April 25, 2012
"RECOVERY RATE" DRIVES 2012 U.S. HOUSE RACES IN ILLINOIS
The "R&RR" is the political equivalent of football's fumbles and takeaways. The "recovery and retention race" will determine whether Obamacare is repealed in 2013. As applied to U.S. Home and Senate races, each party benefits from periodic "wave" elections (1964, 1974, 1980, 1994, 2006, 2008, and 2010). Certain factors govern outcomes. But equilibrium is the norm. The Congress in 1960 (264D-173R, 65D-35R) is not much different than 2008's (257D-178R, 59D-41R) and 2010's (239R-196D, 47R-53D) not much different than 1952's (221R-213D, 48R-46D). Lots of noise and money, signifying nothing.Full Article...
April 18, 2012
"CINDERELLA" DUCKWORTH IS NOT CINCH TO BEAT WALSH
The rap on Tammy Duckworth is that she's vapid. The rap on Joe Walsh is that he's rabid. Duckworth, the Obama Democrat, and Illinois Democrats' "Cinderella," faces Walsh, the incumbent (R) congressman and Tea Party Hero. Did you know that, despite spending $1,029,319 in the 3/20 8th District primary, Duckworth got only 17,091 votes? Walsh, unopposed in the Republican primary, got 34,839 votes -- twice Duckworth's vote. And this is a "Democratic district"? Duckworth, a 2006 loser, is no cinch to win in 2010.Full Article...
April 11, 2012
"JUNIOR'S" RENOMINATION BEGINS REHABILITATION
Mea culpa -- otherwise known as "Junior" -- triumphed in Illinois' 2nd District congressional primary on March 20. Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.'s credibility was in tatters, due to the infidelity and alleged Blagojevich "buy the senate seat" controversies. But "Junior," riding a crest of black votes in Chicago and the south suburbs, got 71.2% over a white former congresswoman. Now "Junior" can focus again on being mayor or senator. Full Article...
April 4, 2012
BERRIOS' "MUSCLE" WINS FOR DEMOCRATIC SLATE
Joe Berrios, the county Democratic chairman and assessor, is much-maligned. But Big Daddy deserves a victory lap. Of the 24 slated Democrats on the March 20 countywide ballot, an amazing 87.5% won. Voter turnout was anemic. But Berrios muscled the party apparatus (committeemen) and union money behind Dorothy Brown, the MWRD candidates, and 18 judicial candidates; of those 18, 15 won. The only cloud was daughter Toni's squeaker for state representative in Big Daddy's northwest side bailiwick. Those responsible will be punished.Full Article...
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