http://capitolfaxcom.disqus.com/NoneenWed, 18 Oct 2006 08:13:00 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2006/10/17/question-of-the-day-189/#comment-18053408<p>The smartest thing Judy can do in the way of a campaign ad is to simply confront "why" she did not speak out against Governor George Ryan when George Ryan was in office. That would give her a "huge" bump up in the polls with the right wing of the Illinois GOP Party if she had a reasonable answer. Until Judy does that, 30-40% of the GOP right-wing element will continue to refuse to vote for her. Rich Whitney will probably get those votes or these conservatives will simply not vote for governor. Most of them view Judy as simply "George Ryan with breasts".</p><p> The right wing conservatives represent a very large percentage of the GOP voters. One simple commercial answering why she was silent during the "George Ryan Years" would give her one huge boost in the polls. Without this group, she hasn't got a chance.</p>BeowulfWed, 18 Oct 2006 08:13:00 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2006/10/17/question-of-the-day-189/#comment-18053407<p>Someone asked, "How can anyone even take this guy seriously?"</p><p>They're Illinois Democrats! Good God, but that's obvious. They act like they just don't *get* it, which is why you assume they just don't *get* it. Even if you think you're doing a lesser of two evils vote, it ain't rocket science to figure out that JBT came out of the Ryan fiasco unscathed, but the feds are crawling all over Blago's administration. This is a no-brainer, so if you don't *get* it, you're running on NO brain.</p><p>And on “Topinka needs to find something to shake-up the situation," here's an idea. Fitz can roll out the indictment BEFORE the election and do us all a favor while also helping to save the Dems from themselves.</p>AngieWed, 18 Oct 2006 02:40:32 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2006/10/17/question-of-the-day-189/#comment-18053406<p>My thought would be that Topinka needs a split; probably 75% positive and 25% negative.</p><p>The Positive: Blagojevich dodged the debates and thereby was able to avoid pesky, potentially embarrassing questions. In so doing, he also deprived Topinka of any chance to utilize that forum to promote her agenda, explain her plans and outline her proposed programs. At the end of the day, that added value may have benefited him more than his primary motivation did. Topinka needs to establish that she does in fact have a vision for Illinois and needs to establish that pronto, so 75% positive ads are in order. She should supplement these by stealing a page straight from the Governor's playbook – generate as many press releases as she can crank out, as fast as she can crank them out. It worked for Blagojevich for his entire term as Governor - and those are FREE!</p><p>The Negative: I don't disagree with those who have commented that the media can do a pretty good job of hounding Blagojevich for his misdeeds, but Topinka can't rely on that exclusively. The $1,500 birthtism gift, "endemic hiring fraud", the underassessed house and various contracts for contributors were all fun - and damaging - while they lasted, but news cycles are brief and the media cannot be counted on to keep pounding these points home daily. Once there are no new developments to a story, it will rapidly transition from the front page and headlines to the editorial page and relative obscurity, so 25% negative ads remain necessary to keep bringing the public back to these things.</p><p>I believe Carl Nyberg's earlier comment that "Topinka needs to find something to shake-up the situation" sums things up well. Wouldn't it be nice if she could give up commercials entirely and donate the remains of her advertising budget to Pat Fitzgerald? Let him use the money for staff overtime and maybe he can deliver an indictment of the Governor by election day. THERE is a press release that would matter!</p>Casey JonesWed, 18 Oct 2006 00:00:37 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2006/10/17/question-of-the-day-189/#comment-18053405<p>So, let me get this straight....</p><p>Within a week of the primary, Blago starts spending millions of dollars attacking Topinka over the airwaves.</p><p>Several months later, she goes on the air, with ads that basically nobody can take issue with factually, (such as simply showing him at his own press conference) and now Mr. Testicular Virility is going to complain that his opponent is claiming "he is the worst person in the world and the world is coming to an end?"</p><p>How can anyone even take this guy seriously?</p><p>I would call him a shameless politician, but that would be unfair to shameless politicians.</p>Establishment RepublicanTue, 17 Oct 2006 23:17:10 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2006/10/17/question-of-the-day-189/#comment-18053404<p>The Doctor 8:00 pm:</p><p>On the contrary. I talked to her in person just last week and she looked fantastic. Very upbeat and energetic.</p>JechisloTue, 17 Oct 2006 22:31:54 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2006/10/17/question-of-the-day-189/#comment-18053403<p>I just read through all of today's posts again. What strikes me as unbelievable are the Blago supporters knocking JBT for only being at 30% in the new poll while the incumbent governor is at 39%. Blago has spent millions, and millions, and millions on negative JBT ads and, with the Rezko indictment, we now know why he used this tactic. He's smart enough to know that Fitz would hit him hard before the election. An incumbent governor 3 weeks before the election and he isn't even at 40% and guys like Bill keep saying the race is over. It ain't over 'till it's over and this one is FAR from being in the win column for the Democrats. I predict a JBT win because Whitney gets over 10%.</p>JechisloTue, 17 Oct 2006 22:21:28 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2006/10/17/question-of-the-day-189/#comment-18053402<p>Bill, I found you, man. I won't tell. Anybody asks, I'll tell 'em you're on the grassy knoll.</p>Arthur AndersenTue, 17 Oct 2006 22:02:53 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2006/10/17/question-of-the-day-189/#comment-18053401<p>Bill Cameron at WLS had fun with a Topinka quote today regarding Blago: "He's aired (incredible number of) commercials trying to make me look bad so he looks better. Well, you can put perfume on a pig, but it isn't going to smell any better".</p><p>We've known for some time now Blago's operation isn't kosher. But this quote makes me think Judy has her steam up and isn't about to put on an apron and serve milk and cookies and all positive spots.</p><p>It's a middle of the road way to go, and they say never show your candidate's face in negative spots about the other guy, but I think with the budget she's got, and the time left, that's the way to go: run negative spots, but the tags should be her, being upbeat and giving a line about one of her alternatives.</p><p>The Veterans story is a good one for this:<br>(Narrator, over scary imagery) Rod Blagojevich talks big about helping veterans, but for a $1500 bribe, you can bump a gulf veteran in line for a state job under his administration... and if you are looking for a bed at the state veteran's home, they aren't there, underfunded because Rod borrowed their money for use elsewhere."(maybe a Picture of Blago sign over tollway arch)</p><p>(Judy)"I'm JBT, a military mom with a 20-year record of working hard for veterans, FOR REAL. I'll put back the money taken from veterans services and respect the hiring rules for veterans... vote for me as Governor; together, we'll make good on the promises THEY made you."</p>Come ON!?!?!Tue, 17 Oct 2006 21:57:44 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2006/10/17/question-of-the-day-189/#comment-18053400<p>Frankly, I'd like to see the money she has left used to get her some counseling. She doesn't seem to be looking or doing too well.</p>The DoctorTue, 17 Oct 2006 21:00:43 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2006/10/17/question-of-the-day-189/#comment-18053399<p>Ken in Aurora - 4:50 p.m.</p><p>Absolutely hilarious!</p>RexTue, 17 Oct 2006 19:45:19 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2006/10/17/question-of-the-day-189/#comment-18053398<p>The real question regarding the Cubs is what time next season will we begin hearing that famous Cub anthem, "Wait until next year." Will it start in August or July?</p>DRBTue, 17 Oct 2006 19:27:26 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2006/10/17/question-of-the-day-189/#comment-18053397<p>Attack! Attack! Attack! Judy needs to keep the negative ads coming.</p>RexTue, 17 Oct 2006 19:25:55 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2006/10/17/question-of-the-day-189/#comment-18053396<p>Rod's claim that he's produced a positive ad will certainly make for enlightening dinner conversation between him and his fellow inmates in the federal prison he is incarcerated in come this time in 2010.</p>fedup demTue, 17 Oct 2006 19:11:44 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2006/10/17/question-of-the-day-189/#comment-18053395<p>I think she should go positive. Blagojevich and his cronies are doing (and have done) an extremely good job showing the negative on himself. Blagojevich has shown us what he could and could not do; I think it is time to give someone else a shot. As a lifelong dem, originally from Chicago, I will not support this guy again. Judy or Rich will get my vote.</p>state worker ATue, 17 Oct 2006 18:31:00 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2006/10/17/question-of-the-day-189/#comment-18053394<p>Rich: two potential QOTD's:</p><p>1) Where is Bill in the commercial?</p><p>2) Will Rezko show?</p>Arthur AndersenTue, 17 Oct 2006 18:05:21 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2006/10/17/question-of-the-day-189/#comment-18053393<p>Bill, are you one of the squirrels?</p>Ken in AuroraTue, 17 Oct 2006 17:50:55 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2006/10/17/question-of-the-day-189/#comment-18053392<p>Topinka should go positive. What does she have to lose at this point. Articulate her won vision. She has some good stuff from what I can tell. She can use that.</p><p>As for the governor's ad. Well that hurt and that does indicate that Topinka needs a new strategy. Besides we've already seen what the governor can and has done so far in his term.</p>LevoisTue, 17 Oct 2006 17:28:32 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2006/10/17/question-of-the-day-189/#comment-18053391<p>New tag line for Blago - " What's he Conspiring" - And on the sports front maybe afterall Fitzgerald will hit the game winning homer w/ bases loaded w/ Blago, Kelly, and Monk on the bases ( assuming Rezko's still "at Large" with an arrest warrant (international) out. And the Cards win the series - God, Life IS good!</p>Citizen ATue, 17 Oct 2006 17:24:48 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2006/10/17/question-of-the-day-189/#comment-18053390<p>No but I am in the ad. Watch carefully.</p>BillTue, 17 Oct 2006 17:13:07 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2006/10/17/question-of-the-day-189/#comment-18053388<p>Judy's gotta go negative big time. No question. Again the analogies with the Poshard campaign of 1998. The frontrunner could start going more positive near the end, because he could afford to. Negatives could blow up in Judy's face - but they might also save her. They almost saved Poshard in 1998.</p><p>At this point in her campaign, it's gotta be high risk, high reward.</p>ZCTue, 17 Oct 2006 17:12:27 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2006/10/17/question-of-the-day-189/#comment-18053387<p>To whoever said that "As to JBT, she and her team are running the single worst serious Republican campaign that I can remember."</p><p>Oh no. That would have to be the Alan Keyes fiasco. What was ANYONE thinking by bringing him in? The only plausible theory is that they wanted to bring in another black dude to go up against Barack Obama, and since they couldn't run a more liberal guy against our current Senator Rock Star, they had to drag in a complete social/religious conservative.</p><p>But I'm glad they did it. Now they can honestly say that look, we gave a minority AND a social conserv a chance, and Illinois voters, even Republican voters/leaners won't elect someone so far out of the mainstream. It was a necessary lesson to learn that it wasn't going anywhere. It said to the social conservs, you had a shot, the voters spoke, and even our Illinois Republicans don't want this.</p><p>This state has a more down-to-Earth crowd even in GOP territory in some of the 'burbs. You CANNOT win in this state with either party if you're a complete fruitcake like Keyes.</p><p>But it was fun to watch him cry and scream about Republicans not supporting him at all. Especially since he was dragged in from out of state, which was another big fat negative (the fact that he's an extreme, far right fruitcake aside, that is).</p><p>But yes, Keyes has to be the lowest of lows. Glad it is over and done with and that the lesson was learned.</p>AngieTue, 17 Oct 2006 17:02:55 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2006/10/17/question-of-the-day-189/#comment-18053386<p>I'd have no trouble sending my kids to work for Shimkus...thanks for the advice!</p><p>But you have no pro-life credentials, or track record of caring for kids, why start now...oh, that's right, because it's a chance for you to ding a republican...forgot about your obsession.</p>Sweet LouTue, 17 Oct 2006 17:01:30 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2006/10/17/question-of-the-day-189/#comment-18053385<p>That is a darn good commercial. I was waiting for him to say, "Ah did not have financial relations with that man, Mister Rezko" the Clinton parallels are so profound. As with Clinton, the fibbing started as soon as his pips started moving.</p><p>He's not the worst guy in the world, the world is not going to end (may come close for Redd, myself and some others if the Mets win tonight) the State budget is not balanced, yada yada yada.</p><p>So, WSJBTD? AA thinks go positive. Why? Well, negative hasn't worked. The polls all seem to concur on that. More importantly, time is short, Rod is in front, and you are outgunned. You need to bring back the "adults in charge", loyal opposition, responsible, prudent official persona that you have put forth as a candidate and as a public officeholder throughout your career. You are worn out from the trail and it shows. Turn that to your advantage and talk about your work ethic-there is a true contrast between the guy who is jogging in his neighborhood while the legislature is in and the treasurer who turns out the lights in the Capitol. (I would have put up a Blago jogging ad months ago, but I'm not following my own advice.)</p><p>The polled voters sound like they've forgotten your record and have bought into the "what's the thinking" mentality.</p><p>Now's your last chance, if not too late already, to get some of those people back.</p><p>Let the media do the dirty work on Rod. They are more than happy to do the job. Between no-show Tony, Levine's plea, and another surprise perhaps, Golden Gloves Rod could be up against the ropes straight through until the 7th.</p><p>No opinion on the Cubs other than they are a drag on Tribune Co. stock price. Well, so is the Tribune. Never mind.</p><p>PS: Hey Bill, is that you riding that little tractor in the background of Rod's commercial?</p>Arthur AndersenTue, 17 Oct 2006 16:42:55 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2006/10/17/question-of-the-day-189/#comment-18053384<p>That new Blago spot should come with a free pair of hip waders.</p><p>I would SO like to re-mix his quotes from that spot in counterpoint to audio bites from Fitzgerald.</p><p>Can't wait to see what happens next with Rezko. it won't be good for Rod either way; it will be a quick kill or slow torture, but he's going to fall from this, and no amount of slow camera crane dolly shots with soft focus can overcome that.</p>Come ON!?!?!Tue, 17 Oct 2006 16:32:10 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2006/10/17/question-of-the-day-189/#comment-18053383<p>JBT needs to go positive and admit that she is a cardinal fan but still loves the cubs. There! That should do it. Oh, And Blago is Pay to Play on Steroids . . . hmmmm, maybe he could join the Cubs after he loses the election. He can have Corky's spot.</p>Citizen ATue, 17 Oct 2006 16:31:44 -0000