I'd like to engage other Illinois Kossacks in a discussion about the governor's race in Illinois. Who are you going to vote for?
I believe that if we're going to be serious about pushing the reform message this November, then we have to be serious about retiring some of our own problems. One of those is Blagojevich.
More below ...
Blagojevich campaigned on the idea that he would end the patronage and graft that resulted in the recent conviction of former governor Ryan. However, it seems pretty clear that he is no better than his predecessor.
Further, though he has made some positive moves in the areas of health care for Illinois children, increased school funding, and so on, he has done so without identifying sustainable revenue sources to fund these. How is that different than the record deficits that have been run up by the Republicans over the past six years?
So ... I don't want to vote for Blagojevich. I don't want to vote for a Republican (Topinka), but I would consider doing so to underline how seriously the Democrats feel about integrity. Alternatively, although I am usually loathe to do so, I would consider casting a vote for the Green candidate, Rich Whitney. (I'm loathe because I believe that party unity is usually more important than individual competence).
What are other Illinoians going to do this November?