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Copley and the Pantagraph both have stories about Democratic divisions today. Let’s start with Copley, which leads with an account of how state Sen. Deanna Demuzio wasn’t invited to attend the rally until yesterday at 1 o’clock. This was portrayed as a display of disrespect to Demuzio, and that’s probably just peachy keen with her. The governor’s poll numbers absolutely suck in Demuzio’s district, so staying away from Blagojevich is a high priority. Copley then moves on:
State party chairman Michael Madigan has declined an invitation to appear at a morning brunch with county Democratic leaders at the Crowne Plaza because he had other meetings, his spokesman, Steve Brown, said. And it was questionable whether Madigan, speaker of the Illinois House, would be present at the afternoon rally. Brown would only say Madigan will be on the fairgrounds. […]U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, a Chicago Democrat who endorses Giannoulias, has told Madigan he could be seen as “petty and vindictive” if he does not support his organization’s candidate, Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs said.
“The voters in the Democratic Party made a choice,” Blagojevich told reporters at the state fair Tuesday. “Alexi Giannoulias won that (primary) fair and square. He’s our nominee, and it’s incumbent upon all of us that are Democrat to get behind the nominees in our party, have a unified party and be successful in electing Democrats.”
Blagojevich faces a brush-off from Madigan’s daughter, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, who confirmed Tuesday she will not attend the afternoon rally. She said her office’s investigation into Blagojevich’s administration - recently turned over to federal prosecutors looking into allegations of hiring fraud - precludes her from endorsing him. She has said she’ll be neutral in the governor’s race.
The Pantagraph reports that Lisa Madigan hasn’t yet made up her mind about endorsing Alexi Giannoulias.
Attorney General Lisa Madigan, daughter of House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, said Tuesday that she has not decided whether she will endorse the political newcomer.“I have some questions for him so I’m interested in talking to him,” said Madigan, on the eve of her party’s annual pep rally. “We are trying to schedule a meeting.”
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Aug 16, 06 @ 9:05 am
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Previous Post: The NYT turns up its nose at the State Fair
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They sound like a bunch of junior high girls whispering and passing nasty notes within their cliques.
How about a little honesty? Since when do you have to lie and pretend to play patty-cake with guys you wouldn’t pee on if they were on fire? The idea that there is any unity in any party is goofy. The idea that voters need to see unity is goofy too. Let Lisa Madigan tell it like it is, she thinks appearing with Blagojevich and Giannoulais will hurt her image - it will, so say it and move on.
Only the lowest of the common denominators would be able to say publically that everyone should get along. In what way would Blagojevich’s image be tarnished appearing with his ticket? It is their loss, not his.
It is about time the Democrats either ‘fess up or just stop pretending their ticket is the best for Illinois. NO one believes it, and voters will pick and choose among the bums running.
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Aug 16, 06 @ 9:14 am
It’s about time that we kick this clique.
Comment by Squideshi Wednesday, Aug 16, 06 @ 10:17 am
Well, it seems to me that the best Nov outcome for Lisa and Dad would be for JBT to win in November and serve one or even two terms (Lisa is young and can wait) after which Lisa runs and wins the governorship.
Illinois has no term limits so there is no reason to believe Blago might not run again in 2012. Or 2016. But even in 2012 after 8 years of Blago and the catastrophes (fiscal and legal) that await, things might be a lot harder for even an attractive Dem candidate. And it’s hard to predict who the Repub candidate might be, but we know it won’t be JBT. Better the candidate you know…
Comment by Cassandra Wednesday, Aug 16, 06 @ 10:36 am
Interesting to see Lisa take such a laid back approach to Giannoulais, especially considering she’s been all over the mayor of Rosemont for being “mobbed up.”
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Aug 16, 06 @ 11:42 am
It is not good when the attorney general from your own party won’y appear with you. She knows what the Feds have and what is coming and it must be enough to keep her off the stage. Not good!
Comment by Garp Wednesday, Aug 16, 06 @ 12:42 pm
Here is what Blagojevich really means… “Alexi won the nomination fair and square. We must try our hardest to elect democrats no matter how corrupt they are.”
Comment by Lovie's Leather Wednesday, Aug 16, 06 @ 2:52 pm
Wonder if Lisa’s people arrange a schedule for a meeting with Rod’s people, will he show up on time?
Comment by Walking Wounded Wednesday, Aug 16, 06 @ 6:00 pm
I was at Democrat day at the State Fair today and this is the biggest crowd I have seen in over 15 years that I have attended. Estimates of over 6000 cheering and ready to go to work winning elections Democrats.
Ya-all can say what you want but the Democrats (rank and file) are as united as I have ever seen them.
2006 will be a banner year for Illinois Democrats.
Comment by (618) Democrat Wednesday, Aug 16, 06 @ 6:26 pm
Nothing dumb about the Madigans.. nothing dumb at all….
Comment by Bill Baar Wednesday, Aug 16, 06 @ 6:27 pm
I was at the Gov’s Day at the Fair today too. Free hotdogs, chips, and beer sure brings a crowd. New blue shirts everywhere. I got some that actually fit. Loads of buses to bring in the crowds. People working the crowd to hold signs. Seemed like a pretty heavily weighted Chicago crowd with lots of Union shirts. 6,000? Seemed like like crowd jammed into a small space. Hard to estimate. Maybe they served 6,000 plates of food.
Comment by zatoichi Wednesday, Aug 16, 06 @ 9:53 pm
Mayor Daley for Governor! He was the best today in Springfield.
Comment by values matter Wednesday, Aug 16, 06 @ 10:40 pm
Obama was once again the only star.
Comment by Chinaman Thursday, Aug 17, 06 @ 7:03 am
Madigan did the right thing by attending..It only would have hurt Lisa if he stayed away.
Comment by anon Thursday, Aug 17, 06 @ 12:04 pm