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Question of the day

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Polls

* A new We Ask America poll has Secretary of State Jesse White thumping his Republican opponent 63-29…

Webster led White in only one category: Among likely Republican voters. But even among Republican respondents, White picked up 33 percent.

Even in Republican-heavy downstate, White registered a remarkable 58 percent to Webster’s 33 points in this survey.

* But the same poll found that Attorney General Lisa Madigan was leading her GOP rival 51-35…

Madigan was the overwhelming favorite among female respondents, who preferred her by a 55-30 margin. By contrast, the candidates split the male vote almost evenly.

The only region of the state where Madigan did not have a lead was downstate, where Schimpf held a 42-40 lead. Madigan garnered 74 percent of the Chicago vote to Schimpf’s 11 percent and nearly doubled up on Schimpf in suburban Cook County. […]

“Lisa Madigan’s numbers are incredibly strong in Chicago and substantial in suburban Cook. Her numbers among women voters remain high, but she splits the Independent vote in a year that some national prognosticators feel will be good for Republicans,” said We Ask America Chief Operating Officer Gregg Durham. “While GOP challenger Mike Webster does compete in the Collar Counties and downstate, Madigan’s funding advantage and skilled campaign team will make it hard for him to close the gap. Still, this race deserves to stay on our radar.”

SoS White won reelection in the huge GOP year of 2010 by a 70-27 margin. AG Madigan won 65-32 in that big GOP year. The new poll shows Madigan splitting the independent vote evenly with her GOP opponent 40-39, while White is winning it 57-29. The poll shows White winning every region by large margins, but Madigan is trailing Downstate and is essentially tied in the collar counties.

One quick takeaway: Lisa Madigan’s last name is truly hurting her relative to her previous popularity.

* The Question: Your thoughts on AG Lisa Madigan’s future?

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 11:31 am

Comments

Sorry to be off-question, but thank you for reminding me that White is not running unopposed…

Comment by Soccermom Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 11:38 am
Well golly, it sure would be awful nice if Ms. Madigan would consider running for Mayor of Chicago in 2015.

Comment by LizPhairTax Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 11:39 am
I think the window has closed, she is going to be AG for a while longer then go work a law firm someplace.

If Quinn wins either things are going to be so screwed up it will really be a GOP year
or
If Rauner wins the dems will run more of an outsider.

Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 11:39 am
Lisa Madigan seems very happy raising her family and being a great working wife and mom. Considering her roots and her political inheritance, being seen as focusing on what everyone else focuses on at her stage of life - is actually a very good thing to be seen as doing.

Politics has its place - and what has been encouraging for me to see regarding Ms. Madigan - has been her ability to balance politics with her family.

She could have done what so many other political kids do. We all know the routine. It is like they can’t wait to show their Big Daddies that they can play the political game too. Ms. Madigan has intelligently held off by not publically playing that game.

This only enhances her credibility in the future.

She can become the Judy Barr Topinka of the Democratic Party. An able statewide office holder who has built up for herself bipartisan credibility with displays of competence and independence. Considering her name - that is another plus, because she will need that if she wants another office.

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 11:40 am
After the Speaker retires and after a cooling off period, she can be governor if she wants. She’s still young and would do a good job as she has as AG.

Comment by D.P.Gumby Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 11:44 am
This is not Kass-like, or a Tin Foil Hat premise based in who is hiding under my bed…

It’s been 6 years. Illinois is starting…starting to turn on all things Madigan. Raising money has never been an issue, and Lisa herself has stayed far enough away from her Dad, that even that statement as to why she was not running for governor seemed to be someone who was at odds with the Speaker, Michael J. Madigan.

Lisa Madigan for US Senate.

Gets her out of IL for a while, larger stage, more national contacts she, herself, will hone and cultivate.

If Durbin wins, those two in the Senate will be far better than the last Democrat that held the seat; Roland Burris.

Lisa would still have a strong “home base” figuratively and actually, and it will allow her to be an Illinois-minded US Senator, while someone minds the home front for Lisa.

No one, at her age, her ambition, her resume, her skill, plans to be Attorney General of Illinois … forever.

US Senate, 2016, Hillary Clinton 2016…

Yikes.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 11:45 am
I have been consistently wrong guessing at what she’ll do so my guess is that whatever her next move is it comes as a surprise to me.

Without looking can you name her 2010 opponent? Probably not, he spent less than $30K on his election, but would it surprise you to know that the AG spent almost $5 million in that race? It surprised the heck out of me, that’s a lot of money to spend on a race that was never in doubt.

Comment by The Captain Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 11:46 am
Madigan v. Kirk for US Senate.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 11:49 am
You got to know when to hold em and know when to hold em.
Time to fold em.

Comment by Empty Suit Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 11:56 am
US Supreme Court justice is a lifetime job, and no pesky election campaigns and budget crises.

Comment by Cassandra Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 11:58 am
Maybe she will run for senate, I think the window has closed on Governor Madigan. My best guess as one person already said is that she is going to be the Dem. version of Judy Baar Topkina, an able state wide office holders, but not one that will hold the highest office

Comment by RMW Stanford Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 12:12 pm
I agree that Lisa’s brand has been hurt in the past couple of years by her Father. It’s odd that what was once her biggest asset has now become her biggest liability. I agree with OW that the best place for her to go at this point is the US Senate.

Comment by Stones Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 12:13 pm
Supreme Court ( but IL not US ) - when 1st Dist. Slot Opens , she heads to Easy Street .

Comment by x ace Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 12:22 pm
She’ll run for Governor in ‘18.

Comment by The Prince Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 12:23 pm
Does anyone know how old are her children? That could be a factor as to whether she runs in ‘16 for US Senate.

Comment by Darienite Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 12:25 pm
I am not crazy about Lisa but I do not see her losing a race for AG any time soon. I think the scenario OW has put forth is quite plausible.

Comment by Bemused Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 12:25 pm
It makes the most sense for Lisa to challenge for the US Senate against Kirk. If she won she would be able to distance herself from her father and then if she had the desire still she could come back and run for Governor or maybe even Chicago Mayor, I don’t see her running against Rahm though.

Comment by NH Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 12:30 pm
Lisa has changed her name once to reflect that of her stepdad. For much of her career, using Madigan’s name was an asset to her. I think that she is going to have to live with it now. The recent negatives are not enough to sink her.

Comment by Upon Further Review Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 12:39 pm
Lisa Madigan for Senate to avoid the father issues and have the opportunity to get a 6 year gig

Comment by Wumpus Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 12:42 pm
I’m sorry I can’t see Lisa winning in a Primary for Senate in two years, especially if Tammy Duckworth, and if an African American like Kwame runs as well. If Kwame runs I’m sure her support would drop dramatically in Cook County especially among African Americans. Not to factor in Tammy has a national fundraising presence since her speech at the DNC in 2012. Another factor that is not even included is her family, having to travel from DC every week, which I though why she decided not to run in 2010.

I have to say she is Attorney General until she decides to step down, and then goes into private practice. The buck stops here

Comment by Almost the Weekend Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 12:49 pm
Lisa should’ve taken the BLEEPIN golden senate seat!

Comment by Reformed Public Servant Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 12:56 pm
Generally, what VM said. Why would anyone want to go to DC and jump into a stalemate that makes Illinois look like child’s play? Maintain two households, commute back and forth, I wouldn’t wish it on an enemy, much less a friend.

Lisa’s good people. When she decides there is little more she can accomplish as AG, I wish the IL Supreme Court for her, or a federal judgeship.

Comment by steve schnorf Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 12:57 pm
“She can become the Judy Barr Topinka of the Democratic Party.” no indication that Lisa is going lightweight.

Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 1:01 pm
Hey! - Almost the Weekend -!

Rich asked about Lisa. How dare you throw in Duckworth and Raoul and torpedo my thoughts on Lisa’s future! Please do not add sound political rationale that makes me more Dopey than I am.

Liked your “playing out the hand”.

You don’t see Lisa getting defered to by Sen. Raoul, in hopes a victorious(?) Gov. Quinn appoints him AG, which Lisa would be vacating? Can you see Duckworth holding her powder, maybe be touted for a full cabinet position in a Hillary Administration, and win re-election handily in the meantime?

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 1:02 pm
Still do not get all the hype on Kwame Raoul. I met him years ago, before he entered politics, and he seemed to a run of the mill individual.

We have been down this road of anointing an officeholder seeking the US Senate seat as a “superstar” before and some of us had buyers’ remorse later.

Comment by Upon Further Review Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 1:02 pm
===…or a federal judgeship.===

That would be ideal, and a great place to want to land…

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 1:07 pm
She’ll eventually run for Governor or Senator, and she’ll win so long as she’s not running as a Reoublican.

That simple, and that’s with or without Papa Madigan still running the House.

Comment by TJ Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 1:13 pm
Ask MJM

Comment by Obama's Puppy Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 1:16 pm
VM’s comments include consideration for her thinking like a woman.They’re usually more astute,and look at all sides. She knows her little ladies will growing up and she she’s has the sense to balance this all important experience with her ambition.

Comment by ed Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 1:18 pm
If Bruce Rauner wins in November, Lisa Madigan is Governor of Illinois in 2019.

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM (@MisterJayEm) Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 1:22 pm
Lisa for US Attorney of the Northern District so she can monitor corruption.

Comment by Steve Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 1:23 pm
Fed. Judge

Comment by railrat Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 1:29 pm
Lots of brave anonymous souls commenting on here today. Man up. or whatever the female equivalent is

Comment by steve schnorf Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 1:31 pm
She can probably do whatever she sets her mind to doing. She’s still pretty popular in this state. I’m not convinced she ever wants to be Governor or an elected representative. I’m with others that she should go for a judgeship.

Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 1:32 pm
For the 1,317th time;

The Attorney General of Illinois is NOT a prosecutor.

Use the “Search” key, Illinois Constitution, Attorney General.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 1:33 pm
OW,

I agree with you on Kwame not running for US Senate.I personally think Jesse White will step down in 2016, if PQ is governor, and appoint him to Secretary of State. That has been my theory since he decided to pass on the governor’s race. Some sort of deal had to be made.

In regards to Tammy, it’s very rare to see a freshman congresswomen in a big state like Illinois to be traveling across the state on Memorial Day attending numerous events out of district. I do not count her out. She has a great story and some great highlights, so far. My favorite is when she grills the contractor on The Hill who received VA benefits for a fake injury.

This is no basis or factual evidence to back this up, but just another theory. Pat Quinn appointed a white Caucasian for Lt. Gov. Sheila and Frerichs are running statewide, along with Madigan and White. I can’t see the Black Caucus and Latino Caucus sitting this out, I think they will be more aggressive in uniting behind a candidate for the Primary. Especially with Hillary running, a democrat would be able to survive a bloody primary with $0 COH after the March Primary in 2016.

Comment by Almost the Weekend Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 1:36 pm
OW:

You beat me to it. I would guess in all cases the AG is going to refer any corruption issues to the local state’s attorney or to the US Attorney. That doesn’t stop the less-than-informed on here from continuously commenting about corruption though.

Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 1:37 pm
Really so your saying Lisa had no idea what she was talking about when in her campaign she promises to go after political corruption. Your argument is that while campaigning Lisa was ignorant of the duties of the AG. Ps. the AG can and in the past has, present cases to any siting grand jury in the state.

Comment by Fed up Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 1:40 pm
If Hillary Clinton runs in 2016, Lisa would do well in a Senate race. Well enough to beat Kirk? I think so. I’m still not sure Kirk will run for another term, though.

Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 1:42 pm
Who is kidding who? Without her father’s power Lisa Madigan wouldn’t even be in politics. Lisa has none of her father’s leadership skills or strong political mind. Now that’s not to say Lisa isn’t nice and not friendly, but without her Dad around, Lisa is nothing more than a short Shelia Simon!

Comment by DateNight Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 1:44 pm
Oswego, Your wrong. From the AG web site: “While the Attorney General has prosecutorial powers under the common law, he generally lacks the power to take exclusive charge of the prosecution of cases over which a State’s Attorney shares authority, unless exclusive or independent authority is given by statute. (See, People v. Massarella (1978), 73 Ill. 2d 531, and People v. Buffalo Confectionery Co. (1980), 78 Ill. 2d 447.) The powers of the Attorney General provide that he is to assist State’s Attorneys in prosecutions “when, in his judgment, the interest of the people of the State requires it.” (15 ILCS 205/ 4.) Prosecution assistance has been a major function, particularly necessary when serious cases have arisen in smaller counties with limited resources. Criminal activity on a multicounty basis has led to statutory power to convene a statewide grand jury with powers crossing jurisdictional lines for investigation of specified drug and streetgang related offenses. (725 ILCS 215/1 et seq.) In specialized areas, and particularly in areas pertaining to environmental protection, the General Assembly has given the Attorney General independent power to prosecute. As was provided in the office’s earliest days, the Attorney General retains the prerogative to “appear for and represent the people of the state before the supreme court in all cases [civil or criminal] in which the state or the people of the state are interested.” (15 ILCS 205/4.) Thus, most serious criminal matters, and particularly capital cases, eventually fall within the Attorney General’s purview.” http://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/about/history.html

Comment by Liberty Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 1:46 pm
===Really so your saying Lisa …(…and Jim Ryan, Joe Birkett, …that other guy Lisa ran against…) had no idea what she was talking about when in her campaign she (and everyone else who has ever ran) promises to go after political corruption.===

The incumbents have to remind voters of the “job”, Jim Ryan, GOP Governor Nominee had to educate voters too, as the ignorance of the job spreads.

===Your argument is that while campaigning Lisa…( … and Jim Ryan, Joe Birkett, and the other guy Lisa ran against…) …was/were ignorant of the duties of the AG.===

Uh, yep. But Lisa, like Jim Ryan, has tried to help the simple-minded understand…every election.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 1:47 pm
===Oswego, Your wrong. ===

Actually, if you read what you posted he’s right about corruption issues.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 1:52 pm
VM’s comments include consideration for her thinking like a woman.

Do you think that is a liability? I don’t.

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 1:52 pm
- DateNight -,

Do you really want to compare former state Senator and thrice elected Attorney General Lisa Madigan to..

Failed Mayoral candidate, and former trustee Sheila Simon, current Lt. Governor and no Executive experience to match Lisa Madigan, and no electoral history to compare to Lisa either?

Good luck with that.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 1:53 pm
=== ======Oswego, Your wrong. ===

Actually, if you read what you posted he’s right about corruption issues.===

Other than that “corruption” thing, which was my point, thanks for clarification, Rich, if I wasn’t clear on my beef.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 1:56 pm
- Almost the Weekend -,

We’re good, I had the idea I played out in my head, but like Euchre, 3 wins still wins the deal; the hand plays itself out.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 1:59 pm
UFR, something tells me you think little of anyone who isn’t right of Oberweis.

Comment by Jimbo Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 2:08 pm
“Actually, if you read what you posted he’s right about corruption issues.”

Ok, I need someone to point that out to me. Please. I do not see it.

Comment by Bigtwich Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 2:11 pm
The Grand Conspiracy is all taking shape nicely.

Lisa Madigan, governor, 2026.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 2:21 pm
The Grand Conspiracy is all taking shape nicely.

Lisa Madigan, governor, 2026

No man….

Oswego Willy/OneMan on the take back our party route 30 ticket…

Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 2:51 pm
Why does her future have to include anything related to traditional politics. She can just as easily build up a long legal success record and jump to a great Federal judge position. Have a good life and leave the other stuff to the political animals.

Comment by zatoichi Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 2:53 pm
Hey Gregg Durham-Mike Webster isn’t running for both SOS and Attorney General.

Comment by OurMagician Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 2:54 pm
- OneMan -, in 2026, we will have a curling fundraiser, with a fresh Cannoli bar.

Geez, a third term. Just yesterday I was talking to Mr. Ricketts…

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 3:01 pm
Besides one grilling on veteran benefits… Hate to pull the Hillary card, but What has Duckworth done? Is staying below the radar and rather silent and safe now the standard? I can’t get behind that…At all.

Comment by Walter Mitty Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 3:27 pm
I side with posters thinking she’ll make an inside run for US Senate…tho maybe not against Kirk. She could wait for Durbin to get re-elected, decide to retire then get appointed. After that, try for another term or two then try to score a SCOTUS seat. All of it pretty lofty.

Comment by Living in Machiaville Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 3:40 pm
Agree that US Senate is her future, but I’m not sure she relishes tough elections, and Sen. Kirk is no pushover. My money is on her taking Durbin’s seat at some point after he retires.

Comment by Robert the Bruce Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 4:20 pm
Right now, dad is an albatross for LM. If he ever retires, she can run for governor, but naturally speculation will be that he’s pulling the strings from retirement. U.S. Senate seems like a smarter move.

At some point we WILL have a woman president. Whether Hillary will be the first one depends on if the GOP can put up a decent candidate for a change. With the right experience in the Senate, LM might be presidential material some day.

Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 6:44 pm
I haven’t a clue, but can see the logic in zatoichi’s post and would only add a possible someday for Illinois Appellate or Supreme Court. There seem to be quite a few options and focusing on law might be appealling. Plenty of “honors” and career precedents to follow (Justice Mary Ann McMorrow) or set.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jun 17, 14 @ 11:24 pm