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Question of the day

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Obama

* We ran a poll the other day asking which person you’d like to see appointed to Barack Obama’s US Senate seat if he wins the presidential race. Over 1,000 people participated in the poll, but there was a bit of hanky panky in the evening, so I shut it down.

I’ve added some more safeguards and will hide the results until the poll is closed later today. I’ll also disqualify anyone for the third and final round who I feel is trying to game the results. No appeals. My decision.

Explain your votes in comments…

ROUND TWO: Whom do you think Gov. Blagojevich SHOULD pick to replace Sen. Barack Obama if Obama is elected president? ( surveys)

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 11:12 am

Comments

I guess Dan Hynes. He has experience.

Comment by Wumpus Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 11:14 am
I voted for Lisa because she’s done a great job as an AG, despite all the problems between the governor and her own father. Somehow she’s risen above it all and managed to stay out of it, and stayed her own person.

Comment by Tony @ -30- Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 11:19 am
I think Alexi because (so far) he has proven to be a person of action and would (IMHO) most likely actually do things while in office that can directly and positively affect people.

Too many pols are “meeting types.” That is to say, they are like meetings: full of “we oughtas” and “we’re gonnas” but with zero follow through.

Alexi has shown that he has substance, so of all the listed choices I selected him FWIW.

Comment by This Guy Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 11:21 am
Dan Hynes has the “experience” to be a U.S. Senator? From being Illinois Comptroller? What is his legislative experience? What experience does he have in national government and issues? I’m a bit confused, Wumpy.

I don’t like a single one of these names for our Senator. I will admit that Schakowsky is at least (and the only one who is) qualified, but her views represent those of only a small minority of Illinois voters (the lakefront liberals). I think the fair thing to do would be to nominate a sitting or former congressman of a moderate district and who has or had a moderate voting record.

But, we all know that fairness has nothing to do with it. If you put a gun to my head and forced me to make a choice, I’d have to close my eyes , spit on the list and choose the unlucky target. They’re all just that unpalatable (at least as choices for Illinois’ U.S. Senator).

Comment by Snidely Whiplash Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 11:25 am
I voted for Huberman. I’m a Republican, and I hope that a Republican will win the 2010 U.S. Senate race. Huberman is the choice who has the lowest name recognition, so he would be the easiest for the Republican to defeat.

Comment by PhilCollins Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 11:28 am
I would hope none of the above. Madigan is good at her attorney general job and has a young family that can be quite distracting to deal with travels to DC. Not Hynes, just a feeling he is not suited to the job. The rest, well, baggage, inexperience, lack of leadership qualities.

My choice would be Debbie Halvorson. Though she takes flack for being in Emil’s clutches she has risen pretty quickly since she first became a state senator, and I think has shown the sincereity, ambition, and stamina to serve Illinois well. Plus she already wants to move to Washington.

Comment by anon Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 11:30 am
None of the above.

Comment by Patriot Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 11:31 am
“I voted for Lisa because she’s done a great job as an AG”

At the risk of being a spoil sport, just exactly what has she done that merits “great job”?

Comment by True Observer Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 11:37 am
Who the heck is Ron Huberman?

Comment by hmmmmm? Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 11:37 am
I voted for Huberman because he was the only black candidate available. If Obama wins, Rod will most assuredly not want to anger his strongest support base going into 2010. Rod always thinks he can win, and I’m sure his people are telling him he’d beat Lisa Madigan in the primary, and I’m sure they believe it, and he probably believes that they believe it, so he believes it too. Best case scenario for Rod - appoint an African American to fill Barack’s seat, shore up that base, and hope for a multi-candidate primary in 2010.

Comment by The Unlicensed Hand Surgeon Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 11:42 am
None of the above!!!!

Comment by reasonable 1 Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 11:44 am
The experience of Dan Hynes is that he has been in his job..not necessarily wonderful experience. Schiakosky is too far left for me and the others are still babies.

I say the eldest Blagojavich daughter!

Comment by Wumpus Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 11:46 am
I too do not know of Ron Huberman.

Alexi. He was an early supporter of Senator Obama, and Obama backed him bigtime in 2006. I think he’s done an admirable job as treasurer and he can be a self-funder if necessary.

Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 11:48 am
I would have to agree with Snidley W. There really is no one on the list that I find palatable and would be hard pressed to choose from among the people listed. I would vote to put forward Emil Jones’ name - if only to get him out of the Illinois senate, but I really do not want to subject the entire U.S. citizenry to his idiocy. Could the gov appoint himself to this position? It might be his only ticket to the “BIG DANCE” in Washington D.C..

Comment by Sweet Polly Purebred Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 11:49 am
Dan Hynes. Jan is doing a great job where she is now, ditto for Alexi and Lisa. I admire Tammy Duckworth but she is not tested. I too do not know who Ron Huberman is (sorry, Ron). Dan is the most “value-added” pick. I get the sense from his job performance as IL Comptroller (and how, in his defense, exactly DO you distinguish yourself, in the job of IL Comptroller) that he is hard-working and at least somewhat concerned about government living within its future means - which is one of the most critical issues we need to address in D.C., even moreso than in Illinois. Plus he is more likely to hold the seat in future elections, whereas Jan might be Dawn Clark Netsched.

Comment by ZC Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 11:50 am
Maybe my comment got deleted. Anyway, Huberman is the new CTA chief who–and this will disappoint at least one of you–is very much white.

Comment by Greg Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 11:55 am
Lisa Madigan. Still the brightest of the group even though I hate voting for a member of any political family.
I thought, um, about Jan, um, Schakowsky, since I agree with her on most issues and she’s got some decent experience in D.C., but when I’ve seen her, um, speak in public, um, she does not, um, make a very good, um, appearance.

Comment by Skeeter Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 12:05 pm
Huberman-the only black candidate?..lol. I wonder if you will change your vote now.
Anyway, I voted for Lisa Madigan who has proven that she will do her job without regard to political considerations and pressure from people close to her. Her fights for consumers and seniors, against meth dealers and tobacco companies,her legislative experience, and many other accomplishments make her uniquely qualified for higher office.

Comment by Bill Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 12:14 pm
Like others, I really don’t see anyone on this list that inspires me. If I had to choose one of the above, it would likely be Dan Hynes. He “seems” honest and open.

Comment by Fan of the Game Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 12:22 pm
I voted for Hynes. I like him or Lisa for the job is she wants it. Both can raise money and win statewide. The national Dems are looking to get a real non-Lieberman majority in the Senate and he would help.

If you don’t know Huberman, look him up. He’s quite an accomplished young man.

And who says he’s a Dem? The Illinois GOP has done a whole lot worse than him. They should ask him if he would like to join the party at the top.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 12:26 pm
Unless there is a minority on the list, I don’t think any of above will pass the litmus test

Comment by JoeSchmoe Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 12:30 pm
BTW, Hynes sounded very senatorial in his remarks to the Taxpayer’s Federation Annual Meeting in Chicago yesterday. Did a good job of scolding all the parties involved, but did decry the lack of leadership over the last 6 years.

Comment by JoeSchmoe Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 12:33 pm
I think it might be in order to run down the list a bit:

Lisa Madigan - insufficient legislative experience, no demonstrated experience or knowledge of national issues, father is speaker of the Illinois house and state chairman of the Dem party. Also, as mentioned, has started a young family and would be distracted by this (as any decent mother should be)
Dan Hynes - discussed above
Alexi Giannoulias - see Dan Hynes
Tammy Duckworth - This one doesn’t really bear any explanation, does it?
Ron Huberman - Untested, little known, never elected to anything but appointed to CTA by King Daley, to whom he would everything in any attempt to stay in office. Danger, Will Robinson!
Jan Schakowsky - See above.

I have now provided cogent logic to back my first post.

Comment by Snidely Whiplash Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 12:54 pm
Huberman should state: … to whom he would OWE everything. Sorry.

Comment by Snidely Whiplash Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 12:55 pm
Snidely, no mention of Hynes’ young family?

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 12:55 pm
Tammy Duckworth - She’s a vet, a hero and a woman

Comment by 10th Indy Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 12:58 pm
To Snidely Whiplash: Your various comments are neither cogent or logical; they are simplistic and shallow. Are you actually stating that a mother with young children is unqualified to run and hold high office?!

Comment by MidwesternGuy Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 1:01 pm
I voted for Ron H. Why? Easiest to beat. But I was tempted to go for Jan S for the same reason.

Comment by Pat collins Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 1:02 pm
Snidely,
What good is “legislative experience”? The people want an advocate who will represent them not someone who is a wholly owned subsidiary of special interests and lobbyists. “Experienced” legislators are the ones who voted for the Iraq war and the Bush tax cuts for the rich. They are the ones who are spending 15 billion a month on a police occupation of a foreign country while our country runs up record deficits and our dollar costs more to print than it is worth.
We need to change the environment in Washington, not contribute to it.
That is what Dan, or Tammy, or Lisa would do.
John McCain has a lot of experience as a Senator, mostly bad. . That is why he has a hard time filling campaign staff jobs with anyone but lobbyists.
We need change in the Senate and the White House. It is time for some new blood not one of the same old hacks.

Comment by Bill Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 1:08 pm
i respect the opinions of all commenters on this blog, but i respect those who have served our military above all others. while the rest of the “politicians” on this list could fill the seat, at a time when we are fighting multiple wars, and when medical technology is such that we have more soldiers returning home wounded, we need a veteran in this senate seat who can ensure that our government is looking out for those who protect us and make the ultimate sacrifice each day. Have any of the other choices served in the military? Am I wrong here, or shouldnt we elect veterans whenever possible?

Tammy is plenty qualified. She has run her agency like a pro and her patriotism could never be questioned. Let the rest fight it out for governor in 2010.

Comment by anon Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 1:09 pm
Ron Huberman should be paired with Frank Kruesi as a tandem senate choice. They are cut from the same cloth and report to “da” same guy.

Comment by anon Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 1:11 pm
I’m still pushing for Mo Money Jones. He meets the minority litmus and as mentor to the possible president Obama, would work well with him and could possibly bring a crud load of pork back to Illinois. But if forced to stick to the list, I would choose Hynes. He is bright, honest and not afraid to speak his mind.

Comment by Sweet Polly Purebred Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 1:11 pm
Snidely, I certainly hope your “cogent logic” claim was, um, snidely. Otherwise, you may think a bit too much of yourself. Just sayin.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 1:11 pm
PS; I am saving Lisa Madigan for governor in 2010!

Comment by Sweet Polly Purebred Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 1:13 pm
I wouldn’t wish governor in 2010 on a nice person like Lisa.

Comment by Bill Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 1:18 pm
Making this a “secret ballot” has had an interesting influence on the results. I’ll explain later, but I’m getting a chuckle out of it.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 1:21 pm
Come on people get with it! Ron Huberman is CTA President. Not only is he an intelligent and articulate person, but he is also a enthusiastic and dedicated public servant. I suggest giving him a closer look.

Comment by Mandy Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 1:23 pm
Mandy, he’s actually doing better than you might think.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 1:24 pm
I voted (just once) for Cong. Jackson last time because he was the only African-American listed on the ballot. I believe the Governor will be under enormous pressure to appoint another African-American candidate. Doesn’t mean he will of course, but it would be a shame to lose that representation in the US Senate in my opinion.

Because of that, I abstain. I’ll log on at home later and abstain a few more times to screw with the results too. Just for fun!

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 1:26 pm
===I voted for Huberman because he was the only black candidate available.===

Ron Huberman is not Black as far as I know. I believe he may be of Israeli orgins, having lived in Isreal, grew up in the western suburbs, LaGrange I think.

Comment by Joe in the Know Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 1:33 pm
Re: Anon argument that we should elect vets whenever possible based on their service…..Huberman was a Chicago beat cop, does that dangerous and honorable service automatically qualify him for a political position? I don’t think it does, but I do think it makes him a more attractive and qualified candidate. He also has dual masters degrees (including an MBA) from the UofChicago, so he’s no intellectual slouch, and has management and executive experience as head of the Chicago Office of Emergency, as the Mayor’s Chief of Staff and now at CTA. Actually, with that kind of resume and executive experience, maybe he’d be a better gubernatorial candidate…

Comment by MidwesternGuy Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 1:34 pm
What completely sold me on Huberman was a presentation I attended on his CTA reforms. He is absolutely cleaning house there–and it’s not all talk. He’s cut so much fat that a good chunk of HQ is empty. He’s pursuaded all sorts of top private sector folks to donate millions of dollars worth of service, and can quantify every aspect of CTA performance, along with the metrics with which he measures improvement.

He collected masters degrees at Chicago while working as a cop, and it shows.

Comment by Greg Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 1:35 pm
I voted Hynes. He was one of the first very public supporters of Obama after losing to him in the bid for Senate. If Lisa Madigan wants to run for Governor, she should stay here. I think Jan is in a good place in the House, representing her district. Appointing Duckworth would be a big PR thing for the Governor, but maybe not the best choice.

Comment by Baltimoron Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 1:38 pm
Lisa Madigan is the most competent and most intelligent person on the list.

Comment by K to the 3 Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 1:39 pm
not Lisa or Dan, they need to stay in IL…

Alexi? Why? Because he’s Greek and Obama’s protegee?…

Jan is annoying and is expecting the nod…her husband’s rep would undermine her cred…

I chose Tammy…let the Vets have a smart, tough been-there advocate on Capitol Hill…

Who would Rahm choose to replace her???

Comment by Anonymous45 Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 1:39 pm
Joe in the Know: hate to burst your bubble, but read the question Rich posed — it’s not “who will” the Gov. appoint, it’s “who should” the Gov. appoint. There’s a huge difference there.

Comment by MidwesternGuy Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 1:47 pm
Midwestern Guy:

Rich took my post down, probably for the reason you stated (should vs will). At least I hope that’s why.

If that’s the case, Rod SHOULD appoint someone who can help him politically and I don’t see that person being Huberman.

Comment by Joe in the Know Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 1:50 pm
Your post was removed for profanity.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 1:55 pm
Hmmm….I agree with you “Joe in the Know” that the Gov won’t appoint Huberman because it will not be politically expedient for him to do so, but, I disagree with your statement that the Gov SHOULD appoint someone who will help him politically…I know it’s a bit pollyanish (is that a word?!), but the Gov SHOULD appoint someone with brains, guts and integrity…

Comment by MidwesternGuy Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 2:19 pm
Huberman seems like a smart guy.

Comment by Chitown Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 2:35 pm
Lisa - Get her out of the way so she doesn’t run for Governor. Lisa or Hynes would actually do a good job representing us…

Comment by North of I-80 Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 2:42 pm
Rich, I am sorry for the profanity. It won’t happen again, I promise.

Comment by Joe in the Know Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 2:42 pm
Early peek at exit polling…

Huberman moved up to second place. Duckworth close behind.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 2:45 pm
The Founding Fathers who conceived the U.S. Senate would roll over in their graves if they read the reasons people are giving why someone SHOULD, as opposed to WILL, be appointed by the Governor. A U.S. Senator should not be some suped up alderman, getting the potholes in the alley filled. He/she is supposed to be the deliberative legislator who decides issues of war & peace, judicial confirmations, national policy, etc. I agree that Jan S may be a little too left for the state, but she is certainly the person left on the list with the most “heft” for this job.

Comment by Anon 4:08pm Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 2:51 pm
Anon 2:51,

Welcome to Illinois. I realize they do things differently in Vermont but who SHOULD get appointed to the US Senate has a lot to do with Illinois politics rather than what the founding fathers wanted. Jan Schakowski SHOULD NOT get the job for that simple reason. She may be a big wheel in DC, but like Rosty, she is on a political latter one rung below state representative.

Comment by Joe in the Know Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 3:06 pm
Hynes. He is best suited to be Illinois’ U.S. Senator. He is a veteran of the political world, but not too old; he’s also been a statewide representative since 1998 (I think the year is right). Ideally, a U.S. Senator is well-versed with the state as a whole (Huberman needs something wider than Chicago experience and a BA from Univ. of Wisc., but each candidate has a base in Chicago, so you can’t argue Chicago machine b.s.). Finally, each candidate has a decent “spin” depending on the angle, so I didn’t take that into consideration (e.g. L.Madigan will be out of Rod’s hair; Huberman’s Chicago/CTA network would make him a good tran$portation committee money man for Illinois).

As a side note, can we please stop playing “six degrees of Kevin Bacon” with Obama and the success of others (e.g. Alexi being referred to as a protégé of Obama). I know the Obama commercial was big during the Treasurer’s race, and Alexi’s early campaign staff was that of Obama’s early staff, but Alexi is Alexi…he’s a young political figure with good potential. Not everyone Obama has endorsed/supported equates to them being buddies, colleagues, pupils, or in any way cut of the same cloth.

Sorry, this is so long. I got carried away.

Comment by COPN Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 3:08 pm
Huberman has the smarts & charisma neded to be an attractive candidate!

Comment by Nordica off Harlem Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 3:20 pm
Anon 4:08, you can’t have it both ways — rely on the political equivalent of original intent of “The Founding Fathers,” then pick Jan S.

The old boys who drafted the Constitution put it in writing who they wanted to serve in the Senate — Jan S. along with Lisa and Tammy were specifically not invited to join the club. I’m not sure any of the others on the list were their kind of people either, back in the day. They would have let their respective state legislatures decide, I suppose.

That aside, what sort of “heft” does Jan S. bring to the party over the others on the issues of “war and peace, judicial confirmations, national policy?” Does “heft” mean she’s more intelligent, learned, thoughtful and deliberative than the others? I’ve never seen that, but I do suspect she’s the most ideologically rigid and least willing to work in a bi-partisan manner than anyone on the list.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 3:30 pm
Bill - you are probably right about Lisa, but I do think that at some point she could make a whiz bang gov.

Comment by Sweet Polly Purebred Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 3:34 pm
No doubt Dan Hynes out of that group…he has experience and wanted the job back in 04.’

Congressman Emanuel would be my second pick.

Comment by scoot Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 3:56 pm
COPN, I can attest with great knowledge of the situation that Alexi rode Obama’s coattails much longer than you are letting on. But hey, why wouldn’t he? It behooved him to do so and he is now a constitutional officer with a bright future.

Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 4:04 pm
Alexi–

He’s performed besutifully as treasurer and has a firm handle on policy matters.

He’ll continue to do our state proud in whatever higher office he occupies.

Comment by corvax Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 4:07 pm
Tammy.

Although the Governor might want it for himself, she gives Rod the easiest out to thumb his nose at the political establishment (Madigan, Hynes, et al) while still getting props for appointing a woman and a veteran.

Besides, I think she’d make a fine U.S. Senator, and she would be real tough for the Repubolicans to beat.

Comment by anon sequitor Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 4:07 pm
None of the above.

Comment by MIDSTATE Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 4:13 pm
Following up on Wordslinger’s last post:

The Senate is supposed to be about debate. To paraphrase “A Fish Called Wanda”, I’ve known sheep who could out-debate Jan. Although fine in her current job, she lacks the required skills to move up to the next level.

Comment by Skeeter Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 4:28 pm
OK, c’mon. Let’s not go overboard here.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 4:29 pm
“OK, c’mon. Let’s not go overboard here.”

OK, I, um, promise no more [uncomfortable laugh] um mean comments [yet another odd laugh] about um, that congresswoman.

The irony of course is that I do think she does a fine job representing her district in the House.

Comment by Skeeter Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 4:33 pm
I haven’t heard her speak that often, but I did go to a coffee for her a few years back that I got dragged to. Her message didn’t match the audience (mostly GOP Assyrians) but she spoke OK.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 4:38 pm
Late exit polling: Huberman still in second, believe it or not. Madigan appears to be out of the running. Alexi is also kinda far back.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 4:40 pm
Ron’s no Obama as a public speaker. But he’d be an inspired choice for senator. He was a reformer within the Mayor’s office and Daley chose him to tackle the most (politically and managerially) difficult problem in the city at the moment. Regardless of whether he’s chosen for this, he’s an up-and-comer worth watching…

Comment by Punter Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 4:41 pm
Alexi — Is he old enough?
Dan & Lisa — Inside. Way inside. Ball four.
Ron — Hu?
Jan — Will she play in Peoria?
Tammy — See Jan Q — Answer: Yes!
Tammy would be ducky.

Comment by grainy salt Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 4:57 pm
Rich, didn’t mean to appear sexist, it’s just that Lisa’s childbirths always seem to make the news. I would also hope that a young family would be a distraction to Hynes, and I have no reason to believe otherwise.

No, I’m not a narcissist,. Different people have different manners of using the word, “cogent.” Mine is: “to the point.” I didn’t use cogent in the sense of “the only rational argument,” etc.

I am quite pretty, though.

Comment by Snidely Whiplash Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 4:59 pm
Punter, I think you’re right, but he has to be careful with Daley. He likes people to do their jobs well, but not so well that they start to shine on their own, a la Vallas.

Huberman has recently been the subject of a couple of cheap shots in Sneed that appeared to come directly from the 5th Floor.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 5:10 pm
Snidely is at it again. lol

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 5:25 pm
I’d say Dan Hynes! He’s honest which is always number 1 for me.

Comment by Independent One Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 5:43 pm
If Lisa’s dad wasn’t Mike she wouldn’t even get elected. Hynes is similar to watching paint dry. Alexi is the better choice. The Illinois Senate is full of young new qualified candidates that easily fit the bill: Don Harmon, Mike Frerichs, Mike Jacobs, Linda Holmes to name a few.

Comment by MouthofBabes.. Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 5:44 pm
Preview for comment readers: Top three vote-getters: Hynes, Huberman, Duckworth.

Round three next week.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 5:45 pm
I think that Ron would be wonderful. He is extremely bright and has a great personality. By the way, he is not Black but does that really matter

Comment by Andy Gals Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 8:30 pm
Go with Ron-

A street-smart tough cop on the beat, a master manager in Hizzoner’s office, a cleaner-upper at the CTA and an ultrasmart guy to boot.

The US Senate could use 100 like him.

Comment by anon 1733 Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 9:53 pm
I think Milorad should appoint himself. He can and should. He would be no worse than Obama as a Senator (maybe better) and Pat Quinn (who appreciates Veterans) would be Governor, who would be better than Milorad.

Quinn will have to have someone else start his car every morning but that’s the tradeoff when you get into this arena. (Footnote: Illinois Channel panel discussion with Rich.)

People that are recommending Luberman do not really know the guy. Not gonna happen.

Comment by Pony Shoe Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 9:55 pm
This is a picture of Ron Huberman. I have never met the man in person, only seen pix of him in the paper. I’m sorry, but he appears to be bi-racial (not that that’s bad, I’m just saying…). Trying to remember when he got appointed to head the CTA and what biographical info got published about him back then…

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.chicagogsb.edu/images/news/2007-06-28-huberman.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.chicagogsb.edu/news/2007-06-15_huberman.aspx&h=253&w=582&sz=36&hl=en&start=1&tbnid=mnpNDVitNju44M:&tbnh=58&tbnw=134&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dron%2Bhuberman%2Bchicago%2BCTA%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG

Comment by Lynn S. Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 10:10 pm
Dan Hynes!

Comment by there you go again Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 10:13 pm
I think Dan Hynes has the ability to really help our state. He has been very competent in his duties as comptroller, and seems really honest and hard working. I am not putting down Lisa or Alexi, they have good chops as well, but Dan has been around longer and I fell he has a bit more experience to tackle the job.

Comment by IDOT Guy Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 11:33 pm
I vote for Ron Huberman, We need smart proactive young people

Comment by anon Thursday, Jun 19, 08 @ 11:46 pm
I vote for Ron Huberman. He’s the epitome of hard work, dedication and above board behavior/decisions. Go Ron!

Comment by Andersonville Supporter (PP) Friday, Jun 20, 08 @ 7:07 am
Yeah, because pointing to the recent CTA track record (pun intended) is a great platform (intended once again) for a Senate run. Are you kidding?!

He is a complete untested unknown that would be instantly and justifiably painted as a Daley appointee, not something that would play real well around the state.

And in Chicago, let’s just say that the CTA is not exactly drawing rave reviews from the ridership, or the accountants.

Putting him in the mix may make for fun discussion here, and give people a ‘none of the above’ option, but it has no bearing in reality.

Comment by Come on now Friday, Jun 20, 08 @ 7:45 am
ok.. I’ve been late to get to this but tammy is the clear choice…

Comment by The Horse Friday, Jun 20, 08 @ 7:57 am