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* About a month ago, I called Chris Kennedy and asked him about rumors that he might run for governor if Lisa Madigan ran for HS Senate or stayed put. He stammered for what seemed like a full minute, and then finally asked if he could call me back in a half hour. I said sure. That call never came.
When LMadigan decided to stay at attorney general, I called Kennedy again and left a message. He finally returned my call several days later when I poked him in abstentia on Chicago Tonight for staying so quiet.
I asked him about new rumors that certain bigtime legislative Democrats were encouraging him to run for governor. He asked for time to get back to me. Nothing. I tried to smoke him out by telling subscribers about the governor thing, but he didn’t take the bait.
The word is spreading, however. From today’s Sun-Times…
Christopher Kennedy is now debating whether to jump into the 2010 Democratic primary for Illinois governor, the Chicago Sun-Times has learned.
Asked to confirm that Tuesday, Kennedy’s spokeswoman, Casey Madden, would only say, “Chris is keeping all his options open.” […]
But [Lisa Madigan] this month stunned just about everyone by declaring she was staying put, running for election to a third term as attorney general. And now, Kennedy is reconsidering, according to several informed sources. […]
… “Chris may have more time to decide than most. … The problem for the Democratic party is races are all about the incumbent. If you’ve been in Springfield for the past eight [or more] years, you will get hit with millions of dollars in negative TV ads.”
There’s also some speculation that he might try for the 10th Congressional District. Mayor Daley’s effusive praise yesterday for Pat Quinn might conceivably push him in that direction…
If State Comptroller Dan Hynes challenges Pat Quinn in the 2010 Democratic gubernatorial primary, he’d be wise not to count on support from a familiar source: Mayor Daley.
Three months after all but endorsing Quinn, Daley slathered even more praise on Illinois’ accidental governor. It happened today after the mayor was asked about Hynes’ apparent decision to challenge a governor who enjoys the mayor’s support.
“I should be [supportive] because he’s worked very hard. He came in a very difficult situation in Illinois and he took it over. Pat has worked very hard. He’s very passionate. He passed an infrastructure bill. He finally passed a budget,” Daley said.
“The state has [a] very serious economic crisis. … This is much more serious than people predicted — especially with the joblessness [that] keeps rising all over the country. That’s what everybody’s concerned about. [But] so far, he’s done a very good job.”
You don’t have to go back three months to find the last time Daley praised Quinn. As I’ve already told you, the Quinn campaign has a video of Daley gushing about the governor just a couple weeks ago.
* Big bucks for a relatively unknown Democratic treasurer candidate…
A fast-rising private-equity executive is setting his sights on a new job: state treasurer.
Kip Kirkpatrick, co-founder of Water Street Healthcare Partners, said he’s decided to run for the Democratic nomination for treasurer because “I’m tired of being a critic (of Illinois government) like everyone else — on the sidelines.”
Mr. Kirkpatrick, 37, has been quietly fundraising for some time and [filed disclosure reports this week showing] that he’s pulled in a very impressive $512,000. Even better for him, he said only $100,000 has come from himself.
* Democrat Robin Kelly, a former state Rep. and chief of staff to incumbent Alexi Giannoulias, announced a long list of endorsements yesterday for her own treasurer’s bid. You can peruse that list by clicking here.
* Is Mark Kirk flip-flopping on cap and trade? Progress Illinois has a Kirk comment from a conservative radio show yesterday…
“If this comes back — and I don’t think it will, I think this bill has died in the Senate — I will be going through every detail and thinking about all of my constituents who got a hold of me on this issue. Because there has been an issue that I’ve heard nothing else about in the last couple of weeks.”
* Note to the SJ-R: Finding a local angle isn’t always necessary. Case in point: This lede…
Even though he lives in Highland Park, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mark Kirk is familiar with central Illinois.
Kirk, 49, was born in Champaign and lived in Chatham from 1962 to 1965.
“My dad worked for Illinois Bell,” Kirk said during a campaign event Tuesday at a Springfield VFW post. “Illinois Bell transferred us all over the state, so we lived in Harvey, Downers Grove, Chatham, and I went to college in Carlinville at Blackburn College.
Seriously, dudes, you look like rubes.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 6:16 am
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Kirk has basically said the same thing since the vote at various GOP meetings where he has been asked (or demanded) for an explanation for his vote, depending upon who is hosting the meeting. At no time has Kirk said he would vote differently, just that he would (again) give the bill a hard look if he had a second chance. He also also repeatedly stated his opinion that the bill will die in the U.S. Senate.
Give him credit. He has spent hours with the GOP “base” (as they call themselves) explaining his vote in detail with them. He didn’t run away from them or hide until the controversy blew over. He distributed printed materials, came in with charts and graphs and explained in detail why he ended up voting for cap and trade.
For those of us who opposed Cap and Trade in the GOP as a wasteful program that would do very little to improve the environment of this nation to justify its extreme costs, we are now reasonably satisfied with his explanations. For those in the GOP who have hated his guts for the past decade, they are still shrieking that they will (still) not support him. You are primarily hearing from the shriekers these days on this issue.
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 7:36 am
I just hope he doesn’t do the Blackburn College Beaver Chant at a press conference. Seriously, though, as a graduate of Blackburn College myself, I would encourage Mr. Kirk to talk more about the work program there (all students are required to work in a job) as part of his background and recognizing the value of hard work.
Comment by DzNts Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 8:14 am
I thought Kirk was born in Olney. I mean, just look at him. Is he not a ‘white squirrel’?
Comment by Springfieldish Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 8:15 am
I’m from Springfield and I’ll defend the SJ-R on the lede. What’s wrong with showing the connection Rep. Kirk has to the area? I knew Rep. Kirk went to BU, so did I. I don’t understand why they are “rubes” for pointing it out.
Comment by Another Blackburn Alum Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 8:27 am
I get the feeling that Kennedy doesn’t have the ambition for a contested primary.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 8:28 am
If he was chris smith would we be having this conversation?
Never knew kirk went to school there. I’ve followed him for 10 years and this has never come up.
Comment by shore Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 8:33 am
They are rubes because they live in Springfield.
Comment by Bill Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 8:33 am
Leave it to a Rude to call his fellow citizens in Springfield a rube.
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 8:38 am
I get the feeling Kennedy was praying to God that Lisa M made the run for Senate. That would have afforded him a face-saving exit strategy. I think he dipped his toe in the Senate pool and realized that the waters were pretty damn cold. Honestly, who is for this guy???
Senate, Gov, Congress, Lake County Coroner, whatever…I’ll pass.
Comment by Bardo2 Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 8:40 am
why will chris keenedy run for governor and i thought he will going to run for the us seante seat his held by roland burris
Comment by mark the ball Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 8:40 am
–If he was chris smith would we be having this conversation?–
What’s the point? He’s not Chris Smith.
If Robert E. Lee’s father hadn’t been a general on George Washington’s staff, he never would have been accepted at West Point.
If Rep. Kirk’s father hadn’t been commander of the Starship Enterprise, would he have joined the Navy.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 8:40 am
If he was Chris Smith would we be having this conversation?
Of cource not. This is Illinois where Democrats still like to drive a Dynasty.
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 8:44 am
What should the SJR have led with, Rich? GOP talking points? Cap and (gag) trade?
Yesterday, it was fine for you to compliment Kirk for “not hiding from his past” because he announced in Kenilworth. Today it’s not fine for downstaters to report the same thing?
Seriously, dude, you look like a hypocrite.
Comment by Northender Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 9:00 am
It’s difficult for me to stomach the frequent bouts of indecisiveness afflicting Kennedy, and to a lesser extent, Kirk. Not exactly paragons of bold, decisive leadership. I get it, considering the drubbing Kirk has endured for voting his conscience on cap and trade.
And frankly, Daley’s endorsement of Quinn isn’t something I’d be featuring on my resume right now. Fairly or not, it forces me to consider what sort of assurances Quinn gave the mayor (subject to the patented Quinn flip-flop, but still).
Deciding to run for public office shouldn’t be treated with such a cavalier attitude - you’re not choosing an entree from a menu. Time to fish or cut bait, Chris.
Comment by The Doc Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 9:01 am
===Seriously, dude, you look like a hypocrite.===
Oh man, I see a “bite me” response coming in 3…2…1…
Comment by Obamarama Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 9:07 am
i suppose if republicans want to criticize democrats for dynastic politics, they might want to convince ethan hastert to take a pass on running for congress.
just sayin…
Comment by bored now Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 9:12 am
I don’t get the “rubes” thing, either, although it’s consistent with previous posts here.
Comment by T.J. Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 9:14 am
Louis, What do you mean “if” Kirk has a second chance to vote on it.
If it passes the Senate it will have to go through reconciliation and then likely pass both chambers again as it is (facts which render the “butbutbut it was rammed through Congress” arguments moot).
This is the problem with Kirk — he tries to have it both ways so often you never know which Kirk will show up.
To wit: he literally did vote for the Iraq War before voting against it.
Will he listen to the “moderate” voice in his head or the “conservatives’” voice in his head.
Which side of the coin is facing up at that moment?
He claims that cap and trade is all he’s heard about from his “constituents”… That’s because the only constituents he’s talking to are the conservative ones.
Comment by Rob_N Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 9:18 am
== If he was Chris Smith would we be having this conversation? ==
== Of cource not. This is Illinois where Democrats still like to drive a Dynasty. ==
Um, if Chris Smith were the CEO of the Merchandise Mart, one of the largest and most successful businesses in the state, and had the ability to self-finance a campaign for governor, we WOULD be having this conversation.
In fact, that describes about half of the statewide GOP candidates from the past 8 years.
But more to the point, while GOP CEO’s are a dime-a-dozen, a Democratic CEO has the same cross-party and independent appeal as, say, a Republican philanthropist who volunteers in urban schools.
Comment by Yellow Dog Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 9:24 am
I guess I am having trouble with Rubes comment, too. I graduated from Chatham Glenwood HS and now live in Lisle. I am hardly a rube. I am Republican and am pleased that Rep. Kirk is listening to those outside his district, since he is running for an office which represents more than his district. As to the comment: =That’s because the only constituents he’s talking to are the conservative ones= Who are YOU kidding? This is an issue that is not solely conservative. I have many ‘liberal’ friends who oppose this bill also….Kirk will make a great Senator
Comment by Lisle Mike Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 9:30 am
==That’s because the only constituents he’s talking to are the conservative ones==
How do you know this? Just taking a wild guess?
Comment by Brennan Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 10:14 am
YD — If you want a candidate who has proven cross party appeal, is a successful businessman who employs hundreds, has a record of opposing corruption and higher taxes, plus has shown a willingness and ability to self fund, forget about Chris Kennedy. Your candidate should be Jack Franks.
Comment by Altgeld's Ghost Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 10:19 am
Altgeld -
I like Jack Franks. Alot. A helluva lot.
But I just suffered six years of one “No New Taxes” governor. Maybe Jack Franks is the one person on the planet who has a plan to close the $10 billion budget hole next year without raising taxes or fees. But if he doesn’t have that plan, he’s not the right person for governor.
On the other hand, if Madigan weren’t running for re-election, Jack Franks would be a great pick for Attorney General.
Comment by Yellow Dog Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 10:30 am
saying that you will look at a conference report of a bill after the other body makes changes to it, and then the conference committee makes changes - is not flip flopping - at all.
Comment by anon Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 10:34 am
The problem with Louis G. Atsaves is that he’s a Republican Chairman from a Lake County Township that never votes for Kirk, or any Republican for that matter. I think that perspective is skewed and Mr. Atsaves doesn’t realize what it means to run statewide.
That said, Congressman Kirk is going to have a tough road ahead of him, especially outside of the Chicagoland area, where he will need to come up with solid answers on his positions and will need to abandon the ‘political spin’ strategy that he’s been employing now.
It’s nice that he has connections to Central Illinois, but until he understands that the mindset of the voters in that area of the state differs drastically from that of the 10th District, he is going to have a very tough time indeed.
Comment by Broadsword Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 10:40 am
YD, I think you hit the nail on the head. I like Jack Franks as well, both personally and as an elected official, but he’s not playing it straight on this issue. Hard choices need to be made and Jack has played fast and loose with budget facts.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 10:40 am
YDD, I agree completely. If there is a gubernatorial candidate with a plan that will cover the massive deficit while still fulfilling the constitutional mandates of caring for our most valuable citizens without raising taxes, I will vote for him/her 100% without a doubt–regardless of party affiliation.
Of course, I frankly believe that such a plan is a financial/mathematical fantasy. In which case, the candidate that has the guts to raise taxes and the ability, the true ability, to make reforms in the way that the State of Illinois does business will get my vote. Anybody? Anybody? Bueller?
Comment by Obamarama Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 10:46 am
Brennan,
It’s based on the news he himself is reporting about his own activities as well as the news that those who attend his GOP meetings are reporting.
So far, he’s had meetings with several local township GOP organizations. This is based on his own Twitter page and the blog posting of members of those organizations.
If he’s having meetings with constituents other than Republicans, it hasn’t been reported anywhere (either by himself, his staff, members of the public at large or the news media).
Comment by Rob_N Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 10:49 am
Brennan,
Here’s a follow-up…
Eva Sorock reports about Kirk’s meeting w/ the New Trier Republican Organization and their complaints about his cap and trade vote on July 12th.
She had a pre-meeting blogpost on July 8th where she describes Kirk being “roasted” by Chicago and Downstate conservative radio hosts and conservative denizens around the state and country.
And here is former State Rep Penny Pullen’s account of the meeting Kirk had with the Republicans of Wheeling Township during which he was, again, lambasted by conservatives for his vote on cap and trade.
Maybe, since he is still the Representative from the 10th district he ought to talk to some groups like the local Sierra Clubs, etc. They are his constituents too.
Of course, if he becomes Senator for Illinois he’ll also be representing Democrats… so maybe he should speak to some of those constituents too.
If he does, the wind direction may change when he sticks his finger up.
Comment by Rob_N Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 11:07 am
Sorry, one more postscript for Brennan.
In Rep Pullen’s blogpost, she notes that Mark Kirk told the Wheeling GOP that his meeting with them was his 6th such meeting on cap and trade.
Comment by Rob_N Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 11:12 am
Pat Quinn has many faults, which have been extensively documented in this blog over the last few months. But he has one big virtue that is unique among all the potential gubernatorial candidates—he has been honest and forthright about the big structural funding problem that we have in Illinois government at the state level. I have not made up my mind yet, but so far I am inclined to believe that is a big enough virtue to outweigh his faults, especially because with experience he is only going to get better at the day-to-day, week-to-week, management of the Governor’s office, whereas it does not look as though his opponents are likely to acquire more courage.
Comment by jake Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 11:29 am
C’mon Rob,
Just because some members of the GOP are conservative doesn’t mean all members of the GOP are conservative. And just because Kirk is meeting with some GOP groups (even 6 of them) doesn’t mean he is only meeting with GOP groups.
I’ve come to expect non-faulty arguments from you
Comment by 10th Indy Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 11:38 am
Is there a downside to Chris Kennedy’s Cleveland dealings?
Quite a few negative voices available on that front…..
Comment by Plutocrat03 Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 11:45 am
Why should Kirk be meeting with the Sierra Club? He voted their way. Rob, you are not making sense. Like a good representative, Kirk is making himself available to here from those who disagree with him so he can hear differing viewpoints. That is something you don’t here from too many pols of either party.
Comment by Abe Froman Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 11:57 am
Broadwood is right. I grew up in the 10th district Republican organization and it is NOWHERE close to where the gop is right now nationally. Your average Republican kirk voter in the 10th is an upper middle class/upper class, college educated, pro-choice, pro-gun control, pro-enviornment, pro-science, Republican. These aren’t folks that like rush or hannity. This is where Louis, and Team America come from. Mark will get beyond it because he’s smart, and it will frustrate democrats to no end in the state if he’s successful.
Kirk will get hit hard from the left and right, but ultimately I think he’ll win this race as long as he can keep it away from alexi framing it as obama versus bush.
Comment by shore Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 12:27 pm
Rob N: You answered your own question to me on the “if” part.
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 12:28 pm
B-Sword
I agree Kirk’s road wont be easy but he has a message that will resonate throughout the state:
“I will be a moderate on the divisive social issues but a fiscal conservative,” Kirk said of his political philosophy. “But at heart, (I am) a guy who would be totally dedicated to restoring the image of Illinois and ethics and integrity in government.”
It’s a clear and powerful message. If he stays on it he wins.
Comment by 10th Indy Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 12:35 pm
10th,
The point is, just like he did in waiting for Lisa Madigan before making a decision, Mark Kirk is now sticking his finger to the wind to see how to proceed re cap and trade.
Rich gave him a big wet kiss yesterday saying his kick-off event was flawless and that he lived up to his tuff-enuff persona by brushing off some progressives who want him to actually be the moderate he says he is…
But by doing so much “rethinking” he’s showing himself to be pretty bendable to whomever’s loudest at the moment.
Comment by Rob_N Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 12:38 pm
Abe,
Kirk voted Sierra Club’s way the first time.
He’s now saying (after getting an earful from conservatives/GOPs/etc) he’d reconsider that vote.
I then noted that if all he’s hearing is negativity about his vote maybe it’s because he seems to only be listening to a particular segment of his constituents rather than all his constituents.
That’s my point. Not sure why my pointing out that he’s sticking his finger to the wind instead of sticking to his self-proclaimed principles doesn’t make sense to you.
Comment by Rob_N Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 12:41 pm
Louis, it was rhetorical after all (hence no question mark).
Just like he did hedging his bets about a Senate run while waiting on Lisa, he hedged his bets on the cap and trade vote.
He voted aye, risking the ire of conservatives and fellow GOPs, but apparently did so in the hopes that the proposal will die in the Senate anyway and that he could find a way to placate his fellow Republicans in the meantime.
Kind of difficult to figure out where a guy stands when he does so much hedging, hemming and hawing.
Comment by Rob_N Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 12:45 pm
Cap and Trade is exactly why conservatives should vote for Kirk. They can hold him accountable and make him realize that if he doesn’t bend to their will on issues he could face a specter situation where he gets primaried. They won’t be able to pressure alexi at all.
Comment by shore Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 1:05 pm
Shore, that post makes no sense. Why would conservatives vote for someone who they fear may waffle on their issues instead of a candidate who they know will stay more true to their platform?
It’s the difference between hoping you can yell at someone loud enough to get them to flip-flop and simply knowing someone agrees with you in the first place.
Comment by Rob_N Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 1:20 pm
Shore well said. I believe this is Kirk’s Senate Seat to lose. Alexi is a okay candidate, but his baggage comes at a bad time after the DEM Blago/Burris scandals.
Money did not help Blair Hull in 2004, and will not help Alexi.
Comment by Ryan Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 1:27 pm
chris kennedy is a wealthy eccentric type who when he gets bored and restless contemplates running for political office. he won’t run for governor or senate or the u.s. house because he’s not really interested in running for anything. it seems that from time to time he just likes a little media attention. so, four years from now he will put his name out again, but never actually do anything beyond that.
Comment by Will County Woman Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 1:41 pm
I can confirm that Kennedy is very interested.
I was polled last night - A half hour push poll that was very critical of Pat Quinn and stressed that Kennedy is a reformer who will help other Democratic candidates. Quinn apparently only wants to raise taxes and cut programs.
And he set up a food bank at the merchandize mart.
Comment by Gary Klass Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 1:43 pm
*I can confirm that Kennedy is very interested.
I was polled last night - A half hour push poll that was very critical of Pat Quinn and stressed that Kennedy is a reformer who will help other Democratic candidates. Quinn apparently only wants to raise taxes and cut programs.
(i tried to sumit this but it said I already said it.)
And he set up a food bank at the merchandize mart.
Comment by Gary Klass Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 1:44 pm
If Kennedy’s elected gov he’ll have to raise $ and/or cut programs…. Oy.
Comment by Rob_N Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 1:45 pm
Kirk has said why he voted for the bill and has never said looking back on it he would change that vote.
I certainly hope he would read the details of any version of bill that might come back to the house and consider what all of his constituents are saying on any issue. Any other answer to the question would be irresponsible.
Comment by 10th Indy Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 1:48 pm
I also wish I could learn how to use a comma
Comment by 10th Indy Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 1:49 pm
Not tied to the mess in Springfield, Kennedy would be formidable for Senate, Governor or Congress.
Comment by Winner Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 1:57 pm
Hey, more than one person on here has accused Louis G. Atsaves of running a ‘clown college.’
I’m not sure that’s entirely fair, but may be close to the truth.
I don’t have enough information to make a decision on it.
Comment by Broadsword Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 2:09 pm
In the End, Kennedy will run for the Open IL-10 House Seat. If he did all comers would drop out the next day as Kennedy would raise $10 million in two days with bi partisan support due to his Business acumen.
Comment by Ryan Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 2:18 pm
- Obamarama - Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 10:46 am:
YDD, I agree completely. If there is a gubernatorial candidate with a plan that will cover the massive deficit while still fulfilling the constitutional mandates of caring for our most valuable citizens without raising taxes, I will vote for him/her 100% without a doubt–regardless of party affiliation.
Of course, I frankly believe that such a plan is a financial/mathematical fantasy. In which case, the candidate that has the guts to raise taxes and the ability, the true ability, to make reforms in the way that the State of Illinois does business will get my vote. Anybody? Anybody? Bueller?
California is about to be an example they are trying to close a much larger deficit without raising taxes. It is going to be painful in Cali and interesting to see if the rsidents there still are against the higher taxes when the service cuts and education cuts start hitting home. It will give Ill pols. something to study for the next 6months. It could end up being a good argument that we can do it without raising taxes or that taxes must be raised.
Comment by fed up Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 2:24 pm
Louis is a great guy. But 10th republicans are not your average rank and file republicans.
Rob N my point is that conservatives will have a seat at the table with Kirk. they won’t with alexi.
Comment by shore Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 2:31 pm
@- Gary Klass - Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 1:43 pm
if you got that call lastnight, then I stand corrected. but, I hopefully you can appreciate my skepticism.
so, what did you say in response to the polling?
did you agree with the criticisms of quinn?
Comment by Will County Woman Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 2:33 pm
I say if someone wants to run for State Wide Office, Look at the Senate Race. If the Dems want to win that seat, they will need a Chris Kennedy or Dan Hynes to run for that seat, because Alexi will not make the cut, meaning he can lose to Kirk.
Comment by Will County Man Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 2:45 pm
Shore,
Conservatives will have a comfy chair around the coffee table w/ Eric Wallace, and most of them seem to know it if you go by the comments they’re leaving at blogs and newspaper sites around the state.
…And if Kirk’s truly a moderate, how can independents trust him to stand up to conservative special interests considering how quickly and easily he’s waffling on cap and trade?
Comment by Rob_N Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 2:46 pm
Daley gushes, huh?
I guess governor quinn is more to his liking than Lt. Governor Quinn et al.
presumably governor quinn will support the building of wal mart stores in chicago, whereas lt. governor quinn did not. quinn was all over the big box thing a couple of years ago, and he was on the side of mayor daley’s favorite alderman, joe moore.
Comment by Will County Woman Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 2:48 pm
Kennedy (or rather the Merchandise Mart) is interviewing public relations firms to help put lipstick on the pig out in Cleveland. He wants to cover up that shady deal and will use the Mart’s money to help his political career.
This has the makings of a real train wreck. An indecisive socialite with no experience in government or politics (except touch football at Hyannisport), with the most cut-throat political hatchet men/women money can buy (already push polling?). This always makes for fun viewing. I’m no Dem, but I’d vote for Quinn over this punk. At least Quinn has shown real devotion to public service and knows the issues inside and out.
I’m also curious why anyone thinks Kennedy can self-fund. Sure he’s made good money running his granddad’s office building, but do the math. All those kids and a dad who inherieted some money but never made any more. He’s comfortable, but I bet he doesn’t have the $15 mil Peter Fitzgerald put in. Sure he can raise some money on his name, but he’s going to have to show he has the chops to bring in the big bucks. Corzine is a self-funder. Kennedy will have to work at raising money.
Comment by E Pluribus Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 2:55 pm
I think the headline should read “potential” rather than “possible”
Comment by phil Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 3:04 pm
I thought the last time Kirk was mentioned, there was a question about how he would do downstate. I think talking about his background and ties to downstate are fine, and don’t understand why anyone would label them with such a perjorative term as rubes for pointing it out. Next thing you know, we’ll be hearing about Springtucky.
Comment by ChampaignDweller Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 3:26 pm
You’re reaching again Rob - one hypothetical answer to a hypothetical question is hardly quick and easy waffling.
Comment by 10th Indy Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 3:29 pm
Having lived both downstate and also in the 10th District myself, I do think Kirk will do very well as a statewide candidate. Particularly telling, I believe, will be their respective performances in a series of policy debates between he and Alexi (assuming Alexi gets the Dem. nod). As an aside, during a recent conversation with a friend who lives in the Rantoul area he referred to Alexi as “he seems kind of goofy, doesn’t he”?
Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 3:53 pm
10th Indy,
His response wasn’t “I’m a moderate so I believe this is the right thing to do. I believed it when I cast that vote and I still believe it now.”
…Instead, his response was that he’s been catching a lot of flak (which seems to be coming from all the Republicans and conservatives he’s talking to) and that he’d have to think long and hard about it before casting another aye vote.
You may not think it was quick (even though it’s been less than a month since his first vote was made) or easy (even though the words apparently rolled right off his tongue) but it’s clearly waffling on the issue.
Waffling -
Definition: waver
Synonyms: change, change one’s mind, equivocate, flip-flop, vacillate, yo-yo
Comment by Rob_N Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 5:08 pm
Rob_N- you are right that conservatives will have a front row for coffee talk with Dr. Wallace, but it’s going to be a very small front row. The fact is that there’s a lot more voters in the middle than at either end, which includes the primary, although I admit primaries are over-weighted to the zealots on both sides. There’s just not enough die-hard right-wingers to overcome Kirk’s popularity among centrist voters, so he will sail through the primary and it will be left wing Obama-phile Alexi vs. boy scout middle-of-the roader Kirk.
I call it 53% Kirk, 47% Alexi. You heard it here first.
Comment by Team America Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 8:28 pm
TA, Til Feb (and likely even after) Kirk will have to keep catching all that flak from his right flank.
If he continues to cave under the pressure you can kiss that well-coiffed “middle of the road” construction g’bye.
Comment by Rob_N Wednesday, Jul 22, 09 @ 10:52 pm
Even if Kirk isn’t a hard line conservative, thats still better than a Democratic lackey in the seat, especially from Illinois. And even if he is moderate, he’s not as moderate as the media casts him. He has voted against the Stimulus, the Omnibus, the Obama budget and opposes Obamacare. Meanwhile, he has voted for keeping guantanamo open, for free trade and for sanctions against hostile nations with WMDs. He votes Republican over 86% of the time. Thats more than some of his fellow GOP Reps can say.
As for the whole waffling issue on Cap and Trade, you call it waffling, I say responding to constituents. You’re right, there have been a lot of people unhappy with his vote. So why would he vote the same way again later? This is one of those few chances where a Congressman can be completely responsive to his constituents. I applaud Kirk for taking hold of this opportunity and voting the way the 10th district has asked him to.
When it comes down to it, Kirk is more middle of the road than any other candidate out there, which means he will win the moderate vote. Meanwhile, Dr. Wallace will just be dawdling around wondering why he didn’t win as a conservative in Illinios.
And Rob, I encourage you to keep that in mind. This is Illinois, which means hard line conservativism is not the ideology of choice here. Moderate, left leaning values are. And if a moderate, right leaning candidate can win the senate, then I will be quite pleased with the way the election turned out.
Comment by Kevin F Smith Thursday, Jul 23, 09 @ 1:07 pm
Okay, what’s the story on Kennedy and Cleveland? Did I miss something?
Comment by Lynn S Thursday, Jul 23, 09 @ 11:15 pm