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Question of the day

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* Chuck Todd of MSNBC says these are Illinois’ rising stars…

* Chicago Ald. Will Burns “A serious contender for Congress.”

* Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer “Talk she could be the first female mayor since Jane Byrne.”

* State Rep.-elect Will Guzzardi “Big endorsements from several unions.”

* Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor “the type of younger Republican that the GOP is desperately seeking on fiscal issues instead of social issues.”

* Rep. Darlene Senger “Hopes she is on her way to DC”

* Doug Truax “Lost to a better known and better funded rival by just 12 percentage points and that’s got national Republicans taking notes.”

* The Question: Who are your picks for Illinois’ rising political stars?

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:29 pm

Comments

Greg Harris.

Yikes, a list without Jim is quite incomplete.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:31 pm
On the D side, Michael Frerichs, Toi Hutchinson and Roderick Sawyer.

Comment by Reality Check Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:32 pm
Rep. Dave McSeeeney - learning and moving in quite a few circles outside the ideologues.

Sen. Matt Murphy - can be a rational voice in the sometimes irrational SGOP Caucus.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:34 pm
Sen Kwame Raoul - when people are asking someone to please move up, and they are not asking others about helping them to please move up, then they have my attention.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:38 pm
Bridget Gainer as Mayor? That’s a head-scratcher.

To the post:

Kelly Burke, Mike Zalewski, and Ann Williams have been busy burnishing their “bona fides”. Any one of these three could easily replace da Speaker with a term or two more under their belts.

Comment by Knome Sane Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:39 pm
Erika Harold, lol. She’s gonna get 100% of the vote.

For real though, I see someone like Toi Hutchinson or Scott Waguespack making credible runs for higher office someday.

Comment by Precinct Captain Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:40 pm
I’m glad I don’t have cable.

Comment by Hans Sanity Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:45 pm
In no particular order for the R side.
Darin LaHood, David McSweeney, Matt Murphy, Darlene Senger, and Mike Bost. Others to consider are Glenn Nixon, Rod Drobinski, and former Illinois Farm Bureau President Phil Nelson.

Comment by Northern Will Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:45 pm
Don Harmon

Comment by Anon Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:46 pm
What???Lisa didn’t make Chuck’s list? I think that says something right there.

Agree about Guzzardi Lawlor and Truax.

Comment by Responsa Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:47 pm
Truax and Burns………maybe.

The rest, forget it!

Comment by MOON Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:48 pm
On the republican side I would have to say any poor shmuck dan Proft is able to talk into running against one of his enemies.

Comment by William j Kelly Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:49 pm
Did Chuck Todd get this straight from Valerie Jarrett and Mark Kirk? LOL.

Burns is a definitely a rising star, but I hope he doesn’t go to Congress. We need him here, where he can something accomplished.

Kwame Raoul is someone who could make a credible run for Governor. Don Harmon too someday, although he could also be Senate President someday too. Either Biss or Nekritz would have no problem filling Jan Schakowsky’s seat in Congress.

I think the Democrats have a pretty deep bench. It’s a problem if they start to square off against each other too early, but overall, it’s a good problem to have.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:49 pm
So much effort is being dedicated to promote Kwame Raoul (the successor to Obama in the State Senate). This baffles me inasmuch as Raoul, who used to practice law in Evanston, sort of “Raunered” his way into the State Senate by “contributing” to the ward committeemen who were filling the vacancy. US Senator Obama failed to get his preferred candidate named to succeed him in Springfield.

Anyway, no one can deny that Raoul never misses an opportunity to promote himself.

Comment by Upon Further Review Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:52 pm
Sorry, I meant poor schmuck, my Yiddish is really rusty!

Comment by William j Kelly Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:52 pm
Why Dan Duffy of course!

Comment by Dan Duffy's gas pedal Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:52 pm
A lot of twitter endorsements for Manju Goel. They don’t have much of a twitter timeline, but seem legit.

Comment by Wumpus Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:53 pm
Sen Kwame Raoul. Will Guzzardi. Both seem intent working on, and connecting with, residents for votes. Both make a very good lasting impression.

Comment by Toure's Latte Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:53 pm
Raoul, Biss

Comment by Commander Norton Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:54 pm
State Representative Greg Harris and Chicago Alderman Brendan Reilly

Comment by Just Me Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:54 pm
Will Burns can write his own ticket. He should be in the discussion for taking on Kirk for Senate.

Chuck Todd picked the wrong winner from last Tuesday. Guzzardi is newly elected State Rep. who, with a lot of help, beat a weak incumbent. Big deal. Not ruling anything out for him, but there is no reason to believe he’s got some great future.

In contrast, Christian Mitchell won his second highly contested race in a row. He’s taken some tough votes and is going to be a force. Definitely moving up.

I disagree with Oswego Willy on Kwame. It is not that he can’t do it. I just haven’t seen any great desire on his part to move up. He’s hinted at stuff, but he’s too cautious. I just don’t see it happening.

Among Republicans, Sandack also has to be in the discussion. If Sandack can survive a GOP primary, he can have any office he wants. The guy has a ton of cross over appeal.

Comment by Smoggie Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:56 pm
Interesting that so far nobody has mentioned Stephanie Neely.

She sure thinks she’s on the way up.

Comment by Smoggie Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:01 pm
Upon Further Review, either your memory is faulty or you are re-writing history. Yes, Obama preferred Burns for his state senate seat, but Hairston and Preckwinkle picked Raoul so he wouldn’t run against one of them, not because he was a contributor to them.

But you managed to smear several elected officials in one post, so nice work there.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:02 pm
===I disagree with Oswego Willy on Kwame. It is not that he can’t do it. I just haven’t seen any great desire on his part to move up. He’s hinted at stuff, but he’s too cautious. I just don’t see it happening.===

Politics is also about moving up when your timetable and the timetable of those wanting you to move up are at their apex;

Fire in the belly, with motivated and engaged supporters equal success. Sen. Raoul is in no hurry, and leaving those “wanting for more” before they jump ship is the “game”

Add Sen. Harmon to my list, reluctantly.

His will be more about getting his Presidency of the Senate when the time comes, not about pressing an agenda to make it happen anytime before “it’s time”

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:05 pm
Good to see Senger get mentioned. Hard worker both under the dome and in the precincts. She taught a lot of people not to underestimate her.

Comment by Powell Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:05 pm
Stephanie Neely?

When she learns how to answer a phone, then she may get consideration.

Just saying….

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:08 pm
Don’t forget Senator Mike Hastings (D-19th). The guy just knocked aside well connected pol Maggie Crotty like tissue paper. He’s well spoken, a West Point grad, he’s a military hero having served a few terms in Iraq and was decorated as a major. His family has VERY strong political clout with friends in both parties. He’s pretty bright too. I believe he got his MBA and Law degree since he left the military. I’ve known him for about six years, and the guy knows how to handle people.

Take my word for it. Within 10 years this guy will be Governor, Congressman or Senator.

I can’t believe that no one mentioned Peter Roskam. IIRC the guy’s majority whip in the House, is a frequent party spokesman, and a lot of people owe him a lot of favors. He’s essentially a Mark Kirk politically, but far more conservative and less of a sellout.

Comment by Arizona Bob Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:11 pm
I have a list of people I think could — possibly — beat Rahm Emanuel in 2015. Gainer is not on it.

Republicans should be taking notes of Truax’s showing. But it says nothing about Doug (no offense guy!). That close call tells you just how badly Oberweis is gonna lose in the fall.

Next Speaker? You’re not helping anyone by floating their name.

If you want to know whom the most likely choices are for Senate President or Speaker — should that day ever come — just look at the D-2s.

I too hope folks are kidding about Burns or Raoul running for Congress. It is a dead letter office. When was the last time we heard from Congressman Mike Quigley?

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:12 pm
Whats this word going around that Toni Berrios is going to run for alderwomen?

Comment by Just saying Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:14 pm
Brendan Rielly has a very bright future. The guy is stand up and does not shy away from things. He has great leadership skills and is good at bringing people together.

Comment by Chicago guy Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:17 pm
I agree with Rich’s choice of John Sullivan (D-Rushville)

Comment by Dave Victor Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:17 pm
What about that really tall gut?

Comment by GollyGeeI'mTall Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:18 pm
Any rising stars list has to include Mike Cabonargi. Not too many elected officials out there as smart as he is.

And “Alderwoman” is not a position in Chicago city government. It is gender neutral. Just ask Ed Burke.

Comment by R.P. McMurphy Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:20 pm
Christian Mitchell. I can’t say when, but he is definitely on an upward trajectory. The brightest guy I talked to in politics since Barack Obama. Another comer is Bill Cunningham, don’t know when either. When Lipinski steps aside, Bill will be there.

Comment by MrGrassroots Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:21 pm
===Republicans should be taking notes of Truax’s showing. But it says nothing about Doug (no offense guy!)===

Agreed. Doug is a very serous guy to consider, but his consideration this Primary was also in contrasts to Oberweis and that prism. Hard to determine fully.

===Next Speaker? You’re not helping anyone by floating their name.

If you want to know whom the most likely choices are for Senate President or Speaker — should that day ever come — just look at the D-2s.===

Genius. Yes. Exactly true. Well said.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:23 pm
===Mike Cabonargi===

He has a great deal of rising to go to get known!

Posturing is not rising. See “William J. Kelly”

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:25 pm
Please, Darrin La Hood is not going anywhere. Fact is, unlike his popular moderate Father, Darrin La Hood is a right-winger.

Heather Steans will suprise many and become the next IL Senate President, so Donny Harmon will be free to run for Treasurer as the office is vacated by Frerichs, who will be running for governor! However, I’m don’t know if voters will find Harmon’s paternal nature as intriguing as statehouse insiders?

Watch Mike Hastings, Napoleon Harris and/or Toi Hutchinson attempt higher office.

Martin Sandoval, Andy Manard and Biss appear to have their eyes fixed on DC.

Comment by DateNight Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:29 pm
I second the Cabonargi vote. And speaking of smart…how about Ameya Pawar?

Comment by Bardo Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:30 pm
On the Dem side only Toi, Will Burns, Ann Williams, and Kwame. I’d like to see Ameya Pawar be alderman in a ward that isn’t Rahm’s.

Does Lisa Madigan count? I could see her being mayor someday, obviously governor too.

Overall I think the Dems are in decent shape, however, their bench feels a bit light, though improving. I know someone will correct me, but I also don’t see many up and coming Latinos, which is an issue.

Two people I think we need to settle down about, just because they’re young, doesn’t mean they have a bright future: Christian Mitchell & Will Guzzardi

Comment by From the 'Dale to HP Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:31 pm
In Lake County Republican Circles, Aaron Lawlor, Keith Brin and Mark Nerheim. Truax impressed many with his grasp of issues, his speaking abilities and the way he conducted himself. A well-funded Truax would be trouble for Democrats someday.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:35 pm
Will Guzzardi is a hot story for the next 30 minutes then he will fall into the back bench of the house. If you want real rising starts try Kelly Cassidy and Mike Cabonargi.

Cassidy was selected as the most liberal member of the GA and you know that will play well in almost any bid for any office, especially in Cook County.

Cabonargi has just under $500k in the bank (more than any of the three mentioned) and represents over a million people (more than any of the three mentioned). Cabonargi has made transparency a key part of his agenda and is a former Durbin protoge. I can’t help but think all of those things are going to pay huge dividends for Mike down the stretch.

Comment by Lakewood Balmoral Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:36 pm
Yellow Dog,
Let’s see that list!

Comment by North Shore Joe Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:41 pm
I would second previous mentions of Kelly Burke, Ann Williams and Mike Hastings. They are all smart and very hard workers
I think Toi Hutchinson burned a several bridges in her attempt to run for congress. She doesn’t seem as visible since then.

Comment by .Anon Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:41 pm
Sorry, anon 1:35 pm is me. New computer.

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:42 pm
I give Bridget Gainer a shot if she has 60 million.

Comment by gesquire Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:44 pm
Yikes…

Carbonargi === and represents over a million people…===

Money talks, but what is he polling with that 1 million?

Got to be visible to have a profile, and a profile to be seen as rising, even behind the scenes. Posturing for one race is not rising.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:44 pm
Who are your picks for Illinois’ rising political stars?

Lisa Madigan.

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:47 pm
Hate to say it, but Jeanne Ives. If and when Roskam moves for another office, she will be the next congressman from District 6.

Comment by DuPage Rep Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:47 pm
B. Reilly
Zalewski the younger
Ann Williams
Toi H
I like Will Burns’ future more than Kwame’s
and I’d like to say Sandack, but he’ll have a tough time with primaries for a while.

Guzzardi and Mitchell both look to be future considerations, but they each need to build something more than their personal 15 minutes first.

Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:52 pm
===…Roskam moves for another office…===

Next moves for Roskam;

Majority Leader/Speaker and fulfilling those…or

Retirement in a distant future.

You don’t move up in Congress to where Roskam is at to give it up.

Got 10 years or so?

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:53 pm
A name I completely forgot, but others have mentioned is Ron Sandack. If Kirk decides to not seek a second term he could be a dark horse to replace Kirk in the US Senate.

Comment by Northern Will Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:55 pm
Dems
Will Burns - I want his rookie card
Laura Fine - Is a seasoned pro as a freshman
Cunningham - Smart and politically savvy

GOP
LaHood if he comes towards the middle
Matt Murphy - smart - well liked

Comment by ChiefM Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:56 pm
Good point Mr. Willy. Unless of course she pulls a Breen and runs against the establishment. LOL

Comment by DuPage Rep Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:56 pm
Jason Barickman. The only Senate Republican to vote for marriage equality. Young, smart, focused on the things most voters actually care about.

Comment by Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:57 pm
Oswego, you seem like a good guy so I will put this nicely, the fact that msnbc will NEVER promote me as a rising star Is proof positive that I am, if nothing else, legit.

Comment by William j Kelly Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:58 pm
Senators have better opportunties to move up due to their 4-year terms.

No one has mentioned Tom Cross or Jim Durkin, perhaps with good reason.

Senger and Bost will quickly disappear from the list if they lose in November.

Comment by Anon Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:59 pm
My prediction is that in January of 2019:

Lisa Madigan will be sworn in as Governor after beating Bruce Rauner in the the most contested gubernatorial election the country has ever seen.

Mautino will become Speaker of the House.
He will take his lead from Senate President Cullerton (who will still be listening to a now retired Speaker)

Rahm will still be mayor. Alderman Burns will be his new floor leader after Ald. O’Connor retires.

Comment by Laflin Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:59 pm
- DuPage Rep - lol, you have me there! Good point.

Mr. Kelly, you seem like someone looking for relevance. Your past electoral history and the manner by which you portray yourself, politically, is more about the flash and the splash.

If being ignored by MSNBC makes you relevant in your eyes, bless your heart, it does.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:06 pm
Note to self- never (and I mean NEVER) vote for a republican that MSNBC promotes as a ‘rising star!”

Comment by William j Kelly Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:07 pm
If Mark Kirk decides to not seek a second term, Truax versus Sandack could be quite the donnybrook.

And my little town would be like the Korean DMZ - before the ceasefire.

However, it certainly seems to me that Mark Kirk intends to run and Sandack and Kirk largely occupy the same niche within the GOP eco-system.

Comment by Bill White Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:07 pm
Other than the fact he was wise enough to run against Jim Oberweis, Truax’s big day last Tuesday says little to nothing about him.

Comment by North Shore Joe Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:14 pm
I am not sure if this is directed at Oswego or Dupage rep, or even why i am doing this at all, but if you think it is easy being the only conservative in Chicago willing to stand up to Rahm (again and again and again) then I suggest you you try it or something similar and see how much fun it is…. actually it can be fun from time to time.

Comment by William j Kelly Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:17 pm
=== …or even why i am doing this at all, but if you think it is easy being the only conservative in Chicago willing to stand up to Rahm (again and again and again…===

Modesty and the common good?

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:21 pm
Thanks Willy.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:22 pm
Anon @1:41….burned bridges? You mean like Barack did when he kicked Alice Palmer off the ballot or when he ran against Rush?

Comment by sideline Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:22 pm
===but if you think it is easy being the only conservative in Chicago willing to stand up to Rahm (again and again and again) then I suggest you you try it…===

It’s a fine way to attract some attention Mr. Kelly, but have you noticed most Chicago conservatives are SUPPORTING Mayor Emanuel? You are on the same side as the liberals and progressives. That you can’t seem to understand that tells me all I need to know about your motivation and why your star is not rising.

You’re all about you.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:27 pm
I agree about Truax.

If you look around the country, there’s some big money willing to challenge Senate GOP incumbents for their various sins against the one-and-only true word.

Kirk is probably the biggest apostate among the true believers, so Truax could cash in.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:32 pm
- State Rep. Sam Yingling
- Des Plaines Mayor Matt Bogusz

Comment by Just Observing Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:37 pm
Bill White I agree, it does look like Kirk will run for a second term, but if he doesn’t it will be quite the primary. Truax, either Kinzinger or Schock, Dold, and Sandack.

Comment by Northern Will Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:42 pm
=== Yellow Dog, Let’s see that list! ===

Not a chance, North Shore Joe.

Do you think Chuck Todd did any favors when he announced to the world that Bridget Gainer was thinking about running for Mayor?

Nope.

Whomever ‘tipped’ Chuck Todd off provided Terry Gainer’s name as a bona fide.

Failed to mention that Bridget is a former Daley aide and insurance industry lobbyist. Yeah, progressives are gonna rally behind her!

Chuck, I love you, next time email me — or better yet have Rich Miller on the air. He and Joe Scarborough together would be awesome television.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:46 pm
@Northern Will

Oh joy. Just what I need another reason for Dan Proft to write to me several times a week for a cuppa two tree months.

I got this mailer for aluminum siding the other day and it took me forever to figure out it had nothing whatsoever to do with Matune versus Sandack.

Comment by Bill White Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:46 pm
=== or better yet have Rich Miller on the air===

He asked for my input. I politely declined. I was just too busy and nearly brain-dead tired to think about such things.

That, by the way, was the second time in less than a week that I had to turn down Mr. Todd. He wanted me to do a live thing on election morning at 8 o’clock. No way, I said. I gots work to do.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:57 pm
Here is my list:

Comment by North Shore Joe Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 3:00 pm
Funny thing is, as YDD said, these kinds of lists doom people because they all read them and too many believe them. Nose to the grindstone, advance the ball. Give it to the ref rather than spiking it. Repeat. There are a number of rising stars, many who aren’t listed here anywhere. Think I’ll help them out by keeping it that way. BTW, some of those mentioned truly are. Hope they don’t read it.

Comment by A guy... Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 3:01 pm
Lol. If they can’t handle their name being tossed around on a blog, I doubt they are meant for anything beyond where they’re at.

Comment by North Shore Joe Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 3:05 pm
Ron Sandack.

Comment by Down to Clown Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 3:08 pm
Surprised to see so many still mentioning Toi. Didn’t she just try to move up with less than stellar results?

Hastings has a great bio, but his “present” vote on pension reform was a little too cute and too careful…he certainly has time to overcome that, though.

He probably would have lost last week if his competition wasn’t so awful, but Sandack is the kind of guy - suburban moderate — who should succeed statewide. He’s more likable and has much less baggage than Cross.

Comment by Guess work Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 3:11 pm
I agree with Yellow Dog: for Speaker — “just look at the D-2s”

There are a handful who have the smarts, leadership and capabilities to be good Speakers.

But you also have to be a proven fundraising machine.

Comment by Walker Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 3:20 pm
Democrat-State Senator Andy Manar, Does a great job of balancing urban and rural issues,

Repbulican-Erika Harold. Ran much stronger in a 3 way primary than most thought even though Republican county organizations tried to shut her out.

Comment by Tough Guy Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 3:23 pm
Dems to watch - Franks, Lisa, Guzzardi, Burns

GOPers to watch - Schock, Kinzinger, Roskam, Truax, Chapin Rose, Dale Righter, Matt Murphy, Jason Barickman. Noticable lack of women on this list.

Will be lots of talk about Kirk’s seat, but it remains to be seen if he’ll even run again. If not, don’t be surprised if there’s not a long line of candidates. An open seat in a Presidential year isn’t exactly what everyone is clamoring for. Might depend on the top of the ticket, but not likely. Much easier for Schock and Roskam to continue what they’re doing until the smoke clears in a few years. They both have time.

And Proft spent the primary touring the state like the rest of the statewide candidates. I think he’s looking for an opening, but he has a pretty good morning gig if something doesn’t work out.

Comment by Amuzing Myself Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 3:42 pm
William Kelly, you really think you deserve credit for standing up to Rahm?

It is easy to “stand up to Rahm” when nobody cares what you have to say.

While your ego is substantial, your ability to do things like “appeal to voters” and “campaign effectively” is not.

You finished fourth in a race for committeeman. When you finish fourth, nobody listens to you.

When you win a race, come back and tell us about your great courage to stand up to Rahm.

Until then, nobody cares. You are just some guy posting here, and frankly, not one of the more interesting ones.

Comment by Smoggie Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 3:44 pm
Gainer touted Gainer for “mare” in 2011 Shortly after she had been appointed/clouted onto the county board in 2009. I imagine she’s touting herself again.

I think Rahm could be beaten by the right candidate, but said candidate does not have red hair and did not grow up in the 19th ward. Sorry Brigie!

Preckwinkle running would cause Rahm to have nightmares. Black, lotsa lakefront support and would probably do wellish on the NW and SW sides against Rahm. City workers are not enamored of the 9.5 fingered fireball.

Rahm’s support, minus the business/GOP community, is about two miles wide and half an inch deep. His money may scare some candidates off, but I can picture at least one or two south lakefront state legislators who could cause him some major heartburn.

That being said in an election against nobody, to include Candidate Shaw/hairpiece Rahm triumphs.

Comment by IrishPirate Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 3:51 pm
Throwing this out there: what about Sara Feigenholtz has the next Speaker whenever that day comes. First woman, first jewish person, she has seniority and can raise more cash than almost anyone else in that chamber.

Comment by horse w/ no name Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 3:54 pm
Lou Lang

Comment by bottom rung. Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 4:10 pm
MIKE MADIGAN

Comment by MOON Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 4:23 pm
Jil Tracy, by far best GOP Lt. Gov candidate and a lot would have liked her at the top of the ticket

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 4:33 pm
Dems: I will throw out some unmentioned names;

Chicago: Alderman Solis and Moreno, I can see them taking over for Congressman Gutierrez or running for a city wide office and launching a run for Mayor whenever Rahm retires in 10-20 years. Demographics will make sure of that.

Collar Counties: I see State Senator Hastings being recruited for Congressman Lipinski’s seat and Will County Auditor Duffy Blackburn for Congressman’s Foster’s seat. Both are young, well respected, energetic and have the fire in the belly.

Downstate: State Senator Manar is doing all the right things.

Republicans: Any republican that supported gay marriage will have a bright future about 2020 and beyond.

Comment by Citizen Carl Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 4:35 pm
I see a huge difference between Christian Mitchell and Will Guzzardi. One is proven and one is not . . . yet. Mitchell has already made all the right moves and offending Karen Lewis could be a badge of honor. Mitchell is connected with the right people and has the right network. One of the smartest young men in politics. Knows the issues. Don’t sell him short.

Comment by MrGrassroots Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 4:54 pm
I think one if the main people to watch on the Dem side is Toi Hutchinson. She continues to do great work in the Senate and only came out stronger from the congressional run. We haven’t seek the last of her.

Comment by Interested Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 5:09 pm
How about some local mayors? Anybody have any really good local mayors? A lot of them usually run non partisan and have to get really good at just good governance pure and simple. The mayor of Diamond, Theresa Kernc is wonderful. When the tornados hit you could see her heart in everything she did. Wonderfully kind public servant. I wish there was more opportunities to showcase local government. They don’t get nearly the amount of light as the state players but they should.

Comment by sideline Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 5:21 pm
Adam Kinzinger
Jason Barickman
are both the new breed of Republicans.

Watch Robin Kelly for the Dems, if not against Kirk in ‘16 than taking over for Durbin in ‘20

Comment by Rt. 66er Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 5:33 pm
Alderman Robert Fioretti

Comment by Michael Westen Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 5:36 pm
I think Moon wins with Mike Madigan ha

Comment by Citizen Carl Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 6:43 pm
Karri Steele , young, educated & dangerous,,,,,,will be a major player in next 6 yrs…..also Bridget Gainerr from County

Comment by Glass half full Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 6:46 pm
@Guess work:
“Surprised to see so many still mentioning Toi. Didn’t she just try to move up with less than stellar results?”

One of her big negatives may have just gotten nullified. We’ll have to see how things play out.

Comment by Odysseus Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 7:23 pm
Sen. Tom Cullerton (the other Sen. Cullerton) from Villa Park is off to a strong start as a legislator. He has been a mayor so he has some executive experience. I’ve only met him once but I think he could move up the ladder in a few years.

He seems like a solid guy and would create a nightmare for the GOP- a strong suburban Democrat from their former stronghold of DuPage County.

Comment by DuPage Dave Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 7:40 pm
And let’s not forget that Peter Roskam is the guy who accused Army vet and double amputee Tammy Duckworth of following a “cut and run” strategy in Iraq. That remark will follow him for the rest of his political career if I can help it.

Comment by DuPage Dave Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 7:45 pm
Oswego Willy, our next Governor!

Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 9:39 pm
- AA -,

Like the esteemed Mr. Kelly; (heavy snark)

The fact that I am not on the MSNBC list “is” proof positive that I am, if nothing else, legit.

Credit you and - Norseman - for keeping me off the list.

Genius.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 10:43 pm
I think that fireball of a State Senator Bill Brady is the future of the ILGOP.

Comment by LinebackerII Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 11:31 pm
Rich, next time Chuck Todd invites you on…think about how much it will boost your ad rates.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 11:59 pm
Rich Miller who always has his finger on the pulse of Illinois politics.

Comment by Capo Tuesday, Mar 25, 14 @ 8:04 am
Rich Miller who always has his thumb in the eye of Illinois political insiders.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Mar 25, 14 @ 8:24 am
Agree with the Kinzinger and Robin Kelly picks.

Also Joe Sosnowski and Tom Demmer.

Comment by yinn Tuesday, Mar 25, 14 @ 8:53 am