More media consolidation in the newspaper industry, coupled with buyouts/layoffs.
Less investigative reporting as the emphasis grows for “hyperlocal” news.
In both the primary and general elections in Illinois, local bloggers will scoop newspapers in breaking campaign news.
- Commonsense in Illinois - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 10:24 am:
The current General Assembly will never adjourn and on the occasion of the 100th Special Session, absolutely nobody, including the Door Keepers will show up.
And Bill will still be good ol’ delusionally supporting Blago (we wouldn’t want ya any other way buddy).
- Enemy of the State - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 10:32 am:
1. Obama elected POTUS
2. Obama appoints Bill Clinton to the US Supreme Court
3. Blago takes Obama’s senate seat
4. Blago convicted on tax evasion charges
5. Thompsom wins Blago’s appeal at Supreme Court
6. Fortynine states seccede from Illinois in disgust.
- Dan S. a Voter - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 10:37 am:
1. “President-Elect Bloomberg”
2. Celtic FC wins UEFA Champions League.
3. BMW returns to form in F1. Renault, even with Alonso, fades.
4. Peraica crushed in State’s Attorney race.
5. ILGOP continues to be irrelevant.
Blago and Matigan sign up for a UFC fight to settle their many disputes “two men enter, one man leaves” from Mad Max Thunderdome. Last man standing wins… But both disagree on the outcome
Blago gets state to buy Wrigley Field and announces Hannah Montana is booked for two shows in August. Blago blows off special sessions #98 and #99 to attend HM shows. Con-con passes in November as voters who did not get HM tickets believe this is a “Recall Blago” measure. The voters get really ticked when Blago is still around after November. Fitzgerald makes everyone happy by indicting Blago in December.
The people (aka the tax payers) buy the Cubs and they finally win the world series. Then Mayor Daley sells (aka privatizes them to a Japan company) like he did with the Skyway.
Treasurer Alexi Gianoulias will have massive layoffs in his office getting rid of the final JBT GOP staffers in a “reorganization” and “budget cutting” move. He will thus get his people in place for his run for Governor in 2010
1. Barack wins the Presidency - And his Illinois coattails carry the day.
2. Seals beats Kirk
3. Halvorson wins
4. Foster beats Oberweiss
5. Aaron Schock loses twice - first the primary, then his bid to return to Springfield.
6. The wrong person wins Cook County SA race.
7. Daley does some stupid crap.
8. Stroger says even more stupid things.
9. Blago bloviates and causes the CTA to shut down.
10. Illinois economy goes in the crapper when Chicagoans can’t get to work because of the Governor.
11. Due to popular demand, as no one has a job to go to, cigarette ban is repealed and everyone starts smoking. Because there’s nothing else to do.
- Wanna Get Away - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 10:59 am:
By February, everyone realizes that 2008 is just 2007 all over again. Bill Murray makes a special appearance in the leaders meeting on February 2 and announces it’s “Groundhog Day”.
Emil Jones goes to the Sunshine Diner and orders everything on the menu. Tom Cross begins piano lessons. Frank Watson drives on the train tracks. Speaker Madigan kidnaps a groundhog. And Blago dresses up as “Bronco” and attends an Elvis matinee.
Blags gets Pulitzer and Time Man of Year for being a Statesman - after legislature unanimously attends Special Session on his Impeachment and passes it with 100% voting Aye!
The U.S. Supreme Court will finally put an end to the gun debate be affirming that gun ownership is an individual right protected by the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
The U.S. Supreme Court will finally put an end to the gun debate by affirming that gun ownership is an individual right protected by the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. (Corrected entry)
Universal health care for Illinoisians will NOT
happen.
There will be NO property tax relief for Illinoisians
The CTA will get money to keep going–not as much as the porkers at the CTA’s luxury trough wanted
but enough to keep the trains going.
Blago will start fundraising big time for a third term.
Income and sales taxes will NOT go up because our Democratic leaders will be pulling together to get
Hillary or Obama elected to the Big Job, at which time billions will fall into the laps of Democrats across the country from contracts, earmarks, and plush government jobs at the state and federal level. Taxes will be raised in 2009 though.
The middle class in Illinois will lose ground economically….again even though their taxes will stay the same or even go up locally except perhaps for those communities which get blessed by some of
Emil’s Earmarks.
* It will be the Year of the Deal with the U.S. Attorney’s office (more deals made by those currently under indictment, previous deals revealed by those who weren’t) as the DOJ grinds slowly but finely to an indictment of the Governor.
* An investigative reporter will reveal that a certain veteran Chicago alderman, whose former aide pled guilty, did time and agreed to cooperate in the long-ago Haunted Hall ghost payroll prosecutions, has, in exchange for certain considerations, has been providing the roadmap for the feds in both the city and state corruption probes.
* The national media will rediscover Tony Rezco and he will become a major issue in the Obama campaign.
* Obama will lose the Dem nomination to Hillary and immediately begin running for Illinois governor.
* Hillary will lose to John McCain in the General Election
i finally get a chance at the “big waves” in lake michigan — the ones my wife promised to convince me to move up here. sated, i open up the chicago beach surf shack so that others can enjoy those monsters…
The Blagojevich administration proposes a massive reorganization and consolidation of local governments, including the abolition of the Township form of government.
- lake county democrat - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 12:00 pm:
Terrorists start to blow up shopping malls, put bombs in downtown trash cans, set arson fires in western forrests, etc. The Republicans run a “we’d torture them, the Dems wouldn’t” campaign. Take a guess if America falls for it.
Health Care will be available to all Illinois citizens under the innovative new program proposed by Governor Rod Blagojevich, funded primarily by an employer head tax and a modified Gross Reciepts Tax plan.
At least three Illinois casinos will be forced to close due to increased scrutiny of customers, the no smoke law, and a general decline in the greed and need to get something for nothing that motivates suckers to gamble.
Tony Rezko is convicted for perjury for attempting to wrongly implicate President Obama and Governor Blagojevich in order to secure a lessor sentence for himself.
Chris Kelly leaves gambling rehab and heads to Las Vegas to start a new life.
Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn is appointed ambassador to Estonia by Pres. Obama.
Gov. Blagojevich appoints himself to Obama’s senate seat.
Guess who is next in line!
Michael Madigan declares himself a Republican and runs for the Third Cong. seat held by Dan Lip. Lip wins in a landslide as voters reject the “Republican” candidate as much too conservative.
On Dec. 24 the new governor signs a bill implementing the FY ‘08 budget halfway thru FY ‘09 and calls a special session to address the state’s fiscal crisis.
I predict that Special Sessions in 2008 won’t be as “special” as they were in 2007.
- Leave a light on George - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 12:11 pm:
You guys have the wrong Blago being indicted. Shady real estate dealings will get Mrs. B into trouble with the feds
- Rod sez I'm pork - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 12:18 pm:
Two words: Surrender, Earthlings.
- Jake from Elwood - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 12:28 pm:
We will only see the Governor two or three times a month as he remains in fortified home bunker as often as possible.
The governor adopts a new cause celebre (a/k/a Ryan and the Death Penalty) so that he might be remembered for something other than his co-orchestration of legislative gridlock and scandal.
His choice is pushing for the State ownership of Wrigley Field and perhaps even the Cubs.
Obama and Guiliani win the Illinois primaries.
Guiliani edges out Clinton for presidency.
John Paul Stevens retires from the Supreme Court.
Another conservative is appointed in his place.
Rich Miller declines the offer to go on another Blagojevich bus tour, but he does get to ride in the State jet with the Governor. His blog continues to thrive and prosper.
- Ravenswood Right Winger - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 12:29 pm:
Elvis Presley performs at a concert at Wrigley Field with all proceeds going to Sam Zell. During the concert, Blago appears, gets booed, dances on stage, and is arrested…not for storming the stage, but for corruption by the feds.
Yes, but will Rich’s seat be IN the plane or ON it?
- DumberThanYouThink - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 12:59 pm:
To Paraphrase Bill:
Health Care will be available to all Illinois — as it is now through Blue Cross….
At least three Illinois casinos will be forced to close — And then reopen under State Ownership. All $ stays in IL. DiceK & Co. get no consulting cash
Tony Rezko is convicted for perjury for attempting to wrongly implicate President Obama — the jury does buy his Blaggo stories and the untold stories of life in Alice’ Real Estate Office. Therefore the Blaggodiots are toasted.
Chris Kelly leaves gambling rehab and heads to Las Vegas to start a new life.
Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn is appointed ambassador to Estonia by Pres. Obama.
Gov. Blagojevich tries appoints himself to Obama’s senate seat, goes for a run and a misses deadline and gets tangentialled by the G — AGAIN.
Zell sell Cubs to Hong Kong investors and the team sets sail to the Far East. Wrigleyville reverts to former status as slum.
Blaggo has the Larry Trent Posse seize Hannah Montana at refueling stop in Pinkneyville and forces her to have permanent show. He uses cash to pay for capitol improvements. Sen. SuperStar is named to manage HM at her Duquoin Festival Site.
Hendon loses primary, is appointed to head state fair, declares slots at fairgrounds legal.
What a year!
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 1:03 pm:
Blagojevich will not be indicted until 2009, but the cloud hanging over his head will handcuff his fundraising and end his governance by press conference.
Obama wins Iowa and New Hampshire, but Clinton fights back like Jason Vorhees and we have a battle all the wayto the convention in both parties.
Huckabee narrowly wins Iowa, McCain wins New Hampshire, and Republicans have a four-way race all the way to the convention.
High-priced political consultants convince New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg to fork over millions in consulting fees so that he can be a third-place independent candidate.
House Democrats pick up two seats, Senate Democrats lose one seat.
Democrats gain two Congressional seats in Illinois: Mark Pera beats Bushicrat Dan Lipinski, and Dan Seals overcomes Mark Kirk. Make it three if Central Illinois Republicans are foolishe enough to nominate Aaron Schock.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 1:06 pm:
Rich Miller buys a new boat. His annual Independence Day Party aboard the S.S. Cesspool is a big hit.
serious economic downturn…reduced state revenues, higher than expected IL unemployment figures, way lower revenues from casinos, NOT a good picture for Illinois…
The Dir of IDOT Traffic Safety finally gets hauled out in handcuffs for if nothing else being an idiot and making this the worst place in the world to work. Please we need a good dose of leadership HELP
Why, thank you, MOON, and Dumber please try to stick to your own material although I know its hard for you guys to come up with anything original over there.
It will be quite cool for the first couple of months, followed by a slow warming trend for the next few months, then it will turn quite hot for 2 or 3 months, followed by a cooling trend for several months, ending quite cool again.
The Democrats manage to pick a candidate via the primary and caucus process prior to the convention. The GOP does not and goes into the first convention in a while that actually means anything. The GOP as a result gets a media bounce but the consequent hard feelings from the convention outcome negates that as factional squabbling breaks out.
The Dems take the presidency and hold on to their congressional lead.
Locally, more credible complaints of CPD and suburban police brutality will emerge and greater emphasis will be focussed on the conditions in jails and juvenile halls.
Businesses who catered to teens who attended late movies and late night fast food joints will lose money due to the new curfew law. Also the teens affected will not be able carpool to student events (games and dances) since they have to go straight home. More cars, more accidents– or radically less attendance at the events.
President-elect Obama’s seat is taken by Jesse White; it is a retirement gift from the Governor. (US Senate appointees rarely get re-elected; it really is the end of the line.) This gives the Governor Quinn an opening to fill that likely is very valuable in terms of easier re-election.
VM – I feel so silly, honey. No one believes in gypsies and crystal balls predicting the future.
VW – Go in there and get your fortune told. She’s really good.
VM – Hi. I’m being forced to come in here.
Gypsy – I can feel that you are as skeptical as a State Senator without a MOU. Sit down Mr. VanillaMan.
VM – You know my name?
Gypsy – I’m good. Also that bald-headed guy who left here crying told me you were walking in.
VM – You mean Bill?
Gypsy – You’re good.
VM – OK. I’m ready for a laugh. Predict our future, witchy-woman!
Gypsy – Looking into my Sphere of Knowledge…I see a 50 year old with fluffy hair dancing at a Hannah Montana concert while a General Assembly prepares impeachment documents on him. I see a teen driving a 1988 Pontiac Lemans delivering a pizza to a man named Tony in a prison cell in Joliet who was once his boss. Global warming will cause Germans to start wearing deodorant. Al Gore will start lactating and begin nursing polar bear cubs. The FBI will close the Illinois Democratic Party headquarters and the Party will be listed as a criminal organization. Todd Stroger will begin wearing red suspenders and discovers that starting each meeting by asking, “Do I smell cheese?” an effective way to lighten member’s moods. Dick Durbin will morph into Oprah in order to win re-election, and marry Stedman. Emil Jones will retire and start a new career as a country singer. Mayor Daley will discover that he now works for his son’s sewer company. Peter Fitzgerald will be hospitalized with fatigue after indicting his 43rd Illinois politician….
VM – Who is elected president in 2008?
Gypsy – This is what brought tears to Bill’s eyes. I see a President Lisa Madigan. – OK! I make that one up! One more thing Mr. VanillaMan! You will become a father again in 2008 – this time triplets.
VM – NO! How could you be sure about that?
Gypsy – Mrs. VanillaWife came in here before you, didn’t she? She ought to know!
VM – AAAAAAAAAaaaaaaa!
Gypsy – See ya!
Gypsy on cell phone – Hello Bill? I think we punked VanillaMan good!
- Mr. T to sherman - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 3:30 pm:
Chicago stops paying for downstate education. Downstate Illinois becomes Arkansas.
Legislature declares an “emergency year”, 200 bills and 600 resolutions pass both chambers.
Cook County judge declares expanded health care program to be unconstitutional. Blagojevich sues the Judge and Circuit Clerk for ignorning the proclamation.
Mike Lawrence continually begged to run for Governor as a republican; forms an exploratory committee. Rebecca Rausch and Abby Ottenhoff immediately blast Lawrence’s record as Press Secretary and accuse him of being a republican activist.
Special Session called for July 3rd to adopt FY09 budget; no substantive legislation presented.
Rich Miller presented offer to be Special Press Advisor to the Governor, but refuses out of principle.
Governor accidently tripped at State Fair 5K race; subsequent hospital bills take 120 days to be paid by Comptroller’s office. Governor sues Comptroller in Christian County Court.
2 days later, Governor hit in face by errant foul ball at Cubs game; revokes state payments to purchase Wrigley Field.
With full black eye, Governor appears at press conference to call special session on sport safety, demanding the legislature do something to help working families who get hurt at sporting events.
Obama and McCain get into a best-of-three leg wrestling competition on David Letterman. Blagojevich upset that people thought it was funny and sues World Wide Pants Productions.
Mysterious flyers appear at Chicago Gay Pride Parade with distorted picture of Blagojevich. Jack Franks questioned by State Police but close the case. Case mysteriously reopened after Springfield Attorney Don Craven submits FOIA request.
Blagojevich shows up at Democratic National Convention but forgot to bring official pass. Obama waves goodbye as Rod is escorted out of the building. Obama subsequently sued in Christian County, along with Terry McAuliffe.
Cubs are in 1st Place on September 28th but lose 4 straight to fall out of the wildcard race.
Juice Williams completes a forward pass in the first Illinois football game.
Blagojevich shows up at Governor’s Mansion unannounced - 6 staff members forced to find alternate living arrangements.
Bernie Shoenberg abruptly ends his New Years Resolution articles after 2008 ends in abject failure.
- The firm of Ray, Cuddleigh and Chelveston - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 3:59 pm:
Thanks to the feds, the new default greeting in Springfield changes from “Hi there!” to; “Testing, 1,2,3…”
One of the already-indicted retinue will see the writing on the wall and roll all the way over, speeding up the investigation so that we WILL see a Governor Pat Quinn give a Gerald Ford-like healing speech of “Our statewide nightmare is over”. It will be dodgy that he can get much done before the next election cycle comes around. Yet before it does, he and Madigan are going to dance a fandango on Emil Jones, who will resign for “health reasons” and to “spend more time with the family”.
- Pot calling kettle - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 4:49 pm:
A terrorist incident will cause George W Bush to declare a state of emergency and postpone the General Election in November.
Another state budget stalemate will erupt this summer and there won’t be a deal until August or September…because Blagojevich does the same stuff he did in 2007, but this time ASCFME goes on strike because he’ll make the mistake of trying the same stuff against them, and the state government shutdown without a budget nor a contract will force Blago to pay more attention to the situation, but his stubborness and lack of caring will delay matters for weeks.
- some former legislative intern - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 4:54 pm:
Frod (like fraud) Blagojevich and the spin sisters will continue to sound more and more desperate as they try to deflect attention from the federal probes. Frod will not be indicted this year, but 2009 looks more and more like a big year as Rezko and perhaps Kelly begin talking.
The Obama Train on Manafest Destiny ™ does to Hillary and Edwards what it has done in Illinois.
The Governor gets a call from the feds this year.
OneMan completes the Stoneman in Springfield.
- Louis G. Atsaves - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 5:32 pm:
Chief Illiniwick will magically appear in a cloud of smoke. He will lock the Governor, Speaker of the House and Senate President in the room and force them to smoke peace pipes until they make peace and decide to become servants of the people and tackle the pressing needs of this State.
The Chief will later be arrested and heavily fined for promoting smoking in a no smoking area. His case will slowly rise to the Supreme Court which will narrowly affirm the fines. The Chief will again be disgraced and banished from the State for his actions.
While all this is going on, the effects of the peace pipe will wear off and Governor, Speaker of the House and Senate President will resume their fighting and ignoring the needs of this State.
- Pot calling kettle - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 5:42 pm:
I will be appointed Lt. Gov. to Gov. Quinn. I will give you all great jobs!
If Obama or Clinton get elected to the presidency all Blagojevich’s problems simply disappear. Blagojevich the gets re-elected in 2010.
The good news is Illinois will be in the crapper long before then.
- Six Degrees of Separation - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 6:13 pm:
The primary candidates in the 14th in each party will get exactly the same number of votes, necessitating another run-off special special primary election in April 2008 instead of March 8 due to complications in scheduling. Then the 2 winners withdraw for health reasons, necessitating a special special special primary election in June 2008. No one shows up to the polling places out of confusion, and then a special special special primary election is rescheduled for August 2008. A man who legally changes his name to “None of the Above” successfully gathers enough petition signatures to run in the Republican primary, and wins in a landslide.
The great majority of posters on most blogs similar to this one will have either their facts or their conclusions (or both) wrong well in excess of 50% of the time. On this particular site the majority, but far from all, will have a batting average considerably better than that.
- Kiyoshi Martinez - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 10:21 am:
More media consolidation in the newspaper industry, coupled with buyouts/layoffs.
Less investigative reporting as the emphasis grows for “hyperlocal” news.
In both the primary and general elections in Illinois, local bloggers will scoop newspapers in breaking campaign news.
- Commonsense in Illinois - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 10:24 am:
The current General Assembly will never adjourn and on the occasion of the 100th Special Session, absolutely nobody, including the Door Keepers will show up.
- MOON - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 10:25 am:
Their will be additional indictments of people in close association to Blago. Blago will be indicted before year 2008 ends.
- Little Egypt - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 10:26 am:
Elvis Himselvis will have another year to attempt to be a governor/leader and will again fail.
- phocion - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 10:27 am:
Is snark encouraged?
- Little Egypt - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 10:29 am:
And Bill will still be good ol’ delusionally supporting Blago (we wouldn’t want ya any other way buddy).
- Enemy of the State - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 10:32 am:
1. Obama elected POTUS
2. Obama appoints Bill Clinton to the US Supreme Court
3. Blago takes Obama’s senate seat
4. Blago convicted on tax evasion charges
5. Thompsom wins Blago’s appeal at Supreme Court
6. Fortynine states seccede from Illinois in disgust.
- Dan S. a Voter - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 10:37 am:
Blago either resigns or is indicted.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 10:38 am:
===Is snark encouraged?===
Of course.
- Enemy of the State - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 10:41 am:
7. Hillary Clinton crushed by confused mob at Cubs vs Yankees World Series game.
- Skeeter - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 10:44 am:
1. “President-Elect Bloomberg”
2. Celtic FC wins UEFA Champions League.
3. BMW returns to form in F1. Renault, even with Alonso, fades.
4. Peraica crushed in State’s Attorney race.
5. ILGOP continues to be irrelevant.
- pickles!! - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 10:45 am:
Blago and Matigan sign up for a UFC fight to settle their many disputes “two men enter, one man leaves” from Mad Max Thunderdome. Last man standing wins… But both disagree on the outcome
- Bluefish - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 10:47 am:
Blago gets state to buy Wrigley Field and announces Hannah Montana is booked for two shows in August. Blago blows off special sessions #98 and #99 to attend HM shows. Con-con passes in November as voters who did not get HM tickets believe this is a “Recall Blago” measure. The voters get really ticked when Blago is still around after November. Fitzgerald makes everyone happy by indicting Blago in December.
- The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 10:51 am:
The people (aka the tax payers) buy the Cubs and they finally win the world series. Then Mayor Daley sells (aka privatizes them to a Japan company) like he did with the Skyway.
- Midwest GOP - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 10:53 am:
Treasurer Alexi Gianoulias will have massive layoffs in his office getting rid of the final JBT GOP staffers in a “reorganization” and “budget cutting” move. He will thus get his people in place for his run for Governor in 2010
- jerry 101 - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 10:58 am:
1. Barack wins the Presidency - And his Illinois coattails carry the day.
2. Seals beats Kirk
3. Halvorson wins
4. Foster beats Oberweiss
5. Aaron Schock loses twice - first the primary, then his bid to return to Springfield.
6. The wrong person wins Cook County SA race.
7. Daley does some stupid crap.
8. Stroger says even more stupid things.
9. Blago bloviates and causes the CTA to shut down.
10. Illinois economy goes in the crapper when Chicagoans can’t get to work because of the Governor.
11. Due to popular demand, as no one has a job to go to, cigarette ban is repealed and everyone starts smoking. Because there’s nothing else to do.
- Wanna Get Away - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 10:59 am:
By February, everyone realizes that 2008 is just 2007 all over again. Bill Murray makes a special appearance in the leaders meeting on February 2 and announces it’s “Groundhog Day”.
Emil Jones goes to the Sunshine Diner and orders everything on the menu. Tom Cross begins piano lessons. Frank Watson drives on the train tracks. Speaker Madigan kidnaps a groundhog. And Blago dresses up as “Bronco” and attends an Elvis matinee.
- A Citizen - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 11:07 am:
Blags gets Pulitzer and Time Man of Year for being a Statesman - after legislature unanimously attends Special Session on his Impeachment and passes it with 100% voting Aye!
- Pro-Gunner - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 11:10 am:
The U.S. Supreme Court will finally put an end to the gun debate be affirming that gun ownership is an individual right protected by the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
- Pro-Gunner - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 11:13 am:
The U.S. Supreme Court will finally put an end to the gun debate by affirming that gun ownership is an individual right protected by the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. (Corrected entry)
- Anon Sequitor - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 11:16 am:
GOVERNOR PAT QUINN!
- Garp - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 11:18 am:
Governor Quinn
- Garp - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 11:19 am:
Het Anon, greta minds think alike.
- Cassandra - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 11:22 am:
Blago will NOT be indicted.
Universal health care for Illinoisians will NOT
happen.
There will be NO property tax relief for Illinoisians
The CTA will get money to keep going–not as much as the porkers at the CTA’s luxury trough wanted
but enough to keep the trains going.
Blago will start fundraising big time for a third term.
Income and sales taxes will NOT go up because our Democratic leaders will be pulling together to get
Hillary or Obama elected to the Big Job, at which time billions will fall into the laps of Democrats across the country from contracts, earmarks, and plush government jobs at the state and federal level. Taxes will be raised in 2009 though.
The middle class in Illinois will lose ground economically….again even though their taxes will stay the same or even go up locally except perhaps for those communities which get blessed by some of
Emil’s Earmarks.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 11:26 am:
* It will be the Year of the Deal with the U.S. Attorney’s office (more deals made by those currently under indictment, previous deals revealed by those who weren’t) as the DOJ grinds slowly but finely to an indictment of the Governor.
* An investigative reporter will reveal that a certain veteran Chicago alderman, whose former aide pled guilty, did time and agreed to cooperate in the long-ago Haunted Hall ghost payroll prosecutions, has, in exchange for certain considerations, has been providing the roadmap for the feds in both the city and state corruption probes.
* The national media will rediscover Tony Rezco and he will become a major issue in the Obama campaign.
* Obama will lose the Dem nomination to Hillary and immediately begin running for Illinois governor.
* Hillary will lose to John McCain in the General Election
- Trafficmatt - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 11:36 am:
The Cubs start off all excited about the new season, but by the beginning of September everyone realizes that this is “just not our year”
The White Sox trade away good players and continue to be confused that they can’t get good players with such a low payroll.
No one will emerge at the go-to quarterback for the Bears.
The Blackhawks - nevermind
- bored now - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 11:41 am:
i finally get a chance at the “big waves” in lake michigan — the ones my wife promised to convince me to move up here. sated, i open up the chicago beach surf shack so that others can enjoy those monsters…
- Squideshi - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 12:00 pm:
The Blagojevich administration proposes a massive reorganization and consolidation of local governments, including the abolition of the Township form of government.
- lake county democrat - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 12:00 pm:
Terrorists start to blow up shopping malls, put bombs in downtown trash cans, set arson fires in western forrests, etc. The Republicans run a “we’d torture them, the Dems wouldn’t” campaign. Take a guess if America falls for it.
- Bill - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 12:01 pm:
Health Care will be available to all Illinois citizens under the innovative new program proposed by Governor Rod Blagojevich, funded primarily by an employer head tax and a modified Gross Reciepts Tax plan.
At least three Illinois casinos will be forced to close due to increased scrutiny of customers, the no smoke law, and a general decline in the greed and need to get something for nothing that motivates suckers to gamble.
Tony Rezko is convicted for perjury for attempting to wrongly implicate President Obama and Governor Blagojevich in order to secure a lessor sentence for himself.
Chris Kelly leaves gambling rehab and heads to Las Vegas to start a new life.
Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn is appointed ambassador to Estonia by Pres. Obama.
Gov. Blagojevich appoints himself to Obama’s senate seat.
Guess who is next in line!
Michael Madigan declares himself a Republican and runs for the Third Cong. seat held by Dan Lip. Lip wins in a landslide as voters reject the “Republican” candidate as much too conservative.
On Dec. 24 the new governor signs a bill implementing the FY ‘08 budget halfway thru FY ‘09 and calls a special session to address the state’s fiscal crisis.
- RightGirl - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 12:11 pm:
I predict that Special Sessions in 2008 won’t be as “special” as they were in 2007.
- Leave a light on George - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 12:11 pm:
You guys have the wrong Blago being indicted. Shady real estate dealings will get Mrs. B into trouble with the feds
- Rod sez I'm pork - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 12:18 pm:
Two words: Surrender, Earthlings.
- Jake from Elwood - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 12:28 pm:
We will only see the Governor two or three times a month as he remains in fortified home bunker as often as possible.
The governor adopts a new cause celebre (a/k/a Ryan and the Death Penalty) so that he might be remembered for something other than his co-orchestration of legislative gridlock and scandal.
His choice is pushing for the State ownership of Wrigley Field and perhaps even the Cubs.
Obama and Guiliani win the Illinois primaries.
Guiliani edges out Clinton for presidency.
John Paul Stevens retires from the Supreme Court.
Another conservative is appointed in his place.
Rich Miller declines the offer to go on another Blagojevich bus tour, but he does get to ride in the State jet with the Governor. His blog continues to thrive and prosper.
- Ravenswood Right Winger - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 12:29 pm:
Elvis Presley performs at a concert at Wrigley Field with all proceeds going to Sam Zell. During the concert, Blago appears, gets booed, dances on stage, and is arrested…not for storming the stage, but for corruption by the feds.
- 4% - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 12:33 pm:
Pat Fitzgerald’s indictments of Rod in September provide the groundswell of support that will initiate his gubernatorial campaign in 2010.
- MOON - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 12:42 pm:
Bill
You certainly ” think outside the box “.
- Little Egypt - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 12:46 pm:
Yes, but will Rich’s seat be IN the plane or ON it?
- DumberThanYouThink - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 12:59 pm:
To Paraphrase Bill:
Health Care will be available to all Illinois — as it is now through Blue Cross….
At least three Illinois casinos will be forced to close — And then reopen under State Ownership. All $ stays in IL. DiceK & Co. get no consulting cash
Tony Rezko is convicted for perjury for attempting to wrongly implicate President Obama — the jury does buy his Blaggo stories and the untold stories of life in Alice’ Real Estate Office. Therefore the Blaggodiots are toasted.
Chris Kelly leaves gambling rehab and heads to Las Vegas to start a new life.
Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn is appointed ambassador to Estonia by Pres. Obama.
Gov. Blagojevich tries appoints himself to Obama’s senate seat, goes for a run and a misses deadline and gets tangentialled by the G — AGAIN.
Zell sell Cubs to Hong Kong investors and the team sets sail to the Far East. Wrigleyville reverts to former status as slum.
Blaggo has the Larry Trent Posse seize Hannah Montana at refueling stop in Pinkneyville and forces her to have permanent show. He uses cash to pay for capitol improvements. Sen. SuperStar is named to manage HM at her Duquoin Festival Site.
Hendon loses primary, is appointed to head state fair, declares slots at fairgrounds legal.
What a year!
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 1:03 pm:
Blagojevich will not be indicted until 2009, but the cloud hanging over his head will handcuff his fundraising and end his governance by press conference.
Obama wins Iowa and New Hampshire, but Clinton fights back like Jason Vorhees and we have a battle all the wayto the convention in both parties.
Huckabee narrowly wins Iowa, McCain wins New Hampshire, and Republicans have a four-way race all the way to the convention.
High-priced political consultants convince New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg to fork over millions in consulting fees so that he can be a third-place independent candidate.
House Democrats pick up two seats, Senate Democrats lose one seat.
Democrats gain two Congressional seats in Illinois: Mark Pera beats Bushicrat Dan Lipinski, and Dan Seals overcomes Mark Kirk. Make it three if Central Illinois Republicans are foolishe enough to nominate Aaron Schock.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 1:06 pm:
Rich Miller buys a new boat. His annual Independence Day Party aboard the S.S. Cesspool is a big hit.
- siyotanka - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 1:07 pm:
serious economic downturn…reduced state revenues, higher than expected IL unemployment figures, way lower revenues from casinos, NOT a good picture for Illinois…
- Ghost - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 1:20 pm:
the Capitol Fax is purchased by Gatehouse Media, Rich Miller uses the money to aquire the Cubs and sell them to Japan.
- BFG - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 1:21 pm:
The Dir of IDOT Traffic Safety finally gets hauled out in handcuffs for if nothing else being an idiot and making this the worst place in the world to work. Please we need a good dose of leadership HELP
- Bill - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 1:22 pm:
Why, thank you, MOON, and Dumber please try to stick to your own material although I know its hard for you guys to come up with anything original over there.
- Patriot - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 1:28 pm:
Sometime during 2008 Bill will figure out that he was “punked” into revealing his true identity.
- downhereforyears - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 1:50 pm:
I was really getting a kick out of Bills comments…and then realized he isn’t kidding….he believes it. My prediction… “PAIN”
- Skeeter - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 1:53 pm:
On a national level, Gov. Romney’s campaign officially becomes a cult when it encourages people to sell their stuff and send him the money.
No, wait. That’s already happened.
http://www.mittromney.com/MittMarket
- steve schnorf - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 1:57 pm:
It will be quite cool for the first couple of months, followed by a slow warming trend for the next few months, then it will turn quite hot for 2 or 3 months, followed by a cooling trend for several months, ending quite cool again.
- Little Egypt - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 2:08 pm:
A+ to Schnorf for the only prediction thus far worth calling my bookie and placing a bet.
- cermak_rd - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 2:29 pm:
The Democrats manage to pick a candidate via the primary and caucus process prior to the convention. The GOP does not and goes into the first convention in a while that actually means anything. The GOP as a result gets a media bounce but the consequent hard feelings from the convention outcome negates that as factional squabbling breaks out.
The Dems take the presidency and hold on to their congressional lead.
Locally, more credible complaints of CPD and suburban police brutality will emerge and greater emphasis will be focussed on the conditions in jails and juvenile halls.
- Ghost - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 2:36 pm:
Little Egypt dont place that bet!!! Global Warming is coming……
- A Citizen - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 2:38 pm:
- Skeeter -
I never ever realized you were a Republican, much less an avid supporter of Mitt Romney! Good job!
- one of the 35 - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 2:41 pm:
In the height of irony, Blagojevich succombs to food poisoning from bad Panda Express entree.
- Mr. T - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 2:48 pm:
My prediction…PAIN!
- Lefty Lefty - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 2:49 pm:
I will lose time and money reading Miller, Rhodes, and Zorn every day. But it will be worth it.
And the country will prepare for Pres. Edwards’ inauguration in January 2009.
- anon - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 2:58 pm:
Businesses who catered to teens who attended late movies and late night fast food joints will lose money due to the new curfew law. Also the teens affected will not be able carpool to student events (games and dances) since they have to go straight home. More cars, more accidents– or radically less attendance at the events.
- Clubber Lang - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 2:59 pm:
Mr. T, stay in character.
- RBD - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 3:04 pm:
President-elect Obama’s seat is taken by Jesse White; it is a retirement gift from the Governor. (US Senate appointees rarely get re-elected; it really is the end of the line.) This gives the Governor Quinn an opening to fill that likely is very valuable in terms of easier re-election.
- Elvis - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 3:08 pm:
Governor Quinn will NOT pardon Rod.
- A Citizen - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 3:12 pm:
- Elvis -
A guv convicted of Federal crimes cannot be pardoned by a Gov. Quinn.
- Mr. T - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 3:14 pm:
I pity the fool who corrects Mr. T!
- shermans ghost - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 3:16 pm:
Chicago declares the rest of the state vassals, and collects all state tax revenue.
Excuses no longer being necessary.
- VanillaMan - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 3:19 pm:
VM – I feel so silly, honey. No one believes in gypsies and crystal balls predicting the future.
VW – Go in there and get your fortune told. She’s really good.
VM – Hi. I’m being forced to come in here.
Gypsy – I can feel that you are as skeptical as a State Senator without a MOU. Sit down Mr. VanillaMan.
VM – You know my name?
Gypsy – I’m good. Also that bald-headed guy who left here crying told me you were walking in.
VM – You mean Bill?
Gypsy – You’re good.
VM – OK. I’m ready for a laugh. Predict our future, witchy-woman!
Gypsy – Looking into my Sphere of Knowledge…I see a 50 year old with fluffy hair dancing at a Hannah Montana concert while a General Assembly prepares impeachment documents on him. I see a teen driving a 1988 Pontiac Lemans delivering a pizza to a man named Tony in a prison cell in Joliet who was once his boss. Global warming will cause Germans to start wearing deodorant. Al Gore will start lactating and begin nursing polar bear cubs. The FBI will close the Illinois Democratic Party headquarters and the Party will be listed as a criminal organization. Todd Stroger will begin wearing red suspenders and discovers that starting each meeting by asking, “Do I smell cheese?” an effective way to lighten member’s moods. Dick Durbin will morph into Oprah in order to win re-election, and marry Stedman. Emil Jones will retire and start a new career as a country singer. Mayor Daley will discover that he now works for his son’s sewer company. Peter Fitzgerald will be hospitalized with fatigue after indicting his 43rd Illinois politician….
VM – Who is elected president in 2008?
Gypsy – This is what brought tears to Bill’s eyes. I see a President Lisa Madigan. – OK! I make that one up! One more thing Mr. VanillaMan! You will become a father again in 2008 – this time triplets.
VM – NO! How could you be sure about that?
Gypsy – Mrs. VanillaWife came in here before you, didn’t she? She ought to know!
VM – AAAAAAAAAaaaaaaa!
Gypsy – See ya!
Gypsy on cell phone – Hello Bill? I think we punked VanillaMan good!
- Mr. T to sherman - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 3:30 pm:
Chicago stops paying for downstate education. Downstate Illinois becomes Arkansas.
- 10th Indy - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 3:39 pm:
Jay Footlik accepts position in Clinton administration after Kirk wins general election. Seals still looking for a job.
- DC - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 3:59 pm:
Legislature declares an “emergency year”, 200 bills and 600 resolutions pass both chambers.
Cook County judge declares expanded health care program to be unconstitutional. Blagojevich sues the Judge and Circuit Clerk for ignorning the proclamation.
Mike Lawrence continually begged to run for Governor as a republican; forms an exploratory committee. Rebecca Rausch and Abby Ottenhoff immediately blast Lawrence’s record as Press Secretary and accuse him of being a republican activist.
Special Session called for July 3rd to adopt FY09 budget; no substantive legislation presented.
Rich Miller presented offer to be Special Press Advisor to the Governor, but refuses out of principle.
Governor accidently tripped at State Fair 5K race; subsequent hospital bills take 120 days to be paid by Comptroller’s office. Governor sues Comptroller in Christian County Court.
2 days later, Governor hit in face by errant foul ball at Cubs game; revokes state payments to purchase Wrigley Field.
With full black eye, Governor appears at press conference to call special session on sport safety, demanding the legislature do something to help working families who get hurt at sporting events.
Obama and McCain get into a best-of-three leg wrestling competition on David Letterman. Blagojevich upset that people thought it was funny and sues World Wide Pants Productions.
Mysterious flyers appear at Chicago Gay Pride Parade with distorted picture of Blagojevich. Jack Franks questioned by State Police but close the case. Case mysteriously reopened after Springfield Attorney Don Craven submits FOIA request.
Blagojevich shows up at Democratic National Convention but forgot to bring official pass. Obama waves goodbye as Rod is escorted out of the building. Obama subsequently sued in Christian County, along with Terry McAuliffe.
Cubs are in 1st Place on September 28th but lose 4 straight to fall out of the wildcard race.
Juice Williams completes a forward pass in the first Illinois football game.
Blagojevich shows up at Governor’s Mansion unannounced - 6 staff members forced to find alternate living arrangements.
Bernie Shoenberg abruptly ends his New Years Resolution articles after 2008 ends in abject failure.
- The firm of Ray, Cuddleigh and Chelveston - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 3:59 pm:
Thanks to the feds, the new default greeting in Springfield changes from “Hi there!” to; “Testing, 1,2,3…”
One of the already-indicted retinue will see the writing on the wall and roll all the way over, speeding up the investigation so that we WILL see a Governor Pat Quinn give a Gerald Ford-like healing speech of “Our statewide nightmare is over”. It will be dodgy that he can get much done before the next election cycle comes around. Yet before it does, he and Madigan are going to dance a fandango on Emil Jones, who will resign for “health reasons” and to “spend more time with the family”.
- Pot calling kettle - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 4:49 pm:
A terrorist incident will cause George W Bush to declare a state of emergency and postpone the General Election in November.
- Crimefighter - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 4:52 pm:
Another state budget stalemate will erupt this summer and there won’t be a deal until August or September…because Blagojevich does the same stuff he did in 2007, but this time ASCFME goes on strike because he’ll make the mistake of trying the same stuff against them, and the state government shutdown without a budget nor a contract will force Blago to pay more attention to the situation, but his stubborness and lack of caring will delay matters for weeks.
- some former legislative intern - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 4:54 pm:
Frod (like fraud) Blagojevich and the spin sisters will continue to sound more and more desperate as they try to deflect attention from the federal probes. Frod will not be indicted this year, but 2009 looks more and more like a big year as Rezko and perhaps Kelly begin talking.
- OneMan - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 5:02 pm:
The Obama Train on Manafest Destiny ™ does to Hillary and Edwards what it has done in Illinois.
The Governor gets a call from the feds this year.
OneMan completes the Stoneman in Springfield.
- Louis G. Atsaves - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 5:32 pm:
Chief Illiniwick will magically appear in a cloud of smoke. He will lock the Governor, Speaker of the House and Senate President in the room and force them to smoke peace pipes until they make peace and decide to become servants of the people and tackle the pressing needs of this State.
The Chief will later be arrested and heavily fined for promoting smoking in a no smoking area. His case will slowly rise to the Supreme Court which will narrowly affirm the fines. The Chief will again be disgraced and banished from the State for his actions.
While all this is going on, the effects of the peace pipe will wear off and Governor, Speaker of the House and Senate President will resume their fighting and ignoring the needs of this State.
- Pot calling kettle - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 5:42 pm:
I will be appointed Lt. Gov. to Gov. Quinn. I will give you all great jobs!
- Northside Bunker - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 5:55 pm:
If Obama or Clinton get elected to the presidency all Blagojevich’s problems simply disappear. Blagojevich the gets re-elected in 2010.
The good news is Illinois will be in the crapper long before then.
- Flounder - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 6:03 pm:
Before W leaves the White House, W pardons Rod.
- Six Degrees of Separation - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 6:13 pm:
The primary candidates in the 14th in each party will get exactly the same number of votes, necessitating another run-off special special primary election in April 2008 instead of March 8 due to complications in scheduling. Then the 2 winners withdraw for health reasons, necessitating a special special special primary election in June 2008. No one shows up to the polling places out of confusion, and then a special special special primary election is rescheduled for August 2008. A man who legally changes his name to “None of the Above” successfully gathers enough petition signatures to run in the Republican primary, and wins in a landslide.
- Esteban - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 7:00 pm:
Representative Jim Ryan will find Iraq to be an
improvement over Springfield and decide to retire
there.
- The web we weave - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 7:35 pm:
Rod Blagojevich leaves the good ole United States for a more gullible country.
- steve schnorf - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 8:28 pm:
The great majority of posters on most blogs similar to this one will have either their facts or their conclusions (or both) wrong well in excess of 50% of the time. On this particular site the majority, but far from all, will have a batting average considerably better than that.
- PecaSugar - Thursday, Jan 3, 08 @ 8:42 pm:
Estaban-
It’s Representative Jim Watson who got called up for Iraq duty with the Marine Corps.
- DC - Friday, Jan 4, 08 @ 8:44 am:
Steve, good analysis but you can’t deny the comedic value of the conclusions, facts notwithstanding.