Home | Subscribers Only | AIM | Contact | Mobile | Subscribe | Classifieds | Calendar | Resumes
To subscribe to Capitol Fax, click here. Subscriptions are $350 per year. To advertise on the Capitol Fax Blog, please click here.
Question of the day

Tuesday, Feb 27, 2007

The fight to become the state’s “official” soft drink attracted just two bidders, Coke and Pepsi.

“We wish there were 25 bidders, because of the competition, but we’re satisfied there were two,” said Mike Klemens, spokesman for the Illinois Department of Revenue.

What, no RC?

We could have a serious debate about whether this is a good idea, or even whether it’s hypocritical of the governor to force schools to stop selling soft drinks (which brings in big bucks) while encouraging their use statewide so the state could bring in big bucks.

Instead, because I feel like something a little lighter today, here’s the question: Coke or Pepsi?

- posted by Rich Miller


52 Comments
  1. - Sporty41 - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 9:49 am:

    Without reservation the following are first place ties:

    1-A) Royal Crown Cola . . . man’o is it good!!

    1-B) Sweet Valley (Aldi’s) Black Cherry Cola . . . fantastic ice cold on a summer’s day!!


  2. - VanillaMan - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 9:49 am:

    See what happens when you are out of money? You start doing stupid things like this.

    Any official soft drink for Illinois should be an ILLINOIS soft drink company.

    CANFIELDS


  3. - Pat Hickey - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 10:06 am:

    Spoken like a Patriot Vanilla Man! However, might I offer - Green River historic and in the 30’s & 40’s was second only to that four-lettered prduct from Georgia.

    http://www.dggpro.com/TheSodaDepot/browse.asp?page=415


  4. - wrigs - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 10:07 am:

    Either will do on one condition: FILAN AND G-ROD leave once this issue is resolved


  5. - vole - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 10:17 am:

    Don’t question. Just consume. Be happy and enjoy the corn syrup. If it contributes to obesity and drives up the cost of health care then your the state (your grandchildren) can pay for more of that too.


  6. - Amy - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 10:17 am:

    Only Pepsi. I would die before I drink Coke.


  7. - zatoichi - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 10:19 am:

    No Jones Soda? If the state goes Coke does it become an ethics violation to bring in a Pepsi can? The SNL “cheeseburga, cheeseburga” jokes will have a huge opportunity here. If the state really goes for this, is the contest for the official state beer coming?

    It’s a vote for the offical “softdrink” not the official bottler? I prefer MDew but, if I gotta vote C or P, it has to be full strength Coke, not that diet stuff.


  8. - ArchPundit - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 10:21 am:

    Pepsi (okay Diet Mountain Dew)

    But to show I can bring this back to politics, there is a classic study in political science showing the historical ties between Democrats and Coca-Cola and Republicans and Pepsi (I can’t find the site and I have it filed away)

    While one’s partisan ID is best predicted by parents partisan ID, apparently their drink of choice has more influence on me than their politics of choice.


  9. - BBpolNut - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 10:29 am:

    What a stupid thing. Official soda. We have more important issues.


  10. - cermak_rd - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 10:41 am:

    Diet Coke! Breakfast, lunch and dinner of champions!

    I can’t stand regular sodas, they taste like syrup.


  11. - Anonymous - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 10:51 am:

    COKE


  12. - Fan of the Game - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 10:52 am:

    Coke. It’s not as sweet and has more carbonation. Where I grew up in southern Illinois, “Coke” was a substitute for the generic “soda.” We’d order a Coke, and the waitress would ask, “What kind?”

    My uncle’s nickname was RC because he drank so much of that product and kept it stocked in his pool hall. But many in southern Illinois prefer the lemony-lime goodness that is Ski.

    As for a state soda, that is the level we have come to in Illinois. Sad.


  13. - Bill - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 10:58 am:

    Vernors


  14. - i d - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 10:59 am:

    I’m ambivalent. Depends on whether served with say, pizza (pepsi) or by itself (coke). Never diet!!!!! Drink of healthy choice: Hot brewed tea, iced down and sweetened by Splenda.


  15. - Crimefighter - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 11:00 am:

    I hope that this isn’t the state trying to impose only one brand of soda at the vending machines. BTW, where’s Dr. Pepper???


  16. - Chitownguy - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 11:15 am:

    Pepsi is nasty… Coke Zero or Diet Coke all the way!


  17. - Wumpus - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 11:34 am:

    At the same time they are trying to ban pop sales in schools, this. More doublespeak from the tax eaters. Why not Pimp Juice as the official drink?


  18. - leigh - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 11:46 am:

    Diet Coke


  19. - Ali Bin Haddin - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 11:55 am:

    This is a gas! Coke will always outsell Pepsi because it is a better bar mixer. Rum and Coke, Jack and Coke, etc. Mixing Pepsi or Pepsi products with alcohol should be a capital crime.


  20. - Crockett - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 12:01 pm:

    Coke. Will tenants in the Thompson Center basement have to change their soft drinks (like the McDonald’s in Vegas casinos that sell Pepsi)?


  21. - Ali Bin Haddin - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 12:13 pm:

    What happens if Pepsi becomes the official drink and if the Olympics comes to Chicago with Coke as the offical Olympic Soft Drink?


  22. - Utility Infielder - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 12:16 pm:

    I’m with VM Canfields 50/50.


  23. - i d - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 12:18 pm:

    Well, if we’re talking mixers, let’s go with 7up.


  24. - Jake from Elwood - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 12:22 pm:

    JIF (oh wait there’s salmonella in that)


  25. - Just the Facts - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 12:27 pm:

    (Can’t resist the snark) Why doesn’t it surprise me that Bill would prefer something unpalatable - Vernors -


  26. - Soda sommelier - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 1:16 pm:

    Green River, baby! Since prohibition!


  27. - Patriot - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 1:35 pm:

    Is there really a difference?


  28. - Establishment Republican - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 1:51 pm:

    At the Billy Goat they would say,

    “No Coke. Pepsi.”


  29. - Way Northsider - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 1:55 pm:

    Coke is it!


  30. - He Makes Ryan look like a saint - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 1:58 pm:

    Either, as long as it has Capt. Morgan, or Jack Daniels in it!!!


  31. - paddyrollingstone - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 3:43 pm:

    The word is “pop” and RC is the Cadillac of pop.


  32. - A Citizen - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 5:13 pm:

    CocaCola regular, but really prefer Vernor’s Ginger Ale.


  33. - Blue Boy - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 5:25 pm:

    Canfield’s, its a local brand.


  34. - Blue Boy - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 5:25 pm:

    Canfield’s, its a local brand.


  35. - NoGiftsPlease - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 5:38 pm:

    Go soymilk! Ag-based and good for you! Not to mention delicious.


  36. - Little Egypt - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 5:43 pm:

    Pepsi - but only because my two older siblings LOVE Coke and I still like to push their buttons. Hello gals!


  37. - Tessa - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 5:51 pm:

    I grew up in central Illinois and my siblings still joke about drinking “sodie”. Give me my Pepsi over Coke any day. It’s sweeter, doesn’t have the bite. Coke brings back the shine to pennies, just think what it does to your insides. YUCK!


  38. - Cat - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 5:55 pm:

    Just make sure you wash your hands before you grab the Yoo Hoo!


  39. - Huh? - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 6:35 pm:

    Og My God! I can’t believe there is something that Bill and I agree about.

    Vernors for the State soda!


  40. - Norseman - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 6:37 pm:

    Pepsi


  41. - Anon - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 6:45 pm:

    Only Pepsi!!!!!!!!!


  42. - 47th Ward - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 6:48 pm:

    Coke for sure. I’d support legalizing it too, with high taxes of course. And only for adults.


  43. - pol watcher - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 6:51 pm:

    Coke in glass bottles from when I was a kid! The stuff they now sell in cans and plastic bottles is no comparison.


  44. - Papa Legba - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 6:51 pm:

    Considering a relative of Filan’s is a Pepsi lobbyist I guess we know what the official soda will be.

    Who cares, Coke is a better product anyway.

    BTW. Good choice Bill!!!


  45. - Squideshi - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 7:20 pm:

    Is this the type of thing Illinois wants to promote?


  46. - Concerned Voter - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 9:23 pm:

    Pepsi One


  47. - Duh - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 9:32 pm:

    WHO CARES? Let’s get at real state issues! This is another issue related to our light-weight Governor and his hacks. I’m so tired of this, I’m ready to move to another state — or country. I’m embarrassed! Give it up Rod, No one with any sense should care!!!!!! And this from a true Pepsi (Diet) drinker. What part of “NO GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION” does everyone not get???????


  48. - Sporty41 - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 10:29 pm:

    Duh - You have obviously not tried Sweet Valley Black Cherry Soda. 10 cents gets you 12 ounces of solid goodness.

    I will have to try the Canfield . . . can’t beat the Cadillac though. Go RC


  49. - Disgusted - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 11:28 pm:

    The blind vendor for the building I work in said that 80% of his clientele drink Pepsi. He also said that if an official drink is chosen and pushed, he will go out of business, as will a lot more of his fellow vendors. First the minimum wage was raised, then talk of a gross sales tax and now an “official” state soda. He also said that the chief person behind Coke’s push is a cousin of the Governor, whose assistants are the same ilk as our friends Brad and Lon. Same old, same old with Milarod. Will have to be buried with a corkscrew.


  50. - charlie johnston - Tuesday, Feb 27, 07 @ 11:51 pm:

    Wild Cherry Pepsi.


  51. - Diego - Wednesday, Feb 28, 07 @ 6:42 am:

    TEAM Services (connected naming rights contractor) has the sweetest deal. They get 15% commission.


  52. - The Federalist - Thursday, Mar 1, 07 @ 1:17 pm:

    I helped put the “Coke” bid together at the U of I Urbana/Champaign IN 1997. It expires June 30, 2007. Due to complaints from small vendors the General Assembly changed the purchasing act to prohibit asking for money when a new RFP was put out. HOW DOES THE STATE GET AROUND THIS????


TrackBack URI

Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.


ON THE BLOG TODAY...
* Another look at the horse race
* Obama boosts Blagojevich enemies; More on the Springfield visit
* Morning Shorts
** Yesterday's blog posts

Support The Capitol Fax Blog
Visit our advertisers...

Search This Blog...

Search the 95th General Assembly By Bill Number
(example: HB0001)

Search the 95th General Assembly By Keyword

Quick Links


Main Menu
Home
Illinois
YouTube
Pundit rankings
Obama
Subscriber Content
Durbin
Polls

Archives
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
January 2005
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004

Blog*Spot Archives
November 2005
October 2005
September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005

Syndication

RSS Feed 2.0
Comments RSS 2.0
WordPress
 

  
  » Meet Palm’s Jonathan Ive
  » Hello, Treo Pro
  » Palm Announces Treo Pro
  » got-2: Free Task Management For “List People”
  » Treo Pro Now (REALLY) Official!!!
  » LeBron James Is A BlackBerry User
  » Hurricane Information Goes Mobile
  » Review: Belkin Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger
  » MacRumors: OpenClip.org Offers Copy and Paste for iPhone Across Apps
  » Jobs: Fix for iPhone Apps Crashing in September
  » MacRumors: Screenshots for Upcoming Nike+ App for iPhone and iPod Touch?
  » iPhone 3G Connectivity Failure: Roundup
Generated by FeedInformer

  » Virtual Volumes View Indexes Backup CDs and DVDs [Featured Download]
  » Krispy Kreme Grass Flip Flops… I Have No Idea What’s Going On Here
  » Razer Announces Megalodon Gaming Headphones
  » Diaroogle Locates Public Toilets [Search Engines]
  » Copy and Paste (Maybe) Coming to iPhone Apps [Iphone 2.0]
  » The Games We Played - Tiger Electronics Baseball
  » Ask MetaFilter Roundup [Hive Mind]
Supported by feed.informer.com

» White Sox Finding Their Groove
» Walk-off homer completes second cycle
» White Sox won't allow a letdown
» Clayton Richard Is Surprised He Won Too
» Richard gets win No. 1 for White Sox
» Crede returns to game action
» Hall fine after postgame prank
» Ramirez supplying power for White Sox
» Game #126: WhiteSox (71-53) vs. Mariners (46-78)
» The Four Horsemen...pt3
Succoured by FeedInformer


  » State Senate President Emil Jones to retire, wants son in his seat - Chicago Defender
  » DNC doesn't invite Blagojevich to speak at convention - Chicago Tribune
  » Ray Wardingly joins Jerry Agar! - WLS
  » Convention watch: Romney, party-crasher - MSNBC
  » Hospice license plates not selling as petition for them promised - Urbana/Champaign News-Gazette
  » Chicago Culinary Museum and Chefs Hall of Fame Names Rick Bayless ... - Hall Of Fame Magazine
  » Illinois commission expects earful on prison plan - WTHI
  » A fine tradition of Chicago mediocrity - Chicago Sun-Times
  » Governor signs educational improvement bill - ElmLeaves
  » Senior Calendar - Aurora Beacon News
Brought to you by Feed Informer


  » Amtrak, Illinois officials to discuss service
  » Fire chief quits during contract talks
  » Richard leads White Sox over Mariners 5-0
  » Obama faces new criticism on abortion
  » Mental health exam won't be videotaped
  » Slain officer remembered by family, friends
  » Surprised cargo screening conduct at O'Hare
  » No Mega Millions jackpot winner
  » Harden pitches Cubs over Reds
  » Isringhausen likely out for season
Supported by feed.informer.com

  » OfficeMax CFO to become Allstate CFO
  » Air Force near choice on $15B copter deal
  » Daley joins local lineup at Dem confab
  » Aussie group buys Pat Arbor's firm
  » Man who suffered 9-ft. tapeworm sues Shaw's
Generated by feed dot informer dot com


  » Local teen goes to Hollywood with gridiron heroics
  » Plan to sell railway picks up some steam
  » Cicero shooting ends with residential takeover
  » 81 new firefighters are first group from '06 test
  » One dead, one wounded in South Chicago shooting
  » Should train conductors know CPR?
  » Fellow officers mourn off-duty cop shot last week
  » City agrees to arbitrator on firearms test for FOP leaders
  » Senate Dems scramble for Jones' job
  » Controversial pastor lands job at Orland Hills church
Provided by feed dot informer dot com


  » Stabbed man shows up at door of north suburban home
  » 2 arrested in Cicero barricade incident
  » 1 slain, 1 wounded in car on Southeast Side
  » Suspect arrested in Cicero barricade incident
  » Apparent barricade situation in Cicero
  » Neighborhood zoning changes: Insider's game
  » Shooting near McDonald's may have been retaliatory
  » South Side landlord set afire
  » Denied refund, customer goes wild
  » State extends health coverage for young adults
Maintained by feed.informer.com


  » EPA: Several Midwestern Counties Don't Meet New Soot Standards
  » District Urges Chicago Students to Attend School
  » Lake Shore Drive Resurfacing Begins
  » CHA Residents Mobilize to Move Elsewhere
  » CTA Presents Orange Line Extension Options
  » Immigrant’s Kin Fights to Keep Hospital from ‘Deporting’ Him
  » Daley Not Committing To Potential Lay-Offs
  » CHA Donates Space for National Public Housing Museum
  » Illinois Colleges and Universities To Fast-Track Vets' Applications
  » Bears' Orton to Start As Opening Day QB
In Association with feed dot informer dot com


  » DNC doesn't invite Blagojevich to speak at convention
  » Dig begins at Becky Thatcher House
  » Golf clubber arrested
  » Cahnman’s apology fails to impress county judge
  » Illinois commission expects earful on prison plan
  » Woman accused of abducting her own son
  » Amtrak, Illinois officials to discuss service
  » Renfro Street residence burns
  » Dollar General robbed
  » Talk regarding Jones’ seat dominates Senate session
In Association with feed.informer.com


  » December trial set for Mount Vernon man charged with sex abuse to minor
  » Banner censored after SIUC administrators receive complaints
  » Barry Kohl already in work release - Prosecutor 'disgusted' by penal system's decision
  » East St. Louis native wins gold in Beijing
  » SIU won't join in call for younger drinking age
Supported by feed dot informer dot com


» Lieberman to speak at GOP convention
» Woman celebrates birthday with mother-son robbery spree
» Police use Taser to stop schoolyard fight
» Blagojevich left off list of DNC speakers
» Plane swerves at Madrid airport, 20 reported dead
From Feed Informer


  » GOPUSA ILLINOIS Daily Clips - August 20, 2008
  » One amendatory veto slips through
  » Peorians may get a say in how it elects its own city council
  » Rod Blagojevich: Accessory After the Fact
  » GOPUSA ILLINOIS Daily Clips - August 19, 2008
  » Why Emil Stepping Down Hurts Linda Holmes
  » Bad News for News
  » The start of a new beginning
  » Anything He Wants
  » What Does Omar López Represent?
Powered by Feed Informer

» Chicago's Puerto Rican Story to Debut on WTTW11 - Extra Newspaper
» Threats against Muslim Hero all too Common - Canada Free Press
» Second time around: The benefits of running and losing - Politicker
» A fine tradition of Chicago mediocrity - Chicago Sun-Times
» US in talks with Turkey for Straits passage of its naval vessels - Turkish Daily News (subscription)
» Clear choice awaits voters in Illinois' 11th Congressional race - Southtown Star
» State politics smitten with incurable plague - Chicago Sun-Times
» Carney readies for reserves training - Citizens Voice
» District 150 an 'early college' partner - Peoria Journal Star
» Halstead tries to gather supporters for Obama speech - Peoria Journal Star
Maintained by feed dot informer dot com

» Obama draws closer to naming a running mate - La Opinión Contigo
» Poll: Iowans Favor Obama - Post Chronicle
» Johnny Cash's Daughter Disgusted About John McCain 'Endorsement' - Gigwise
» Carter to speak at DNCC, Rangel still out - Hot Air
» Dem Supporters Asked To Buy Obama Speech Tickets - cbs4denver.com
» McCain to appear on Ingraham show - Politico
» The lessons of Saddleback - The Week Daily
» Obama's Backbone Deficit - GOPUSA
» Beebe: No rush to replace slain Ark. party leader - The Associated Press
» Democrats need 'strong, unified voice' - Red and Black
Generated by feed dot informer dot com

» Amtrak, Illinois officials to discuss service - St. Louis Post-Dispatch
» Keep Blagojevich out of Senate; vote McCain - Bloomington Pantagraph
» Congressman backs CN takeover of EJ&E - Chicago Daily Herald
» Campaign Surrogates: Winners and Losers - WIS
» How Democrats Honor The Troops - GOPUSA
» Political briefs - Waukegan News Sun
» Making college affordable - In-Forum
» Public housing museum moves closer to a permanent home - Chi-Town Daily News
» Whistle-blowers - Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
» Do Democrats actually listen to T Boone Pickens? - Hot Air
Provided by feed.informer.com

    » The [Wednesday] Papers
    » City of Peoria saving money on fuel
    » The Early Bird: August 20, 2008
    » Local Companies Measuring Up
    » Missing: Author of blog on the built environment in Chicago
    » RIP, Leroi Moore
    » Open Thread (8/20/2008)
    » Victim being exploited by both candidates
    » Open the Debates
    » Reviewing the Reviews
    » Southtown Star: Clear choice awaits voters in the 11th CD
    » And It Came to Pass
Supported by feed dot informer dot com