Jack Mabley Retires to the Blogosphere
ArchPundit
Here. He’ll be getting used to medium for a bit, but I have a feeling it will fit him well.
Crane’s Delusional
The Trib picks up the hard race story today.
Crane, the original ideological puritan on small government is actually running on bring back money to the District.
He also touts his seniority and conservative credentials, saying that the Democratic nominee, Barrington businesswoman Melissa Bean, 42, would vote with her party and have little clout to bring federal funds home to Illinois.
Sure, so when is he going to start? He’s a bit late after 30 years to decide he needs to take care of the District.
Being Superstitious
But I think we can now say we have a budget. What was so hard?
A List of Particulars
The Trib offers a personal for the IL GOP.
State political party looking for candidate to challenge opponent who has money, buzz, Big Mo and torrid friendship with national media.
Age: We’re open-minded, but fussy provision in U.S. Constitution says you must be 30 or older, citizen of U.S. for nine years, resident of Illinois.
Background: In prior relationships, divorce has been a problem.
Values: Family, to a point. Young children a proven deal-breaker.
Looks: Way important back in primary season, but at this stage …
Character: Best to be upfront about any legal entanglements. Sealed court files a turnoff.
Income: Family money wouldn’t hurt. TV time costs money, and we don’t want to spend much.
The perfect date: A day at the beach, a night at Ravinia, tax cuts.
Fave foods: Rubber chicken, State Fair corn dogs, humble pie.
Sense of humor: Not right now, actually. Definitely no kaleidoscope jokes.
A great night out: No club dates. Definitely no club dates.
Religion: Big on devotion to St. Jude, patron saint of hopeless causes.
Body type: A sucker for mustachioed former coaches from the National Football League.
Medical issues: Allergic to dairy owners.
Fair warning: Party carries heavy baggage from past relationships. Has lost about all there is to lose.
You’re out of the question if you have: Subpoena power.
Secret fear: Can’t handle one more rejection. But it’s only a 100-day date. How bad can it be?
Send photo.
Probably over the fair use level, but it was pretty funny.
The Second Part of School Reform
The Trib has a rather good editorial on the need for many districts to be consolidated. Mike Lawrence often writes on this as well. Ultimately, small districts can do better if they join together for services even if they maintain schools in specific communities. It can happen by design or by emergency.
What’s the Most Dangerous Place In Illinois
Between a potential Illinois Senate Candidate and a camera. Rich Miller’s weekly column traces the publicity many of the publicly floated names are gathering through pretending to be interested.
His final advice is for everyone to cool it.
I’m sorry, this is too much fun.
Stunning Bean Poll
So stunning Lynn Sweet even breaks her usual rule of avoiding writing about them:
Bean has significant potential. The voters have an open mind. About 46 percent would consider someone else or were open to replacing Crane.
Some other gleanings:
*Some 35 percent agreed that Crane has done a good job in Congress and deserves to be elected again; contrast that to 51 percent who said that Crane has been a congressman for too long and it is time to give someone else a chance.
*Almost half had no opinion when asked a variety of questions about things they liked or disliked about Crane. That suggests, to Bean’s potential advantage, that Crane is not on voters’ radar.
*Some 47 percent said Crane worked hard for the district; the same number said his best years are behind him.
Smart move to the campaign to give Sweet the full results. Very smart. These results show a great potential for a win by Bean. Most importantly, it demonstrates that LaHood, while he may regret saying it, was right. Crane hasn’t been watching over his District and with the rapid population growth and shifts, he’s a non-entity and being as conservative as he is, he’s a great target for a moderate Democrat.
A 35% approval rating for an incumbent is a huge problem. Anything below 50 is a bad sign. Over 50% think it is time for someone else.
On the Other Hand Begging the President
Oberweis is trying to make nice with the President over immigration.
Errr…you do understand he sort of has this obsession with the loyalty thing don’t know OberFurher?
It’s National Laughingstock Time
Congratulations Illinois GOPers, the NY Times even took the time to be snarky.
Via Polis
Only If the President Begs
I’ll take that as a no. Al Salvi’s pretty much out.
Is that 14 nos now?