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Since the Republican National Convention is under way and humming right along, I thought I’d ask this…
Who is your favorite Illinois Republican? Explain.
Bonus Question: Who is your least favorite Illinois Republican? Explain.
Please, make sure you answer the first question before you tackle the bonus question.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 10:17 am
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Previous Post: Meeks says he trusts governor, calls off boycott *** UPDATED x1 ***
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Tom Cross. He is a great guy with very practical policy positions. He thinks and doesnt make decisions based on partisan ideological dogma. We would be well served if he were to move into a position of greater leadership in Illinois.
Comment by Domer Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 10:19 am
My favorites are two retired suburban Senators - Tom Walsh and Dave Sullivan. They are both high quality people who get along with both sides of the aisle (and I’m a Dem). My least favorite is Chris Lauzen because he does not play well with others.
Comment by Suburbs Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 10:25 am
I don’t have a favorite Illinois Republican, which explains why Illinois Republicans are struggling to find someone to lead the party.
OK, wait…present or past? If past counts, Kay Wojcik. She had fire when needed and had an ability to communicate her positions effectively. And as far as I can tell, she was well liked. Just a wonderful person to be around.
My least favorite is Tony Libri. It would’ve been Irv Smith, but I was told to respect your elders.
Tony can’t organize 2 toothpicks. Nice guy, bad for the party in a leadership position.
I know this is so threatening on many levels for either party, but especially Republicans, but maybe Illinois REpublicans need to find a woman to lead the party…
I’m just sayin…
Comment by BandCamp Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 10:30 am
Mike Ditka of course.
Among people who have won office, Jim Thompson. He got things done.
Least favorite was Pate Phillips. Never met him, but he always seemed to be a whiner.
Comment by Skeeter Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 10:33 am
Would it be to snarky to say my favorite Republican is Mrs. trafficmatt? LOL
My favorite, aside from the Mrs., is Tim Schmitz. He’s an honest, hardworking guy that does a lot for the community outside of his “political” duties. I’m not even in his district, but he has always been available to me and has personally responded to e-mails and questions. It doesn’t hurt that he shares a lot of the same opinions that I do.
My least favorite would be a re-peat of “suburbs” comments above - Chris Lauzen, for the same reason - doesn’t play nice with others.
Comment by trafficmatt Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 10:35 am
Favorite: Alan Keyes
Least Favorite: Alan Keyes
Comment by Anon Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 10:36 am
Favorite of the past is Jim Edgar. An honest, smart, caring leader for Illinois. Current would be Sen. Dale Righter. He has a lot of the same Edgar-like traits along with being a fantastic orator.
Least Oberweis. See Reagan’s commandment. I don’t like people who will trash others with similar beliefs just to get ahead.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 10:39 am
Most favorite: easy–State Senator John Millner. Spend 3 mins talking to the guy and you’ll find out what I mean…down-to-earth, hardworking public servant.
Least favorite: Jack Roeser–kooky old dude
Comment by Johnny no-no Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 10:39 am
Favorite: George Ryan. At least he had the decency to report to federal prison on his own. Eventually.
Second favorite: Mike Madigan. I really don’t see any other elected officials acting like a Republican.
Does Sara Palin have a sister? (oh that’s right, she’s got at least one, but she’s appearently busy running a new service station business.)
Comment by GOP'er Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 10:40 am
Definitely Mark Kirk.
Comment by George W Bush Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 10:45 am
My favorite state Republican is difficult to say at this moment. Perhaps Senate Minority leader Watson would be an easy answer and only because I saw him interviewed on the Illinois Channel. I liked the interview he tried to distinguish the Republicans from the Democrats. Although to be sure I can’t say too much about his leadership role downstate.
My least favorite or should I say favorites. I can answer that. George Ryan and Alan Keyes (lol). George Ryan because he’s in prison and because he tolerated the shenanigans that put him in prison. Alan Keyes because he’s just plain not a very like able guy. It’s a good thing that he’s really not an Illinois Republican. lol
Comment by Levois Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 10:46 am
My favorite Illions Republicans is Paul Vallas (Republican status pending per media reports).
My least favorite would have to be Senator Pate Phillips, an unapologetic political troglydyte.
Comment by Captain America Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 10:47 am
Favorite-Dan Rutherford, nice guy, seems sincere
Least Favorite-Jim Oberwies….all of the variations. ALso, any one affiliated with Roesser.
Wow, surprised that no one has mentoned Peracia
Comment by Wumpus Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 10:50 am
Rep Chapin Rose is my favorite, and my least would have to be Cong. Tim Johnson
Comment by Good Old Girl Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 10:50 am
Favorite: Tony Peraica. He has the testicular virilty to confront the Cook County Dem Machine.
Least favorite: Bob Kjellander. Cash money!
Comment by Ravenswood Right Winger Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 10:50 am
People, it’s Pate Philip - one “l” no “s”
Kinda undercuts your argument if you can’t even spell the man’s name right.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 10:51 am
Favorite is a toss-up between Sens. Rutherford and Risinger. In my experience, both are smart, thoughtful guys that care about policy as much as they do about politics.
Least favorite is easy. Ditka.
Comment by pingu Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 10:53 am
My favorite is Rep Jim Watson. He seems like a good legislature, honest, a public servant putting his life on the line in the military, articulate, good family values and moral compass. The hope for a lost party.
My least favorite is a toss up between Big Jim Thompson and Speaker Denny Hastert. Both of whom have assisted in propping up this Governor.
I can’t fault Big Jim for helping in the beginning-we all got sucked in-but it has become obvious he did it to keep his crooked friends and law firm involved in pilfering the State’s coffers.
Speaker Hastert lent his credibility to someone who didn’t deserve it and thereby has assisted in prolonging this State’s misery. For him not to recognize a con man so late in the game and allow himself to be used is pathetic.
With the choice between greed and stupidity-I call it a draw.
Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 10:53 am
Jim Thompson is one of the brightest people i have ever seen in politics—and he wasn’t afraid to surround himself with intelligent people—he was a man of character and honesty—one who could admit mistakes and change course if needed—a terrific governor and a great guy to work for.
Comment by publius Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 10:53 am
Favorites: Joe Birkett and Jim Durbin. Both are stand-up guys. I do not always agree with them, but I think they are especially decent, smart and careful. Both pass the test of: Would I want to go to dinner with him/her? Also sometimes framed as: Would I want him/her on one of my project teams at work?
Least favorite: Jerry Weller.
Comment by TomD Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 10:53 am
My Fav: Judy Biggert: Integrity before victory.
My Least Fav: Mark Kirk: Sucking up to liberals, coming after my rifle.
Comment by photogram Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 10:56 am
favorite: Tom Cross, just an honest guy
least favorite: Mark Kirk, can’t say why without being banished
Comment by siriusly Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 10:59 am
John Shimkus - Straight talker - tireless worker.
Comment by Anon Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:00 am
Tom Cross. He’s a Packers fan!
Comment by Indigo Montoya Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:01 am
Fav: Tom Cross. Totally reasonable and respectful. Also JBT, because she never ceases to amaze me.
Least fav: Bill Black. He’s vindictive and gives downstate Republicans a bad name.
Comment by Bill S. Preston, Esq. Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:01 am
Favorite: Ron Gidwitz - he cares for all Illinoians regardless of division. His successes in business, education and social projects go unnoticed by two political parties too interested in getting political power via partisanship.
Least Favorite: Chris Lauzen. He is a negative, mean, vindicative loner who couldn’t represent anyone but Montgomery Burns. His self-righteous delusions become paranoid conspiracies when questioned. He is a man whose empty heart compels him to seek out love from strangers and when rebuffed, becomes the political equivalent of an abusive husband portrayed in a bad WE chick flick.
Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:03 am
Definitely Roskam. Roskam Rocks!
Comment by anonymous Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:04 am
Skip Saviano deserves a vote for favorite GOPer
just as Tony Peraica will get the beating he deserves this November
Comment by anon Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:08 am
Favorite: Bill Black… although he makes my long days a little longer, I tend to enjoy the show.
Least: Oberweis. I prefer Cold Stone.
Comment by zombie Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:12 am
Favorite: Jim Edgar — honest, hardworking, trustworthy. He genuinely worked in the interests of the people, which is quite rare for any politician these days. Too bad no one learned anything from him.
Least Favorite: John Shimkus (IL-19) — For a myriad of reasons: wimp, hypocrite, liar, the great protector of sexual predators, etc. I would pick Tim Johnson (IL-15) since he largely does nothing except show up for a vote and collect his very generous paycheck compliments of the taxpayers except Shimkus is worse. He opens he mouth and becomes an embarrassment to IL-19 and all of Illinois.
Comment by Philosophe Forum Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:13 am
boy, its hard to pick a favorite from this pool…while people question his politics from time to time, mckenna is about as a genuine a guy as i know.
least favorite–where to begin–the dairy man was totally unlikeable, but he has sort of seen the error of his ways (to late of course). then there are the incumbents, but they are all we got so its hard to dislike them. that leaves the long list of candidates who dont care or dont get it…sauerberg, greenberg, schock (even though he is going to win)
Comment by Downstate GOP Faithless Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:15 am
favorite: Skip Saviano. He is a consensus builder that walks the fine line of helping to unify his caucus while maintaining productive relationships across the aisle and with the Senate. Plus, I’m afraid to say otherwise!
Least favorite: Bill Brady. As far as I have seen, the majority of his efforts are spent bashing the ideas of others and blathering one-liner platitudes when the cameras are on.
Comment by unspun Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:16 am
Favorite - Peter Fitzgerald - the last real conservative to be elected in statewide Illinois
Most hated - Andy McKenna - the reason why there’s been no conservatives elected statewide since then.
Comment by Crimefighter Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:17 am
Best: toss-up between State Sen. Dave Sullivan, He’s rational, and State Rep. Bill Black who, once you get him away from a microphone, is a rational fellow, solid lawmaker, and honorable guy.
Worst? Toss-up between Aaron Schock, one of the biggest weasels and hypocrites in public office, and Cong. Peter Roskam, the worst ideologue and one of the most unlikeable people I’ve ever met…except for Terry Parke.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:21 am
Favorite: Mike Bost, local guy, marine, fire fighter, business owner.
Most disliked: Jim Oberweis
Comment by Speaking At Will Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:23 am
Favorites- Bob Pritchard and Gary Dahl, stand-up guys who are in it for all the right reasons and seem to have a genuine concern for their constituents. Dahl donates his senate paycheck to charity.
least favorite- my mother said if you don’t have anything nice to say about someone, just be silent. There’s a few characters mentioned here who could make that list, but my lips are zipped.
Interesting to see that a few have made both the “best” and “worst” lists.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:28 am
favorite: Christine Radogno is a bit too cliche with her anti-Dem spite rhetoric, but she is a political package with the most potential in the state legislature, if she could just get the funding.
least favorite: Jack Franks (D/R?) (I think he may be his own party)
Comment by COPN Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:28 am
Favorite - John Millner - I totally agree with Johnny no no there!
Least Favorite - Tim Schmitz - claims to be a family values kind of guy - ya right!
Comment by Can't resist Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:28 am
Favorite politician - John Shimkus, hands down. When I was a journalism intern just starting out, John was the only guy who would actually sit down with me and explain things to me, not just give me pat answers. I watched him over the years switch into “high school government teacher” mode numerous times to help me understand the whole goverment process, not caring about the “politician” stuff. Genuine, nice, always ready to help me out when I needed it. He’s not just my favorite Republican, but favorite politician, hands down.
Non-politician….Jeanette, Anne, Staci and the rest of the Senate Republican staffers.
Comment by Miranda Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:28 am
Best: Sen. John Millner, hands down. The guy is as straight of a shooter as there is in the General Assembly.
Worst: Peter Roskam is 100 percent phony. He’s a Grover Norquist/Family PAC ideologue in Kirk clothing. His campaign (Remember “cut and run Democrat”?) Tammy Duckworth was despicable.
Comment by P. Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:30 am
Best: Peter Gosselin Fitzgerald. He brought us Patrick Fitzgerald, supported the Lincoln Library, and was not content to follow the old guard GOP.
Worst: Cross, he has shown limited to no real leadership or usefullness in rebuilding the republican party.
Comment by Ghost Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:30 am
Peter Fitzgerald is no longer an Illinois Republican. He lives somewhere out East.
Try again.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:32 am
Favorites are JBT & former Senator Walter Dudycz. They are both amazing people and hard workers.
Comment by Under the dome Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:32 am
Politicians SHOULD BE honest and passionate. Even when you disagree with them, you should never have occasion to question their honesty, and their passion for service. Service of those they represent that is and NOT service of their own self-interests. To that end, my favorite is Bill Black. My least favorite is George Ryan.
In spite of the mess we are in now, it is telling about the Illinois GOP that there is not a clear leader to a guestion like this. If the GOP is not dead in Illinois, it is certainly not doing much living.
Comment by Downstate weed chewing hick Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:38 am
George Ryan has been and remains a favorite of mine. He is welcome at my dinnertable anytime. The worst: those in the Keyes Krowd!
Comment by Obamalac Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:38 am
John Shimkus favorite. Honest, open, extremely hard working for his district constituents.
Least favorite Jim Thompson. He will do anything for a buck.
Comment by Ken Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:42 am
I like and respect Jim Edgar a lot. He truly worked for the whole of the state and, if he made a decision or two that weren’t the best, he certainly always meant well.
Least fave? Gosh, I guess I’d go with Peraica, except he, like Obie, seem to help the Dems, so I’m conflicted.
Comment by cermak_rd Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:44 am
Favorite Republican: Tony Peraica
Least Favorite Republican:Jim Thompson
Comment by Steve Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:44 am
Fav GOPer: Gov Big Jim Thompson
Least Fav: there are soo many…but I’ll go w/ Oberweis
Comment by scoot Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:50 am
FAV: Mike McAuliffe–you gotta love a Republican that can get elected in the City of Chicago
Least FAV: Oberweis–too bitter for me
Comment by Reality Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:52 am
My favorite, by far, is Rep. Franco Coladipietro. He’s extremely personable, very conscientious about follow-up, is willing to listen to reason on issues, and has made constituent servic his highest priority. Plus, I think a politician’s staff choices speak volumes. In fact, I’d like to change my vote to Joyce in Coladipietro’s district office. She’s sharp as a tack and very professional. An absolute Joy to deal with.
Least favorite Republican would have to be the ultimate grumpy old bat, Rosemary Mulligan. She may be the most unpleasant human being I have had to deal with in Springfield.
Comment by Undercover Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:56 am
Favorite: Christine Radogno
Least Favorite: Tom Cross
I also dislike Andy McKenna, but I have a feeling he’s not long for the chairmanship (hopefully).
Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:57 am
Favorite: Abe Lincoln. I think he can really go places. Sorry, but talking about the Illinois GOP is now done in past tense. But if we’re talking this century, I’d go with Bill Brady.
Least fav: Toss-up between Shimkus (how many terms did he limit himself to change Washington?) and Ken Burzynski (Forby’s challenger and Rend Lake GOB defender).
Comment by Vote Quimby! Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:58 am
Favorite: Abraham Lincoln. Great leader, writer and freed the slaves.
Least Favorite: Pate. I found him misanthropic.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:59 am
Favorite: former Rep. James Kirkland - hard working, non-ideological, good guy
Least: Lee Daniels - smarmy skunk from beginning to end (and his chief of staff - Mike Tristano, is a close second)
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 12:03 pm
Favorite: George Ryan because he is in prison.
Least Favorite: George Ryan because he is in prison.
Comment by IrishPirate Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 12:08 pm
My favorite is Larry Bomke - he is honest.
Least Favorite - Jim Thompson. It’s all about money for him.
Comment by Can't Use My Nickname Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 12:21 pm
Favorite: Ken Arnold
Will be on ballot vs Melissa Bean in 2010.
Least favorite: Ed Sullivan Jr
Blame the Democrats for being one of the permanent back-benchers.
Comment by Illinois Eddie Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 12:25 pm
Past Favorite: Jim Edgar
Current Favorites: The “Brothers” Watson–Frank and Jim
Least Favorite: George Ryan
===- Rich Miller - Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 10:51 am:
People, it’s Pate Philip - one “l” no “s”
Kinda undercuts your argument if you can’t even spell the man’s name right.===
It could mean they dislike the man so much they don’t wether they spell his name correctly.
Comment by Fan of the Game Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 12:29 pm
Fav: Pam Althoff - easy person to deal with
Least: Jim Oberweis - like a bad penny he never goes away.
Comment by Bluefish Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 12:29 pm
Favorite - Rep. Bill Black: intelligent, quick-study, honest, entertaining, hardworking and he doesn’t take himself too seriously.
Least - Lee Daniels. Anon 12:03 used the word ’swarmy’ which is dead-on accurate. I’ll leave it at that.
Comment by observation Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 12:31 pm
Boy, I screwed that whole post up. LOL I was supposed to give reasons for my opinions, so here goes:
I like Edgar because he’s honest and dedicated to fiscal conservatism. I like the Watsons because they both have always been very nice guys. No more, no less.
I didn’t like George Ryan’s baggage. He isn’t the sole reason the IGOP is in shambles, but he played a big part.
And my line about Pate “Phillips” should have read: “It could mean they dislike the man so much they don’t care whether they spell his name correctly.”
really wish there was an edit button here!
Comment by Fan of the Game Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 12:34 pm
Favorites: Shimkus, Frank Watson, Ron Stephens. All Straight Shooters. Don’t always vote your way but always willing to listen.
Least Favorite: George Ryan. Not only in prison but directly responsible for the mess that we have on our hands right now.
After the speech last night by Gov. Palin. Isn’t it amazing that in a State of some 12 million people we can’t find one person like her to run that is willing to step up, speak the truth and chase Gov Bla-Bla out of office?
Comment by BIG R.PH. Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 12:38 pm
Favorite — John Shimkus. Nice, humble guy who got into politics for all the right reasons.
Least Favorite — Oberweis. Nasty, arrogant guy who got into politics for all the wrong reasons.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 12:43 pm
Here’s another non-fav I bet should be in the T-10 of everyone’s list (I’ve only seen mentioned ONCE here):
Robert “Individual K” Kjellander
Comment by BandCamp Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 12:45 pm
They all blow–which is why the Illinois GOP delegation here is seated next to the GOP delegation from American Samoa. Time to start new—do any Illinois gals skin caribou?
Comment by Illinois Shadow Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 12:46 pm
Favorite - Biggert: she’s intelligent, practical, positive, fiscally conservative, pro-choice.
Least favorite (tie) - Oberweis: His campaigns are mean-spirited, he comes across like a big jerk no matter his intention. I’ve never boycotted a product just because of a dislike for the business owner, but I did it for this guy. Hastert: he is self-serving first, party-serving second thru 10, and maybe… somewhere on his list… public serving. Maybe.
Comment by KeepSmiling Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 12:48 pm
I can’t think of any I like. I have been away for 15 years, am back for 2, and have become conservative. The IL GOP is horribly vacant of ideas.
Least: Judy Topinka–bad candidate; George and all Ryans, save one below; both “Jim” governors.
Faves: John Shimkus=okay; Jack Ryan (should be a senator now); Peter Fitzgerald
CHI Rep’s are no better than CHI Dems.
Comment by Penny Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 12:51 pm
Who is your favorite Illinois Republican? George Ryan. He’s sitting in jail right now.
Who is your least favorite Illinois Republican? Jim Thompson. He’s not sitting in jail right now.
Comment by TaxMeMore Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 12:51 pm
Yes - Tom Cross. Likable, modest and moderate. Practical without being completely devoid of principle.
No - Oberweis. Anyone who can begin to make me feel sorry for Chris Lauzen is pretty darn low.
Comment by Stuck with Sen. CPA Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 12:57 pm
Favorite: Senator Dave Luechtefeld. A true statesman in every sense of the world. Illinois needs more like him…
Least Favorite: Jim Oberweiss. Enough already!
Comment by GOP gal Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 1:16 pm
Favorites: Larry Bomke and Raymond Poe because they are honest, straight talking and compassionate.
Least favorite: Aaron Schock–A snake
Comment by Iguana Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 1:30 pm
Favorite: Pate Philip, because despite some of his rather unenlightened views on race and gender, you always knew where he stood and he always entertained.
Least Favorite: Pate Philip, because he reveled in that unenlightened world view.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 1:40 pm
Favorite: it’s hard to choose between Steve Rauschenberger, Bill Black, Art Tenhouse and Skip Saviano. All have a sense of perspective, a sense of proportion and a sense of humor. The latter is pretty rare under the dome.
Least favorite? –It has to be Pate. I’m working a few years ago to get the General Assembly onto the internet, and here comes Pate Philip with a quote that doing that would only “clog-up” the internet. Goofball.
Comment by David Starrett Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 1:43 pm
This is a tough one Rich, because there are so many current good people: Frank Watson, Tom Cross, almost all of the R women in the GA are top-notch, Righter, Eddy, Chapin Rose, John Jones, Coach, on and on. I make no bones about my great respect and admiration for both Jim Edgar and George Ryan, I didn’t know Thompson as well, but the people who worked for him swore by him. I feel badly about the very good ones I am leaving out.
Least favorite: Alan Keyes
Comment by steve schnorf Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 1:44 pm
Sure, you always knew where you stood with Pate, but it was always in a bad place. Carter Hendren I can respect.
Comment by David Starrett Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 1:46 pm
Favorite: Ray Poe because (1) as my state rep, I’ve found him to be quite affable even at my neighborhood gathering where he was in the political minority; and (2) love those hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken (could go for some right now).
Least favorite: Jim Thompson. I can’t quite put my finger on it. But, it’s like he’s still got some kind of vested interest in the governor’s office with his representation of George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich.
Comment by Cheswick Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 1:47 pm
Commnenting on the Blogger choices.
Peraica’s going to get beaten so badly by Alvarez that he will become irrelevant - so I didn’t bother to name him.
Althoug I picked Pate Phillips as my personal unfavorite, I think Oberweis qulaifies as the most disliked candidate currently seeking electoral office.
Edgar seems like a breath of fresh air compared to the personal integrity of his successors.
No matter what people say about Thompson he seems to have been the best Statewide politician in Illinois, excepting Obama’s recent performance on the national stage.
I’ve alwasy respected Steve Rauschenberger despite his conservative ideology and his inablity to achieve higher office.
My favorite Republican Capitol Fax blogger is Steve Schnorf - a voice of reason with a wealth of knowledge about state government.
Comment by Captain America Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 2:04 pm
>Peter Fitzgerald is no longer an Illinois Republican. He lives somewhere out East.
Thats news to me.
Comment by Crimefighter Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 2:17 pm
Virginia or Maryland. Can’t remember which. Paid several mil for a piece of land and built a house out there.
He’s not an Illinois Republican.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 2:22 pm
Favorite - Jim Edgar - except for that MSI thing I remember things being a lot calmer in the Land of Lincoln
Least favorite - Ron Stephens - Still upset that I’m being represented in Springfield by a drug addict. I have a hard time feeling sorry for someone that is so hateful & holier than thou.
Comment by Highland, IL Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 2:27 pm
Best: Jim Ryan. He was a straight shooter and did his best to protect the people of Illinois. Blocked a few of Ryans shady schemes etc. A genuinely nice guy and he always kept his word.
Comment by Ghost Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 2:36 pm
Governor Jim Edgar was an outstanding leader who made the tough decsions
Comment by Sox fan Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 2:41 pm
Fav Gotta go with Steve Rauschenberger. Honest to a fault and respected by all.
least Fav. Chris Lauzen. can’t get along with anybody,
Interesting how one is out of office and the other just won’t go away.
does Keyes really live here? I don’t think he counts.
Comment by frustrated GOP Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 2:47 pm
Favorite: Jim Ryan
Least Favorite: Tom Cross (It’s tough to not choose Jim Oberweis, but, to me, Cross has done virtually nothing to use what little power he has to help rebuild the party, making himself as irrelevant as Frank Watson without being in a veto-proof majority; and then there’s the whole squirrely relationship he has with this ridiculous governor)
Comment by Amuzing Myself Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 2:50 pm
Previous favorite: Edgar - he just promised that we will clean Blago’s clock this time around.
Current: Shimkus
“Least Favorite: John Shimkus (IL-19) — For a myriad of reasons: wimp” — I wouldn’t say he is a wimp - he was in Rangers and Airborne in the Army.
Least Fav: Oberweis — Just give it up already. When is he going to have his GOP card revoked?
Comment by Bud Man Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 2:53 pm
As long as we’re going back in history, my favorite hands down was Sen. John Maitland with Sen. Prescott Bloom a very close second. Both were absolute gentlemen whose careers were cut way too short…Maitland by a stroke and Bloom by dying in a fire while trying to save his child. In my view, every member of the legislature today to do themselves a huge favor by examining the lives of these two and then doing their best to emulate them.
As far as a least favorite, there are just too many who have wasted the opportunity given them by the electorate.
Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 3:32 pm
Wow, I hadn’t heard the name Pres Bloom in a long, long time. He was a heck of a guy. The tears under the dome were real and on both sides of the aisle.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 3:40 pm
Highland: First, Ron Stephens has a roll to play on the floor, and he does that. Second, do you have any idea what his headaches were like?
Comment by David Starrett Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 3:49 pm
Favorite: Beth Coulson. Hard worker, keeps her word, represents her district well.
Least Favorite: Mark Kirk. Chamleon trying to be moderate at home and rightwing in DC. He can’t be both, yet refuses to pick a persona and stick with it. How can you trust someone like that?
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 3:53 pm
Commonsense: I’m mostly with you on Maitland. Never had the pleasure of knowing Bloom, although I’ve heard plenty of stories.
Comment by David Starrett Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 3:57 pm
Tom Cross. smart and decent.
Mike McAuliffe. do nothing.
Comment by Amy Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 3:57 pm
>Virginia or Maryland. Can’t remember which. Paid several mil for a piece of land and built a house out there. He’s not an Illinois Republican.
But considering how hardcore liberal this state has gotten and the how the state GOP has turned its back on the conservative base, it’s no surprise to me that he fled.
Comment by Crimefighter Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 4:01 pm
My favorite is Franco Coladipietro. I have known him for awhile find him to be refreshingly honest and hand-working.
My least favorite is George Ryan because he is acutely corrupt. Or maybe he doesn’t count because his cell is not located within the State?
Comment by Jake from Elwood Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 4:08 pm
Quimby: Hmmm indeed. You could be right. I can only observe that he eventually recognized the problem owned-up to it and found a way to address it both privately and publicly. His marital problems are not my affair any more than the current VP nominee’s daughter’s abstainence issues are.
Comment by David Starrett Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 4:08 pm
Oops. . .hard-working not hand-working. Although he has shaken alot of hands on his campaign so that is not a problem. . .
Comment by Jake from Elwood Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 4:09 pm
I guess this is not a Republican site. Many folks sound like Dems here.
Comment by Penny Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 4:12 pm
What’ya mean Penny? Some of my best friends are…never mind.
LOL
Comment by David Starrett Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 4:15 pm
Penny, you’ve been way for awhile, but as a conservative you should know that in Illinois the harshest critics of Republicans are Republicans.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 4:17 pm
Interesting how one is out of office and the other just won’t go away.
Up until now, the esteemed Senator keeps getting re-elected with not a lot of opposition, to the point where he will soon be maxed-out for his GA pension. Let’s see what the district looks like when it is re-apportioned. Half the people living there are newly-arrived within the last 10 years.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 4:17 pm
David Starrett
current VP nominee’s daughter’s abstainence issues are
It’s Alaska. what else is there to do? oh yeah hunt moose. sorry saw the window.
to be on topic– interesting another least fav GOP’er non-elected: jack Roeser. the man who has done more to screw up the Illinois GOP then anyother. What was left of the progressive wing is gone because of him and his funded minions. The GOP didn’t fall because of George. They fell because some of us got tired of fiting homo-phobic sexiest anti-choice funded nuts. So Jack gets a vote.
Comment by frustrated GOP Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 4:20 pm
Penny, Rich is a straight shooter. The reason that IL GOP can’t accomplish much is due to the purity of ideology. My way or the highway! I understand that some issues are key, but the RINO label gets thrown around way too easily. Mix “the combine” republicans in and there is no unity in the GOP community.
Comment by Wumpus Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 4:22 pm
=== it’s no surprise to me that he fled.===
Nobody drove him away. He was a horrible fundraiser, wasn’t allowed to spend gobs of personal money on his next campaign, wasn’t doing great in the polls (GHR and GWB weren’t helping), the party was split as usual, the presidency was out of the question, so he opted out and decided to live the good life.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 4:25 pm
Six Degrees of Separation
Good point never under estimate the ability of the Kane GOP to screw up an election. however, I don’t see that seat changing partys if and when Lauzen retires I am sure there will be some respectable repub step up. I could see Kay Hatcher taking that.
Comment by frustrated GOP Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 4:27 pm
Frustrated: Nice laugh, but you know it’s not much different in central and southern IL. Agree on Roeser; serious bummer.
Comment by David Starrett Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 4:36 pm
I don’t get south of I-80 too much these day but good point.
Still have all those damn cats?
Comment by frustrated GOP Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 4:39 pm
Frustrated, don’t make me put my sociologist hat on again. The “I-80″ line moves south every year. For youth, in many of these areas there is animal care (some of your best friends) family, alcohol, and sex. I’m not sure how to change that mix, but maybe it’s just organic.
On the cats, two remain. I’m now looking for a young male to balance the two feisty females. (what a task!)
Comment by David Starrett Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 4:52 pm
Former U.S. Rep. Tom Railsback, congressman before Lane Evans. Very moderate, worked closely with Democrats, won w/ Democrat support, sort of a Jim Leach type of disappearing Republican.
Comment by there he goes again Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 5:36 pm
I’m surprised no one has even mentioned Judy Baar Topinka.
Comment by Levois Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 5:37 pm
Favorite: Henry Hyde-His “youthful indiscretion” at age 47 still gives me cover for potential bad judgment calls.
Least Favorite: John Shimkus-Has overstayed his welcome and become a sell out to the Bush wing of the Republican Party….not to mention covering up the sins of his elders.
Comment by Not Quite SoIL Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 5:49 pm
Fav–Frank Watson…a good guy, maybe not the best leader but a real person.
Least Fav–tough call several years ago it would have been Ron Stephens, hands down,not because of his drug habit or marital issues, I did not like him before I knew about those issues. Today it has to be Shimkus…a weasel and a weak man. He has sold out to DC and the pagan gods that control the city.
Comment by left of here Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 6:05 pm
Too many favorites for a variety of reasons. Need “official IL GOP classification code” to name only one, like: tallest, most impersonated, most resembles a cartoon character, most likely to show up in ethnic garb, most heroic, NEVER EVER needs a microphone, etc. (Who says we’re dull and can’t agree on anything?!!!!)
So, I’ll go with a tie:
-Thompson, ditto on what Publius said though I never worked for Jim directly, but did work for his Firm (darn proud of it, too, so no snark please).
-Judy, for all the RIGHT reasons (”Landfill????!!! Please, Girl, get Real. And FAST…we need you!!!).
-Elizabeth Roskam, because she steals everyone’s heart without even trying (sorry, Peter; but you ARE close behind).
-Zell, because he HAS to be the most outrageous, down-to-earth person in this world.
-Our Dr. Kathuria, because he’s out of this world, and he was right: he had some of the world’s most beautiful campaigners working with him.
-And, saving the truly best for last, all of the men and women of Illinois–whatever their party affiliation–who serve and have served our Country in the Armed Forces.
Least favorite:
Darn! I can never remember the name!!!
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 7:15 pm
Undercover
I completely agree with you that Rep. Coladipietro is probably my favorite representative because he is very personable and a hard worker. However, I completely disagree with you about his district office secretary. She can be down right rude and its takes a while for her to get things. I think this representative could go far as long as he got someone in that office who was hard working and personable.
Least Favorite - Probably Dillard. He flip-flops on everything and you can never trust what he has to say
Comment by LadyRepublican Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 7:28 pm
Favorite: Bill Black. Never a dull moment with this guy.
Least Favorite: Andy McKenna - hands down. This guy is the biggest joke the Republicans have ever had in party leadership. He is in no small measure the architect of the dearth of conservative candidates in Illinois.
Comment by Clown College Observer Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 7:54 pm
Fave: Dan Rutherford. Genuine guy. Also, Jim Durkin, because, hey, he had the forsight to chair McCain’s campaign in Illinois, and Mac just hit a granny in the bottom of the ninth tonight.
Least: Jim Thompson, George Ryan; also, Pate Phillip, Lee Daniels. These pairs represent the extreme poles of what’s wrong with the Republican Party in Illinois.
Comment by Snidely Whiplash Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 10:46 pm
Favorites…that’s easy, Jim Thompson and John Maitland…they don’t get any better than these!
Smart honest public servants.
Least fav…Keyes and Oberweiss; they don’t need explanation
Comment by Moderate Repub Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:34 pm
Favorites, Eternal: Four great Senators and great men who each were kind, honest straight shooters and who never forgot their friends: John Maitland, Prescott Bloom, Stan Weaver, and Bob Madigan. Cong. Ed Madigan and my hero Abe Lincoln.
Favorites, Temporal: Jim Thompson, Bill Black, Ray LaHood, Dan Rutherford, and Chapin Rose. AA would likely be pushing briefs through a courthouse in total boredom without the mentorship and inspiration of JRT. Ray brought civility and respect to one of America’s most diverse institutions. Black reminds us all of the value of the good fight. My old friend Dan has served in two branches with distinction with a bright future remaining ahead. Chapin is the examplar of how the next generation of the GOP needs to serve in order to succeed.
Unfavorites: Co-Schemer A, Individual K, Kirk Dillard, Oberweis, GRyan and his posse, Neanderthal Pate, Jerry Weller, and Tony the Tool Libri.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Sep 5, 08 @ 12:12 am
Chris Lauzen is a consistent conservative reformer. Very responsive to constiuents.
Denny Hastert cost us the Congressional seat with his Oberweis endorsement and now has 2 lobbying jobs and made tall cash off a land deal that he directed an earmark toward a nearby intersection.
Plus he let spending get out of control in DC.
Comment by Conservative Republican Friday, Sep 5, 08 @ 1:03 am
Fave: Keyes, hands down. The man’s a comic genius; someday he will reveal that this has all been performance art.
If he still hasn’t moved here, then put me down for Patti Bellock. Great heart, works well with everyone, a real do-gooder. Coulson rates, too.
Least: Ed Sullivan. Back bencher is a compliment. Or Siebert–just not pleasant.
Comment by Should have gone Pawlenty Friday, Sep 5, 08 @ 1:10 am
oops–meant Syverson.
Comment by Should have gone Pawlenty Friday, Sep 5, 08 @ 1:15 am
MVP - Jim Durkin, co-chair of McCain campaign in Illinois.
Up ‘n Comer - Pat Brady, new national committeeman and early McCain supporter
Future of the party - Julie Brady, Pat’s wife, McCain campaign co-chair, tireless worker and the only choice to take back the seat from Foster in 2 years (Obie won’t do it this fall)
Comment by inDUpage Friday, Sep 5, 08 @ 11:30 am