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Cynicism v. Reality

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Illinois

The Rockford Register-Star’s Aaron Chambers nails it again:

…WHEN GOV. ROD Blagojevich says limits on campaign contributions should apply to everybody from the governor and other statewide officials to lawmakers and lobbyists, he is setting campaign-finance reform on a track to failure.

When another columnist suggested that the governor’s motive might in fact be dooming efforts at reform, Blagojevich told her: “Don’t be cynical.”

Yet it’s officials like Blagojevich who truly drive cynicism among the press and public.

It’s the governor who raked in more than $11 million in campaign contributions since taking office in January 2003. It’s the governor who is primarily responsible for administering state contracts. And it’s the governor whose campaign donations have neatly coincided with contract awards.

I’ve noticed that a few people out there are using the word “cynicism” to describe the coverage of the governor’s recent statements about political reform. I prefer the term “realism.”

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Mar 14, 05 @ 12:15 am

Comments

Madigan “suggesting” that the Gov give back all his contributions was strictly a political move. Are you telling me he really cares?

Blagojevich demanding more sweeping reforms was also a political move and a good one. He probably doesnt care either.

People are politicizing this issue which is sad because this system is really screwed up.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Mar 14, 05 @ 9:38 am