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These numbers bring it all into focus in a major way.
Gov. Rod Blagojevich spent more than $18 million on about 22,000 television spots to secure Tuesday’s re-election victory, swamping his Republican challenger’s TV dollars almost 4-to-1 and prompting renewed calls for fundraising limits in Illinois, a market analysis indicates. […]
The firm, TSNMI/Campaign Media Analysis Group of Arlington, Va., calculates that between the March primaries and Tuesday’s election, Blagojevich bought 22,109 television spots in markets throughout Illinois, as well as St. Louis and Paducah, Ky., at an estimated cost of $18,148,050.
Topinka, with a far smaller war chest than Blagojevich’s, started her television campaign later, ultimately airing 4,638 spots, with an estimated cost of $4,636,068.
She was buried.
And the fundraising is not going to end any time soon, as my Sun-Times column explains today.
Last week, one of Governor Rod Blagojevich’s best pals told me that the governor would definitely run for a third term. […]
(I)f you thought Gov. Blagojevich would finally get down to the business of actual governance and stop with all the campaign hooplah, you’ve got another thing coming. The governor is most comfortable in campaign mode - quoting Elvis on the stump, issuing press releases announcing populist-sounding programs that aren’t actually funded, throwing sharp public elbows at those who would oppose him - and that is apparently where he’ll stay.
Wednesday, the day after the election, a group of eight “good government” groups issued a press release calling on Gov. Blagojevich “to work as hard at passing sweeping campaign reforms as he did at winning reelection.” Not gonna happen. If he really does have his mind set on a third term, then his unseemly fundraising will continue. The only difference from his first term will be that indicted pal Tony Rezko won’t be around to rake in allegedly corrupt millions.
My brain is ready to explode.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 3:46 am
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A third term! I, I, I feel faint, someone help m………….(thump)
Comment by just say no Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 4:43 am
“Just say no” your comment had me laughing so hard I actually started to cry.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 4:50 am
You forgot to mention that Governor Blagojevish’s pal’s assertion rests on a huge IF, that is if he is not elected President of the United States in 2008. I might ad that that is a big IF, because after 8 years of Bush slash-and-burn extremist politics, America will overwhelmingly grab onto the progressive, patriotic agenda that Governor Blagojevish embodies. And like the first Democrat to run from Illinois, Abraham Lincoln, our Governor will go down as a top 5 all-time President.
Comment by Authentic Illinoisan Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 5:54 am
Illinois deserves what it gets at this point.
Comment by T.J. Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 5:55 am
Authentic Illinoisan, could there be a primary with 2 Illinoisians going for the presidential nomination? Obama and Blago. What a choice.
Comment by Mom Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 6:35 am
Blagojevich seems like the type who will cannibalize Obama. Maybe I’ll be surprised.
Comment by Levois Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 6:49 am
Authentic,
Better check your history books- Abe was a Republican.
Comment by Shallow Pharnyx Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 7:06 am
So that’s what he meant by “You ain’t seen nothing yet.” Meaning “you ain’t seen a truly endless campaign season yet.”
Comment by 'Lainer Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 7:20 am
Let’s first see Bladgo get thru the second term !? Not even sworn in yet and already our Guv {not by me}is looking at 4 years hence instead of the the ternm ahead of him! Geezzz !! Tells you where the focus is & apparently it “ain’t” governing….which is something they are really going to have to do. I hope “they” are up for the challenge ; it will be a new concept to them. They’ve always gotten by with nothing. Given some of the things still out there , oh I don’t know like FBI investigations, indictments of his “friends” ect., ect., ect. Hmmmm? I don’t know ?? Those didn’t go away on November 8th. Still think it’s going to be a “ala” Pat Quinn administration. “Authentic” @ 5:54am …you are entitled to your views….but the thought of that happening is pretty dilutional & the actuality is a thought that is too hurtful to think. Plus,they {the folks of the US} would like it if he lived in the White House, DC the seat of gov’t & that could be an issue at home for him. His “win” is hardly a mandate & he should really send a thank-you card to Whitney for “helping him out”.
Comment by the old republican Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 7:22 am
He has to many negitives for the national people to pick him.A state like Illinois you can slide things by like he has done.Emanuel is the star now and he will run the other way.Besides he has to come up with a few billion to keep this state afloat.The fun has just started.Plus everyday sheds new light on the fact that all these programs are falling to the wayside because they are not funded.This is not going to be a cakewalk of smoke and mirrors because his own party is going to rein him in.They know that the Repubs have the rebuild message so they want all their ducks in a line and a loose cannon is’nt part of the plan now.
Comment by DOWNSTATE Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 7:32 am
Rich,
The Governor did keep his no tax pledge but that was hardly the “only campaign promise he kept.” The minimum raise was significantly raised. All children have access to health care. Education funding has been significantly raised and on and on. You know all this. Why print otherwise?
If the press paid just a little more attention to the accomplishments of the administration and less to the wishful thinking of the rod haters regarding indictments and “Gov. Quinn” the public would gain a more accurate picture of the fine way that this state is being governed. The campaign is over and the “pundits” from Carol Marin to you to Kroll to Kass and Brown failed to persuade the public to vote your way. While we concentrate on governing you and the rest of the “corps” should concentrate on telling the truth about the accomplishments of the governor.
As for the next campaign, either in two or four years, sign me up. It is a pleasure to work with such fine, hard working,competent professionals. Months ago I wrote that the doubters should just sit back and watch the how the professionals run a camapign. I hope you all learned something.
Comment by Bill Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 7:38 am
Bill,
Let’s face it- if Tim Nieukirk spent $18K on ads and Blago spent $4.6K, Nieukirk would be the next Governor of Illinois. Period.
Comment by Shallow Pharnyx Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 7:47 am
Well Bill, I’ve been wondering where all the great Blagojevich people are because they aren’t the ones he appointed to fill those prime jobs in state government. Those people are mostly egotistical slackers. Now I know where the “great” people are - they were running his campaign! And just think, we get to start it all over again immediately. I was also wondering why all the new employee orientations were always full despite the pronouncement that the state of Illinois has a hiring freeze going on. Now I know the answer to that question also. What a hypocrite.
Comment by Really Disgusted Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 8:00 am
Rod can have as many terms as he wants as long as he has money and the Republicans can not find, field or finance a viable candidate.
Comment by Ali bin Hadden Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 8:14 am
“Those people are mostly egotistical slackers.” Your attitude is a large part of any problems you may percieve that exists in state govermment. If disgruntled state employees ( and there aren’t as many as this blog would seem to indicate) would concentrate more on serving the public and less on bashing their bosses, co-workers, and the governor, we could really improve the delivery of services.
If you are aware of any improprieties report them to the EIG as you are duty bound to do. If not, then shut up and get to work!
Comment by Bill Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 8:16 am
Bill–Pay close attention: THE GOVERNOR IS CORRUPT.
He won the election only because he had enough campaign money to, as one observor called it, “carpet bomb” Topinka with negative television ads. It’s my opinion that if voters had read only newspapers that Blagojevich would not have been re-elected.
Sure he’s spending more of our tax money on under-used programs like All Kids, but he’s GOT NO PLAN for how to continue to fund programs responsibly. That’s because his vision extends only as far as the next election. Don’t expect him to change.
Comment by Oh please! Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 8:17 am
Blago definitely prefers campaigning to governing. And it would seem that his best people are on the campaign side. Contrary to what Bill says, all children do not have access to health care- very few have signed up for “All Kids” and the system couldn’t afford all the potential kids who lack insurance. It was a campaign scheme rather than a real program.
So congrats to Blago’s campaign team and his advertising people. Although it should be noted- especially for a guy with Presidential ambitions- that he received about 200,000 fewer votes than he did in 2002, and about 750,000 fewer votes than Lisa Madigan received this year. And, he did not receive 50 percent of the vote, hardly a recommendation to the people in the other 49 states.
Comment by Max Maxwell Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 8:22 am
Oh please,
The election results show that your opinions are out of the mainstream.Fortunately, the voters of Illinois don’t get their information from columnists or biased newspapers like the Chicago Scabune. I wonder if Bruce Dolt was marching with the Peraica vigilantes on Tuesday night. At least Judy lost with class.
Comment by Bill Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 8:24 am
I’m sure the media outlets are enjoying reading this article. They are the ones who got fat feeding at that advertising money trough and will have no problem continuing to rake in the dollars.
Blago won’t last this 4 year term. In a way though I wish he would because I’d love to see him go up against Lisa Madigan. With this election over and now the national press is concentrating on the front runners for the presidential nomination, why is it that no one has mentioned the governor of Illinois? I believe even sleazy politicians have standards and Blago doesn’t fit in. Obama has been smart enough to recognize his dealings with Rezko can come back to haunt him and he has wisely taken the opportunity to divorce himself from Rezko. Blago is still blindly loyal to his crooked friends and doesn’t have sense enough to run a clean ship.
But I’d love to see Blago try to run for president in ‘08. That’s the only way we will get answers from him to our State questions. He will not be able to duck the press and paparazzi. No, Blago won’t go after a presidential nomination. He’s pretty stupid, but I give him a little credit for not being that stupid.
Comment by Little Egypt Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 8:31 am
Little e,
A lot can change in two years out. Never count Rod out. Lisa would never challenge a democratic incumbent in a primary. She doesn’t work that way.
Comment by Bill Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 8:35 am
Bill he got less than half of the vote of a mid term poor turn out election.It is not a mandate that he keeps running the State like he has.The fiscal bottom line is the mandate and he does not have a clue on how to change it.The one time money sources are gone,state agencies other than his friends are to the bone,we are so borrowed out that our bond rating{credit rating]is at a all time low.All this General Assembly is going to be his harshish crictic.So make sure you have your helmet on because the Dems will make him crash and burn not the Repubs.Also a lot of the national people elected were Repubs with aDem title.So the mainstream is changing.
Comment by DOWNSTATE Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 8:37 am
Don’t be fooled by third term spin. He’s only saying that so it doesn’t look like what it really is: fundraising for his legal defense fund.
Comment by Dan Rather Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 8:42 am
Well, Downstate, you have a point about Rod getting less than half of the vote, but after months of your predictions that he would either be indicted or lose big to Topinka I don’t think your predictions about state finances or anything else are very cerdible.
Comment by Bill Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 8:43 am
Bill the investigations are not over and a new one has been added.Blago will become the Bush poster boy for Illinois and the Dems know it.Have fun because he will not get much done.Taxes will rasise.
Comment by DOWNSTATE Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 8:50 am
Bill, the first thing you have said that I absolutely, positively believe and that has been right on target is when you said “A lot can change in two years out.”
I really cannot give any credibility to anything you say about Elvis because you are so blinded and enamoured by him. Even his most ardent supporters would admit the man has flaws. You cannot bring yourself to admit even that. No one is faultless or blameless. Your boy has lots of baggage he’s carrying around and as more subpoenas are issued and more people indicted, his load is going to become very heavy. I would think more highly of you if you were to occasionally admit that there is something that just doesn’t sound right or that Elvis has proposed a program that won’t fly. I’m beginning to think that it is you who is still campaigning - campaigning for some type of position in his administration. Your “Stepford” loyalty is really laughable and is making you look very foolish.
Comment by Little Egypt Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 9:07 am
Our only hope as a people is to level the playing field in TV advertising, otherwise every election will be “bought” by whoever can afford more spots. I would like to see an advisory referendum campaign to start the ball rolling on state-wide regulation. We shoual also start writing the FCC and FEC to express our wishes that TV stations using the public airwaves should broadcast campaign commercials for free as a public service and obligation, not as a revenue stream.
Comment by Gregor Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 9:07 am
NOTE TO GOVERNOT HAIRDO: Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it. You wanted 4 more years. You got them. Now you have to come up with a way to pay for all of those unfunded projects from your first administration - WITHOUT RAISING TAXES. Didn’t think of that at the time did you? You thought you were going to leave this for the next poor sap who became Governor. But guess what Elvis. You are now that poor sap. Are you going to continue to raid the pension funds, raise fees, raise minimum wage (a backdoor tax), defer payments to medical providers, etc., etc? You currently have a $5 billion deficit in this state. I can hardly wait to see what it will increase to in 4 years.
Comment by Little Egypt Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 9:15 am
A third term/endless campaign is an interesting idea.
Here is a thought. If Mike Madigan wants Lisa to be Governor in 4 years and not 8 what if Mike Madigan starts pushing finance reform? Limited spending in some ways could help Lisa because of the other resources (people) her dad could bring to help her campaign.
Comment by OneMan Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 9:15 am
Can you spell indictment ??? I knew you could !! Bladgo is going to be indicted & Quinn will be the next Gov. by succession. If you think people voted for Roddy because he’s great & wonderful…then the electorate really are grossly mis-informed. The spring session is going to be damned interesting….stay tuned !!!!
Comment by annon. in central illinois Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 9:24 am
If he is touting a 3rd run, it’s his people the spinners.
They have to keep his perception up as a strong leader with a strong future.
They know he is weak and vunerable from with in his own party.
The investigations will take a toll on his ratings and soon the other governor wanabees will start circling like vultures.
I think that Lisa will assist with the investigation and her daddy will start the political jockeying to ensure the powers to be line up behind her when she makes her move.
I don’t think she would go after him(run against him)straight up, but after his popularity dips to an all time low from the corruption and failed programs and the budget…folks will beg her to run.
Comment by Daxx Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 9:35 am
No human being is flawless. Any individual who attains the highest elected office in the state has made compromises along the way to get where he is. I think we all know that. But the constant ranting that the governor is corrupt without any corraborating facts or evidence is what I find foolish. The campaign is over. The governor won. The lack of respect shown to him by the press and bloggers is unprecedented in Illinois politics. This constant barrage of false and misleading accusations and insults makes any discussion of programs, policy, fiscal and otherwise, very difficult. Get over your hate and let’s work together to make Illinois a leader in education, health care, and fiscal responsibility. There is a lot more work to be done. You ain’t seen nothin yet!
By the way, Elvis used “little e’ as a nickname for something. Does anyone know what for?
Comment by Bill Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 9:47 am
This is a prime example of why Illinois needs fundraising limits and 2-term limits for ALL elected positions (state, county, and local governments). What were we thinking (when we removed term limits)?? I know, I know, when term limits were removed, the Repubs thought they’d be in power forever rather than look at the longterm consequences.
Comment by Just Wonderin' Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 9:56 am
Well, he really doesn’t have too many other options other than running for a third term.
A presidential run is out of the question because the Dem field is too crowded already (Hillary, Obama being the elephants in the room) and there are those pesky scandals. Would he want to be a senator? One of 100 presidential wannabees, and one with little seniority? Not too attractive. He’ll be fifty this year and at fifty-four, one is getting a little old to try to get on the national political stage.
So, can Lisa and Alexi afford to wait 8 years instead of four? Same problem as Obama has. A lot can change in 8 years and the longer they wait in Illinois, the more likely a Republican backlash. Second terms tend to have more problems than first terms, federal investigations aside. Financial chickens coming home. Program flaws come to light in programs like Allkids. Troubled agencies like DCFS and DHS get more troubled (DCFS, for example, has had a number of very sad cases in which young children under their supervision died violently this year).
The Blag/Lisa/Alexi tension, with Obama and Madigan pulling strings in the background, will make these four years fascinating to watch.
Comment by Cassandra Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 9:59 am
What worries me about Blago’s next term is that his victory speech made no mention of the federal investigations which leads me to think that it may be business as usual.
On a more hopeful note, the money guys were still at his victory party but now they were hiding out along the walls while Blago’s real supporters gathered around the stage. 4 years ago the money guys were on the stage.
Comment by Someone you should know Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 10:05 am
As I suggested before, there is a necessity for limiting the campaigning season. It is too damn long, and that is why money trumps ideas.
JudyB lost, as we knew she would, partly because she ran afoul of the Governor’s war chest doing all the negative campaigning and attempted to be the anti-Rod. No candidate or party definition occurred.
That is partly because the IllGOP is itself politically and economically bankrupt and acted mainly as a traffic director. Fundraising was emasculated by the forays of national leaders into0 the State to haul money out to be used to elect Congresspeople in tight races.
And, I say again, Rich, the Republican party moguls make money whoever is in power
Comment by Truthful James Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 10:09 am
Pardon the dumb question but I thought Illinois had a two term limit for the Gov.’s office?
and btw, Blago did not get a mandate from teh voters, in fact Judy won a majority in over 2/3 of the counties! Only in Chitown (can you spell “machine”)did he overwhelmingly win= obviously the blind part of the state where anything goes no matter what the criminal connection. The reason why the blogs and journalists comments are so negative is because this guy doesn’t know how to govern! You can’t rob peter to pay paul any longer Mr. Elvis. What a joke! Please, please, run for national office so we can be rid of you!
Comment by new game Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 10:12 am
“No human being is flawless.” Bill, that is quite an interesting comment… and it makes me think of a great Garrison Keilor line… “When people here you say that, their first thought is that you had an affair… and their second is with whom and for how long.” And Bill, if we ain’t seen nothing yet, I am sure we are going to see plenty of nothing to come.
Comment by Lovie's Leather Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 10:14 am
OK Loves, just keep studying and maybe some day you’ll graduate and join the real world. You know what they say about a little knowledge.
Comment by Bill Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 10:22 am
Bill -
“Little e” - Rich would have to delete the post.
Rich - Don’t know if you remember, but I talked to you one day when you were on the Mike Wilson show (how long ago was that?). The callers were all saying Blago was toast - and I pointed out the sixth year trend would save him. Obviously, Foleygate was unknown at that time, but where would Blago have finished if this was the sixth year of Al Gore’s Presidency?
Comment by Smitty Irving Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 10:33 am
new game, new to Illinois? That would explain not remembering Governor-for-Life (almost) Big Jim Thompson.
Illinois has no term limits, and the courts have fixed it so that the citizens cannot even place a referendum on the ballot to enact term limits.
Comment by HoosierDaddy Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 10:34 am
Bill, the truesth thing you’ve ever said is “you ain’t seen nothing yet”
Nothing but empty promises
Nothing but lies and half-truths
Nothing but PR schemes without substance
Nothing but corruption in hiring
Nothing but contempt for civil servants
Nothing but fundraising instead of governing
Nothing but deficit budgeting
this is starting to remind me of a John Lennon song
I don’t believe in Blago.
His come-uppance is only delayed, but he will join the ranks of Kerner, Walker, and Ryan.
Comment by Gregor Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 10:43 am
I read the column. Emil Jones with a veto proof majority. Well if I recall correctly during some of the budget battles going on under this governor he often sided with the governor. While Madigan was playing tough guy. I don’t have much faith that Jones will put his foot down.
Comment by Levois Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 11:07 am
Bill, are you denying that there are multiple subpoenas that have been issued to the Governor’s office? Are you denying that there are two CMS employees in charge of hiring who Blago has fired claiming they were “bad apples” and that there was a list of potential hires that these two CMS employees were instructed to “look at”? Bill, why is it that the person who holds the highest office in Illinois has a father-in-law who started all of this Federal investigation by claiming that jobs were being sold in Illinois? Oh yes, Dick Mell retracted that statement because Chris Kelly threatened to sue him. Mell should have held his ground because it’s beginning to look like he was correct.
Now Bill, why in the world would so much Federal investigation surround one human being? Why is it that Rezko has now been indicted and why is it that Rezko has been so front and center with Blago in his fundraising and appointments of people to high level jobs? Why is it that Blago appointee Levine has now plead guilty and are you the only one who believes that Blago re-appointed Levine just to keep a political balance on the board? I can’t begin to list everything here and I won’t try but there is much, much more. Anyone with an ounce of sense would connect those dots and come up with a lot of suspicion for Blago. Have you not been on our planet for the past year or so and read indictments listing Individuals A-K. That Bill is 11 other individuals with the “potential” for indictments. Do you not think that these people are going to roll over on your boy Elvis? Are you the only one in this state that cannot see the trail the Feds took with GRyan and see they are going down the same path? The Feds are slow and methodical. I didn’t think they would come forth with an indictment of Blago before the election as they are not even close to indicting him. They have way too many other fish to catch first. They need to build an ironclad case AND THEY WILL.
I personally could not vote for a person who has no morals, principles, ethics, or values. Blago either does not recognize his wrong doings or he’s in denial and hopes his dog and pony show will convince the rest of us that he has a Teflon coating. It will continue to be business as usual with him. He will keep going out of state to raise money, he will continue giving away pork to buy votes and support, he will continue to thumb his nose at the legislature in order to get his pet projects through; i.e. stem cell research. Whether you are for the research or not is beside the point. The governor ignored the wishes of the legislature and in doing so is trying to make himself the “third house”. It really does no good to try to reason with you. I don’t know who you are but I’m beginning to believe you are an inner operative of Blago. His strongest supporters on this blog have taken a hiatus for a while but you just keep on keeping on. That’s why I’m just as suspicious of you as I am Elvis.
By the way, my name on this blog is Little Egypt. I know very little about Elvis Presley other than, in my opinion, his popularity also was over exaggerated.
Comment by Little Egypt Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 11:21 am
If Rod Blagojevich is still around in four years and thinking about a third term, Lisa Madigan will run against him in the primary, and she will defeat him handily. Period.
Frankly, I think there is serious doubt that Rod will survive the mounting storm of scandals swirling around his office to finish his term, let alone consider another bite at the apple. We saw in George Ryan’s case how quickly the public can turn sour on an otherwise popular chief executive once they understand the case against him. George Ryan dropped like a rock.
Folks should keep in mind that it took almost six years for George Ryan’s shadow to catch up with him, but eventually it did. It always does for those who try to maintain their hold on power.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 11:29 am
A third term? Please - spare the Rod!
Comment by Ken in Aurora Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 11:37 am
Just did a little math Judy paid $999 per spot and Rod paid $820. Guess Rod got volume pricing.
Comment by Chillimon Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 11:43 am
It really amused me to read that the Governor is already planning a third term. The more I thought about it, I thought it made a lot of sense. His dreams of the Presidency should be over. Twice the past week, he has been mentioned in the New York Times. In both articles, the corruption in his administration was clearly outlined. He is certainly not ready for the national press (and he never will be).
Many politicians move on to big law firms when they decide to discontinue their political careers. No major law firm will hire him in the future since he is so tainted. In fact, he will continue to need the services of such law firms as the indictments continue.
Someone earlier compared Rod to Lincoln. This also deeply amused me. Comparing the Governor to Lincoln is like comparing Ted Haggard to Jesus. Both the Governor and Haggard are hypocrites.
We can only hope that Madigan and Jones will keep the Governor in check. If he continues to perform (or not perform) as he has during the past four years, he will hurt the Democratic Party in upcoming elections. As the Republicans saw on the national level, the voters want results, and not continued pandering to specific groups.
Comment by So Blue Democrat Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 11:45 am
As Rod knows …”there is no team in I…” He is a one man show riding toward glory. Too bad when the glare of the bright lights fade he’ll realize it’s a prison ahead and glory is a she-man waiting to visit with him. “Every day is a get’en closer, going faster than a roller coaster……Thump!!! His ship of fools hit the iceberg some time back. It’s just a mater of time now. Third term…..well, I guess “there’s always hope!” Not a prayer in hell, but there’s always hope!!
Comment by Justice Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 11:52 am
Little e,
Picking on the governor is one thing but trying to insult Elvis…well, that is just too much!
Comment by Bill Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 11:58 am
The public, by not taking the time to be informed (knowing that statewides are elected independently of one another, that for the general, Gov. and Lt. Gov. run as one, etc.)allowed the ads to be effective.
When the circle narrows, and Blago gets indicted, they will all wonder, “Why didn’t anyone tell us?”
Comment by ANONYMOUS Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 12:00 pm
A third term>? he will be indicted by then. Little lisa Madigan will smash him or leave him damaged for an electable GOP opponent
Comment by Wumpus Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 12:18 pm
Reminds me of Jim Thompson’s “Strive for Five” when he was considering a fifth term
Comment by tough guy Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 12:24 pm
OK. Everyone please please please back Lisa Madigan to run against this guy next time around.
The the Illinois GOP is just plain dead for a while, but since Madigan and our Democratic Comptroller seem to have an actual clue, I voted for them and am enjoying watching them tell Rod that he needs to get out of La La Land already and face the state’s problems.
That’s the only hope at some reform. Get some sensible Democrats to do it, because that’s all there is left around here, thanks to the GOP’s stupid experiment with Alan Keyes.
Comment by Angie Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 12:48 pm
The only hope is for Lisa to take Rod out next time around. There is no Illinois GOP to do it, so it’ll have to be a Democrat that people actually like around here, and that’s all across the board.
Being that everyone seemed comfortable voting for Lisa, as evidenced by her landslide #’s, there’s a strong possibility that she will do just that.
And since the press generally (Sun-Times endorsement aside) did such a great job hammering Blago prior to the election, perhaps they can help hammer away at the guy some more.
Top issue: Healthcare! He and Lisa are NOT on the same side on the non-profit hospitals, charity care, billing/collections controversy. And then we all know that he won’t comply with the AG’s request that he release subpoena info.
R’s are going to have to back the D’s who are serious about reform, because this state is a mess. Just ask our Comptroller.
Comment by Angie Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 12:58 pm
My first post didn’t go through, so I did another one. Sorry for that. Rich, can you delete the top one and keep the second? Thanks
Comment by Oops Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 1:00 pm
“A third term? he will be indicted by then.”
I thought that the Gov was going to be indicted before the primary. Then in mid-June, then late July, and then early fall.
You don’t have a clue on if or when indictments will occur. Give it a break, man.
If you have some kind of inside information, please share it.
Comment by Bobby Hicks Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 1:00 pm
Remember this classic?
B Hicks:
There are 14 ACTIVE federal investigations ongoing right now into RGod and his band of merry men. Lost its bang huh? In your dreams! It will all come down between May and July. As I have said before though, it would be poetic justice for RGod to have to serve another term to watch him work more miracles with the budget. If he wins the primary I may even vote for him just for the fun of it. And who cares if the campaign manager quits? All you experts have decided who is going to win on both sides in March so why even have an election?
Comment by Bobby Hicks Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 1:03 pm
Hey Bobby,
We did it!
Congratulations, man!
Comment by Bill Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 2:20 pm
Thanks man!
Congratulations to you, too.
Keep the mustache, it looks good.
See ya at the big party.
Comment by Bobby Hicks Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 2:22 pm
or maybe at Two Brothers Tuesday night.
Comment by Bobby Hicks Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 2:23 pm
Bobby, the Feds are certainly a concern, but if I were you, I would be more worried about my State paycheck bouncing, my State health benefits turning into a box of Band-Aids and a bottle of Tylenol, and of course my “alternative formula” pension getting a decidedly non-Elvis haircut.
Let’s face it. In the words of Rod Blagojevich’s Comptroller. Dan Hynes, pensions, healthcare, and education swallow all the available new money for the foreseeable future. Well, which one do you think your man Rod is going to whack to pay for all his and Emil’s great ideas for the other two?
That’s right, door #1. Especially in light of AFSCME’s non-support and Gov. Tusk’s contempt for state workers, watch for another round of “pension reforms,” slashed healthcare, and massive layoffs.
Remember that the State in FY08 must identify the dollar amount of its healthcare liaiblity to active and retired State employees, university employees, and teachers and set a plan for how they are going to pay for this over time. Note that not word one was said on this issue from either campaign, because the $$$$ amount is so huge. Could be as much as the pension liability that the State has done such a fine job of repaying.
Be careful what you wish for…
Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 2:38 pm
What about Hynes? He is a good public servant with a good clean record. What are his chances of running for gov.
I heard he wanted to run back when Rod first came out to run and he was directed to wait. I also heard he has kicked himself ever since. Do you think he can move up or was he damaged by Obama’s defeat in the senate race? I think he would make a great gov.
Comment by Daxx Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 2:47 pm
THIRD TERM MY…Oh, never mind; Rich would have had to delete me. First, I doubt Blagojevich will want one, as if he manages to finish his second there won’t be any state assets left for him to sell or lease and no special funds he’ll not have already raided to fund his designed-for-Chicago giveaway programs. His bag of tricks will be empty, and the thrill will be gone.
Second, I’m still betting on an indictment cutting his term short, because the Governor’s ego, arrogance and addiction to power are so great that he is incapable of mending his corrupt ways even with the hot breath of a federal endemic hiring fraud investigation on the back of his neck. Mr. Business As Usual just elevated a 50ish Intern he hired after she was defeated in her attempt to unseat a Republican State Rep a couple years ago to a Regional Director’s position over at Emergency Management. That’s the kind of stellar qualification that should make us feel safe and protected.
And Bill, before you start your usual “How can you blame Rod for this?” chant, I feel very comfortable in saying he’s responsible since the Governor’s Office still approves all hirings and promotions.
THIRD TERM? Dear God, they do say that awful things always happen in threes…
Comment by Casey Jones Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 2:56 pm
AA,
You are right about the GASB rules. I would say an emergency, “temporary” income tax surcharge is in order…the sooner and the bigger, the better.
Comment by Bill Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 3:20 pm
I take it that a “temporary income tax surcharge” is not the same as “raising the income tax”? Just to be clear. I mean, since in your world a $3 billion budget hole is balanced, public education and pensions are adequately funded, etc. Anyway, re pension cuts, I thought Milorad was the anti-George Bush? Remind me, how did undermining Social Security work out for him? Rod versus retired teachers, police, social workers … hmm, I think I know where the public will come down in that debate.
Comment by Reality Check Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 3:28 pm
Well, kudos to HotRod, he won this vote. (5 times as much money didn’t hurt) Let’s see how well he does during his next vote– the one the jury foreman will count……….
Comment by KenoMan Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 4:02 pm
Bill, thank God there are people like you on this blog who push back on the Blago bashers. I have never seen somebody so unfairly beat up as this governor is on this blog. You clearly have a grasp of the issues and understand the heart of the man.
As far as a third term, I think any reasonable person (unlike eisen-whatever) considering a primary challenge to a sitting governor, particularly one who is a tireless campaigner and fundraiser, would need to get their head checked. For those of you who think that such a perosn will do it for the good of the state, why wouldnt the great Jim Edgar do it for the state? He didnt because he didnt want done to him what was done to Judy — he didnt want to get tattood.
Comment by You Like? Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 4:12 pm
I don’t know how many of you were out stumping for democratic/republican/green candidates knocking on doors or making phone calls but the general dislike of the republicans in washington was as clear as a bell. The republicans should consider themselves forward thinking for ending the straight ticket. The other surprise for me, springfield resident, is that the governor was not nearly as unpopular as the bloggers here, certain reporters, or the folks in springfield would like to believe. When talking with dem voters and independent voters I never heard about corruption, except the general “they are all crooks”, and that not too often. What I did hear was extreme dislike for the war and/or Bush. Also, stem cells and jobs.
Comment by Anon Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 4:36 pm
Goodness Bill, a little tense today. Shut up - shut up????? Sound like you have all the class of a duck. Folks, don’t disagree with Bill, ’cause he knows everything!!!
Comment by Martha Mitchell Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 4:41 pm
And by the way Bill, people can work and can criticize anyone they want to because this is the U.S. or did you think it was Blagoland?? People tell it like they see and know it, my friend.
Comment by Martha Mitchell Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 4:43 pm
Can anybody argue that Rod is NOT in touch with reality after his recent comments?
Oh. One more thing. He has to campaign constantly. He can’t govern worth a crap. His concept of “governing” is feel good Press Releases. Then cut and run.
He has to stay in office. Who would hire him after seeing him perform constantly in public for these past four years?
Comment by Buck Flagojevich Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 4:59 pm
Bill, was that you calling for a “temporary” income tax surcharge???? What a November surprise - NOT. GoverNOT Hairdo has to start the payback sometime and it will have to be with a tax increase. If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, and acts like a duck - hey Bill - it’s a TAX. That oughta take care of his third term aspirations.
Comment by Little Egypt Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 5:20 pm
You Like -
Edgar is vulnerable on MSI - that is why he did not run. He had two unindicted co-conspriators working for him (according to the recent law suit against Bill Cellini) - Michael Belletire and Janis Cellini.
Comment by Smitty Irving Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 6:12 pm
Anon:
The results for Sangamon County:
67% -20% for Topinka. One of the few landslides she got.
Comment by Jasper Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 6:44 pm
[He has to stay in office. Who would hire him after seeing him perform constantly in public for these past four years?] -from Buck Flagojevich
Thumbs up
Comment by Angie Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 6:54 pm
Folks, why are so many of us so unwilling to accept the will of the citizens of this state, which was very clearly stated on Tuesday? It shouldn’t be that hard to simply accept the fact that the great majority of Illinois citizens didn’t want to replace the Governor they have.
I’m a Republican. I rarely agree with Bill. But I absolutely agree that I believe it is improper for people to say that the Governor is corrupt without substantiating it. Say you think he is, say you believe he is, but I wish you all would stop stating opinion as fact. If he is in fact guilty of breaking the law while he has been governor, we’ll know soon enough. Everything else is just idle speculation. I say this with no hesitation: I doubt very much that he has knowingly done things that are violations of the law.
I’m not a defender of the Governor, but I think too many people on this blog just sound like sour grapes. Show as much class as Judy did. She wanted to win, she didn’t, and she accepted that gracefully. Why can’t more of us give that a try?
Comment by steve schnorf Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 10:30 pm
I’m still laughing about “just say no’s” comment.
Comment by Rich Miller Saturday, Nov 11, 06 @ 2:24 am
a THIRD TERM! NO!
Lisa, save us, please!!!
Comment by Mike Williams Saturday, Nov 11, 06 @ 4:56 pm
To anyone who feels like Just Say No, who has apparently passed out and thrown the forum host into a fit of laughter (side note: nice haircut in the Sun-Times mugshot, Rich), it is time to face reality. The ONLY hope at cleaning out the worst of ‘em is to support the better Dem candidates when they run.
If Lisa Madigan plans to run against Rod, then will the press, which has generally been doing a fantastic job at thumping away at Rod, please keep up the great work? Seriously. I don’t think all of those D voters trust a single thing that Rod has been saying about the alleged corruption, and for someone whose buddy pal has been indicted for supposedly betraying him, Rod isn’t exactly sounding like the jilted and betrayed friend, has he? Just made some quick comments about Rezko and then wanted to move on.
So, here’s a new chance for the press to keep on him for those pesky little answers we were all waiting for that he wouldn’t answer. It’ll keep the citizens of Illinois casting a critical eye on Rod, even if they did elect him again (possibly thinking they wanted Quinn over Birkett in a blue-trending state if Rod gets busted by the feds, perhaps?), and for sure it’ll sell papers, right?
Let the continuing interrogations begin! About those subpoenas that AG Madigan wanted us all to know about under the Freedom of Information Act. Answers, Rod? About that check? About how you’re going to take care of the state’s Medicaid backlog? About how clueless you were to not watch your pal Tony like a hawk when the warning signs were out there?
Yes, in the words of that song by Bachman Turner Overdrive, it is time for the press to continue “Takin’ care of business.”
I’m backin’ Lisa to take Rod out, now. Hope everyone else does, too.
Comment by Angie Sunday, Nov 12, 06 @ 3:27 pm
#
>- Smitty Irving - Friday, Nov 10, 06 @ 6:12 pm:
You Like -
Edgar is vulnerable on MSI - that is why he did not run. He had two unindicted co-conspriators working for him (according to the recent law suit against Bill Cellini) - Michael Belletire and Janis Cellini.
Comment by CCMcCall Sunday, Nov 12, 06 @ 11:46 pm
Some how the rest of my message disappear when posted.
I read the indictment pretty carefully and I did not see any reference that could be construed to refer to either Mike or Janis. Is is acceptable to smear someone just because your guy - Rod is in trouble and people are talking about him?
I’ve been around this game a long time and the Edgar administration was the cleanest one I have ever experienced, past or present. Why can’t they be given credit where credit is due? If the feds thought they had something they would have long since followed up on it, and they didn’t.
It is no wonder that neither party can recruit anyone other than morons to run for public office anymore.
Comment by CCMcCall Sunday, Nov 12, 06 @ 11:53 pm
Jasper - I guess I should have made it more clear…like a lot of people who live in SPI, I wasn’t working the election in Sangamon county.
Comment by Anon Monday, Nov 13, 06 @ 7:03 am