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* Politics Magazine has asked me to create a chart for them describing who the top 100 Democratic and Republican “influencers” are in Illinois (fifty for each party). The magazine’s Florida “influencers” chart is here, the New Hampshire chart is here.

Notice that both charts focus mainly on people who are not elected officials. That wouldn’t be the case here, because a few elected officials run so much in Illinois.

I have a general idea about what I’m going to do, but I thought I’d ask for your input. So…

* The Question: Who do you think are the top ten or so un-elected political “influencers” in each Illinois political party? These would be staffers, lobbyists, consultants, etc., etc., etc. Please, stick to people who are not elected to any public office. Explain if you want. I’m more interested in your lists. Try to be as extensive as possible. List more than ten if you want, but don’t just come up with one name. Put a little thought into this. Thanks.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:27 am

Comments

Tom Balanoff of SEIU should probably be on the list.

Comment by Carl Nyberg Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:35 am
Maybe Greg Baise at IMA

Comment by Captain Flume Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:38 am
List more than one, please. C’mon, now. You can do it.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:39 am
In the GOP, I’d put the following:
* Doug Whitley, head of the state Chamber
* Greg Baise of the IMA
* Paul Caprio of Family PAC
* Jack Roeser of Champion News
* Dallas Ingemuson
* Steve Rauschenberger of the URF
* Big Bob Kjellander, former national committeeman
* Ron Gidwitz

Comment by reformer Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:41 am
oops, not sure about party affiliation, esp. since top influencers at least try to be bi-partisan for the good of their causes:
Greg Baise
Jim Edgar
Al Ronan
Henry Bayer
Rod Blagojevich (may be negative but his influence is still being felt)
Jesse Jackson, Sr.

Comment by Captain Flume Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:44 am
Democrats (in no particular order):

Dave Ellis
Mike McClain
Tom Cullen
Mike Kasper
Joann Sullivan
Rob Uhe
Steve Brown
Jerry Stermer
Penny Pritzker
Bill Harte

GOP (in no particular order)

Whitley
Baise
Roper (Chicago Chamber)
Edgar
Matt O’Shea (House GOP Chief of Staff)
Jay Keller (lobbyist)
Jack Roeser (Family PAC)

Comment by Joe in the Know Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:52 am
Rahm Emanuel
Jim Thompson
David Axelrod
Steve Brown
Patrick Ryan
Valerie Jarrett
Jim Edgar
Jesse Jackson
Bill Cellini (at one time anyway)
Thom Serafin
and Rich Miller

Comment by Face Time Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:54 am
Off the top of my head, Tim Degnan, Victor Reyes, Joe Berrios, Larry Suffredin, Bill Filan, Tom Hynes, Jim McPike, James R. Thompson, Bill Celini…

Oh, and Rich Miller for sure.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:55 am
For Dems:

Tom Balanoff - SEIU
Terry Cosgrove - Personal PAC
Rod Blagojevich (you didn’t say it had to be a positive influence)
Madigan’s chief of staff
Jesse Jackson Sr.
Michelle Obama (presumably)
Mayor Daley’s chief of staff
Bill McNary - Citizen Action

For the GOP

Jim Thompson
Jim Edgar
Dan Webb

Comment by LouisXIV Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:57 am
People, kindly leave me off your lists. Thanks.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:58 am
This is more Chicago centric, than Illinois. Three years ago the list would’ve included Cellini, Kjellender,Rezko, Levine, etc. Jesse Jackson does not deserve to be on this list, but will somehow buy his way on. I’m sure the head of unions from Chicago and from the John Deere and Caterpillar people have some political muscle as well.

Here’s a list I quicly threw together.

Republicans - Andy McKenna. Pat Ryan, Joe Scheidler, Jim Thompson. John Kass.

Dems - Pritzkers, AKP Media, Walsh Construction, Elzie Higginbottom, Fred Eychaner, Johnson Publishing, Rick Garcia, Bill Daley.

Independents - Rich Miller?

Comment by Stormin Normin Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:00 pm
You can however add OneMan to them

But besides me on the GOP side

Baise
Jack Roeser
Mancow
Proft (outside of him running for Gov)
Denny Hastert

Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:02 pm
Nice, Rich…ask us to do some work for you, then put conditions on it. You sound like my brother.

Comment by You Go Boy Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:07 pm
Rich Miller - Influential Blog Master.
Andy Shaw - Better Government Association
Henry Bayer - AFSCME
Jill Stanek - Anti-Abortion Spokesperson
Jesse Jackson - Former 1988 Pres candidate
David Axelrod - Campaign guy
Rahm Emanuel - WH Chief of Staff
Ron Gidwitz - Owner of expensive art
Jim Thompson - Owner of Thompson Center
Jim Edgar - Owner of great hair
Patrick Fitzgerald - Federal Prosecutor
Abner Mikva - old man with funny name
Mike Ditka - Coach
William Ayers - Domestic Terrorist
Oprah Winfrey - Superstar!
Dennis Hastert - Former Coach
Louis Farrakhan - A guy with a big church
Eric Zorn - Yellow Journalist
Michael Sneed - Another one
Rich Whitney - A Greenie
Steve Bartman - Ryan & Blagojevich supporter
Dan Ryan - Famous Deceased Voter

Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:07 pm
Dems
Dan Walker
Otto Kerner
Paul Powell
Niles Sherman
Cliff Kelly
Dan Rostenkowski
Rod Blagojevich
Tony Rezco

Repubs
George Ryan
Scott Fawell
Roger Stanley
Stuart Levine
Bill Cellini
Tony Rezco
Patrick Fitzgerald

Comment by Bill Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:09 pm
Oh Yeah and Bill Scott on the repub list.

Comment by Bill Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:11 pm
GOP:Thompson, Edgar, Greg Baise, Dave Vite, Bill Cellini, Jack Dorgan, Jack Roser, Denny Hastert, Carter Hendren, Dave Sullivan, Paul Caprio, Ron Gidwitz, Nuding & O’Shea.
Dems: Dave Ellis, Tim Mapes, Penny Pritzker, John Dunn, Balanoff, Cosgrove, Gannon, Bill Daley, Tom Cullen, Mike Kasper, McClain.

Comment by fan Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:11 pm
Can the snark, please. Thanks.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:11 pm
Did I say Roland Burris?
No - I didn’t think so.

Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:13 pm
OK, Sorry.

Comment by Bill Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:15 pm
Charlie Wheeler has trained practically the entire press corps. That training affects what statehouse reporters see as news.

Comment by Ned Racnad Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:16 pm
so, let me get this straight, we’re doing the project for you?? lol.

Most of the names I can think of are already listed:
R’s — Baise, Vite, Baise, Cellini, Jim Edgar
D’s — Bill Daley, Bill Harte, Bayer, Balanoff, Carrigan, Gannon, Maggie Daley, David Axelrod, Rahm, Valerie Jarrett, Arne Duncan
Indep. - Carol Marin, Rich, Andy Shaw

Comment by dupage progressive Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:20 pm
GOP
Duchossois
Andy McKenna
Jerry Roper
Jim Edgar

DEM
Denny Gannon - CFL
Jesse Jackson, Sr
Mike Carrigan AFL-CIO
Tim Drea AFL-CIO
Juan Ochoa – McPier
Bill Daley
Tim Mapes
Steve Brown
Alan Dixon
Ed Smith – downstate labor
Henry Bayer – AFSCME
Tom Balanoff - SEIU
Fred Eychaner

Comment by Been There Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:21 pm
Jeff Holden - Illinois State Medical Society

Comment by Just My Opinion Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:23 pm
Some of you are really stuck in the past. Alan Dixon?

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:24 pm
Bill Gainer, Mike Kasper, The Joyces (How could anyone forget them), Tom Cullen, Filan, Balanoff, Burt Odelson (Hate saying it but true) Tim Mapes, Emil Jones, some of the revs on the west and south side…..

Comment by I'm just saying Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:25 pm
Not to be critical of people for trying, but these suggestions seem to be heavy on people who’s names appear in John Kass’ column and/or people who seem like a big deal at Saputo’s. Dick Durbin’s won big in each of his statewide races going back to the 1990’s, Barack Obama became only the 3rd African American to join the US Senate since reconstruction when he won statewide and went on to the White House and Blagojevich is the only Democrat elected Governor in this state since 1972 and I haven’t seen any mention of anyone close to Durbin, and only Axelrod for Obama and Balanoff for Obama and Blagojevich.

So let me add Pete Giangreco and Terry Walsh of the Strategy Group who’s big wins include Obama 2004, Obama 2008, Blagojevich 2002 & 2006, Foster’s special and general in 2008, Quigley’s special last year and the Senate Dems supermajority.

Comment by Scooby Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:29 pm
In no particular order of course - here’s as many as I could think of who I believe are real influences in their parties (The Madigans, Burkes, President Cullerton and Mayor Daley excluded per your instructions)

Democrats:
John Gianulis
Jesse Jackson, Sr.
Donald McNeil
Tom Cullen
Mike McClain
Michael Kasper
Elgie Simms, Jr.
Courtney Nottage
Tom Hynes
The Steans Family (sorry Rich)
Fred Eychaner
Michael Bauer

Republicans:
Caprio
Roeser
Todd Vandermyde
Jim Thompson
Jim Edgar
Jim Fletcher

Comment by siriusly Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:30 pm
Patrick Fitzgerald
Tim Mapes
Dennis Gannon
Penny Pritzker
Shelia O’Grady
Cindy Canary
John Potts
Victor Reyes
Jim Edgar
Jim Thompson
Steve Brown
Dallas Ingemunson
Dennis Hastert
Mike Carrigan
Ken Cosgrove
Mike Noonan

Comment by Bring Back Boone's Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:31 pm
To round out my earlier GOP list to 10:
* Jim “The Milkman” Oberweis
* Joe Calomino of AFP

Comment by reformer Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:35 pm
How is Jerry Stermer not snark?

To the person who listed him are going just by virtue of the job/title he holds, rather than his ability to protect his boss from himself and others, and make sure that he comes off looking good at all times, or as much as possible?

Comment by Will County Woman Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:38 pm
Maybe I should’ve asked for explanations. Do you really think Oberweis is an influencer today? Maybe at one time, but today? Same goes for Cellini, etc.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:38 pm
Rich is right that The Milkman probably has little clout nowadays. I’ll delete him from my list and insert Fran Eaton of IL Review.

Comment by reformer Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:41 pm
Good luck with this list, Rich. In my opinion the top non-elected influencers from each party include:

Republicans (hate to say this, but I can’t think of 10):

Jack Kubik - as former Chief of Staff to House Minority Leader Tom Cross (and he was a Rep). He continues to have enormous influence in Republican circles and is respected by Democrats.

Baise - You need him if you want to get anything done related to taxes or jobs

Douglas Whitley - He has more influence that most realize and care for him to have

Cindy Canary - Campaign for Political Reform Executive Director; has become the person to wave the magic wand on reform issues

Matt O’Shea - As Chief of Staff to Cross, he has influence, but possibly not enough to land him on your list

Democrats (in no particular order):

Michael Kasper - most influential lobbyist in the Capitol; election lawyer extraordinaire who helps every democratic member and some republicans stay on the ballot

Shaw Decremer - Works the House floor for the Speaker; top campaign manager for house and aldermanic races; rank and file members consider him to be the person to turn to when you need answers

Tim Mapes - The “gatekeeper” to the Speaker; the only person with more power than Tim Mapes is the Speaker himself

Sean Vinck - appointed Quinn’s legislative guy but seems to be responsible for just about everything in the Governor’s office

David Vaught - long time friend of Quinn appointed special counsel and now director of OMB; like Vinck seems to have his hand in everything and always has Quinn’s ear

Eric Madiar - new counsel to President Cullerton and prior lawyer to Madigan; in a short time has become the guy that signs off on everything

Heather Weir Vaught - #2 to Dave Ellis in the Speakers office and the go-to person for legislation; helped with the blagojevich impeachment; most influential woman on Madigan’s staff, besides Joanne Sullivan

John Dunn and Billy Gluntz - Mayor Daley’s right hand men; get stuck delivering the tough messages but both are respected and a little bit feared

Ann Spillane - Chief of Staff to AG Madigan; rules with an iron fist and gets results for Madigan

Comment by the list Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:48 pm
Bill Houlihan
John Simmons
Pete Giangreco
Pritzkers
Mike Kerrigan
Ed Smith
Steve Brown

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:49 pm
ok…

Jim “The Milkman” Oberweis

Is going to play a role in the congressional race and may play a role in the challenge to Lauzen. His pockets may not be as deep, but they are somewhat deep.

OneMan

Well I am the only sane Republican blogger in the state

Duchossois

Money and more generally the outsized for the size of it’s industry role that horse racing plays in this state.

Andy McKenna

His ability to raise the $$$

Proft

Perhaps the sharpest ‘voice’ the right has in Illinois right now. Lots may not agree with him but you can tell he has a PR background.

Jack Roeser

Huge mailing list and willing to spend to back what he believes in. Also plays a big role in Northern Kane County which is a large GOP area in the state.

Hastert:
His role in Kendall county and the shadow Kendall casts in GOP politics in the western collars and beyond.

The Guy who is running against Kay Hatcher who is Kendall County GOP Chair.
– Again Kendall county casts a big shadow in the western collars and beyond

Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:49 pm
Rich - you are asking us crazy people. We’re going to give you some crazy answers with perhaps a gem or two in them.

That’s the best we can do. Remember, I was the one that gave you Oprah. I’m right, and you know it, but too proud to admit it. Oprah Freakin’ Winfrey - Queen of the Media World. Queen of talk and the person who made Barack Obama president.

Now, how many of our other bloggers would have come up with that correct answer? Bill? wordslinger? I thinketh not, oh bearded wonderboy!

Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:51 pm
Strategy Group definitely deserves to be on the list. Sometimes they get passed over because they often work the same campaigns as AKP.

They do have an impressive track record.

Comment by Stormin Normin Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:52 pm
For the dems don’t forget Mike Thomson. The House democrats election guru.

Comment by dont forget Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:53 pm
=+=Some of you are really stuck in the past. Alan Dixon?===
I had to think of some downstaters to show I get south of I-80. But his endorsement, which he still gives out, means just as much to downstate dems as does Edgars to the GOP.

Comment by Been There Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:54 pm
Pat Brady - R party chair, RNC committeeman, chair of RNC ethics committee

Jim Durkin - R State Rep, chair of McCain Illinois, leader in House action for impeachment

Comment by indupage Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:55 pm
indupage: Both of your names are disqualified because both are current officials. See the criteria.

Comment by reformer Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:18 pm
Media/communications types are still drivers of opinion, not only in terms of who they are, but most importantly because of what they chose to communicate.

For me, I have to feel like the information that I am getting is on straight-up and honest. This list is by no means all-inclusive/exhaustative:

Press:
Mick Dumke
Laura Washington
Jack Conanty
Carol Marin
John Kass
Eric Zorn
Carlos Hernandez Gomez

Commentator/Analysts:
Paul Green
Tom Serafin
Andy Shaw

Comment by Will County Woman Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:22 pm
VanMan, I usually agree with you and on the Oprah thing, I will admit that she put forth a lot of effort in helping Obama get elected. I don’t think it will work though for a second term. Opray is losing some of her political capital and I don’t think she’s going to be as influencial the next time she tries. She’s gaining the reputation of one who stands for nothing and falls for everything.

Comment by Little Egypt Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:22 pm
yes cellini there more government employees and decision makers in place because of him than anyone can imagine and more development deal partners of his than any one can ferret out–an d he maybe the smartest guy of all listed–win or lose the indicted in this state often recover even winding up as commentators on tv—he certainly remains influential–although invisible most of my ten are already mentioned but i would add jim reilly

Comment by publius Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:22 pm
sorry, and I think the people on my list do a good job of keeping politicians in check to varying degrees and in that way influence politicians.

Comment by Will County Woman Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:25 pm
At the risk of again being accused of being stuck in the past:
Bill Harte & Bill Luking

Comment by Been There Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:25 pm
Awesome question. Probably not the top ten, but I’ll give it a shot…

Dem:
David Axelrod
Tom Balanoff
Christie Hefner/Bill Marovitz
Ed Geppert (IFT Prez)
Fred Eyachner
Penny Pritzker
Tim Mapes

GOP:
Dick Duchossois
James Owens (Caterpillar)
Todd Vandermyde
Doug Whitley
Greg Baise
Jack Roeser

BOTH:
Frank Clark (ComEd/Excelon)
Jim Sweeney (Local 150 IUOE)
Dan Clausner/Bill Olson (Booze and Beer barons)

I’m sure I’ll read someone else’s list and slap my forehead and say “oh yeah!”

Comment by JonShibleyFan Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:26 pm
Been there, those two guys are some of the most influential and relatively unknown Dem influencers in Illinois. Particularly Harte.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:30 pm
Christie Hefner and Bill Marovitz

Comment by way northsider Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:36 pm
On the Republican side:

Adam Andrejevski - Sunshine advocate
John Bambenek - Put back Amendment guy
Fran Eaton - Illinois Review

Comment by davehostetler Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:46 pm
John Lowder has his hands in every budget, every single year. Ultimately his staff puts together most budgets. He has to be on the list

Comment by what! Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:47 pm
No particular order; and no need to rationalize most of these, although quite a few were left off of other lists, I think I could make a good case for any of them being included.

Democrats
Beth Kanter
Penny Pritzker
Gerry Shea
Glen Poshard
Al Ronan
Bill Daley
John Filan
Abner Mikva
Marilyn Katz
Jeremiah Joyce

Republicans
Ron Gidwitz
Dr. Lois Frels
Greg Baise
Dallas Ingemunson
Demetra DeMonte
Bob Churchill
Joe Scheidler
Jack Roeser
Mary Alice Erickson
Tolbert Chisum

Comment by Quinn T. Sential Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:47 pm
Oh, forgot–anything wrong with mentioning Tony Peraica?

Comment by davehostetler Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:49 pm
I am sticking with the older guys. Ex-elected officals except Donavon.
Dick Devine
Tom Donavon
Adlai Stevenson
Dan Rostenkowski
Tom Hynes

And a couple of whipper snappers, sort of.
Dan Shomon
Tom Binigno
Mike Daly

Comment by Been There Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:10 pm
Rich: Don’t remember anyone mentioning Mike Lawrence, but he should be on any such list as a respected, experienced wonk.

Comment by One of the 35 Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:13 pm
Jerry Clarke

Comment by 15th Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:15 pm
I don’t think Peraica is even influential with the voices in his head.

Comment by Feldman Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:19 pm
TIM MAPES - Top Confident to the Speaker and Master Parliamentarian.

MARTIN QUINN - 13th Ward Political Field General

MOODY BROTHERS- Political Assassins

WILL COUSINEAU - Director of Issues Staff and top political Strategist

Comment by Machine Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:20 pm
My list is all democrat with the exception of Jim Reilly.

Fundraisers:
Lou Sussman
Jack Guthman
Sandy Guthman
Lou and Susan Manilow
Pritzkers
Art Johnston

City Hall connections:
John Satalic
Ed Bedore
Greg Goldner
Alison Davis
Bill Daley
Lance Tyson

The Sister Agency Board Chairs:
Gery Chico
Marty Nesbitt
Michael Scott
Bill Brandt
Terry Peterson
Jim Reilly

I’m leaving out the Obama people like Valerie Jarret but they will be back.

Comment by Chicago Guy Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:20 pm
Reformer -

Pardon the mistake, I read the question too fast. Thanks for calling me on it;)

Comment by indupage Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:23 pm
Dems:
Wayne Whalen
Bill Luking
Michael Bauer
William R. Daley
Tom Lanctot
Jim Tyree
Tom Moore
Hefner/Marovitz
Jay Doherty
Bill Gainer

Reps:
Tom Roeser
Pat Brady
Chris Robling
Ron Gidwitz
Greg Baise

Media & PR:
Michael Sneed
Andy Shaw
Jim Terman
Anne-Marie St. Germaine
Paul Green
John Kass
Marilyn Katz
Abdon Pallacsh
Carol Marin
Charles Thomas

Comment by IMO Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:25 pm
Chicago Guy, very good list

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:25 pm
GOP
Nick Bellini

Comment by Southern IL GOP Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:28 pm
The one and only Pete Giangreco

Comment by Anon West Side Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:31 pm
Greg Baise
Jim Edgar
Ron Gidwitz
Chicago Tribune Editorial Board
Thom Seraphin

Comment by Just Me Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:34 pm
You’d think with the shear numbers of politicians, pundits and press that all but plagairize my work that I’d be on the list

/snark

Comment by John Bambenek Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:37 pm
Rich, aren’t all these lists pretty much like your subscriber list? Either way, there are a lot of names on here that we sometimes forget about. I would rather have this team list over the elected officials list if you took off Daley, Durbin, Gov and the Four Tops.

Comment by Been There Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:37 pm
I think a lot of these are good. Greg Goldner may be a good addition.

Comment by observer Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:01 pm
I’m surprised no one listed the Speaker, since many consider him to be unelected…

My list would be the staffers that have moved through Speaker Madigan’s office and into offices (government, lobbying firms, non-profits, etc.) all around Springfield and Chicago. Individually, some are more influential than others, but as a group, the former Madigan staffers seem to be ubiquitous on the Illinois political scene.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:17 pm
Dems
Dennis Gannon
Jack Lavin
Mike Carrigan
Mike Kasper
Henry Bayer
David Axelrod
Pritzkers

Repubs
Jim Thompson
Dick Duchosis
Bruce Dold
Andy McKenna
Pat Brady
Tom Roeser
Fran Eaton

Comment by redbyrd returns Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:20 pm
Rich, if you put John Kass on your list I will smite you

Comment by George Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:22 pm
George, I wouldn’t do that, but the Trib’s edit board is going on the GOP influencers list for sure.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:24 pm
Interesting no one’s mentioned Ray LaHood.

Comment by My Kind of Town Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:31 pm
Well, that’s acceptable.

Comment by George Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:31 pm
MKoT, probably because Ray ain’t here any more.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:32 pm
Pretty much everyone on my list has been listed previously. Regardless, Rich knows who the real influencers are and isn’t asking us to do his work.

The one comment I’d make is that it is curious no one has listed a pollster. Without them, no one would know which way to influence. I’d start that list with Dave Fako…

Comment by Randolph Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:38 pm
A few of the biggest names haven’t even been mentioned here. Hmmm…now that’s really being the guy behind the guy behind the guy. And, no, I aint tellin’.

Comment by phocion Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:46 pm
R
Fran Eaton - controls the conservative message
Bobbi Peterson - runs the central committee
D
Kasper & Nottage - best around, whenevr you see something pass or fail and ask how look to these 2

Comment by bill preston Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:56 pm
Dave Vite goes about his business quietly but is one of the most respected and effective folks.

Comment by 4 percent Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 4:06 pm
I’m going to push my luck and provide a few more names. All dems.

Legacy names with clout:
Chris Kennedy
Anne Roosevelt

Assorted other names:
Bill Griffin
Linda Hawker
John Filan
Frank Kruesi
Mary Sue Barrett
George Ranney

Plus one Republican
Paula Wolff, Chair of the Tollway Authority

Comment by Chicago Guy Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 4:07 pm
The problem, 4 percent, is where to put Vite. He plays both sides quite well.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 4:20 pm
CG, George Ranney is bedrock, establishment GOP, is he not? Lost to Judy Koehler for the GOP senate nomination in ‘86?

Is Sam Vinson still doing his lobbying thing?

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 4:21 pm
Wordslinger,

I must admit I assumed George Ranney is a Dem.

I was thinking of his influence through Metropolis 2020 and in Lake County.

Comment by Chicago Guy Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 4:24 pm
These three may take sides on issues but can be always be relied upon for smart and independent analysis:

John Kass
Carol Marin
Thom Serafin

Comment by Politico Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 4:29 pm
How about John Tillman of the Illinois Policy Institute, Joeseph Bast of the Heartland Institute, and Joe Calamino of the Americans for Prosperity Chapter in Illinois.

Comment by Brian Costin Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 4:36 pm
What about the big law zoning law firm in Chicago (Banks?). Not sure which list to put them on, but Lawrence Msall and that Shakman guy wield some influence

Comment by Angry Republican Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 5:02 pm
I like the names that try to remain beneath the fray, yet wield enormous influence: Ken Bruce (yes, still); Jim Montana, James Bruner.

Comment by Jacksonville Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 5:04 pm
Rich-What about the head of the Illinois Hospital Association? I beleive that is Howard Peters. And the Wirtz family. ???

Comment by Really? Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 5:09 pm
Republicans

Greg Baise
Dave Vite
Jerry Roper
Pat Brady
Al Lerner
Jim Edgar
Todd Vandermyde
Rev. Bob Vanedenbosch
Jack Roeser

Dems

Tim Mapes - Dems
Mike McClain - Lobbyist
Mike Carrigan - AFL
Bill Perkins - SEIU
Jim Collins - ITLA
Jack Lavin
Al Ronan

Comment by 4 percent Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 5:33 pm
Luking
Filan, Bill
Mapes
Brown, Steve
Kasper
Cullen
Thomson
Dave Sullivan
John Potts
John Lowder
Eric Madiar

Comment by Trash Talker Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 5:38 pm
one man, if YOU don’t know his name, how can the guy from Kendall County be influential? Please tell me you were joking??

vite, Hastert, Big Jim, Baise, Kasper, Edgar, potts, ronan, Steve Brown..

Comment by The Court Jester Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 5:57 pm
tony peraica

Comment by GOP Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 6:14 pm
Bob Clifford. He’s big with the trial lawyers and he was Cook County States Attorney Anita Alvarez’s biggest supporter.

Comment by Stormin Normin Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 6:38 pm
Jim Edgar
Thom Serafin
Steve Brown
Abner Mikva
Dick Duchossois

Comment by hm Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 6:40 pm
Rich, this is fascinating. I look forward to all of this being fleshed out a little bit more. I won’t submit a list because I don’t have the background for it, although I do keep seeing the names Phelan and Balanoff cropping up in the most unexpected places.

Comment by Thomas Westgard Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 6:53 pm
GOP
Paul Vallas
Andy McKenna
Jerry Roper
Jim Edgar

DEM
Dennis Gannon - CFL
Jesse Jackson, Sr
Mike Carrigan AFL-CIO
Bill Daley
Tim Mapes
Gilbert Villegas-HACIA
Ed Smith
Henry Bayer – AFSCME
Tom Balanoff - SEIU
Terry, Jim Allen-134, Masons

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 7:50 pm
Adlai Stevenson III
Billy Ocasio

Comment by LakeviewJ Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 8:53 pm
Terry Cosgrove, Penny Pritzker, Jim Edgar, The Manilows,ASK, Strategy Group, Ann Spillane, Bill Brandt

Comment by RINO Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 9:30 pm
It’s really not fair to come in at the end of the day and scribe a list after seeing so many good suggestions (and a few loopers-I mean, really, a couple of these old horses couldn’t get you yesterday’s paper, and if they could, they would want to trade you for today’s and $10.)

Therefore, instead of a full list, I write to just point out a few missing names:

Francis Cardinal George
Dr. Eric Whitaker
John Rogers
Rocky Wirtz
Ty Fahner
Lori Healey

I would vote ChicagoGuy, IMO, and 4% as having the best lists, fwiw.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:01 pm
Ditto all the above. Rather than repeat many of what the others said, I’ll try to add a few new ones:

All Republican based or GOP leaning:

John Tillman-Illinois Policy Institute
John Tsarpalis–Sam Adams Alliance
Joseph Bast–Heartland Institute
Denis Healy–Turtle Wax CEO

Comment by ABCBoy Thursday, Nov 5, 09 @ 12:27 am
Carter Hendren

Comment by Anon Thursday, Nov 5, 09 @ 9:33 am
Dem -Roland Burris
GOP Wumpus

unk - Jerry Reinsdorf

Comment by Wumpus Thursday, Nov 5, 09 @ 9:35 am