I am sure fantomas will love this article.

You may dismiss it because Novak writes it, but there has been talk in political circles about this for a while now. I could see it now--Richie Daley is mayor, his brother Bill is governor...

It'd be just like Revenge of the Sith--the Republic known as Illinois will now be the Daley Empire.

[ June 06, 2005, 07:59 PM: Message edited by: MIB ]

No wait, it would be just like Klan Bush! Let's have Georgie in the White House and Jeb in Florida. Whomever ruins the country first gets the larger piece of pie after dinner.

Except that Florida is but 1/50th of the U.S. Chicago is probably 80% of Illinois, if one takes into account the entire metro area.

Regardless, I think it's a bit different. One party, the Democrats, already runs everything here--both state and Chicago government--and that's no big deal, if you ask me. However, to have the Daley clan running everything, well, that's scary.

I'm sick of these political dynasties, totally sick of them. The Tafts, Bushes, Kennedys, Daleys, etc. We live in a nation of over 290 million people. There have GOT to be more qualified individuals out there other than most of the hacks (with a few exceptions) that fill the branches of these families.

Bill Daley obviously has nothing better to do with his time. Being a Daley, and given the rising unpopularity of Govenor Kennedy-Hair and the right-wing wackiness of most of the Republicans considering office in a state that has become one of the more liberal ones in the country, Daley might win. But the last thing Illinois needs--beyond Alan Keyes in ANY office--is another Daley in elected office.

Given that this is now in the air, I hope either 1) Blago can pull it together or 2) Jim Thompson or one of the non-nutcase Republicans decides to run. Otherwise Illinoisans are screwed, because there seems to be nothing or no one beyond the Grim Reaper that can dislodge Richard "Mao" Daley from his post.

There is one conservative who is well-respected by those on both the left and the right, Steve Rauschenberger. He's also considered an expert in budget matters, which is what this state needs.

His biggest problem is not his conservatism, it's his name recognition. He's got to get it out there more. He is probably one of the few conservatives--if not the only one--who can actually win in this blue state.

I wouldn't mind seeing Jim Edgar run again, though I kinda think he's going to take a pass.

Why dont you run MIB, you seem to have all of the answers.

I guess that would mean you would have to step down from the bench.

A demotion I do not prefer.

MIB, what have you got against the Daleys? Sure, a few scandles here and there, but at least Daley is doing something about it! Haven't you enjoyed Millenium Park? Don't you like the beautiful flower planters on just about every street in the city? This city has never looked better! The streets are clean, the city is clean, and things seem to get done. Plus, where else could we get such delicious sound bites? Daley makes me chuckle every time he wrestles with the English language.

Careful with the implied admissions there, MIB!

FT, I agree with you 100% re: political dynasties. They exist at all levels of politics and stifle talent and innovation everywhere. If we differ on this subject it's only in how to undo them.

So the ends justify the means? "Few" scandals??? How about one a week, of not more? Browse through the other thread I have about these scandals (I didn't list all of them, either).

To be honest, I admit I love the city. It's clean, there is SO much to do, and I have yet to find a better city and metro area ANYwhere in the country who has a bigger and better selection of food. As a city, it is simply one of this country's best, hands down; but that doesn't excuse its empirical leader and the entire Machine (yes, it's quite alive and well). To think that another Daley would be head of the state when one already runs its largest city is rather foreboding, if you ask me.

I am in agreement with fantomas regarding political dynasties. I tire of the Kennedys, Bushes, Daleys, et. al., regardless of how well they may do in office. I don't think Jeb should run; I don't think Bill Daley should run; I don't think another Kennedy should run (for anything). But that's just me.

This state is screwed up enough, and it doesn't matter if Republicans or Democrats are involved, either.