Polls for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Illinois place Illinois' current treasurer Alexi Giannoulias out in front of his two nearest rivals by a margin of (G)34% -(J)19%-(H)16%. His two rivals for the nomination are Chicago Urban League President Cheryl Jackson, and former Inspector General of the City of Chicago, David Hoffman. The Tribune poll, released on the 4th shows Giannoulias as the clear frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, but that David Hoffman had gained serious traction in the race, and sapped both of the other campaigns of any momentum in the polls. The Illinois primary will be decided on Tuesday, and if Illinois nominates Alexi Giannoulias, Democrats will lose "Barack Obama's Senate Seat."
UPDATE: Thanks to the Giannoulias campaign for adding their commentary to this blogpost.
I've been screaming for weeks that Alexi was unelectable - his baggage is now well known to all. Check the story blowing up right now. Alexi Giannoulias is a 33 year old millionaire banker who was elected three years ago to the job of State Treasurer. More than a year ago, he began his "exploratory committee," so this guy is in a huge hurry with nothing to show for himself. His likely opponent, Mark Kirk, brings years of legislative experience, military service, and a better record than most of being willing to "cross the aisle." Bottom line - it's going to be a tough race in Illinois this year. The Blagojevich legacy already puts us in a hole at the top of the ticket regardless of who we nominate for governor, and Alexi Giannoulias only compounds our problems because of his connections to Blago, his connections to Rezko, and his part in causing the failure of his family bank (but still managing to leave with millions). Today, he said that he wasn't even willing to talk about the role he played in the bank's failure, making him simply unelectable in 2010. We need someone with a record of accomplishment, and with the trust voters will be looking for.
I liked the idea of Cheryl Jackson, and I wanted to support her, but she has completely stagnated in the polls and has been unable to shake being a member of the Blagojevich administration. On top of it, she polls far behind Mark Kirk in a one on one matchup.
David Hoffman has been endorsed by nearly every paper in our state, and it was said in the Chicago Tribune (of all places) that
"Hoffman is what Illinoisans deserve -- and should expect -- in a United States senator. He's an incorruptible man who tells truth to power, and his commitment to open and honest government is unquestioned."
Alexi Giannoulias is basically another Martha Coakley, and we need to head this train wreck off at the pass before it's too late. Wednesday is too late. Two weeks ago I was being shouted down by people on this site telling me that "Nate Silver says Giannoulias is the best candidate to match up against Kirk." Well, let me be the first to say, Nate Silver knows shit about Illinois politics. If we nominate Alexi Giannoulias, which recent polls have indicated we are likely to do, we will lose another seat in Illinois.
Today, the AP calledIllinois the next Massachusetts. Well, it's about time, and not a minute too soon.
UPDATE - I've noticed that every time I post something about Alexi Giannoulias, there are 10 people waiting to attack and dismiss my concerns as mere lunacy. My diary isn't complete with 100 links to stories that prove every bit of what I've said, but trust me, they're out there. Alexi Giannoulias was actually the Chief Loan Officer at Broadway bank when it tanked because...you guessed it, making bad loans. I'm a precinct committeeman in Northern Illinois, and I'm tired of being accused of being an "operative" or having some kind of ulterior motive behind my posts. I'm concerned that he can't win once Kirk begins spending the millions he has saved up in his war chest...Alexi is 33 years old, and has only a record of failure to run on. Here's a challenge - name one paper in the state of Illinois that has endorsed Alexi Giannoulias.