CapitolFax.com - Latest Comments in Question of the day

Re: Question of the day

WaltDe — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 01:59:06 -0000

Keep up the great work on your blog. Best wishes WaltDe

Re: Question of the day

ironman — Thu, 01 Jun 2006 01:48:47 -0000

I think JBT won the debate and she will succeed in november. All of you democrats think she doesn't have a plan, but she does. you will see in november...

Re: Question of the day

Papa Legba — Wed, 31 May 2006 23:11:05 -0000

a friend: Sorry, the State's debt only went from $7 Billion to $20.3 Billion since GRod has been in office. Excuse my error, although it is probably a larger amount by now.

B Hicks: Sorry I didn't answer your question, just as you didn't answer mine. Papa would bite the bullet and raise taxes to keep the state of of bankruptcy, just where it seems to be headed now. It would be better than to keep amassing debt - but then politicians have no guts to do the right and difficult thing.

But if I really had my chance to be happy I would click my heels and make JBT and Blago go away.

BTW. Don't accuse me of being a Republican. I'll make your Mom wash out your mouth with soap.

Re: Question of the day

Moving to Wisconsin — Wed, 31 May 2006 11:45:01 -0000

Hey Silverback, those numbers you (and all the other Blago staffers who got the talking points memo a couple weeks ago from the campaign) are bogus.

Blago has not put anywhere near $7.2 billion of GRF into pensions during his term. Recall that FY 04 was 100% borrowed money and FY 06 and 07 include $1 billion haircuts. They (Filan) apparently cipher this "increase" by adding the payments on the pension bonds to the total and calling that a "contribution." Take that out and the percentage really contributed is about the same as Ryan's.

Besides, why should it be a newsflash that Rod put more GRF in pensions (even though he didn't) than Ryan or Edgar? The '95 funding law requires him to do just that with its "ramp-up" provision.

Finally, before anyone starts in on the wonder of those bonds, remember that the pensions are being docked for the full amount of their principal plus interest over the next 30 years.

If JBT lets them get away with all of this nonsense untouched, she deserves to go back to Berwyn.

Re: Question of the day

KenoMan — Wed, 31 May 2006 11:44:09 -0000

I thought the debate was great. However, would someone tell Blagojevich that he ISN'T running against George Ryan, he's running against Topinka. That "bad old Ryan" line is old and tired.

On the other hand, Topinka needs some ideas to counter Blago's line that she has no "new ideas".

Re: Question of the day

Merlin — Wed, 31 May 2006 10:59:22 -0000

The problem that should worry the governor is that JBT did horribly in the debate and still came out with a draw at worst. If she ever studies up on all his proposed programs and corruption investigations and provides specifics he will be taking the 5th right there on the debate stage.

Re: Question of the day

Anonymous — Wed, 31 May 2006 08:19:19 -0000

The debate format was far more interesting than highly scripted events. Tough questions by the moderator really helped.

With both sides on the offensive already, independents may become thoroughly disgusted and stay home. Seems like national influence and rancor has begun flowing through Illinois to bring out the base on both sides.

It's kind of amusing considering they're both unpopular moderates within their own bases for reducing government involvement in citizen's lives.

The Gov wins on accomplishments and vision, while JBT wins on accountability and open government.

The big question is what would they actually do if elected? Are there serious problems that need fixing?

Re: Question of the day

B Hicks — Wed, 31 May 2006 08:18:26 -0000

Papa-

Typical GOP response. You criticized and complained about my comment, but you didnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t answer the question, or offer an alternative.

Should she cut services or raise taxes? What would Papa Legba be happy with?

Re: Question of the day

SilverBackDemocrat — Wed, 31 May 2006 07:02:09 -0000

From an article I read: Pension funding by Governors, Newspapers have expressed concern about the use of state pension funds. The Associated Press reported the average annual payments and the percentage of general revenues devoted to pensions during the last four gubernatorial terms.

They are: 1992-95 (Edgar), $517 million, or 3.28 percent; 1996-99 (Edgar), $858 million, or 4.3 percent; 2000-03 (Ryan), $1.455 billion or 6.08 percent; and 2004-07 (Blagojevich), $1.874 billion or 7.29 percent.

Re: Question of the day

Criminal Enterprise Called Ill — Wed, 31 May 2006 02:57:33 -0000

I think Judy did great and she definitely won this debate. Blago looked completely flustered. People may be turned off by Judy's attack dog style...after all, we expect our women to be "sweet", don't we? I hope they aren't and are ready for some straight talk after the baloney spewed by Blago. Still, the indictments, that I also believe will be forthcoming for this administration would do much to put Judy over the top. We can only hope that Fitzgerald and company will save us all from more of this phony baloney. I have never witnessed a politician make so many missteps as this Governor, from the very beginning when he took aim at the Legislature (the drunken sailors). There are so many things Judy could use against him - his lack of job performance and presence in Springfield, his relationship with legislators and the MOU's, failed attempts to sell anything the State owns, the investigations, the agency audits....can anyone actually believe the voters of this State are not sick to death of this flaky Governor?

Re: Question of the day

a friend — Wed, 31 May 2006 02:52:33 -0000

newsflash...the gov did not increase the state's bond debt by 20 billion. from what I recall that amount includes the 10 billion for the pension bond, but that was swapped with pension debt (you recall the 43 billion debt that was created during three gop admins). if you look at the budget and see what was actually issued, I think the state has sold roughly 8 billion under blago, but most of that is money tied to reappropriations/illinois first projects and not projects tied to the current administration. so, let's stick to the facts. we could all use a reality check from time to time when it comes to the state, no matter which side you may be on.

and, topinka annoyed the heck out of me. I don't know how the gov sat thru that one. can hardly wait for round two.

Re: Question of the day

Papa Legba — Tue, 30 May 2006 23:28:53 -0000

B Hicks:

I am glad you believe that GRod has put together a plan that will work without raising taxes. BTW. What plan are you refering to? All of his previous plans, well the one or two that were implemented, actually did cost the citizens of Illinois. Those programs may have been paid for from money in special funds. Do you know how the money gets into those special funds? From the fees on services you receive when you get an oil change, new tires, garbage collection, and on and on. So you are actually getting hosed twice. When you have to pay the fee and when GRod blows the money. How does that feel?

Can you name two programs from a GRod press release that has been implemented and is helping citizens of Illinois?

All I am aware of is GRod has increased the states bond debt obligations by $20 BILLION give or take a few dollars. Debt that your grandchildren will be paying dearly for.

Re: Question of the day

in awe — Tue, 30 May 2006 23:28:33 -0000

Where are all the jbt supporters, travel the state and talk to gop women they will not vote for her and this vote will pu the Gov back in. Com'on she comes across like a mad vindictive barfly it wont sell to rural females in Ill. Sorry guys get some body better next time this jbt boat is sinking fast.

Re: Question of the day

SenorAnon — Tue, 30 May 2006 23:24:19 -0000

Thing is, she didn't just interject her point often...she kept interrupting. interrupting Blagojevich. Interrupting Kay. Constantly interjecting her insipid little asides and prepared commentary. She was like that guy at the party who keeps interrputing with stupid jokes, and when they aren't acknowledged, they interrupt again. And again. And again. You just wanted to tell her to shut up already.

And she was befuddled when caught in her 100,000 jobs "typo." And again, when asked about her education plan. She had a big fat sack of nothing on that.

Blagojevich wasn't knocking them out of the park, but anyone here suggesing she won definitively, could probably have written their review last month, because they were going to write that no matter what.

Re: Question of the day

Disgusted — Tue, 30 May 2006 23:21:25 -0000

Why do people keep touting Blagojevice's "plans?" HE DOESN'T HAVE PLANS, HIS STAFF HAS IDEAS! The ideas rarely come to fruition or if they do, they have no funding. How is that planning?

And, it's not hard to make tough decisions when the outcome doesn't affect you or your family or your income. He doesn't seem to mind throwing any one else under a bus. If he did, he would make an effort to see who's worth keeping and who's not, not just make blanket statements about legislators, teachers, state workers and other politicians as to their way of looking at things.

He is a small-time "C" student who has never gotten his hands dirty with work. If I didn't know any better, I'd think he was related to our Commander in Chief. Maybe Rod is the first Republicrat.

Re: Question of the day

SilverBackDemocrat — Tue, 30 May 2006 22:53:40 -0000

I watched the debate online the other tonight. I thought it was really interesting. A funny thing about the debate is that the Governor did very well, at least that was my take. If I hadn't of watched the debate or read the transcripts, I would have thought the Governor did not do good, had I believed the headlines that raced throughout the state and internet. The Governor hit the nail on the head when he said that all the Republicans do is complain, complain, and complain. I think the moderator did a superb job, double Koodos to the moderator. He held both candidates feet to the fire. Ms. Topinka did not offer any details about state initiatives or policies, other than she is not for this and not for that. Like the Governor or not like the Governor, he has initiated a progressive state policy, which I am in favor of. I loved the part of the debate when the Governor pointed out Ms. Topinka's rediculous assertion that millionaires like Donald Trump would be eligible for the All Kids Covered plan. "Donald Trump doesn't qualify for the All Kids Covered plan because he doesn't live in Illinois." What is Ms. Topinka thinking? Does she and her right wing friends really believe that Millionairs would use a program for working folks. Like they, millionaires, cannot afford private health insurance. Give me a break. People need to understand that the only folks who are in need of this Health plan are folks who work and their employers' do not provide health insurance. I think the Governors body language was as good as it could be "genuine and honest." As I listened and watched Ms. Topinka make wild allegation after wild allegation, I couldn't help but laugh along with the Governor. I normally feel embarrassed when I see someone conduct themselves as she did, but for some reason I didn't this time. Probably because I could hear the "hatred" in her voice and felt the contempt from her body language. In closing, I think the Governor did pretty good, and I think Ms. Topinka looked "ok" but could be perceived a prude or "a loose cannon." Ms. Topinka continually interupted the Governor throughout the debate. Talk about scared, after seeing the debate, if there is anyone who needs to be scared, it would be the Republicans. How can anyone say "vote for me" but not have a plan on how to improve education; it appears to me that Ms. Topinka is blowing "smoke" at the people of this state while doing the "polka."

Re: Question of the day

Schiznitz — Tue, 30 May 2006 22:36:32 -0000

Odishoo for you!!!!!

Re: Question of the day

Patrick McDonough — Tue, 30 May 2006 21:33:58 -0000

I think Rod had a better hair-do. He really looked slick with his comb over that hides his bald spot that makes up for his large overbite, and eyeballs that are to close together. Both candidates had a set of sideburns that angled forward. Judy could do something about that gravel voice, but the hair-do was fine. Judy lit his ass up, but Rod figured out more programs to spend our money. Judy did get the point out about what a scum bum he is. If Judy has the issues down pat she will bury him. Patrick McDonough.

Re: Question of the day

JohnR — Tue, 30 May 2006 21:14:05 -0000

Well, reading the comments so far, it is pretty clear nobody here went into watching that debate objectively.

I almost wonder if you all watched the same debate that I did.

I will remind everyone again:

JUST BECAUSE YOU AGREE WITH SOMEONE DOESN'T MEAN THEY WON THE DEBATE

Nothing new came out during that debate. Rod stuck to his script, Judy stuck to hers. Their supporters got nothing more than hearing their own points of view broadcast on TV. Their opponents still see the Hairdo Governor and Crazy Judy.

Still, I liked the format - and I hope other stations learn from this. It is a lot more interesting when a host can call someone on their BS.

Re: Question of the day

Gregor Samsa — Tue, 30 May 2006 20:29:43 -0000

Judy took him to school. Blagownwed, indeed.

Even the worst hit Judy took, being questioned on her job growth claims, was easily countered by the fact Milorad was caught by the feds making DCEO LIE about job growth statistics in Illinois; double-and triple-counting jobs, and counting part time burger-flipper jobs as if they were CEO jobs.

I have said it before: Rod is great in small doses, but as soon as he runs out of prepared scripts and slogans, has to think on his feet, he's hopelessly outclassed in true debate. none of the ideas he claims are actually his, he's just taking credit for things his people come up with, and he's eager to blame others when something goes bad on his watch. His credibility gap shpws more and more as he keeps promising more and more with no way to deliver, or with hidden price tags that would queer the deal if the public understood them, like this lottery sale thing and the pension raids/postponements.

The thing I noticed while listening to the entire debate was after each e break, Judy and Doogie were moving on to the next issue, but Rod kept wanting to go back and get a "do-over" on the previous set of arguments, because he lost the initiative and lost on substance.

Finally here's a tip; when Rod goes for his baseball metaphors, the game truly IS over.

To paraphrase redbird; "Swing and a miss for Rod"
I predict a sweep for Judy.

Re: Question of the day

B Hicks — Tue, 30 May 2006 20:23:11 -0000

As usual, when supporters of the governor post comments, theyÃ¢â‚¬â„¢re campaign staffers. But when Topinka supporters post, theyÃ¢â‚¬â„¢re just normal everyday folk that are concerned with how the state is going to pay for new programs.

Are you concerned with where Topinka will find the money to restore staffing levels in state agencies? Are you concerned with where Topinka is going to find the money to increase the wages of all state merit-comp employees? Are you concerned with the possibilities of a tax increase or a program services cut that could harm the individual citizen in order to fund education? Is she going to reduce spending that provides services to the poor, the veterans or the elderly? Where could she possibly reduce spending? Unless itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s a plan like the governor presented, the only other choice is between reducing spending and increasing tax revenues.

The governor has put together a plan that does not increase taxes or cut services. She doesnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t have a plan. She doesnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t even have an idea.

Also, she doesnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t have plenty of time to come up with something. She needs to get on the stick.

P.S. I donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t work for the governor. I pay my Union dues each month.

Re: Question of the day

Captain America — Tue, 30 May 2006 19:56:54 -0000

The "debate" was entertaining. At best,it was a draw for both candidates.
Elvis clearly had more substance. Lucy had better sound bites.
However, I found Lucy's repeated comment claiming that Elvis had "the most investigated administration in history" less than credible given the George Ryan legacy.
Lucy's harangue will wear thin after awhile. Her primary campaign premise appears to be that people should vote against Elvis rather than vote for Lucy.

Re: Question of the day

Silas - the assassin opus dei — Tue, 30 May 2006 19:39:29 -0000

odishoo who?

Re: Question of the day

anon — Tue, 30 May 2006 19:05:16 -0000

Sounded like the good tax payers of Illinois will lose either way

Re: Question of the day

Papa Legba — Tue, 30 May 2006 18:41:56 -0000

It was a great format. Once JBT got Hot Rod off his script all he could do was keep repeating that all she does is complain. About half way through he was in prime Blago form. Deer-in-the-headlights blank face and idiotic mumblings. Still the same old Rod. All hair and no brains. I ain't buying what he is selling. Bogus proposals and programs that will never fly. That guy only wants a sound bite. Wonder how he liked his sound bites from the debate?