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This was not unexpected. They endorsed him in the primary four years ago. While it’s not exactly a ringing endorsement, it does provide a boost.
Endorsing a candidate with more than 2½ weeks left in the campaign is a little like calling a horse race in the last lap — anything could happen before the finish line. Each day can bring a revelation affecting a campaign. But in the final analysis, you have to go with a candidate based on where he stands on the issues important to you. For that reason, the Sun-Times endorses Gov. Rod Blagojevich for re-election because of his record of expanding health care and educational opportunity.There’s no denying the cloud of scandal over his administration. One of his chief fund-raisers, Antoin “Tony” Rezko, was indicted last week for alleged shakedowns for campaign contributions. More revelations likely will come right before the election when power broker Stuart Levine is expected to plead guilty. The governor said the charges against Rezko, if true, represent a personal betrayal by Rezko, and that he himself has never been involved in any unethical or illegal fund-raising. Our experience with Blagojevich prompts us to take him at his word. We’ve chosen to give him the benefit of the doubt and endorse him for a number of reasons.
Thoughts?
*** UPDATE *** The AP has a story up: Chicago Sun-Times endorses Blagojevich
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 8:57 am
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Sorry for not responding a bit sooner. For some strange reason (and this is the truth) I had to run to the Men’s Room twice within an hour of having read that disgusting excuse of an editorial.
I only wonder what sort of mea culpa the Sun-Times will publish should the Governor (as many suspect) be indicted by the feds?
Comment by fedup dem Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:02 am
Why must their be an endorsement at all? What purpose is served, especially doing so this late in the game?
Comment by Me Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:03 am
I think the only appropriate endorsement would be d: none of the above.
Comment by leigh Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:05 am
You have to wonder what they were thinking… This race is so very backwards. I am one of the last people you will ever come across who will admit being turned off by politics, and I am ready to throw the towel in on this election year.
Comment by Anon Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:08 am
This has to be a kick in the shorts for Topinka.
This election is about the issues. Topinka is dirtier than any politicain in Illinois and looks like a hypocrit when she criticizes Blago.
Topinka is all critiscism and no action. No plan and people (to put it simply) just dont like her.
The endorsement is based off of Blago’s solid list of accomplishments. No question.
Did Topinka force Brickhead Joe to give back his Stuart Levine money yet? Did the IL GOP give back the tens of thousands of dollars that Levine gave them when Topinka was head of the Republican Party? Hypocrite.
Comment by Sid Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:09 am
“Our experience with Blagojevich prompts us to take him at his word.”
Is there anyone who has experience with Blagojevich who takes him at his word?
Comment by Bemac Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:11 am
Good for the Sun Times for focusing on the issues they care about. Most media outlets focus exclusively on scandal, never write about policy, and then wonder why campaigns are so negative and lack substance. The Sun Times focused on substance; their issues are health care and education, and they endorsed the Governor because they agree with his record on those issues. Makes perfect sense.
One hopes that other newspapers will focus on the issues as well. That means Topinka should be endorsed across the central swath of Illinois (Champaign, Bloomington, Springfield), and some of the endorsements in mid-sized cities (Rockford, Peoria) could be up for grabs.
The Tribune should endorse Topinka — it undoubtedly agrees with her on the issues more than it agrees with Blagojevich — but it probably will issue no endorsement. After not endorsing Blagojevich in the primary, they’re not going to move to him now that the whole Rezko thing is front page news. But they won’t hold their nose and endorse Topinka, either, particularly because they have it in for Birkett. Just one prediction.
Comment by Gus Frerotte's Clipboard Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:12 am
Actually, it is a ringing endorsement:
Comment by Snark Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:13 am
Did the Sun-Times get a Memorandum of Understanding when it took Blago at his word?
Comment by Fire Ron Guenther Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:14 am
Please. This is like George Ryan all over again, but worse. Blagojevich pledged to clean up corruption and end “pay to play,” now he’s the poster child for it. Tony Rezko, and later, Stu Levine, confirm this.
That’s great that the Governor comes up with policy initiatives, but do they ever work? Most of his course on policy is designed for a press conference, rather than for the good of Illinois. Let’s think about it for a second, sale of the lottery, spending $350K on road signs with ‘Rod R. Blagojevich on them, I-Save-Rx, All Kids, etc. All short-term press pops that have little or no effect in the end.
You would think that the media would have better foresight on this, after what we went through with George Ryan. The situation now is eerily similar to the road we went down in 1998. As impropriety swirled around Gov. Ryan, he came up with policy intiatives like Illinois FIRST, to lead the dogs off the scent (at least we got some nice statues with that plan).
Judy Baar Topinka isn’t the best choice either, but she’s not Rod Blagojevich. We need to buck the one party rule in this state and mix it up a little.
The media may want to repeat past mistakes, but I know I’m not going to do it again.
Comment by Joe August Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:15 am
The endorsement should have gone to Rich Whitney. The Sun-Times seems a little weak in the knees on this one.
Comment by Squideshi Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:20 am
They hit the nail on the head…doesn’t matter if he’s a liar and surrounded himself with criminals…he’s on the right side of the issues, and voters are dumb enough to buy what he’s selling.
I hope the Tribune shows a backbone and endorses neither of these candidates.
Comment by Scott Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:20 am
Well, maybe Conrad Black issued the endorsements. How can they even endorse a shady administration. I guess they enjoy their tablod status.
Comment by Wumpus aka Cowboy Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:21 am
Taxpayers Bemac, taxpayers take Blago at his word. He said he wouldn’t raise taxes and he did… while balancing the budget too. Now he has raised fees and what not, but I was talking to a Republican relative just recently and he said, “I’m voting for Blago. He said he wouldn’t raise taxes and he hasn’t. The corruption and family stuff? There’s corruption everywhere. If I’m starting a business, I’ve got two brothers that are CPAs, you better believe I’m hiring them over more ‘accomplished’ people. At least I know I can trust my brothers and work well with them.”
Now he might be the ONLY Republican in Illinois who thinks that way but I doubt it. I will also say that he seemed to like Blago more than many Democrats I know. The exit polling for who voted in this race will be very interesting. I think there will be decent crossover on both sides and low numbers.
Comment by Tweed Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:22 am
I’ll say it again. Fitzgerald we don’t want no stinkin reform. That’s basiclly what the Sun Times is saying. He may stink, but he’s our stinkin guy. All the corruption can be ignored as long as he fills our Christmas stocking.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:25 am
The Sun Times tells us that if Blagojevich isn’t a corrupt politician, then he deserves re-election. Thats an OK assessment if it was true.
But Blagojevich is guiltier than sin when he promises to clean up government, and we now know we have to get someone to clean up after him. He wasn’t elected to toss doggie treats to the Democrats. He was elected to clean up the state. He failed. Not only did he fail, he exposed himself as corrupted as Ryan.
Shame on the Sun Times for burying their heads in the sand.
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:26 am
You’re right this isn’t surprising. Why should expect anything differently from a newspaper who can’t get its’ numbers straight either?
http://www.chicagoist.com/
archives/2004/10/06/suntime
s_circulation_scandal_
revealed.php
Comment by One Perp to Another Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:28 am
Rich: Even though it was “not unexpected” the endorsement is stupid. My faith in the judgement of the press is now totally gone. The Sun times is well aware of the charges against Rezco and how that will soon implicate the governor himself. Everyone please spare me the “innocent until proven guilty” stuff. Folks familiar with the inner workings of state government have a good understanding of what has been going on for the past 3 and 1/2 years, and it’s definately not an improvement from the previous administration. Just as Blagojevich exhibited poor judgement and egotistical arrogance at its highest by surrounding himself with corrupt individuals, now the Sun times exhibits poor judgement in endorsing him. I guess Churchill was right when he opined that the people get the government they deserve. The press is a key part of the equation. By endorsing Blagojevich at this time when his key fund raiser has just been arrested, the Sun Times is perpetuating a climate of bad government in Illinois. I guess it is wrong to hold all of the press accountable for the actions of just one newspaper, but I am totally frustrated with state government. How can we reform state government so that the taxpayers are served instead of screwed? It doesn’t matter if those screwing us are Republicans or Democrats. We just need good government. The Sun times endorsement does not help us get good government. It makes it harder.
Comment by one of the 35 Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:31 am
Is there still hope that the Trib won’t make an endorsement? When was the last time one of the majors sat out a governor’s race? The Trib should make a statement regarding politics and corruption in IL, the power of the combine and the lack of quality candidates by sitting this one out.
Comment by Niles Township Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:33 am
VanillaMan said, “The Sun Times tells us that if Blagojevich isn’t a corrupt politician, then he deserves re-election.”
According to an independent poll, conducted by the Glengariff Group on October 13-15, 51% of those surveyed believe that Blago knew; so considering that, he has already lost in the court of public opinion and didn’t deserve the Sun-Times endorsement.
Comment by Squideshi Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:34 am
“Topinka is dirtier than any politicain (sic) in Illinois”. Give me a break-Which politician has seventeen current Federal investigations against them? Who takes a $1500 check for a birthday/christening/whatever gift from a friend shortly after giving the friend’s wife a state job? Endemic hiring fraud practices and pay to play on steroids is not my idea of good governing. I don’t know what their agenda is, but the Sun Times lost a lot of credibility with me with this issue. “What were they thinking?” Maybe they’re looking forward to Governor Quinn taking office?
Comment by Walking Wounded Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:36 am
It was clear from the get go that Allkids was going to be a centerpiece of Blago’s re-election campaign, despite being a small, poorly constructed program which offers substandard medical care mostly to families who already were eligible for govt-subsidized care and to illegals.
It does not address the real problem in Illinois which is lack of guaranteed issue and community rating for adult health insurance policies. I thought there were one million uninsured in Illinois but now I understand it is closer to
1.8 million. Many are young adults in their
early working years, that is, a large pool of current and future voters. Demographics, demographics.
JBT and her campaign wonks should have seen this coming. Health care is a major issue for Americans across the country, Illinois included.
Blago was clearly exploiting this yet JBT allowed herself to be manipulated into recommending what was effectively an Allkids cutback, based on an alleged lack of state monies. Nobody believes there is a lack of state monies. It’s a distribution problem, not a resource problem.
Now Blago is promising universal health insurance in Illinois and the Republicans are in the dust on one of today’s most popular issues.
What ARE they thinking?
Comment by Cassandra Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:37 am
Brilliant! The Sun-Times bought the sizzle and will be wondering where the steak is. They must have based their endorsement on Press Releases from the Gov’s office.
The budget isn’t balanced, we have rung up huge debt and we have yet to see a Blago program that has even begun to live up to its hype. Not to mention all of the other things going on with Rod.
Don’t bother beginning investigative reporting now Sun-Times. You don’t seen qualified for the task.
Oh, but he’s cute!
Comment by Buck Flagojevich Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:39 am
A boost for Blagojevich in the headline, but read the whole thing–talk about damning with faint praise. But they endorsed anyway.
Comment by Backyard Conservative Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:44 am
Corruption is in their backyard, and they just endorsed it. (Voiceover) What were they thinking?
Comment by scoot Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:51 am
How a newspaper can endorse an individual with so many federal investigations and indicments in process is deplorable. The corruption in this state is horrible. Don’t the editors read their own paper?
Some of the best reporting ever details the city employees sucking money off workers comp costing taxpayers millions and millions. I suppose they will endorse Daley too.
Comment by Garp Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:59 am
Wonder if they know what an MOU is? Seems like he’s signed enough of those over past few years. Take him at his word. Please!!
Comment by ekim Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 10:08 am
ekim - about 150 people in this state know what an MOU is.
Comment by sam Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 10:16 am
Now I know that you will tell me to relax, but come on Rich? Out of the entire endorsement, these are the two paragraphs that you put up for discussion? For those of us who didn’t read the sun times endorsement, we would think that this was a ‘lesser of two evils’ choice by the times. however, it is quite an impressive endorsement. To summarize the Sun Times endorsement: Blagojevich has kept his promises to provide health care, provide prescription drug coverage to those who need it, create jobs, beef up the I-Pass system, FUND STEM CELL RESERCH, complete the transition to open road tolling, and on and on.
But these factors are irrelevant because the endorsement mentions Tony Rezko. Big deal. Tony has been found guilty of nothing, and the governor even less. The only thing that is relevant here is that the goveror has kept his promises and has fought for working families for the past four years.
The endorsement makes complete sense. Did you expect them to endorse Topinka? She would cut health care to children and working men and women, cut funding for senior citizen prescription drug coverage, and freeze the minumum wage (the “giveaway”) so that she could hire more state employees and give them all a pay raise, build more casinos, and pave the way for anybody who wishes to walk around with a concealed weapon.
Again, the choice is obvious. 18 days until she is a funny, red headed memory.
Comment by Juice Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 10:19 am
The surprising part, at least to me, is that the Sun-Times endorsement was forced on the SouthTown. The SouthTown has been extremely tough on the governor, particularly around school funding. I wonder how Kadner and McQuery feel about this?
Comment by ChuckAmok Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 10:21 am
The question is does this mean anything? It doesn’t mean anything to me.
Comment by Levois Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 10:22 am
Why can’t the Tribune endorse Whitney? It would definitely be a statement against politics as usual in Illinois, and I believe would do alot of good. Come-on guys get some ‘testicular verillity’ and instead of constant articles against politics as usual, and then endorsing it, actually endorse a change for once!!!
train111
Comment by train111 Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 10:24 am
I am amazed at the Sun Times endorsement.
What is even more amazing is the fact that they give credence to programs (really just press releases) like I-SAVE RX….the program has been a collasal failure and waste of $$$ at this point. Do they have absolutely no respect for Auditor Holland? His audits have debunked nearly every single initiative as being a waste of money, totally mismanaged and even worse just outright bogus claims by Blago & crew. What about the hiring scandals? What about the contracts scams by BLAGO? I have lost all respect for the Sun Times
I guess the former poster named DUDE was correct all along about nasty comments Chuck Goudie & the Sun Times….What a disservice to the people of Illinois….By the way Rich Please tell us what became of the DUDE??
Comment by Larry Mullholland Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 10:32 am
To me this is more than sickening.
Comment by heet101 Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 10:34 am
Like I’ve said before, the Sun-Times is in the business of selling as many papers as it can and make as much money as it can. It’s not about the “truth” or in-depth reporting.
With a number of pending federal investigations (what, 12-15 ???) and the only the first of many domino’s starting to fall on the indictment front, the Blago administration is a CASH COW for the news business.
They’ve adequately “distanced” themselves from a number of future repercussions by leaving a big back door to let themselves out: He’s never lied to us that we know of (coincidentally, the same path that Pat Quinn is walking…).
This administration has the potential to give front page headlines monthly for the next four years–and sell a lot of papers–why do something to reduce certain income? This is at a time when the paper is needing all the $$$ it can get, they can always enforce “quality journalism” somewhere down the road when their financial house is in order.
Can you image the (potential) indictments, allegations, constitutional issues, party issues, infighting, etc. in the next four years if Blago stays as a sitting governor? Scandal sells papers plain and simple.
They know a Cash Cow when they see it, why not milk it for all its worth?
Comment by Animous Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 10:36 am
I’m speechless.
Comment by Tessa Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 10:41 am
Self preservation is the reason for the endorsement. The Sun-Times is probably halfway done with a number of stories about corruption in the Blago administration. If he is not re-elected, all those manhours of investigative reporting go down the drain.
And I have to agree with those who are arguing that the Trib should endorse Whitney. If they did not invite him to their “debate” because his answers on their questionaire were so complete and thorough and then had to sit and listen to Blago and Judy weasel through their questions without providing a complete and honest answer to anything, then why not?
Comment by Bluefish Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 10:48 am
Animous,
I hope you are not correct, however, the choices are either the Suntimes editors are the most naive, politically blind, stupid people on earth:
Or-as you say- in it for the bucks. If you are correct, they are equally corrupt as the Blago administration in conspiring to get him re-elected. I feel sorry for the reporters whom legitimately try to get at the truth-like the owner of this website-who may have to defend their employer.
Comment by Garp Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 10:52 am
Well, let’s keep in mind that the Sun-Times four years ago endorsed Lisa Madigan over John Schmidt — while I think Lisa has turned out to be a good AG, let’s not kid ourselves that Schmidt was 100 times more competetent and accomplished than she was. So, while I’m shocked that the Sun-Times would endorse Blago, this just further cements in my mind that they are out to lunch.
Comment by Just Observing Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 11:09 am
Keep someone from Chicago in office and you will Keep the pork coming to Chicago.Hey who cares what he does as long as the cash flow is their.
Comment by DOWNSTATE Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 11:23 am
Translation: “Vladgo is going to win, Topinka isn’t a very attractive replacement and is too well-connected to political moneymen herself, so we’d rather back the winner this time. Besides, we always endorse encumbants and/or Democrats, and the soon-to-be-indicted one fits that description perfectly.”
Comment by Snidely Whiplash Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 11:55 am
The editorial board must be made up of the edgy fellas who sell the Sun-Times at busy intersections.
Comment by Punley Deiter Finn Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 12:12 pm
It doesn’t suprise me that they endorsed Gov. Corruptavich. Most people in Illinois will vote for him. Illinoisans love corruption.
Comment by Milorad Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 12:22 pm
YESSSSSSSSS!!
Take that Neil. Finally, Rich Miller’s newspaper does that right thing and endorses the candidate best suited to serve the citizens of this great state.
It is a little cold out today, but the vans are rolling. I can’t believe how many seniors live out here. We are giving them free copies of that great, great metropolitan newspaper, The Chicago Sun-Times,home of the world renowned political commentator, Rich Miller!
Comment by Bill Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 12:29 pm
Hey Ani,
Keep it up. Maybe you can get back in the Trib again, like when you called the voters ignorant.Im sure that helped Judy a lot.
Comment by Bill Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 12:32 pm
The public should not allow the Sun Times to have it both ways. For the last four years they have reported on all the corruption and investigations within this administration. Now they are saying “never mind”. We don’t believe any of that.
So life goes on with the Sun Times and I’m assuming they will continue to cover the indictments and all the courtroom drama. This would be the same indictments and courtroom drama that they don’t believe has anything to do with Rod Blagojevich because Rod told them he’s not involved.
What a bunch of hypocrites. They need to stop reporting hard news and maybe just do movie reviews,restaurants, political endorsements or sports.
The article they are doing right now about city employees. Are we to believe the article ? There is a problem with credibility here.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 12:44 pm
I can’t wait til Rich’s next S-T column.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 12:51 pm
Not only did this have to be carried by the Southtown, but also the Joliet Herald-News, Aurora Beacon News, Waukegan News Sun, Elgin Courier News and the Naperville Sun and the papers that make up the Sun weekly newspaper group.
The Sun-Times has lost all credibility with me. Although, what struck me was the timing of the endorsement. Still three weeks out? Are they hoping that people will forget come election time? Don’t the papers usually wait to release their endorsements for the top level races in the days immediately before the election?
Comment by Anon from BB Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 1:22 pm
Bill: It’s a wonder you can see to drive the van with your head inserted that far……
Comment by Anti-Bill Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 1:33 pm
Bill,
When did I make it in the trib, I must have missed it, I have no idea what you’re talking about.
AND for only the fourth time LOOK UP THE DEFINITION OF IGNORANT–as much as you would like it to it doesn’t mean stupid or something else inflamatory, it means uniformed or arising from the lack of knowledge of a subject.
Here, I’ll use it in a sentence: “Bill choses to remain ignorant of a growing number of major problems within the Blago administration”.
And once again, examples:
1.) Do the voters clearly understand the separation of powers. Do they understand the office of the treasurer cannot control the budget or its related deficit (as repeatedly pointed out in the unending negative ads).
2.) Do the voters know and understand that this administration is under more than a dozen federal investigations, over 5 times more than the administration of George Ryan?
3.) Do the voters know that the budget hasn’t been reduced, and that its just been put on the state “credit card” to be payed later at a much higher rate?
I don’t think they do.
It doesn’t make voters stupid, but a system exists in politics to intentionally keep people in the dark and distort the truth on a number of issues. Politics is about money, not necessarily serving the interests of the people.
It does mean voters don’t/can’t have all the information they need to make a fully informed decision.
You might also care to note that I’m not a JBT campaign operative. I’m a moderate, as are a majority of the people in the state. I’ve become very embarrassed by the state of politics in IL.
Heck, at this rate I may end up voting for that Nuke guy…
Comment by Animous Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 1:43 pm
Hey guys, we must let up on Bill. Obviously he is back out of Rehab and indulging in recreational stuff. He is livin in a Purple Haze. Ignorance IS bliss!
Comment by Citizen A Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 1:50 pm
Another point just crossed my mind. How much legal advertising does the Sun-Times and its sister rags (I’m sorry, but I can’t call them newspapers, at least not today) get or will be getting from state government?
Perhaps we should present the editorial board with a “Reztilup” award (that’s Pulitzer, spelled backwards) for the worst endorsement editorial of 2006. And they we could revive a quaint old American custom, of hanging the jerks in effigy.
Comment by fedup dem Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 2:15 pm
Now I know that you will tell me to relax, but come on Rich? Out of the entire endorsement, these are the two paragraphs that you put up for discussion? For those of us who didn’t read the sun times endorsement, we would think that this was a ‘lesser of two evils’ choice by the times. however, it is quite an impressive endorsement. To summarize the Sun Times endorsement: Blagojevich has kept his promises to provide health care, provide prescription drug coverage to those who need it, create jobs, beef up the I-Pass system, FUND STEM CELL RESERCH, complete the transition to open road tolling, and on and on.
But these factors are irrelevant because the endorsement mentions Tony Rezko. Big deal. Tony has been found guilty of nothing, and the governor even less. The only thing that is relevant here is that the goveror has kept his promises and has fought for working families for the past four years.
The endorsement makes complete sense. Did you expect them to endorse Topinka? She would cut health care to children and working men and women, cut funding for senior citizen prescription drug coverage, and freeze the minumum wage (the “giveawayâ€) so that she could hire more state employees and give them all a pay raise, build more casinos, and pave the way for anybody who wishes to walk around with a concealed weapon.
Again, the choice is obvious. 18 days until she is a funny, red headed memory.
Comment by Susie Chapstick Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 2:36 pm
The reason Sun Times endosed Blago was this and this only. Topinka. Glad I could straighten some of you out.
Comment by Chalkline Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 2:37 pm
how is springfield treating you old man?
Comment by Candace Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 2:40 pm
Dear Sun-Times Editorial Board,
Think of a state other state than Illinois. Any one you want.
In that state, we have an Administration under multiple federal grand jury investigations, the Governor’s close friend and advisor just got indicted on charges of, in part, shaking down multi-million dollar campaign contributions for the Governor, the State is utterly broke, the Governor has gone on a borrowing binge that will cripple the state for decades, the Governor has been caught red handed taking a check from the husband of a successful job seeker, and the Governor has a 39% approval rating.
His opponent is non-telegenic and rough around the edges, but has a lengthy and successful career in government, is currently a top state officer, isn’t accused of anything, isn’t under multiple grand jury investigation, and has come forward with concrete proposals to get the state out of the fiscal disaster created by the current Governor.
Which would you recommend in that other state?
(The guy with the nice hair and smile, no doubt?)
Comment by Bubs Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 2:55 pm
This message is for Bill.
Your comment about the vans rolling is silly. There is no ground troops from Blago’s campaign or if there is it is invisible compared to 4 years ago when we had thousands of troops bringing out the vote. NO Daley volunteers, most ward and township orgs are telling there captains to avoid this race so as not to make enemies of the voters, absentee ballots are not being collected, ect.
Comment by Garp Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 3:10 pm
The Sun-Times is so liberal. This was expected.
Comment by JakeCP Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 3:12 pm
I’m not surprised at the endorsement. Ever since ’spin’ started it’s been hard to find the news ‘untwisted’. But it sells, ‘there’s one born every minute’ they say & I guess it’s true. I don’t let the media guide my politics anymore than I’d let the Dixie Chicks influence my views or (gasp!) hire Tom Cruise as a doctor. Blago creates headlines for sure. But his AllKids and I-Save-Rx are hollow programs. Cruel in fact. You don’t give hope to those who really need help, grab the sound bite, then let them find out the hard way it’s not what was promised in the sound bite. Why isn’t this being written about in the media?
Comment by Belle Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 3:18 pm
I ran a Sun-Times spell check on “Rezko” and it returned: “Figment of your imagination”. Also you really have to dig deep in their online edition to find even superficial coverage. Broke and a 750i bmw and they are buying it? Thanks, Rich M for some real coverage!
Comment by Citizen A Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 3:20 pm
The only “van I saw rolling” was the cute little red minivan that had Tony Rezko inside rolling up to Dirksen.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 4:37 pm
- Anon from BB - Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 1:22 pm:
Not only did this have to be carried by the Southtown, but also the Joliet Herald-News, Aurora Beacon News, Waukegan News Sun, Elgin Courier News and the Naperville Sun and the papers that make up the Sun weekly newspaper group.
There’s a reason we call it the “Be Confused”…
Comment by Ken in Aurora Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 4:39 pm
Rezko is not on “strict” home confinement - he is still allowed to go to work and another place, shopping or church. Guess this is to give the impression of innocent until proven guilty BUT we still think this rabbit might run! Wonder if the ankle bracelet monitor also incorporates a wire, THAT would be sweet.
Comment by Citizen A Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 4:50 pm
Bill, and your point is…?
in 1998, the Sun-Times and the Tribune both endorsed George Ryan. And everyone knows what happened to him. I believe they also gave him the benefit of the doubt. Oh well, some east coast consultants never learn.
Comment by Mike Williams Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 5:26 pm
Stupid is as stupid does. The more the uniformed are influenced by the ignorant, the more times the morons are re-elected to offices. Then there are those who say they are concerned, but never say or do anything about it.
Comment by WARDOG Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 5:35 pm
I was in the southern part of the state yesterday(the real southern part - Shawnee/Vienna/Anna). There were very few yard signs in place, and almost half were for republican candidates. Doesn’t seem to be much enthusiasm for the election.
Comment by In the Sticks Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 5:42 pm
So! Who was it that threatened the Sun-Times with broken kneecaps if they didn’t endorse the guy who has the feds crawling all over his administration? Come on, now. Someone put the squeeze on someone over at the Times, no doubt.
My whole state has gone mad. Including my newspaper.
Comment by Angie Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 6:09 pm
I always thought the Sun-Times was the tabloid of the two Chicago papers. Now I’m certain.
Two endorsements in a row of crooked politicians for the highest office in the state, once with a hint Ryan was a crook, this time with all the evidence pointing to Blago being a crook.
The Sun-Times had a chance to be a part of the solution to corruption in Illinois. But, with this unexplainable decision they made themselves part of the problem.
Comment by Truth Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 6:12 pm
What’s next? Stroger?
Comment by Truth Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 6:13 pm
The Sun Times is really saying that JBT is not an effective candidate and has not run a very
effective campaign, although they give her a few points for “professionalism.”
They acknowledge the, uh, ethics problems of Blago and basically point out charges against him are speculative at this point. This is not
an unfair assessment, given current information.
Investigations are not indictments.
What I infer from the ST endorsement of Blago is that they think he is trying to do things that people in the state need to have done and that
JBT has provided no compelling alternative vision.
They are right. I’m still not going to vote for Blago, though.
Comment by Cassandra Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 6:15 pm
“Our experience with Blagojevich prompts us to take him at his word.â€
See?! Someone DID put the squeeze on them. Read the wording carefully. I’m calling him The Rodfather from now on.
Comment by Angie again Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 6:17 pm
“Our experience with Blagojevich prompts us to take him at his word. We’ve chosen to give him the benefit of the doubt and endorse him for a number of reasons.”- the Sun-Times
R O T F L M A O
You have GOT to be kidding me!
The Sun-Times is acting like those women who keep enabling a cheating, abusive husband: “oh, I just know he’s good deep down inside and I can change him”.
This paper has lost any credibility it had with me.
Well, except for Ebert, he’s the last reason to keep reading it.
I’m just glad Royko is dead; this would have killed him.
Comment by Inconceivable! Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 6:33 pm
Perhaps they will suggest Mark Foley or John Karr to run DCFS too. Makes about as much sense.
Really now, let’s call out Alan Funt and put an end to this.
Comment by Gregor Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 6:35 pm
A presumption of innocence means that you should not be put in jail until convicted of a crime. It does not mean you are entitled to elective office. At least everywhere but Illinois.
I have no more pity for the poor Suntimes and its employees who cried fowl when Conrad Black bilked millions from the paper. They are trying to assist in doing the same thing to the entire state of Illinois.
Comment by Garp Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 6:50 pm
Slightly off-topic-
I was sitting in a local watering hole with a Democratic far south suburban mayor and the subject came up of the gov’s race. He privately opined that he was about ready to vote for Whitney. I then explained Whit’s transportation platform (no highways, no SSA, no O’Hare expansion) and how Whit’s campaign manager was one of the long-time protestors of the South Suburban Airport. Well, that was a deal-killer right there. I guess there’s going to be a lot of undervotes in this race.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 7:02 pm
Undervote - That’s where you are smart enough NOT to vote for Blago, but not smart enough to vote for Topinka. That just may work.
Comment by Citizen A Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 7:10 pm
Thanks to all who got this editorial comment out before me. Fortunately, I don’t buy/subscribe to the Sun Times. Now I know why. And I’ve got real good reasons, besides the ways they’ve screwed up their Websites, to never start buying them now. Hopefully, the sun times will feel like the Trib when they predicted Dewey.
Comment by what were they thinking Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 7:19 pm
Take him at his word? I work in state government and don’t know anyone who takes him at his word. Legislators from both parties demand that he put his promises to them in writing, then he still blows some of them off.
It’s even more of a stretch to believe his proclamations of innocence. He has no more credibility than convicted Governor Ryan when he wants us to think he had no idea shake downs were taking place on his behalf.
Comment by roadkill Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 8:03 pm
Garp,
We might be invisible to you but I just got back from a very productive day. I am taking a very unique pleasure in every vote because I think about all of you blago haters every time a senior tells me about how the gov helps them afford their medicine. Believe it or not, we really were giving the Sun-Times out today until we ran out and they were taking turns reading the endorsement out loud to each other in the van.
We don’t need the mayor’s people (if there are any left) to win this…and we are getting help from some ward organizations that you would least expect. The township committeemen (one very influential one in particular)have been quite friendly and helpful.
Most of our volunteers today came from organized labor and are quite a bit more effective than the guys from streets and san..
We are not doing absentees. The local orgs can do that if they want. A lot of them are because Todd is in a tight one. We figure if they vote for Todd they will vote for Rod. Believe it or not, Garp, we are going to win this with or without your help. Today I probably delivered more votes for Rod than there are altogether in Shawnee.
Mike, I’m not a consultant just a concerned citizen who wants to give the governor four more years to finish the job of making Illinois work for the people.
You are probably mistaking me for Brad or Lon which I consider a quite a compliment. They are both too busy to waste time blogging. I have lived in Illinois longer than you have and am just a lowly volunteer who knows how to deliver a precinct. I do it for fun and out of a sense of civic duty. Rod Blagojevich is the best thing to happen to Illinois since Adlai Stevenson.
Comment by Bill Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 8:58 pm
AA,
If you would get out more and blog less you might see the vans. Actually we could use your help if you are able to walk. There is still time to do the right thing and come onboard. You know you want to be a democrat again.
Comment by Bill Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:03 pm
Okay Ani,
I hate to keep bringing this up but here is the piece from the Trib..See Rich’s thread above for the link.
Smarten up, voters
Re Chicago Tribune gubernatorial poll:
This poll proves beyond a reasonable doubt that Illinois voters are IGNORANT. They don’t care about facts, nor do they bother to find them.
IL voters spend more time making decisions on meals from a “drive-thru” than they do in electing politicians. … Illinois politicians play on our ignorance as voters. This poll shows one thing: Who claims the title of King of the Ignorant?
Animous, Thecapitolfaxblog.com
Does this jog your memory? and spare us the Clintonesque parsing of the definition of ignorant. It all depends on what the definition of the word is is.
Comment by Bill Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:08 pm
Bill-
I can walk a precinct with the best of them. Did the first one many many elections ago. I can’t work up the enthusiasm about any candidate to make me want to do it this time. I admire your dedication to Rod; I just hope you don’t find sometime in the future that your trust in him was misplaced. I mean that sincerely.
However, Adlai II just spun in his grave a few times and Adlai III just barfed up his dinner upon hearing your comparison.
PS: For you young folks, Adlai III (when he was a Democrat) had one of the best debate lines ever against Thompson. Thompson was droning on a bit about highway improvements and Adlai says, “enough about the pre-election inch of asphalt-may I make a comment.”
Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:49 pm
Bill, which Adlai was that? As I recal, Jr. lost his arse to Big Jim, what happened ? - flat tires on the van?
Comment by Citizen A Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 9:50 pm
AA
I wasn’t talking about Adlai III, but that was a great line.
The pride of Libertyville (II) is one of my personal heroes.
Comment by Bill Saturday, Oct 21, 06 @ 6:17 am
Bill,
Its nice you only put up part of my post and not the whole thing. You’re doing EXACTLY what I’ve been talking about for the last three days.
You selectively take parts of what has been, from my perspective, an entirely accurate assessment and one of hundreds of words and turn it into a half of a sentence talking point.
You intentionally omit my last five posts and explaining my position because its more convienent for you. READ THEM ALL. I’m sure you have, but taken in context its just not that juicy…
Thanks Bill, you’ve once again provided an excellent example of how political “puffery” works to build on half truths and bury voters with BS–not facts. Its why people like you love working in politics.
I believe, for the majority of people, its an illustration of what continues to be wrong with the political system. You’re living proof Pal…
Comment by Animous Saturday, Oct 21, 06 @ 7:48 am
Bill,
And by the way, I DIDN’T post my comments to the Trib. I have never posted anywhere but here. If someone posted portions and not the whole post then SHAME ON THEM.
Also, if you read my ORIGINAL post, you will see that the VERY FIRST THING on the post was a full definition of the word–its what the entire post was based on. Lacking Knowledge, Unaware, uniformed.
It just proves my point; who needs the facts when half-truths are so much juicier…
Comment by Animous Saturday, Oct 21, 06 @ 8:06 am
Talk to just about anyone and they’ll “privately opine” that they’re voting for Whitney. Everyone is thinking about it, it’s just that no one wants to be the first to admit anything. Give it a little more time–this little snowball has started rolling.
Comment by Squideshi Saturday, Oct 21, 06 @ 10:23 am
I just loved it that on the same page of the ST endorsement, the Higgins political cartoon showed Blago’s big fundraiser and friend, Rezko up before the judge.
Comment by Concerned Voter Saturday, Oct 21, 06 @ 12:27 pm
Squid,
You’re starting to get some momentum because the Beard looks attractive against two unpopular candidates. As soon as the media sunshine hits you and people figure out your party supports a huge income tax increase, that sunlight will melt your little snowball.
Comment by Truth Saturday, Oct 21, 06 @ 12:34 pm
Hey truth, guess what? The Sun-Times endorsed Toddler Stroger in its Sunday edition.
It looks like I’ll be saving 50 cents each day, because if I want toilet paper, I’ll buy Charmin or Northern.
Perhaps what needs to be done is to start informational picketing in front of the biggest advertisers in the Sun-Times, demanding they pull all ads until those responsible for these endorsement actions are fired and the newspaper formally retracts its endorsements (even if it is after the election). Otherwise, sorry Rich, this lousy newspaper should be boycotted until it is in receivership.
Comment by fedup dem Saturday, Oct 21, 06 @ 5:36 pm
“Susie Chapstick,” those were simply the first two paragraphs of the editorial.
Comment by Rich Miller Saturday, Oct 21, 06 @ 7:06 pm
What a bunch of crap.
“….he himself has never been involved in any unethical or illegal fund-raising. Our experience with Blagojevich prompts us to take him at his word. We’ve chosen to give him the benefit of the doubt and endorse him for a number of reasons.”
How much were they bought off for? Do they read their own newspaper?
Comment by state worker Saturday, Oct 21, 06 @ 7:48 pm
“State worker,” I seriously doubt that a major city daily could be “bought off.”
Comment by Rich Miller Saturday, Oct 21, 06 @ 7:51 pm
The Sun Times editorial board scenario
Q.(ST to Rod Runner) Did you know that Stu Levine and Tony Reszko were shaking down the ACME Chemical Company to fund your campaign?
A.(Rod Runner) beep beep
Q. (ST. to Rod Runner) Did Wyle Coyote give you a stick of dynamite disguised as a $1,500 check for your daughter’s birthday?
A.(Rod Runner) beep beep!
Q. ST Are you using All Kids, Senior Care and the massive Tollway reconstruction project to keep your name in a positve light when all the bad coyotes are trying to get you?
A. Rod Runner..beep beep beep!
Comment by Saturday morning Saturday, Oct 21, 06 @ 10:05 pm
Topinka just isn’t a serious alternative. Too many bats in the belfry.
Comment by Peachy Sunday, Oct 22, 06 @ 12:34 am
Bill,
If the Governor has all the seniors in his voting pocket, why does he have to steal over $100,000 of Department on Aging funds (taxpayer funds) to educate seniors about his prescription drug plans? The letter was also released from the Governor’s Office. Such political activities should be illegal.
Comment by So Blue Democrat Sunday, Oct 22, 06 @ 11:44 am
Part of the successful implementation of any plan is informing the citizens who may qualify about the details of the plan. Using words like “raid” and “stealing” is typical for Blago haters. The Dept. of Aging is not stealing anything when it publicizes its new programs. It is doing what it is supposed to do, its job.
I didn’t say that the Governor had anyone in his pocket. He is treating all voters as undecided and is working tirelessly to reach out to each voter and convince them, his bosses, that he has done a great job for them as governor and deserves to continue.
Go ahead and complain that good gov’t is always to further Rod’s political career. The people aren’t buying it.
Todd and Rod will win in 06!
Four more years!
Bring it on!
Comment by Bill Sunday, Oct 22, 06 @ 1:17 pm
Bill,
If the Department on Aging is doing the public relations on the program, why is the Department on Aging not mentioned in the letter, and why has the letter been released by the Governor’s Office. I am a life-long active Democrat that will never vote for him again. Many Democrats feel the same way. You do not live in reality. The only reason he may win again is due to the candidate the Republicans selected. If they had selected a decent candidate, Rod would be toast (and he deserve to be).
Comment by So Blue Democrat Sunday, Oct 22, 06 @ 1:28 pm
Additionally, why is support for the Green Party increasing? The answer is very dissatisfied Democrats.
Comment by So Blue Democrat Sunday, Oct 22, 06 @ 1:30 pm
Rich Miller - Saturday, Oct 21, 06 @ 7:51 pm:
“State worker,†I seriously doubt that a major city daily could be “bought off.â€
Rich, I just read the Sun-Times endorsement of Todd Stroger! Are you really sure? Maybe their Board can.
Comment by Huh? Sunday, Oct 22, 06 @ 5:34 pm
Hey, state worker, how could anybody take the Gov. on his word. He has to sign an wavier to prove he will keep his word..
Comment by ironman Sunday, Oct 22, 06 @ 6:58 pm