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* My Sun-Times column this week takes a look at some of the Democratic woes…

It almost goes without saying that Illinois Democrats have a whole lot of problems on their hands.

They gave us Rod Blagojevich and Todd Stroger. Their state government stewardship has resulted in bone-crushing budget deficits and threats of higher taxes.

Their control of Cook County resulted in the highest sales taxes in the country for parts of Chicago. Their control of the mayor’s office resulted in a short-sighted sale of the parking meters, which then resulted in skyrocketing user costs and the emptying of a permanent trust fund for a one-year government bailout.

Blagojevich’s federal corruption trial will catapult him — and the Democratic Party — back into the headlines every day throughout next summer if all goes as planned.

Stroger will probably lose the Democratic primary come February, but he’ll still be in office all next year, no doubt generating ever more controversy and woe for his party.

The horrific state budget deficit isn’t going to get any better. The General Assembly probably won’t increase taxes soon, but an easy case can be made that they’re planning to do it right after the November election.

We just found out that some of those fancy privatized parking meters don’t work in the cold, and one can only guess what the next bungle will be on that front.

Add to all of this the utter cluelessness of the national House and Senate Democrats, who have obviously failed to understand the lesson that the 1994 Republican landslide was brought on as much by the Democrats’ failure to enact real health-care reform as anything else, and you’re looking at serious, serious trouble.

But, of course, there’s more. There’s always more. One thing that few have discussed so far is who might be on the Democratic statewide ticket next fall.

For instance, every Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor is a potential land mine.

Rep. Michael Boland (D-East Moline) awarded a legislative scholarship to the daughter of his largest campaign contributor. After the University of Illinois admissions scandal, Boland is particularly vulnerable to attack.

Sen. Rickey Hendon (D-Chicago) has been a favorite media target for years. He makes no bones at all about using his office to help his friends and supporters. While he gets points in my book for blunt honesty, the media will have a field day with the guy.

Rep. Art Turner (D-Chicago) has been a member of the House Democratic leadership forever, and part of that job is taking a huge number of “bad” votes — which will be problematic if he steps into the limelight.

Sen. Terry Link (D-Waukegan) was dragged into a petition fraud case back in 2008. Even though he was never charged and it doesn’t look like he was involved, it won’t be tough for the opposition to use that ugly episode to smear him, along with whoever is at the top of the ticket. Like Turner, Link is a longtime member of the legislative leadership, so his voting record and his fund-raising history are undoubtedly full of land mines.

Even an unknown could bring trouble. Scott Lee Cohen’s money comes from a string of pawn shops — not exactly a beloved business.

Individually, most of these issues probably aren’t enough to sink the ticket. But considering the already dangerous climate for Democrats, they could add to the overall picture of a once-proud party in meltdown.

The campaigns of Pat Quinn and Dan Hynes are so focused on winning the gubernatorial primary that they’ve barely had time to think about gaming out the scenarios when one of the “lite guv” candidates is nominated. But they are definitely nervous, and they should be.

* The Question: What state and local Democratic woes did I miss? Explain.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 11:21 am

Comments

Mayor Daley’s parking meter fiasco.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 11:31 am
Show me a state where 13 people are running for an office as useless as Lieutenant Governor and I’ll show you a state who’s fundamental political problems far surpass party lines. LOL on the whole Lite-Guv race.

To answer your question, the Dem’s biggest woe is going to be the challenge of turning out their people to vote like in 2008. Republicans are pretty ginned-up and eager to vote. Voting for change over ho-hum results by those presently in power isn’t all that easy.

train111

Comment by train111 Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 11:35 am
…City still in a deficet, services and furloughs, and yet whatever $$$ is made, saved for a rainy day, and used, the meters are not working, they are causing more headaches for the Mayor and aldermen that voted for this fiasco, and could lead to election headaches for a more argumentative city council.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 11:36 am
Edit my previous comment. It is much easier to get people to vote for change than to excite them about voting to continue ho-hum results from those perently in power.

train111

Comment by train111 Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 11:37 am
Capt fax is the Ds biggest problem how they failed to keep the GOPs from becoming the robust vote grabbing giants that they now are? With the antics of Commando Kirk (please Sarah endorse me),
OutsiderAndy&MuttMurphy andOneLiner Dan at the top Ds must be wetting themselves

You clearly left that out. It only proves your proD bias once again

Comment by CircularFiringSquad Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 11:39 am
Can I object to including Mayor Daley’s regime and its shenanigans in with Democratic political woes? I mean, Daley may vote Democratic occasionally, but he is really more of a self-interested corporatist than a Democrat in my opinion. And technically, he gets nominated and elected in nonpartisan elections, so he hasn’t run as a Democrat in more than a decade.

But even if we take Daley out of the picture, it is a very sad state of affairs. Another good column Rich.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 11:42 am
They have all the big offices and the General Assembly in the midst of a recession. Ergo, they’re the rascals to be thrown out.

There’s nowhere to go but down. In most off-year elections, the party out of the White House enjoys gains all the way down the line.

Still, I’m not convinced yet that the warring GOP factions can unite behind candidates that won’t scare off moderate independents in a general election.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 11:44 am
Right now, with the exception of Jesse White, it looks like there will be a serious dearth of African Americans on the November ballot.

Comment by well Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 11:45 am
47th … I can see your point, but when new aldermen, non-partisan in name, Dem in their elected history, are running and beating Daley aldermen in the next elections …and who are these new aldermen? They were probably state reps, senators, et al, and guess which party? It becomes pretty relevent in Dem circles.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 11:51 am
Terry O’Brien’s $8 million bond sale screw up and our potential exposure to $50 million more in lawsuits …

http://cbs2chicago.com/local/terry.obrien.water.2.1357961.html

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-wed-confidential-1210dec09,0,2510090.column

Comment by P. Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 11:56 am
I think Democrats should be concerned that lobbyists like Joe Berrios may end up in the Assessor’s office. Cook County does not need a crony for video poker and tax attorneys with that much power.

Progressives should also be concerned when Dick Mell and Joe Berrios are hand picking candidates like Edwin Reyes to sit on the Board of Commissioners. This has quid pro quo written all over it.

Comment by Syntax Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 11:56 am
A recent report by the Pew Center showcases Illinois in the top ten states facing fiscal hardships as hard as California

Alexi has held a state office for half a term and not even 35 yet and is running for a top seat in the State.

His Chief of Staff is running for the same office she is working for which is definitely a conflict of interest. Talk about a campaign finance story.

Blago’s trial will be perfect timing with the 2010 election

Obama.

Comment by 2010 Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 12:02 pm
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/10/feds-arrest-ex-chicago-cop-burge.html

Comment by Area 2 Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 12:09 pm
Alexi’s bank troubles bubbling just below the surface.

Lack of diversity in likely statewide ticket.

Apparent disconnect with voter anger.

Comment by 10th Indy Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 12:13 pm
No mention of MJM is interesting, and reinforces the perception that he is the ultimate puppetmaster, and that the state GOP is having difficulty linking him to a particular hot-button issue.

For a legislator that has wielded so much power for so long, that’s quite telling.

Comment by The Doc Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 12:15 pm
Whether or not Alexi’s can recoup the funds lost from Bright Start. Also, Broadway Bank

Comment by Obamarama Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 12:16 pm
The Democrats have massacred the administration of health care in Illinois.

Yes, the health care program has been hit by repeated budget trouble (cash shortfalls, ongoing deficits) that are beyond the control of the health care agency. Yet, the Democrats who have dominated that agency in recent years have run the administration of the state’s myriad health care programs straight into the ground - in ways that have little to do with a lack of funds but rather a lack of competence and honesty.

Ask anyone who deals closely with that agency in recent years, and they’ll tell you that it’s sheer chaos on the inside. Distortion of budget numbers in testimony before the legislature, smoke screens and diversionary tactics, you name it.

Funny budget numbers are just the beginning. Bill Holland, the auditor general, has quantified in the course of several reports how that agency has misappropriated funds, exaggerated and otherwise misrepresented program participation, etc.

Scary, scary stuff.

Did you catch the news item a couple weeks ago about Tammy Hoffman facing criminal charges in relation to an alleged love triangle gone awry? Well, Tammy Hoffman has for the last several years been that agency’s chief of staff. Before that, she was general counsel.

Nobody who has worked closely with Tammy, or witnessed her theatrical performances before JCAR, could have been surprised by the allegations of that colorful story a couple weeks back. It’s well known that Tammy, shall we say, isn’t exactly standing on stable ground.

Thanks to the Democrats, she was until recently the chief of staff of one of the largest, most expensive and most significant state agencies. Yes, Tammy Hoffman was helping run that show. Now she’s gone but that agency - and its administration of health care - is just as nutty as ever.

Comment by Coach Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 12:21 pm
Springfield Mayor Tim Davlin since he took office has consistantly raised taxes and fees. Tried to balance this years budget based on use of the new power plant to sell excess power to generate 7 Million dollars to plug a budget hole. DIdn’t work and now some say Springfield is 12 million in the hole. He now has mentioned raising property taxes to fill the hole.

Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 12:34 pm
Note to 10th Indy: If there is a lack of diversity in the General Election ticket, it is simply because candidates did not prevail in competitive primary races. There is at least one minority running for every statewide office on the Democratic ticket, with the exception of Attorney General, where Lisa Madigan is running unopposed.

Now I grant you that Cheryle Jackson’s past ties to Rod Blagojevich probably leave her Senate chances DOA, and that William “Dock” Walls is becoming the Lar Daly of the 21st century with his perennial campaigns. In the Lt. Governor’s race, the two African-Americans running (State Rep. Turner and State Sen. Hendon) may cancel one another out, due to their running fued for power on the West Side. But if you think that if they both lost it would cripple Democratic chances next November, you are sadly mistaken.

Comment by fedup dem Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 12:34 pm
Syntax - how is that “quid pro quo” I believe that Reyes was selected in the same manner as all appointments made by committeemen. You might have poignant concerns of Berrios and Mell, but at least Maldanodo’s guy Xavier Nogueras was not selected. He should focus on repairing the Puerto Rican Chamber he has run into the ground and not add his mismanagement style to the county board. We have enough of those people already.

Comment by Beyond the Flags Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 12:39 pm
The main state and local woe that you failed to mention is that the Democrats have no one to blame for the collapses under their watch other than themselves.

With Republicans shut out of everyone and off the playing field, we are watching the Democrats mimic the 2009 Chicago Bears. They can’t move the football forward and have no defense! Their wins are ugly and their losses uglier.

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 12:49 pm
Oops! Substitute the word “everything” for “everyone.”

Sorry about that!

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 12:50 pm
Q: What state and local Democratic woes did I miss?

A: The failed Olympic bid exposed as false the myth that Chicago’s brand of “efficient” cronyism and corruption “gets things done.”

– MrJM
http://twitter.com/misterjayem

Comment by MrJM Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 12:54 pm
“The Honorable” Dorothy Brown and government workers used to get signature petitions.

She actually did well in a recent poll. If she gets the nod for County Board Pres., it will be as bad for the Dems as if Todd had won.

Comment by OdysseusVL Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 12:56 pm
How about that the Dems are in charge of everything in Springfield, but don’t have the stones to craft a balanced state budget, leaving Illinois in one heck of financial mess. A good case could be made that the incumbents are more worried about getting re-elected than governing. I’m gonna start keeping track of the people who say “I wouldn’t want to be an incumbent in this next election.” Being gutless wonders may be the Dems single biggest problem.

Comment by Deep South Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 1:10 pm
===don’t have the stones to craft a balanced state budget===

You didn’t read the column, apparently.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 1:21 pm
I am not sold that Illinois voters will be concerned about the Lt Gov candidates. My knowledge is all based on Presidential elections, but it’s hard to point to examples where a VP had a major impact either way on the outcome of an election. And I include Sarah Palin in that analysis.

Question for anyone (honestly don’t know): when’s the last time a non-Larouche Lt Gov had a major impact on the outcome of an IL gubernatorial election?

Comment by ZC Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 1:23 pm
Beyond the Flags- Point of Information

–Xavier Nogueras has actually boosted membership numbers in the chamber from 30 to 300 By what measure is that not a success? Just asking. I know someone who owns a business in the chamber and he claims that things are going quite well. Who knows?

And in response to SYNTAX’s claims of quid pro, Reyes’ appointment was pushed hard by Mell/Berrios. These are two individuals that expect a return on investment.

One thing is for sure. Democrats should be very weary of any candidate who is being slated and financed by the Berrios/Mell machine.

That being said, I don’t know enough about Nogueras to determine if he is qualified for public office.

All I know is that he has the backing of Maldonado and del Valle, two public officials who have a much better reputation than Mell/Berrios.

For now, I’m still undecided.

Comment by WONK Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 1:28 pm
Fedup -
I didn’t claim that the lack of diversity would cripple democratic chances in the general. But a strength for the democratic party in Illinois has been its ability to build support around emerging, break-through candidates - Carol Mosely-Braun, Barack Obama, Lisa Madigan. While Madigan and Secretary White do provide some diversity and remain the most electable candidates of either party, they just don’t spark the sense of excitement that has been a factor in many democratic successes. Losing that strength is a woe I hope they can figure out how to address.

Comment by 10th Indy Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 1:32 pm
@Beyond the Flags and WONK
Xavier Nogueras was perfectly happy when he thought he was going to get Mell’s support and therefore the appointment to replace Cook County Commissioner Maldonado; It was only AFTER things didn’t go his way that he became a goo-goo. Sour grapes dude.

Comment by Just saying Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 1:35 pm
The Dem’s problems in a nutshell is that they have accomplished nothing in 8 years of total control of state government.

You can name a thousand thing they’ve done wrong but none they’ve done right.

Comment by Leave a Light on George Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 1:35 pm
Barrack Hussein Obaqma

Comment by Dan S, a voter and Cubs Fan Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 1:39 pm
Roland Burris

He kept smiling through his teeth as he well knew he would have skeletons in his closet later.

Comment by South of the Loop Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 1:55 pm
I would add the McCormick Place meltdown and on-going budget crisis at CTA.

While I wouldn’t blame the high unemployment rate and anticipated slow recovery on the Dems; a lot of people will.

One of the most high profile races will be the Senate race. There you have a Blago p.r. hack and two young rich white guys who inherited their money. The front runner, Alexi, money is from banking which isn’t going to win votes. And Alexi lost a lot of people’s college money, which won’t help him in the general.

I don’t know if this should be considered, but the death of Michael Scott doesn’t help. He was a competent peace maker with the African American community.

Ald. Ike Caruthers on-going criminal case can’t help. Partially, because it is not clear if it might spread. He isn’t a second-string back bencher.

I would also throw gay marriage issue in the mix. Even though it is not pending in Illinois, it is a motivator that rallies the troops on the right. And I think the supporters of gay rights are not going to accept Dem politicians treating them as second class citizens. Dem politicians have a real hard balancing act.

Comment by Objective Dem Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 1:57 pm
Veto proof majorities–it’s hard to argue the Republicans are at fault when you have the power and votes to override anything they do.

Comment by Champaign Dweller Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 2:00 pm
Rich did a good job of describing Democrat failings. I look forward to his column on Republican fecklessness. As Paul Green puts it, Democrats can behave badly and get away with it because Republicans are so incompetent.

Comment by Reformer Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 2:11 pm
What state and local Democratic woes did I miss? Explain.

Telling their voter base that they will have to experience cuts in social spending.

Barack Obama losing his Illinois coattails.

South of the Loop delivered with his/her Senator Burris reminder.

A lot of folks are tired of Michael Madigan. Speaker Madigan’s freshness date expired sometime around 1990 and he has stayed in power due to his electoral fortress and craftsmanship. How much longer can Illinoisans pretend he isn’t around? He can hide, but he can’t run when voters want to throw the bums out this time.

Tax talk. The longer the Democrats talk about raising taxes, the lonelier they will become. There is a difference between Dillard’s not ruling out taxes, and Quinn’s/Hynes’ tax proposals. Only partisans and wonks are going to support this kind of discussion, while voters will flee. Regardless of what voters say in public, we have repeatedly seen them vote down those who propose raising their taxes, when they are in the privacy of the voting booth.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 2:16 pm
Property taxes.

Cook County residential property taxes will likely increase, to the surprise and displeasure of homeowners who are noticing with satisfaction that their assessed values are decreasing.

2009 residential assessments now reflect 10% of market value, rather then 16%, so a decreased assessed value can still reflect an increase in market value. Taxes will likely increase because the 2009 Cook County equalization factor will likely increase dramatically in August 2010 as a result of the decrease in the level of assessments by the Cook County Board.

Tax bills will appear in mailboxes in October, 2010, just before the election. The party in power will be blamed for higher taxes. (Now that I think of it, the party in power may just hold back those tax bills until the second week in November.)

Comment by rudy Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 2:57 pm
You forgot the ability of the IL GOP to recruit national figures like Alan Keyes to run for office here.

Comment by Anon Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 3:45 pm
The 36th State House race may be turning into a referendum on Mike Madigan and his role in the current state fiscal status. Putting up two Irish surnamed woman to split the vote with up and coming Kelly Burke may be another example of politics as usual. I was impressed the other night when it was freezing cold and sleeting that Ms. Burke rang my doorbell and was out campaigning. The M and M boys (Madigan and Macellaio) may have reason to feel a bit shaky.

Comment by JOHNNIE C Friday, Dec 11, 09 @ 4:46 pm
Biggest woe of them all…. Democrats - Republican’s alike…. Elect offcials forget…they work for us..they are paid with our tax dollars…voters are sick of the attitude…that those in office are only worried about themselves…and will do any trick in the book…just to be re-elected. However its safe to say…most Illinois voters…will not reelect folks..who stood by with a finger in an open bodily hole…as the state of Illinois swirled around and started to go down the drain.
Enough…is enough.

Comment by Jane Sunday, Dec 13, 09 @ 4:32 pm