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* Do you think Dan Hynes should stay in the Illinois governor’s race? Explain.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 12:51 pm
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No, I dont’ it happening to him, the endorsement gone from the county party, the state party not endorsing, the unions not endorsing him, but the problem he is he really has no where to go, except to wait for the senate seat if Durbin retires, I think his time has passed him, unless he can get David Miller out of the race……
Comment by I'm just saying Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 12:57 pm
the state is not doing well. How can a discussion and competition hurt?
Comment by Shore Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 12:57 pm
Yes. He just might be a better Governor than Quinn who has been a miserable failure during his trial run. The flip flops, the budget fiasco, the proposed tax increase that would not solve the deficit problem, the ethics reform failure, the Trustees resignation that never happened. If you don’t like something Quinn does just yell a lot and he’ll change it. In the meantime nothing gets done. We need a mature, quiet, methodical, technician, not another loud mouthed bomb thrower. I hope he stays in. I’m pretty positive Quinn can’t win in November against a credible challenger. Hynes might have a chance..
Comment by Bill Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 12:58 pm
Absolutely. By February Quinn may very well self destruct.
Comment by downstate hick Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:05 pm
Yes. I mean, no. I mean, I think there should be a referendum to let the voters decide. Oh wait, that’s kind of the same thing as an election. Never mind.
Comment by Pat Quinn Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:08 pm
This election is going to be about two things… Ethics and Jobs. As people in Springfield and Chicago know, Hynes is a career politician who got to where he is today because his father was dishing out favors left and right as Cook County Assessor for Daley’s Machine. Hynes has got all sorts of ethical problems besides this. Remember the 2004 Senate race when Hynes got in trouble for accepting illegal contributions from the health care industry and was subsequently fined $75,000 by the FEC??? That was a mess. It is also no secret that Hynes has long accepted money and had associations with Tony Rezko’s goons and handed out contracts to state vendors in exchange for campaign contributions. If Hynes makes it through the primary, there is no doubt he will get take a beating for this.
Comment by South Side Irish Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:09 pm
Why would you throw a question out like that this early in the race? And why would you even consider giving Quinn, let along any elected official, another 4 years without even challenging him/her? I say Danny Hynes stays in the race which will create an honest dialogue between the 2 candidates would be healthy for the state, its voters and the democratic party and where we’re all heading. I think Hynes is a better candidate for what Illinois needs most at this time…honesty. Rock on, Ayatollah Comptrolla!
Comment by Leadbutt Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:09 pm
Should Hynes stay in? Yes.
Will he win? Almost definitely not.
Competition’s a good thing, people, regardless of one’s chances of in an election. Remember way back when in early to mid 2008 and everybody was calling for Hillary to just give up and back out? Does anyone doubt that Obama having a few extra months of primary campaigning didn’t help out in a big way come the general?
Who knows? Maybe a strong showing by Hynes could help knock some sense into Quinn and help him become better oriented as a candidate.
==I’m pretty positive Quinn can’t win in November against a credible challenger.==
Thank God he’ll be running against an Illinois Republican then.
Comment by TJ Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:09 pm
Yes, even though he will lose to Quinn. Quinn will be a better candidate in the general for facing Hynes in the primary.
Comment by Niles Township Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:11 pm
LOL, TJ.
Well said!
Comment by Bill Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:12 pm
Absolutely! I don’t like to answer a question with a question but why shouldn’t he run?
Comment by Stones Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:14 pm
Agree with shore and Stones.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:18 pm
IJS, AFSCME is still out there and if Hynes gets it aren’t Quinn and he tied so far as labor organizations are concerned? I think Hynes would have a slight advantage by 3:2? Plus, isn’t AFSCME the largest of them all? AFSCME sn’t deciding until Decemeber, though.
If the Primary Election were held today, 9-23-09, I suspect Quinn would win.
Quinn’s real advantages at this point are #1, he is the current governor and #2, he’s being propped up by the Machine.
(yes, Mayor Daley John McCain was correct that there is a Chicago Democratic Machine)
It’s not so much that Quinn is necessarily doing anything right for Hynes to quit now, though. Quinn is not as strong he and others think, and based on that I would agree that Hynes should stay in. But, his campaign needs to be run more competitvely and needs to be way more strategic in its execution. It seems like the wheels have come off the Hynes express.
Because Quinn isn’t that strong, maybe Hynes may be able to put the wheels back on and cover some ground?
Comment by Okay Then... Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:22 pm
Sure,
might as well make the race interesting.
Also could set up a Hynes, McKenna race in the fall and encourage all of Illinois to catch up on it’s sleep.
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:22 pm
Hmmm, I want to see Pat Quinn sweat a little. Let’s see how much fire he really has in the belly. Dan Hynes should stick around for the primary.
Comment by Levois Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:24 pm
Hynes is going to beat Quinn so why wouldn’t he stay in the race? Whatever you are smoking Rich order me a bag!
Comment by helpme Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:24 pm
Gee Rich, it’s awfully early to be declaring Hynes candidacy on life support which your question implicitly does.
I mean sure, pretty much everything has gone against him at this point, but it’s September. This is going to be a long race and anything can happen.
I suspect in the end this won’t be that close of a race, but it’s WAYYYYY to early to know that.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:26 pm
“I’m Just Saying” … Hynes was endorsed by both the Laborers and the Teamsters. Both are pretty big unions.
He should never have announced in the first place but now that he has then Hynes has to stay in.
Comment by WOW Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:26 pm
Well, crowning Quinn as the nominee at this point would seem rather self destructive for us citizens.In effect, we’d be saying raise our taxes as high as you want, keep the Blago bureaucracy running everything (badly), minus a few token removals, and ethics smethics.
Is that really the message we want to send. If not, we’d better hope both Hynes and a Republican mount a solid campaign and keep the many alternatives to this future Quinn regime at the forefront.
Comment by cassandra Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:29 pm
Why not? Listening to Hynes, though a nice man, is like watching paint dry. Quinn will win the nomination, but there’s nothing wrong with some dialogue.
Comment by Apple Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:32 pm
WOW, The teamsters Endorsed Pat Quinn on 9/4/09….. he has the laborers…..
Comment by I'm just saying Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:32 pm
Dan Hynds should stay in the race. I would rather cast my vote for Dan Hynds than Governor Quinn. However, I am a registered Republican which makes you probably wonder why I would say this. So what does my preferance for Hynes over Quinn mean as far as the general election goes? If I am typical of most other Republicans, I would seriously consider crossing over Party lines to cast my vote for Hynes rather than casting my vote for a Republican candidate (McKenna)that I am not in sync with. I am inclined to think that there are other Republicans out there like myself that view McKenna being a GOP appendage of what John Kass calls “The Combine”. I like Pat Quinn as an individual and I believe him to be honest but I just feel that Dan Hynds is also honest and more qualified than Pat Quinn to lead the state out of it’s financial morass. I also have a gut- feeling that Dan Hynds has a sense of honor and integrity that would allow him to go up against his Democrat Party leadership if he felt that they were trying to hurt the citizens of Illinois. Hynds can have backbone if he were put in the position of Governor is my belief. I don’t think that he is just another Party lacky like so many others. Rich Miller would have a better feel for who the real Dan Hynd really is than I would. Dan Hynds seems okay to me.
Comment by The Prophet Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:34 pm
Chicago Cynic is right
Guess this is a sign that Capt Fax is rolling in moolah right now and does not sell a lot of nifty on line ads to Hynes.
Stay in …or else Dave Winters might bring his comedy act to run against SubGuv.
Comment by CircularFiringSquad Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:35 pm
Of course he should stay in the race!
He should get into a knock down, drag out brawl with Quinn over which of them can take more food off of our families’ tables with unnecessary and job-killing tax increases.
They can also show which of them can drive more entrepreneurs and jobs out of Illinois with their corruption, patronage, and counterproductive progressive tax system plans.
They should also spend as much of that union bribe and contractor “pay to play” money they’ll raise fighting each other.
That will make Fall 2010 an election even a McKenna could win!
Comment by PalosParkBob Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:37 pm
Never has a “d” instead of an “e” been so annoying, but I generally agree with Prophet — except that Hynes isn’t exactly a fresh face or name in Illinois politics, either.
Comment by KeepSmiling Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:40 pm
wow, i cannot believe you are asking this question! Hynes is
boring and pretty empty, but everyone has a right to run. could
make Quinn look good.
Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:41 pm
========
Also could set up a Hynes, McKenna race in the fall and encourage all of Illinois to catch up on it’s sleep.
========
Anything that would encourage catching up on sleep is a great thing.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:42 pm
Hey, Prophet! Who’s Dan Hynds?
Comment by LincolnLounger Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:43 pm
The Prophet,
Are you really a republican? Really, c’mon, the truth now. BTW - McKenna ain’t the only GOP candidate out there.
Comment by dupage dan Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:44 pm
It is a big mystery to me why he doesn’t run for Cook County Board President, a race he would almost certainly win.
Comment by Parlimentary Boy Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:50 pm
The first step in winning is accepting whatever your worst case scenario would be in losing.
If Hynes doesn’t beat Quinn, but runs an aggressive negative campaign (which the polling indicates he needs to do to win), and then Quinn loses the general election—-What would be the fallout for Hynes?
In my opinion, he would be labeled a two time loser (2004 Senate & 2010 Gov) and spoiler. I think his political career would be toxic for a least the next couple election cycles.
Can Hynes deal with that scenario?
Comment by Louis Howe Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:55 pm
Interesting question.
Yes, he should. I don’t see Quinn as a lock in late September. The easiest thing to do will be to tag him as Blago’s running mate. That alone’s worth the chance.
I don’t think anyone’s paying attention yet.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 1:58 pm
Hopefully he stays in, bloodies Quinn and makes him spend a lot of money.
It’s a real shame that some of our Congressmen didn’t run for this seat. I guess they’re nice & cozy in their Congressional seats.
Comment by downstate conservative Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 2:00 pm
Yes, Hynes should stay in the race. While I doubt he will win, he should stay in for the exact reason Quinn stayed as lt. gv.: just in case. This will also give Quinn some much-needed campaign experience…he is going to need it, as the GOP nominee will certainly be playing the Blago card all next fall.
Comment by Vote Quimby! Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 2:04 pm
Hynes should stay in the race.
In the general, I can’t see he or any other semi-worthwhile candidate losing to Dillard or McKen-uh. Quinn, on the other hand, lacks the political dexterity to run a mistake-free candidacy/trial governorship. Simply put, Quinn makes me far too nervous in the General as a Democratic voter. He’s a populist figure, not a governor (with a small G). It’s time for him to start a non-profit, become an adjunct professor, and release Rosen so his fundraising talents can be put to better use.
Comment by Obamarama Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 2:07 pm
Don’t you mean: Should Dan Hynes get into the governor’s race?
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 2:08 pm
Why are some people acting like Pat Quinn is an incumbent or even a front runner??? The man has not earned a THING. He gets elected to the most meaningless position in Il. government on the coattails of the most corrupt administration in state history, proceeds to do nothing but the occasional solider funeral for 6 years, falls backwards into the governor’s chair and shows no ability to be at all decisive or to get anyone to follow his lead.
Quinn has at best, soft support. Hynes is as boring as the day is long, but someone might as well try to challange Quinn, for Quinn beneift if nothing else.
Comment by L.S. Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 2:08 pm
No! I hate the fighting, innuendos, one upmanship. I was hoping that we could stand on our side of the fence and point at the R’s doing that. When I see a Dan Hynes story, I don’t even read it. As a regular Joe, his style is irritating and grates on my nerves. Why oh why did he decide to do this NOW? I predict a loss to Quinn. And Quinn can do this. Win, I mean.
Comment by Fan of CapFax Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 2:16 pm
===============
In my opinion, he would be labeled a two time loser (2004 Senate & 2010 Gov) and spoiler. I think his political career would be toxic for a least the next couple election cycles.
Can Hynes deal with that scenario?
=============
It’s not as if the Hynes family are just getting into politics. I’m sure that they, the Madigans, et al., were discussing that very scenario–and possible options–decades ago at the dinner table as their kids were growing up.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 2:20 pm
Of course, Milton Bradley should stay with the team…oh wait, we changed questions…
Comment by Vote Quimby! Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 2:24 pm
=========
It’s a real shame that some of our Congressmen didn’t run for this seat. I guess they’re nice & cozy in their Congressional seats.
=========
I don’t know about “nice & cozy”, but agree overall. Peter and Elizabeth immediately come to mind.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 2:24 pm
Louis Howe, I think Hynes has pretty much made it clear that he doesn’t intend to run for public office after this.
Wordslinger, I agree that no one is really paying attention. That’s sad under the circumstances. But people not paying attention plays into Quinn’s hands. The best he can hope for is a low voter turn out, which is ironic given all that he has stood for over the course of his political career.
Quinn made a good political move by quietly sweeping talk of his 50 percent tax increase proposal under the carpet until after the Primary. I don’t know why the Democrats didn’t just take their lumps on the tax hike this year and get it over with. Rocket Scientists that they are they decided to wait till the actual election year with an even worse budget. LMAO & voting republican in the primary and general!
Comment by Okay Then... Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 2:29 pm
========
Why oh why did he decide to do this NOW? I predict a loss to Quinn. And Quinn can do this. Win, I mean.
========
Fan, Dude, take a deep breath. It’s OK…whatever it is.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 2:32 pm
Dan Hynes should stay in the race, but scuttle that boatload of loser political advisors of his.
Dan Hynes is a good guy. He should be considered a candidate for one of our major offices because out of all the freeloaders and scalawags fighting at the public trough, Hynes has always been cleaner and corruption-free. This is Illinois. Why would we be shunning an experienced competent guy like Dan? We should be lucky to get candidates without a rap sheet, let alone someone with a decade of experience in public office handling our fiscal tramas.
Hynes would be a good governor. Unfortunately, his political staff is clueless. Are they from out of state? From Mars? How could anyone advise Hynes to do the stupid political stunts that have backfired on him? If any of them were left after his primary loss - he should have shown them the door by now. Dan Hynes’ problem isn’t competence - it is the lack of competence in his campaign.
Hynes should fire them all and start from scratch. They have let him down repeatedly.
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 2:35 pm
Fan of CapFax said it well. Most Illinois Democrats like Pat Quinn. Dan Hynes is not a compelling alternative.
If he had a radically different agenda, I could see the point of his running. Hynes for Gov just weakens the Dems statewide in 2010.
Comment by Chubs Mahoney Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 2:44 pm
Yes of course Dan Hynes should stay in the race. If I was giving him advice, this is what I’d tell him:
Don’t worry about losing. Make a strong and compelling case about the kind of state you want to raise your children in, the kind of state we all want Illinois to be. Get specific, don’t worry about offending the powers that be. Take on the sacred cows and call them out. Tell the voters what they need to know, the things that cautious politicians never say. Tell it like it is, and then tell us how you would make it better. Be specific and blunt and speak from the heart.
And damn the consequences. Be a breath of fresh air for once. Run an insurgent’s campaign the way no one else ever dreamed of. Lay out a vision of what Illinois government should look like in 2020, not 2010. Inspire people with your campaign. Think big and bold.
If you do this, the election won’t matter and your political prospects for the future will improve. This is the message people want their leaders to give. Give it to them early and often.
And have a ton of fun barnstorming around the state while you’re at it. You’ve decided to give up the Comptroller’s office, so this is it. If you’re going to go for it, go all-in and run the kind of race that will make your supporters proud.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 2:46 pm
As a South Sider, former 19th Warder, White Sox Fan, Irishman, Democrat, and being from a big union family, I can only say that Hynes is letting us all down. Quinn is the first true White Sox fan we have had in this position in a long time, and Hynes may damage Quinn enough that we end up with god forbid another Cubs fan like Blago, or worse yet, a Cardinals fan like Brady. Hynes, think of your fellow south siders first, and your political ambitions second.
Comment by Old Style Fan Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 3:00 pm
Two things come to mind. Why does he want to be governor would be my first question. My second comment would be that if he wishes to continue to serve the public in a state wide capacity he should run for reelection as comptroller. Dan is a terrible campaigner and has only done a mediocre job at best as comptroller. Other than the fact that his father was a somebody I don’t see what he has going for him. I am not a big Quinn fan but at least he is getting around and talking to the right people.
Comment by eileen left Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 3:01 pm
==Most Illinois Democrats like Pat Quinn==
That’s funny. I wonder why. They hated him until January of this year. He couldn’t draw 5 people to his fundraisers including his own family. Now, all of a sudden, they are lined up around the block, checkbooks in hand. What changed? Oh yeah! This is Illinois.
Comment by Bill Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 3:14 pm
Great advice, 47th. I hope the Rs are listening, too.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 3:21 pm
He should run for cook county board president.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 3:22 pm
Illinois Dems that I know like him spearheading the Main Street program in Illinois, providing a catalyst for those willing to pitch in and work for the community. I can’t tell you the times I’ve heard his named tied to servicemen and women, whether its a sad funeral service or a joyful homecoming. He’s not part of the circle, or at least he wasn’t. He would always speak and shake your hand, look you in the eye. I don’t know if I would know Dan Hynes if I passed him in the hall, that’s gotta be a problem.
Comment by Fan of CapFax Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 3:25 pm
I poured over the comments, though a bit quickly so if someone raised this observation already, I apologize:
Dan Hynes is sitting on $3.5 million and will likely have $4.0 to $4.25 by primary day (if not more). That’s a lot of dough for TV ads blasting Quinn and improving his image. I’d say this isn’t over by a long shot. Will tomorrow’s question be “Should Quinn quit the race?”?
Comment by Joe in the Know Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 3:41 pm
No, that will come sometime in November or December after a dozen more flip flops, another onslaught of hoof in mouth disease, and the state default on more of their overdue bills.
Comment by Bill Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 3:45 pm
Why shouldn’t Hynes stay in the race? If he thinks he has support, can get the bucks to pay the bills, and is willing to put in the time, he has every right to go for it. He has plenty of opportunities to teach a forgetting public what he has to offer and get a good PR machine going. It would be nice to see 2 other Ds put in strong showing for Gov. Worse possible option is deciding anyone is a shoe in and the rest of the potential candidates simply give up.
Comment by zatoichi Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 3:57 pm
Yes.
The competition between Quinn and Hynes will make whichever candidate emerges a stronger general election foe.
The long primary slug-fest between Obama and Clinton only strengthened Obama in the contest against McCain.
Comment by David Ormsby Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 3:59 pm
The fact that Rich asked this should be enough to suggest that he shouldn’t. The only thing worse will be if Dan runs a negative campaign. If he contributes to the loss of a sitting Democratic Governor - well, that would be a very poor way to end his political career.
Comment by babs Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 4:04 pm
David the scenarios here are reversed. The Republicans are ultimately in the better position come November. The November election will be a referendum on the democratic party control of the state.
Do you really want four more years of democrat rule over the state of Illinois? How did you like the last 8? Corruption, scandal tax increases, government waste, democratic party bickering, power in the hand of one at the expense of the many, etc. These are the question for voters to answer and things for them to consider.
Comment by Okay Then... Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 4:09 pm
life long democrates are all physically sickened by both the quinn and the hynes scenario….we need a new untarnished face to run illinois gov. democrats need to think out of the box and look outside all the typical wannabees…ie in the private sector, in the legislature, etc etc. maybe madigan isnt looking too hard as his daughter could be in the running in another 4 years…..best to have another embicel causing further destruction and mayhem in the mean time.
Comment by disgusted Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 4:10 pm
What is the alternative to running for governor at this point?
I’m the type of person that should be in the Quinn camp and I’m completely undecided. Quinn hasn’t accomplished anything as governor that inspires my loyalty. And I think Quinn’s political reform agenda is mostly cheap populism with little substance.
Comment by Carl Nyberg Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 4:11 pm
*ok then
money will keep the Dems in office come November, add all the GOP candidates funds together and it won’t be as much as either Quinn or Hynes.
Comment by ls Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 4:17 pm
I think “47th Ward” has a great Hynes campaign plan for Oct, Nov, and Dec, but ultimately, starting in Jan2010; Hynes has to throw some real punches and deliver the contrast of why Hynes would be a better Democratic Candidate for Governor.
In my view, Hynes is directly challenging Quinn far too early. With all the mismanagement of the Blago/Quinn Administration he has many good targets to hit, but first Hynes needs to define himself.
My point about Hynes first dealing with losing is that great competitors never think about losing once they step into the ring, but you never want to step into the ring if you can’t take the punishment. In Hynes case, it could be career ending.
Comment by Louis Howe Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 4:23 pm
VanillaMan is right. What is his campaign thinking right now? I mean this is a campaign team that lost Feignenholtz’s campaign for the 5th CD special election.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 4:24 pm
well, rich you certainly got the pot stirred…
yes, he should stay in.
i’m so happy we aren’t talking candidate blago this go around.. he would hv run again:(
Comment by publius Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 4:25 pm
===The fact that Rich asked this should be enough to suggest that he shouldn’t===
I’m just asking. I’m not saying. Just asking.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 4:26 pm
–Illinois Dems that I know like him spearheading the Main Street program in Illinois–
I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone reference this, anywhere…to anyone. I’m calling shenanigans on that.
Comment by L.S. Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 4:27 pm
===another embicel===
Do you realize how imbecilic you look when you misspell imbecile?
Sheesh, man. Go to your local cc and take a basic writing class.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 4:29 pm
First, I have to wonder why Rich even posted this question. It wreaks of bias toward Quinn.
Second, Hynes should stay in the race. Quinn has done nothing to inspire confidence in his leadership style. One day he’s for something, the next it’s off the table. He can’t seem to make up his mind about anything. And it certainly seems like he isn’t doing anything to move away from the Blagojevich playbook. If he’s going to lead, then he should lead and stop flip-flopping on every issue he takes up.
Lastly, Hynes may be boring, but I’m willing to take a look at him. We just went through a debacle with a good “politician” and that certainly didn’t work out, to say the least. I’d much rather have a Governor who bores me to death and can govern than a politician who can give a rousing speech and then not deliver on anything.
Pat Quinn is the accidental Governor. He hasn’t earned the position. A little competition is a good thing. He should have to earn it. As a life-long Democrat, I’m not comfortable going into November 2010 with a candidate who spent all of 2006 running around on record defending Rod Blagojevich. I can see the Republican ads now.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 4:30 pm
===It wreaks of bias toward Quinn.===
First, it’s reeks.
Second, a week ago a bunch of Quinnites were saying I was biased towards Hynes.
Y’all need to make up your minds. lol
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 4:33 pm
I am always amazed at the power of the Rich Miller conspiracy…
It’s not like he asked if it takes more than 100 years for a baseball team to win a world series if that team should be forced down to AAA or something.
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 4:40 pm
Now, THAT’s a good question, OM. Hmmm.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 4:42 pm
Excuse me for my lack of proofing before posting, it does “reek.” HaHa
I do enjoy the stirring of the pot. Nothing makes for better political theater.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 4:42 pm
Watch it, Rich is on a language tear. I keep a dictionary and thesaurus handy (internet or hard copy) to prevent such scathing criticism. I get enough flak with my viewpoints - I don’t want to get it for my grammer.
Comment by dupage dan Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 4:47 pm
This is a good dialogue. I am throwing this out there since not too much is happening today… Everyone knows “ethics reform” will be a big part of whoever comes out of this in February. Say Hynes goes negative (which I think he has to do) and hits Quinn on “ethics reform.” Are Hynes ties to the Chicago Machine and his past fundraising mishaps along with his FEC problems fair game. You think Quinn will hit him on this?? Will anyone care? How will this play out?
Comment by Jay Cutler's Wife Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 4:53 pm
I think Quinn is probably viewed as the incumbent and reaps much benefit from that. Hynes has to go negative to fight that but is making a total mess of it. Does Quinn go after Hynes’ past ties? If he’s smart he does so only if he is being hurt by Hynes. Otherwise, he should just stand there with Daley and smile. The dems up here in Chicago just love to pull the lever for him. All except those who use parking meters, or have businesses near parking meters. Come to thinik of it, maybe Quinn shouldn’t stand so near Daley after all.
This is going to be fun.
Comment by dupage dan Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 5:07 pm
Both Hynes and Quin should drop out as well as all the republicans running. It does not matter if they stay in or not with that political juggernaut- Rich Whitney is in the race! He is going to completely destroy ALL the competition. No one stands a chance against Whitney! He is going to take at least 75% of the general election vote.
Comment by Richard Afflis Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 5:40 pm
I can think of 3.8 million reasons for Hynes to run. Why can’t Hynes win? The machine patronage armies have been decimated. Hynes has a squeaky clean image and can probably have a better campaign.
Just because the SEIU or AFSME endorse Quinn doesn’t mean they will go to the mats for him. I’m sure they would be happy with Hynes too.
Comment by Bumblejuice Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 5:48 pm
Hey, Anon 4:42 — it’s “theatre,” not “theater”
Sorry, couldn’t resist. (And stand down folks; I know both spellings are accepted. Just having fun.)
Comment by Spell check Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 6:38 pm
ls, that’s the problem with the democrats. Remember G-Rod, who was trying to get $12million to stay in the governor’s office? look where it got him. and still the democrats’ only concern is money, money, money. Sickening!
Comment by Okay Then... Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 6:52 pm
==========
life long democrates are all physically sickened by both the quinn and the hynes scenario….we need a new untarnished face to run illinois gov.
==========
Hope you’ll consider a Republican then!
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 7:44 pm
Hey, Richard,
It’s “Quinn” not “Quin”; and yes, this is an instance where a dictionary and thesaurus will fail thee.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 7:56 pm
Let’s see, since the R’s
Comment by ToughGuy Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 8:22 pm
Blago-mate needs a challenge. I think the reason there’s no stronger opposition is that the Dem’s expect to lose the office anyway. As an R, I love Hynses’ challenge to Quinn re: tourism, advertising, etc. Well Pat? are these good or bad?? If Hynes keeps up this way, I may vote for him.
Comment by Bobs yer Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 8:29 pm
Sorry, I had a finger blow out. I began to say since the R’s generally self destruct with their in-party fighting and a the total primary turnout for both parties might be 35%, this race will come down to organization. Unless the Comptroller can put together some kind of coalition it will be difficult since he has so far not been able to garnish the favor of any of the large union groups or County/Ward organizations. I think if he feel he is a viable candidate and can win, he should stay in. If not he should rethink his strategy and long term ambiitions. Either way with Hynes or Quinn, I still feel the track record and disfuntion of the R’s will allow them to win.
Comment by ToughGuy Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 8:37 pm
Definitely Hynes should stay. Who cares about the back-stabbing Teamsters. Whatever happened to union solidarity you clods? AFSCME has been fighting this governor since he fell into office and the teamsters should show a little respect instead of endorsing Quinn. Just wait until the next time the teamsters want some support from me. They can drive their trucks into Lake Michigan as far as I am concerned.
Comment by DCFS Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 9:08 pm
The only ones who are paying enough attention to handicap this race this early are CapFax folks and other diehard political professionals. History proves that these types, while astute, are often wrong about results and not dense (easy, I mean in numbers) enough to decide elections. Hynes is criticized as boring but almost universally respected for his ethics and motives. For those who say he is capitalizing on his family machine, I would suggest that had he could have done more for himself hooking up with a big firm years ago and making tons of dough. I am pretty certain that most understand that he is modest in presentation as well as wealth. I suspect that he will be able to raise enough money to reach the voters and lety them decide who is best for a retreat from this currently dismal environment. Let’s see how the general public reacts to a smart, decent guy.
Comment by lucid brazzi Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 9:48 pm
Everyone is wating for Hynes to ketchup.
Comment by Ghost Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 11:05 pm
I don’t think Dan Hynes could win another term as Comptroller, let alone Governor. He was asleep at the wheel in regulating cemeteries, and admits himself that in 10 years he couldn’t get any meaningful cemetery reform legislation passed because the Cemetery Lobbyists were “so strong.” Not exactly credentials for Governor. He will lose in the primary, and probably will not carry in his home 19th ward, similar to what occurred when he ran against Obama for US Senate. His time has passed.
Comment by anon Wednesday, Sep 23, 09 @ 11:24 pm
The political climate in this country and in this State combined with the weak economy, huge deficits and budget shortfalls have created an atmosphere which drives away from politics people who might be able to have an impact on some of the problems facing the citizenry. Why would any successful person want to subject him/herself and family to not just scrutiny but abuse from opponents, media and the blagosphere? Anyone who enters the field nowadays is instantly subjected to abuse and claims of impropriety, guilt by association and all forms of attacks ad hominem. Most often, there is no basis for these claims but the candidate’s reputation is tarnished and damage is done to his/her family.
Herman “Paddy” Bauler uttered the famous line, “Politics ain’t beanbag”, which is true and it was never for the faint of heart. But, the political climate is now considerably more dangerous as it can result in ambitious, agenda driven prosecutors conducting investigations which, even if they result in no charges, destroy a person’s reputation and leave them penniless.
This may be why we have such a poor field of candidates.
Comment by Rocketman Thursday, Sep 24, 09 @ 7:03 am
–The political climate in this country and in this State combined with the weak economy, huge deficits and budget shortfalls have created an atmosphere which drives away from politics people who might be able to have an impact on some of the problems facing the citizenry.–
Like who?
I don’t buy it. There are White Knights who want to be anointed rather than dirty themselves up in the arena, but I don’t think that makes them better.
The scandal-mongering of James Callender didn’t keep John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton from participating in the process. And that guy didn’t pull any punches or worry about libel.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Sep 24, 09 @ 7:30 am
The political climate in this country and in this State combined with the weak economy, huge deficits and budget shortfalls have created an atmosphere which drives away from politics people who might be able to have an impact on some of the problems facing the citizenry.
Not quite. Every disaster scares away the weak while the heros to show up and help.
Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Sep 24, 09 @ 9:02 am