According to Rasmussen, this race is too close to call:
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/... We need to retain this governor and a Nader-esque spoiler is talking of entering the race.
http://cbs2chicago.com/...
I would like to discuss how to help Rod Blagojevich win this election. I've done some research and have some opinions, but I'd love to hear yours.
Not incentive enough? I've posted a link to a fabulous chocolate chip cookie at the end.
On the face of it, there is not a nickle's worth of difference between these candidates. Though both are scandal plagued, they both support causes that resonate with me. They are pro-choice, not actively anti-gay and pro-education. Blagojevich has consistently increased funding for health care and education. He stood up to pharmacists who refused to fill prescriptions, and for this, I will always admire him. But he has issues that must be addressed, or I believe he will lose this election.
Rod inherited terrible deficits and a recession from scandal plagued Governor Ryan. Left with trying to move forward, and lacking the means to do so, he was set up to fail. I'm not an economist, but here's what I've learned. He has attempted to balance the budget and increase funding to programs that benefit those of us not in the upper 10% of the economy by borrowing money from various funds and a very scary pension grab. http://illinoisissues.uis.edu/...
http://www.sj-r.com/...
Governor, you have to address these issues. Loudly, forcefully, throughout the state. Explain why this was necessary. I want you to win. I can't speak for all Illinoisians, but as someone who hears daily about pension plans failing, I need to know that you didn't do this lightly and that it doesn't endanger the plan as a whole. I've read that it's been common practice for previous administrations to sweep from funds and it didn't damage those funds...perhaps you should mention this also? Judy has you,or so it seems to the casual observer, when it comes to financial matters, so those of us struggling financially and worried about our bottom line, need to know that you understand that even the appearance of impropriety is something that needs to be addressed.
We rarely get political advertisments in this non-Chicago part of the state, but prior to the primary and since, we've seen the following ads on local television.
http://www.rodforillinois.com/...{2E092568-CA0B-417C-A41D-E4F5AC4DEEAE}uploads{C87B3118-767A-48E0-BD59-22CA96C7B47B}.MOV
http://www.rodforillinois.com/...{2E092568-CA0B-417C-A41D-E4F5AC4DEEAE}uploads{FA05A0D6-89D5-4C20-95C0-F426567D94FD}.MOV
http://www.rodforillinois.com/...{2E092568-CA0B-417C-A41D-E4F5AC4DEEAE}uploads{E25D4D04-9F78-42DC-BFAF-E0918022BED1}.MOV
This tells me that non-Chicagoians may matter to you. I liked these. Particularly the "I know sometimes you wonder, 'What's the Governor up to?' Though perhaps short on substance, it says something everyone burned by the Bush administration longs to hear, "I've made mistakes and I've learned from them."
The so-called values voters are likely to sit out this race. With the defeat of Oberweis, neither candidate represents them. I think Blagojevich needs to speak out strongly about his perceived weaknesses and stress all he has done for Illinois.
And as a side note to the Governor: You would not believe how much flak you take in southern Illinois for your decision to stay in Chicago and shun the governor's mansion in Springfield. In theory, I understand why you prefer to live in Chicago, but as a taxpayer, I also understand the resentment Illinoisians feel at having to fly you to and fro from Springfield. Your kids aren't in school yet...couldn't you consider living in Springfield and flying to Chicago as needed?? Just a thought! :)