Topinka: the Lady knows how to Campaign

Based on the Mike Flannery, Andy Shaw and Rich Samuels videos, below, of Topinka’s debut this morning, I’ll say this about Judy Baar Topinka, Illinois’ newest official candidate for Governor: the mainstream media may be right about one thing, the lady knows how to campaign and she has a certain sense of style.

For Andy Shaw’s video report of today’s morning festivities at the Klas restaurant, where Judy was flanked by pro-choice former two term Governor Edgar and pro-Life DuPage County Chairman, State Senator and former Edgar Chief of Staff Kirk Dillard, go here, but in a nutshell:

…They [Republican Guv Candidates Oberweis, Rauschenberger, Brady and Gidwitz] all claim to represent a new approach to the discredited GOP politics of the past and that will be the key issue in the Primary, concluded ABC-7 News’ Shaw.

The conclusion by Shaw is sort of, but not quite, the same as that included in former Senator Pat O’Malley’s political catechism:

Q: What is the real schism in the Republican Party?

A: The real schism is not between the Pro-Lifers and the Pro-Choicers but between the Refomers and the non-Reformers.

I should note that former Governor Edgar scoffed at O'Malley's sermon when I asked him if he agreed with Pat. I wonder what Judy would say.

And Andy Shaw did include some unflattering clips of Topinka dancing with George Ryan in another era, a time when Judy appeared heavier and George appeared happier, and perhaps lighter on his feet.

For Mike Flannery’s video report of “This Morning at Klas,” [not to be confused with “My night at Maud’s,”], go here, but in a nutshell:

Flannery concludes,

Republican conservatives are upset that Judy Baar Topinka departs from the party platform not only on abortion, but in her support of gay rights, too. While only about a third of the party’s primary voters agree with her on those social issues, she insists that other issues, pocket book issues primarily, will carry the day.

CBS-2 News' Flannery appears to be suggesting that O’Malley might be wrong and the abortion schism is still the dominant theme. Jude disagrees with Flannery, and while unlikely to be agreeing with O’Malley, Jude says essentially, “it’s the Economy, Stupid.”

But, then there is this, which I got from an excellent video collection of this morning’s sound bites put together by WTTW’s Rich Samuels, and which aired on this evening’s Chicago Tonight lead segment [BTW, as everyone seems to agree, Rich Samuels is the best thing Chicago Tonight has going for it: he should be given more time to do what he did tonight- the guy knows how to write and he has an excellent ear and eye for the kind of political news that makes for good substance and good television]:

Andy Shaw: Will you pledge that you won’t raise sales or income taxes?

Judy Baar Topinka: I’m not going to take any kind of pledges on taxes for the simple reason [that] I think it is irresponsible to do that. And, I think we have seen that-- around the United States as natural disasters have struck. You know, we always have the threat of terrorism out there; Avian Flu may be coming down the line. What do I know? What do you know?

I wonder how Republican Primary voters, sitting around their kitchen tables [especially the forgotten middle class, as Rauschenberger likes to say] will react to Judy Baar Topinka declining to take the “no tax increase pledge.” Gidwitz has also declined to take the pledge-- so on this one, he is in the same box as Judy.

Rauschenberger has almost taken the pledge, but leaves himself a little wiggle room. Oberweis and Brady both say, “give me that pen, I’ll sign it in a heartbeat.”

This could be the sleeper issue of the Primary and the General. Blagojevich has taken the pledge not to increase the sales or income tax and he kept the pledge—or so he argues. Gidwitz, Brady, Oberweis and Rauschenberger would argue that Blagojevich’s claim is misleading or plainly wrong, since he had fee and other tax increases equal to about $400 million. Judy, as well as Gidwitz, might have trouble making that argument effectively, in light of their antipathy even to the tax pledge that Blago took and kept, not to mention to the broader one for which their competitors have signed up.
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Jeff Berkowitz, Host and Producer of Public Affairs and an Executive Recruiter doing Legal Search, can be reached at JBCG@aol.com
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Finally, Crowning Judy Baar Topinka

Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow creeps in this petty pace from day to day to the last syllable of recorded time and all our yesterdays have lighted fools the way to dusty death. Out Out brief candle, life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more. It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.

Macbeth

So, finally, tomorrow is upon us. The crowning of Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka as the candidate of the Establishment Wing of the Republican Party in the Gubernatorial Primary. This is the day that the mainstream media have been waiting for, for what must have seemed like an eternity for them. First Jim Edgar toys with them and then dashed their fondest hopes. But, Judy—she thought and thought, and then she came through. They knew they could count on Jude.

The Establishment likes moderate Ron Gidwitz, of course. A part of the Chicago Civic Establishment, Ron has been appointed by Democrat Chicago Mayors to high level positions and has raised money by the boatload for Republicans, but the establishment would never let anyone who has never held elected office be their guy. Sorry, Ron, but untested is not what the Establishment likes.

And then there are three conservatives [or Three White boys, as Crain's Greg Hinz has called them]: State Senators Steve Rauschenberger and Bill Brady, and dairyman and money market entrepreneur Jim Oberweis. Oberweis? That problem of differing with President Bush on immigration. Sorry, Jim. A major no no. Senator Brady, not quite ready, never ran statewide before. Rauschenberger? Ran statewide, got overwhelming support from the editorial boards. but you know what, they never thought he would win-- so the Establishment could support a conservative for the U. S. Senate. Also, the Establishment didn't have any real moderates to choose from in that Senate Race. This time they do. Good night Bill. Good night Steve.

As the Chicago Tribune editorial said in contempt and disgust when Alan Keyes walked on the stage last year, the Republican Party needs more “moderate pragmatic conservatives,” and their examples of such were Big Jim Thompson [14 years as Governor], Distinguished Jim Edgar [8 years as Governor] and well, Judy Baar Topinka [11 years as Treasurer, and counting]. The Tribune decided to show some good taste and left George Ryan out of the mix. Some things are better left unsaid.

Of course, regarding Keyes, the Tribune should have said what the Republicans needed was a sensible candidate. Ideology was the least of Keyes’ problems. Try a little humanity, humility and common sense. But, that is another subject for another day. And, certainly not for tomorrow and tomorrow.

Perhaps the Tribune could be right and there could be a term “pragmatic conservative.” But, a moderate conservative? That would seem to be similar to the notion of a liberal conservative, which would seem to be an oxymoron, even as in the olden days “lady wrestler,” would be an oxymoron. Well, no more. We got lady wrestlers, galore, so to speak.

And, the Tribune’s Rick Pearson, Capitol Fax’s Rich Miller and the Sun-Times’ Lynn Sweet and Carol Marin, just to name a few—will, no doubt, breathe a sigh of relief tomorrow morning at 10:00 am.

That will be when three time winner of the State Treasurer’s Crown [the “triple crown”], Judy Baar Topinka, the epitome of “pragmatic moderate conservative,” as the Establishment wing of the Republican Party would see it, steps onto a makeshift stage at the Klas Restaurant in Cicero [perhaps ironically, Al Capone’s base of operations]. Flanked by her honorary Chairman and cheerleader, Jim Edgar, she will say a few words, answer a few questions and then, with Edgar, will be whisked to Peoria. [After all, this is not about ideas, programs, or God forbid, ideology—that would not be pragmatic].

Will Jude play in Peoria? Edgar and Judy are betting yes.
Highlights of Jude in the Gay right’s parade? Probably not for Peoria, but maybe so—remember, Peoria banned discrimination based on sexual orientation more than two years ago. Peoria today is not your grandfather’s Peoria, or even your father’s Peoria, for that matter.

In Peoria, Judy will be flanked by moderate Edgar and the hard to label [albeit holder of many conservative views] Cong. Ray LaHood, who of course will be endorsing Jude and trying to anoint Jude with the LaHood brand of downstate conservatism, the brand that deserted the Conservatives' icon in Illinois, former Senator Peter Fitzgerald, when he was contemplating a second term. No, I don’t think we will see Senator Fitzgerald, the patron saint of conservatives and maybe independents, flanking Judy tomorrow.

Of course, with LaHood rushing to Judy’s side, now we perhaps understand what his aborted run for Governor was all about.

Then Edgar and Judy fly to Marion. A little hamlet with just a few thousand more people than the North Shore's Winnetka, IL. What is there to say about Marion? I can’t think of a thing. Oh yes, it is located at the southern end of the state and it is not very North Shore.

Then Jude stops in at Springfield to measure for drapes and again is flanked by Edgar and LaHood. Hmm, wonder if Bob Kjellander will join Judy for that last stop. After all, he is a Republican National Committeeman, and we hear that Ken Mehlman and the other National Republican Leaders are going to endorse Judy before the Primary is over.

Would Mehlman’s endorsement be of help to Judy? I don’t know.

And, they must be relying on Kjellander’s assessment of the political scene. I mean, the guy does know his way around Springfield, and he knows how to do strategic consulting and strategic marketing for say, Bear Stearns, to the tune of $809,009 for a little bit of work. And a few million more dollars for making some introductions to the Pension Boards? So, why not invite Bob up on the stage with Judy and Ray and Jim. Oh yeah, I forgot, the horse farm deal with Mrs. Kjellander and Jim Edgar. OK, come on up, Mrs. Kjellander and let's make a deal.

Judy, Jim, Ray, Kjellanders—this is what’s left of the Republican Establishment-- Not much, but at least it is united at last, and ready for one last Hurrah Who are we missing? State GOP Chairman Andy McKenna, Jr., you say? They tell me Andy is Switzerland in this race, he has to be, they say. Minority Leader Tom Cross, you say? I think he is staying neutral, but I am not so sure. Speaker Hastert, you say? He may break for Judy, but not just yet. Cong. Mark Kirk? He would seem likely to join Judy, but not just yet.

Oh yes, Jim Thompson. Too bad Jim finds Blagojevich so “refreshing" , for keeping his word on taxes, but as you know, business is business. And, Blago is the Governor. It won’t be the same tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow, creeping in this petty pace, without Jim Thompson up on the stage at the end of the Day. How can you have a pragmatic moderate conservative unity day without Big Jim Thompson? I don’t know. Ask Ken Mehlman, he is the guy who seems to think he knows what is good for Illinois. Me, I just work here.
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Jeff Berkowitz, Host and Producer of Public Affairs and an Executive Recruiter doing Legal Search, can be reached at JBCG@aol.com
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Quigley on the Web and Cable TV

Our show with Mike Quigley, Cook County Commissioner and candidate for County Board President in the Democratic Primary, is airing now on Public Affairs Cinema Verite [See here] . The show will also air on Cable in 24 Chicago Metro suburbs tonight and in 10 others tomorrow night and on Friday night. See here, for the "Public Affairs," regular suburban airing schedule; the show with candidate Quigley will also air this coming Monday night, Dec. 5, through-out the City of Chicago on Cable Ch. 21 [CANTV] at 8:30 pm.

See here for more about the Cook County Board President Democratic Primary. Now that former State Rep. Tom Dart [and Sheriff Sheahan's handpicked chief of Staff, handpicked successor and fellow 19th Warder] has been slated by the Democratic Party for Cook County Sheriff, I think we can safely say that neither Quigley nor Claypool will exit the County Board President Primary to run for Sheriff. State Treasurer? I don't think so. It looks like the Democrat voters have a choice, not an echo, for the Cook County Board President Nominee: Quigley, Claypool and Stroger or "QCS." But, the question is, how do you pronounce QCS?

Actually, "Quigley, Claypool and Stroger" sounds like a law firm. However, although each has a law degree, none of them practices a lot of law these days. And, I don't think the three of them would make for a real warm and friendly partnership.
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Jeff Berkowitz, Host and Producer of Public Affairs and an Executive Recruiter doing Legal Search, can be reached at JBCG@aol.com
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Better than Monday Night Football: War/Abortion and 6th CD

Jeff Berkowitz: And yet they went ahead…Would you say it is a bit hypocritical of say, Senator Schumer, to suggest that Bush was lying then, when apparently he [Schumer], based on almost the same, if not the same, information concluded that that it was appropriate for the United States to take military action [ in Iraq].
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Prof. Lindy Scott: …But, I can be clearly in favor of life beginning at conception and provide good alternatives [to abortion] without saying we are going to force the legal route [making abortion illegal]. I think it is a good position.

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Our show with Prof. Lindy Scott [D-Wheaton, 6th CD Primary Candidate] is airing tonight, through-out the City of Chicago on Cable Ch. 21 [CANTV] at 8:30 pm. The show can also be watched anytime as a webcast on Public Affairs Cinema Verite [See here]
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For a summary of the show's topics and a discussion of the 6th CD contested Democratic and Republican Primaries. [see here] The 6th CD is located beyond and around O'Hare Airport, with about 80% of it being in DuPage County and 20% in Cook County. Cong. Henry Hyde [R-Addison] won the seat in the Watergate year of 1974 and, at 81, is stepping down next year, resulting in an open seat that is is a prime target for DCCC Chairman Rahm Emanuel. It is not as Republican a district as the 8th CD [won last year by Democrat Melissa Bean], with Bush winning the 6th only by the margin of 53-47].

Professor Lindy Scott, running in what is currently a two candidate and could soon become a three candidate Primary, is a Professor at Wheaton College, teaching Latin American studies and Spanish. He also directs the College's Center for Applied Christian Ethics. For more about Professor Scott, see his campaign web site.
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For a partial transcript of the show, see below:
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Jeff Berkowitz: …There are a number of Democrats who voted to authorize military action in the fall of 2002-- to go into Iraq, that authorized the President to take that military action.

Prof. Lindy Scott: Yes.

Jeff Berkowitz: You concede that.

Prof. Lindy Scott: Yes.

Jeff Berkowitz: A number of [Democratic] Presidential candidates—

Prof. Lindy Scott: Yes, Yes.

Jeff Berkowitz: Before, or [now] likely, John Kerry, John Edwards, Hillary Clinton, where do I stop? All Democrats, all have [run] or might be running for President of the United States …all supported the military action in Iraq. That is, all voted in the fall of 2002 to authorize the President to take military action in Iraq. Were they all brainwashed?

Prof. Lindy Scott: I think they were given some of the evidence but the evidence with a certain spin…so in a very patriotic moment of our history after 911 it is understandable that people will vote for giving power to the President. But, I don’t think that was the right thing to do. There was enough evidence against it that they should have not voted to support it.

Jeff Berkowitz: That’s what I am saying. Not only would you be critical of George W. Bush, would you also be critical of John Kerry, of John Edwards, of Hillary Clinton, of Senator Chuck Schumer, all of whom supported that action.

Prof. Lindy Scott: Yes, at that time, I opposed the War. I didn’t think it was the right thing. Morally, I didn’t think it was the right thing. And, so yes, I think they made a mistake. They should not have supported it [the War in Iraq]. But, also, they did not get all the evidence.

Jeff Berkowitz: Well, you know, a lot of the Senators do have access to the national intelligence estimates that are put out by the CIA.

Prof. Lindy Scott: Right.

Jeff Berkowitz: Certainly Senator Carl Levin [D- Michigan] does because he seats on the appropriate committees.

Prof. Lindy Scott: Right.

Jeff Berkowitz: I don’t know but I think perhaps [Democrat Senator] Chuck Schumer might.

Prof. Lindy Scott: I think so.

Jeff Berkowitz: So, they had that. And, in the national intelligence estimates, I am told…there were caveats, there were statements that we can’t be sure about this…sure about WMD, sure about his [Saddam’s] pursuit, a variety of caveats [even though] the estimates may have said this is what we believe. So, they saw that-- Bush saw that. They saw that.

Prof. Lindy Scott: Bush saw that. They saw that.

Jeff Berkowitz: And yet they went ahead…Would you say it is a bit hypocritical of say, Senator Schumer, to suggest that Bush was lying then, when apparently he [Schumer], based on almost the same, if not the same, information concluded that that it was appropriate for the United States to take military action [ in Iraq].
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Prof. Lindy Scott: …But, I can be clearly in favor of life beginning at conception and provide good alternatives [to abortion] without saying we are going to force the legal route [making abortion illegal]. I think it is a good position.
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Jeff Berkowitz: What’s the great majority? Give me your guess.

Prof. Lindy Scott: Of the Evangelicals, probably 50, 60, 70 % would like Roe v. Wade to be overturned. 90% would like abortions to be reduced and I am saying that my position—I would like to see abortions reduced. Hillary Clinton said she would like to see abortion become scarce, so I think that is where you are seeing this movement between the classical—

Berkowitz: But, nobody wants it to be otherwise. Who wants to have a lot of abortions? It is kind of a peculiar view. You know, how strong a view is it to say I would like to see them [abortions] reduced? Is there somebody running [for office] on the idea that they are truly pro-abortion and that they would like to maximize the number of abortions in the United States? Of course, not. So, everybody would like to see them [abortions] reduced, that doesn’t tell us anything.

Prof. Lindy Scott: I think you need to put your money where your mouth is in the sense that if you really want to reduce abortions, as evangelicals say that we do and Catholics say that we do, then you should provide good alternatives: health care, clinics for children, clinics for mothers—[and] make adopting easier and cheaper and not have a penalty on it.
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Professor Lindy Scott, Democrat Primary candidate in the 6th Cong. Dist., recorded on November 13, 2005, as it is airing on the City of Chicago edition of Public Affairs tonight, November 28 at 8:30 pm on Cable Ch. 21 [CANTV], and is being webcast now on this site: Public Affairs Cinema Verite [See here]
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Jeff Berkowitz, Host and Producer of Public Affairs and an Executive Recruiter doing Legal Search, can be reached at JBCG@aol.com
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Berkowitz, Flannery, Kay and Shaw jaw with Eisendrath, Blago’s Nemesis?

Could a former Chicago Alderman and former Clinton appointed HUD Administrator beat Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his 20 million dollar wallet? First, that potential Democratic Challenger to Hot Rod, Ed Eisendrath, tells us collecting that much money for a campaign is obscene. Second, he says he won’t self fund, even though it appears certain he could. Third, he is not sure he will run, but he does seem to be putting all the pieces in place. Fourth, the Republicans are ecstatic that Gov. Blagojevich may have to answer some tough questions and spend some of his war chest before the Republican nominee is even chosen.

See herefor a short Eisendrath interview with Berkowitz on the day before Thanksgiving, here for a Mike Flannery video clip from the week before with Eisendrath, here for the same from Andy Shaw and tune in to NBC-5 this morning at about 9:10 am for Ed Eisendrath’s visit to Dick Kay’s City Desk.
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A partial transcript of the Berkowitz interview with Ed Eisendrath is included, below:
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Jeff Berkowitz: The Republicans who are running in their [Gubernatorial] Primary, whether it is Jim Oberweis, whether it is Senator Bill Brady, whether it is Senator Steve Rauschenberger and Ron Gidwitz and Judy Baar Topinka, who … will make it official [on her Nov. 30 announcement, state fly-around, with Edgar and LaHood in tow?]. All of those folks have been talking about the Culture of Corruption in the Illinois Democratic Party. Is there a culture of corruption in the Illinois Democratic party?

Edwin Eisendrath [D- Chicago] : …it is a little disingenuous for this [public corruption in Illinois] to be seen as a partisan issue.

Jeff Berkowitz: because of what happened, you are saying, with [former Governor] George Ryan in the prior four years to this administration, but are you associating Governor Rod Blagojevich with that… way of doing business, that kind of corruption in the way he has handled the office in the last three years?

Edwin Eisendrath: Well, again, I haven’t done this. But, the U. S. Attorney has opened several investigations. The Attorney General has opened several investigations. The State’s Attorney of Cook County has opened investigations. We have already had somebody plead guilty. We have subpoenas going out for all kinds of records: computers, hard drives. All of this stuff is to investigate whether or not there is an issue with hiring. I just know that this was something that we promised voters-- would come to an end. We promised we’d do it. We have had four years, How much time does it take?
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From a video interview with Edwin Eisendrath, November 23, 2005, in the Lobby at NBC Towers, in Chicago. [See here].
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Jeff Berkowitz, Host and Producer of Public Affairs and an Executive Recruiter doing Legal Search, can be reached at JBCG@aol.com
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The Four Horsemen, Fast Eddie and Cicero

This post follows up on the Mike Quigley, et al Cook County Board story, discussed in the post immediately below, as well as in our webcast interview with Quigley, candidate for Democratic Primary County Board President.

Mike Quigley, also an environmentalist of a different type [as in Green], created an Environment for Reform [as noted by the Chicago Tribune] by winning a County Board Seat in 1998. He has nurtured and advanced his reform efforts with the help of his three Amigos- Democrat Commissioners Suffredin [Evanston] and Claypool [Chicago] and Republican Peraica [Riverside], each of whom joined the War for Reform in 2002, forming the Gang of Four, aka the Four Horseman [a label I gave them, BTW] who are trying to bring President Stroger his Apocalypse Now.

Having beat back major tax increase proposals in the last two years by Stroger, with the help of the other four Republican Board members [Silvestri, Goslin, Hansen and Gorman], forming the Gang of Eight, the Gang is ready to do battle with Stroger on yet another of his tax increase proposals, expected to be released into the body politic soon.

Of course, the County Board has 17 members, meaning the Gang of Eight would be a mere footnote in the drab, dull and dreary history of Cook County Government but for Democrat Commissioner Earlean Collins, who is the Gang's heroine. Twice before, Earlean has been the Sandra Day O'Connor of the County Board, joining and converting the Gang of 8 into a majority on their all important opposition to major tax increases. Will Commissioner Collins make it three for three? The gang is betting on it.

And, should Earlean falter under the intimidation [loss of clinics, etc. in her District] or inducements [new clinics or expanded facilities in her District] of President Stroger, Commissioner Bobbie Steele might be ready to take Earlean Collins' place. The role of heroine is much sought after, these days, on the County Board. Ah, Competition, the Patron Saint of the Consumer.

So, in light of the above, you can see why Quigley and Claypool are not likely to jump into the Sheriff's race. Aside from the fact that that patronage rich position is now attracting many competitors [See here, Black Elected Officials of Cook County seek to install one of their guys], Quigley has been at War now for seven years and Claypool for four. Both of these guys are believers in what they are doing. They are not leaving this War until they smell the sweet scent of success or are clobbered and left licking their wounds.

And, if Stroger survives the dynamic duo of reform and comes out of the March Democratic Primary a victor, he will have one more challenge.

Commissioner Tony Peraica, a former Democrat and coincidentally enough a neighbor and ally of Treasurer [and about to be official candidate for Guv- with the unofficial blessing of the old Guard] Judy Baar Topinka, is an instrumental member/reformer of the Gang of Four, and Tony might have enough resources to finish up the 76 year old President Stroger, who could be bloodied and tired by the time next year's general election campaign rolls around as a result of his having had to deal with Claypool/Quigley.

Tony is thought to be running in an uncontested Republican Primary. But, current rumor and innuendo has Fast Eddie leading a last minute effort to put Republican Commissioner Liz Gorman on the Primary ballot opposite Peraica for Cook County Board President. Why would Fast Eddie do that? As Carol Marin tells us repeatedly, it all comes back to Cicero, controlling Cicero and getting the spoils from controlling Cicero.
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Lindy Scott and Mike Quigley on TV/ Webcasts

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Our show with Prof. Lindy Scott [D-Wheaton, 6th CD Primary Candidate] is airing this Monday night, November 28, through-out the City of Chicago on Cable Ch. 21 [CANTV] at 8:30 pm. The show can also be watched anytime as a webcast on Public Affairs Cinema Verite [See here]
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Our show with Mike Quigley, Cook County Commissioner and candidate for County Board President in the Democratic Primary, is airing now on Public Affairs Cinema Verite [See here] . The show will also air in 34 Chicago Metro suburbs this coming week. See here, for the "Public Affairs," regular suburban airing schedule; the show with candidate Quigley will also air Monday night, Dec. 5, through-out the City of Chicago on Cable Ch. 21 [CANTV] at 8:30 pm.
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Of course, Quigley, Claypool and incumbent President Stroger are currently vying in the Democratic Primary for County Board President. With Sheriff Sheahan announcing he would not seek re-election, some are suggesting that would be an opportunity for Quigley to pursue. Not so much. One, former State Rep. Tom Dart [Sheriff Sheahan's hand picked successor] still seems to have the inside track on the Slating committee's endorsement, and former U. S. Attorney, Lt. Gov. candidate and Gov. candidate Jim Burns and others may pursue the Sheriff position even if Dart gets the endorsement.

Two, it would appear that Stroger would want Quigley in the County Board race to drain white votes from Claypool and vice versa. So, likely that Daley/Stroger would see to it that Quigley or Claypool would not be greeted by a welcome wagon in any other race [although if Stroger could ship the two reformers off as a pair, he would throw them the biggest farewell party you could imagine].

Three, Quigley and Claypool are really quite interested in cleaning up County Government, as opposed to wearing a badge. Yes, both are lawyers, but Sheriff would appear not to be their cup of tea, so to speak.

Four, Quigley told me Wednesday, "I am not seeking the Sheriff position today, on the day before Thanksgiving." Perhaps he meant it in the same way that Sandy [docs in pants] Berger once said, "I don't think I will start a war today," or something like that, leaving it open that Quigley could change his mind, but I don't think so.

WBEZ’s 848's Month in Review: Be there or Be square

Tune in, Turn on, but don’t drop out, when you tune in this morning to the "848" program's month-in-review segment (9:35 a.m, WBEZ-FM Radio 91.5) where blogger and fair minded Chicago Tribune columnist Eric Zorn (Change of Subject), blogger Leigh Anne Wilson (One Good Thing) [the lady’s a riot, she should do stand-up] and I join perhaps the fairest public policy show host in town, 848’s Steve Edwards, the White Line down the middle of the Road , in discussing, debating, analyzing, and looking for some humor in the state and local public policy and political issues of the last month. Along the way, we propose nominees for the most significant story, the month’s winners and losers, the most over-reported and the most under-reported stories, as of this past Tuesday afternoon’s taping.

BTW, 848 has the best Associate Editor in the city in Adriene Hill, who helps make every show a success. Smart, balanced, hardworking, always with good humour, knows how to get and prepare the guests and is instrumental in making the show a success. What more could they ask for?

If you are beyond WBEZ’s powerful signal, you can tune in [here] and if you sleep in, try Chicago Public Radio’s audio library at the same link, within a day or two of today's airing, a library where you can also find much else of interest, entertainment and significance. (Read Leigh Anne's account of the taping here)

Through the miracles of modern technology and foresight, DuPage State’s Attorney Joe Birkett [See here], who not only tuned in, and turned on, but dropped out [mid-Tuesday afternoon) before he dropped in the Guv race, was correctly analyzed and considered in our analysis. In short, he was a non-factor in the Governor’s race, all along, as no one really thought Birkett was in for the distance. He could still cut a deal, but that is pretty unlikely.

Although not really discussed in the program, it is worth noting that it is sad, but true, that the ghost of Jeanine Nicarico sits on one of Joe’s shoulders and the still alive and well, connected by DNA to the murder and imprisoned Brian Dugan sits on Joe’s other shoulder. In Joe’s heavy backpack are a still substantial campaign debt from his close 2002 AG contest with Lisa Madigan and the fact that twenty-two years after the brutal rape/murder of three year old Jeanine Nicarico, nobody has been successfully prosecuted for that heinous crime, and Joe says, Not my fault? Or, as the song goes, “Please, please, please, just wait a little bit longer,” Dugan’s not going anywhere, says Joe. Justice delayed is justice denied, say his critics, on all sides. And, that is even before they get to the saga of Rolando Cruz. See generally, [here]. A heavy backpack and a cross to bear? Maybe lighter by 2010.
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An Obama Love In:
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Eric Zorn: …I still say that guy [Senator Obama] may be positioned for a run [for President] in 2008.

Steve Edwards: Jeff, as a long time watcher of politics, what do you think of that prospect that Eric just put on the table?

Jeff Berkowitz: Barack Obama has a good shot at being the Vice-Presidential candidate to Hillary Clinton as the [Democrat] Presidential candidate [in 2008]. It is going to be very tough for him to be the Presidential candidate, but I agree with Eric, it is a possibility-- because of that magnetism. There is nobody in either Party who has the magnetism of [Senator] Barack Obama.
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Leigh Anne Wilson: …I agree with Jeff, the most reasonable thing to do, if they are going to run [Senator] Hillary Clinton, is to put him as VP, because he has incredible star power…great on the Daily Show.
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Eisendrath shakes things up for the Ds and Topinka for the Rs?
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Jeff Berkowitz: As a close runner-up [to most significant story of the month], Ed Eisendrath may be running against [Gov.] Blagojevich. You’ll have a Democratic Primary and that would be the best news ever for the state GOP.

Eric Zorn: .. I would agree with Jeff that that is a big story. My main story this month is candidate chess—how the things are moving around the chess board…I have talked to Eisendrath and his…potential entry into this is based on these looming scandals in the Blagojevich Administration…on the Republican side, Judy Topinka has gotten into the race which has thrown the Republicans into a bit of a dither because…
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Leigh Anne Wilson: …She [Judy Baar Topinka] has great magnetism…She always comes across, even if you don’t agree with her, as an extremely reasonable, likeable person…

Steve Edwards: If in fact Judy Baar Topinka enters this race, as she says she is going to do, how does that change the calculus on the Republican side of the Primary?

Jeff Berkowitz: Well everybody is anticipating that, and they have been doing so for a long, long time…she very well could win if all these conservatives stay in [the Republican Primary], likely Brady gets out and runs for Treasurer. The establishment would like to have somebody there they can trust [and Gidwitz gets out]…that leaves only Rauschenberger and Oberweis against Judy, that’s a tough race for Miss Topinka…
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Winners and Losers:
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Steve Edwards: Leigh Anne, who’s on your list [of winners] this month?

Leigh Anne: I am going with Judy [Baar Topinka], again.

Eric Zorn: I have a list of losers: Consumers, because Marty Cohen, the Citizens Utility Board Chair, got rejected as head of the Illinois Commerce Commission…commuters, smokers, Chief Illiniwek, Derek Moseley, the Emerald Casino, O’Hare Expansion, pit bull owners and Lord Conrad Black…

Steve Edwards: That’s a long list of losers, Jeff, what would you add?


Jeff Berkowitz: …I differ with Eric, the consumers are not a loser, you want somebody who can balance benefits and costs when making decisions about public utilities…Sheriff Sheehan is a loser…looks like he won’t get his guy Tom Dart there [to replace him]…could be Jim Burns…a very clean guy to put there… Peter Roskam, a loser [this month]; he’s got a challenge [in 6th CD primary] apparently from a moderate Republican-- John Vivoda; won’t be a tough challenge, but it will cause him …Emerald Casino investors…Ron Gidwitz…
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Topinka and the Press
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Jeff Berkowitz: …the Press love her [Judy Baar Topinka]. She is a moderate Republican. I have got to say this, Eric. The Chicago Tribune loves moderate Republicans. So, they help her, the Sun-Times helps her. The Daily Herald helps her.

Leigh Anne Wilson: I love her, too, actually.

Berkowitz: Look, this is their choice. This is their preference. They may as well say, “We Love Judy.”

Steve Edwards: Do you buy that, Eric?

Eric Zorn: Yeah, I mean the Tribune is a moderate Republican newspaper. I don’t have any-- I mean, that’s where our editorial board comes down…
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Excerpts from the Friday morning, November 25, 2005 Episode of “848’, airing at 9:35 am on WBEZ, 91.5 FM Radio and also on the WBEZ website and subsequently in the WBEZ audio library [See here].
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Better than Football: 6th CD Dem. Lindy Scott on TV / Webcast

Revised slightly on Monday, Nov. 28 at 7:10 pm

Our show with Prof. Lindy Scott [D-Wheaton, 6th CD Primary Candidate] is airing tonight in 34 suburbs and repeating tomorrow night in 10 of those suburbs [See below for details on the airing schedule]. The show will also air on Monday night, November 28, through-out the City of Chicago on Cable Ch. 21 [CANTV] at 8:30 pm. The show can also be watched anytime as a webcast on the Public Affairs Cinema Complex [See here]
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Did Bush lie about the reasons for going into Iraq? Or, are various Democrat national leaders being hypocritical about the U. S. decision to take military action in Iraq,and the consequences of that action? Does the 6th CD prefer Scott or Roskam on guns? on the War? on Social Security? Does the 6th prefer Cegelis or Scott on parental notice? on O'Hare? Is the country off track? Repeal the Bush Tax Cuts? These issues and many, many more are discussed and debated by show host and legal recruiter Jeff Berkowitz with 6th CD Dem. Primary candidate Prof. Lindy Scott [Wheaton].
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Prof. Scott is challenging Christine Cegelis [D-Rolling Meadows] in the Primary. It is said that DCCC Chairman Rahm Emanuel is encouraging Tammy Duckworth to enter the 6th CD Dem. Primary. Duckworth was severely injured [One leg almost entirely amputated and another at the knee] during her Reserve service in the Iraq War and she is still in the Reserves. Apparently, due to her military obligations, she is unable to say, at this point, if she will run in the March 21, 2006 Primary election.


Cegelis lost to Cong. Henry Hyde [R-Addison] only by a 56-44 margin during the 2004 campaign [BTW, that was slightly better than the 57-43 loss by Melissa Bean to then Cong. Phil Crane in the 8th CD during Bean's first effort in 2002; Bean, who like Cegelis, never stopped running, came back in 2004 to upset Crane 52-48. Crane, of course, was a weaker opponent than the Democrats in the 6th CD are likely to have in 2006. On the other hand, the 8th CD is a more Repubican District than the 6th CD].

Hyde, 81, who has held the 6th CD seat since 1974, is stepping down at the end of this term, creating an open seat. State Senator Roskam [R-Wheaton], who thought he had cleared the Republican Primary of any opponents [Sen. Pankau and Dupage Recorder of Deeds J. P. [Ric] Carney decided discretion was the better part of valor], now has a moderate Republican opponent in one John Vivoda, a Businessman and Glen Ellyn School Board Member.

Looks like we have a horse race, as they say. Or, maybe two or three.
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The show with Professor Scott airs in the 10 suburbs listed below in a special airing tonight at 9:00 pm and tomorrow night at 8:30 pm on Comcast Cable Ch. 19:

in Winnetka, Bannockburn, Deerfield, Ft. Sheridan, Glencoe, Highland Park, Highwood, Kenilworth, Lincolnshire and Riverwoods.

The show also airs in its regular time slot tonight at 8:30 pm in 24 suburbs on Comcast Cable Ch. 19 or 35, as indicated, below:

On Comcast Cable Channel 19 in Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Northfield, Palatine, Rolling Meadows and Wilmette

And on Comcast Cable Channel 35 in Arlington Heights, Bartlett, Glenview, Golf, Des Plaines, Hanover Park, Mt. Prospect, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights, Schaumburg, Skokie, Streamwood and Wheeling.

You may also watch the show with Prof. Scott anytime as a webcast [See here].
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Jeff Berkowitz, Host and Producer of Public Affairs and an Executive Recruiter doing Legal Search, can be reached at JBCG@aol.com
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Leaning Left with Public TV’s “Chicago Tonight.”

Slight revisions made on Tuesday at 11:30 am
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“WTTW could use an Ombudsman to deal with liberal bias and conflict of interest issues at the Chicago Public TV station. It would be a full time job.”
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You know those arguments we hear about how preposterous it is for anyone to suggest that PBS or the local Chicago Public TV station might be biased to the left.

Then WTTW’s [Chicago Public TV] Chicago Tonight [“CT”] rolls out its lead major segment tonight [following a brief report on today's delivery of fed money for O'Hare expansion] with a discussion of the current national controversy about how we got into the war in Iraq; did many, if not all, Democrats who supported the war in Iraq have access to intelligence data that was comparable to that viewed by the Bush Administration; the state of the War; and should and will the U. S. withdraw large numbers, if not all, of its troops from Iraq, soon.

Eddie Arruza, a relatively new CT correspondent moderated. One of his two guests was 9th Cong. Dist. U. S. Representative Jan Schakowsky [D-Chicago], who has been against the War from the get go and who called, about a year ago, for the virtual immediate withdrawal of all U. S. troops from Iraq. [For partial transcripts of our show with Cong. Schakowsky and to read more about Cong. Schakowsky and her Democratic leadership contest, to link to the webcast edition of our show with Cong. Schakowsky,please go here, here and here.

To balance Congresswoman Schakowsky, apparently, was Jim Warren, Chicago Tribune Deputy Managing Editor, Features. Warren, from what I know of him, is not as far to the left as Jan, but still does not appear to be an arch supporter, if a supporter at all, of the War in Iraq.

How would this be balance? What was CT thinking? Could CT not find a Republican Congressman, or candidate, who is a strong, articulate supporter of the War to appear opposite Cong. Schakowsky. Congressman Mark Steven Kirk [R-Highland Park, 10th CD], Congressman Henry Hyde [R- Addison, 6th CD] and Republican Primary Candidate and State Senator Peter Roskam [R- Wheaton, 6th CD] are just a few of the names and articulate voices that CT should have tried. I would hope to find out if they did.

If scheduling was an issue for the aforementioned individuals, could CT not identify an articulate, conservative voice, perhaps not in Congress or running for Congress, who supported the military effort, as strongly as Jan opposed it? Anyway, if they couldn’t find someone fitting that description among the three million, or so, people in the area, due to scheduling problems, I certainly didn’t hear them say it. Oh yes, CT showed some clips of President Bush and Veep Cheney. That would be balance? Why not wait a night until they could get the balance right. Better than going out on the road with a vehicle that was tilting to the left.

My call to WTTW’s Arruza this evening-- after I watched this segment—has not yet been returned. I will be interested to see if it is and if Mr. Arruza can explain if and how he views tonight’s segment as “fair and balanced.”

Of course, none of this should be viewed as a criticism of guests Schakowsky and Warren. They were both articulate, thoughtful proponents for their points of view. And, indeed, Warren, based on what I heard tonight, might have been a good panelist to be in the middle, not on the right. It is, of course, up to the station and the show’s producer to identify and recruit guests, who taken together, provide balance. Obviously, that did not happen here tonight. And, that is not an aberration for Chicago Tonight, as I have written, from time to time.

WTTW could use an Ombudsman to deal with liberal bias and conflict of interest issues at the Chicago Public TV station. It would be a full time job.

Chicago Tonight, which airs Monday through Thursday evening at 7:00 pm, on Ch. 11, is scheduled to repeat tonight’s episode at midnight, 1:30 am and 4:30 am on Ch. 11 throughout the Chicago Metro Area. The segment with Arruza, Schakowsky and Warren starts about nine minutes into the show and continues for about twelve minutes.
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Jeff Berkowitz, Host and Producer of Public Affairs and an Executive Recruiter doing Legal Search, can be reached at JBCG@aol.com
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Better than Monday Night Football: Jim Ascot tackles Davis again

Links added and revisions made on Monday at 2:45 pm

The "Public Affairs," show with Jim Ascot [D-Chicago, 7th CD Primary Candidate] is airing tonight, November 21, through-out the City of Chicago on Cable Ch. 21 [CANTV] at 8:30 pm.
[See here, for a summary of the show's topics].
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Jim Ascot, taking on Cong. Danny Davis in the Democratic Primary, also debates and discusses the issues with Public Affairs show host and legal recruiter Jeff Berkowitz in the Webcast [video and audio] version of the show, playing now. See here
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For a discussion of whether Cong. Davis is acting in a way detrimental to democracy and links to a discussion of his coronation of Rev. Moon as the Messiah, see here and here.
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For a partial transcript of the show, see above links and also, see below:
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Jeff Berkowitz: What’s his [Cong. Davis'] number one issue? Do you know what his number one issue is?

Jim Ascot [D-Chicago, 7th CD]: His number one issue is, and he said this when he announced that he was running for a sixth term, that he will focus on ex-prisoners. I think that this district is more than ex-convicts. People here work hard, play by the rules, and they need to have a congressman that’s willing to work just as hard for them in Congress, as well as locally.

Jeff Berkowitz: What does he want to do about ex-offenders, ex-cons?

Jim Ascot: The main thrust has been to expunge felony records and that hasn’t been successful. Instead of-

Jeff Berkowitz: Would you favor that-that kind of expungment?

Jim Ascot: I think that’s the wrong place to work from. We need to-

Jeff Berkowitz: What would you do? You want to help those ex-convicts?

Jim Ascot: Absolutely.

Jeff Berkowitz: What would you do differently than Congressman Davis?

Jim Ascot: I would have a lot more programs-programs that would be able to teach skills, training, and get them into jobs. That’s really the most necessary thing. Otherwise, if they-

Jeff Berkowitz: They say they can’t get jobs because they’ve got this record and people won’t hire them. I mean, that’s their point and they are saying that many of these things are not violent crimes. There may be drug abuse and so forth; they haven’t hurt anybody else. Somebody sees a felony conviction on your record; no one wants to hire you. Do you understand?

Jim Ascot: I think if you have-

Jeff Berkowitz: Does Davis have a point?

Jim Ascot: I think that’s the wrong way to approach it.

Jeff Berkowitz: What’s the right way?

Jim Ascot: I think it’s being able to have the right skills and education, and people will hire them.

Jeff Berkowitz: Even with a record?

Jim Ascot: Absolutely. A person can make a mistake, but we can move on from that, as long as that person has the skills and abilities to approach a reasonable job, he will-she should be hired. And, we’ll have to ask our communities to do that.

Jeff Berkowitz: So, you want to help ex-offenders, too, but you wouldn’t necessarily make that your number one issue.

Jim Ascot: Not in the sense of expunging their records.

Jeff Berkowitz: Okay.

Jim Ascot: I think my issue would be to bring in the right skills and the right programs for people to be engaged in having a good job and support their families and support themselves, and that’s what will change it. If we don’t change that dynamic, we’ll continue to have them going back to prison. And, that’s what’s happening now.
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Jim Ascot, Democrat Primary candidate in the 7th Cong. Dist., recorded on November 6, 2005, as is airing on the City of Chicago edition of Public Affairs tonight, November 21 at 8:30 pm on Cable Ch. 21 [CANTV], and is being webcast now on this site [See here].
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Jeff Berkowitz, Host and Producer of Public Affairs and an Executive Recruiter doing Legal Search, can be reached at JBCG@aol.com
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Failing Democracy: Danny Davis and Mark Kirk

Jim Ascot, running against 9th year incumbent Cong. Danny Davis, in the 7th CD Democratic Primary, is making an issue of Davis’ coronation of Rev. Sun Myung Moon as the Messiah [see here for more about the show with Jim Ascot and here to watch the Jim Ascot webcast itself]. Cong. Mark Kirk [R-Highland Park, 10th CD] has described Davis as having the Voice of God. Apparently, Davis has taken that description to heart and set out in March, 2004, to crown the Messiah, or the Son of God, in the form of one Rev. Sun Myung Moon.

Chicago Tribune columnist and blogger Eric Zorn, picking up on our show with candidate Jim Ascot and Ascot’s criticism of Davis for disrespecting and abusing his office by using it to “crown Moon,” refers us to his Tribune column of June, 2004, in which Zorn noted:

The most disturbing thing is not that U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (D.-Ill.) attended an elaborate coronation ceremony in Washington for the controversial Rev. Sun Myung Moon and his wife…

No, the most disturbing thing is that, to this day, Davis expresses no regret about assisting in the pageantry designed to burnish and inflate the reputation of a man who, divine or not, wants to abolish Western-style democracy, compares gay people to dung-eating dogs, and in exhorting Jews to convert and follow him, told them: "You have to repent. Jesus was the King of Israel. Through the principle of indemnity, Hitler killed 6 million Jews."

But, I will “see,” Zorn’s “most disturbing thing,” and “raise,” him one.

The most disturbing thing is not that Davis expresses no regret over the coronation. It is not even that Danny Davis has now reached that tenure of an established Congressman where he can avoid sustained questioning from challenging journalists on tough topics and adopt the Rose Garden Strategy. Sure, Davis did take a few questions from Zorn-- and Davis responded with answers that make no sense. But, even that is not the worst of it.

Davis must have hoped that would be the end of it. That is the benefit of Davis' handlers making sure the boss does a phone interview instead of, say, a thirty minute, in studio interview. In the former, you can say good-bye when the questioning gets tough. In the latter, it is not so easy to walk out of the studio after five minutes of questioning, with the cameras showing you doing a "cut and run."

"Cooperating journalists," unlike Zorn, will serve up softballs in exchange for airtime with the man who crowns Messiahs, and of course they will avoid any questions about the Moon Coronation. The cooperating journalists know it, Cong. Davis knows it and yet the few people who watch such sham journalism may not know it. Just another day at the office for the "Davis flak catchers."

Of course, years ago, less secure in his position in the House, Davis would actually deign to be interviewed by challenging journalists such as yours truly, with Davis making two appearances on “Public Affairs.”

But, now, although our studio has re-located to Skokie from Winnetka, and therefore is closer to Davis, Davis’ flak catcher tells us the 7th Congressional District congressman can’t spare the half hour to drive up to Skokie, so that 60% of his constituents could tune in for a half hour to see and hear his explanations for his coronation of his Messiah-- Rev. Moon, not to mention what Davis is doing, or not doing, to improve the access of his constituents to good jobs, good education, good housing and good health care.

And, of course, Davis is way too busy to appear side by side with his competitor, Democrat Jim Ascot, so that the voters can compare and contrast, in their effort to determine if Ascot or Davis is the best person to represent the Democrat Party in the 7th Cong. Dist. general election But, even that is not the most disturbing thing.

Now, to be fair, Cong. Danny Davis is surely not the only stealth incumbent Congressman in the Chicago Metro area. For example, we also have the aforementioned 5th year North Shore Cong. Mark Steven Kirk, who has blessed the voice, if not the substance, of Danny Davis. When Cong. Kirk was competing in a tough, ten candidate primary in 1999-2000 and then with Democrat Lauren Beth Gash [Highland Park] for the open seat in the 10th Cong. Dist. general election in the fall of 2000, candidate Kirk couldn’t get enough of “Public Affairs,” challenging questions or not, appearing five times on our show in the primary and general election.

Similarly, Republican candidate Kirk appeared opposite Democratic candidate Gash in thirty-three forums in the 2000 general election, not counting their joint appearances on "Public Affairs." At that time, Kirk was all about the public’s right to know—what Kirk’s and Gash’s position on issues were and the public’s right to know how they handled tough, challenging questions.

In November, 2000, Kirk squeaked by with a 5500-vote margin of victory out of more than 200,000 votes [thanks in large part to Committeeman Tolbert Chisum's strong New Trier Republican Organization . With some re-districting help in 2002, the power of incumbency, the largesse of corporate support that goes with incumbency and weak Democratic candidates, Kirk won in 2002 and 2004, with 71% of the vote and 64 % of the vote, respectively.

With that kind of congressional incumbent power, similar to that of Danny Davis, Commander Kirk flexes his political muscles, and the cooperating print and electronic media decline to challenge his frequent non-answers, say on issues such as social security reform, or his dramatic drop-off from thirty-three forums to one or two in each election season.

Democracy in action? Not with incumbents Davis or Kirk. Not by a long shot. Are Davis and Kirk the only such sinners in the Illinois Congressional Delegation. Of course not, but they will do for now. However, even Davis' and Kirk's actions, or lack thereof, in this regard, are not the "most disturbing thing.".

No, the ,"most disturbing thing," is what transpires when we ask:Will any of the cooperating journalists [which of course does not include Eric Zorn] reverse their ways, step up to the plate and offer respectful, yet challenging questions to Kirk and Davis? Will they risk not getting the interview or not getting the air time by letting Davis and Kirk know that they will no longer cooperate with their media charades.

I wouldn’t bet on it. Now, that is the "most disturbing thing."

Even more than the Coronation of the Rev. Moon as the Messiah by Cong. Davis. Even more than Davis’ failure to express regret for his participation in the zany coronation. Even more than Cong. Kirk becoming the stealth 5th year North Shore incumbent. Even more than Cong. Davis avoiding challenging media questions by hiding behind his flak catcher and his phone.

Time for Zorn to reach for that Hatchet and to start chasing those Chickens, as he promised he would, almost four years ago. Or, since the Thanksgiving season is upon us, Chickens? Turkeys? Cooperating Journalists? They are all the same. Thwack! Thwack! Thwack! Go Zorn Go.
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Jeff Berkowitz, Host and Producer of Public Affairs and an Executive Recruiter doing Legal Search, can be reached at JBCG@aol.com
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Topinka: The Country's Choice for Governor, says Walter

I don't mean to labor this issue [See post, immediately below], but again, What does Walter mean when he says, “She [Topinka] is right on the issues as far as the whole country is concerned."

Really, other than statements made over the last decade about the Treasurer's office and the vague, generalities she threw out in 2003-04, when Topinka reigned as State Chair, what could Walter Jacobsen, or anyone else, know about Judy Baar Topinka's position on public policy issues. We know she likes to participate in the Gay Rights Parade and voice her support for same, so we know she is in favor of Gay Rights. We know she is Pro-Choice on abortion, and we get the impression that she might favor Parental Notice. And, she tells us that the people in Illinois don't trust the Governor and they are "crying out," for a change in Leadership, and she would bring forth that change-- in Leadership, that is.

That is really about it. Indeed, it appears that the Edgar-Topinka Hamlet Soap Opera--"To Run or not to Run, that is the Question," has succeeded in shortening the Primary Campaign, at least as far as Judy is concerned, to the first 10 weeks of next year. If Jude announces sometime after Thanksgiving, as is now anticipated, we are into the Holidays, and of course, no one can campaign, at least on issues, when the Holidays are in full swing.

So, look for the Topinka campaign to be long on generalities and short on specifics. Lots of Softball interviews with cooperating journalists-- round up the usual suspects. The question for the likes of Rauschenberger, Oberweis, Brady and Gidwitz, if they all stick around, is how to defeat Topinka's desire to have an issueless campaign, and instead make it a campaign of issue contrasts, as Rauschenberger likes to say.

Well, Steve, Jim, Bill and Ron-- just call up Walter Jacobsen. He knows "she [Topinka] is right on the issues as far as the whole country is concerned." Perhaps Walter will disclose to you all of Topinka's positions on all of the issues, as well as the Country's positions on those issues [See the well known "Jacobsen poll"]. Maybe, Walter will even host a "fair and balanced," debate. Good Luck.
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Jeff Berkowitz, Host and Producer of Public Affairs and an Executive Recruiter doing Legal Search, can be reached at JBCG@aol.com
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Walter’s Wacky World: Topinka supported by the Country

Jack Conaty: …My suggestion, Walter, is that Judy Baar Topinka is as popular today as she is ever going to be. You know, once you get into this race, it is going to get bloody.

Walter Jacobsen: I agree with you and she is one heck of a good campaigner. And, she [Topinka] is right on the issues as far as the whole country is concerned. Maybe not as far as the Republican Party in Illinois is concerned.

Conaty: Right, but that gives her a more populist appeal, as you were just mentioning. But, I still think that she is going to have problems in a race against our incumbent.

Jacobsen: Oh, you do?

Conaty: Yes, I do.

Jacobsen Well, problems. But, bottom line, at this early stage, would you say you don’t think she can beat him [Gov. Blagojevich].

Conaty: I don’t think so. Not right now. Even if the race were held tomorrow, not right now.
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Fox Chicago Perspectives, Sunday, November 13, 2005
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What does Walter mean when he says, “She [Topinka] is right on the issues as far as the whole country is concerned."


Does Walter mean that the whole country is:

Pro- Choice on abortion, or pro abortion rights, as some would put it?

Pro- Gay rights, including same sex marriage rights? Indeed, is that Judy Baar Topinka’s view and how does Walter know?

In favor of not asking Bob Kjellander to step down as Illinois’ RNC member.

And does Walter know what Topinka’s views are on:Illinois First?

Raising the state sales or income tax?Raising other taxes or fees?

A $15 billion dollar expansion at O’Hare?

Approval of a smaller airport at Peotone?

A casino for Rosemont?

A city owned casino for Chicago?

The Governor’s All Kids Legislation?

Using managed care for Medicaid programs?

Merging the State Board of Education into the Governor’s office?

Expanding the number of Charter Schools?

Trying school vouchers, at least on a pilot basic?

Clamping down on “Pay to Play.”
Tax Swaps [lowering the property tax and raising the income tax]?

Legislating a state ban on assault weapons?

Expanding state subsidies for stem cell research, including embryonic stem cell? research.

Restricting a Woman’s right to have an abortion except if the life of the mother is at issue?

Requiring a minor daughter to notify her parents of a decision to have an abortion prior to the abortion?

In state tuition and drivers licenses for undocumented workers?

SB600, i.e., direct election of state central committee members?

So, when Walter says “She [Topinka] is right on the issues as far as the whole country is concerned,” Does Walter have any idea where Judy stands on the issues? How would he know? Any idea where the Country stands on the issues? How would Walter know?
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Jim Ascot [TV and Webcast] takes on Danny Davis and the Moonies

The "Public Affairs," show with Jim Ascot [D-Chicago, 7th CD Primary Candidate] is airing this week in the Chicago North Shore, North and Northwest suburbs [See here, for the "Public Affairs," suburban airing schedule and for a summary of the show's topics] and the show with candidate Ascot will air this coming Monday night, November 21, through-out the City of Chicago on Cable Ch. 21 [CANTV] at 8:30 pm.
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Jim Ascot, taking on Cong. Danny Davis in the Democratic Primary, also debates and discusses the issues with Public Affairs show host and legal recruiter Jeff Berkowitz in the Webcast [video and audio] version of the show, playing now. See here
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For a partial transcript of the show, see below:
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Jeff Berkowitz: You are taking on Cong. Danny Davis, who is viewed as what? A pillar of the community in the 7th Cong. Dist.?

Jim Ascot: Yes, definitely. He has that sort of icon type of image.

Jeff Berkowitz: But, you have a different image of him? Is his name [Cong. Davis] tarnished?

Jim Ascot: Well, there have been a lot of things, at least in the paper and other media that talked about, especially the Sun Yung Moon incident. The moonies. This cult group that he [Cong. Davis] crowned, Sun Yung Moon, as the Messiah.

Jeff Berkowitz: Cong. Davis crowned [Sun Yung Moon]?

Jim Ascot: [Yes] Cong. Davis. And I think as far as tarnishing, that kind of gave a bad name to-
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[Ed. note, For an account of the "crowning event," See here, from which the below quote is excerpted:

First, we're shown a rabbi blowing a ram's horn. Most Jews would hold off on this until the High Holy Days, but it probably counts if the Moshiach shows up in a federal office building at taxpayer expense. Then we see the man of the hour, Moon, chilling at a table at the Dirksen in a tuxedo, soaking all this up. He claps. He's having a ball.

Cut to the ritual. Eyes downcast, a man identified as Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.) is bringing a crown, atop a velvety purple cushion, to a figure who stands waiting austerely with his wife. Now Moon is wearing robes that Louis XIV would have appreciated. All of this has quickly been spliced into a promo reel by Moon's movement, which implies to its followers that the U.S. Congress itself has crowned the Washington Times owner.]
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Jeff Berkowitz: Why would he [Danny Davis] do it? Was he paid to do it or what?

Jim Ascot: I really don’t know what possessed him to do that. I think it was just disrespectful to the office that he holds to be able to do that, especially to an organization that has been known as anti-Semitic and anti-gay and the Reverend Moonie himself has been in jail for tax evasion.

Jeff Berkowitz: You are not accusing Cong. Davis of being anti-Semitic or anti-gay, are you?

Jim Ascot: No, no. The group, the moonies, have been known to do that. You can't be a Representative and do something like that without disrespecting the office and the community that he represents.
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Jeff Berkowitz: A major transportation bill just passed and people say the two Senators [from Illinois], even though it is a Republican Administration, Durbin and Obama, brought home the bacon. They got an enhanced share of that Transportation bill for Illinois. Do you agree?

Jim Ascot: I think it was the good work of all of our [Congressional] delegation.

Jeff Berkowitz: Does [Cong.] Davis get credit for that?

Jim Ascot: He was THERE. I don’t know what he did.

Jeff Berkowitz: Ok. So, what could you have done, what could you do differently about the infrastructure that Cong. Davis is not doing now?

Jim Ascot: I think what we need to do is focus on our local transportation. The CTA needs to grow and needs to be a connected type of a rail system that people can get back and forth on easily. Right now, we have a central system that people have to go to the Loop [center of downtown Chicago] to get to anywhere else. We need to change that dynamic and we need new dollars to be able to do that.

Jeff Berkowitz: So, more money from the Feds?

Jim Ascot: Absolutely. And some of those dollars that came in [from the recently passed Federal Transportation bill] should have been earmarked for that kind of new development—

Jeff Berkowitz: So, you want more money from the Feds for education, more money from the Feds for transportation. Where is it going to come from? Do you want to raise taxes?

Jim Ascot: No, no.

Jeff Berkowitz: You don’t want to raise taxes?

Jim Ascot: We don’t want to raise taxes.

Jeff Berkowitz: You want to cut taxes.

Jim Ascot: We want to re-prioritize how we spend our money. We have made a commitment to Iraq and we are spending 250 billion dollars there.

Jeff Berkowitz: So, you would pull out the troops tomorrow.

Jim Ascot: We need—

Jeff Berkowitz: We are taping this show on November 6- So, if you are elected, they would be out November 7?

Jim Ascot: Well, we made a commitment to the people of Iraq.

Jeff Berkowitz: So, you don’t want immediate withdrawal?

Jim Ascot: We can’t. In hindsight now, people talk about- we made an error.

Jeff Berkowitz: Would you say you would take them out within a year?

Jim Ascot: Absolutely.

Jeff Berkowitz: You would take them ALL out within a year?

Jim Ascot: I think we need to be out of there. We need to be able to train those troops, the Iraqi troops, for them to be able to secure their country and for us to be able to withdraw.
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Jim Ascot, Democrat Primary candidate in the 7th Cong. Dist., recorded on November 6, 2005, as is airing this week on the Suburban edition of “Public Affairs,” and as will air on the City of Chicago edition of Public Affairs this coming Monday night, November 21 at 8:30 pm on Cable Ch. 21 [CANTV], and is being webcast now on this site [See here].
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Jeff Berkowitz, Host and Producer of Public Affairs and an Executive Recruiter doing Legal Search, can be reached at JBCG@aol.com
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Guv Candidate Brady on TV/Webcast: Argues School Vouchers unconstitutional

Revised and links added at 4:30 pm on Monday
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Jeff Berkowitz: You don’t want to take this backpack?

Sen. Bill Brady: I didn’t say that.

Jeff Berkowitz: Well, then you will take this backpack?

Sen. Bill Brady: I did not say that...
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Tonight’s “Public Affairs,” show airs through-out the City of Chicago and it features the only downstate Governor candidate in the Republican Primary, 44 year old State Senator Bill Brady [Bloomington]. Sen. Brady has spent almost 12 years in the Illinois General Assembly, 8 in the House and 4 in the Senate. The show airs tonight at 8:30 pm on CANTV, Cable Ch. 21.

Sen. Brady won the endorsement of the somewhat controversial "Conservative Summit," almost two months ago, but has it meant much? [See here and here]. Was it really a summit?

See here for more about tonight’s show [including a partial transcript and list of topics discussed] and for access to the Webcast of tonight’s show, please go here. An additional partial transcript of tonight’s show is included, below:
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Jeff Berkowitz…You’re kind of luke warm on school vouchers. Do I have that right?

Sen. Bill Brady: I don’t think they are constitutional in this state. I have supported…

Jeff Berkowitz: They are not constitutional relative to the State Constitution or the U. S. Constitution?

Sen. Bill Brady: In this state. And, I have sponsored- I have sponsored- I have sponsored tax credits in the past, and voted for them.

Jeff Berkowitz: $500 tax credits.

Sen. Bill Brady: Yes.

Jeff Berkowitz: But, you don’t like that scheme where I take $10,000 and put it in this backpack—Here, I’ll do it for you really quickly.

Sen. Bill Brady: I think you are talking about a hypothetical situation: $10,000?

Jeff Berkowitz: In Chicago, we spend at least $10,000 per kid per year—it is less downstate—if you [include] capital costs, it’s $11,000 [per kid per year]. In the City of Chicago Public Schools [“CPS”], $11,000 per kid per year. We have 435,000 backpacks, one for the parents of each kid [in the CPS]. Put that money in the backpack, give them the backpack. If the [public school] kid is sent to a private school, out goes the kid [from the public school], out goes the backpack, out goes the money. You want to offer these people [the CPS parents] 435,000 backpacks? Would you like to give them that kind of school choice? Forget the Constitution for a second [for purposes of this analysis].

Sen. Bill Brady: No, you can’t forget the Constitution. No, Jeff, you can’t forget the Constitution.

Jeff Berkowitz: You can amend the Constitution. You know that. You want to amend the Constitution on other things. You can amend it on this.

Sen. Bill Brady: You are not going to amend it in this regard. What we need to do is work within the framework of the Constitution.

Jeff Berkowitz: You don’t want to take this backpack?

Sen. Bill Brady: I didn’t say that.

Jeff Berkowitz: Well, then you will take this backpack?

Sen. Bill Brady: I did not say that. What we have to do is work within the framework of the Constitution and empower competition. Between public schools. We need more charter schools. We need to continue to make sure the tax credit works effectively.

Jeff Berkowitz: $500. I want to give [each parent] $10,000 for school choice. You want to give them $500. Which do you think works better?

Sen. Bill Brady: Mine is constitutional. Your solution is not. [Ed. note: Actually, under the June 27, 2002 U. S. Supreme Court Zelman decision, school vouchers are constitutional and I think they are constitutional relative to the Illinois Constitution, as well. BTW, we have had 400 guests on our show in the last eight years—most have been asked about school vouchers, school choice—and although the overwhelming majority have argued against school vouchers, only two have done so based on Illinois Constitution grounds.]

Jeff Berkowitz: Amend the Constitution. You say we should amend the Constitution to allow caps for non-economic damages in Medical Malpractice awards.

Sen. Bill Brady: You are absolutely right [Ed. note: That is, Sen. Brady does want to amend the Constitution to permit non-economic damage caps because he believes the recently passed damage cap legislation is unlikely to decrease medical malpractice premiums-- as the insurance industry anticipates the Illinois Supreme Court will hold the caps unconstitutional. More precisely, insurers are unlikely to adjust their medical malpractice premiums downward until they have some assurance that the caps will be allowed, by the courts, to have an impact on damage awards].
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Senator Bill Brady [R-Bloomington], candidate for Governor in the Republican Primary for Governor, recorded on October 30, 2005, as is airing on the City of Chicago edition of Public Affairs tonight, November 14 at 8:30 pm on Cable Ch. 21 [CANTV] and as is being webcast on this blog [See here].
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Jeff Berkowitz, Host and Producer of Public Affairs and an Executive Recruiter doing Legal Search, can be reached at JBCG@aol.com
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Watch here: McSweeney and Ascot, and four other Public Affairs webcasts

Now that we are video-streaming, everyone from Los Angeles to Chicago to New York to London to Hong Kong to Sydney to Argentina to the Ivory Coast to the Soul Coast to the Gold Coast to Lisbon to Christ Church, New Zealand to China to Moscow to Japan should be watching "Public Affairs." [See here]

Whether our shows focus on the U. S. Congress, the Illinois Legislature or the World at large, our topics will range from War and Peace to Free Trade to Wealth and Poverty to Middle East Peace to Life and Death [Capital Punishment, Terrorism and Guns] to social issues [Gays, Guns, God and abortion] and much, much more. The webcasts will relate to and resonate with you; we promise. So, Tune in, Turn on and don't change that dial or click that close icon, at least not before you watch all the shows.

Shows newly available for watching [or listening to] at the Public Affairs Cinema Complex webcast [See here to access all shows] are [See below for descriptions and links to detailed descriptions of each show]:

Our show with 8th CD Republican Primary Candidate David McSweeney [R-Barrington Hills], vying with five other candidates for the right to take on Cong. Bean [D-Barrington] [See here and go to links contained therein for more about this show] and

Our show with 7th CD Democratic Primary Candidate Jim Ascot [D-Chicago] , who is challenging 9th year Democratic incumbent Cong. Danny Davis. [See here for more about this show], including a detailed suburban airing for Public Affairs. The Ascot show airs this coming week in 34 Chicago Metro suburbs on Comcast Cable.

Continuing to play in the Public Affairs Cinema Complex are the Public Affairs shows featuring the following guests:

Republican Gubernatorial Primary Candidates Senators Bill Brady [See here for more about this show] and Steve Rauschenberger [See here for more about the show with Rauschenberger and for links about same] and here for a poll that has Sen. Rauschenberger beating Gov. Blagojevich. Brady and Rauschenberger are vying with each other and with wealthy businessmen Jim Oberweis and Ron Gidwitz, and most likely with state Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka and possibly DuPage County State's Attorney Joe Birkett for the right to take on incumbent Democrat Rod Blagojevich. There is a small chance that former State Senator, 2002 Republican Guv Primary candidate and wealthy Attorney/Businessman Pat O'Malley could also join the Republican Guv Primary.

The show with Guv candidate Bill Brady also airs this coming Monday night through-out the City of Chicago at 8:30 pm on Cable Ch. 21 [CANTV].

8th CD Republican Primary Candidate Kathy Salvi [R-Mundelein] vying with five other candidates for the right to take on Cong. Bean [D-Barrington]See here for more about this show and for links to transcripts of shows with Salvi's competitors.

and

9th CD Democratic Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky [D-Evanston], vying for the No. 4 Leadership position in the Democratic House Caucus]. See here for more about this show and for partial transcripts of the show and for links to other partial transcripts of the show.

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Jeff Berkowitz, Host and Producer of Public Affairs and an Executive Recruiter doing Legal Search, can be reached at JBCG@aol.com
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Jim Ascot, Eye on Danny Davis’ seat, on TV/Web

Jim Ascot, taking on 7th CD incumbent Danny Davis in the Democratic Primary, debates and discusses the issues with Public Affairs show host and legal recruiter Jeff Berkowitz in the Webcast version of the show, playing now. See here
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The show with Jim Ascot [D-Chicago, 7th CD Primary Candidate] will air next week on the Suburban edition of Public Affairs [See, below, for suburban airing schedule] and on Monday night, November 21, through-out the City of Chicago on Cable Ch. 21 [CANTV] at 8:30 pm.
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Is Cong. Davis spending too much time on Ex-Offender issues and not enough time on jobs, education and health care issues for his District? Does Davis have the wrong approach to helping Ex-Offenders? Is the Davis name tarnished? Has he disrespected the office? Are the schools in the 7th Cong. Dist. improving? Is that a federal issue? Are transportation and infrastructure the keys to economic development in the 7th CD? Who is Davis crowning and why is he doing so? These issues and many, many more are discussed with 7th CD Dem. Primary candidate Jim Ascot [Chicago].
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The suburban edition of Public Affairs regularly airs in ten North Shore suburbs three times each week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30 p.m. on Comcast Cable Channel 19 in Winnetka, Bannockburn, Deerfield, Ft. Sheridan, Glencoe, Highland Park, Highwood, Kenilworth, Lincolnshire and Riverwoods.

In twenty-four North Shore, North and Northwest suburbs, the show with Jim Ascot will air once this coming week in its regular time slot: Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. on either Comcast Cable Channel 19 or Channel 35, depending on the suburb. The show airs Tuesday night at 8:30 pm on Comcast Cable Ch. 19 in Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Northfield, Palatine, Rolling Meadows and Wilmette. Also, the show airs Tuesday night at 8:30 pm on Comcast Cable Ch. 35 in Arlington Heights, Bartlett, Glenview, Golf, Des Plaines, Hanover Park, Mt. Prospect, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights, Schaumburg, Skokie, Streamwood and Wheeling.
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Jeff Berkowitz, Host and Producer of Public Affairs and an Executive Recruiter doing Legal Search, can be reached at JBCG@aol.com
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Pollster/Political Consultant McCullough indicted in DuPage

Yesterday, Rod McCullough, a Republican pollster/political consultant for whom the phrase “a little rough around the edges,” was invented was indicted by a grand jury in DuPage County. The indictment, sought and received by DuPage State’s Attorney Joe Birkett, included two felony counts of perjury and forgery. The underlying predicate acts involved petitions to get on the ballot by Jim Gumm, who was seeking to keep his job as Milton Township [within the 6th CD] assessor. Gumm, a Republican who was running as an Independent, had hired McCullough to oversee the petition drive in an effort to get the signatures needed to put Gumm on the ballot.

The indictment does not allege that Rod forged the signatures on the petitions, but it does allege that he knew some of the signatures on the documents were forged prior to submitting them.

McCullough, speaking by phone with me late Thursday night, said he “absolutely was not guilty of any of the charges,” and he “couldn’t wait to put this case before a jury.” McCullough said he “strongly objected to the criminalization of the political process,” and that he was “disappointed that Birkett is criminalizing the American political process.”

Reliable sources suggest that the types of actions at issue, even if thought to have evidence in support, seldom warrant felony indictments. Simply put, the legal requirements of oversight when petitions are being distributed and signed “in the presence,” of the supervisors are a bit loose.

Reliable sources indicate that McCullough did campaign work for Bob Coleman, who lost in his 2002 contest with Birkett for the Republican nomination for the Attorney General slot. Further, McCullough published on his web site so-called summaries of the famous Jack Ryan “child custody sealed records,” a week before the 2004 Republican Senate Primary election, giving a jolt to the Jack Ryan Campaign, but not enough of a jolt to prevent Jack from winning the primary. McCullough was the campaign manager of General Borling's ill fated campaign for the Senate, in which the General received 2% of the vote. Borling did not want the information disclosed by McCullough and gave him the choice of resigning before being fired. McCullough resigned.

Three months later, the court ordered the Ryan sealed records made public, revealing some aspects of the McCullough summaries to have been accurate but some to have been quite inaccurate. Jack Ryan formally withdraw from the race six weeks later.

Some suggest Birkett is engaged in a bit of petty payback for the above. Moreover, Birkett is said to be still mulling a run for Governor, a partnership with Judy Baar Topinka as her Lt. Gov. running mate, or perhaps another run for Attorney General [he lost by 3 points in a tough race in 2002 with the current AG-- Lisa Madigan].

Would Birkett's prosecution of a Republican for corruption make him look good for one of those political races? Would it deflect attention from his continuing failure to resolve the Jeanine Nacarico case by finally indicting Brian Dugan, years after his confession, and his alleged involvement in a wrongful prosecution in that matter? Or, does the indictment of McCullough only months after his alleged violations highlight the years of procrastination by Birkett in indicting Dugan?

To further complicate things,Joe Morris, the conscience of the conservative wing of the State GOP, had represented McCullough, in the election fraud investigation. Morris, who also is Birkett’s personal attorney, had received a waiver from Birkett’s office [regarding the potential conflict of interest], permitting Morris to represent McCullough and Birkett. Oddly, that consent was recently rescinded by Birkett.

So, is this a righteous prosecution of Rod McCullough or a political persecution by Joe Birkett?
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