Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: Who was the best pollster? Nobody
Next Post: Newspaper wants to abolish one person, one vote in Illinois
Posted in:
* Usually, I have to use the front page to warn commenters before an election to calm down. I didn’t have to do that this year. I intervened in the comments section on occasion, but it never got to the point where I felt the need to issue an above the fold banishment warning.
Yesterday afternoon, however, while I was working at the Statehouse and unable to keep an eye on the blog, things got way outta hand in comments.
* I completely understand how Bill Brady’s supporters feel right now. You thought you had it. You didn’t. And now the other side doesn’t want to even give you time to make sure all the votes are counted. That’s just horribly depressing. I can see why you’re upset, even angry.
And I think I understand how the Quinn supporters are feeling. You had Rodney Freaking Dangerfield himself as your candidate, but by gosh he won. And now the guy he beat won’t admit defeat and exit the stage like a proper gentleman.
Combine those two and you’ve got quite the combustible mix.
* But here’s the thing. I won’t tolerate any more of this. I issued a lifetime banishment last night and I’ll do more today if need be, so start treating each other with respect and take off your tinfoil hats or you’re going to find yourself forever banned from commenting here. And you can bet your house that I’m just itching to zap my first moron today. Don’t tempt me.
Try to understand what the other side is going through. It’s not really all that difficult. Both parties won something unexpected Tuesday, both parties also lost.
* Please use the comment section on this post to say something nice about the other side today. You’ll be surprised at how much better you’ll feel. Politics is a rough business, and, yes, we do play rough here. But we don’t need to get dirty and be mean to each other.
So, electronically shake hands and let’s move along. We’re better than yesterday.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 12:56 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: Who was the best pollster? Nobody
Next Post: Newspaper wants to abolish one person, one vote in Illinois
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
is this the part of the show where we post the kirk/alexi thing and say if THEY can do it, YOU can do it?
Comment by shore Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 1:02 am
LOL.
Yeah.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 1:05 am
Good idea Rich
Here’s something nice and compromiserly that both sides should try to work out — how about Dems give the GOP 95% of the Bush tax cuts they want and the GOP compromise by giving Dems just 5% of those revenues in order to start paying down some of Mr. Bush’s and Mr. Obama’s debt…
Here’s something nice about the GOP — they do represent a significant portion of Americans who hope to measure spending and keep tabs lest the investment cost the gov’t asks us for (ie, taxes) exceeds the benefit.
Here’s something nice about the Dems — they gave middle class Americans the largest tax cut in history AND graciously gave both themselves and the GOP plenty of ribbon-cutting photo ops via the much-maligned stimulus plan.
Comment by G. Willickers Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 1:06 am
To the deleted commenter, snark is not appreciated.
Don’t make me ban you.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 1:28 am
I am a solid Democrat with many Republican friends. The Republican party beat us badly this week and tense feelings are in our party right now. I’ve been telling my Republican friends congratulations this week as they worked hard. While we may not agree on policy we do agree on trying to make things better for everyone and we should be proud of that.
I give you my support to try to work with us to fix the problems fixing our state and the nation as there are gaping holes that need to be fixed. This election will allow us all to reflect and to better ourselves and to work for the people and not for ourselves. If I could buy everyone a drink I would, but since I hardly know all of you or where you are I can’t.
So to my Republican friends and to all of you Congrats on the Election, and to my Democrat colleagues don’t stop fighting for the people and try to work with the Republicans(majority of them are nice and don’t bite)
Comment by Publius Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 1:30 am
The race was tough. Rich walked an amazing line and proved that he was consistent. Much more than the major papers can say. RM - big kudos. Your commentators are generally great. And you were perfect in setting the tone and not letting crazy creep in. We can all go to partisan sites and yell. But when you come here, you better have your argument together. You really help the debate. Thanks for staying up late.
Comment by Rob Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 1:36 am
Repubs - did a great job sweeping the competitive house races
Dems - Alexi showed a lot of class
Comment by Mclean GOP Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 1:44 am
Thanks, Rob, but this isn’t about me. It’s about y’all.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 2:51 am
It is too bad everything has to come down to two political parties when, in fact, the true focus should be on what is right and wrong for the people of Illinois. I am always amazed at how both parties can turn any decision into a two-sided, black and white issue. When most of the time to make the best choice real compromise needs to be used to arrive at where we need to be. If people would continue to act the way they say they feel 24 hours after any election we would all be better off. Look at the goal.
Comment by Lefty Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 5:47 am
This is easy. Quinn might have been a genius hiring Knuckels outta Wisconsin for this race.
Comment by A.B. Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 5:47 am
I voted for Alexi but I’m OK with Kirk - for the most part. He is a vast improvement over the person he’s replacing. IMHO Illinois is in good hands with Durbin and Kirk.
Comment by Deep South Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 6:30 am
Patti Schuh did a terrific job. That campaign turned around when she came on board. She demonstrated that talent and experience matter — and that there’s real value in having a woman of a certain age on your team.
Comment by Soccermom Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 7:00 am
Patti Schuh is class act with a world of talent. Her abilities were a huge part of Brady doing so well. Many of us Dems knew when she came board the Brady team, his prospects for winning greatly increased.
Comment by Give Me A Break Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 7:07 am
Feelings are strong, because people really care about what happens in Illinois.
I’m a Democrat who lives in the gerrymandered 17th Congressional District and saw people turn out in mass to vote Republican. For the first time in decades, they saw an opportunity for a Republican to win that seat. People in rural areas, who lean towards conservatism, saw an opportunity to have their feelings about how government should be run be represented.
I felt good about the huge turnout in 2008. We should feel good about the huge turnout in 2010. The more people who participate in the process and feel that it means something, the better off we are.
Comment by Aldyth Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 7:25 am
A good argument is always underlined by the respect you show your opponent. I think, when exposed to all the negative ads pushed by our politicians before elections, we sometimes forget this. It would be better to remember we’re all in this together, no matter who wins or loses.
Comment by Wensicia Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 7:26 am
Jason Plummer is serving our country in the Navy and I appreciate the sacrifice he is making for me, my family, and my country.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 7:42 am
Pat Quinn does truly care…
Comment by OneMan Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 7:49 am
Pat Quinn is one of the few people in elected office that takes to heart how people/families are hurting, and Quinn carries that with him constantly, and you can tell.
Bill Brady is a man of principle and integrity. There needs to be more people like Bill that will mean what he says and say what he means. It is refreshing to see a candidate out there saying “this is me” and not saying “this is me, until I find you don’t like that, then there will be a NEW me.” You have had my respect for a long time.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 8:01 am
My hope is that Pat Quinn; as Governor, will continue his support for veterans, veteran’s families, and honoring their service to our country, as well as attending the funeral services for those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.
His devotion to this cause has been exemplary, not because it is newsworthy, or headline grabbing, but because it is the right thing to do.
Comment by Quinn T. Sential Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 8:01 am
Mark Kirk seems like a smart, hardworking, thoughtful man who genuinely wants to do what’s right. Even if I disagree with him about what that is, I think he has the potential to be a real credit to the state if he follows through on those instincts as a Senator. Many politicians inflate their resumes — he may have been worse than most on that score, but he’s actually done some genuinely impressive things, unlike many other politicos. If he can tone that down and hold to the same centrist line that served him well in the House (and probably represents the true feelings of his constituents), he has the potential to be an influential Senator and a voice of reason in a body that could sorely use one.
Comment by A.J. Feeley's Clipboard Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 8:05 am
You can say good things about people in how they do easy things, but true character is seen when you have to do something tough. Alexi … The way you bowed out of your race oozes of class that others should learn from. I did not vote for you, but I will tell you, the classy way you bowed out, and the very graceful way you handled yourself since, including the “Beer Summit -Illinois”, I look forward to having you around. Stay in politics.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 8:10 am
Bill Brady did a good job in the election. Throughout, I was always both amused and perplexed that the editor of this blog so quickly discounted the man and his positions.
It’s a mistake to hold the belief that whoever has a “Democrat” label has a Golden Key to All the Answers.
Comment by Siwash Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 8:21 am
Judy Baar Topinka and Mark Kirk are good people that I like and respect. I am glad to see Judy back in government and Kirk won’t make a bad Senator.
Comment by cermak_rd Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 8:24 am
I think Pat Quinn has a good heart. Further, I don’t think the guy has a bad bone in his body. [Refraining from writing, “but…..”]
Comment by DuPage Moderate Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 8:37 am
Mike Madigan is a freaking wizzard
Knuckles was a tremendous hire and will be heard from in the future
Quinn’s best move might have been shaking up the ad team and KISS’ing them to the winner’s circle
Comment by Bakersfield Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 8:38 am
I am glad Judy won a seat at the table yesterday…she is a decent public servant, and Blago stepped all over her in his second race for Gov…I am for more women in politics on either side of the aisle…Kirk gave Alexi a primer on the depth and breadth of issues that a member of the US Senate needs to be familiar with…I have no doubt he will serve the interests of the people of IL with intelligence and thoughtfulness…
Comment by Loop Lady Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 8:39 am
I’d like to congratulate both sides for pulling off a miracle. Given how fundamentally backwards and offensive political marketing is, given how cynical and burned out the entire State has become, and given what a freakishly long and OVER-FUNDED race we’ve all been thorugh, I’d say the real miracle is that anyone voted at all.
But vote they did, and in sufficient numbers for the media to cover it like an actual story. I’d say that’s pretty impressive. I’d like to thank the PACs for the paychecks, the hacks for the insights and stories, and the candidates on both sides for the laughs — see you again in 2012!!!
Comment by Justin Boland Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 8:39 am
Siwash,
I think you missed the point of what we are doing in this post.
Further, there is NO blog … and we all have looked …NO blog … that is more even-handed, and more detailed in its decisions about the issues of the day in Illinois, then the one we are on now.
If the idea is dopey, Rich calls them on it. If the idea is superb, Rich give kudos. What is great about this blog, is that both sides get a fair shake, and both sides (unless its total parroting or spam posting) get to post their thoughts, AND the other side is not only allowed to counter, but encouraged to have the dabate, and keep it civil.
Rich also has a sense of humor, which we all need in campaigns, and if a candidate takes a dopey picture, they know it will end up here. If a candidate SAYS something dopey, snark will be encouraged to “assist” in a better quote.
Overall, if you can’t appreciate a 2 sided blog, where everyone keeps everyone in check in both snark and fact, then I can’t help.
This post is to give kudos to you, Rich. Those who are here often know how great this place is, and you don’t need me or anyone to tell you that.
Thank you!
Leave up this post, but take the cannoli Rich, you earn it every day.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 8:47 am
Brady had the best TV spots of the election.
The Dems had the best ground game.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 8:51 am
As a Whitney voter, I will say that I admire the way Pat Quinn stayed active in the community when he held no official offices or positions.
I think all votes should be counted and neither Bill Brady nor his supporters should be attacked for pushing this position.
The best I can do for Kirk is to congratulate him and hope that he becomes the sensible moderate the newspapers were selling him as.
Comment by Carl Nyberg Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 8:57 am
==And I think I understand how the Quinn supporters are feeling. You had Rodney Freaking Dangerfield himself as your candidate, but by gosh he won. And now the guy he beat won’t admit defeat and exit the stage like a proper gentleman.==
Rich, I don’t understand what you are saying here.
I suppported and worked hard for Quinn, and did not at all feel that Quinn was “Rodney Freaking Dangerfield.” With all due respect, I feel that Brady fits that description, not Quinn.
I have read and reread your statement over and over, and I do not know one supporter of Pat Quinn who saw him as “Rodney Freaking Dangerfield.”
????
Comment by LakeCountyLarry Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 8:59 am
Rodney Dangerfield ….”No Respect” …from Hynes, from pollsters, from all the Repubs … from Brady … and yet he won.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 9:09 am
Oswego Willy,
Now I understand the interpretation. Thnx ! Yes, Rodney Dangerfield, the “no respect” guy. I kept seeing in the comment “Freaking” and the “Danger” part of field and NEVER saw Quinn as a “Freaking Danger.”
Thanks for clearing that up, I got it now, Rich.
Comment by LakeCountyLarry Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 9:23 am
I respect Brady for sticking with his social beliefs and not compromising them just to win office. I think he should modify them, especially, with his pro life even in rape cases stance but respect his honest opinion.
Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 9:30 am
as a Democrat I voted for Judy Baar Topinka, personally, she’s always been very nice to me and I find her to be a competent public official, although I did not vote for Dan Rutherford, I’ve never thought badly of him and i’m sure he will do a good job.
Comment by I'm Just Saying Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 9:32 am
I lurked around here in the last few weeks more than I posted since the main points and issues facing IL were covered very well by both Mr. Miller and the commenters. This blog is refreshing in the way that it avoids crossing the lines that shouldn’t be crossed so well even when our leaders, their handlers, the public, and the media often seem to aim for crossing it to further their own ends.
So–here’s to politics the right way! Cheers!
Comment by Lefty Lefty Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 9:38 am
Rich,
You are right on with your comments this morning. Anybody who has had the experience of losing a hard-fought election knows that it is right up there with the gut-wrenching experiences of life, like unexpectedly losing a job or a loved one. People in that situation should be given some consideration for what is essentially a mourning process.
Comment by jake Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 9:38 am
I have learned never, ever, ever underestimate Mike Madigan and his ability to get out the vote. As a hard-bitten conservative, I could say that I’m mad at the results, but actually I’m quite jealous.
Rich - we could have a Capital Fax Beer Summit. How much credit do you have on your bar tab?
Comment by Ghost of John Brown Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 9:42 am
I too am very pleased about Judy. Not only because she is a good public servant but because I like to see older women in positions of power. In our society, they tend to be symbolically consigned to life with their cats.
I am more optimistic about the Republicans’ prospects after this race. You have to look at where they’ve been. And I am still astonished that Mark Kirk managed to pull it off. If we are congratulating campaign managers, his should be included. It was definitely a rocky road.
I am less optimistic about my pocketbook. I can feel Pat Quinn in there counting already.
Comment by cassandra Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 9:43 am
Wow, I was busy yesterday and missed all the fun. Now I have to go back and read yesterdays posts to see what this is all about. In the meantime, I’ll play along.
Pat Quinn is a nice guy who means well and will try to do the RIGHT thing, even if it is mostly LEFT. This state is a mess, so I don’t envy the job he has before him, but if he fails I don’t think it will be because he didn’t try.
Comment by Jaded Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 9:44 am
Pat Quinn has always been a very personable fellow. I think that is why he won.
Pat Brady worked hard and has taken a couple days to assess the results and his options. As a gentleman he will step aside and congratulate Governor Quinn on his hard fought victory.
Comment by Justice Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 9:46 am
“Please use the comment section on this post to say something nice about the other side today.”
1. With 49% of the vote, Bill Brady is clearly not “too extreme for Illinois.”
2. Bill Brady sincerely and fiercely sought to represent the views and positions of voters who secured for him the Republican gubernatorial nomination.
3. Bill Brady and his supporters conducted a campaign that scared the crap out of Democrats across the state, myself included.
4. Mark Kirk has honorably served his nation and Illinois in his role as a Navy intelligence officer.
5. During the primary, Mark Kirk endured repeated loathsome attacks from hate-wingers that would have put me in an institution or a prison.
6. The corporate interests that funded the attacks on Justice Kilbride are profitable and provide a reasonable return on their shareholders’ investment.
7. The corporate interests that funded the attacks on Justice Kilbride were acting lawfully under the Roberts court’s decision in Citizens United v Federal Election Commission, 130 S.Ct. 876 (2010).
8. Rich Whitney and the Green Party are right on most of the issues.
9. The Green Party could be a force for positive change by shifting their focus to smaller, local, winnable races.
10. The regular and recognizable Republican and right-wing commentators on CapFax — too numerous too mention by name — have generally comported themselves in a civil and even courteous manner. Snark? Sure. Spin? Always. Unsupported assertions? Well, duh. But that’s the way most of us play here. And I don’t recall many, if any, instances of abusive or truly mean-spirited comments from the starters on the other team.
Good game, everybody!
– MrJM
Comment by MrJM Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 9:56 am
Wow a lifetime banishmenbt is tough. What happened to progressive discipline. Must have been serious stuff the court jester was able to pull it off and for the life of me I can’t see how but that is democracy good luck dealing with madigan
Comment by regular democrat Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 10:06 am
I thought Kirk’s commercials with Alexi plastered across downtown Chicago buildings saying we need to increase taxes was one of the best of the season. Apparently they worked.
Comment by Who Cares Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 10:06 am
My wife and in-laws are Democrats. I love them regardless.
I’ve always respected Pat Quinn. In the few times I’ve met him, he seems like nice guy and he has a nice staff full of personable legislative liaisons and advisors. I will also wish Deanna Demuzio well in retirement. Deanna, as someone who grew up in Macoupin County, enjoy retirement with your grandkids in Carlinville. Eat as much Reno’s Pizza and as many Angus Bailey Burgers as you want! And don’t make Mayor Schwab’s life too difficult.
Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 10:14 am
I agree with Loop Ladies comments about Judy BT. She really got treated horribly by Blago in her 2006 Gov campaign. She seems like a decent lady and deserves redemption this time around.
Comment by "Old Timer Dem" Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 10:22 am
Kind of interesting that the two statewide Republican victories were for offices that provide oversight of the states finanaces. Treasurer and Comptroler
Comment by Interesting Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 10:23 am
We live in a democracy where public officials surrender their posts of power without violence when the electorate decides that another person is better suited for the position. Do not underestimate this truism.
Comment by Jake from Elwood Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 10:23 am
I have mixed feelings about the election. However, the people have spoken, or at least those who took the time to vote. I still worry about Illinois, I have never lived anywhere else.
I am tired of being butt of late nite TV and realy worry about our deficits. Is anyone listening? Will we change things to the positive here? Will we meet our responsibilities, both fiscally and socially? Remains to be seen.
Comment by Lisle Mike Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 10:24 am
At the end of all of this, I hope that each candidate understands that Illinoisans are fed-up. Every elected official is under heavy scrutiny, and they should conduct themselves appropriately.
I’m disappointed my candidate lost; I just hope the other side acknowledges the extremely tight race and ends up doing ‘the right thing.’
Illinois spoke, and it’s time to move on.
Comment by krj Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 10:30 am
The “other side” to me means my fellow commenters here who supported (for the most part) Republican candidates. You made some very good arguments, and you improved my thinking on a lot of issues. It was fun to go back and forth with you, while keeping it above-board. I hope most of you stick around Capitol Fax, though I know some of you will lose interest now that the campaigns are over for another year or so.
We’ve got some governing to do now, and we need to remember that we’re all in Illinois together. Neither side can “win” or “lose” now without all of us winning or losing. Let’s try to remember that, because we all know we’ve got some real problems to tackle in Springfield.
I look forward to debating those issues with all of you.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 10:41 am
Through the Primaries and the General occasionally there were cases where some commenter’s very obvious talking points or emotions would go “too far” and another commenter of the same political persuasion would call them on it, or at least attempt to temper the remark through better facts or humor. I saw such “corrections” happen from both Team R and Team D commenters. Those knowledgeable “fair play” commenters really help make this blog what it is. They gained my respect and I always read their posts with more interest and careful consideration from then on out because they had shown themselves to be reasonable and decent competitors.
Comment by Responsa Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 10:42 am
Regardless of which side won a particular election, it is time to go about the business of government.
The challenges on the national and local theaters are greater than they have been in many years. The voters and taxpayers deserve to have their legitimate needs and problems addressed. Kicking the can down the road cannot last forever.
Let’s hope the changes on the national stage will bring about needed changes. Locally, we have the same cast of characters addressing the same issues. How can one expect the State to move forward when there is no new thinking in the mix? Albert Einstein once said that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Is that what is going on in Illinois?
Comment by Plutocrat03 Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 10:58 am
The “other side” for me are Dems, so I will say this for Quinn — for all his faults and flip-flopping, we’re still far better off with him than with Blago.
Under Quinn we found out just how bad the state’s finances really were — something Blago managed to sweep under the rug for years. Plus, I don’t anticipate Quinn will be out to get his political enemies or opponents in the next 4 years the way Blago would have had he been (shudder) reelected.
Comment by Secret Square Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 10:58 am
I know what’s it like to lose, lost 2 races out of 8 candidates I helped run in the past 6 years. But we must learn to win with grace and lose with dignity.
I don’t believe in letting one party control everything in Illinois. I firmly believe in balanced power. Kudos for the GOP for controlling the purse strings and for the Democratic Party maintaing the Governorship and the majority in both House and Senate.
There are too many fiscal issues that need to be resolved AND both the GOP and Democratic Party are going to have to find a solution together. This is not the time to be sitting on the sidelines and pointing fingers.
In some countries, when you are the losing party - you mysteriously disappear, and at times your family disappears; or either imprisoned or murdered.
Comment by Ms. M. Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 11:03 am
i was impressed with how Bill Brady progressed as a candidate. In particular, he did well in the debates.
Kudos Bill.
Pat never gave up. You have to admire that even when you are getting whacked by 8 million dollars from the RGA.
Comment by Gunner the Runner Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 11:14 am
In 2008 I think voters were trying to say they wanted both parties to work together to fix the problems. It didn’t happen. I think voters were saying the same thing Tuesday. This time I hope it happens. If not, a lot more incumbents will bite the dust in 2012.
It’s time to get to work.
Comment by The Mad Hatter Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 12:13 pm
This forum is far more civil most days than newspaper message boards. Let’s keep it that way. Neither party has the moral high ground in this regard. Let’s agree to end the sour grapes and rubbing in defeats.
Comment by Reformer Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 12:44 pm
Alexi’s greatest attributes are his genuine passion for making a difference and his undeniable charm. He has a bright future.
Comment by 10th Indy Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 1:11 pm
i want to have a beer with Mark Kirk. he is very prepared to lead. And a town meeting led by Dold would be absolutely fascinating
to attend. His business background is good for politics. To my suburban mayor pals who are Republicans, we always find a good place to meet, centrist ground on which to work, and a way to laugh at all the bad guys we encounter. I appreciate your candor and good humor and especially your ethics.
Comment by Amalia Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 1:20 pm
Well said, Rich–emotions DO run high at a time like this. BOTH parties in Illinois have much to be happy about and should be proud of this truly greatest State in the good ‘ol US of A. But like you strongly inferred, let’s remember that BEFORE party loyalty (unless one is a true Independent cuz there really aren’t many) we are ALL Illinoisans, and/or Americans, 1ST, and having lived in the Land of Lincoln (was there really ever a greater human being as President?) every day of my existence, with all of its flaws, deep down, almost all feel, or at least realize, what a GIFT and/or BLESSING it truly is! In fact, may God bless you, Rich Miller–this Blog is something you rightfully should feel proud of.
Comment by Just The Way It Is One Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 1:58 pm
I lean liberal, so I guess that makes me Democraticish.
I respect that Bill Brady never changed who he was to the voters, as I fear Mark Kirk did between his primary and the general election. I’m hoping the old Kirk emerges, and that he will work with his caucus in Washington to govern rather than just obstruct.
I worry about Tom Cross and Christine Radogno - will these two moderates be blown away in the next leadership vote by Right Wing zealots? It’s hard to defeat Team Madigan, who focused on the General Assembly and Governor’s Office to safeguard the next redistricting process for the Democrats.
Comment by Capitol View Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 3:15 pm
Tom Kilbride’s retention campaign to keep his seat on the Illinois Supreme Court was impressive. A year ago, he recognized that organized opposition to his retention was forming and he got out and went to work. Kilbride has been a presence in a 25 county district for the past year, rallied the ISBA and Illinois Judges Association to his defense and obviously got huge help from D traditional backers - the trial lawyers and unions. Three Iowa Supreme Court judges lost their retention races under similar circumstances. I thought Kilbride would not be retained and was wrong. So kudos to him.
Comment by Will Watcher Friday, Nov 5, 10 @ 5:35 pm