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* Assume, for the moment, that Attorney General Lisa Madigan runs for US Senate next year. If so, who would be the strongest Democratic candidate for governor? Explain.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 11:45 am

Comments

Pat Quinn. can paint himself as a reformer, trying to do the “right thing” by fixing the budget, has appeal to independent voters.

Comment by Ravenswood Right Winger Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 11:51 am
Pat Quinn.

In fact, if Lisa runs for Senate, he would be the ONLY Democratic candidate for Governor. The field would be cleared for him at that point.

Comment by George Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 11:53 am
Whoever MJM backs.

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 11:58 am
Bill Daley.

Just joshing - gotta go with Quinn, though personally I’ve lost a lot of respect for him, he’d be the strongest candidate.

Comment by lake county democrat Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 11:59 am
As a Republican, no question that Blago’s Lite Gov is the best choice. If I were a Dem, I would help Hynes.

Comment by GOP Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 11:59 am
This Quinn support on the blog today is obviously coming from Repubs. Quinn being the candidate is their only hope for winning the election. The dem stable is full. Take your pick. I would go with Hynes, followed by any number other attractive Dems. In the end I’ll go with Six degrees, whoever the Speaker picks.
Jack Franks might not be the strongest candidate but he would provide comic relief.

Comment by Bill Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 12:05 pm
Dan Hynes…. He’s a fiscal conservative and that’s exactly what people are looking for right now. He’s been knocked for not being an exciting campaigner, but in these times a resposible face that people can trust to handle the state’s finances would go over well.
I don’t get the Quinn talk. The guy has been all over the map on issues and he has managed to alienate almost every Deomcratic constituency in one way or another.

Comment by future Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 12:07 pm
After Madigan, it’s Quinn.

Comment by Niles Township Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 12:08 pm
Except for his proposal on taxes, not much else has filtered through to the masses, Otherwise, they know him as a reformer and activist who has railed against insiders (strength) and as Bago’s Lite Guv (weakness).

Comment by Niles Township Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 12:09 pm
Dan Hynes with Boland as Lt. Gov

Comment by Let the games begin Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 12:12 pm
It could be Pat Quinn although I’m not sure I can vote for him. Before I can decide whether there is a strong Democrat I have to know more about the field. I don’t know who else is running in that field. Other than I suppose Quinn or Madigan or even Jack Franks. For now I’ll hand it to Quinn but I hope that can change.

Comment by Levois Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 12:13 pm
In this order:
Mike McDermott (best all around candidate)
Alexi (has money and personal appeal)
Hynes (name recognition - but no personality)
Quinn (needs a crowded field)
Rev. Meeks (unless all of the above are in then he moves up)
Jack Franks

I guess I answered who will win the primary. But the strongest candidate against the GOP nominee would probably be in the same order

Comment by Been There Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 12:15 pm
I’d have to say if Lisa decides to go for the senate seat, that would make for a very uncomfortable race for Alexi G. Maybe since he and the prez are so tight, he could use his clout to convince all of the Illinois Obama supporters to give him a chance to be gov. Is it already time to start the Whitney chant?

Comment by straight tore up in Makanda Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 12:16 pm
Your all wrong JD would be the best for dems.

Comment by Marbley Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 12:21 pm
Dan Hynes for sure. He does need to work on personality though.

Comment by Springfielder Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 12:31 pm
Danny Davis. He’s got broad experience. He’s educated. Liberals of all ethic groups would vote for him. Plus, he can show how he’s somewhat independent of Mayor Daley. Yeah, I know he’s thinking of running for Cook County board but I doubt the Republicans could field a candidate statewide who could beat Davis.

Comment by Steve Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 12:32 pm
It is possible that the likelihood that our Pat will be the only viable candidate is giving the Dems the heebie-jeebies.

Comment by Cassandra Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 12:33 pm
Whoever the speaker picks???? Maybe from the standpoint of “strongest” since Madigan could put his machine behind that person, but right now Madigan is THE PROBLEM for those who, like me, want progressive priorities enacted. We need to get lessen his strangelhold on things, not add to his power by putting a governor in his pocket.

To answer the question — Quinn is the strogest candidate for one single reason — it is very hard to depose an incumbent of any kind no matter how bad or good they are doing.

Comment by Lakefront Liberal Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 12:35 pm
Hynes.

Strong with labor, acceptable to the business community, he knows fiscal issues possibly better than anyone in the state, he was a critic/enemy of Blagojevich, and he has shown an ability to raise money. While no one will accuse him of being a wild and crazy kind of guy, this year thats probably an asset.

Comment by Cosmic Charlie Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 12:35 pm
Also, Dan Hynes is out as far as I am concerned after that nutter stuff he published about the budget. It was just too crazy.

Comment by Lakefront Liberal Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 12:36 pm
If Lisa goes for the Senate - and I still she she will not, for parenting reasons -

then Alexi gets to run for governor as slated candidate, as the consolation prize.

And Dan Hynes gets to be elected or appointed as the new head of the combined State Treasurer’s office - Comptroller’s Office, as of the next round of state constitutional amendments.

Comment by Capitol View Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 12:38 pm
Ricky Hendon just for the chance to watch the debates.

Comment by fed up Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 12:39 pm
Steve,

I live in Danny Davis’s district. I would vote for Bill Brady for Gov. before I would vote for that guy. There are many Dems like me, who view DD as a guy who will never say no to spending. I would rather have Brady, who does not believe in evolution, before Davis.

But in answer to the question — Forrest Claypool is not going to run, but he’d make a great candidate and a great gov. Of the more realistic candidates, if Alexi would decide to run for Gov. instead of Senate, he’d make an outstanding candidate. I like Hynes, but he did not impress when he ran for Senate so I question how well he would do in a run for gov.

Comment by Skeeter Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 12:44 pm
Skeeter:

I’m not disagreeing with you on Danny Davis’ spending record. I’m just saying he’s where Illinois is at. Big government.

Comment by Steve Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 12:47 pm
Personally, I like Pat Quinn but he hasn’t shown much executive leadership so far. I think Hynes has more experienced staff with Taylor and Company and he would probably have Madigan’s support in a primary. However, my most serious reservation about Hynes is that he’s “a young man in an old man’s suit” and he’s not as progressive as I would like. In my opinion, any democratic candidate will have a tough time explaining to voters why Illinois Democrats should be trusted to run anything requiring tough decisions.

Comment by Louis Howe Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 12:48 pm
I am only open to 3rd party and independent candidates. The Democrats and especially Republicans are too enmeshed and ingrained in corruption and cowardice, selling out to their monied corporate and private patrons - think the big banks and insurance co’s (hurting and destroying the American People more and more every day) at a national, state, and local level.

Comment by state employee Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 12:53 pm
He would never run, but Jesse White would be the strongest Dem canidate for Gov. Strong name recongition and public support, not to mention an all around great guy. Plus he has been around longer then Madigan and knows how to play the game.

ANother I doubt would run, But next in line would be Lisa Madigans chief of Staff Ann Spillane. Exceptionaly bright, she does well t adressing crowds, charisma, personality etc. I would put her before Hynes. She does not hav the name recognition at present, but I think she could win over the voters.

next would be Dan Hynes. ALso a great guy, he suffers from the same kind of flat effect that Jum Ryan had.

Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 12:53 pm
Quinn will win another term as Lisa runs away to DC to give the home crowd a chance to forget about her Dad’s political influences of late…

Comment by Anonymous45 Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 12:55 pm
I’m backing Quinn. He comes across as as weak but he’s attempting to clean up a huge mess and not receiving much cooperation. I think he’s made some major mistakes, but I believe he’s a man of integrity and if he can find some middle ground with Madigan we could finally see some solutions in this state.

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 12:55 pm
pat quinn, of course. but i’d say that no matter what. have to say that i’ve been deeply disappointed at the long learning curve and apparent lack of preparation, when we knew that blago was going down, but i’m still in quinn’s corner…

Comment by bored now Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 1:17 pm
wow, I’m surprised to see all of the Quinn comments on here. I like the guy but I don’t think he’s done well at all.

I think Jack Franks will run and will be a very strong candidate too. I think he makes it a very tight race with PQ

Comment by siriusly Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 1:18 pm
Roland Burris. Uniquely qualified to be Gov.

OK, seriously now, Hynes is probably the best of the batch, but really the Dem field isn’t that much better than the Repubs when you get right down to it.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 1:23 pm
I will go outside the box and say who should run and who would be the best. knowing full well he won’t run.

Miguel del Valle

Was a leader in the Senate on education and was an outsider who lead my action not words. He has done a great job at Chicago City Clerk and has many friends downstate as well as a very good friend in DC.

Comment by WOW Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 1:23 pm
I say the incumbant, because he keeps reminding us he is cleaning up a mess.

===Steve+++
As far as Danny Davis goes, he is throwing his hat into the CC President race. That one is sure to be a mess.

Comment by Third Generation Chicago Native Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 1:26 pm
Jack Franks? Puleeze, NO!! Can you say bravado without gray matter?

Comment by Anonymous45 Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 1:40 pm
Ghost,

I like Jesse White, too. I don’t think he will go for the promotion, tho. I think he truly wants to make a difference in an area that needs moral authority. The Sec’y of State office is a perfect fit. Too bad there aren’t other people on either side of the aisle who can see what’s needed and approach it with honesty and clarity. My son will soon get his driver license. I think we will be a better driver due to White’s policies.

Other than White I don’t see a stand out candidate for Govship. Alexi-IFDA probs. Hynes-snore. Danny Davis? Really?

Incumbency won’t help here - it will hurt. The party in power when the $#%@ hits the fan gets the boot. Quinn will be seen as either inept or weak. He will have to point to an actual accomplishment during the campaign. Maybe he will get something done before the election but he doesn’t show much ability there.

LM would walk away with the nomination but why would she? For the kids? Good reason for her but not for the state. Why saddle yourself with a losing proposition? I think she goes for the Senate seat or stays at the AG.

Paul Vallas would be my choice as strongest candidate - too bad he gave up on Illinois.

Comment by dupage dan Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 1:40 pm
There is no question in my mind that Dan Hynes is the best qualified candidate for governor - bar none. I thnk he could beat Quinn one-on-one.
I would not be surprised to see Alexi exit the Senate race and run for Governor if Lisa declares for the Senate

Comment by Captain America Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 1:46 pm
Dan Hynes, by far, is the strongest candidate. A known fiscal conservative with statewide name recognition and the resources to make a credible run – namely money and grassroots support. He may not be Mr. Charisma, but he’s demonstrated consistent leadership and is trusted by those that know him. If Alexi switches races after saying he’d run for Senate “no matter who runs” then he’ll look like a bigger flip flopper than Quinn.

Comment by dupage dem Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 1:54 pm
3rd generation…

but he’s not cleaning up the mess. and, he has been involved in state politics, whether as an elected official or taxpayer advocate, for more than 30 years. his poor showing is inexplicable, and frankly unexcusable. I know he’s a nice guy and very likeable, but come on now.

it was him after all who said, in the run up to blago’s removal:

“I’m ready to lead.”

I agree with everyone that he is a nice guy, but nice gys don’t alawys make for good leaders. the governor’s office is too important to be held by someone who cannot effectively do the job.

so, at the present I would have say that strategically the best bet for the dems is dan hynes. If the dems really want to win (are you listening Mike Madigan) they need to make sure that there is not a crowded field, ideally there should be no more than 2 candidates.

If hynes becomes a candidate, he will need to remind the public of the flip flops and lack of effective leadership, while acknowedging on occassion quinn’s good works as lt. gov etc., such as his work on behalf of military families.

Just as soon as he does that he then quickly needs to remind the public of every quinn flip flop perhaps as early as when quinn was on record in 2006 praising blago for re-election.

blago showed judy dancing the polka with george ryan. so, hynes would need to play audio if not video of quinn praising blago in 2006 to undercut any quinn ” you all know me, I’m a long time reformer” rhetoric.

quinn’s tendency to flip flop makes for a compelling case against him being elected in his own right.

Comment by Will County Woman Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 2:02 pm
I like Quinn, and think he could beat any Republican in 2010. But for strongest, I’ll go with Don Harmon. Smart, friendly, able to reach across party lines, knows the legislative process, rising star, fair-minded, respected, great young family, does his homework. He would need some help getting his name out through the state, but with the right campaign, Don could walk right in to the Governor’s Mansion.

Comment by phocion Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 2:10 pm
Harmon aint interested in being Governor…he’s the next Senate Prez…

Comment by Anonymous45 Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 2:14 pm
Dick Durbin or Jessie White (you didn’t say it had to be realistic).

They do not cary the bagage that Hynes and Alexi now have and neither were Blago guys.

Comment by ahoy Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 2:17 pm
The Dems don’t need a “strong” candidate, really, because the Repubs will beat themselves no matter who the Dems throw at us.

Comment by Captain Flume Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 2:37 pm
Hard to imagine people mentioning the same useless names to fill the same powerless postions, from my perspective, nobody mentioned could or will move Illinois forward.

Comment by RedTrack Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 2:40 pm
Phocion - While I’d like to think that Don Harmon would run for higher office for all the reasons you mention and more, I’m not sure he wants to throw his hat into this mess. I think he’d have lots of supporters though.

Anonymous45, I can’t see DH waiting around until J Cullerton moves on elsewhere. I think they have a good working and personal relationship and that DH’s loyalty would keep him tied to a JC presidency.

Comment by New in town Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 2:56 pm
Dan Hynes. Pat Quinn is not disguishing himself and has a marginal reputation to begin with. Hynes may be a bit vanilla, but he’s solid on all the other relevant measures. And after years of drama, vanilla is good.

Comment by Stuck with Sen. CPA Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 3:10 pm
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 12:25 pm:

Todd Stroger. As his spokesman pointed out on the Tom Roeser Show. How do you improve upon perfection.

That is not me.

I don’t even find that funny.

The answer is Dan Hynes. He could have beaten Blagojevich in 2006 if he had the nerve. He is an overcautious guy and after losing to Obama, has really pulled back politically. Dan Hynes is the only guy with the credibility to make tough decisions, and being a Democrat - the only guy who could replace Lisa Madigan is she runs for the Senate, which she will, btw.

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 3:28 pm
VanillaMan, sorry about that. We’ve had a couple instances of name-jacking this week.

That and one other comment by that person today have been deleted and that commenter is now banned for life.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 3:32 pm
As a Democrat, the field is pretty dismal. Quinn has been an incompetent if nice Governor. Hynes has zero vision. given that Cullerton is pretty young and in good health, I think Harmon waiting around for that is a mistake. He might make a good Governor if he were interested. It will be interesting to see what Cheryl Jackson does if Lisa runs for Senate. If we were deciding this on competence, I would vote for Harmon but I still hope that Ms Madigan runs. She has the kind of “testicular virility” that we need at the moment to get us out of the mess Illinois is in - generally made by a nationwide recession and a General Assembly that don’t take their jobs seriously enough.

Comment by OMG Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 3:32 pm
Alexi! The only way he and his $10 million get out of the Senate race is if he gets full backing for Governor. Hynes gets AG, and Quinn get private practice. Recents events have shown Madigan and Cullerton don’t want Quinn, Cullerton likes Alexi and Madigan will make a deal.
Alexi can carry the top of the ticket and can raise money, has personal wealth and is the best fresh leader to get Illinois back on the right track. Quinn has lots of Blago baggage that will surface, they were running mates twice! Quinn defended him during both elections, roll those quotes and clips and say goodnight. Hynes is a better AG than Governor. Alexi is the only and best option, otherwise its a battle royal for US Senate- Alexi v. Lisa! The powers that be don’t want that.

Comment by The Rocket Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 3:55 pm
Hynes seems to be the best choice. He has a lot of money, decent name recognition, solid labor support, a good track record in office and knows the state’s finances better than anyone…and you know we wouldn’t see him traveling to Argentina!

Comment by Mark Sanford and Son Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 5:44 pm
Hynes. I thought he actually ran a pretty good Senate campaign. He just got smoked by a political comet the likes of which, like it or not, if you read your history, was unique in modern American politics.

The health care spot he did with his wife the doctor at the end of the campaign was outstanding.

Some say he lacks charisma. I don’t know. Paul Simon and Jim Edgar did pretty well, and I don’t recall reading items in Sneed about them knocking back Jager Bombs and dancing The Freak at Crobar.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 7:30 pm
Pat Quinn. ultimately people will see the current pat bashing for
what it is…nonsense.

Comment by Amy Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 7:36 pm
If Lisa runs for Senate (and I hope she runs for governor), the best the democrats can hope for is Kirk Dillard winning the republican primary. At least HE knows how to work with the democrats and republicans. Pat Quinn, while a decent man was still Blago’s running mate and only cried “foul” after the 2006 election when the writing was on the wall already. He is at least partially responsible for the mess we are in today.
Illinois does not need name-calling, blame-setting, or stubborness. Illinois is arguably the best workforce and people in the country. Unfortunately, we send the wrong ones to Springfield. We deserve much better than what we are getting right now. We had it before Blago. At least George Ryan kept the State working and the business going.

Comment by Bruiser Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 7:55 pm
I am a Republican but will vote across party lines. Pat Quinn’s major strength is that everybody feels that he is honest. That may be his only strength as well.

Dan Hynes is also considered by most to be an honest guy. I could live with Dan Hynes if he was chosen. He seems to be the Democrat with the most smarts on financial matters and that is what the Illinois state government needs desperately.

Lisa is now starting to be hurt slightly by her father Mike and his political antics. She is still going to get elected no matter what she runs for but Mike isn’t helping her at this point.

Wouldn’t it be funny if Dick Mell suddenly decided to run for Governor as an Independent or on the Illinois Democrat ticket? That would really blow voters minds, wouldn’t it.

Comment by John Doe Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 8:32 pm
Pat Quinn. He is what we need. Honest, bright, inclusive and hardworking.

Comment by anon Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 9:13 pm
Anita Alvarez for gov.

Comment by Danny Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 9:55 pm
Hynes for Governor..He is exactly what illinois needs. Sorry, PQ just proved he is not ready for prime time…People say what they want but you’d be hard pressed to find a more honest politician

Comment by DemGuy Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 10:09 pm
Chris Kennedy … with Dan Hynes second best.

Comment by Winner Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 10:24 pm
Bill Holland??

Comment by long time state worker Tuesday, Jul 7, 09 @ 10:47 pm
Dan Hynes. No question.

Comment by The Real Rocket Wednesday, Jul 8, 09 @ 4:51 pm