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Who’s your favorite Illinois politician, in or out of office, and why? (I’ll ask for your least favorite later.)
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 3:10 am
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Peter Fitzgerald.
It takes considerable cajones to be the ‘1′ in a 99-1 vote to bailout an airline that is headquarted in YOUR OWN DISTRICT.
Pretty sweet.
I have never voted for an actual person before (I refuse to yield my freedom arbitralily to some other person) but I would have voted for for him, and probably been out campaigning for him, if he ran for re-election.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 6:55 am
Governor Huckaby - Arkansas
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 7:55 am
The question was favorite “Illinois” politician. Arkansas is a long way away. Please, try again.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 7:57 am
State Rep. John Millner from Carol Stream. Nice guy, genuine, former police chief and dedicated public servant. Savvy pol.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 8:23 am
JAMES THOMPSON- without a doubt one of the best campaigners and politicians this state has ever seen. A true statesman
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 8:30 am
Adlai Stevenson. If you take a look at what he was saying on the stump in ‘82 and ‘86, so much has come true (need for ethics reform, etc.). He may not have been the best back-slapper (ala Thompson) but he was very sharp on long-range issues. Illinois would be in a better position today had he won.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 9:15 am
SENATOR DICK DURBIN.
He is head and shoulders above any other Democrat in the state right now and we don’t have much to choose from in the GOP.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 9:16 am
How about someone who is now flying under everyone’s radar screen? State Senator Adeline J. Geo-Karis (R-31st).
In her mid-80’s and still plugging away. Not afraid to voice her opinions. Always ran her campaigns for election with little money or just enough to get the job done. Speaks her mind and has a reputation for “telling it like it is.”
Always answers her phone for her constituents for all problems, large and small.
Not afraid to not vote the party line and to vote her conscience. Has developed a network of people in her district who are fiercely loyal to her that now spans three generations.
A State Senate and State House filled with the likes of Adeline J. Geo-Karis would be the perfect tonic this State would need. There would be no need for extensive “ethics” legislation, as both chambers would be filled with people who know right from wrong and would always try to do the right thing.
Forget the “big names.” Give me a 100 Adeline Geo-Karis’ any day! Too bad so few try to emulate her these days.
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 9:50 am
Peter Fitzgerald. I didn’t always agree with him, but he made his position clear. I found him to be a fresh wind over the festering slime hole that passes for state government in Illinois. Thank you for asking.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 9:57 am
How about the good old Gov. Jim Edger, all around good guy. He’s a positive symbol for this state.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 10:18 am
Jan Schakowsky - Not only is she a national progressive leader, she’s is an incredible grassroots organizer.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 10:19 am
Senator Larry Bomke
Hands down the nicest guy you’ll ever meet. If you call him with a concern, he’ll actually return your call ASAP!
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 11:34 am
Hands down former State Representative Tom Dart.
He reformed Illinois child welfare system. Passed the Sex Offender Registration Laws. Was the payday loan industy’s number one enemy. Worked for meaningful campaign finance reform.
He was a constant fighter for working familes and children.
Its the state’s loss not to have his voice and activisim.
On top of all those accomplishements you wont find a nicer more thoughful guy anywhere in state government.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 11:47 am
Hands down former State Representative Tom Dart.
He reformed Illinois child welfare system. Passed the Sex Offender Registration Laws. Was the payday loan industy’s number one enemy. Worked for meaningful campaign finance reform.
He was a constant fighter for working familes and children.
Its the state’s loss not to have his voice and activisim.
On top of all those accomplishements you wont find a nicer more thoughful guy anywhere in state government.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 11:54 am
Blagojevich because he manages to piss off everybody equally while still accomplishing real results. I speak from personal experience on this. My sister is a single mother. Her daughter needed medical care. Because of Rod’s refusal to back down last year, my niece was able to get the care she needed due to the increases in Family Caare spending. Thank you Rod.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 12:16 pm
The man in the bow tie. Paul Simon would have my vote, hands down. And I wasn’t able to vote for him, because I was too young back in the day. Good solid man.
And now, Obama. I hope he lives up to what he says. I’ve met him several times and I’ve got to say, I’ve been very impressed with him. He’s been willing to talk to everyone, listen to everyone. He might not be able to change everything in his lifetime, but I don’t think he’s going to let the people in Illinois down.
Comment by Tessa Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 12:16 pm
If dead politicians count, Paul Simon wins hands-down. A genuine statesman and decent man.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 12:18 pm
John B. Anderson, Paul Simon
Comment by Carl Nyberg Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 12:43 pm
Ellis Levin. He knew how to look out for number 1.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 12:46 pm
Glenn Poshard, the integrity and passion he posseses, and is able to convey is incredible. At least in this area, it seems the longer he is out of office the more popular he becomes.
Comment by Decatur Democrat Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 12:48 pm
The late Sen. Vince Demuzio. A true gentleman who never forgot where he came from and was always true to his word.
He has to be looking down and just shaking his head…but smiling with pride at Sen. Deanna.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 1:14 pm
Lisa Madigan -
People thought she would be a shill for her father, but she has surprised most and done a very good job so far.
I like people who keep me on my toes.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 1:34 pm
I am a republican but I loved Senator Simon. He was always true to his beliefs and always looked out for those who could not look out for themselves. He was an incredible man. If only we had some living politicians as honest……….
Comment by Leigh Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 2:41 pm
Paul “The Vienna Fox” Powell… who else could hide that much money in a shoe box? You gotta respect it.
http://www.siu.edu/~siupress/titles/f99_titles/hartley_paul.htm
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 3:26 pm
Paul “The Vienna Fox” Powell who else could hide that much money in a shoe box? You gotta respect it.
http://www.siu.edu/~siupress/titles/f99_titles/hartley_paul.htm
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 3:26 pm
Paul “The Vienna Fox” Powell… who else could hide that much money in a shoe box? You gotta respect it.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 3:42 pm
Speaker Michael Madigan. His detractors only wish they were as successful and have the longevity he has in the field of government and politics.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 3:55 pm
Michael J. Madigan. Hands down. Just win baby, and that’s all he does. Nothing else matters except retaining the majority. Congress? Statewide electeds? Screw ‘em. Plus he works harder than anybody in the business. Doesn’t self-promote, doesn’t fool around, single-minded and unwavering. Issues schmissues, he hasn’t ever ideology stand in his way. A pragmatic perfectionist.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 3:55 pm
Yeah those Ideals certainly do get in the way for Mr. Speaker.
My Finalists are Sens Durbin, Simon & I would have to agree with former state rep Tom Dart.
All three men of conviction, in it for the right reasons, and thats a rare commodity in Illinois.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 4:56 pm
wait wait…how about former Senate President Phil Rock? Now that guy knew how to get things done. Thompson was good, Speaker Madigan is good, but Rock brought them to the table and got things done. Those were the days when the Governor actually showed up to make deals, and the State was ahead of most. Rock was the glue though.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 5:15 pm
Wow, all those posts and only one person mentions Obama (as second favorite). I guess his honeymoon is over - whew!
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 5:47 pm
Altgeld.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 6:41 pm
My favorite has to be Jan. Check out this new Web site dedicated to her husband: www.manbehindjan.com.
Comment by Publius Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 7:24 pm
I believe the most honorable politician is Luis Gutierrez, congressman and Roberto Maldonado,cook county comissioner, they both stand up for the little guys and refuse to sell out to the machine politics and there disregard for communities. Both will work with all the the communities and try to help.God Bless both of them!
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 8, 05 @ 9:12 pm
There is NO doubt that former Gov Jim Thompson was an outstanding leader for our state- and possibly the smartest politician I have ever seen.
As for current Illinois pols- Sen Todd Sieban, Sen Frank Watson, and Congressman John Shimkus are easily the most personable, approachable, and just decent human beings that I have encountered.
There is also no doubt that Speaker Madigan is currently the shrewdest operator- and watching him move behind the scenes to potentially topple the Roddog has been fun!
Comment by EvilTerry Wednesday, Mar 9, 05 @ 8:22 am
Gee, you’re so clever to sneak in the anti-Jan web site.
Well, why don’t you get out and walk some precincts against her and Emanuel. Go ahead. Give lots of money to their opponents, too. All you can afford — and then some more.
Maybe if you do that, the people who actually elect them to be their representatives will only give them 60 or 70 percent of the vote.
Comment by BuckTurgidson Wednesday, Mar 9, 05 @ 9:18 am
Jim Glasgow, the Will County State’s Attorney
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Mar 9, 05 @ 9:37 am
Along the lines of Senator Adeline J. Geo-Karis, what about former Rep. current appellate justice Mary K. O’Brien? She is truly a woman of character and conviction who was never afraid to do the right thing-even when she knew she would be giving her political opponents ammunition. She was able to get things done without being abrasive and always showed class. We need more women like her in state government.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Mar 9, 05 @ 11:32 am
Paul Simon.
Mike Madigan.
Barack Obama.
Jan Schakowsky? You gotta be kiddin’ me.
Comment by Ralph Wednesday, Mar 9, 05 @ 3:41 pm
I believe that the best and most honorable politician in the state of Illinois is Cook County Comissioner Anthony Peraica. He works hard, keeps his promises and is trying to biuld his party,the Republicans in Cook County. He will stand up against corruption, such as in Cicero,Berwyn,Summit,Melrose Park, and in Westchester, and he is not afraid to stand up to Stroger! Andy Mckenna and the state Republicans better make him there Poster boy if they plan to take the Republicans back into Power. The Republicans should showcase him, and give him a role in building the new Republicans, or else they will not win another elections in years! Tony Peraica and others who stand with him will be the key to victory for Republicans
Comment by Frank Wednesday, Mar 9, 05 @ 10:18 pm
Fernando Grillo is a future great Star for Democrats ! Bill Hogan is a future Star for Republicans!
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Mar 9, 05 @ 10:22 pm
Jim Watson. Im a non-partisan from Madison county and have heard him speak at a Vet’s day speech. A real up and comer. Just a nice guy kinda of Edgaresque.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Mar 10, 05 @ 4:54 pm
Grillo a “star”? HA! His directors and staff hate him and would never take him seriously, why would anyone else? His recent “fact fiding” trip to Australia, paid for with state $, is an example of how out of touch he his with his agency.
Comment by Anonymous Saturday, Mar 12, 05 @ 3:23 pm
Mary K. O’Brien is a great choice!
She has integrity, compassion, guts. She’s a real leader — a very refreshing kind of leader and such a good person.
Comment by Blue State Saturday, Mar 12, 05 @ 7:47 pm
The current All-Star bench of the Illinois Democratic Party of future stars,who could make great politicians for state offices or county offices should be Martin Sandoval,Billy Ocasio,Ray Ochoa, Andy Fox,Fernando Grillo,Jesse Martinez,Robrto Maldonado,Chris Welch,Frank J. Yanez MD, and a few others who will help lead the Democratic Party into the Future and to many victories for Mike Madigan,Mayor Daley and Gov. Blagojevich!
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Mar 14, 05 @ 9:15 pm
Congressman Luis Guiterrez is Illinois’s finest and most honorable politician by far! His advocacy for Immigrants and for the poor and not represented people,is admirable.His beliefs are rooted in his deep Roman Catholic faith and his philosophy that stems from St. Thomas Aquine. He is a national gem, and is commited to the belief that he represents the people and the party he admires , which is , as he always states,” I’m a FDR Democrat”!
Comment by frank Monday, Mar 14, 05 @ 9:22 pm
The Most Honorable and most repected Latin leader in the City and State of Illinois is Jose Lopez from the Puerto Rican Culture Center! Dedicated,focused,honest,hard working and committed are a only few adjectives to describe him! His work on Division St. and in Humboldt Park and throughout the City, is one of those great Chicago stories that only Studs Terkel and Nelson Algren could tell. He is a devout Catholic and believes in developing a spiritual connection to anyone he counsels ans helps. His works with Latinos , blacks, and whites has earned him a place in Heaven and in every Chicagoan’s heart!He created the Puerto Rican Flags on Division called”Entre las Banderas”,or to others “la Calle de Sabor”,due to the great restuarants and bakeries(such as Cafe Colado), found in the heart of Chicago’s Boriquen neighborhood.Jose and his family are an institution here for all Illinois,for all Chicago, for the US and most especially to his Country Puerto Rico and all Latin America! Bravo !
Comment by frank Monday, Mar 14, 05 @ 9:37 pm
In response to the Future all-stars of the Democratic Party, I believe the future all-stars of the Republican Party are such names as Dan Cronis(State Senator),Dan Ruthford,Bill Hogan(Attorney),Mike Manzo, and Chris Nybo(attorney) These future stars will be changing poltics in Illinois in the future!
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Mar 14, 05 @ 9:44 pm
Our Gov. Blagojevich, is by far the best politican in Illinois! He is fighting 26 years of republican corruption, and cronyism in Illinois and all he gets is grief from his own party! He is trying to make things work, and as you know it usually takes two terms for a Gov. to make a difference. Illinois is now respected all over the country and in Washington due to the fact that our Gov. has principles, such as standing up for working families and fighting for medicaid for children and families. The republicans are licking ther chops because of all the in- fighting between democrats, but let’s try to keep united and realize that our party the dems. can have more than one or two top dogs! Blago is the man, and trying to have a palace coup will only hurt the State and the people of Illinos. Remember Blago is an outsider and is trying to make it work for everyone, not just the insiders! Keep the faith and keep being your own man, Blago. The people are behind you 150% Thank you Gov. for taking the people’s side!
Comment by frank Monday, Mar 14, 05 @ 10:26 pm
Abe Lincoln. Everybody else go home. Honest Abe, yes, but the same lawmaker who cut deals to make Springfield the State Capitol. Next question?
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 15, 05 @ 5:24 pm