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Judy Baar Topinka says what she’s thinking, for good or ill. Here’s what she told the Daily Herald this week:

“Topinka attributed her lack of traction in the governorâ€™s race to a slew of negative TV ads by Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich that would make â€œJesus Christ himself look bad.â€ […]

“You can make, you know, Jesus Christ himself look bad if you throw $12 million at him in this day and age. I understand that,â€ Topinka said. â€œBut itâ€™s not fair, and itâ€™s not right, and frankly, itâ€™s not true.â€

And this is what she told the Sun-Times:

“His campaign strategy is to try to make me look bad, so he looks better,” she said. “You know what? You can put perfume on a pig, but it’s still a pig.”

Asked if she was calling Blagojevich a pig, Topinka said, “All I’m saying is that old saying that you can put perfume on a pig, but it doesn’t change anything. It may smell better but nothing else.”

Nix said the remark is on par with Topinka’s earlier saying Blagojevich has “little weasel eyes,” and declaring “I’m the sword of justice, and I’m going to cut him [Blagojevich] to pieces.”

“She is unbelievable,” Nix said.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 9:45 am

Comments

Is pig or weasel worse than calling him public official A? Pig and weasel are some of the nicest things I have heard him called as of late. She does come off sounding a bit “jr. high” in her speech. Perhaps a thesarus and counting to ten before she speaks? I don’t appreciate the comparision with Jesus either. It didn’t work well for the Beatles and they were way more popular.

Comment by leigh Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 9:57 am
I thought the old saying was lipstick on a pig…

Comment by Dan Vock Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 10:07 am
Another gem from the red headed accordian playing, polka dancing governor wanna be. I’ve got to tell you that I hear people when walking precincts that they cant stand her. They think that she is crazy — this is just the kind of comment that makes people feel this way. Since her stunning primary victory, she has never once demonstrated that she has had a clue of what this race is about. Now, with remarks like this, she reinforces the negative feelings that voters have about her and reinforces the reason that people won’t vote for her.

20 days until the funny red head (not Lucille Ball)is unemployed. Will she become a full time member of the press, or will she retire on that nice fat pension that she voted for herself while she was in the senate?

Comment by Juice Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 10:12 am
Believe it or not, a lot of people like the way she “tells it like it is”. Problem is she doesn’t have the $$ to tell everyone how it is.

Gov Quinn, here we come

Comment by He Makes Ryan look like a saint Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 10:21 am
People said and did a lot worse to Jesus than Blago’s doing to Saint Judy. I would advise her to stop comparing herself to the savior and start campaigning in the black and hispanic communities where Blago is going to get a lot of his votes and let those folks know that she is not the anti-christ.

If she loses this election she has no one to blame but herself and her handlers. I mean, has anyone ever had more quality information to use against an opponent? Her only salvation is that Blago might actually be the anti-christ.

Comment by Garp Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 10:26 am
They’re called metaphors, people. She’s not saying Blago’s a “pig” or equating herself with Jesus Christ. If she says that Blago “can’t see the forest for the trees”, is she saying that he’s got vision problems? If she says “kill two birds with one stone”, is PETA going to jump all over her for cruelty to animals? Come on. In her “comparison” with Jesus Christ, who else should she have said to get her point across? Her point was that negative ads from the Blago campaign can make ANYONE (even the only man who ever lived a sinless life) look bad. This is not comparing herself to Jesus Christ.

I cannot wait until this election is over. It seems that everyone’s collective IQ drops about 40 points during election season, and they have trouble seeing the forest for the trees.

Comment by schroedk Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 10:35 am
To the deleted commenter named “William.”

My wife is an Arab-American - an Assyrian Christian from Iraq (yes, I know that some Assyrians don’t consider themselves Arabs, but she does and that’s how they’re viewed).

Your bigoted comments about all Arab-Americans just got you banned. Goodbye and don’t bother apologizing. You’ve shown your true self. Just leave.

And to the rest of you, please mind your mouths here. You may think you’re uttering anti-PC “truth” when you talk about race, but often what you’re really doing is showing your own stupidity and igorance. You’re free to say and think whatever you want, of course, but please find somewhere else to spew that mess.

Sorry for the rant. Carry on.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 10:37 am
Oh, come on! What is that screaming you hear? Illinois conservatives? Please tell me who “doesn’t” know hot “it” is?

Comment by Olivia Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 10:38 am
So Judy isn’t PC. More perfume please. The air is pretty stale in this State.

Comment by Mr . Ethics Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 10:42 am
I should note that the comment I left above comes under the header “My blog, my rules.” It’s not my problem if you can’t live with those rules. It’s yours. Deal with it or move on.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 10:43 am
Wow. I don’t even know how to react to that comment by JBT. She has said some weird things at events and rallies I’ve attended but that takes the cake. Somehow I can’t see Lon Monk or Sheila Nix as capable of making Jesus Christ look bad. At some point, my idea that having politicians spouting “refreshing” or “new” statements and not being muzzled has to stop somewhere.

Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 10:50 am
Judy is Judy. I happened to heaer her speak last Friday, and she does well in relaxed settings with an opportunity to discuss issues in depth.

The problem with this election, and every recent election, is that the “sound bites” dominate.

Perhaps we have to go back to the days of giving a quarter page of newspapers to each candidate to explain their positions in different policy areas.

Comment by capitol view Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 10:57 am
I sometimes think that Judy has some of the same problems that Blago has. If Blago was left without his handlers, imagine what would spew forth from his mouth (just think back to a few short weeks ago and his sputtering about the check).

Yes, she might say a few silly things comparing the man to other things, but if you take away Blago’s spokespeople and speechmakers, what would he have to say? He’d be a stammering silly, silly man. Without the talking points he’s given, he’d have less to say than she has. The press would have a field day with him.

Comment by Tessa Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 11:00 am
I remember me mate John Lennon “compared” himself to JC, it didn’t go over well.

“… , you know it ain’t easy … they’re gonna crucify me.”

Comment by Ringo Starr Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 11:11 am
JBT is running like she thinks this is the LBJ era, but truth be told, and like it or not, you just can’t say anything about relegion and win. And, even you have $12 Mil. Judy, it won’t make you look like a winner.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 11:27 am
I disagree with Tessa–Rod did pretty well with the reporters at the press conference at his campaign HQ after the Rezko indictment

Judy is a product of Riverside/Berwyn where the bohunks tell it as they see it and not necesarily in a polished fashion…the Republicans desperately need fresh faces for 2008 and 2010…I think that’s one reason Rutherford is running a losing campaign against Jesse for SOS…to increase his State wide name recognition…

Comment by Loop Lady Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 11:29 am
“That’s no woman, that’s a man, baby.”

Comment by Austin Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 11:34 am
JBT needs to take a step back herself from negative mud-slinging. She needs to do as Blago has done and make an ad that demonstrates what she is for with breif details. As a voter I have read enough to know what Blago has done as governor to make my decision about him - what I need to know is what she will do differently in detail and without political slams. Public speaking is difficult - don’t know how many of you have done it, but if you haven’t give it a try before you’re too hard on those that do. Also, sound bites is what the press is looking for so only say what you want heard.

Comment by Judy, Judy, Judy Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 11:56 am
Judy’s comments carry well with most of the populace of downstate, where metaphors like those she used are more common. It speaks well to those folks, much more so that the Chicago-squeaky style Blags bleats.

Blags speaks his mind, too, which just proves that all he thinks about is lying.

Comment by Southern Illinoisian Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 11:57 am
JBT is at best a competent technocrat. But she’s probably more party apparatchik than competent technocrat.

She needs to consider checking herself into drug rehab with her GOP buddies if she thinks she’s a reformer with a prophetic voice.

The Jesus quote seems to suggest she’s got delusions of grandeur.

Comment by Carl Nyberg Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 11:57 am
Speaking of Iraq, apparently, as of 2003, there’s now a Green Party of Iraq. I don’t see them listed on the Global Greens website, so it appears that they’re not yet affiliated with the international network of Green Parties, which includes the United States.

Comment by Squideshi Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 12:01 pm
You know, lost in all this is the fact that there apparently was a successful negative campaign against JC in his time. He was crucified after all. I’m not sure there were attack ads back then though if there were I’m sure it went something like this:

(cue generic man/woman’s voice)
Sure, he says he’s the Messiah, but where is his army? Where is his plan for liberation from the Romans. Isn’t his agitating just going to bring on more Roman aggression? What is he thinking.

Cue quick, low toned message

Paid for by friends of Barabas.

Comment by cermak_rd Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 12:14 pm
Anyone who thinks Judy is comparing her self to JHC is retarded and will vote dem anyway.

Comment by Wumpus aka Cowboy Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 12:16 pm
Lets see we have a slick polished govenor named politition “A”. Then we have an outspoken old fashioned Gal who says it like it is. She is not under investigation, will be able to serve her term as Govenor with dignity. Sometimes uses metaphors to get her point across.
Fool me once shame on you!
Fool me twice shame on me!
I’ll vote for Judy!!!

After all, you can’t make a silk purse out of a sows ear.

Comment by Blogopster Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 12:22 pm
www.myelectionanalysis.com has posted some poll numbers saying that Blago is only at 8 points.

Comment by DOWNSTATE Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 12:42 pm
What was wrong?

Comment by Guy Fawkes Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 12:53 pm
Interesting. So Topinka thinks Blagojevich is capable of doing what the Romans couldn’t, snuffing out Jesus’ message.

Who knew that 30 second attack ads would be more effective than throwing Christians to the lion’s in the Arena?

Nix is right, Topinka is unbelievable, unbelievably unprepared to be Governor.

I would write-in Barabas before voting for Topinka.

Comment by Real Clear Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 12:53 pm
The sad thing is that Judy’s willingness to shoot from the hip without reflection is her greatest asset. Sadly to say, she is unfortunately lacking in all of the others that are a requirement for a good leader. That is not to say that Rod has them either, unfortunately.

I wonder if Jessie White had considered running for Governor of Illinois? That probably would have gotten the job done for the democrats. Everybody (including GOP voters) likes Jessie.

Comment by Beowulf Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 12:54 pm
Judy’s people should review old Ann Richards tapes from Texas. She did the “Lady with Lip” thing very, very well.

A key was she made people laugh, and had a hopeful vision for the future. I have not seen that yet from the Topinka Campaign.

Comment by Bubs Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 1:23 pm
Rich,
You do a great service to everyone with your website. I’m sorry that idiot insulted your wife and all other Arab-Americans. Please keep up the good work and keep on banning the racist posters.

Comment by Jechislo Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 1:26 pm
I admire an assertive administrator.

Comment by T.J. Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 1:39 pm
Hello,
I just stopped in to report that seniors are being driven to the polls in droves in the 3rd cong district. They love Rod and dislike Judy because Rod is “cute” and she is crass,rude and uncouth. This is without even knowing about the JC remark which I will be more than happy to relate to them this afternoon.
Typical Judy. It she could just act normal she still wouldn’t win but she could probably make the race a lot closer.
In the meantime for voters who feel that the level of political discourse has sunk to new lows with the latest Topinka barrage get out and vote for the peoples choice Tim Nieukirk…er I mean Rod Blagojevich.

Comment by Bill Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 2:31 pm
Hey Bill, have you got Khalil Shalabi doing some wheel time in the 3rd today, too?

Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 2:48 pm
The seniors think he’s cute? Thats a good reason to vote for somebody. How about electing Paris Hilton. I say no to Governor Corruptavitch.

Comment by Milorad Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 2:51 pm
I agree, Bubs. Topinka can be crass, rude, and uncouth as long as it is entertaining. Most of the time she comes off as a witch. Not that what she says isn’t true, she just needs to stop being so compulsive when she talks about Blagojevich. And Bill… wtf?! We are supposed to like Blago because he is cute?! “I am Rod Blagojevich, and I have a vision for Illinois. That vision… ME!!! I would just like everyone in Illinois to know that I will maintain my cuteness and will start putting pictures of myself on the tollway signs. Thank you, Bill, for pointing out why everyone loves me.” Please, this guy is long on talk… and short on gov…

Comment by Lovie's Leather Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 2:55 pm
I agree, Bubs. Topinka can be crass, rude, and uncouth as long as it is entertaining. Most of the time she comes off as a witch. Not that what she says isn’t true, she just needs to stop being so compulsive when she talks about Blagojevich. And Bill… We are supposed to like Blago because he is cute?! “I am Rod Blagojevich, and I have a vision for Illinois. That vision… ME!!! I would just like everyone in Illinois to know that I will maintain my cuteness and will start putting pictures of myself on the tollway signs. Thank you, Bill, for pointing out why everyone loves me.” Please, this guy is long on talk… and short on gov…

Comment by Lovie's Leather Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 2:58 pm
Come on, candor is refreshing.

Comment by Keyser Soze Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 3:22 pm
Seniors are voting for Rod because they think he’s cute??? Good God.

While this may very well be just human nature at work (for some very Darwinian reasons), you’d think that by the time someone hits old age, they’ve got the necessary wisdom to think a tad more critically about issues. That’s supposed to be the triumph of the species in the modern, industrial society, that the “new” brain is capable of higher order thinking skills, including realizing that just because someone is “cute,” doesn’t mean they are the right choice.

Surely this can’t be a scientific poll here, that they’re turning out in droves because they are all stating that he’s “cute.” And frankly, I DON’T think he’s cute. He DOES have beady little weasel eyes!

She does need to tone down the rhetoric (or refine it as appropriate for the type of office she’s running for), but one candidate is going to at least have a shot at reform (and will simply be voted out if such reform is not forthcoming in the end), while the other is in trouble up to his blowdry job.

Comment by Angie Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 3:49 pm
Blagojevich cute!?!?!? Bill, you should be driving the old ladies to the optometrist instead of the polls.

Comment by Buck Flagojevich Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 4:07 pm
Oh even though I love JBT sometimes she goes a little too far. She’s just trying to get her point across.

Comment by JakeCP Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 4:25 pm
Loop Lady - I wasn’t referring to Blago speaking after the Rezko indictment. Like he wasn’t clued in on what to say there, either.

Unless he’s scripted, the man can’t speak without sounding like an idiot. He makes promises he can’t keep (spends money left and right as he’s been doing on the campaign trail) and couldn’t figure out how to get out of a paper bag without his staffs help. Please, give me a break.

Judy is torn to pieces every time she makes a statement, any statement that someone “her age” would make in general conversation about someone she feels is not competent to do their job. I’d probably phrase it differently, but I’m a few years younger.

Give me a break. People are being hypercritical over stupid things. They need to pay attention to the real issues. Forget the attack, negative ads. Get down to what’s important.

Comment by Tessa Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 6:26 pm
Thank god she is the republican candidate. If not we (dems) may be in trouble. Her blunder of this campaign reflects the cardinals loss to the bears monday except she took a whole lot longer to lose.

Comment by the ole precinct captain Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 7:14 pm
Or, ole precinct captain, maybe Rod is the Cardinals and Judy is the Bears. The analogy works a whole lot better if Judy ends up winning.

Comment by Lovie's Leather Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 8:35 pm
Bill, bill, bill! Didn’t you mean you thought Rod was devine? I’ve heard his 2 1/2 yr. old love child down in Springpatch on the pony farm thinks so too - but hay! what does a 2 1/2 yr. old know? Guess this is why the first lady doesn’t let him go down to Springfield w/out her handpicked trooper to keep him under control! No, not the one who is in charge of the hair brush.

Comment by Citizen A Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 8:44 pm
You would think that at this stage of their political careers both Rod and JBT would know how to talk and work a crowd in any situation without breaking a sweat. He acts like Alfred E Neuman. Can’t talk off the script and when he does you better tape it cause he will deny saying it. She just keeps sounding like some SNL skit trying to be homey. Traction? You gotta do something not just wait for the other person to get indicted. Neither one is showing any type of real imagination that grabs you. Thought both had possibilities, then time and performance kicked in. Sad to watch the transformations.

Comment by zatoichi Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 9:57 pm
Re: “Unless heâ€™s scripted, the man canâ€™t speak without sounding like an idiot.”

The best was when he first tried to go after the reporter by beginning to tell the reporter that “you’re asking the wrong question,” because it just came across as sounding like he was angry that he had a script prepared based on HOW the check question was posed to him, but then he got hit with a curve ball. His anger showed (not cool, my friends), but then he clammed up about finishing that accusation about asking the “wrong” question only to pretend to play dumb and go “you’re asking me have I what?”

That was the best attack ad yet! I think I recall mentioning that JBT’s campaign should grab that interview and run it as an attack ad. Boy did they do a good job with it. I mean, the editing was perfect.

Comment by Angie Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 11:12 pm
Rich - Now what is “Loop Lady” calling people? I don’t even know what the word means, but it sure sounds offensive to someone! It is also an ethnic slur?

Comment by Sick Of It All Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 3:37 am