I have heard from a good deal of voters, both Republican and Democrat who said that they will vote for Whitney because both Rod and Judy disgust them. Some went on to give me Whitney's positions on issues which surprised me because these people are "politicos" as it were. I say Whitney's votes are protest votes and he gets 17%.
what are they thinking?
· 3 years ago
There seems to be some sentiment for 'none of the above' and the green candidate fits nicely here. No chance to win; i.e. no chance for change. No chance to improve State government. Voting none of the above or the green candidate is a wasted vote; keeps Hairdo in place for 4 more years. What are they thinking?
FireRonGuenther
· 3 years ago
I think many folks who would normally lean Dem or GOP will vote Green because Whitney is not JBT or Blago. As someone who is conservative, I welcome this. If Whitney gets 5% of the vote, this means the Greens are on the ballot for the next election, correct? This will help the GOP in future elections as the Greens will take votes away from the Dems. Blago gets re-elected and then we'll see what happens after that. We may finally be able to clean out the dead wood in the GOP.
Whitney gets 12%.
Squideshi
· 3 years ago
I will certainly case a vote for Rich Whitney; however, it will not be a protest vote--it will be a vote for the positive platform and better public policy that Whitney is proposing. I have also seen no evidence that others aren't doing the same. In fact, just about everyone I speak with, including Democrats and Republicans, have told me that they plan to vote for Rich Whitney.
What is a "major party" anyway? Is there really any objective definition of that term, or is it just something that Republicans and Democrats use to promote the status quo? State election law defines "new" and "established" political parties; and following this election, there will be three legally established political parties statewide in Illinois--the Democratic Party, the Green Party, and the Republican Party.
That having been said, it does seem to me that many people will also see Whitney on the ballot for the first time when walking into the voting booth; and I suspect that many will choose to vote for him right then and there. If the "protest vote theory" is correct, then the two-thirds of voters who don't yet know about Whitney will significantly add to his numbers.
It's going to be an extremely close race. I am not going to speculate on the results right now, suffice to say that will be a shock to many.
Sango Dem
· 3 years ago
I'll be voting for Whitney as the best choice of the three. I think a lot of Illinois media need to own up to the fact that they were wrong to censor coverage of Whitney. Had he gotten equal coverage, it would be a close three-way race. I'm tired of media outlets determining election outcomes for me in advance instead of simply reporting on candidates.
Sango Dem
· 3 years ago
Oh yeah, Whitney will get about 15% statewide. He'll finish even with Rod in Sangamon and Champaign counties.
Wumpus, I'm Tiger Woods
· 3 years ago
Squidishi, I can't believe, you, are voting for Whitney. Talk about a surprise! Whitney will get 9% out of voter disgust and the need for a fresh face. Good for him, although I disagree with him on many issues. Good for the system.
anon
· 3 years ago
I agree 100% with Caveat Eligorum @ 9:41. I am going to vote for the green guy even though he actually has the opposite position on an issue from the industry that I work in. But at least I know exactly what his position is. I just can't hold my nose and vote for Rod or Judy. The only way I wouldn't vote for Whitney is if I can remember how to spell Neiuks name and he comes out with a spectacular new video over the weekend. Rod 39% JBT 35% Whitney 25% Nieuk & others 1%
Fan of the Game
· 3 years ago
In the end, people stick with the devils they know. Whitney gets 8%.
Pat Quinn For Governor
· 3 years ago
I'm voting for Whitney to help the Greens get their 5 percent to play with the established party. I don't think he'll win... I think GRod will but it will help down the road. I'm used to throwing away my vote....I wrote in for Ralph Nader in '04!
Frosty Da Snowman
· 3 years ago
I have had a number of people mention to me that they were going to vote for Whitney for a whole slew of reasons already listed in this thread.
When I ask them what they know about the Green Party, they just shrug. I advise them to go to the Green Party's national site and look at what the party stands for. The ones I have spoken to after they have looked at the Green Party site have withdrawn their support for Whitney because of the "nutty" views of the Greens.
I think that Blagojevich will walk away with this thing on Tuesday. I don't think most of the people in Illinois really think he did anything more than commit technical violations of arbitrary election laws. People just won't make a connect between questionable campaign contributions and their own state of being.
I think that most folks are so used to this stuff that they see it as "business as usual." I also think that there will be a large sympathy vote for him as well from independent women who feel that Fitzgerald is conducting a political witch hunt.
My guess on the headlines next Wednesday morning? Blago 60% Topinka 35 Whitney 5.
Indeed I think Blago is dirty, but I don't think most Illinoisans consider that as a reason to vote against him.
Shelbyville
· 3 years ago
Whitney - less than 10% and most of those voters wouldn't have voted for B or T, anyway.
Niles Township
· 3 years ago
8% -10% with 90% being a protest none of the above vote, and the other 10% being true third party, greenies, reform etc.
Anon
· 3 years ago
Squideshi, a "major party" is generally considered one that can actually win a race now and then. What have the Greens actually won in recent years, aside from mayor of a small college town or two?
DuPage Dandy
· 3 years ago
My protest vote is against Birkett so Blaggo gets to nod Whitney gets about 4.99999% oh so close, but no cigar.
Anon
· 3 years ago
In reference to my last comment, that was a college town or two nationally, not just in Illinois. It also helps to be able to consistently have your canidates pull double digits in statewide in legislative races.
leigh
· 3 years ago
I was set to vote green as a sort of "protest" vote. Now that I see from the polls that JBT might have a chance and I consider her the lesser of two evils, I will be voting for her. I bet I am not the only changing my mind as the election draws closer.
Truth be told
· 3 years ago
Conservative Republicans are more likely to sit out the Governor Race and not pull a protest vote. The Dems are the ones that are more likely to vote Green as a protest.
I am in agreement with the 5% to 10% Green total. I think the overly optimistic predictions of 25% or more are due to someone smoking a little too much green...if you know what I mean.
Bill
· 3 years ago
Whitney might get 5% if there is a big turnout of college students. The "greens" are not a viable alterantive to anything. Nuik and Stufflewhatever would together outpoll the greens if people could remember how to spell their names. It will be Blago 52-Judy 42 and the rest "other". Even if the greens do pull 5 it won't make any difference in future elections where they will be exposed for the joke that they really are.
Carl Nyberg
· 3 years ago
Does Topinka have a better chance of winning than Whitney?
Blagojevich argues citizens should vote against Topinka; Topinka argues citizens should vote against Blagojevich.
What's so crazy about voting against both of them?
Just me
· 3 years ago
I've heard from a surprising and, in my opinion, alarming number of people (who don't work in state government) that they are voting for Whitney in protest. I predict he gets 9 percent.
Bacchus
· 3 years ago
I already voted during the early voting period the other day, and, as an independent who leans a little more democratic, I voted for Whitney. I would have voted for JBT had that idiot from DuPage County NOT made it out of the Primary Election to become her running mate. On the other hand, I have little love for Blago and just have bad memories from a coordinated campaign I worked on during his first primary (he was not my choice then either – I voted for Vallas) on the South Side. As far as %, I would be surprised if Whitney exceeded 10%, I would peg it at 7%.... but this indeed is a strange year with a lot of weird variables. Additionally, I think that if all parties really gin up their GOTV efforts on Election Day it might be late into the night or even the next day until we find out who got what (and God forbid that some of the new voting machines give out negative vote totals).
Lefty
· 3 years ago
I decided since yesterday (when I posted in another thread that I couldn't decide who to vote for) that I am going to vote for Whitney. He won't get more than 5-10% but that will be enough to start the talking for next time.
Marie
· 3 years ago
The further south you go in the state, the more votes per capita for Whitney you will find. By the same token, the further south you go, the more those votes will be an earnest effort to put him in office as opposed to just a protest vote. I hope that makes sense.
As for Sangamon County, well, any vote not for Blagojevich is a protest vote this time around.
Bluefish
· 3 years ago
I think he'll come in around 20%. A lot of people will vote for him as a protest. If Whitney had some meaningful green he'd be able to run commercials and have a decent shot to pull an upset. Let's be honest, just about everyone is sick and tired of both Blago and JBT.
Pat Hickey
· 3 years ago
Sadly, Blago, will bury JBT ( Ala Daily Herald) and the 'I voted for Nader' canvas loafer crowd will net RW a whopping 4%.
Most folks will feel that the marginalized JBT hasn't a chance; ran a pretty lame campaign anyway and will hold their noses, lock down their cookies, sprinkle themselves with Lourdes water, say GREAT Acts of Contrition and vote for the 'unindicted' Hater of Cavemen Everywhere.
As a stone-Neanderthal, I take exception to the Governor's comments
Jaded
· 3 years ago
Personally, I think Rich Whitney should be insulted by people saying they are going to vote for him in protest. I've checked out his website and he has put a good deal of serious tought into his positions (some I agree with some I don't). If people really want to protest, they should write in Nieukirk. That is what his campaign is all about, and he should get a little something for the effort.
If you agree with Whitney on more issues than not, then by all means vote for him, but to do so out of protest, I think, makes you a fool (maybe even more of a fool than the fools you are going to vote for Blagojevich)!
That said, I think he will get about 9%.
Susan
· 3 years ago
I early voted for Whitney. It wasn't a protest vote, it wasn't a none of the above vote. I voted for Whitney because he is the only candidate on the ballot who has real ideas on how to clean up Illinois and properly fund education. I'm proud to vote Green and anticipate voting for more Green candidates in the future once they gain established party status.
Squideshi
· 3 years ago
Rich, I'm surprised that you posted the chart from Pollster, as they've consistently prooven themselves to be a biased source, omitting Rich Whitney from every poll, even the ones in which his support has been reported to be in the double digits!
Squideshi
· 3 years ago
Anon 10:33 wrote, "Squideshi, a “major party†is generally considered one that can actually win a race now and then. What have the Greens actually won in recent years, aside from mayor of a small college town or two?"
We've certainly won more races than Democrats and Republicans on the international scene. Plus, you're comparing apples to oranges--with the election laws that Republicrats have written, Greens don't compete on a level playing field; and considering that we refuse all corporate campaign contributions, it seems that we do pretty darn well, all things considered.
Pat Hickey
· 3 years ago
The problem, Squideshi, is thatthe GREENs Like the progressives believe that artificial turf is grassroots.
Tom DeLay's Mom
· 3 years ago
I am preparing to "vote early" today - heading to the polling booth shortly.
I have been planning on voting for Whitney as a protest vote because the Rod and Judy Show makes me want to vomit (especially the Rod portion of the show) - despite Whitney's ridiculous and wrong view that people should be permitted to carry handguns in open view - what's up Heston?).
I am probably still going to vote for the Green Guy, but there's a chance I might say "screw it" and vote for Judy Ba-Da-Bing-Ka...I've never voted GOP for governor, but I'm tempted.
Maybe I'll just flip a coin?
November 8th Results:
Blagojevich: 46% (More voters need to read) Topinka: 41% (Those who do read are upset) Whitney: 12% (Independent Dems are nauseous) Nieuk: 1% (Some people DO vote drunk)
Ken in Aurora
· 3 years ago
I was all prepared to vote Green as a protest, but only if JBT had no chance. Whitney = 5-8%.
Little Egypt
· 3 years ago
If the polls had shown a huge lead by Elvis like he thought he had at one time, then I could see people voting for Whitney as JBT would be thought to have no chance. However, since the latest poll shows this is virtually a tie, in good conscience I can't vote for Whitney and take a chance that the small percentage he will get would have made the difference in who our governor will be. I hope on election night, there aren't a bunch of sorry Whitney voters who realize their vote ensured another 4 years of Elvis and his antics.
eric
· 3 years ago
The latest poll in the WSJ has Whitney at 16% (blago 39 and topinka 33 11 undecided) and hes been climing steadily since early September.
I believe Whitney will get 20-25 percent of the vote. He is a strong candidate and is the only one bringing new ideas to the table instead of trying to preserve the weak staus quo. The only reason he wont get more is because people silly reservations for voting for third parties.
Frosty at 10:25 The ones I have spoken to after they have looked at the Green Party site have withdrawn their support for Whitney because of the “nutty†views of the Greens.
Whats so "nutty" about health care, funding schools equally, sustainable engergy and clean government?
Voting for patchwork programs, corruption, using gambling to fund the schools, and for people who think that they OWN peoples votes. That seem nutty to me.
Squideshi
· 3 years ago
Looks like the Blago folks are out in full force trying to perpetuate the "helping Pinka" myth. It's funny, because at the same time, the Pinka folks are trying to perpetuate a "helping Blago" myth. LOL
Chicago-born
· 3 years ago
I voted for Whitney over Blago and JT earlier this morning. I thought of it as an apology vote more than a protest vote, because although I'll never trade the Chicago skyine in for a soybean field (and I'll never vote for a Republican), I am truly sorry for sharing my city with such a fraud of a politician, who probably would not have made a very good City Clerk, let alone having a seat in the Governor's Mansion (or, in this case, a vacant seat).
Wumpus, I'm Tiger Woods
· 3 years ago
What about Stufflebeam? How many are in the I(C)RC?
Tessa
· 3 years ago
Whitney will get 10-12% of the vote, part protest, part people who believe in what he believes in.
Those who are voting Rod are sticking with party lines as are those who are voting Judy. It's the only way I can explain why anyone would vote for either of them given what this campaign season has been like, with her not truly spelling out what she stands for and him, well, just being him.
Me, I'm still torn. I can't vote for Judy or Rod, because I don't trust either of them to do what's best for the state. I want to vote for Whitney, but I don't agree with everything he stands for. And I'm going to vote later today.
Sound Reasoning
· 3 years ago
Topinka 47% Blagojevich 45% Whitney 8% When the 'protest' vote actually gets into the booth and considers what they're doing they'll ultimately vote with one of the two major parties. Topinka will be the better recipient of that vote.
Alicia Snyder
· 3 years ago
I think many people are in for a BIG surprise this Nov 7. A vote for Rich Whitney isn't a protest vote. Voting Green is voting for living wages, a cleaner environment, sensible taxation, fair & equitable school funding, pro-choice & family values, ETHICAL government, and many other important issues that Illinoisians really care about. Our entire country is tired of the 2-party, corporate sponsored farce that our elections and politics in general have become. Cast a vote you won't be ashamed of on Novemeber 8th Whitney with 45%
doubtful
· 3 years ago
As close as Judy and Rod are polling to each other, I expect a lot of the 'protest votes' to evaporate as people decided to vote against the greater of the two evils they know.
Whitney would've fared better if Rod was 15 points up. Defecting Dems will reconsider at the poll.
All in all, I expect a lot of hovering, hesitant fingers on that all important first page.
Sango Dem
· 3 years ago
My question is, when the Green Party gains major party ballot access, Rod resigns from office, and Lisa Madigan beats Governor Pat Quinn in the '08 Democratic Primary, will Quinn run for Governor as a Green?
Sango Dem
· 3 years ago
That should be '10 Governor primary, not '08, of course.
Yellow Dog Democrat
· 3 years ago
48-46-6, the only question is who will get 48, Rod or Judy.
Voters want a change (look at the right/wrong direction and job approval ratings), but it usually takes a little something extra to close the deal.
How many times have we been shoe-shopping with a friend or girlfriend who spends 2 hours trying on every pair of shoes, only to walk away empty handed?
On the otherhand, how many times have you been shopping with someone who bought something that they really didn't want or need just because they had to have something new?
IF the Copley numbers are accurate, and they have been in the past, I'm betting that alot of undecided voters are going to go with Topinka, just because they feel like they can't stand Rod, even if they aren't thrilled with Judy.
By the way, there's been alot of smack talk about machine turnout for Rod in Cook County, and Team Stroger will definitely be working to turn out every African American voter.
Just keep in mind that much of that will likely be offset by Tribune readers going to the polls in the Cook suburbs and CD 6, 8, and 10. The Oct. 19 SurveyUSA crosstabs had Rod's job approval at 39-40% in the burbs.
Two other interesting things in SurveyUSA. Rod is getting absolutely clobbered downstate, with a 25% job approval rating. Given the number of high profile house and senate races downstate that will be cranking out voters on both sides and down the middle, traditional Dem GOTV efforts will be working against Rod.
Interestingly, another turnout of another traditional dem voter block also appears to be working against Rod. Rod has received numerous labor endorsements, and organized labor is working to turn out their voters for Rod, Stroger, and targeted Congressional and legislative races.
Unfortunately for Rod, his job approval rating among union members, according to Survey USA, is only 37%, with 58% dissaproving. Granted, this is not a head-to-head match up, but if I were Blagojevich, I'd be very nervous about blanket turn-out efforts by organized labor. They could be hurting more than they are helping. And these numbers are before the Rezko indictment.
Anon Sequitor
· 3 years ago
As I got off the train loaded with DuPage suburbanites earlier today, a group of suited businessmen were talking about how they planned to vote for Whitney because they couldn't stand either Blago or Judy.
I'd say Whitney hits the mid-teens.
Unless there is a wild weekend surprise - there has to be something brewing out there. If so, then all bets are off. It will be a wild finish.
Louis G. Atsaves
· 3 years ago
On all my stops today, I can reliably and scientifically predict the following:
Whitney drops to 5% as people continue to reassess their prior "non of the above" stance, (many early voters however could not change their minds in time!);
Blagojevich climbs to 46% from 44% picking up a small percentage of the undecideds and "non of the aboves,
Topinka 48%, picking up the majority of the "non of the aboves" and undecideds.
1% never counted ballots from Cook County as poorly trained judges still experience problems with the new computerized voting machines, but mathematically it will make no difference. We will see those results by 11/11! (Maybe!)
Margin of error: + or - 100%.
Thought about this scenerio last night after having only a few drinks!
Big Guy
· 3 years ago
JBT 47%, Blago 44%, Whitney 9%.......We can only hope sanity prevails.........
HRH Weezer
· 3 years ago
Whitney gets 8%.
Frosty Da Snowman
· 3 years ago
Eric (12:25) asked: Whats so “nutty†about health care, funding schools equally, sustainable engergy and clean government?
Frosty says: Providing healthcare is not a valid function of government. "Funding schools equally" would mean that I'd be working X hours per day to pay the salaries of the snoozers, boozers and losers that masquerade as "teachers" in the Chicago Public School system. "Sustainable energy?" LOL not in our lifetime so just forget about it. "Clean government?" No such thing...never will be.
gdub
· 3 years ago
Whitney beats Topinka but Rod wins
Carl Nyberg
· 3 years ago
I have a hard time seeing Blagojevich breaking 46%. I have a hard time seeing Topinka breaking 43%.
Whitney will get most of the remaining vote. Whitney will get 9-11%, maybe a little more.
Vinron
· 3 years ago
I voted early for Whitney. Judy just didn't persuade me as to her leadership skills.
Although I disagree with Whitney's position on some issues, should he win, he wouldn't be able to implement those ideas in Illinois anyway. I find his view on open carry better than the gun-registration nuts who don't know what assault weapons are, but know that they should be banned.
Unfortunately, I see Rod winning. Rod-42, Judy-40, Whitney-16, Nieukirk/Stufflebeam-2. Interesting, but not shocking numbers and everyone forgets about the election until the indictments roll in. Sigh.
Calypso
· 3 years ago
My head bought into the "Vote Blago 2006, get Quinn 2007" line and I intended to do just that. Then, when I actually voted my conscience spoke and I impulsively voted for Whitney instead. I do not regret it. It's a relief, actually.
Jechislo
· 3 years ago
Topinka 45.5% Blagojevich 44.5% Whitney 10%
The weekend polls always 'favor' the Democrat candidate because Republicans are not at home as much on Sat-Sun. That's why the latest poll (not taken on a weekend) shows that Judy is coming on strong. It's going to be down to the wire. I think an appropriate "Thanks Whitney for helping Judy win this" will be in order.
anon
· 3 years ago
I'm not sure of this but I think everyone above who said they voted early voted for Whitney. The results from above on those who actually voted already: Blago 0 Topinka 0 Whitney 6
It's a landslide for the greens.
Beowulf
· 3 years ago
Unless Patrick Fitzgerald drops a bomb shell before Tuesday, it is going to be a toss up between Judy and Rod. Whitney might get between 16%-18% though. I am surprised by how many people are saying that they aren't going to bother to vote for anyone because neither Rod nor Judy is worth the price of gasoline that they would burn going to vote for them.
T.J.
· 3 years ago
Whitney will not get double digits. The Green always polls double or triple what he gets at the ballot box.
Mr. Stuffleupagus will be lucky to take a whole percentage point.
Greener Futures
· 3 years ago
These posts are quite entertaining. I am glad to see the Perpetually Governing Party hacks in here advocating people vote for THEIR crook.
Problem is, people don't have to vote out of fear or lesser evil mentality because Rich Whitney offers a hopeful and positive choice for people who are sick and tired of their vote being taken for granted.
My prediction: Whitney pulls a Jesse Ventura. Everyone I know is voting for him and I live in Union county of all places.
People are voting for Whitney for many reasons, my reason is that it sends a message to the Democrats that they need to move more to the left and enact responsible policy for education, energy, transportation, healthcare, etc. We all know the GOP in IL is a JOKE. The Green Party's focus on the future means that they will hold elected officials accountable for promises that are made mid-campaign. Let the IL Green Party provide the much needed checks and balances that are required in a healthy democracy. We already know the Republicrats are in cahoots with eachother to keep the power and the campaign contributions lining their pockets.
Let the Green Party usher in the new era of politics, here's to IL going Green '06! Let the heartland lead the way in progressive, people-centered politics!
FRESH POLL RESULTS FROM SURVEY USA - 11/2/6 !!! Blago 45 JBT 37 Whitney 14 Other/Undecided 4
Angie
· 3 years ago
Re: "IF the Copley numbers are accurate, and they have been in the past, I’m betting that alot of undecided voters are going to go with Topinka..."
It is very simple. It is just time for Illinoisans to make them all one termers until someone comes along who demonstrates that they deserve a second term.
You JBT bashers haven't given her a shot yet. Give her a shot already. Rod had his, and we're the laughingstock of the nation right now.
Jake's Chicago Politics
· 3 years ago
I know this may sound absurd but this is what I predict will happen:
JBT:39% Gov:34% Whitney:25% Write Ins:2%
or if this whole thing with Whitney getting a lot of votes turns out to be a disaster then it should be more like this:
JBT:47: Gov:43% Write ins:7% Whitney:3% Overall the Green Party will still have more of an effect on the Dems even though some of those gun freak republicans who don't like topinka may vote for Whitney because of his views on allowing people to walk around with concealed weapons.
Paul, Just This Guy, You Know?
· 3 years ago
As I've written at length on my blog, I'll be writing in Randy Stufflebeam. Not a protest vote, but a vote for the only pro-life candidate available.
A Governor Topinka would be a disaster for the IL GOP.
The Conservative
· 3 years ago
I can say, in no way do I support the Green party. I do know of many solid Conservatives that have already voted that way. Judy has repeatedly said she dosen't need the conservatives, we are just granting her wish.
PalosParkBob
· 3 years ago
I already voted for Whitney as the "none of the above" candidate, and have been touting this to my middle-of-the-road Dem and GOP friends. It seems to be taking root, since every reasonable person should find voting for JBT or Blago abhorrent.
62% of the GOP voters who voted in the primary DIDN'T want JBT to be the nominee, and she's dissed just about every common sense conservative voter in her party.
The only ones who seem to want Blago are his cronies, "favored" contractors, state patronage workers and their families.....and of course the US Attorney's office and FBI.
I make it
Whitney-12% Blago-47% JBT- 40% Others-1%
(There's an awful lot of Blago patronage out there)
steve schnorf
· 3 years ago
At this point I think it is an election decided by perhaps 60,000 votes, and who wins dependent on what percent of the total Whitney gets.
All Comments
Whitney gets 12%.
What is a "major party" anyway? Is there really any objective definition of that term, or is it just something that Republicans and Democrats use to promote the status quo? State election law defines "new" and "established" political parties; and following this election, there will be three legally established political parties statewide in Illinois--the Democratic Party, the Green Party, and the Republican Party.
That having been said, it does seem to me that many people will also see Whitney on the ballot for the first time when walking into the voting booth; and I suspect that many will choose to vote for him right then and there. If the "protest vote theory" is correct, then the two-thirds of voters who don't yet know about Whitney will significantly add to his numbers.
It's going to be an extremely close race. I am not going to speculate on the results right now, suffice to say that will be a shock to many.
Rod 39%
JBT 35%
Whitney 25%
Nieuk & others 1%
When I ask them what they know about the Green Party, they just shrug. I advise them to go to the Green Party's national site and look at what the party stands for. The ones I have spoken to after they have looked at the Green Party site have withdrawn their support for Whitney because of the "nutty" views of the Greens.
I think that Blagojevich will walk away with this thing on Tuesday. I don't think most of the people in Illinois really think he did anything more than commit technical violations of arbitrary election laws. People just won't make a connect between questionable campaign contributions and their own state of being.
I think that most folks are so used to this stuff that they see it as "business as usual." I also think that there will be a large sympathy vote for him as well from independent women who feel that Fitzgerald is conducting a political witch hunt.
My guess on the headlines next Wednesday morning? Blago 60% Topinka 35 Whitney 5.
Indeed I think Blago is dirty, but I don't think most Illinoisans consider that as a reason to vote against him.
Whitney gets about 4.99999% oh so close, but no cigar.
I am in agreement with the 5% to 10% Green total. I think the overly optimistic predictions of 25% or more are due to someone smoking a little too much green...if you know what I mean.
It will be Blago 52-Judy 42 and the rest "other".
Even if the greens do pull 5 it won't make any difference in future elections where they will be exposed for the joke that they really are.
Blagojevich argues citizens should vote against Topinka; Topinka argues citizens should vote against Blagojevich.
What's so crazy about voting against both of them?
As for Sangamon County, well, any vote not for Blagojevich is a protest vote this time around.
Most folks will feel that the marginalized JBT hasn't a chance; ran a pretty lame campaign anyway and will hold their noses, lock down their cookies, sprinkle themselves with Lourdes water, say GREAT Acts of Contrition and vote for the 'unindicted' Hater of Cavemen Everywhere.
As a stone-Neanderthal, I take exception to the Governor's comments
If you agree with Whitney on more issues than not, then by all means vote for him, but to do so out of protest, I think, makes you a fool (maybe even more of a fool than the fools you are going to vote for Blagojevich)!
That said, I think he will get about 9%.
I'm proud to vote Green and anticipate voting for more Green candidates in the future once they gain established party status.
We've certainly won more races than Democrats and Republicans on the international scene. Plus, you're comparing apples to oranges--with the election laws that Republicrats have written, Greens don't compete on a level playing field; and considering that we refuse all corporate campaign contributions, it seems that we do pretty darn well, all things considered.
I have been planning on voting for Whitney as a protest vote because the Rod and Judy Show makes me want to vomit (especially the Rod portion of the show) - despite Whitney's ridiculous and wrong view that people should be permitted to carry handguns in open view - what's up Heston?).
I am probably still going to vote for the Green Guy, but there's a chance I might say "screw it" and vote for Judy Ba-Da-Bing-Ka...I've never voted GOP for governor, but I'm tempted.
Maybe I'll just flip a coin?
November 8th Results:
Blagojevich: 46% (More voters need to read)
Topinka: 41% (Those who do read are upset)
Whitney: 12% (Independent Dems are nauseous)
Nieuk: 1% (Some people DO vote drunk)
I believe Whitney will get 20-25 percent of the vote. He is a strong candidate and is the only one bringing new ideas to the table instead of trying to preserve the weak staus quo. The only reason he wont get more is because people silly reservations for voting for third parties.
Frosty at 10:25 The ones I have spoken to after they have looked at the Green Party site have withdrawn their support for Whitney because of the “nutty†views of the Greens.
Whats so "nutty" about health care, funding schools equally, sustainable engergy and clean government?
Voting for patchwork programs, corruption, using gambling to fund the schools, and for people who think that they OWN peoples votes. That seem nutty to me.
Those who are voting Rod are sticking with party lines as are those who are voting Judy. It's the only way I can explain why anyone would vote for either of them given what this campaign season has been like, with her not truly spelling out what she stands for and him, well, just being him.
Me, I'm still torn. I can't vote for Judy or Rod, because I don't trust either of them to do what's best for the state. I want to vote for Whitney, but I don't agree with everything he stands for. And I'm going to vote later today.
Blagojevich 45%
Whitney 8%
When the 'protest' vote actually gets into the booth and considers what they're doing they'll ultimately vote with one of the two major parties. Topinka will be the better recipient of that vote.
Our entire country is tired of the 2-party, corporate sponsored farce that our elections and politics in general have become.
Cast a vote you won't be ashamed of on Novemeber 8th
Whitney with 45%
Whitney would've fared better if Rod was 15 points up. Defecting Dems will reconsider at the poll.
All in all, I expect a lot of hovering, hesitant fingers on that all important first page.
Voters want a change (look at the right/wrong direction and job approval ratings), but it usually takes a little something extra to close the deal.
How many times have we been shoe-shopping with a friend or girlfriend who spends 2 hours trying on every pair of shoes, only to walk away empty handed?
On the otherhand, how many times have you been shopping with someone who bought something that they really didn't want or need just because they had to have something new?
IF the Copley numbers are accurate, and they have been in the past, I'm betting that alot of undecided voters are going to go with Topinka, just because they feel like they can't stand Rod, even if they aren't thrilled with Judy.
By the way, there's been alot of smack talk about machine turnout for Rod in Cook County, and Team Stroger will definitely be working to turn out every African American voter.
Just keep in mind that much of that will likely be offset by Tribune readers going to the polls in the Cook suburbs and CD 6, 8, and 10. The Oct. 19 SurveyUSA crosstabs had Rod's job approval at 39-40% in the burbs.
Two other interesting things in SurveyUSA. Rod is getting absolutely clobbered downstate, with a 25% job approval rating. Given the number of high profile house and senate races downstate that will be cranking out voters on both sides and down the middle, traditional Dem GOTV efforts will be working against Rod.
Interestingly, another turnout of another traditional dem voter block also appears to be working against Rod. Rod has received numerous labor endorsements, and organized labor is working to turn out their voters for Rod, Stroger, and targeted Congressional and legislative races.
Unfortunately for Rod, his job approval rating among union members, according to Survey USA, is only 37%, with 58% dissaproving. Granted, this is not a head-to-head match up, but if I were Blagojevich, I'd be very nervous about blanket turn-out efforts by organized labor. They could be hurting more than they are helping. And these numbers are before the Rezko indictment.
I'd say Whitney hits the mid-teens.
Unless there is a wild weekend surprise - there has to be something brewing out there. If so, then all bets are off. It will be a wild finish.
Whitney drops to 5% as people continue to reassess their prior "non of the above" stance, (many early voters however could not change their minds in time!);
Blagojevich climbs to 46% from 44% picking up a small percentage of the undecideds and "non of the aboves,
Topinka 48%, picking up the majority of the "non of the aboves" and undecideds.
1% never counted ballots from Cook County as poorly trained judges still experience problems with the new computerized voting machines, but mathematically it will make no difference. We will see those results by 11/11! (Maybe!)
Margin of error: + or - 100%.
Thought about this scenerio last night after having only a few drinks!
Whats so “nutty†about health care, funding schools equally, sustainable engergy and clean government?
Frosty says: Providing healthcare is not a valid function of government. "Funding schools equally" would mean that I'd be working X hours per day to pay the salaries of the snoozers, boozers and losers that masquerade as "teachers" in the Chicago Public School system. "Sustainable energy?" LOL not in our lifetime so just forget about it. "Clean government?" No such thing...never will be.
Whitney will get most of the remaining vote. Whitney will get 9-11%, maybe a little more.
Although I disagree with Whitney's position on some issues, should he win, he wouldn't be able to implement those ideas in Illinois anyway. I find his view on open carry better than the gun-registration nuts who don't know what assault weapons are, but know that they should be banned.
Unfortunately, I see Rod winning. Rod-42, Judy-40, Whitney-16, Nieukirk/Stufflebeam-2. Interesting, but not shocking numbers and everyone forgets about the election until the indictments roll in. Sigh.
Blagojevich 44.5%
Whitney 10%
The weekend polls always 'favor' the Democrat candidate because Republicans are not at home as much on Sat-Sun. That's why the latest poll (not taken on a weekend) shows that Judy is coming on strong. It's going to be down to the wire. I think an appropriate "Thanks Whitney for helping Judy win this" will be in order.
The results from above on those who actually voted already:
Blago 0
Topinka 0
Whitney 6
It's a landslide for the greens.
Mr. Stuffleupagus will be lucky to take a whole percentage point.
Problem is, people don't have to vote out of fear or lesser evil mentality because Rich Whitney offers a hopeful and positive choice for people who are sick and tired of their vote being taken for granted.
My prediction: Whitney pulls a Jesse Ventura. Everyone I know is voting for him and I live in Union county of all places.
People are voting for Whitney for many reasons, my reason is that it sends a message to the Democrats that they need to move more to the left and enact responsible policy for education, energy, transportation, healthcare, etc. We all know the GOP in IL is a JOKE. The Green Party's focus on the future means that they will hold elected officials accountable for promises that are made mid-campaign. Let the IL Green Party provide the much needed checks and balances that are required in a healthy democracy. We already know the Republicrats are in cahoots with eachother to keep the power and the campaign contributions lining their pockets.
Let the Green Party usher in the new era of politics, here's to IL going Green '06! Let the heartland lead the way in progressive, people-centered politics!
Topinka 34%
Whitney 30%
45% Blagojevich (D)
14% Whitney (G)
4% Other/Undecided
Survey USA, 11/02/2006
JBT 39%
Whitney 14%
(Write ins) 1%
http://people-press.org/reports/display.php3?Re...
Blago 45
JBT 37
Whitney 14
Other/Undecided 4
It is very simple. It is just time for Illinoisans to make them all one termers until someone comes along who demonstrates that they deserve a second term.
You JBT bashers haven't given her a shot yet. Give her a shot already. Rod had his, and we're the laughingstock of the nation right now.
JBT:39%
Gov:34%
Whitney:25%
Write Ins:2%
or if this whole thing with Whitney getting a lot of votes turns out to be a disaster then it should be more like this:
JBT:47:
Gov:43%
Write ins:7%
Whitney:3%
Overall the Green Party will still have more of an effect on the Dems even though some of those gun freak republicans who don't like topinka may vote for Whitney because of his views on allowing people to walk around with concealed weapons.
A Governor Topinka would be a disaster for the IL GOP.
62% of the GOP voters who voted in the primary DIDN'T want JBT to be the nominee, and she's dissed just about every common sense conservative voter in her party.
The only ones who seem to want Blago are his cronies, "favored" contractors, state patronage workers and their families.....and of course the US Attorney's office and FBI.
I make it
Whitney-12%
Blago-47%
JBT- 40%
Others-1%
(There's an awful lot of Blago patronage out there)