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Question of the day

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Illinois

* From the Tribune’s Republican Day coverage…

Only one candidate for treasurer showed up: DuPage County Auditor Bob Grogan. DuPage’s former County Board chairman, Bob Schillerstrom, was absent but put out a statement that he is “continuing to explore a potential run for state treasurer but has not made a final determination.”

That fueled talk that House Republican leader Tom Cross of Oswego may be eyeing the treasurer post as he struggles to maintain control of a divided caucus. But Cross, a mainstay at past state fairs, did not attend Thursday. A spokeswoman said Cross was unavailable because he was helping to get his daughter ready to move back to college.

Subscribers have known for quite a while now about those Cross rumors. And Schillerstrom’s absence did, indeed, fuel those rumors.

* The Question: Should Tom Cross run for state treasurer? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please. Also, please notice that I’m asking “should,” not “will.”

survey solutions

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 12:56 pm

Comments

I voted no, as bad as he is as majority leader, I don’t see a replacement for him, although maybe it’s time to just let the party hit rock bottom. AS low as they are, I think there’s still room under their feet.

Comment by Ahoy! Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 1:01 pm
Is Cross the Sheila Simon of the GOP? An also-ran in search of an office.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 1:02 pm
Voted yes because it will get him out as leader.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 1:04 pm
I don’t see Frerichs being an easy customer. Plus, running against a legislative leader when confidence in the GA is so low would be giving Frerichs a gift. Schillerstrom would be a good candidate from what I know about him, which, granted, is not a whole lot. I hear he is quite committed to the race.

Comment by Dirty Red Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 1:11 pm
[Insert Oswego Willy golf joke here.]

Comment by Cincinnatus Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 1:18 pm
He can likely raise the money and I think he would be a strong candidate….so I voted yes.

Comment by Raising Kane Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 1:22 pm
No. If he doesn’t have the fire in the belly on Election Day (other than to play golf) I can’t see him on the hustings for a statewide office.

Plus Grogan is a new face, not someone like Cross who is a Springfield insider.

Comment by Ravenswood Right Winger Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 1:24 pm
Tom Cross should stop running for any public office in Illinois.

Comment by Midstate Indy Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 1:30 pm
Tom Cross needs, and SHOULD run for Treasurer of the state of Illinois.

Mr. Cross has done all he could as Minority Leader. When Representative Cross engineered “The Coup” against his running companion and promised that his (Cross) leadership would bring back the HGOP, we only need to look at seat totals and Election Day golfing to know… Tom Cross’ days of being the leader to bring back the HGOP are over. Even… even as his apogists blamed that “map” and pointed to all that “hard work”… the selfish Tom Cross got a few holes in at Medinah that Election Day that decided which governor would sign “that map” that Tom Cross worked “So Hard” to defeat.

All that being said, both the HGOP and Tom Cross need a break as well. The Caucus needs a new voice, Cross needs a new challenge. What would happen if Tom Cross stays, and stays as leader, and I will get to that shortly, to both the Csucus and Tom Cross?

Nothing.

Tom Cross got pummeled, and no significant changes occurred, except a leadership spot opened, because Tom Cross couldn’t save Skip Saviano…but Cross has done very little to give any credible semblance of a leader who knows change is needed.

Further, the scant few who call themselves HGOP members are actively looking to unseat Cross as Leader. Openly. Blatantly. Who can say 100% Cross could weather another dismal election? Why go through that, when you can give the HGOP Caucus the change they are begging for, and the change Tom Cross needs for himself? You move on, you win the election, Tom, and let the HGOP have a chance to succeed too.

Cross has the statewide apparatus available to him, he can campaign for himself, work to get himself elected and not have to worry about House Seats. The Caucus can prepare as soon as possible for the new direction they need, without being saddled with a possible “lame duck” leader trying just to get under the Veto-Proof thumb many saw coming but was ignored until too late by Tom Cross.

My vote is “should”.

New blood, new beginnings, and, dare I say… a … “fire” sale of talent to change both the HGOP & Tom Cross with both getting a great opportunity if Cross moves on. I actually think Tom can win, and do a real good job to boot.

Let me know where the Golf Outings are, that is all I ask.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 1:30 pm
voted no I think its time Leader Cross returns to the private sector, and someone with new direction emerges in the HGOP….and not necessarily anyone of Cross’ leadership team

Comment by railrat Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 1:33 pm
- Cincinnatus -

Told you I am a “one joke” pony…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 1:33 pm
I’ve met Bob Grogan at several events around northern Illlinois, and I like his message. He is a CPA, and a certified fraud examiner…which is more than enough to peak my interest. And he has been out there working.

That said, Tom Cross would bring deep legislative knowledge to the post in addition to his other relevant skill sets. If he wants to serve in a state-wide capacity, he certainly has the credentials to do the job and the connections to be the serious contender. How bad does he want it?

Comment by Liandro Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 1:47 pm
Side-note: is it true Illinois has never had a treasurer who was a CPA?

Comment by Liandro Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 1:48 pm
Oswego Willy: I don’t remember Cross promising to bring back the GOP back in 2002. His promise was to run a more democratic (small “d”) caucus as compared to the dictator-like Lee Daniels. I would presume most of the current HGOP members who were around then would continue to support Cross as Leader because he has kept his word, but as new people have showed up, who have never met Lee Daniels or Mile Tristano, they may be anxious for some more wins and willing to accept someone else.

Tom has kept his word, but should consider moving on or greatly changing his leadership style. The caucus of today is simply different than the one in 2002.

Comment by Is it 5:00 yet? Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 1:49 pm
===The caucus of today is simply different than the one in 2002. ===

His repeated use of “caucus positions” to prevent a small handful of members from working with the other side (workers’ comp reform, income tax, etc.) is stark evidence to the contrary. Personally, I really like the guy. But don’t kid yourself.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 1:53 pm
- Is it 5:00 yet -,

I do remember. I also remember time and time again Tom Cross that first GA also talking about winning seats, and getting a Majority. Subsequent elections after, including the “Fire Madigan” Veto-Proofing of this past election, Tom Cross talked about winning.

Unless you think Tom Cross, Coup Leader, Minority Leader. Irrelevant Leader is not about getting more seats, or talked about more seats… then that is on you I guess..,

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 1:57 pm
- Is it 5:00 yet? -,

Riddle me this, Cross’ handling of Bill Black & Bob Biggins… “d”emocratic-like, or Daniels-like?

Just asking sense you want the discussion there…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 2:03 pm
Up and out. Move him out of the legislature by any means possible.

Comment by None of the Above Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 2:12 pm
Hey, OW, you think we were standing in the same room together? DH Browns, Fulgenzi’s?

Two ships passing in the night…

Comment by Cincinnatus Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 2:21 pm
I voted YES! Cross was a mistake from the beginning. Tenhouse should have been made leader by pushing cross it set up oppositional sides that didn’t need to be. Speaker Hastert sticking his nose into business he should have stayed away from and allow it to be settled in the patch. It started a fire now the village is burnt to the ground.

Comment by votecounter Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 2:26 pm
- Cincinnatus -,

You wore blue, the bouncers wore gray…

Nope, I wasn’t down this week. Who knows, it’s a long Primary season, paths cross all the time…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 2:28 pm
I wouldn’t want to be a Republican from anywhere in the state taking on Frerichs in a general election. Name one person running statewide in 2014 that’s worked harder than him so far. The man from downstate has nothing but winning on the mind with the support and backing of Cook County D’s.

Comment by Hamilton Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 2:38 pm
to quote The Replacements: “Anywhere is better than here.”

That said, having so many lawmakers in key positions for pension reform actively campaigning or atleast considering statewide bids is a really big problem. Add Radogno for Lt Gov and reform is doomed.

Comment by Juvenal Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 2:38 pm
- Hamilton -,

I do not doubt Sen. Frerichs is working hard, but “nobody” is working harder?

Topinka and Quinn are working really hard, just to name two… How about “arguably working”….

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 2:44 pm
Voted yes its time for Tom to move on. He has been a big disappointment as a leader. His oratory on the house floor has become more boring than Daniels and his(Daniels) was always tainted with pettiness and self centered. The use of the caucus position is childish and should be abolished. The members were elected to represent their districts not the caucus. I personally like Tom but even running for treasure seems a stretch. Perhaps he could land a spot as LG,seems more fitting.

Comment by Blurred lines Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 2:45 pm
Tom just needs to go back to practicing law and leave Springfield and government all together. Get a real job!! Very ineffective the last few years and won’t stand up to Mike M. Bye Tom!!

Comment by Union Guy Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 2:45 pm
I voted Yes. Cross needs a change of focus as he has not succeeded in building a majority for the Republicans in the House. But perhaps I should have voted No and suggested that he retire from the General Assembly and pursue another interest, whatever that might be. He seems to be worn out if not burned out where he is.

Comment by Susiejones Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 2:48 pm
Willy, tell us what you really think.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 2:54 pm
- Norseman -,

As you know, I try to keep things close to the vest. I guess I wanted to have some points to refer to as to explain my “should” vote.

I am out of my Plummer meds, so I tried to be brief. Sorry.

To the Question,

For me, in Kendall County, losing Cross on leadership is a big blow, but would be softened by a statewide officeholder from Kendall filling that vacuum, even if its the same person.

Representative Tom Cross had done great things for Oswego, our schools, and locally, I am very pleased. Cross as a statewide would help fill the void of Leader Cross, if Cross can win the Treasurer’s race.

All politics is local…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 3:02 pm
-OW-

Fair enough: Arguably working harder than anyone it is. The point, I think, still stands: it would be an easier choice for Cross if the opponent wasn’t a downstater with Cook County D’s in his corner.

Comment by Hamilton Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 3:03 pm
I voted no. it’s like the old bar adage; “you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here”. I like him personally too, but it’s time for him to say Springfield is a place I used to live.

Comment by A guy... Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 3:06 pm
Voted no, I am tired of the musical chair game.

Comment by Ggal Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 3:08 pm
- Hamilton -,

Oh, I agree. Sen. Frerichs is going to be a tough “draw” for anyone! I have a great deal if respect for his work ethic and coalition building. Frerichs is a “tough out” & will make that race one to watch, no doubt.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 3:09 pm
Sure, why not. Seems like the perfect fit for the GOP for that post, particularly given the average level of competition. He’s worked diligently in the House for many years in a difficult leadership position and maintained a solid degree of respectability (although some might suggest that his recent withdrawal from the AG’s GOP race, almost immediately following Lisa’s annoncement to seek re-election to that Office, was perhaps somewhat a sign of weakness–not to take on popular, “Heavy-hitter” Incumbent Opposition like Lisa M.)….

Comment by Just The Way It Is One Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 3:22 pm
Tom Cross used to be a genuinely happy guy to be around but these days he’s the opposite. Bearing the burden of leading a minority party should not be a life sentence for him. I’d like to see him move on to the next challenge just so he can enjoy his life again. Then again I don’t know if leaving or whatever new challenge awaits will make him happy but it’s clear that the rut he’s in now has run its course and shows no signs of improving.

Comment by The Captain Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 3:26 pm
I hope he does…..I don’t live in his District but if he runs for statewide office it will give me a change to vote against him.

Comment by LeaveMyPensionAlone Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 3:30 pm
I like and respect Tom Cross.

I’d prefer someone with some financial background as State Treasurer. Rutherford and Alexi could both at least claim that. Are we really so far gone that experience or skills required to do a public job have become irrelevant?

Comment by walkinfool Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 4:14 pm
Oh how I wish the “I could not possibly care less” option had been available.

Comment by Soccermom Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 4:16 pm
He should do what he feels is right for him. The GA has to be a huge pain. If he sees a real opportunity elsewhere, it’s his call.

Comment by zatoichi Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 4:18 pm
Cross should run just to get him out of the House. He is a poor leader and has not accomplished anything but to insure the Republicans are relegated to being back benchers and irrelevant to the process.

Comment by The Professor Friday, Aug 16, 13 @ 4:29 pm