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We had a version of this question during last week’s Republican National Convention, so it’s only right that we have one for the other side as well.
Who is your favorite Illinois Democrat? Explain.
Bonus Questions: Who is your least favorite Illinois Democrat? Explain.
As before, please answer the first question before you get to the bonus question. Also, let’s leave the governor, Mayor Daley and the two legislative leaders out of the equation. It’s too easy. Dig deeper, please. Thanks.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 11:23 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: Some of what you can expect today *** UPDATED x3 ***
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Favorite: Pat Quinn - he is a wack job whose time has finally come.
Least: Rod Blagojevich - even after 30 years out of office, he proved that Democrats were not ready to govern Illinois from the governor’s office.
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 11:30 am
Pat Quinn- at least he tries to be honest about the things he supports.
Alderman Ed Burke- why does a guy with no opposition have more money than Mr.Daley and all 49 Aldermen in his campaign fund?
Comment by Steve Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 11:35 am
Most favorite- State Rep. Kathy Ryg (59th Dist.)- very approachable, great constituent services and returns phone calls. Only downside is she won’t buck the party, especially on bills that shift suburban tax dollars to the City.
Least Favorite- State Senator Terry Link (30th Dist). Even before his recent petition scandal, he spent all of his time playing politics in Springfield, leaving his hatchet-man Pete Couvall to run things in Waukegan/Lake County like a mini Chicago. When the petition scandal broke, he denied responsibility, called it a joke and blamed ‘Republican operatives.’ Now his circulators have been indicted and he’s still desperate to duck the blame. Buck stops with you, Terry,
Comment by Team America Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 11:39 am
Linda Chapa-LaVia
She would make a good mayor of Aurora, looking forward to the day when that happens.
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 11:41 am
Least Favorite — Linda Holmes, thanks for checking with the local casino owner before voting for expansion of gaming. Also the whole Indian Prairie High School thing.. That’s some fine legislating Lou.
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 11:42 am
Favorite: Congressman Jerry Costello, of the 12th District, which includes East St. Louis and Carbondale. He’s less liberal than many Democrats.
Least favorite: Sen. Obama. He’s the most liberal senator, in the U.S. Senate.
Comment by PhilCollins Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 11:44 am
Most-Forby…just ready anything he says, how can you not love a completely inarticulate ignoramous rubbing elbows with the Chicago elite.
Least…Lisa Madigan because she has never done anything of any meaning in her entire career except changer her name to Madigan and yet she will either be the next Senator or Governor from IL. She has done nothing. She campaigned against political corruption and has done nothing about it so she can get her next job.
She won’t even fight for her own employees and she is supposed to fight for us…yea right.
Comment by the Patriot Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 11:54 am
Fav- Lee A. Crawford, Chief House Doorman. I met Lee as a young kid, worked with him over the years on the floor, and he is just a great guy. Speaking of the opposite of Lee…
Least Fav- Donne “I can’t go two words w/o dropping an expletive” Trotter. Dude, no one knows who are in Springfield, so get over it. He defines a new a way of being rude everytime I see him.
Comment by BandCamp Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 12:02 pm
Favorite: Obama. The most gifted Democratic politician of his generation. Progressive and shrewd, inspirational and cunning. You need ‘em all to be a great president.
I hope his people shape up and stop measuring the Oval Office drapes. The general election has never been a sure thing, especially against McCain. But don’t count him out.
Least Favorite: The Rev. Jackson, Sr. The politics of victimization and shakedowns are a thing of the past. His jealousy of Barack even alienated his son.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 12:11 pm
most - Rahm Emanuel. Tough, honest, hard working.
least - I really dislike Fritchey’s media affliction but I think the person I really like the least would have to be - Lipinski (either one). Taking the “peoples house” and making a mockery of the intent of the framers of the constitution takes a particularly low form of life. They have it.
Comment by babs Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 12:11 pm
Favorite is John Fritchey. Straight shooter, engaging, and responsive. And he occasionally posts here!
Least favorite is Rickey Hendon. All fizz and no gin. A poor man’s Emil Jones, without the savvy or leadership skills. Waist-deep in the seedy underbelly of IL politics, and flaunts it like a badge of honor.
Comment by The Doc Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 12:13 pm
Best - Alderman Jim Balcer - no-nonsense Alderman who is focused on constituent services, and he is a Viet Nam vet with 2 tours of duty under his belt.
Least Favorite - Pat Quinn - he destroyed Illinois unique way of electing State Representatives which paved the way to the havoc we have in Springfield today. Put it this way, Bill Redmond was the Democratic Speaker of the House and he was from DuPage County. That about says it all.
Comment by paddyrollingstone Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 12:13 pm
Most - Lisa Madigan. She is the only Dem this hard-bitten conservative has ever voted for. I think she has done a good job of treading a REALLY difficult line of staying clear of the controversy between her Pa and the Guv. By outward appearances, she has acted professionally.
Least - I wrote down the Guv before I re-read what Rich wrote, so I have to think of someone else. I would probably say Rahm Emanuel. He has not made the transition from being the hitman for Clinton to being a Congressman. He should lay off the attacks and focus on governing.
Comment by trafficmatt Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 12:16 pm
Favorite: I’m tempted to go with any of the group that represents my district (Sen. Kwame Raoul, Will Burns [soon to be State Rep.,] and Ald. Reilly) but intead will go with Forrest Claypool. He’s a leader on the County Board in the opposite to Stroger, and that is the area where we most need quality. Outside my area, Careen Gordon does a great job for that district. She shows the way for Dems in disricts that should lean GOP.
Least favorite is Cook County Comm. Jerry Butler. I get the impression that he’s in this for himself. He does nothing to show that he cares about the people of his district. Also, he never responds at all to calls or e-mails.
Comment by Skeeter Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 12:16 pm
Fav: SUSAN GARRETT, she rocks and is not afraid to stand up to her party to do the right thing.
Least Fav: KAREN MAY–she will say anything and is hard to work with–”my way or the highway”, only cares about her pet issue…
Comment by AnonPol Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 12:17 pm
Mikey Madigan-he is quiet, but effective as all get out.
ANyone within the city limits. Any part of the machine.
Probably Pat Sock puppet Quinn
Comment by Wumpus Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 12:20 pm
Favorite: Sen. James Clayborne. Professional, realistic, smart, compassionate, spiritual, positive, goal oriented, and dang funny. Ditto for Sen. Cullerton, except maybe not as funny. (No disrespect intended…)
Least: Sen. Sandoval. No need to say more.
Comment by fan of capfax Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 12:21 pm
Fav: Lisa Madigan. Gotta disagree with the Patriot here. Just a few months into her first term, she stood up to mob interests and put the cabash on a corrupt casino in Rosemont. More recently she got an enlightened deal out of the tel co’s. I hope someday the punditry will get past her origins story and appreciate her independent streak. The voters seem to have.
Least Fav is a floating category. Carol Ronen’s pension deal was a big disappointment. She tarred her own image as a progressive. That’s her legacy, one of her choosing and one that deserves to be remembered and deplored.
Comment by Zora Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 12:26 pm
Most Favorite-Chicago Alderman Tom Tunney, for getting the foie gras ban repealed.
Least Favorite-Cook County Board President Todd Stroger. 11.25% sales tax!!! BOGGLE.
Comment by Fire Ron Guenther Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 12:29 pm
Favorite: Pat Quinn, he doesn’t put his political future ahead of anything. I wish more people could be as genuine and as thoughtful as he is.
Least Favorite: Kwame Raoul. I remember a few years ago he was eager to make a difference. Now it seems as though he’s taking sides and worried about getting ahead. And he’s arrogant, which will get you no where in life.
Well, that’s not true, it seems to get you far in Illinois politics…
Comment by aqui, alli, alla Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 12:32 pm
Favorite: I’ll go with Pat Quinn. I think he would do a good job as Gov and help this State at a precarious time.
Least Favorite: Rahm Emmanuel because I got sick of his failure to support any Presidential candidate because they are both his “friends” speeches. Gee wiz, that seemed like a rather important no decision for so important a leader. Talk about sitting out the future.
Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 12:49 pm
Favorite Democrat - Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Frank Avila, the only professional civil engineer ever elected to that board to oversee the work of engineers (instead of the long list political hacks that have infested the MWRD Board for decades).
Least favorite - No contest here. It’s Todd Stroger, the Cook County board President who is a constant disgrace to his race - the Human Race.
Comment by fedup dem Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 1:20 pm
Linda Hawker, retired Senate Secretary. She doesn’t hold political office, but she should. She would be good at anything.
Comment by Little Egypt Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 1:26 pm
Favorite: Claypool
Least Fav: Stroger
Comment by Snidely Whiplash Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 1:29 pm
Favorite IL Democrat: it’s gotta be Pat Quinn. Who else would hobknob onto the LG seat with RRB and hang on for the ride? He just might get to be governor without winning another election! I picture him now on some PFitz blog urging indictments ASAP.
Least Favorite: Jay Hoffman, who sold the Metro East (and by extension, the state) a spoiled bag of goods about his buddy from Chicago, who wasn’t like all the others and who was gonna rock the system! Great judge of character…thanks, Jay!
Comment by Vote Quimby! Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 2:14 pm
Fav: Julie Hamos
I say a silent prayer of thanks to God for her every time I’m waiting at a bus stop and a bus shows
Comment by BannedForLife Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 2:14 pm
Best - Joe Lyons and Jack McGuire. They are genuinely good people who truly care about their districts.
Comment by MM88 Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 2:17 pm
Most
Link–more available than most every other in leadership, very effective at getting good bills passed, has turned the suburbs blue, and does it without a big show (Team America is in a dither over a couple of yahoos who pulled one over on Link’s local organization, as if it’s the next Watergate–give me a break).
Least
tie: Stroger, Lipinski–now these two are worth shouting about.
Comment by Dirk D. Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 2:23 pm
My all time fav was probably Cecil Partee - a warm, intelligent, genuine gentleman who knew instinctively how to play the game. A man who was not afraid to cross the aisle if it benefitted the citizens he represented. My all time least favorite - Mo Money Jones because he is the exact polar opposite of the Honorable Mr. Partee.
Comment by Sweet Polly Purebred Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 2:31 pm
Most favorite - Bill, he is the epitome of Loyal !
Least - Obama - inexperienced empty suit. Campaigns full time, a true guv protoge.
Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 2:32 pm
Favorite Kwame Raoul he has done an outstanding job representing his district.
Least Ald. Sandi Jackson all show no substance, i called her office and the recording says the office open monday thru thursday till 2pm!!! what are we paying her $100,000 grand for what to work part time?
Comment by anon Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 2:40 pm
Least favorite came to mind much faster.
Todd Stroger and Dan Lipinski. Hmmmmm, anything in common here?
Comment by keep it in the family Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 2:47 pm
Hands down my favorite politician is Forrest Claypool!!!! Class act. Hopefully, he will run for something and win.
Comment by Phil Elliot Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 2:48 pm
Our most favorite is Ken Dunkin….he is a mental giant, gifted supporter of Blagoof and….oh the list is just too long.
Least favorite…Ken Dunkin…talk about lipstick on a pig… how about a $2,000 suit on a tackling dummy
Comment by 2ConfusedCrew Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 2:49 pm
Fav: Shirley McCombs. She’s a wonderful woman who is incredibly sweet, but when it comes to business, she means business. Hon. Mention to Sen. Durbin (modest and doesn’t forget his roots), Treas. Giannoulias (hard-working and so much potential), Ald. Reilly (fight the man!), Sen. Demuzio (she’s kooky), Rep. Phelps (good guy all around).
Least Fav: Joe Berrios and Mayor Daley for planting, breeding, promoting, cultivating, etc. everything that’s wrong with Chicago and Cook County.
Comment by Bill S. Preston, Esq. Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 3:00 pm
My least favorite is Todd Stroger! You have nepotism, cronyism, rascalism, taxism, incompetentism….Thanks for sticking it to the taxpayers in a lousy economy, Todd!
My most favorite: Forrest Claypool. He appears to be the real deal. I hope voters get wise and vote for him, provided he runs for something in the future.
Comment by Don Smith Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 3:01 pm
I know Chicago alderman are supposedly “non-partisan,” but I’d say Pat Dowell is my favorite. Hard-working, tough, decent, independent, fair…everything a public servant should be. And she whooped Ken Dunkin but good in the 3rd Ward Committeeman race.
Least favorite: Ken Dunkin. What a waste of oxygen. The voters in his legislative district (not to mention Jesse White) should be ashamed of themselves.
Comment by phocion Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 3:31 pm
Least favorite - State Rep. Lou Lang. Never lifts a finger to help his own district. His arrogance is beyond belief.
Comment by Avy Meyers Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 3:31 pm
most fav….Pat Quinn. smart, even when I don’t agree with him
he does his homework.
least fav….Jan Schakowsky. it’s all about pushing her as
a person, not an issues agenda.
Comment by Amy Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 3:50 pm
Favorite: Forrest Claypool. Smart and capable.
Least Favorite: Todd Stroger
Comment by Ann Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 4:16 pm
Least favorite- If I can not pick Blagojevich…It would have to be Todd Stroger. He has done a great job raising our taxes.
Most favorite- Forrest Claypool. He should have been County Board President and then we would not be in this mess.
Comment by Ashley B. Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 4:19 pm
Least favorite: Todd Stroger by a landslide. As I have said before he has a real genius for bad public relations, not to mention his managerial incompetence and dearth of political skills/talent.
It’s hard to pick and choose a favorite since I have a casual, nodding acquaintance with many dedicated and competent elected officials, some of whom I really like personally and others whom deserve a lot of respect for their conspicuous excellence. I probably have at least a half-dozen favorites whom I consider “gold medal” contenders.
Comment by Captain America Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 5:10 pm
Favorite: Frank Mautino, he is consistently helpful and does not follow the party line. He looks out not only for his district, but for the surrounding areas as well.
Least favorite: Any Dem who pretends to run for office, then steps down and appoints someone else to run in their place. I know everyone is thinking Emil right now, but he’s not the only one. I find the practice despicable and unDemocratic.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 5:32 pm
John Cullerton - sincere, hard working, ego in check, in it for the right reasons
Forrest Claypool - dishonest panderer, all form over substance (learned at the knee of the panderer in chief, Pat Quinn), lies whenever his lips are moving, but exceptionally good at fooling those who don’t really know
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 6:35 pm
Favorite - Dick Durbin or Phil Hare.
Least Fav - State Senator Demuzio.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 6:40 pm
Sweet Polly I have not thought of Mr. Partee in a long time that brought a smile, he certainly was a gentleman.
Comment by Annon Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 7:05 pm
Favorite — Dan Hynes (good guy and went against Blago from the get go)
Least — Ricky Hendon (loudmouth)
Comment by Bud Man Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 8:32 pm
Favorite: Yellow Dog Democrat
Least favorite: A tie between Pat Hickey and Vanillaman
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 9:52 pm
FAV: State Rep. Connie Howard. A sweetheart who’s right on all the issues and always takes time to hear all sides of an issue.
LEAST FAV: Senators DONNE TROTTER and RICKEY HENDON.
Rude, counterproductive legislators who slow progress and good policy under the dome.
Comment by Park Shasta Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 10:12 pm
Sorry, I should explain per the instructions.
YDD is articulate, well reasoned and moderate.
VM and Hickey both profess to be Democrats, but based on their recent comments, and as a Democrat, I doubt they’ll vote for many Democrats in November.
VM is among the most eloquent (and certainly most prolific) commenter on this blog. Hickey is neither eloquent nor a commenter here anymore (and we’re all poorer because he left).
I hope they both appreciate my sincerity when I say: least favorite is much better than best of the worst.
And I picked commenters instead of elected officials and professional partisans because I’d take an intelligent, independent and genuine commenter here over any Illinois politician any day.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 10:13 pm
Least Favorite-Naomi Jacobbsen D-Urbana. Always has “written a letter” to someone on an issue-never leads only follows.
Favorite-Alexi-he is trying to do the work of the Treasurer, made ever so easy by all the carp of the Big 3.
Comment by OurMagician Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 10:59 pm
Fav–Jay Hoffman, he delivers bricks and mortar projects to his district.
Least–Quinn, what a gadfly!
Comment by left of here Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 11:08 pm
Lots of choices on both ends here, but as exemplars,
Favorite, Barbara Flynn Curie, all business and a chain smoker too;
Least, Jeff Schoenberg — how he is able to spin pomposity into getting votes is beyond me.
Comment by Quizzical Wednesday, Sep 10, 08 @ 11:14 pm
Favorites:
Assuming they’re all Democrats:
Maggie Daley: warm, loving, strong, supportive, and definitely has one of the most beautiful, sincere, and quickest smiles in Illinois. “Everyone’s Mom” comes to mind whenever I think of her. Maggie’s made such a huge difference in so many lives and in so many different ways that it’d be silly to try to list them here.
-Justice Burke has obviously done some wonderful things as well. I believe she’s one of the earlier drivers behind Special Olympics and is still strongly committed to the organization; she returned campaign funds after she found out she was running uncontested; and she’s obviously well-respected as a Justice and loved as a Mom.
Lisa Madigan: many Republicans can’t help but admire her style, strength, and independence.
And again, all of the great men and women of Illinois who serve, and have served, in the Armed Forces for their strength, courage, and commitment.
Least favorite:
Again, can’t remember the names, but in this case, I’m sure I could if I thought really hard about it, so I’ll switch to another thread to resist temptation.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 11, 08 @ 12:10 am
Most Favorite: Us Senator Obama, Senator James Clayborne, & State Treasure Giannoulias. These people are serious devoted to representing all the people in the state not just their some people. As a person of color I feel included with these elected officials agenda. There are many more officials but there are plenty who don’t get that we’re in a multi-cultural state and everyone should be included not just some.
Least: Lisa Madgan!!! Carbon copy of the father, only wanted to represent her father’s interest; dividing peole not uniting. Doesn’t represent certain communities interest!
Mayor Daley more of the same only including certain people. and hasn’t learned a thing from all the problems in city hall with the investigations. he doesn’t care he feels he can do what he wants. He administration still isn’t a representive of a diverse city.
Todd Stroger out for self and incompetent. Can’t wait until his election.
Comment by Anon Thursday, Sep 11, 08 @ 7:42 am
My all time favorite….George Sangmeister. A true gentleman and statesman. Very moderate. Did a ton for his district
Comment by stones Thursday, Sep 11, 08 @ 9:25 am