard a Moderate?

I must have missed something.

Compare his voting record to Brady’s and tell me what the difference is.

Comment by Juvenal Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 6:14 pm
Rutherford is the most sane.
Rauner is on a mission to crush public employee unions and emasculate their pensions.

Comment by reformer Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 6:26 pm
I just cannot get past Rutherford’s disgraceful political behavior as State Treasurer. He will never get my vote for anything.

Dillard is smarter, better informed, and better to deal with than Brady. No contest there.

I’m not writing off Rauner yet, because I (naively?) believe that he cannot really be as stupid and extreme as he has sounded so far, and still have been such a success in business. I am waiting for his intelligence and problem-solving skills to emerge, as he starts talking some reality.

Comment by walkinfool Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 6:37 pm
Either a real Republican (Rauner), or a real Democrat (Quinn). I’m sick of RINO’s, very sick of them…..

Comment by Downstate Surveyor Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 6:40 pm
How fun! Took a whole, but, “yea!”, we got a “RINO”, how exciting…

Further, Rauner - a “real” Republican? I nearly choked on Cannoli reading that.

Rauner - I guess those donations to Rahm, Rich Daley, and Ed Rendell… that Rauner, such a Republican…

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 6:48 pm
free willy and watch him run

Comment by bullet Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 6:57 pm
How many weeks remain before candidates start circulating petitions for signatures?

Can a candidate circulate with Lt. Gov. listed as TBA? My sense is no, they cannot.

To riff off an old TV news snippet:

It’s August 15th. Do you know what your choice for Lt. Gov. is doing right now?

Frankly, IMHO, that decision could make or break several of the GOP contenders.

Comment by Bill White Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 7:17 pm
I’m sure all are likable, nice guys, intelligent, in favor of Jesus, and patriotic. Some are quite adept at extracting wealth from the economy. Same with all the democrats.

None are supporting the preservation of the middle class, and they all support reneging on pensions.

Unless you are in the 5% wealth and income group, why on earth would you consider these candidates, even in a hypothetical opinion survey??

Comment by Cod Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 7:50 pm
Funny watching all the Dem respondents say what’s wrong with Brady. He lost because the burbs sat on their $%*^ and didn’t get out and vote. Brady is conservative; but after 10 years of liberals , how’s that been workin’ for ya? Brady can win. He has retooled his organization. Rutherford has been using his office to campaign and he still is not getting support except from liberal Dems. Did you know Dillard used to be Jim Edgar’s chief of staff? No traction for him. Rauner or is it Rahmer? But I will glady take any of them over Quinn or Daley.

Comment by Not a country bumpkin Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 8:02 pm
Oswego Willy/wordslinger 2014.

Top that Dream Team, D LARD.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Aug 15, 13 @ 9:35 pm
Normally the choice for Lt. Gov. wouldn’t be a big deal.In a 4 way primary, the Lt. Gov. choice could make a huge difference. I voted for Dillard last time, but I’m waiting to see who Rutherford will be adding to his ticket. Brady, who I voted for in 2006,just because he was from downstate, like me, is too conservative for my liking, Rauner is joke. Being fairly an independent voter these days, I still have the option of voting in the Democratic Primary, depending upon how that race develops. Time will tell. Should be an interesting primary night for both parties.

Comment by VPlena Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 1:37 am
Surprisingly enough, I will not be voting for Mr. Rutherford. His latest strategy seems divisive and extremely reactionary to me.

I’d love to know what this is about.

I’m leaning Rutherford, but Brady would be my second choice by process of elimination. Rauner is in over his head, and Dillard is a petulant brat with an entitlement complex who thinks he just didn’t name-drop Jim Edgar enough last time.

Comment by T.J. Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 3:53 am
@ Rod

I’d be careful letting my comment warm your heart. To be honest i don’t think there is truly a dimes worth of difference between Daley and Rauner. I look at it this way. Rauner isn’t genuine because he is trying to play himself off as this everyman. If he would own up to being a rich succesful businessman who now wants to attempt to “fix” IL and drop the i’m just like you ploy then he’d beat Daley.

As for Daley he is a spoiled rich man who has been handed his fortune due to his families political ties. The only reason Daley beats Rauner is that Daley seems more genuine so far. As soon as Daley in the General starts saying he is just like us little folks it becomes literally flipping a coin on the way to the booth.

Comment by Mason born Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 7:38 am
Can we just stick forks in our eyes instead?

Comment by too obvious Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 9:22 am
Dillard is broke, Brady is broke, (look at the D-2’s) Rauner has more money than god; who cares. I am all over Dan. He is who he is.

Comment by just me Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 9:27 am
I’m a fan of Rutherford. So, he would be my first choice. I believes that he means what he says. His actions prove it. Dillard would be my second choice.

Comment by LadyKane Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 9:40 am