2006

As of Right Now

ArchPundit October 19, 2006 53 Comments

The best run down is over at Rich’s. For now, that’s the status of the story unless something else pops.

UPDATE: In trying to make this as clear as possible, here’s what I can tell you–mainly similar to what I’ve said in comments.

The rumor popped up the Monday or Tuesday after the Foley story broke. It circulated a bit amongst bloggers and I imagine the MSM. No one took it too seriously because there wasn’t any evidence or sign that it was coming out. So it stayed in the background, people checking out the story and generally not being much different than a number of rumors out there involving all sorts of Illinois politicians.

Then since Tuesday the noise got louder, with a crescendo yesterday, but not only that but three confirming bits of information that something was going to pop:
1) identifying information to the young girl involved
2) completely unrelated sources–so the likelihood of rumors emanating from a single source was low to non-existent
3) confirmation that press organizations were circling the story (also true) and asking different people for background and comments and such
Now, that led to crossing paths with the Kos diaries which I generally tried not to do because it went further than I thought it should.
However, this morning I got another independent confirmation on with two and three. And the sources largely didn’t have much at stake in the rumor being true or not. Some had nothing at stake.

The information as I understand it didn’t just come from press, but actually from Congress in a form. What I’m guessing is that the press was overstating what they had in hand while seeking further information.

If it is false, then it was incredibly widespread–and more than just a malicious rumor by some political operative. Specific elements as mentioned by Rich are false and probably coming from one place (well except the web site thing which I deleted or tried to delete in comments) However, I am also acutely aware that the issue is still being followed up by members of the press. This isn’t meant to be contrite, it’s meant to tell you as closely as I can what’s up with the story and where it may/may not go.

New Seals Numbers

ArchPundit October 18, 2006 7 Comments

I’m with Kos that they are a bit overly optimistic, but still a very good sign:

IL-10

Kirk (R) 46
Seals (D) 44

On the flip side, while Bean is still leading, McSweeney does better than in some other recent polling (I think–frankly they are all blending together at this point)

IL-08

Bean (D) 47
McSweeney (R) 44

Remember to help out everyone however you can–call and volunteer today and/or give

Oh the Things People Do

ArchPundit October 18, 2006 25 Comments

So Bridgette cover the new Roskam ads pretty well, but if you notice something about them…

Look closely at the pic of Tammy in the first ad.

Here’s a close-up:

Here’s the black and white of the original AP photo

Notice the eyes. Even with the granier version there’s one thing that sticks out if one were to try and recreate what was done–the eyes are darker than any normal process would create.

They OJed it up to make her look more foreign is the best interpretation I can come up with. Instead of simply a little blurry and dark they have become the black eyeballs of a demonic possession or just a fererner.

Impressive douchebaggery.

It’s Breaking Fast

ArchPundit October 18, 2006 24 Comments

Sometime, probably in the next 48 hours though I’m bettting sooner than later, an Illinois Congressional race is going topsy turvy. It’s another pick-up for Dems. If you are observant around the net you’ll find the information. Mobilization is already occurring around the state to get ground troops.

Thanks Republicans.

Update: I closed comments to keep this from getting out of control.

Laesch on Lincoln

ArchPundit October 18, 2006 12 Comments

This should be a good start on the unsuitability of John Laesch

(working now)