By Jeff Berkowitz on Chicago Now
Follow on: Governor Quinn has backed away from his first choice for his Lt.Gov. running mate on the Democratic ticket, State Senator Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest). According to senior Democratic operatives, very close to the Democratic State Central Committee, Gov. Quinn was frustrated by Senator Garrett's reluctance to be a team player and come out, whole hog, for his proposed income tax increase. Moreover, there were some additional, minor, Garrett irritants that caused Quinn to go with Sheila Simon, the law school professor from downstate Carbondale.
Quinn's change of heart evolved over the last day or two and he had made the decision by late Thursday afternoon. Quinn realized that Garrett might be the better campaigner. But, ironically, Quinn the maverick couldn't tolerate maverick Garrett for Lt. Gov. He wanted a Lt. Gov. who would march to the same beat as the Governor. He gets that in Sheila Simon, daughter of the Illinois Democratic Party icon, the late former U. S. Senator, Paul Simon.
Senator Simon, a former guest of Public Affairs and always a consummate politician, reminded me before I introduced him on my show that I did not need to tell the viewers, and his former voters, that he had not been born in Illinois. As he said, there are some things the voters and viewers don't need to know.
There is some chance that Gov. Quinn could come up with yet another choice before he makes his announcement today at 2:00 pm at a presser in the Chicago Loop. But, the odds are against such a change. The strong favorite for the pick at this point: Sheila Simon.
And, it is likely that Speaker Madigan will respect that choice, and therefore the rest of the Illinois Democratic Party's State Central Committee will follow the Speaker and ratify Quinn's choice on Saturday. Of course, you will notice I used the word "likely." But, ultimately, when Speaker Mike speaks, others listen and act accordingly. .
Showing posts with label Lt. Governor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lt. Governor. Show all posts
Friday, March 26, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Statement by Rep. Art Turner (D) to the Democratic State Central Cmte on Why He Should be Lt Gov Candidate
From Rep. Art Turner's Campaign Website
Statement of Rep. Art Turner
to the Democratic State Central Committee
March 20, 2010
Dear Democratic Committee Members,
Thank you for the opportunity to present myself for your consideration to be our party’s nominee for Lt. Governor on the November ballot. I appreciate the weight of the task ahead of you and the seriousness with which you are treating your responsibility.
I believe that the Lt. Governor plays a vital, essential role in State government, and I absolutely disagree with those who think that this is a do-nothing office worthy of elimination.
The limited constitutional duties of the office allow the Lt. Governor to become a unique resource for public access, an ombudsman for the entire executive branch, and an advocate on important but neglected issues. As you all know, throughout its history the office has brought focus to disenfranchised populations and communities. Neil Hartigan brought the plight of senior citizens to light, Corrine Wood focused on the challenges of rural Illinois, and Pat Quinn championed veterans during his time in the office.
As you measure your choices for this position, I believe there are certain yardsticks that are best used. The first yardstick is how well a candidate is qualified for this unique role and responsibility as Lt. Governor.
As Representative for the 9th District, I serve one of the State’s poorest communities, on Chicago’s west side. For thirty years I have represented the very people that the Lt. Governor’s office can most effect. Gov. Quinn has publicly stated his belief that the Lt. Governor’s office should continue its focus on veterans. I respectfully disagree. I have every respect for veterans, have supported many pieces of legislation for them, and I will help the Illinois Dept. of Veterans Affairs continue their excellent work.
But I intend to bring my own focus to the office.
I will focus on the challenges and problems that face our State’s youth. Gang violence destroys too many young lives, and absolutely must have a high-level solution. All of our State’s responsibilities and challenges – education, budget, health care, poverty and more – all affect youth more than any other segment.
The second measure of a candidate for Lt. Governor is how effectively they can participate in government with real solutions to the challenges facing our State.
I am known as the ‘Father of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund’, which is the type of legislative solution that marks my career. The Trust Fund’s activity has created more than 25,000 jobs and $500,000,000 in taxes for local and State governments in Illinois. In addition it has helped create 15,000 first-time homeowners in safe, affordable, fixed-rate loans, 25,000 affordable rental units in safe and decent properties, 7,000 homes for the elderly and hundreds of additional homes for veterans, foster care families, the homeless and others. The Trust Fund is run by a State agency at no cost to the Illinois taxpayer, and has the strong support of both Republicans and Democrats. These bipartisan, structural solutions exist in many other areas of government – prison reform being the most glaring. These are the types of big ideas we need to enact, and I have a proven ability to do so.
The third, related duty of the Lt. Governor is to support the Governor, and help pass his agenda through the legislature.
I submit that Speaker Madigan is a master politician, and that over the course of nearly two decades at his leadership table in the State House I have learned something unique and of significant value. With this training, and working with five different Governors, there is no one better qualified nor more knowledgeable than I to help legislators reach out to the executive branch, or to help the Governor connect with legislators for the benefit of all. Those who feel that the problems in Illinois are due to ‘career politicians’ are simply wrong. Legislation is difficult, experience is valuable, and successful legislators work very hard at their jobs.
I believe another important yardstick should be how well the candidate serves the Democratic Party’s ideals as the Lt. Governor nominee.
The Democratic Party does not need quotas of any kind.
There is no magic formula of downstate versus Chicago, of whites, or women, or minorities on a ballot that will guarantee Democrats a victory in November. Instead of hailing from a particular community or region, we need a nominee who has an honest
connection and a true understanding of the challenges facing all the State’s communities and populations.
I know the loss of manufacturing jobs is just as painful to rural and downstate communities as it is to my inner-city neighborhood. The brain drain and flight that hurt my Lawndale community is no different from other areas of the State that face declining populations. And the social problems we face as a State are certainly as acute in my community as anywhere. As Democrats we need to leave the politics of division and us-versus-them to other parties.
Similarly, the Democratic Party must not make this decision based on fundraising ability, as some have suggested.
Someone unqualified for office, but with access to too much money is what got our Party into this situation in the first place. (I need not to mention our previous Governor’s brilliance in fundraising, too.) In thirty years combined I have not raised half what one recent opponent spent on one primary election. Instead of fundraising acumen, I have independence and integrity. I was first elected as an independent democrat, and I have continued my independence for my entire career.
The Democratic Party does need to select someone who can win.
Some may say that my second place finish is bad sign, but I disagree. As a complete unknown in a crowded five-person race, I spent less than $60k on media but received 182,000 votes, took second place against someone who spent more than $2 million, and carried Cook County where the majority of voters exist. I take this as proof of my ability to win in November, and my ability to appeal to all Illinois voters. We just need an introduction.
I do not want to be the Democratic nominee for Lt. Governor because I came in second. I do not want to be your nominee because of my home address or the shade of my skin, or because some feel I am owed it, or because I have the support of any particular person or organization. I want to be our Party’s nominee because when you consider the duties of the Lt. Governor and the needs of the Democratic Party, I am the most qualified and the best choice. I want to be your nominee because I passionately believe in the ideals and principles of our Party as I have proven for the past thirty years, and because I will fight tirelessly for our entire slate between now and November 2.
The choice of our Lt. Governor candidate will say a great deal about our Party. Have we sufficiently prepared for leadership with this selection? Or are we making poor choices based on shallow reasoning? I know you take your responsibility seriously, and I ask that you entrust me with this great obligation as our Democratic Party nominee for Lt. Governor of Illinois.
Statement of Rep. Art Turner
to the Democratic State Central Committee
March 20, 2010
Dear Democratic Committee Members,
Thank you for the opportunity to present myself for your consideration to be our party’s nominee for Lt. Governor on the November ballot. I appreciate the weight of the task ahead of you and the seriousness with which you are treating your responsibility.
I believe that the Lt. Governor plays a vital, essential role in State government, and I absolutely disagree with those who think that this is a do-nothing office worthy of elimination.
The limited constitutional duties of the office allow the Lt. Governor to become a unique resource for public access, an ombudsman for the entire executive branch, and an advocate on important but neglected issues. As you all know, throughout its history the office has brought focus to disenfranchised populations and communities. Neil Hartigan brought the plight of senior citizens to light, Corrine Wood focused on the challenges of rural Illinois, and Pat Quinn championed veterans during his time in the office.
As you measure your choices for this position, I believe there are certain yardsticks that are best used. The first yardstick is how well a candidate is qualified for this unique role and responsibility as Lt. Governor.
As Representative for the 9th District, I serve one of the State’s poorest communities, on Chicago’s west side. For thirty years I have represented the very people that the Lt. Governor’s office can most effect. Gov. Quinn has publicly stated his belief that the Lt. Governor’s office should continue its focus on veterans. I respectfully disagree. I have every respect for veterans, have supported many pieces of legislation for them, and I will help the Illinois Dept. of Veterans Affairs continue their excellent work.
But I intend to bring my own focus to the office.
I will focus on the challenges and problems that face our State’s youth. Gang violence destroys too many young lives, and absolutely must have a high-level solution. All of our State’s responsibilities and challenges – education, budget, health care, poverty and more – all affect youth more than any other segment.
The second measure of a candidate for Lt. Governor is how effectively they can participate in government with real solutions to the challenges facing our State.
I am known as the ‘Father of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund’, which is the type of legislative solution that marks my career. The Trust Fund’s activity has created more than 25,000 jobs and $500,000,000 in taxes for local and State governments in Illinois. In addition it has helped create 15,000 first-time homeowners in safe, affordable, fixed-rate loans, 25,000 affordable rental units in safe and decent properties, 7,000 homes for the elderly and hundreds of additional homes for veterans, foster care families, the homeless and others. The Trust Fund is run by a State agency at no cost to the Illinois taxpayer, and has the strong support of both Republicans and Democrats. These bipartisan, structural solutions exist in many other areas of government – prison reform being the most glaring. These are the types of big ideas we need to enact, and I have a proven ability to do so.
The third, related duty of the Lt. Governor is to support the Governor, and help pass his agenda through the legislature.
I submit that Speaker Madigan is a master politician, and that over the course of nearly two decades at his leadership table in the State House I have learned something unique and of significant value. With this training, and working with five different Governors, there is no one better qualified nor more knowledgeable than I to help legislators reach out to the executive branch, or to help the Governor connect with legislators for the benefit of all. Those who feel that the problems in Illinois are due to ‘career politicians’ are simply wrong. Legislation is difficult, experience is valuable, and successful legislators work very hard at their jobs.
I believe another important yardstick should be how well the candidate serves the Democratic Party’s ideals as the Lt. Governor nominee.
The Democratic Party does not need quotas of any kind.
There is no magic formula of downstate versus Chicago, of whites, or women, or minorities on a ballot that will guarantee Democrats a victory in November. Instead of hailing from a particular community or region, we need a nominee who has an honest
connection and a true understanding of the challenges facing all the State’s communities and populations.
I know the loss of manufacturing jobs is just as painful to rural and downstate communities as it is to my inner-city neighborhood. The brain drain and flight that hurt my Lawndale community is no different from other areas of the State that face declining populations. And the social problems we face as a State are certainly as acute in my community as anywhere. As Democrats we need to leave the politics of division and us-versus-them to other parties.
Similarly, the Democratic Party must not make this decision based on fundraising ability, as some have suggested.
Someone unqualified for office, but with access to too much money is what got our Party into this situation in the first place. (I need not to mention our previous Governor’s brilliance in fundraising, too.) In thirty years combined I have not raised half what one recent opponent spent on one primary election. Instead of fundraising acumen, I have independence and integrity. I was first elected as an independent democrat, and I have continued my independence for my entire career.
The Democratic Party does need to select someone who can win.
Some may say that my second place finish is bad sign, but I disagree. As a complete unknown in a crowded five-person race, I spent less than $60k on media but received 182,000 votes, took second place against someone who spent more than $2 million, and carried Cook County where the majority of voters exist. I take this as proof of my ability to win in November, and my ability to appeal to all Illinois voters. We just need an introduction.
I do not want to be the Democratic nominee for Lt. Governor because I came in second. I do not want to be your nominee because of my home address or the shade of my skin, or because some feel I am owed it, or because I have the support of any particular person or organization. I want to be our Party’s nominee because when you consider the duties of the Lt. Governor and the needs of the Democratic Party, I am the most qualified and the best choice. I want to be your nominee because I passionately believe in the ideals and principles of our Party as I have proven for the past thirty years, and because I will fight tirelessly for our entire slate between now and November 2.
The choice of our Lt. Governor candidate will say a great deal about our Party. Have we sufficiently prepared for leadership with this selection? Or are we making poor choices based on shallow reasoning? I know you take your responsibility seriously, and I ask that you entrust me with this great obligation as our Democratic Party nominee for Lt. Governor of Illinois.
House Speaker Madigan Spokesman, Steve Brown, on the Process of Selecting a Democratic Candidate for Lt. Governor
Part of the Illinois Channel's Coverage this week, as we look - in part - at the process and politics in selecting a person to be the Democratic Candidate for Illinois Lt Governor.
Democratic Party Officials Audition Candidates for Lt Governor
NOTE: The Illinois Channel on Monday will air our interview with Speaker Madigan's Press Secretary, Steve Brown on the Lt Gov selection process for filling the slot on the Dem Ballot. That will be followed by Prof. Paul Green also commenting on that -- and other issues -- as he is interviewed by our Contributing Correspondent, Jeff Berkowitz.
The auditions/interviews noted in the article below took place in Chicago, though the article has a Springfield dateline.
FROM THE PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
SPRINGFIELD — Audition day in the Democratic Party brought out a used-car salesman, veteran legislators, an expert on bat houses and a political legend's daughter — all hoping to become the party's nominee for lieutenant governor of Illinois.
In presentations to party leaders Saturday, some argued that they have the government know-how a state official needs. Others stressed their business experience. Some made the case that they understand the interests and worries of regular voters.
"I get to hear what people think," said Jose Ruiz, a 29-year-old Chicago car salesman. "I think my everyday experience has been more than enough to get me ready for any position."
The applicants also included some of the people who failed to win the nomination in last month's primary election.
"Ten thousand signatures, 30,000 miles and $150,000 later, I'm still trying," said Rep. Arthur Turner, who finished second in the primary.
The original nominee for lieutenant governor, Scott Lee Cohen, withdrew in an embarrassing episode for the party. Democratic leaders pressured him to drop out after allegations of domestic abuse, steroid use and failure to pay child support.
Officials decided to throw open the search for Gov. Pat Quinn's new running mate. They allowed anyone interested in the job to apply online and present their argument to the Democratic Central Committee. More than 100 people made their cases at five hearings in Chicago, its suburbs and Springfield.
Applicants praised the very public search as a way to promote interest in the job and to fight the image of Illinois as a place where every political decision is a backroom deal.
But some also said the process might amount to nothing more than political theater.
"I have to move forward as if it's a serious process. I don't know if that's the case," said Rayne Devivo, a stay-at-home mother from LeRoy.
Devivo said she has worked in state government as an assistant attorney general, among other things. Many others have no state experience.
Robert Nelson of Rochester, for instance, said he's a former school bus driver and an environmentalist. He told the committee that he designs bat houses and gives demonstrations on how to build snowshoes.
The applicants also included former Marines, advocates of legalizing marijuana, a radio DJ, the East St. Louis city treasurer and a volunteer firefighter.
One would-be lieutenant governor, Sheila Simon, called them "a really neat group of folks."
Simon, a law professor at Southern Illinois University, is the daughter of the late U.S. Sen. Paul Simon. She told the committee that she's been part of political campaigns since the age of 7 and understands the rigors of running for statewide office.
In the end, 17 applicants survived the initial screening process and will be considered March 27, when the full Democratic Central Committee is expected to pick a nominee.
The finalists include Turner, Simon and Sen. Susan Garrett, who is on Quinn's list of possibilities. Some relative unknowns also made the cut, including Glenview businesswoman Megan Drilling and DuPage County Board member Dirk Enger.
Committee members are divided on how they'll decide who gets the nomination.
Some say they'll give great deference to Quinn's preference, which the governor says he will reveal in the coming week. Others argue that Turner, the second-place finisher, deserves the nomination.
Rep. Constance Howard, D-Chicago, compared the situation to the Miss America contest. If the winner drops out, she said, the runner-up takes over.
Michael Madigan, chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party, offered little guidance on how the decision will be made next Saturday.
"I'm sure the members of the committee, like I, will be greatly interested in the opinion of the governor. We're very interested in working with him," Madigan said.
The auditions/interviews noted in the article below took place in Chicago, though the article has a Springfield dateline.
FROM THE PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
SPRINGFIELD — Audition day in the Democratic Party brought out a used-car salesman, veteran legislators, an expert on bat houses and a political legend's daughter — all hoping to become the party's nominee for lieutenant governor of Illinois.
In presentations to party leaders Saturday, some argued that they have the government know-how a state official needs. Others stressed their business experience. Some made the case that they understand the interests and worries of regular voters.
"I get to hear what people think," said Jose Ruiz, a 29-year-old Chicago car salesman. "I think my everyday experience has been more than enough to get me ready for any position."
The applicants also included some of the people who failed to win the nomination in last month's primary election.
"Ten thousand signatures, 30,000 miles and $150,000 later, I'm still trying," said Rep. Arthur Turner, who finished second in the primary.
The original nominee for lieutenant governor, Scott Lee Cohen, withdrew in an embarrassing episode for the party. Democratic leaders pressured him to drop out after allegations of domestic abuse, steroid use and failure to pay child support.
Officials decided to throw open the search for Gov. Pat Quinn's new running mate. They allowed anyone interested in the job to apply online and present their argument to the Democratic Central Committee. More than 100 people made their cases at five hearings in Chicago, its suburbs and Springfield.
Applicants praised the very public search as a way to promote interest in the job and to fight the image of Illinois as a place where every political decision is a backroom deal.
But some also said the process might amount to nothing more than political theater.
"I have to move forward as if it's a serious process. I don't know if that's the case," said Rayne Devivo, a stay-at-home mother from LeRoy.
Devivo said she has worked in state government as an assistant attorney general, among other things. Many others have no state experience.
Robert Nelson of Rochester, for instance, said he's a former school bus driver and an environmentalist. He told the committee that he designs bat houses and gives demonstrations on how to build snowshoes.
The applicants also included former Marines, advocates of legalizing marijuana, a radio DJ, the East St. Louis city treasurer and a volunteer firefighter.
One would-be lieutenant governor, Sheila Simon, called them "a really neat group of folks."
Simon, a law professor at Southern Illinois University, is the daughter of the late U.S. Sen. Paul Simon. She told the committee that she's been part of political campaigns since the age of 7 and understands the rigors of running for statewide office.
In the end, 17 applicants survived the initial screening process and will be considered March 27, when the full Democratic Central Committee is expected to pick a nominee.
The finalists include Turner, Simon and Sen. Susan Garrett, who is on Quinn's list of possibilities. Some relative unknowns also made the cut, including Glenview businesswoman Megan Drilling and DuPage County Board member Dirk Enger.
Committee members are divided on how they'll decide who gets the nomination.
Some say they'll give great deference to Quinn's preference, which the governor says he will reveal in the coming week. Others argue that Turner, the second-place finisher, deserves the nomination.
Rep. Constance Howard, D-Chicago, compared the situation to the Miss America contest. If the winner drops out, she said, the runner-up takes over.
Michael Madigan, chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party, offered little guidance on how the decision will be made next Saturday.
"I'm sure the members of the committee, like I, will be greatly interested in the opinion of the governor. We're very interested in working with him," Madigan said.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Tribune Reports Sen Susan Garrett (D) is a Leading Candidate for Lt Gov on Democratic Ticket
Note from Illinois Channel: Interestingly, when the Illinois Channel got reaction to Gov Quinn's Budget Address, Sen. Garrett was critical of the Governor's proposed tax increase, and said she favored an approach that would first look to cut more waste.
TRIBUNE POSTING
Posted by Rick Pearson and Ray Long at 7:59 p.m. Thursday night 3/18/10
Veteran suburban lawmaker Sen. Susan Garrett has emerged as a leading choice of Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn to become his running mate, top party sources familiar with the discussions said today.
The 60-year-old from Lake Forest shares Quinn’s liberal views, and the governor believes she could help articulate his message as the lieutenant governor candidate in what’s already a contentious general election battle, said the sources, who asked not to be named so they don’t pre-empt Quinn.
Garrett acknowledged that she was contacted Sunday by the governor’s chief of staff, Jerry Stermer, about her interest in the post, then met privately with Quinn this week. Garrett said Thursday that she’s submitting an application to the Web site Democrats have set up for prospective lieutenant governor nominees.
The senator said she would bring an independence to the office, along with her promotion of ethics reforms at the Illinois Toll Highway Authority, clean water issues, health care and job creation.
“I’ve often thought that sometimes, as a legislator, you can go so far, but maybe as a constitutional officer, you might be able to have more say into how reforms are made,” Garrett said. “In this case, you have the ear of the governor.”
Garrett’s interest in the job comes as the Democratic State Central Committee prepares to interview candidates for the vacant job Saturday. Chicago pawnbroker Scott Lee Cohen won the Feb. 2 primary but stepped down amid revelations about his personal life. The 38-member panel is scheduled to pick a replacement March 27 in Springfield.
Garrett, whose state Senate seat is not up for election this fall, is a member of Democratic Senate President John Cullerton’s leadership team. Prior to entering the Senate in 2003, she served four years in the House.
Garrett also has been an outspoken advocate on women’s issues, a demographic in which Quinn suffered some problems in his narrow primary in over Comptroller Dan Hynes for the Democratic governor nomination. A Tribune poll before the primary found Quinn with only a 38 percent job approval rating among female voters.
Republican governor candidate Sen. Bill Brady of Bloomington is a conservative who has opposed abortion rights and expanded health coverage for women. Those views are considered a potential liability, particularly among moderate women in the still heavily Republican suburbs.
TRIBUNE POSTING
Posted by Rick Pearson and Ray Long at 7:59 p.m. Thursday night 3/18/10
Veteran suburban lawmaker Sen. Susan Garrett has emerged as a leading choice of Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn to become his running mate, top party sources familiar with the discussions said today.
The 60-year-old from Lake Forest shares Quinn’s liberal views, and the governor believes she could help articulate his message as the lieutenant governor candidate in what’s already a contentious general election battle, said the sources, who asked not to be named so they don’t pre-empt Quinn.
Garrett acknowledged that she was contacted Sunday by the governor’s chief of staff, Jerry Stermer, about her interest in the post, then met privately with Quinn this week. Garrett said Thursday that she’s submitting an application to the Web site Democrats have set up for prospective lieutenant governor nominees.
The senator said she would bring an independence to the office, along with her promotion of ethics reforms at the Illinois Toll Highway Authority, clean water issues, health care and job creation.
“I’ve often thought that sometimes, as a legislator, you can go so far, but maybe as a constitutional officer, you might be able to have more say into how reforms are made,” Garrett said. “In this case, you have the ear of the governor.”
Garrett’s interest in the job comes as the Democratic State Central Committee prepares to interview candidates for the vacant job Saturday. Chicago pawnbroker Scott Lee Cohen won the Feb. 2 primary but stepped down amid revelations about his personal life. The 38-member panel is scheduled to pick a replacement March 27 in Springfield.
Garrett, whose state Senate seat is not up for election this fall, is a member of Democratic Senate President John Cullerton’s leadership team. Prior to entering the Senate in 2003, she served four years in the House.
Garrett also has been an outspoken advocate on women’s issues, a demographic in which Quinn suffered some problems in his narrow primary in over Comptroller Dan Hynes for the Democratic governor nomination. A Tribune poll before the primary found Quinn with only a 38 percent job approval rating among female voters.
Republican governor candidate Sen. Bill Brady of Bloomington is a conservative who has opposed abortion rights and expanded health coverage for women. Those views are considered a potential liability, particularly among moderate women in the still heavily Republican suburbs.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Greg Hinz On Replacing the Lt Gov on the Democratic Ticket
GREG HINZ, Blog from Crain's Feb 10, 2010
In some ways, it's the best job in town.
For $117,800 a year, all you have to do is cut ribbons, kiss babies, and smartly salute when the boss calls. There is a bit of travel involved -- Springfield is lovely this time of year -- and it would be a good idea not to have been involved with hookers, or massage parlors, or to be behind on your child support and taxes. But given everything, it's one cushy gig.
Perhaps that explains why Illinois Democrats so far have had a devil of a time finding a candidate for gov lite. First came the whole Scott Lee Cohen fiasco, and now that he's promised to give up his ballot spot, half the political world wants the job.
Frankly, the best thing the Illinois General Assembly could do would be to pass a constitutional amendment abolishing the job and letting another official -- the attorney general or secretary of state -- temporarily take over if the gov croaks or pulls a Blagojevich.
Ergo, my vote goes to the first candidate for lieutenant governor who promises to, upon election, immediately resign, an action that hopefully would prompt the Legislature to get serious about amending the constitution.
Short of that, my preference would be to require each candidate for governor from now on to run as a ticket with a candidate for lieutenant governor. That way, at least someone would be vetting the Scott Lee Cohen's of the world.
But despite such sentiments, Democratic Party powers seem intent on filling the vacancy with a new candidate. But who?
The first group is composed of the guys who ran and lost to Mr. Cohen. They can at least say they've shown an interest in the job. That would be State Reps. Art Turner and Mike Boland, and state Sens. Terry Link and Rickey Hendon. But all of them fell short -- though I must admit that Mr. Hendon's commercials, a knock off of the old Amos and Andy show, were quite entertaining.
Group two consists of folks who fell short in prior bids for higher office, but whose supporters say are tanned, fit and ready. Notably included are Gov. Pat Quinn's reported favorite, former congressional hopeful and U.S. veterans affairs official Tammy Duckworth, and state Rep. Julie Hamos, who lost a shot for 10th District congressman.
Chicago's powerful African-American voting block has a big influence in this process. It likely would be pleased if the choice went to West Sider Mr. Turner. Selecting him also would please state Democratic Chairman Mike Madigan, who elevated Mr. Turner to be his deputy House majority leader.
But an at least equally compelling argument can be made that, with everyone else on the November Democratic ticket hailing from Chicago, the Ds really need someone from the exurbs or Downstate. That would augur in favor of Rep. Boland, who's from Moline, or perhaps state Sen. John Sullivan from Rushville, who's name also has come up.
It it were me, I'd select the most competent person I could find, someone who would bring clear financial expertise to the table at a time of staggering state budget woes. That might mean thinking totally out of the box -- a corporate treasurer, perhaps -- rather than relying on the same old political names. Maybe even, gasp, a Republican businessman.
In some ways, it's the best job in town.
For $117,800 a year, all you have to do is cut ribbons, kiss babies, and smartly salute when the boss calls. There is a bit of travel involved -- Springfield is lovely this time of year -- and it would be a good idea not to have been involved with hookers, or massage parlors, or to be behind on your child support and taxes. But given everything, it's one cushy gig.
Perhaps that explains why Illinois Democrats so far have had a devil of a time finding a candidate for gov lite. First came the whole Scott Lee Cohen fiasco, and now that he's promised to give up his ballot spot, half the political world wants the job.
Frankly, the best thing the Illinois General Assembly could do would be to pass a constitutional amendment abolishing the job and letting another official -- the attorney general or secretary of state -- temporarily take over if the gov croaks or pulls a Blagojevich.
Ergo, my vote goes to the first candidate for lieutenant governor who promises to, upon election, immediately resign, an action that hopefully would prompt the Legislature to get serious about amending the constitution.
Short of that, my preference would be to require each candidate for governor from now on to run as a ticket with a candidate for lieutenant governor. That way, at least someone would be vetting the Scott Lee Cohen's of the world.
But despite such sentiments, Democratic Party powers seem intent on filling the vacancy with a new candidate. But who?
The first group is composed of the guys who ran and lost to Mr. Cohen. They can at least say they've shown an interest in the job. That would be State Reps. Art Turner and Mike Boland, and state Sens. Terry Link and Rickey Hendon. But all of them fell short -- though I must admit that Mr. Hendon's commercials, a knock off of the old Amos and Andy show, were quite entertaining.
Group two consists of folks who fell short in prior bids for higher office, but whose supporters say are tanned, fit and ready. Notably included are Gov. Pat Quinn's reported favorite, former congressional hopeful and U.S. veterans affairs official Tammy Duckworth, and state Rep. Julie Hamos, who lost a shot for 10th District congressman.
Chicago's powerful African-American voting block has a big influence in this process. It likely would be pleased if the choice went to West Sider Mr. Turner. Selecting him also would please state Democratic Chairman Mike Madigan, who elevated Mr. Turner to be his deputy House majority leader.
But an at least equally compelling argument can be made that, with everyone else on the November Democratic ticket hailing from Chicago, the Ds really need someone from the exurbs or Downstate. That would augur in favor of Rep. Boland, who's from Moline, or perhaps state Sen. John Sullivan from Rushville, who's name also has come up.
It it were me, I'd select the most competent person I could find, someone who would bring clear financial expertise to the table at a time of staggering state budget woes. That might mean thinking totally out of the box -- a corporate treasurer, perhaps -- rather than relying on the same old political names. Maybe even, gasp, a Republican businessman.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Statement of Arthur Turner on the Democratic Nominee for Lt. Governor of Illinois
From the Campaign Office of Arthur Turner for Lt. Governor
Sunday, February 7, 2010
"I commend Scott Lee Cohen on making the difficult decision today to resign his nomination for Lieutenant Governor, and have great respect for any citizen who engages in the public political process with the hopes to improve the lives of Illinoisans.
"I believe that in the November general election, the people of Illinois will elect the candidates who are the most honest, experienced and effective leaders. Governor Pat Quinn heads an outstanding slate of accomplished legislators on the Democratic ticket that far surpass the Republican candidates in every important regard. It continues to be my desire to join this exceptional group of individuals as the Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor, and to bring my 30 years of experience to the executive branch as we solve the difficult economic and social challenges that face this great state."
Sunday, February 7, 2010
"I commend Scott Lee Cohen on making the difficult decision today to resign his nomination for Lieutenant Governor, and have great respect for any citizen who engages in the public political process with the hopes to improve the lives of Illinoisans.
"I believe that in the November general election, the people of Illinois will elect the candidates who are the most honest, experienced and effective leaders. Governor Pat Quinn heads an outstanding slate of accomplished legislators on the Democratic ticket that far surpass the Republican candidates in every important regard. It continues to be my desire to join this exceptional group of individuals as the Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor, and to bring my 30 years of experience to the executive branch as we solve the difficult economic and social challenges that face this great state."
Monday, February 8, 2010
Scott Lee Cohen Drops Out as Democratic Nominee for Lt. Governor
Scott Lee Cohen, Democratic nominee for Lt. Governor on November's ballot, has dropped out of the race.
For more information, visit http://www.sj-r.com/news/x1522834739/Cohen-to-talk-about-decision-on-staying-in-race.
For more information, visit http://www.sj-r.com/news/x1522834739/Cohen-to-talk-about-decision-on-staying-in-race.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
CAMPAIGN 2010: Justin Oberman (D), Candidate for Lt. Governor
May 20, 2009 - From the State Capitol in Springfield: Democratic candidate for Lt. Governor, Justin Oberman, tells us why he is running and reviews some of his previous experience in the Federal government.
To View His Interview Click on the Link
http://www.illinoischannel.org/Campaign2010/ObermanJustin090520.htm
Thursday, May 14, 2009
State Reps Considering Run for Lt. Governor
Republican State Representative Dave Winters (R) from Rockford is saying he's looking closing at seeking the Republican nomination for Lt. Governor. Winters says he'll explore what support he'll get as the Summer break comes in, and he has time to gauge the political and financial support.
And long-time Democratic State Representative, Art Turner (D) of Chicago's 9th District, is also saying he'll be looking to run for Lt. Governor. Turner, who's spent 34 years in the House, says he WILL NOT seek another term as a House member, as he does not want to be running a dual campaign for representative and the Lt. Gov position. So Art Turner's mind is made up -- and it's a GO for Lt. Gov.
It looks like the race for Lt Governor may be among the hottest races in 2010. And with the primary just nine months away, and the costs involved in running a statewide race, the list of those seeking this position may well grow to double digits in the near future.
And long-time Democratic State Representative, Art Turner (D) of Chicago's 9th District, is also saying he'll be looking to run for Lt. Governor. Turner, who's spent 34 years in the House, says he WILL NOT seek another term as a House member, as he does not want to be running a dual campaign for representative and the Lt. Gov position. So Art Turner's mind is made up -- and it's a GO for Lt. Gov.
It looks like the race for Lt Governor may be among the hottest races in 2010. And with the primary just nine months away, and the costs involved in running a statewide race, the list of those seeking this position may well grow to double digits in the near future.
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