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[Posted by Kevin Fanning]
* With all the pessimism surrounding Illinois politics, I think it’s fitting to do a Question of the Day that’s more cheery.
Say something nice about any Illinois politician, whether it’s your state Representative/Senator, a Constitutional officer, or someone that you just think is doing a good job.
[Note] Keep it clean and as well-intentioned as possible for this website. I’ll be monitoring this one especially close.
posted by Kevin Fanning
Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 11:03 am
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They make Al Capone look good.
Comment by Enemy of the State Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 11:06 am
Jim Sacia R-89th is one of the few who doesn’t deal, make concessions or lie to us. He’s not in it for personal gain and somehow keeps his sense of humor when surrounded by idiocy. I know that I would have walked away from these loons long ago.
Comment by North of I-80 Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 11:08 am
Heather Steans and Greg Harris did a fine job hosting an anti-crime themed Town Hall meeting this week in Uptown.
Well done to these two elected officials.
Comment by The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 11:10 am
The Governor, he’s a good family man.
Comment by Captian Flume Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 11:12 am
Senator Kwame Raoul brings a enlighten and well educated view to the seante and really is for what is best for the people. It is my hope that the Governor would have the wisdom to appoint him as the next United States Senator!
Comment by anon Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 11:17 am
It is alleged that some Illinois Elected Officials may have been kind to their mothers.
Comment by One of the 35 Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 11:18 am
Another chance to thank Mike Madigan for applying common sense to IL problems and holding firm when those who live in the fast forward cycle want to rush out and make mistakes. He is someone to keep an eye on the Blagoofers (hat tip to DumberThanUThink for the great new name) He leaves the GOPs sputtering about dysfunction when he is just opposing all the stuff they do.
In the meantime, He stopped the electirc rate auctions, got $1 billion in rate relief, forced a sensible plan for the RTA, helped get the ethics bill on Blagoofs desk, sunk the GRT and still try to get a sensible capital plan — where know who gets what and protect us in the future.
Doesn’t get much better than that.
BTW Minions is a termed used by Madigan staffers, past and present, to describe themselves. And they say it with pride
If the Blagoofers EVER start paying attention they will know their attempted insults would backfire —- AGAIN.
Have a great weekend.
Comment by Reddbyrd Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 11:19 am
A disclaimer—I am her husband, so possibly biased—-but Naomi Jakobsson (D-103) is absolutely tireless in constituent services, both for individuals and for groups. She looks on that part of her job as an extension of her social services background. And she wins ribbons for baking at the Champaign County Fair besides.
Comment by jake Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 11:20 am
Will County State’s Atty Jim Glasgow — ethical and honest. Glad he’s the county’s prosecutor, and hope he never aspires to a higher level office. This one was made for him!
Comment by Will County Fan Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 11:23 am
Dan Hynes may be boring–but he’s competant and relatively honest–he knows da books too…
Comment by Anonymous45 Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 11:27 am
Senator Peterson is as descent a man as I have ever known. He works hard for his constituents, stands up for what he believes in, and always remembers who sent him there.
Comment by kdruben Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 11:30 am
Gary Jackson Skoien — A true patriot
Comment by The River Runs Through It Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 11:33 am
Bob Pritchard and Brad Burzynski are my reps. As far as I can tell, they are honest and they care about their constituencies.
(Give me that plus a little creativity and fire, and that’d be someone I’d be excited to vote for.)
Comment by yinn Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 11:33 am
Mike Madigan for protecting the people of Illinois from the Gov, Jones, and republicans bent on handing the Gov billions to use to line his coffers.
Comment by Ghost Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 11:44 am
Can’t do it. I’m not falling for their bullspit. I’ll go to the history books and compliment Paul Simon for his now-somewhat-antiquated notion that politicians are elected to serve the people.
Comment by Vote Quimby! Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 11:45 am
Bill Black is a man of integrity that has no trouble letting you and anyone else within a wide earshot know exactly how he feels about any issue before him. Agree or disagree, its nice to honestly know where he stands.
Mike Freriches can play the low post as well as anyone in the Senate.
Comment by Downstate weed chewing hick Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 11:47 am
Sen. Gary Forby, for his super-human ability to use foul adjectives and profanities during otherwise mundane conversations!
Comment by Dirtybird Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 11:50 am
I will delete myself and save you the trouble. (Delete)
Comment by Deleted Daily Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 11:58 am
lol
Comment by Kevin Fanning Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 12:00 pm
Lou Lang.
They even wrote a song about him. “He’s so fine…Lou Lang, Lou Lang, Lou Lang….”
Comment by Anon Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 12:07 pm
Barack Obama is more popular than soap in Germany.
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 12:22 pm
Another vote for MJM for thwarting Blago and Jones and always being 5 steps ahead of both of them.
Comment by Undercover Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 12:27 pm
Last winter, the Peoria public TV station was in dire straits. After the smoke cleared, there wasn’t much interest in the story. But lots of office-holders & their staffs stepped up to the plate.
While they worked mostly behind the scenes, I believe their assistance was a critical piece of the solution to WTVP’s debt woes.
I am personally aware of assistance from the following people/offices: Rep. David Leitch, Rep. Frank Mautino, Rep. Don Moffitt, Rep. Mike Smith, Sen. Dave Koehler, Sen. Dale Risinger, U.S. Sen Dick Durbin (& Springfield office staff), U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (Springfield office), U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood (local office staff), Dept. Commerce & Economic Opportunity (local office), Office of Treasurer Alexi Giannnoulis, Office of House Speaker Michael Madigan., & State Sen. Debbie Halvorson.
The State Treasurer’s office was especially helpful in facilitating negotiations with the Bank of America.
The support & advocacy of these people and their staff certainly had an impact on the final outcome. (I am sure this list is not comprehensive, but these are the folks I had personal contact with while assisting the station last December - January.)
Comment by Mike Phillips Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 12:29 pm
VM: I bet McCain is as well… Now if Obama were more popular than a mug of beer, that would be saying something.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 12:32 pm
A big thank you to Representative Jim Watson for serving in Iraq.
Comment by Made In America Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 12:35 pm
Let’s see… something nice about my elected officials, such as Governor Blagojevich, Mayor Daley, County Board President Stroger and Congressman Emanuel? to paraphrase a comment once made by President Dwight Eisenhower about his Vice President Richard Nixon, “Give me a week and maybe I’ll think of something.”
Comment by fedup dem Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 12:59 pm
Retiring Congressmen Ray Lahood and Jerry Weller, both have served their constituents with honor and dignity. Their first priorities were to the people of their districts and not to a strict political philosophy. They, and now it seems most of their kind, will leave a huge gap to be filled and will be missed.
Comment by Heartless Libertarian Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 1:11 pm
State Representative Joe Dunn has proven to be an independent thinker who is anxious to be accessbile and informed
Comment by Sox fan Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 1:14 pm
Jim Watson - He’s an effective and honest legislator and I think he is learning a great deal in Iraq that might prove helpful when he safely returns later this year. (and no…not just tools for combat resolution.)
Ray LaHood - He exhibits a classiness that is rare in politicians these days. He follows his head and his heart and does not let partisanism cloud his vision. His steady hand will be missed in the state and in Washington.
And even though I don’t always agree with his politics, Dick Durbin’s constituent service is top-notch. He’s got some great staff there.
Comment by S. Illinois Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 1:22 pm
I’m a Democrat who’s a big fan of Christine Radogno. She would have been a great state treasurer. She listens thoughtfully, makes no promises she can’t keep, and keeps the promises she makes.
Comment by Yooperann Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 1:25 pm
Craig Hall, R-Sangamon Cty. District 9, Good hard working guy with a good sense of humor and really goes to bat for his constituents.
Comment by What planet is he from again? Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 1:26 pm
Don Harmon, Terry Link, Maggie Crotty, Beth Coulson, Rosemary Mulligan, Sara Feigenholtz, James Clayborne, John D’Amico, Jim Brosnahan, Jack Franks, Lou Lang, Art Turner, Will Davis, Lisa Hernandez, Karen Yarbrough, Patti Bellock, Dale Righter, Chris Radogno, Dan Cronin, Bob Biggins, Franco C., Tom Cross, MJM, Frank Watson, Frank Mautino, Bill Haine.
(Sorry for the list, but these folks deserve some recognition & appreciation.)
All are good, smart, competent & reasonable.
The best attribute is that they tell the truth.
Others in the GA, especially the state senate could learn a thing or two from these fine public servants.
Comment by dupage progressive Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 1:54 pm
There are more Illinois politicians I respect than there are clowns in office. So, I won’t make a lengthy list of intelligent, thoughtful, and sincere folks from both parties.
The best thing about politics in Illinois is that people here are more engaged, even when it’s about the goofy things.
Comment by the Other Anonymous Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 1:55 pm
Senator Frerichs is really tall.
Comment by ChampaignDweller Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 2:09 pm
I love Big Mike Jacobs. He calls them as he sees them. In addtion, he is a very effective legislator and can move bills.
I think Sen. Raoul would be great United States Senator!
Comment by franny Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 2:54 pm
I think Dan Kotowski has lived up to the high standards of being a great public servant while also being a dedicated family man that his predecesors Marty Butler and Dave Sullivan exhibited. It’s refreshing.
Comment by Suburbs Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 3:05 pm
Frank Watson
Comment by BIG R.PH. Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 3:26 pm
Julie Hamos has the best policy mind in the State legislature.
Comment by Captain America Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 3:48 pm
Lou Lang would be a great Speaker of the House
Comment by Captain America Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 3:49 pm
Dan Hynes would be a great Governor exemplifying integrity, competence, and bipartisan approaches to addressing Illinois problems and issues - the ultimate anti-Blagojevich.
Comment by Captain America Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 3:52 pm
Alexi G should have a great political future as soon as he pays a few more dues in terms of on-the-job experience.
Comment by Captain America Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 3:55 pm
Lisa Madigan has been the absolute best Attorney General that Illinois has ever had - she’s really made herself a bona fide champion of the people, which I believe should be the role of the Attorney General. She’ll be a great Governor or Senator too.
Comment by Captain America Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 4:00 pm
Beth Coulson was mentioned in the gaggle of other good people, but she is really strong. She is concerned about those she serves, never says she can when she can’t, and brings both sides of the aisle together as often as anyone else.
Comment by Mongo Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 4:06 pm
I applaud Mayor Daley for his Olympics initiative.
Should he succeed, it will create a lasting positive legacy for the future of Chicago, the great American city.
Comment by Captain America Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 4:06 pm
I think Senator John Sullivan has done a great job working behind the scenes for downstate Illinois. Although I would miss him in the GA, he would make a great addition to the statewide ticket.
Comment by Capitol City Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 4:08 pm
Senate President Emil Jones would really enjoy retirement!
Comment by Captain America Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 4:08 pm
Jan Schakowsky is a true populist in the best sense of the word - a real champion of progressive causes and the underdogs.
Comment by Captain America Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 4:11 pm
Jesse White has probably done more good in his life that any public official in Illinois - not because of his political activities, but because of his work with underprivileged youth. The Jesse White Tumblers have become his ambassadors of good will to the general public.
Comment by Captain America Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 4:17 pm
Mary Flowers and Greg Harris for educating people on Health Care for All.
Comment by My heroes are........... Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 4:27 pm
While out knocking on doors, Senator Bomke helped a family member move a piano.
Comment by Chanson Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 4:37 pm
Mike Madigan, my State Representative. I don’t work for him, but my family has live in his ward for many years. My Grandfather died in 1989 and Mr. Madigan went to his wake and had a very nice Certificate of Recognition sent to my Grandmother about his service in WWII. My grandmother was always respectful of that as no one approached him to do this. Some people look at Madigan as some evil person but our family always thought of him as someone with class.
Comment by anon Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 5:04 pm
Pat Quinn for his wholehearted belief in the power of democracy
Comment by soccermom Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 6:01 pm
If I can name a former politician, Dawn Clark Netsch. She was on WTTW debating the need for a new state constitution and I was reminded of her integrity and public-mindedness, especially so soon after the passing of her husband. And she never lost her grace when Pat Quinn kept talking over her.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 6:19 pm
Jay Hoffman…his district is heavily union and he keeps bringing home needed infastructure projects.
Comment by MadCoDem Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 6:57 pm
I echo the sentiments about Lisa Madigan above.
Also, Forrest Claypool. The Stroger folks really pulled a fast one but he still keeps fighting the good fight. The Sisyphus of Cook County.
Comment by 32nd Ward Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 6:57 pm
Too many to name on both sides of the aisle–past and present–who are just wonderful with kids who are interested in government.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 7:49 pm
closely
Comment by steve schnorf Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 8:33 pm
There are two: State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias is doing an OUTSTANDING job. He’s down to earth, listens to people, does all the right things, and has a great future.
Also, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. A prince of a guy who’s done a tremendous job for Illinois. A real class act.
Comment by Enough already Friday, Aug 1, 08 @ 10:36 pm
Lisa Madigan appears to be doing a good job as Attorney General. She apparently takes her responsibilities seriously and acts in a mature and adult manner. Supposedly, her father is Mike Madigan, but is it possible she is adopted? Or could it be that judgment and maturity skip a generation in that family?
Comment by BobW Saturday, Aug 2, 08 @ 3:34 pm
The good news is that it is very unlikely that Governor Rod will be tapped for national office.
The bad news is that he is still capable(?) of acting irresponsibly and affecting all the citizens of Illinois. At least the Blago malaise is restricted to the Land of Lincoln.
Comment by BobW Saturday, Aug 2, 08 @ 3:40 pm
We currently have the most capable and qualified Cook County Board president since John Stroger held that office. Todd may not be a great leader, a capable legislator or even a mediocre administrator, but he sure can take care of his
friends, relatives and cronies. So let’s get behind him - and shove him out of office.
Comment by BobW Saturday, Aug 2, 08 @ 3:46 pm