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* I’m often asked if other states have websites like this one. Well, kinda. There are some good state blogs out there and the Washington Post has compiled a list of the best sites. Go check it out and report back.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Mar 6, 13 @ 10:34 am
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Previous Post: Kirk to Illinois (again): You’re on your own, kids
Next Post: Today’s history lesson
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Ah yes, when I think IL politics I think Capitol Fax and Illinois Policy Blog. The two are in a league of their own.
Comment by Boone's is Back Wednesday, Mar 6, 13 @ 10:40 am
Since I lived may years in Connecticut, I thought I’d check theirs out. One of the sites is an aggregator of Connecticut news (ala Drudge), while the other is not much more than a blog run by conservatives highlighting liberal failings (think Illinois Review).
Comment by Cincinnatus Wednesday, Mar 6, 13 @ 10:44 am
Blew through about 8. All kind of similar approach. Some are basically news catchers, others had some comments. Didn’t notice any 100 comment runs. Still no place like home.
Comment by zatoichi Wednesday, Mar 6, 13 @ 10:57 am
Sui generis, dude.
Comment by Ivory-billed Woodpecker Wednesday, Mar 6, 13 @ 10:58 am
Spot checked two neighboring spots and there’s nothing like Cap Fax. A three-comment thread was a busy day for them.
Plus for Wisconsin they didn’t list WisPolitics.com - silly. Well, not as silly as saying the Illinois Policy Institute’s garbage is “best” of anything, of course.
Comment by Reality Check Wednesday, Mar 6, 13 @ 11:04 am
Some really unexpected and best additions to my IPod happen on Fridays. No way those other state blogs can compete with the close out music here.
Comment by Freeze up Wednesday, Mar 6, 13 @ 11:14 am
different states have different approaches. Smaller states where the state capital is also the biggest city have print columnists that serve as the conventional wisdom centers. It’s based on a combination of the journalist, the geography of the state and the economic/political/media power centers. New York for example is too big a state with too many journalists to have one person doing this.
the commenting here is unique. there aren’t a lot of abe frohmans, oswegos ect in other areas.
Comment by shore Wednesday, Mar 6, 13 @ 11:17 am
There is only one Capitol Fax Blog.
Comment by siriusly Wednesday, Mar 6, 13 @ 11:21 am
During the Appalachian Trail fiasco in South Carolina, I got addicted to that state’s political blog FITSnews, which is sort of like a Bizarro CapFax just like I view South Carolina politics as Bizarro Illinois politics. The blog isn’t as objective as this one and is frequently sexist, offensive and silly in calling every Republican that the blog author doesn’t like a “Republican” but it somehow manages to entertain me as an outside observer.
I think it’s because although both Illinois and South Carolina constantly have stories about pols under investigation and doing dumb stuff but not being punished by voters because it’s a one-party state, South Carolina politics somehow manages to be way sexier and seedier than the clinical, professional machinations that go down in Illinois.
Must be why “Boss” got cancelled yet they are making more seasons of the South Carolina-set “House of Cards.”
Comment by hisgirlfriday Wednesday, Mar 6, 13 @ 11:32 am
Northwest Indiana has WJOB1230.
Comment by Hans Sannity Wednesday, Mar 6, 13 @ 11:38 am
Illinois has such lush and fertile ground for political activity.
Cap Fax also has the most and the best participants. Love the caption contests. Many blogs just have a picture of a news cast in progress.
Lot more activity on CapFax.
Comment by 3rd Generation Chicago Native Wednesday, Mar 6, 13 @ 12:38 pm
Illinois Policy Institute? I didn’t even know who this group was last year, now I feel like I hear about them everywhere.
Comment by Puddles Wednesday, Mar 6, 13 @ 12:59 pm
Went thru a few …”Meh”
The difference is quite clear.
Capitol Fax is an engine that allows the Issues of the day to be presented as a dialog, and the “Drive By” posts are given their … respect.
The fact that you WILL be called upon to defend yourself, by those you don’t know, but you know …”know” the subject, and you better be ready, makes this place even better. This is NOT your Newspaper Internet Post.
We all police the “Drive By”s and you can count on someone to fact-check. The rest… is just the “love” of the politics, which you can not duplicate, partisanly or non-partisanly.
Sometimes, we need to be reminded how great this place is. There is nothing like it in Illinois, and in the country. How great is that?
It Lives and Breaths, Rich.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 6, 13 @ 1:03 pm
I left out talk radio. This blog isn’t unique nationally but it’s at the upper end and it’s more impressive given how big the state is and how much competition the blog has especially in chicago.
Comment by shore Wednesday, Mar 6, 13 @ 1:16 pm
- shore -
Thank … you …(?)
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 6, 13 @ 1:31 pm
I checked half a dozen and it’s scary out there. Doesn’t anyone else run a blog for state news that isn’t deeply partisan?
Comment by Cheryl44 Wednesday, Mar 6, 13 @ 2:05 pm
No, Cheryl, and that includes this one! {ducks for cover}
Comment by Cincinnatus Wednesday, Mar 6, 13 @ 2:40 pm
Our border states’ blogs are partisan, pathetic, or both from what I saw.
I went to the Alabama site expecting the worst but was surprised by the graphics, quality, and even the comments on the post or two I sampled. Might go back.
The other thing I noted is how many of the sites ask for donations.
In conclusion, we have the best content, best commenters, and most gracious host.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Mar 6, 13 @ 4:39 pm
I’ll look when I get the chance, but just at a glance of the Article on it, I must say that I’m actually surprised that there ARE so many more at least somewhat-similar type websites like this one. Not really interested, though, in any event, as being a Lifer o’ the Land o’ Lincoln, not really super INterested in other States’ sites unless some REally interesting political or newsworthy issue and exclusive to some other State was to arise. And as far as National News or beyond, there are plenty of other sources better than, no doubt,other State-related sites, to find out what’s happening elsewhere in the U.S., including right HERE in the good ‘ol Capitol Fax!!!
Comment by Just The Way It Is One Wednesday, Mar 6, 13 @ 5:50 pm
Been a reader for several years and as diverse both politically and ideologically as this state is this blog is more informative and entertaining than any that I have been on. Covers many topics and gives credit where credit is due and critisizes where it is warranted. Really like Rich’s logic and find that on many other sites opinions are biased to push their own agenda. Appreciate rich’s patience with some of the opinions and comments that take it to the extreme.
Comment by boat captain Thursday, Mar 7, 13 @ 8:11 am