For the Democratic Nomination: Barack Obama

Rarely have I seen a field as deep and impressive as the Illinois field of candidates this election. In contrast to a the Republicans where there are only two high quality candidates out of seven, there are five out of seven who I would be proud to call my US Senator. Of those five, Barack Obama is something special in someone who embodies everything Democrats hold dear.

Joyce Washington either created a delusion that she could win or someone created it for her. Regardless she is largely irrelevant in this campaign. Nancy Skinner seems nice, but a talk radio show hardly qualifies one to be US Senator.

Geri Chico has never gained traction, but has laid out a compelling case on education and civil rights that is admirable. Unfortunately, he has been unable to demonstrate the ability to reach voters and questions surrounding his firm draw questions as to his ability to be an effective Senator. I hope that Chico comes back and demonstrates that in a less crowded field he can make a more effective case.

Maria Pappas has been a disappointment, but only because I had high expectations for her in the beginning. She has offered virtually no compelling case for being a US Senator other than being different from the others. Her debate performances may have been attempting to be loose, but they just came off as poorly prepared. This is unfortunate given her excellent record on the Cook County Board and as Cook County Treasurer. She would be an excellent replacement to Cook County Board President John Stroger providing a counterbalance to the regular machine.

Blair Hull is impressive. He is smart and generally has run a good campaign. I am generally not impressed by millionaires running for office, but he has been an effective advocate for many causes over the years and seems to be a decent human being. Ultimately, the arguments for being an outsider are the most effecitve arguments against him. Government is a difficult enterprise and it takes time to master the legislative process. Starting at a lower level is preferred because it serves as an apprenticeship to building legislative coalitions which are different than building a business. A perfect example is the handling of his divorce in the media. A variety of tactical errors were made that someone who had been through the process would not likely have made. I prefer that not to be happening to an important bill on the Senate floor or a judicial appointment. There is nothing wrong with starting the State Lege. In fact, it is a great place to learn and build allies. It’s cheaper too.

Dan Hynes has done a great job as a fiscal watchdog, even for someone with virtually no experience before wining the job. He has provided strong support for constituents such as the Springdale Cemetery mess in Springfield–hat tip to Bill Dennis for reminding me. He stood up to both Ryan and Blagojevich and their hare brained budget ideas despite irrational exuberance. Hynes might be the best choice for Governor in a few years as someone who will clean up the budgeting process. For now, he could use more seasoning. His focus on labor issues is important, but largely based on the interests of the trades. The labor movement has changed, and so to do the labor pols need to catch up. He has socially moderate positions, but seems to bury them to satisfy his supporters in Southern Illinois. And he got in bed with the odious Jerry Costello. Many others have so that isn’t a disqualifying factor. Finally, on an issue I’m in disagreement with for all of the candidates, Hynes really seems to mean the protectionist nonsense Democrats are peddling this year. Hynes is probably the most electable, but it is my position, any of the top five candidates would beat any of the Republican candidates.

This leaves Barack Obama, an experienced legislator with a stellar track record achieving hard compromises on important legislation. There are areas I disagree with Obama. I am against capital punishment–an issue only Blair Hull agrees with me. That said, Obama significantly improved the death penalty reform package by working with Dick Devine to come up with a compromise acceptable to the police on taping interrogations. If as successful as most expect, this will go along way to fixing a horrific system of justice.

His record in promoting health care expansion for poor children and families goes to the core of equal opportunity that Democrats espouse and to a modern understanding of what the labor movement should be about. But more than anything he both observes and can articulate a vision of what America should be and can tell you how to get there. He is the rare star who can join the Senate and be a political and a policy star. He will represent Illinois well.

Finally, the Democratic Party believes in opportunity for all. African-Americans currently are about 12 percent of the population yet there are no African-Americans in the US Senate. Since Reconstruction there have been only two African-Americans to serve in the US Senate. Isn’t it about time we confront Trent Lott every day with how much better America is today than it would be if Strom Thurmond had been President?