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[Updated and bumped to the top. Check out Phil Ponce’s comments in Update #2]
The Tribune’s full debate story is now online.
Sitting side-by-side in the wood-paneled Tribune editorial board room in what is likely to be their last face-to-face meeting before the Nov. 7 election, Blagojevich sought to rebut ethical questions that have clouded his first term, while Topinka tried to make the case that she has the vision to be governor.
But each candidate left voters with more questions to ponder after a 101-minute forum in which Blagojevich stayed largely on message by focusing on his list of accomplishments and Topinka responded with sarcasm and accusations of scandal. […]
Topinka, the three-term state treasurer, repeatedly responded to questions about how she would improve the state by criticizing Blagojevich’s failures and accusing him of being an absentee governor. She maintained her office does not issue no-bid contracts, but she struggled to explain that some no-bid contracts are, in fact, awarded.
“We bid absolutely everything, including what we don’t have to bid,” Topinka said. Later, she said, “We bid everything, unless, again, we have these artistic and professional contracts that we have, which are usually for a temporary service.”
The entire transcript is here, but the Tribune has posted only excerpts of the audio:
* On whether he’s hired criminal defense counsel - he doesn’t answer* On the check to his daughter and the job for his pal’s wife
* On pensions
Meanwhile, the Daily Herald had this response from the Topinka campaign:
Topinka spokesman John McGovern said Blagojevich’s refusal to say “yes†or “no†on the defense attorney question speaks volumes.“Like all the questions surrounding these scandals, Rod Blagojevich has a responsibility to talk directly to the voters and answer a few simple questions,†McGovern said.
Blagojevich spokeswoman Sheila Nix said Winston & Strawn lawyers “have dealt with a whole range of issues†and added there’s been no change otherwise on the governor’s campaign legal counsel.
And the AP had the post-debate action.
“She’s in the tank for the NRA and it’s very disheartening,” Blagojevich said of Topinka. […]On the issue of the $1,500 check, Topinka called Blagojevich’s answer “blurry.”
Blagojevich again maintained there was nothing improper about the gift and no connection to the job his friend’s wife got. […]
After the newspaper meeting, Blagojevich said he knows he has little chance of winning the Tribune’s endorsement because they typically favor Republican candidates for the state’s top job.
And Carol Marin bemoans the Blagojevich campaign’s written acceptance then ducking of the WTTW debate.
No one from the governor’s campaign, according “Chicago Tonight” executive producer Mary Field, ever once said that Blagojevich’s confirmation was contingent on negotiations with Topinka’s people for the scheduling of other events. There is no correspondence to that effect. No communications of any kind. […]So imagine WTTW’s surprise when it discovered that the Blagojevich folks had decided to do a different debate on that very same day. And then, late on Friday, Blagojevich issued an ultimatum to Topinka that if she doesn’t agree to his latest debate proposals, then there would be no debates at all. […]
Can the Blago folks spell “disingenuous”?
A couple of years ago, state lawmakers from his own party were so disgusted with the governor not keeping his word that for the first time in anyone’s memory, they made him put his promises in writing. We now know even that is hardly a fail-safe system.
*** UPDATE *** The State Journal-Register tries to fire things up with today’s editorial.
“The pattern, and the conclusion to be drawn, is clear; Rod Blagojevich is afraid to debate me, and he is trying to hide behind Judy Baar Topinka’s skirt, and blame her, for his response of cutting and running. That is why, on the two occasions on which he has scuttled previously agreed to debates, he has arrogantly refused to provide any explanation to the debate sponsors or to the people of this state,†said Whitney.Wow, governor! Are you going to take that? Are you afraid of a Green guy? Hiding behind Judy’s skirt? Cutting and running? Those are fighting words! You can’t legally duel in Illinois anymore, but that calls for at least a debate or two, doesn’t it?
*** UPDATE 2 *** WTTW kindly provided me with a transcript of Chicago Tonight host Phil Ponce’s comments at the end of last evening’s program. Phil really let the guv have it but good.
And now an editor’s note on a story involving “Chicago Tonight” that you may have seen on the news or read about in the paper.Governor Blagojevich and Judy Baar Topinka had agreed to debate here on Chicago Tonight later this month — a debate sponsored by the City Club of Chicago– a respected bi-partisan group. The date had been agreed to by both candidates. But the governor has now pulled out and as it currently stands– no more debates will take place — here or anywhere.
We think that stinks. And if you’re not insulted as a citizen, you should be.
Be clear about this: the governor has gone back on his word–the interests of the voters apparently trumped by the political needs of an incumbent who’s ahead in the polls. And who apparently doesn’t want to answer some tough questions. Questions about a $1500 birthday gift, about federal investigations, about changing Springfield’s culture of corruption.
We hope the governor changes his mind. Not for our sake — but for yours. After all, you deserve to hear from candidates who want your vote. How about it governor? Our door is still open.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 10:40 am
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“Topinka, the three-term state treasurer, repeatedly responded to questions about how she would improve the state by criticizing Blagojevich’s failures and accusing him of being an absentee governor.”
Answer the question Judy. She has NO PLAN to improve the state. All she has is Rod criticism which pleases insiders, the media and those who post on Capital Fax, however the polls show that despite his negatives Judy is not gaining any traction with the voters. She has to start talking about what SHE is going to do. I’m thrilled because she is delivery this race to Rod on a silver platter.
Don Wade and Roma are on with John Kass right now again talking about Rod’s check, go ahead keep talking about it, the polls show ITS NOT HELPING JUDY. If Judy and the press keep bringing this stuff up and it does not move the polls they may want to move on. Whenever the check or the investigations come up people are not paying attention and it becomes just noise.
Comment by wndycty Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 7:26 am
He’s lawyered up alright - with Winston & Strawn. Nuf said.
Comment by Little Egypt Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 7:32 am
Little E great one liner, too bad he has not been charged with any wrong doing. The lawyer question is sort of like asking “when did you stop beating your wife.”
And to Marin’s column, she raises some interesting issues, interesting INSIDER ISSUES (politicos, media, et al), but she also points out that Topinka fell for Rod’s bait. Judy is getting beat and beat hard. She needs debates to get her message out and she passed on what Rod offered so she now has no debates and limited opportunities to advance her position. Terrible candidate.
She actually thinks complaining about no more debates is going to be as effective as actually participating in them. What a loser. Then again she would not perform well in a debate she would just bash Rod some more without doing anything to help herself. What a joke she is.
Comment by wndycty Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 7:44 am
He’s not debating because his lawyers have told him “what you say can be and will be used against you”.A slip of the lip could add to his sentence.Sorry WNDYCTY but your boy is busted lying again.
Comment by DOWNSTATE Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 7:49 am
Short of a new astounding revelation of wrongdoing by Blogo, he should be able to glide in safely to a second term. The FBI probe is still very much alive and well, but don’t expect anything from this front for at least a year and a half…maybe two. I too wouldn’t see any need to do another debate, when doing such would only cause JBT to gain ground. Certainly wouldn’t want to be seen as uncomfortable, thus the radio debate only would be the lesser of two evils. The man is not dumb…..maybe stupid, and as we all know there is no cure for stupid…All that said, in the world of politics, as in baseball…..it ain’t over till its over!
Comment by Justice Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 7:51 am
WTTW should go ahead and schedule a debate between Topinka and Whitney. I suspect that Blagojevich might change his mind about debating if he knew that these two were going to debate on WTTW.
Also, to reiterate, the Tribune Editorial Board said, “The third candidate on next month’s election ballot, Green Party candidate Richard Whitney, was not invited to participate in the editorial board meeting. The Tribune editorial board said Whitney had been clear in his positions in answering questionnaires sent to the candidates and wanted to further question Blagojevich and Topinka.â€
Translation? At least one of the three candidates can answer simple and straightforward questions.
Comment by Squideshi Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 8:07 am
WyndyCty: Why can’t you at least be civil? Is this blog hitting too close to home? “Me thinketh thou doth protest too much!”
Comment by Disgusted Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 8:08 am
I dont buy Topinkas answer on these no-bid contracts. I have seen republican administrations take care of the insiders and their buddies for years.
Come clean Judy.
Comment by Roomie Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 8:20 am
Even if Blago were indicted, he could still run and could still hold office. And at this point, even an indicted Blago would probably win. JBT simply hasn’t made the case that she can distance herself from Kjellander and Thompson, those icons of Illinois bipartisan corruption. She also doesn’t seem to have a deep bench of non-combine talent to draw on should she win against all odds. This isn’t a bad lesson for the Republican party to have driven home. New leadership is badly needed and the search should begin now. Hastert, Thompson, Kjellander are old men and it’s time for them to get off the stage.
A Demcratic landslide, should it occur in Illinois, will be a huge opportunity for
Republicans to regroup around younger leaders and push out the old guys, who won’t go easily. As the Democrats begin the internal struggle to prevent Blago from running for a third term and as Lisa, Alexi and Dan struggle for dominance, there will be plenty of opportunities for Republicans to remake themselves and develop an attractive agenda. The Democrats under Blago simply aren’t up to the challenges ahead.
Having said all that, I’m still voting for Judy and Christine and Dan Rutherford. Amazingly, in the Illinois of 2006, a vote for these Republicans, somewhat tarnished by party association because of the sins of the appalling Big Jim, Bob, Denny and George, a vote for Judy, Christine, and Dan R is a vote for good government and for the future, as we gird up for another four years of corrupt and inept Machine Democratic rule.
Comment by Cassandra Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 8:21 am
Squid your trolling for votes for Also Ran Whitney is about as tiring as Bill’s spin.People here have made up thier minds so wouldn’t it be better for you to knock on peoples doors and give out campaign leaflets besides some of the stuff on Whitney smacks a little bit of Marxism.
Comment by DOWNSTATE Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 8:23 am
Downstate, if you consider Adam Smith to be a Marxist, then yes, I guess “some of the stuff on Whitney smacks a little bit of Marxism.” Then again, I don’t think that Adam Smith was a Marxist, so I obvioulsy disagree.
Comment by Squideshi Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 8:26 am
Trolling for Whitney or not, I think squideshi brings up a good point that I overlooked when I first read the article.
Their justification for not inviting Whitney to meet with the Ed. Board was that he answered the questions TOO CLEARLY in the first place? Talk about a back handed compliment.
“Sorry Mr. Whitney, you’re far too intelligent and articulate. No need to talk to you in person.”
Comment by Diversity of Thought Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 8:53 am
A picture is worth 1000 words - The editorial debate picture on the front page of the Tribune says it all:
Blago looks active and engaged.Topinka looks tired, bored,and detached. She’s defintely not projecting a positive image. Shades of Kennedy/NIxon!
I would fault Rod for reneging on his commitment pertaining to the WTTW debate. I understand why “not debating” works to his advantage favor - given his lead and funding advantage - why do Topinka any favors? Nonetheless, I would prefer that he particpated in the WTTW debate.
Debate or no debate, Blago wins. I think Topinka does better that the polls suggest because of significant editorial support from many newspapers.
Comment by Captain America Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 9:26 am
Could Blago travel to some other state where dueling is still allowed? If we got lucky, he could not find his way back for at least seven years. Oops! I forgot the ISP escort the goes with him out of state. The might be too professional to just dump him like a stray dog.
Comment by Eagle I Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 9:51 am
Can we please stop this nonsense about the debates. No one cares and they are not going to happen. Plus JudyBore did a crappy job on radio can you imagine what happens when they add the video?
Anyone asking the Hastert staff if they are lawyered up yet? Just want to fair and balanced!
Comment by Reddbyrd Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 10:02 am
Reddbyrd, you have got to be kidding me. Why would Hastert’s staff have to lawyer up. Blago is an “alleged” crook ergo all politicians are? I think not. Trying to point the finger at someone else leaves three pointing back at yourself.
Comment by leigh Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 10:14 am
Blago will win. And the media will loathe him for four years. A Phyrrhic victory, to be sure. But he’s going to be Governor. Remains to be seen whether he can handle the heat in his second term.
Comment by Phocion Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 10:59 am
I like Ponce better than I like Blagojevich, but I thought Ponce’s remarks sounded self-righteous.
I guess what I didn’t like was the claim that what he and WTTW wanted were because they represented “the people”.
I would have preferred something less dressed-up in “I have a right to speak for you because I work in media.”
I would have preferred something more direct. The governor’s campaign made a commitment. The governor has now reneged on the commitment.
Presumably the change is position is because he now believes a televised debate will hurt more than help….
And when Ponce got to speaking about himself and WTTW he should have used the first person. For example,
“Over the years WTTW and Chicago Tonight have built a reputation for delivering journalism on issues of local import. We enjoy campaigns because they allow our society to debate who we are, what we stand for and in what direction our society should evolve.
“Candidate debates serve an important role in these larger debates about society. We are honored that WTTW has played a role in facilitating these debates in the past. We were honored when Gov. Blagojevich’s campaign agreed to allow WTTW to host the 2006 gubernatorial debate….”
Anyways, I think Ponce could have made his point without sounding as if he was entitled to be my representative on this issue.
Comment by Carl Nyberg Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:02 am
Anything new to report on this race? Two bad candidates, one likely to get indicted some day, but nothing new.
Blago is the frontrunner, like any other frontrunner there must be a real compelling reason to debate. I wonder if the Topinka folks are happy about not putting her on tv in a debate. Sure they will never let on to that.
These two at the top of both party tickets are an embarassment.
Comment by aidanquinn Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:03 am
Carl - It is a generally accepted principle of democratic theory that the more information that voters have about candidates and their positions on the issues — the more public discourse we have — the more informed they will be when they step into the voting booth, or choose not to, resulting in elections that more accurately reflect the will of the people and strengthening our democracy.
Now, we can debate whether a well-informed electorate actually makes better decisions, and we can argue about whether debates actually leave the public better informed, but if you accept the proposition, then yes, Phil Ponce was speaking clearly and forcefully for all of us.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:12 am
I do think there is some hypocrisy in the media about the debates.
The media wants to have debates because they feel it’s the right thing to do, but the same media excludes coverage of Rich Whitney.
If the media can invoke the idea that the people have a right to see a debate, why can’t Whitney invoke the people have the right to have an alternative perspective made available?
Comment by Carl Nyberg Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:15 am
That front-page picture of rod and red is a hoot. Red looks like she’s thinking: “how much deeper can this guy pile it?”
One other thing to note, this is definitely going to become a national-level story, building momentum into the weekend.
Comment by Gregor Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:02 pm
If I represented Blago, I would tell him not to debate.
There really is no question that he will be indicted. Why in the world would he take questions on issues that will come up in his trial.
That being said, remember: This election is not really about Blago v. JBT. It is about Quinn v. JBT. Quinn will finally get the opportunity he has long deserved to clean up Illinois.
Comment by Skeeter Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:16 pm
A sorry prediction: Rod wins re-election using tactics taken from the Karl Rove scrapbook (attack ads that distort and even lie about the opponent, scaring an ill-informed electorate into voting for the guy NOT being attacked), then goes on to have a dismal second term where his agenda fails and the voters wonder ‘what did we do?’ Deja vu, Illinois style.
Comment by Dem Voting R Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 1:52 pm
Note to all fellow bloggers:
See how much these pro-Blagojevich partisans know? See how well they handle facts? Even in the face of pending indictments, they are too narrow-minded to think clearly.
We all need to recognize that this state will not rise or fall depending on which political party is in office. A good man, or in this case, a good woman public official is far more important than whether they are a Democrat or Republican.
We are living in extremely partisan times. The absolute hatred exhibited at times by the blogosphere is reminiscent of this country’s first newspapers during the Age of Jackson. We live in a dynamic age. We can either join the fray and repeat angry rumors, or we can take advantage of the flood of information and read up first.
The political prejudices we were raised with are bunk. Our political labels no longer work. We live in a new age where the only constant that has weathered the storms during the 20th Century has been Judeo-Christianity and Capitalism. Love it or hate it, there you go. The rest, it appears, seems to be nearly useless.
Blagojevich won’t save Illinois. He can’t even save himself from himself. It is up to us to vote for our future, based on the facts we have at hand. Give Topinka a chance. She has been working within this state for 12 years without major scandal. Compared to Rod Blagojevich, that means something this time.
That is the best we can do. If she turns out to be another knucklehead - then we vote her out. But we cannot expect better if we continue to accept the status quo. We don’t need to see a governor perp-walk with handcuffs before we see that they are unworthy of the office.
The pro-Blagojevich bloggers see this election as a big fun game. How close can their man fly to the sun before he gets burned up is a question they are willing to explore. But as a fellow citizen, we can’t afford this game.
He has to go!
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 2:51 pm
VanillaMan — I agree with your sentiments about Blagojevich, but a vote for Topinka puts Joe Birkett one heartbeat away from the Governor’s mansion, and Topinka is a 62 year-old chain-smoker.
Nope, I think I’ll vote for Whitney. Sure, he won’t win, but Pat Quinn will be the Governor of record, and that I can live with.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:37 pm
Rich, great point. I saw Chicago Tonight last night, and was surprised with the strong statement Phil Ponce made at the end. Usually, WTTW is very bland, but they took the gloves off with Rod last night.
Comment by Mike Williams Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:01 pm
I hope every active democrat such as yourself votes the same way! In droves, by busloads, whatever it takes!
Comment by Roy Slade Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 7:48 pm
People keep talking about no-bid contracts as if they are a bad thing. Illinois law allows for several situations where a competitive bid or proposal is not required. However, just because competitive bidding is not required doesn’t mean that there aren’t many, many rules that must be followed. For “small purchases” under $25,000 ($20,000 for professional and artistic contracts) the procuring agency obtains quotes from at least three vendors, and then goes with the lowest price (this can vary by agency). Other procurement methods that the media likes to call “no-bid” include sole source and emergency purchases. All sole sources are approved by CMS legal (for Gov agencies), and must comply with statutory reasons for being a sole source, and emergency purchases are filed with the Auditor General and reviewed by the General Assembly.
The problem with what Judy said about having no no-bid contracts may be that she is thinking about the three exceptions listed above - procurement people don’t think of those as no-bids because those are vaild procurement methods. The general population doesn’t understand the ins and outs of state purchasing, thus the confustion. But the blanket “no-bid contract” line is misleading.
Comment by In the Know Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 9:37 pm
Come on, you guys. He can’t debate at this point. He has to watch what he says carefully, so there will be no more public debates.
He’ll just hope his slick ads will pull him through. Meanwhile, I hear the sound of the wind whooshing as Topinka closes the gap.
Comment by Angie Thursday, Oct 12, 06 @ 10:58 pm