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* Bernie Schoenburg tells his readers today what I told subscribers yesterday. Illinois State Fair manager Amy Bliefnick is running as a Democrat in the 51st Illinois Senate District. Bliefnick also told both Bernie and myself that she won’t quit her state job while she’s campaigning…
She said she plans to keep the position during election season. If she’s successful in the Feb. 2 primary, that means she’ll be her party’s nominee during next summer’s state fair.
“I’m very good about separation of responsibilities,” she said.
Bliefnick is an elected member of the Richland Community College board and currently its president.
* The Question: Should Bliefnick resign her State Fair job to run for state Senate? Thoroughly explain your answer, please. Thanks.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 10:55 am
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No, there is not a conflict. We do not require other people to give up their hjobs to run for an office.
Its hard enough to find people willing to run the maze of the election process. I prefer to encoruage people to run so voters have more choice. I think it becomes fair game for reporters to foia her time and make sure she is using her own time for any campaigning occuring during the day.
Comment by Ghost Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 11:06 am
No. I think it gives incumbents a huge advantage to not have to quit their jobs in government to run for office. You can vote, then make donor calls then go to a hearing. Challengers should have same opportunities. As long as her campaign work happens on off days or after work, I see nothing wrong with this.
Comment by Shore Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 11:07 am
This is a top tier race for Democrats. We need a candidate who will give the race all of his or her effort, and not be out of the race from 9-5. If she keeps her State Fair job she will be either failing the party and her district by not giving a top tier race 100% and giving the district a chance to replace the inept Kyle McCarter, or she will be failing the people of Illinois by not giving her very best effort to running the County Fair.
The question she has to ask herself is this: Can I do the best possible job as a candidate and running the state fair if I’m doing both. The answer to that is almost certainly no.
And the people of Illinois are paying her over 90,000 per year to run the fair. For that kind of money they deserve to have someone who is entirely devoted to the task
Comment by Common Sense Democrat Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 11:08 am
Might as well resign now, because next october when there are 800 media points a week showing you arm and arm with Rod, you will be forced to resign but it will be too late. you will have lost the election and your job. So, I’d resign now.
Comment by Ghost of Greg Tuite Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 11:10 am
Another question is will she keep her job or will status as a Blagojevich appointee result in her being “fumigated.”
http://www.sj-r.com/homepage/x998776516/Local-names-appearing-on-state-fumigation-list
Comment by Fumigation Squad Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 11:11 am
I guess there is no legal requirement that she step down.
But if one those big corn dog makers or salt water taffy machines show up at a campaign event then there could be an issue.
Comment by just sayin Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 11:14 am
Maybe she should tell everyone she isn’t going to resign, then resign. Then tell people she doesn’t really resign, wait a few months, and then resign. Just to be consistent.
Comment by Here's an idea Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 11:18 am
How could somebody run an agency in an apolitical manner while running for a political office?
I though there were some restrictions on holding state jobs while running for political office–federal restrictions maybe? Or is that only for
Rutan-covered positions. I can’t believe you could hold a Rutan job and run for political office. But this is Illinois…..
Comment by cassandra Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 11:19 am
She should definitely resign. Under Amy Bliefnick’s leadership the Illinois State Fair has continually run a huge deficit. People are going to start rightly asking “If you can’t even run the the fair, why should we trust you to help run the state?”
If she wins the primary, and I think that’s a big if, she would likely wind up going into the general with baggage from financially mismanaging another fair and losing the state millions of dollars just months before the election. Why load your opponent’s gun?
Comment by Resign before another Fair Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 11:19 am
As a Democrat, the thing that troubles me most about Amy Bliefnick is who she has running her campaign. This election is going to take place during the Blagojevich Trial. Her slogan might as well be: Amy Bliefnick, brought to you by the Decatur Chapter of the Rod Blagojevich Alumni Association.
Comment by Bliefnickovich Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 11:23 am
I’m with Ghost and Shore, for the same reasons. We complain about the small number of people willing to run for office and then expect those who do to give up their jobs while. If she can do her job and run on her off-time (like most people would have to do), I don’t see what the problem would be.
Run for office? Yes, but don’t quit your day job.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 11:24 am
If Robin Kelly can run statewide for Treasurer while drawing a full-time paycheck, there apparently are no standards.
Comment by raising kane Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 11:25 am
No, that is why we have nothing (seems like) but lawyers in the offices now. They can largely make their own hours. If she wins, she should quit and make the pledge to do so right now on Cap DFax.
She should take a sebatical during the planning of the state fair.
Should incumbent office holders quit during their re-election campaigns?
Comment by Wumpus Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 11:26 am
As a Republican, I think she should keep her job and proudly boast about being a Blagojevich political appointee at every campaign stop in the district.
Comment by SangamoGOP Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 11:27 am
No, I dont’ think state employees are second-class citizens. It’s a free country.
There are possibilities for conflict of interest, of course. But not more than, say, a governor running for senator, or any officeholder looking to climb up the ladder, for that matter.
If you want to look for conflict of interest in this state, there are much more worthy avenues of pursuit.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 11:27 am
Of course not. She should be just as able as the next candidate to keep her job. As a matter of fact, her current position regarding the state fair should be considered a plus when working with the clowns under the Big Top in Springfield.
Knowing how to handle livestock will come in handy when counting votes for legislation. Watching the high divers has given her an understanding on how to deal with overexposure in high places before taking leaps. Watching how the butter cow is formed every year should help her understand how palms are greased. She has a lot of experience working with wieners too, and that will come in handy in committee work.
Any public servant campaigning for a public office should intuitively know where lines are crossed regarding the separation of responsibilities that occur.
If she wins the Primary, then she should ensure that her name is removed from state fair literature and signage next year. She should know not to campaign at the fairgrounds or at any fair activities during, after or before the fair. I trust she does know this, and will take suitable caution.
If she doesn’t then she deserves any negative results - but she knows this too.
Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 11:28 am
In my opinion it would serve her best and the people of Illinois best if she were to resign her job and spend 100% of her time on her campaign. Saying she can divide her time well is nobel but actually doing it is virtually impossible. All who hold these important positions know that it is much more than an eight to five job so by her campaign efforts she will deminish her ability to be effective at her job.
Sure, she can legally stay in the position, but I think it will be impossible for her to serve two masters…..effectively. As a Rod appointee she carrys the banner of partianship and will no doubt recruit people under her employ to “help out.” Truth is, I don’t trust her any more than I do most appointees.
Comment by Justice Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 11:31 am
I didn’t realize they added skeet shooting to the State Fair lineup…because this is an e-a-s-y target. Being appointed by Rod, being surprised by the electrical system failure at the fairgrounds, raising the ticket prices in a recession/depression, and what was the average grandstand attendance figure this year…4,500? IF she makes it through the primary she should resign so as to avoid any conflict of interest during the fair. Because if she does win the primary, I would anticipate a large increase in state fair marketing expenditures next year…
Comment by Vote Quimby! Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 11:31 am
–Because if she does win the primary, I would anticipate a large increase in state fair marketing expenditures next year…–
VQ, kind of like prior to elections, organ donor spots featuring the incumbent, College Illinois spots featuring the incumbent, ribbon cuttings featuring the incumbent, and on and on and on.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 11:37 am
Has anyone heard of the Hatch Act? It applies here. She needs to be cleared to run by the US Office of Special Council (Google it) or Ag could loose all Federal Funding. This is a very serious lapse in judgment. Others have been forced to choose the job or the race based on Hatch Act decisions from the OSC.
Comment by Whatever Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 11:44 am
These are all great points. I believe keeping her state fair job is a serious disservice to the farmers of Illinois who look forward to a top notch fair each year. Hence the $90,000 paid position needed to ensure it’s success. Tell me she’s not going to be talking on her cell phone campaigning or strategizing while on state time. Tell me that’s not easy to figure out with anonymous calls and documentation. Kyle McCarter should be loving this easy ticket to using her Blagovich appointment and tactics to win a race.
Comment by dem don't Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 11:49 am
is Robin Kelly resigning?
Comment by Amalia Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 11:53 am
Could you explain a little more about the Hatch Act?
I just read:
Prohibited Activities
Covered state and local employees may not-
* be candidates for public office in a partisan election
* use official authority or influence to interfere with or affect the results of an election or nomination
* directly or indirectly coerce contributions from subordinates in support of a political party or candidate
Is the fair manager a covered state employee? It seems very likely the fair gets some federal grant money, but I don’t know for sure.
Comment by What Whatever? Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 12:08 pm
The Hatch Act applies to executive branch state and local employees who are principally employed in connection with programs financed in whole or in part by loans or grants made by the United States or a federal agency. Employees who work for educational or research institutions which are supported in whole or in part by a State or political subdivision of the State are not covered by the provisions of the Hatch Act.
Employees of private nonprofit organizations are covered by the Hatch Act only if the statute through which the organization receives its federal funds contains language which states that the organization shall be considered to be a state or local agency for purposes of the Hatch Act, e.g., Headstart and Community Service Block Grant statutes.
An employee’s conduct is also subject to the laws of the state and the regulations of the employing agency. Additionally, employees should be aware that the prohibitions of the Hatch Act are not affected by state or local laws.
Permitted Activities
Prohibited Activities
Penalties for Violating the Hatch Act
Advisories for State and Local Employees
————————————————–
Permitted Activities
Covered state and local employees may-
run for public office in nonpartisan elections
campaign for and hold office in political clubs and organizations
actively campaign for candidates for public office in partisan and nonpartisan elections
contribute money to political organizations and attend political fundraising functions
[Top]
————————————————–
Prohibited Activities
Covered state and local employees may not-
be candidates for public office in a partisan election
use official authority or influence to interfere with or affect the results of an election or nomination
directly or indirectly coerce contributions from subordinates in support of a political party or candidate
[Top]
Comment by soccermom Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 12:11 pm
What I don’t understand is how can Amy run a successful campaign in one of the most hotly contested districts and still work 9 to 5 for the state. There is no way she could do both without using state money or state resources. Also why would we want a candidate who is just running on a whim. Amy was asked “quite a awhile back” to run, but now she sees the need to campaign. Please!
Comment by Democrat Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 12:16 pm
VanMan you are always on point!
Comment by Whoa! Just a Sec. Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 12:29 pm
To those who think campaigning can not be done unless you do it 9-5 every day, thats hogwash.
Campaigns rely on workers and volunteers to do the day to day operations etc. The vast majority of canidates do not campaign 9-5 m-fri.
Comment by Ghost Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 12:45 pm
Winning candidates DO campaign 9-9 m-m, Ghost. That is why she should take a leave.
Comment by OhDear Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 1:20 pm
Good try Ghost, but if you are running, particularly statewide, you are spending 24-7 raising money and getting out there. By not resigning Robin leaves herself open to the notion that every trip she takes is to enhance her campaign on state dollars. And even if she uses her personal cell, the feds can pull those records in a heartbeat. If she is raising money while she is “on the clock” she is in trouble. It just isn’t worth the risk.
Comment by raising kane Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 1:25 pm
Real yawner of a question…..Capt Fax must be a little woozey today
Comment by CircularFiringSquad Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 1:31 pm
Should Dan Hynds resign so he can run for Governor? It seems odd to have a state employee running for office and to make it transparent, she should at least take a leave of abscence. I think the Republicans will feast on her and she will spend all of her time answering questions about her conflicts and not about the campaign.
Comment by bourbonrich Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 1:32 pm
Soccermom and Whatever, this is helpful:
“The Hatch Act applies to executive branch state and local employees who are principally employed in connection with programs financed in whole or in part by loans or grants made by the United States or a federal agency.”
Is the State Fair “financed in whole or in part by loans of grants made by the US or a fed agency?”
Comment by Hatch Act Question Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 1:44 pm
A Blagojevich appointee for State Senate. She had the fortune of knowing Joe Handley and parlayed it into a job. Don’t think its a great qualification.
However, I agree that she should be able to keep her job. The voters will determine whether its right or wrong.
Comment by 4 percent Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 1:47 pm
She’s got a better chance of winning if she resigns, no question.
OhDear is right, campaigning is best done twelve hours per day, seven days per week.
I can GUARANTEE you that if she holds on to her state job while campaigning, it will be used against her in a number of mostly unfair yet effective ways.
Comment by Yellow Dog Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 2:36 pm
Why give up a $90K state job to run in a primary she may lose to get to a general election she may lose to get a $60K job? Why vote for anyone dumb enough to do that!
Comment by Smart, Real Smart Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 2:39 pm
Is she going to quit if she wins?
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 2:50 pm
I’m amazed at the thought that the Diretor of the State Fair position is only a 9-5 job, especially in the heart of primary season when contracts are being negotiated or finalized for the state fair. Out of fairness, several state legislators are employees of the City of Chicago. I think there are some government jobs that lend themselves to being able to serve in elected office, but senior level manager for a state agency isn’t one of them. I think she needs to pick and choose where her heart is…
Comment by dznuts Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 3:49 pm
She’s got nothing to lose. She’s fumigated either way.
Comment by dem don't Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 3:49 pm
The State Fair itself is not funded by the feds, at least as far as I can tell. But the Department of Agriculture does get federal funding. So this one may be a coin flip.
Comment by soccermom Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 5:05 pm
Make the primary a demo derby and see what happens.
Comment by Honest Abe Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 5:17 pm
I think she will have at the minimum the appearance of a huge conflict of interest. The State Fair Manager is one of the most visible state employee positions. This position is constantly in the media promoting the fair (as it should be), but couldn’t her opponent demand equal air time?
It also completes the public perception that the fair is total politicized.
I believe in this case she needs to make a case to do one or other, but not both. Additionally doesn’t this bring some thought that she also potentially step down as Richland Board Chair?
She has done a reasonable job with both these positions, but I believe running for this position creates the appearance at a minimum of a huge conflict of interest.
Comment by MaconBacon Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 8:54 pm
Yes she should resign. She already takes advantage of the State. No doubt she will campaign on state time.
Comment by fedup Thursday, Sep 10, 09 @ 9:34 pm
Kelly Street was not allowed to run for State Rep against Jil Tracy because of his state employment, I believe he worked at DHS.
Comment by seriously Friday, Sep 11, 09 @ 6:27 pm