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Dillard wants “traditional” first family in governor’s mansion

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* I’ve been meaning to post this all week, but kept forgetting. Here’s state Sen. Kirk Dillard as quoted by WLS Radio…

At least two bachelors are expected to be running for governor next year: Pat Quinn, the Democratic incumbent, and Dan Rutherford, the Republican State Treasurer.

But Dillard says it’s time to put what he calls “a first family” back in the Governor’s Mansion.

“I really believe just for our state’s image and for the way a governor thinks, you need a first family in a traditional sense back in the governor’s residence.”

And so Dillard is playing the family card in the race for governor.

“A first family in the traditional sense”?

I somehow doubt that Dillard was really referring to the divorced Gov. Quinn here, except as cover so he could deny that he was making an inappropriate insinuation about the life-long bachelor Rutherford.

This sort of thing used to be beneath Dillard. But losing a statewide primary by a mere 193 votes can mess with your mind. Until that 2010 gubernatorial bid, Dillard had always been known as something of a statesman. But that razor-thin loss pushed him further to the right and made him more of a partisan.

Also, Dillard’s path to victory isn’t nearly as clear this time if Bruce Rauner succeeds in moving the needle. Strong TV advertising in the Chicago market will eat into Dillard’s DuPage County base. Lots of folks in the “donor community” who would have been expected to support Dillard have already contributed to Rauner.

In the end, all you have is your reputation. I’d hate to see Dillard completely lose his.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:13 am

Comments

The question was always who was going to strike first and how on this question. Rutherford is a real threat if he can raise enough $$ and overcome this issue. It’s sad to see Dillard “going there” so soon and in this way.

Maybe if he spent more time raising money and less raising bogus issues, he might go further this time.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:18 am
–“I really believe just for our state’s image and for the way a governor thinks, you need a first family in a traditional sense back in the governor’s residence.”–

Stop blowing that whistle, Kirk, the dogs are barking like crazy.

Nasty stuff. Because people in “non-traditional” families are too-a-stupid-to-think-so-good.

What’s so superior about Dillard for the state’s “image,” anyway?

Who anointed him the new Ward Cleaver?

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:21 am
My affinity for the current GOP field is
Dillard
Rutherford
Brady
.
.
Rauner

“In the end, all you have is your reputation. I’d hate to see Dillard completely lose his.”

Agree 100%. I will support Sen Dillard throughout the primary unless his campaign strategy is to make irrelevant insinuations about other candidates.

The reason he lost the nomination last time was because his campaign team was complacent and didn’t work hard enough on connecting with the downstate grass-roots organizations. It wasn’t because he didn’t sling enough mud at the rest of the field.

Please Sen Dillard. Remain an intelligent capable statesman - but be a hardworking one. That’s what this State needs to turn things around.

Comment by BleugrassBoy Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:22 am
Agree with Rich;

Dillard was always looked upon as a Statesman, and still is…but once you go down the road, himself mind you, of inuendo, double meaning, and apparent intolerance all the while saying “need”

“Need”

Let that…sit …for a second.

“Need”

The state of Illinois needs a leader who undeerstands the fiscal mess, and can get Madigan and Cullerton, and engage them, to sit and work out fiscal solutions that will pass both Chambers, get signed, and pass Constitutional muster.

That is what Illinois “needs”…

I doubt … an umemployed MALE in the Metro East cares if there is a “need” for a traditional family in the Manision. the guy wants to work! The guy wants leadership, someone with a plan, and the ability to get things done, and allow the economy to grow so we can all prosper.

“Need”.

Senator Dillard, you are so much better than THIS!

Pandering will not bring back the 193 votes.

Field Organization and GOTV and working hard, and smart, and complete on Election Day wins.

You KNOW this!

Maybe you “need” to re-think about this tilt “Right”, because the Statesman Senator Kirk Dillard would think it was “wrong”.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:25 am
Dear Senator Dillard,

Concentrate all your talking points about being able to get things done, fix the budget and create policies that lead to jobs. Please stop sounding like a jerk. That comment even made someone who supports you irritated, think about what someone who is on the fence will think.

P.S. remove the words “traditional family” out of your lexicon, that’s not going to play well with the youth, women and most people who are not part of the right wing. This is the 21st Century at least act like you’re part of it.

Comment by Ahoy! Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:25 am
Vote Dillard: If You’re Not a Breeder, You’re Not a Leader

Comment by whetstone Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:26 am
Sad, but just another phony issues from a phony candidate. I guess he has nothing to say about pensions, taxes, education, etc., after all those years in Springfield.

And don’t we also need a Republican candidate in the “traditional sense”, ie. one that DIDN’T cut TV ads for Barack Obama simply to satisfy his lust for attention?

Comment by Whatever Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:26 am
Dillard’s repeated, thinly-veiled personal attack on Rutherford suggests Mr. Dillard has already lost the debate.

Let’s keep the personal attacks out of this race, shall we Mr. Dillard? If you don’t have anything constructive or meaningful to offer Illinois voters, then perhaps you should save yourself a lot of time, money and effort and sit down and close the old pie hole.

John

Comment by John Boch Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:29 am
My jaw literally dropped. I had thought better of Dillard.

Comment by soccermom Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:29 am
== Vote Dillard: If You’re Not a Breeder, You’re Not a Leader ==

Love it…

Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:29 am
Spot on Rich. Dillard is simply not the same person over the last 3 years. He can go right all he wants, but if he’s too lazy to raise money it really won’t matter.

As a Democrat, I had really hoped he’s the nominee so in case there is a Republican Governor we’ll at least have somebody competent as Governor. If he keeps this up though he will lost of a respect in among the legislature.

Comment by WizzardOfOzzie Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:29 am
Not only is Dillard pandering to his party’s extreme right-wing, he’s not very good at it.

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:31 am
Great slogan whetstone. Everyone knows if the Combine had slating, they’d slate Dillard for Gov. Not sure how a state yearning for change is going to take to a careerist like KD.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:31 am
I think Republican primary voters care more about Dillard endorsing Obama than whether Rutherford is married, but if you’re gonna go down the Rutherford is teh gay road, maybe it’s time we bring this back up:

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2010/01/26/Is-Kirk-Dillard-the-New-Dede-Scozzafava

Comment by Ok, we can play that game... Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:31 am
I am still shaking my head. What an awful thing to say.

Comment by soccermom Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:31 am
The last two traditional family Governors went to prison! Dillard wanted to get out the opening attack in his primary, but still have the ability to deny he was attacking a fellow Republican. This was a ham handed way to do it and it fooled no one.

Comment by Barney Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:34 am
–My jaw literally dropped. I had thought better of Dillard.–

His guy Cincy was peddling the same line almost word-for-word on this blog months ago and got called on it.

It’s been in the plans for a while and they must have anticipated some blowback. Must be worth it to them.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:34 am
Well that begs some follow-up questions.

Is a first family a Husband and Wife?
How many kids are required?
Do they need to be biological?
How old do they need to be (how old is too old)?
Is a dog required?
Is the non-governor spouse allowed to work outside of the home?

Finally, what issue that is facing the State Of Illinois is someone gettin jiggy with someone they are married to inside of a house in Springfield going to solve?

Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:34 am
The last two times we had a “traditional family” in the Governor’s Mansion, they head of household ended up in prison… is that the tradition he desires?

Comment by blipsman Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:35 am
Does a traditional family include one whose been divorced? And then married a lobbyist? Where does the innuendo purity test end. I for one don’t care about this phoney issue and find it offensive, even though I’ve only been “traditionally married” once. Kirk, let Rauner do the dirty work of hiring private eyes to snoop around the country looking for salacious dirt (and the corresponding enmity which comes with such tactics), why not focus on being the better candidate. Besides the Rutherford cake is baked, you won’t move the needle in your direction.

Comment by In the know Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:35 am
Not sure what having a “traditional family” in the Mansion has to do with one’s ability to govern. What an incredibly stupid statement to make. And I like(d) Dillard, too. But I am definitely leaning towards Rutherford now.

Comment by ??? Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:40 am
Reminds me of the day that I heard John McCain chose Sarah Palin as his running mate. It’s always sad when ambition and a toxic political climate cause otherwise reasonable and good men to say things that they almost certainly regret. McCain had continued to pander, but he represents a very different state. Dillard has to know that this is not a strategy that will help him win the Illinois governor’s job.

Comment by Snucka Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:40 am
Strike Dillard from my personal list of acceptable candidates. This was a really tacky move.

Comment by Ken_in_Aurora Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:41 am
Wow — a creepy, bizarre, tone-deaf comment.

Guess the GOP hasn’t gotten the memo. Or got it — but hasn’t read it. I think actually reading has a lot to do with it. Most of these GOP’ers must have grown up in houses bereft of books. I mean, if you’re reading — anything and everything — you tend to have a more inclusive, curious sense of the world.

Sit these folks down with Mailer, Pynchon, Roth — even Tolstoy and Dostoevsky — and they’d realize the immensity (and wonderful, immoral quirkiness) of the world outside their Pella windows.

Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:43 am
Besides the shots at Rutherford and Quinn possibly with this… this “traditional family” garbage could also be taken as a shot at Lisa Madigan for being the prominent spouse/breadwinner in her family despite being a woman.

Do you really want Megyn Kelly to wipe the floor with you, Dillard, after she eviscerated Lou Dobbs and Erick Erickson?

Comment by hisgirlfriday Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:50 am
such an ignorant thing to say. Dillard was my choice last time, but I’ve already put my support behind Rutherford and this reinforces to me that I made the right choice.

Comment by Susiejones Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:52 am
I’m disappointed in Dillard. I do expect more of him and expect better self- awareness and decisions from him. He should say that line a couple of times to himself in the mirror while he’s shaving to get the full flavor of it. And then he should retire the line for the rest of his life.

And kudos (not) for Smucka who managed to sneak in a dig of McCain and Palin on an Illinois-centric Dillard thread.

Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:52 am
The race card, age card, gay card, ‘didn’t inhale’ card, not conservative enough card, gun card, religion card, and now the family card. The PC criteria deck grows again.

Comment by zatoichi Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:52 am
Gee, Kirk, how would you feel if someone said that only physically fit, slender candidates should be Governor?

Somebody hung around Jack Roeser too long.

Comment by LincolnLounger Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:54 am
I have to give Dilliard credit. His comment shows that he completely understands the GOP base.

To sue up the nomination (and of course, as a man, he must let it be known that he would never sue — that a task for his traditional wife), all he will need to do is to introduce bills to defund ACORN and Planned Parenthood, and maybe a bill requiring candidates for president to show a birth certificate.

Comment by HenryVK Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:55 am
- expect better self- awareness -

Oh, I think he knows exactly what he’s doing.

Comment by Small Town Liberal Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:56 am
Does Dillard realize that the governor’s mansion isn’t in the most family-friendly location? It’s not like the kids would be able to go out and play in the neighborhood on evenings and weekends.

Comment by wayward Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 11:02 am
On this blog yes.

“Is a dog required?”

Comment by AFSCME Steward Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 11:03 am
This could not have sat well with the other Kirk–Mark Kirk.

Comment by Meanderthal Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 11:08 am
===…and maybe a bill requiring candidates for president to show a birth certificate.===

I doubt Dillard wants any attention to the names of Kirk Dillard and Barak Obama…especially in the same thought.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 11:11 am
Dillard was saying that in the last Gov race - come on. He wasn’t going after Danny

Comment by come on Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 11:13 am
Yeah Dillard can say, “come on, I’m on my 2nd wife, Rutherford can’t have one?”

Comment by too obvious Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 11:13 am
This is a really stupid statement. While I was leaning towards Rutherford, this seals it. I am really stumped as to what he gains from this statement. This election cycle is different than when he ran 4 years ago. The extreme right, particularly the Tea Party movement, is losing elections nationwide. Stupid statements like this cost the GOP 2 safe seats in the U.S. Senate. Pandering to the extreme right might win in the primary sometimes, but in Illinois, it almost guarantees a loss in the general election. Dillard needs to get moderate voters and disillusioned dems to cross over to support him in the primary, to offset the so-called republican base. If he succeeds at this, he wins the primary & probably the governorship. Statements such as this really challenge whether he is capable of motivating the voters he needs to win.

Comment by AFSCME Steward Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 11:13 am
He was going after anyone who isn’t part of whatever Kirk Dillard considers a traditional family.

Comment by Snucka Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 11:23 am
The referenced comment came at the end of a lengthy press availability on the final day of the legislative Spring session. The session focused on school safety in light of Sandy Hook, college tuition costs, school funding issues and also about a bill sponsored by Dillard concerning school bus drivers under the influence.

For the past year, before the Treasurer was a known candidate for Governor, Dillard always mentions in his speeches that, “It was time to put a Republican First Family back in the Governor’s residence.” Dillard uses this statement in the context of talking about his vision of Illinois and as the father of 10 and 12 year old daughters. He talks about the global economy, college tuitions, sex offenders and criminal laws, pension debt, etc and the effects on kids.

It has nothing to do with, and is not denigrating the ability of anyone else who might hold the Governor’s office. This quote is being taken out of context. Understanding, first-hand, the struggle of working the families and their hectic schedules who are trying to make ends meets on a daily basis is a plus for a Governor.

The media, who have their own agenda, wanted to “go there,” not Senator Dillard who IS above it all, and has proved that repeatedly throughout his career.

Comment by Cincinnatus Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 11:38 am
Cinci, slow down man. You’re making me dizzy.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 11:42 am
Cincy, sorry, he’s saying more than that. Nice spin though.

“I really believe just for our state’s image and for the way a governor thinks, you need a first family in a traditional sense back in the governor’s residence.”

Comment by AFSCME Steward Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 11:53 am
The most interesting thing to watch about this election in both parties is the money. It looks like he is trying to get start-up cash from out of state family first agenda groups.

Comment by Makandadawg Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 11:58 am
This just doesn’t sound like Dillard. He’s better than this.

Politics can make one say strange things.

Comment by walkinfool Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 11:59 am
Laughable, Cinci. We’re not idiots here.

Comment by Small Town Liberal Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:01 pm
Seriously, Cinci, do you think you can peddle that stuff here? People have been to a few rodeos…

You were spouting that same line months ago. And you were not very subtle in “going there,” dude.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:05 pm
“Understanding, first-hand, the struggle of working the families and their hectic schedules who are trying to make ends meets on a daily basis is a plus for a Governor.”

A ‘plus factor’ for married candidates with children? Sounds to me like some form of affirmative action that wouldn’t go over with the GOP if applied to other categories.

Comment by ChicagoR Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:06 pm
- Cincinnatus -,

My Friend, with respect;

This has been an ongoing narrative, and dialog with back and forth, not only here, but it seems on radio, and in newspapers …

Topped off with Dillard voting with Oberweis, and McCarter, and 16 other IL Senators, including the Moderate Commander Galloway, a woman not playing the Gender Card.

There are things, and phrases, said to certain groups to clearly signal meaning they will approve, “Dog Whistle”…

The big question for me, is if Dillard, a “no” for SSM, is going to NOW answer the questions that have been brought up by this …”Mis-Speak?”

Dillard can, and has done, better. I am hoping for “better”, and a little less “Dog Whistle”

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:11 pm
Cincinnatus, you have been trying to “go there” for months. And when your boss followed suit, you try to defend him.

Might I suggest that you aren’t the person who should be doing the defending here? You long ago squandered any credibility you might’ve had on this particular issue.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:12 pm
So speaking of a traditional family or boasting of your traditional family is now a form of hate speech? Man, have things turned upside down with a vengeance these past few years.

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:14 pm
I’ve got an appreciation for the Dillard that always seems to remain above the fray, but this cuts close to that tattered edge. The statement has been made, so I am now more interested to see if this pseudo-issue becomes a broader talking point for other candidates in the field, and/or see how Dillard responds to any real/perceived fallout from this statement.

Comment by Midstate Indy Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:14 pm
===is now a form of hate speech?===

Don’t try to change the subject. Nobody said it was hate speech. The issue is what Dillard was doing.

Commenters, do not feed this troll.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:16 pm
Do you hear the dogs barking? Of course.

Because Dillard blew their whistle.

It’s a shame. I had a lot of respect for this guy.

Comment by David Ormsby Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:22 pm
@fakelisa I think Senator Dillard for his endorsement.

Comment by ArchPundit Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:28 pm
ahem…thank

Comment by ArchPundit Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:31 pm
What’s wrong with the best candidate for the office spiel?

Family? Really? Rod Blagojevich fit that ticket, wife and two kids quite well. That worked well didn’t it?

Comment by 3rd Generation Chicago Native Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:31 pm
Darn 3rd Gen you just beat me to that point about Rod.

Well, in that case-kudos to whetstone for slogan of the day.

More importantly, cinci, when you’re reporting back to HQ, you might want to say, “Chief, that dog (whistle) didn’t hunt.”

Kirk has a lot of accumulated respect and goodwill all over Illinois and I have known him for 30 years. I would hate to see him blow it on this kind of sleazy attack.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:43 pm
At the risk of playing the “family card,” why is it so horrific that a presumptive gubernatorial candidate explain that his philosophical approach to governing is informed by and parallels his approach to his responsibilities as a father?

I get that those in the Democratic majority and media default to knee-jerk revulsion at anything hinting at “Murphy Brown” family value scolding from Republican politicians. Depending on what’s said, perhaps the revulsion is warranted, especially with the string of Republican hypocrites who lacked the hubris to realize they were the wrong spokesmen.

But let’s face it, more often than not, the D-team is looking for fodder to tarnish the R-team and hammer home the fact that they have a bigger, less judgemental tent. Rarely do these comments lead to productive conversations and tough questions about single-parent households, divorce and the generational, cultural and economic impact.

But here? I wouldn’t even call Dillard’s comments ham-fisted. He’s trying to lay out that he’s responsible to a wife and kids and not just himself and wants you to draw the parallel to how this informs how he would govern. Politicians in this state tend to have a reputation for corruption, incompetence, self-interest, and lacking any coherent political philosophy. I don’t blame Dillard for trying to keep that stink of him and reminding people he has kids and is invested in their future, like he would be ours.

However, he might want to avoid “traditional” as his go-to adjective before “family”.

Comment by Geneva Guy Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:47 pm
“He’s trying to lay out that he’s responsible to a wife and kids and not just himself ”

That argument seems like it could cut the other way. Wouldn’t we want someone who was responsible to the people of Illinois, rather than a wife and kids? Rod was responsible to Patti and the kids, and that got him all the way to Colorado.

Comment by ChicagoR Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:57 pm
Gee, Cincy — you should probably pay more attention to politics. Because it’s been clear to me since, well, 2010 that Rutherford had his eyes on the Mansion.

And could you please clarify exactly what a First Family in the traditional sense means? Because I believe Rep. Cassidy is married with two young kids - -might even have a dog. Was that what you were referring to?

Also, since Soccermom is a member of the First Wives Club, I’ve always thought of a “traditional” family in a non-divorce sort of way. Are we on the same page there? (No disrespect to my divorced and remarried pals - that’s just what “traditional” means to this former Baptist Sunday School Teacher.)

Or are you suggesting that Governor Quinn, who has actually put two sons through college, doesn’t understand how much tuition costs? Because I think you’ll find you’re wrong there.

Also, I gotta say, it seems like the people who are really struggling with the whole “making ends meet while juggling hectic schedule” thing are the single moms. So if a “traditional” family would be good, a single mom in the Mansion would be even better? If I follow your logic correctly?

Or am I missing something here?

Comment by soccermom Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 1:02 pm
- parallels his approach to his responsibilities as a father? -

That would be fine if it was actually what he was saying.

Comment by Small Town Liberal Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 1:05 pm
This really raises an interesting question — who does the ILGOP hate more? “Non-traditional” types, or Obama-endorsers?

Comment by HenryVK Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 1:10 pm
I don’t know what Dillard’s base is? The only area where he won counties in 2010 was Springfield and it’s environs. If he has a DuPage base it is soft, and poachable.

Comment by kj Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 1:13 pm
Do we know how much money Lisa’s husband the cartoonist makes? Does his income have to be larger than hers to make their family traditional? If he’s independently wealthy, does that count? Does her public prominence make her ineligible to be a traditional wife? Do they have to have a cocker spaniel? Are cats non-traditional?

Comment by been there Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 1:31 pm
BleugrassBoy, I think the main reason Dillard lost was because he was backed by Jack Roeser. Has any Roeser-backed candidate won a state-wide election?

Comment by 2nd Generation Wannabe Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 1:31 pm
It has nothing to do with, and is not denigrating the ability of anyone else who might hold the Governor’s office.

Sure, sure… And Richie Daley said Chicago needs a “wet mayor.”

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 1:35 pm
“The last two times we had a “traditional family” in the Governor’s Mansion, they head of household ended up in prison …”

Last I checked, blago never made it to the Governor’s Mansion. He refused to live there because he didn’t want to take his daughters out of the schools they were attending.

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 3:07 pm
===At the risk of playing the “family card,” why is it so horrific that a presumptive gubernatorial candidate explain that his philosophical approach to governing is informed by and parallels his approach to his responsibilities as a father?

You meant to add as a mother too, right?

Comment by ArchPundit Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 3:21 pm
Agreed, this is a dog whistle comment.

The majority of citizens don’t care if our Governor lives with or without his family in the Governor’s mansion or elsewhere.

The majority want a leader whom respects all people and can lead this State from the fiscal challenges threatening to consume us.

Where the Governor sleeps at night, and with whom, should be the least of our worries.

Comment by Endangered Moderate Species Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 4:17 pm
Interesting theme to still pursue in 2013–when’s he gonna jump in the race anyway? With the new moderate Illinois GOP Leader having taken over, Dillard may just be the One to make enough more noise this time, and GARner such moderate support, to put him over the top this time. Cmon Senator–there’s GOT to be another plausible choice beyond Rauner, Rutherford, and previous General Election loser (after leading in the Polls right up to 6 am on Election Day) Brady…!

Comment by Just The Way It Is One Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 5:46 pm
A traditional family in the governor’s mansion would make a lick of a difference for our image. That’s like saying the Titanic needed more Bibles to prevent it from sinking.

Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 6:51 pm
Saying that someone makes a dog whistle comment is one of the stupidest, most paranoid, ignorant thing to claim. Downright McCarthyish in that it is meaningless, claims that a political opponent speaks some sinister language only they can understand, and cannot be disproved. An ugly smear.

Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 6:57 pm
Whatever you say VM. Thanks for clearing it all up for us stupid, paranoid and ignorant folks.

“States’ rights” is just a meaningless slogan celebrating the 10th Amendment. Got it. No such thing as a dog whistle. Check.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 8:54 pm
Vanilla,
In all seriousness, do you actually believe what you wrote?
Nobody else does.
Who exactly do you think would believe that comment?

Comment by HenryVK Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 8:56 pm