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* We’ve discussed before that it’s very difficult for the down-ballot statewide candidates to pierce through the media’s wall-to-wall coverage of the governor’s race.
Well, this development might just do that. Former Democratic state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias has endorsed Republican state Rep. Tom Cross for the office over Democratic Sen. Mike Frerichs.
Check the one-hour, twelve-minute mark of Rick Pearson’s “Sunday Spin” show. Giannoulias bemoans the hyper-partisanship of today’s politics and shifts to the treasurer’s race…
We just need good people in office, we need people who care and individuals who understand what they’re doing…
While I’m a proud Democrat, proud of what we’ve done, I do think there are certain people who run for office on both sides who are willing to reach across the aisle.
I’ve known Tom Cross for a while, I think he’s got courage, I think he’s a good guy. He sponsored Illinois’ embryonic stem cell law to help researchers find cures for diseases like Diabetes and Alzheimer’s. He’s pro-choice. He was one of the deciding votes for Illinois’ marriage equality law. He supports common sense immigration reform. He has said that he is willing to talk about a minimum wage increase, which is something I think we should be talking about.
And while I’m not in politics any more, who I’m friends with and who I think would be a good leader is probably not important to a lot of people, I do appreciate the fact that Tom Cross has done his homework on the office of the treasurer, he understands the role. And when you talk about people who are willing to break with their party and do what’s right, I think he represents one of those people.
* When asked why Frerichs might not be up to the task, Giannoulias talked about Frerichs’ infamous Israel bonds stumble - when he repeatedly demanded that the treasurer’s office divest itself from all foreign investments, even though Israeli government bonds are the only foreign investment currently in the office’s portfolio. You can read some background on that issue by clicking here.
Back to the program…
I’m not here to bang on Mike Frerichs… I think his statements on Israel bonds weren’t carefully thought out. It’s been one of the better investments in the state treasurer’s office. There’s never been a default. Since the Israel bonds came out they’re about, last I saw, they’re about 1.4 percent higher over a ten-year period than US Treasuries, so it’s a good investment.
I just think it’s important for folks to do their homework before they make certain statements.
Ouch.
If this story doesn’t break through the white noise, then pretty much nothing will. I’ll open comments on Monday.
*** UPDATE *** From Frerichs’ campaign manager…
“Tom Cross has repeatedly said he thinks Dan Rutherford is doing a good job. Mike Frerichs is going to run the Treasurer’s office differently. On day one, Mike will launch an independent audit, roll back the political internship program and sweep politics out of the Treasurer’s office.
Tom Cross repeatedly opposed increasing the minimum wage, voted repeatedly to make it legal to fire people for being gay, and Tom Cross worked to elect anti-choice, anti-equality Tea Party candidates. His actions are clear when it comes to progressive issues and working families.“
posted by Rich Miller
Sunday, Sep 21, 14 @ 12:06 pm
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Good get, but I don’t think Giannoulias is going to be moving too many votes.
Comment by Angel's Sword Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 7:42 am
Good for alexi and good for Illinois. We need more politicians to step up and be for the right person, regardless of party.
Comment by Barney Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 7:43 am
Great get by Cross, and well deserved with the campaign he is running.
Also nice to hear from Alexi again, I really hope he decides to enter public service again.
Comment by Drew V Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 7:46 am
==We need more politicians to step up and be for the right person, regardless of party.==
Lol.
Comment by Angel's Sword Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 7:49 am
what were those bad things the Republicans were saying about Alexi when he ran in a nasty campaign? Somethings about a bank and loans?
Comment by Amalia Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 7:54 am
Giannoulias demonstrated his bipartisanship by supporting a candidate friend he admires regardless of party. This has been sorely needed in Illinois and often encouraged here in this blog. Consequently we should be applauding him today.
Giannoulais was treasurer and supports Cross for the job. Congratulations Mr. Cross for appealing to Mr. Giannoulais by your bipartisan stands. It is a small bit of good news in this campaign.
The less said by Mr. Frerich and his partisans, the better for all.
Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 8:12 am
cue big debbie to throw Alexi under the bus..
Comment by Lance Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 8:18 am
Endorse whoever you want, but if he/she is of another party, don’t preface your endorsement by saying “I’m a lifelong/proud/good Democrat/Republican”. You’re not. Maybe you used to be, but you’re not anymore.
Comment by chi Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 8:20 am
To clarify, if Blagojevich or someone like that is your party’s candidate, imho you can endorse the other party to save your own. This Trasurer’s race is not such a case.
Comment by chi Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 8:23 am
@FakeMikeFrerichs - I am going to stand tall against this slight and De-Friend Alexi on Facebook, and stop following him on Twitter. #ShrinkingVioletShrinkingSupport
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 8:27 am
It’s uh-oh time for Frierichs. I don’t say that because Alexi will sway many votes, but because he is closely tied to people who should be strongly for Frierichs. Not a good sign if he has left the reservation.
Comment by Snucka Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 8:28 am
“I do appreciate the fact that Tom Cross has done his homework on the office of the treasurer, he understands the role.”
Dude, if you want to endorse the guy, then fine - but don’t base it on the fact that he “understands the role” when he runs around saying he’s going to sue everyone under the dome for unbalanced budgets.
Comment by Lottie O'Neill Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 8:31 am
Good for Cross. Maybe Rutherford will be next to endorse him.
Alexi is a lightweight and always was. I hope Quinn gets pressure to dump him from his state appointments. I doubt Madigan or Cullerton will forget this, so good luck with your future Alexi. It better be in banking because you’re done in politics.
Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 8:38 am
today would be a good day for Lisa Madigan to endorse tax hike Mike… probably all part of the carefully coordinated campaign plan…
Comment by Lance Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 8:38 am
Has Lisa or Jesse come out for Frerichs? It seems like his campaign is totally disconnected from everyone else as they try to keep their distance from this growing disaster.
Comment by Drew V Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 8:45 am
Someone’s not giving up the title of biggest lightweight Dem state treasurer without a fight.
Nice setup by the Cross campaign. Somehow, I don’t think Alexi was at the top of Rick’s speed dial unless there was some assurance he was going to make news.
What’s his beef with Frerichs? Or is it Madigan?
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 8:46 am
That’s got to hurt a bit…
Also a really lame response from the campaign IMHO.
Comment by OneMan Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 8:50 am
I guess Alexi has kissed his political career goodbye along with any hope for state appointments assuming PQ wins. I wonder how hard Cross worked for Alexi against Kirk in that Senate race? I assume there is some long-standing bad blood between Alexi and Frerichs.
I agree that Alexi doesn’t have a real following to sway, but it looks terrible for Frerichs. I can see the Cross ads now touting how “bi-partisan” he is. SO what’s next? Alexi taping an ad for Cross with his arm around him?
Overall it seems like a bad move for Alexi’s future and a bad sign for Frerich’s future.
Comment by Down Here Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 8:52 am
I have to think its the beef with MJM from even as far back as Alexi running for Treasurer.
Alexi’s relevance is in complete proportion to the number of actual votes that interview will sway.
I just think it’s “fun” that Alexi chose to “lightweigh” in, and take pointed shots at Frerichs, not just endorse Cross.
Frerichs Crew, wise move taking the bait. Who is more inept, your Principle or you? You made Alexi relevant by commenting, and if you were going to comment, how about…
“Alexi…who?”
Dopes.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 8:53 am
Good to see Alexi has somewhat given up the bizarre-o world Barack Obama impersonating.
Comment by North Shore Joe Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 9:00 am
Bet Billboards Cross is thrilled “Lexi” told the wing nuts Cross is pro-choice and pro Marriage Equality…that will give the whack jobs 2 GOPies to skip….Billboards and Mitt.
Might have made sense if he had found one issue relating to finance that Billboards was up on…how about Billboards was pals with Stu Levine?
Comment by CircularFiringSquad Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 9:07 am
I am not impressed by this endorsement. So the scion of a troubled, failed bank endorses the Republican candidate for Treasurer. This helps Criss how?
Comment by Knome Sane Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 9:17 am
Terrible response by the Frerich’s campaign. Tom Cross is anything but a TEA Party guy, and that sort of response is just so tired at this point.
Comment by econ prof Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 9:22 am
Yawn!
Alexi is a child that should have never been Treasurer. If anything, this makes me support Frerichs.
Comment by Anon Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 9:23 am
I’m not buying the predictions that Alexi is now politically ostracized because of this.
Comment by Just Observing Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 9:42 am
== Cross supports common sense immigration reform. ==
Though Cross ultimately voted to give drivers licenses to illegal immigrants, that occurred after he had run fear-mongering campaigns for House seats bashing Democrats who had earlier voted for the same measure.
Comment by Anon Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 9:51 am
The followup question that Alexi should have been asked: Do you really think that a Treasurer Cross would sue a Governor Rauner if the budget is balanced with smoke and mirrors?
Comment by Anon Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 9:53 am
@JO -
Politically ostracized?
Hasn’t he been out of politics for four years?
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 9:54 am
A good statement by Alexi. Clear support with understandable reasons. My only hope is that this really isn’t a petty reaction to Frerich’s criticism about something Alexi did.
While I understand Cross has no real business as Treasurer touting some suit about a non-balanced “balanced budget,” I still think it is a reasonable campaign tactic about an interesting issue. He knows a lot about how those things are constructed in the House, having directly participated.
Comment by walker Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 10:23 am
So will today’s start of the bust-out nursing home trial mean that all these stories will all take a turn for the worse? I mean, this trial is essentially sprinkling the water with chum.
This seems to be the moment that a lot of folks (myself included) have been waiting for.
Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 10:29 am
The worst Treasurer evah endorses a guy who would make the state forget that. Frerichs’ team fumbling this perfectly teed up chip shot is inexcusable.
Comment by Toure's Latte Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 10:30 am
oops — posted to the wrong story. Sorry about that.
Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 10:30 am
wait, Alexi was Treasurer? forgettable.
Comment by Amalia Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 10:42 am
This changes my opinion of Alexi.
For the better.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 11:09 am
== We need more politicians to step up and be for the right person, regardless of party ==
While some may ==lol== at you @Barney, many if not most agree with you.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 11:10 am
Alexi and Arne Duncan - play basketball with Obama and you too can have a high paying political career.
Comment by Filmmaker Professor Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 11:24 am
Call me crazy, but if US Senator Giannoulias was in Washington DC right now, I don’t think he would be endorsing Cross.
This makes Senator Giannoulias come off like a spoiled child who ran a terrible campaign in 2010 and lost by several thousand votes. That hole he dug himself in 2010, just got alot deeper if he plans to run for office in Illinois anytime soon.
Comment by Almost the Weekend Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 11:27 am
===I doubt Madigan or Cullerton will forget this, so good luck with your future Alexi.===
I think that when Alexi beat Madigan’s guy in the primary for Kirk’s U.S. Senate seat, he felt that Madigan paid him back by “not lifting a finger” to help him in the general election which, of course, he lost to Mark Kirk.
So I think this is Alex “getting even” with Madigan. I don’t think Alexi is worried about antagonizing the Speaker. It’s just a little payback — nothing personal.~ (.~ means snark. Look it up.)
Comment by Mighty M. Mouse Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 11:27 am
===when Alexi beat Madigan’s guy in the primary for Kirk’s U.S. Senate seat===
Wrong election. Alexi beat MJM’s guy in the 2006 primary for treasurer.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 11:30 am
My bad. I stand corrected.
Comment by Mighty M. Mouse Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 11:34 am
This thing is just about over for Frerichs
Comment by Roskammed Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 11:54 am
what do you mean “worst treasurer ever.” they’re all basically the same — they let the professional staff run the office while they run for higher office.
Comment by jim Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 12:11 pm
I’ve always thought of Alexi Giannoulias as a candid and truthful person. It’s a shame that such attributes seem to amount to nothing in politics. Perhaps someday people will finally tire of all the filth.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 12:35 pm
Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 8:27 am:
“@FakeMikeFrerichs - I am going to stand tall …..”
@FakeMarkKirk - Mob Banker endorses GOP Tom Cross for Treasurer. Hold on to your wallets if Mob Bankers are involved in electing Cross!
(/parody)
Comment by A. Nonymous Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 12:37 pm
Paul Mangieri just endorsed Frerichs.
Comment by anon Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 12:39 pm
–I’ve always thought of Alexi Giannoulias as a candid and truthful person. It’s a shame that such attributes seem to amount to nothing in politics. Perhaps someday people will finally tire of all the filth.–
Yes, the candidness about the BB loans to “Jaws” Giorango and the family cashing out just before the bank meltdown were a breath of fresh air.
It’s not possible for a vestal virgin like Alexi to have any ulterior motive for endorsing Cross.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 12:52 pm
===@FakeMarkKirk - Mob Banker endorses GOP Tom Cross for Treasurer. Hold on to your wallets if Mob Bankers are involved in electing Cross!===
lol,
This is why Frerichs is rank amateur.
The correct answer is “Alexi…who?”
Attacking Alexi, makes people think, “why they attacking this guy, what is Frerichs afraid of?”
@FakeMikeFrerichs - if I could tweet how upset I am, I would, but I am too busy playing Candy Lunch-Munch or something #CluelessAndStillAmateur
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 12:56 pm
I think Alexi is carefully planning out his next political run –not ruining it– with this specific endorsement and his comments on the Israel bonds.
Comment by Responsa Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 2:03 pm
Oh please Vanilla Man.
Alexi is a horrible horrible person. Period.
The last Democrat to lose a Senate race before him was the equally horrible Carol Mosley Braun.
Those two have more skeletons in their closet than a haunted house.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 2:13 pm
@FakeMikeFrerichs: Thank you sir may I have another.
Comment by Sen. and Mrs. John Blutarsky Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 2:57 pm
==- Snucka - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 8:28 am:==
Criminals and mobsters? That’s what the GOP said about the people Alexi “is closely tied to” in 2010.
Comment by Precinct Captain Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 3:18 pm
I distrinctly remember the ads claiming Alexi was a mob banker, D’Arco & old 1st Ward mentioned even.
Maybe this was a set up to sabatoge Cross - although I don’t give Alexi that much credit.
Comment by low level Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 4:19 pm
If Frerichs was going to open his mouth, he should’ve said, “Oh, you mean the guy who lost everyone’s college savings with Oppenheimer?”
Comment by Jocko Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 4:27 pm
@Wordslinger 12:52 pm. classic!!!!!
Comment by Amalia Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 6:41 pm