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House GOP candidates in tough spot
Friday, Jul 11, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller * House Republican Leader Tom Cross talked to Sun-Times columnist Steve Huntley about the upcoming campaign…
* Huntley didn’t publish head-to-head numbers from the six districts, leading me to wonder how the individual GOP candidates are actually faring, despite the low approval numbers for the General Assembly….
That doesn’t bode well, considering these were all once solidly GOP districts. * The “Obama Factor” is undoubtedly helping Dems in those districts - four of which are GOP held and two that are represented by Dems Crespo and Froehlich…
The reason voters may “reward” House Democrats for the gridlock is that the House Dems have refused to cooperate with the most unpopular governor in modern Illinois history - a governor who is also facing possible indictments on federal corruption charges. Huntley also doesn’t mention Cross’ work with Blagojevich on the capital plan, and Cross’ repeated attempts to tamp down impeachment talk, going all the way back to last year when GOP Rep. Mike Bost demanded Blagojevich’s impeachment. Cross is penned in because his political godfather, Denny Hastert, helped put together the capital plan. So now Cross is forced to say he trusts the governor to follow through on his capital promises, when everybody knows that this is highly unlikely. He’s in a tough spot. Blaming Democrats for not getting along with the governor is not the best message he could have going into November.
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- wordslinger - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 10:21 am:
Not only is Cross playing ball with Blago, but the GOP statewide has yet to offer reasonable or rational alternatives to the Dems.
What do you stand for? Once you figure that out, how do you demonstrate your principles in a real way?
By the way, does anyone know what Hastert’s motivation for carrying Rod’s water? Couldn’t he have waited out his time before he can lobby Congress by taking a high-profile ambassadorship in a sweet locale, like Japan? What he’s doing is quite a step down from third in line to the presidency.
- joe Davis - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 10:23 am:
I really like their agenda, hopefully they can pick up a few seats and get some common sense back in Springfield.
- Easy - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 10:29 am:
I think it is House Dems who rewarded Rod by voting for pension raid, supporting his budgets and now by giving him a $14k payraise.
Let Crespo and Froehlich spin it in November however they want, but they voted to give themselves and Rod a nice payraise. Sounds like a reward to me and it is something voters can easily understand.
- Pat Collins - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 10:30 am:
Or, Cross could borrow some testicular V from his buddy, and start saying NO to Hastert, and start trying to be like Mike.
That is, do what HIS team needs to do to be elected.
You know, a good Q of the sday would be this:
“Why, in the 1990s, could Pate Phillips control his chamber with a good map for 10 years, but Lee Daniels could only do it with the R Tidal wave in ‘94″?
Might it just be the politics that Pate and his candidates supported?
- Rich Miller - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 10:30 am:
It’s a COLA not a raise. But y’all want to give RRB $34 billion to play with. Which is worse?
- Ghost - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 10:36 am:
it is clear the republicans are losing ground in Illinois. They backed Ryan all the way to the bitter end. Now Cross is standing behind the most unpopular Gov in the US. Donwplaying recall, impeachment and pushing to put 34Bil in the hands of what looks to be the US most corrupt Gov. The only positive poll he can find points to poeple being unhappy, but he can not show a correlation of that point into votes for repub canidates. The repubs should be asking why they continue to push losing strategy and weaken themselves even further. Did the asociation with Ryan teach them nothing about standing up with a Gov going donw in flames?
- Easy - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 10:37 am:
I’m betting Froehlich and Crespo giving Rod and themselves double-digit raises is worse. Way worse.
COLA? That ain’t going to fly.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 10:39 am:
I was referring to “worse” as in policy, but I see your political point. Still, you have to admit your position is inherently dishonest and gotcha.
- iPhone - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 10:41 am:
The only way the GOP could stand back up in this state is to differentiate themselves from the Democrats in a good way. Notice they STILL have not thrown GRyan under the bus - I note how people associated with them still call themselves friends with George. Do you think Madigan would say that if Rod were in jail? No way.
Also notice there is no strong GOP leadership out of the ILGOP leadership, it’s not just a House and Senate problem. Pate Phillip succeeded because he could motivate the GOP base, Daniels failed because he was milquetoast and corrupt.
They should back a Con Con and stop working with Rod for crying out loud.
- p gunther - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 10:42 am:
The republicans are coming out with a very positive message. I think everyone should appreciate that. One party rule is killing Illinois and Huntley points that out and says vote republican becuase we need change and the republicans have a message everyone can relate to.
- Woa - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 10:43 am:
Easy-go ahead and run that kind of campaign. Madigan wins all day long and bigger yet.
- Ghost - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 10:45 am:
iPhone, the republicans currently have their own Cross to bear.
p gunther, you mean the republicans who oppesed a recall of the Governor and oppose impeaching the Gov? I think everyone appreciates that the republicans defense of the Gov in resisting recall and impeachment shows they are the last thing we need in Illinois.
- joe Davis - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 10:46 am:
Can anyone tell me what the Democrats offer to the people in the State of Illinois that would compel them to vote Democrat?
- Ghost - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 10:48 am:
Well for one thing, the majority of democrats are opposed the the Governor, unlike the republicans.
- Easy - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 10:49 am:
Hold on…the dems drafted the budget. they included the payraises. How is it gotcha or dishonest.
MJM could have not included them? Rod could have line-itemed them out?
it is what it is…self-service politics
- I'm Just Saying - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 10:50 am:
To say that the house gave themselves a raise is really intellectually dishonest, Under the HJR, they rejected the payraise, it’s the Senate that wont’ take it up
- Ghost - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 10:54 am:
Easy, the “dems” voted the pay raises down. The republicans came out opposing the dems and demanding that the State spend an additional 34 Bill in support of the leats popular US Gov.
Heck the repubs are the ones making the most noise demanding the state increase its spending by 34 Bill; the repubs want to put that 34 Bil in the hands of somone who can not be trusted; and they want to make sure the Gov who can not be trusted remains in office and is not subject to recall or impeached.
Good thing the dems are here to protect the state from the repubs out of control spending.
- iPhone - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 11:00 am:
Ghost, can you please expand on your remarks. My perspective would be that Cross is Lee Daniels Lite, is that what you are saying here?
- Woa - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 11:00 am:
Insider stuff aside, Cross and his caucùs siding with the governor and jay hoffman is a stroke of good fortune for the speaker and a campaign consultant’s dream.
- Ghost - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 11:06 am:
I am more alluding to the fact that Cross has stood up to b counted on the side of the Gov, from recall, impeachment to massive increases in State spending. Not a symbol that works well for rebuilding a party.
- iPhone - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 11:09 am:
Agreed, Ghost. That’s not what the GOP base wants to see.
- Dan S, a voter and Cubs Fan - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 11:27 am:
As a voter I could care less what party does what because they are both screwing things up royaly. I want honest public servants who will uphold their oath of office and do their jobs correctly and legally! Is that to much to ask?
- I'm Just Saying - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 11:28 am:
I think it’s great, I haven’t seen anyone triangulate this well Since Bubba
- Team Sleep - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 11:34 am:
I wish Cross would have run for Hastert’s seat in the special. The HRO would be better off without him. I don’t see what Tommy Boy is hoping to accomplish, both with his government and campaign agendas. He and his staff seem to have little or no direction.
It is mind-numbing to me that the House GOP members are so up-in-arms about getting a capital plan done when they no full well they may never see any real benefits from said plan. But hey, I guess they figure buying magic beans will lead to a gigantic beanstalk - or whatever.
- Amuzing Myself - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 11:39 am:
Some Democrat defenders here are totally losing track of the fact that, while many of the House Republicans are supporting a capital bill, they opposed the latest 40 Billion dollar state budgets - budgets loaded with spending on social programs like forms of universal healthcare, grants to churches and fake schools in Chicago…. we could go on and on.
If anyone is being intellectually dishonest here, it is those trying to focus on Republicans supporting a bricks and mortar bill while Emil and the Speaker and their caucuses continue to increase budgets when the state has no money.
I have a problem with Cross’ proposal because he claims to want fiscal responsibility but all I see there is more spending along with a vague reference to “balanced budgets.” I think we can see that more spending does NOT equal a balanced budget - especially when you cut the backlog to Medicare and Medicaid providers, increase school funding, AND do a mammoth construction bill. IF there is any spending that I think is actually GOOD spending, it’s on bricks and mortar, but there are some holes in Cross’ plan that don’t make much sense.
I still think it’s up to Republicans to make Democrats pay this election - with Obama on the ticket or not. The message is a good one - why would you reward Democrats for the mess we have witnessed the last several years. The trick will be selling it. I won’t hold my breath, but that’s not to say it can’t be done.
- anon - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 11:39 am:
== Is that to (sic) much to ask? == No, but too much to expect.
- Legal Eagle - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 11:43 am:
GOP should appeal to independents on a “one-party government does not work”; “divided government works better” argument. “The last thing Springfield needs is more Democrats” etc. etc. People recognize this fact on the national level, where the GOP had everything and blew it big time, under Speaker Hastert’s mis-leadership. So it’s a ‘change’ message. Cross needs to keep Hastert away, however, most GOPers I know blame him for the D.C. debacle and for losing his own seat by stepping down early. Can Cross do this to his mentor?
- Rich Miller - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 11:51 am:
===GOP should appeal to independents on a “one-party government does not work”; “divided government works better” argument. ===
It’s a good argument, but then you have to explain why you trust the governor on the capital bill, the gaming bill and the lottery lease.
- Easy - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 11:52 am:
TS-there’s an article above outlining a direction. Fiscal responsibility, low taxes, I’m sure everyone here will say that is stuff GOPers hate because everyone worships at the throne of MJM.
And if I remember right, it was Madigan who voted against recall, not cross. And it was madigan who chaired the Governor’s campaign, etc, etc
- BandCamp - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 11:57 am:
===Cross is penned in because his political godfather, Denny Hastert, helped put together the capital plan===
I haven’t seen Cross do much to stand on his own, as he always is aligning himself with someone else’s direction. Now granted, he doesn’t have much to work with, however, the should be some moments when he tries to rally the troops and make a stand in the direction he wants for his party.
Whether it’s Blago/Jones this year, MJM last year, when is TC going to show me something? I guess when the party can put some viable candidates out there. Seems like they need a better farm system to get their people to the bigs.
- Springfield Alum - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 12:06 pm:
Easy:
And it’s Mike Madigan who is keeping the State from going completely down the toilet with Blagojevich at the wheel. It’s definitely not pretty, but he’s our only hope. If the Republicans want to improve their chances in future elections, stand up for a capital plan that is good public policy, not a plan that mortgages our economic and moral future.
- VanillaMan - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 12:31 pm:
We’ve come to a point in Illinois where the GOP is simply not considered an option for voters.
- Frank Booth - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 1:09 pm:
C’mon. Look at the ranks of the House Republicans. Cross’ leadership style was to actually let the members have a say rather than Daniels “my way or my way” approach. It sounds great until you start looking at his members. You try to put together a platform with that talent pool.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 1:12 pm:
lol. Good point, FB.
- Easy - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 1:22 pm:
Let’s take a quick breather from our MJM worship to discuss a few facts
MJM allowed for the largest pension raid in Illinois history
MJM allowed Rod to try to lease Illinois buildings
MJM has put in billions of pork into each budget over the last 6 years.
MJM supported a $3 billion income tax hike this year.
He is not a fiscal conservative by any stretch and he is a big part of the problem–not the solution
- Rich Miller - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 1:25 pm:
Mostly true, but what does that have to do with the capital bill? You have yet to answer that one. Lots of misdirection.
- 4% - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 1:39 pm:
The only good thing to come from the Cross regime is the new GOP caucus rule that says the leader can only stay 10 years meaning he only has about three more years. Unless he backs out (likely).
So the economy is in tatters with massive debts and rising unemployment and the brilliant GOP plan is to support putting $34 billion on the state credit card.
Give me a break.
How about tax cuts for businesses? Cutting red tape and regulations? This “agenda” has no economic package!!
Looks like it was written by a 4th grader.
- DumberThanUThink - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 1:41 pm:
Hey Easy:
Give us your take on StatewideTom and the GOP Party platform plank that says “no” to gambling expansion for pork projects and get a stronger ethics bill on the books before the capital bill
BTW Madigan is the only voice of common sense on Planet SPI
- Easy - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 2:13 pm:
Madigan wants a capital, he just wants to pay for it with a tax increase. So, please illuminate me as to how that is so much better than a capital bill with no tax increase.
- iPhone - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 2:17 pm:
My take is that it isn’t going to work. Everyone is afraid of the income tax like it’s the big boogeyman, but will a higher income tax on the richest people in Illinois that can help get us out of this mess be such a bad thing?
- Pat collins - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 2:35 pm:
You try to put together a platform with that talent pool.
Which is mostly Lee Daniels’ creation. Cross is just a younger, non-DuPage Daniels, politically.
- downhereforyears - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 3:52 pm:
Time for Cross to leave. Even before Obama he did a miserable job. Siding with a Governor who will undoubtedly see his criminal troubles grow, and who continues to oppose cuts when that’s what most of the electorate wants sounds more like a democrat to me than a republican. Truth is ( and I really hate to admit this) that Froelich is even smarter than he is…ugh that hurts. And thnen theres Hastert still leading him around by the nose.
- Amuzing Myself - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 3:55 pm:
To iPhone:
YES, it IS a bad thing. We already do all we can to run businesses out of this state. Just ask the governors of neighboring states. 3% income tax is one thing that remains “fair” in this state that has spun out of control. I’m sure those wanting to spend us into oblivion instead of reigning in government would love to have another few billion in revenue to play with.
Problem is, the people that really get hit by a “progressive” income taxes are NOT the wealthy. They’ll figure out a way to make up for it through their businesses, and the little guy, the minimum wage worker that gets let go when the bottom line gets “trimmed”, the consumer that pays higher prices, or the average worker that loses benefits like healthcare. It’s simple economics. Raising taxes on the producers really just raises costs for consumers. All this state needs is another brilliant mandate from the state making us even less competitive.
- Capitol View - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 4:35 pm:
the one option that no one is discussing is a sales tax on services. We still tax in this state as if we are still in a 1920 - 1950 society and economy, just manufacturing and sales. We are now a services driven economy, and government has to get its slice if essential government services are to be maintained.
An expansion of sales tax on services is part of the Senate proposal of Rev. Meeks and Pres. Jones, but perhaps it should pass now with a January 1st effective date. Not all services, for now just those where the service provider is alredy collecting sales taxes as part of their business — oil changes, hair cuts, appliance repair, heating and air conditioning installation or repair, plumbing jobs, rug cleaners, and insect & pest services. See how much comes in - you will be amazed.
- Capitol View - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 4:37 pm:
I forgot auto body shops and auto paint jobs. As in the others, Illinois consumers pay sales tax now on the actual product, but not the wrap-around service.
- Lance Stevens - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 5:57 pm:
downhereforyears,
have you lost your mind? Maybe we should be talking about more about MJM and all his shenanigans? We need capital and he’s playing political games.
- Bruno Behrend - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 6:21 pm:
I-Phone @ Amuzing are having a stimulating and cogent debate.
This state is in such a dangerous financial condition that it likely WILL require at least a tax shift (away from property and to the state), if not an increase.
The Republican are probably too weak, but if they ever wanted leverage for enacting good policy, they could trade a mild tax increase/swap for hard spending caps that limit the growth of every Gov. entity and a moderate and permanent property tax cut.
Of course, the public employee unions would squeal, but if there was ever at time to take them on in an open and public debate, it would be now - when property values are falling the face of increasing property taxes, and state had a 15 year spending binge that fattened payrolls and perks, but not roads, L stops & tracks, and real education.
The problem is that Cross has no stomach for such a battle, as the interests driving payroll bloat and spending contribute to Republicans in high enough numbers to keep them bought.
Further, the people still remember that 25 years of Republican rule built the apparatus and the practices the Dems are now in control of.
What is the Republican campaign slogan going to be?
“Elect us and we’ll go back to not screwing you as bad as the Democrats?” How persuasive.
At least the Dems are handing out the jobs and goodies.
“Elect us, and we’ll hand out fewer jobs and goodies.” Rocking good strategy.
They won’t run on returning to a model of more limited and accountable government. It might be true that IL is beyond such an argument. But it is also true that Republicans won’t win another statewide office (or take back a chamber) until they try.
- Madison County Watcher - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 7:01 pm:
Capitol View: That’s an interesting policy thought, but it is good politics statewide, when Cook County is now public enemy #1 in sales tax levies.
- see ya suckers - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 8:36 pm:
Tom Cross is a bad joke to most Republicans. He couldn’t lead his way out of a wet paper sack.
- Reformer - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 8:58 pm:
Crespo was chief sponsor of the HJR rejected the pay raises. Froehlich and about every other member of the House co-sponsored the resolution, which passed the House overwhelmingly. I think Crespo has a pretty good defense against the pay raise accusation.
- anon - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 10:23 pm:
Does Huntley and Cross actually think there is enough of a “rebellion” against the evil Madigan and House Democrats in not getting anything done in Springfield to vote Republican? What planet are they on?? The reality is that people are really hurting now and hurting in the suburbs too. People will vote Democrat. The fact is the Republican Brand is in serious trouble, as well as it should be. That is what is great about this country. People have a chance to vote all the rascals out. Further, Madigan and the House Democrats have fought this governor. You are not selling Emil Jones in the suburbs. Cross is a very weak Leader. Obama wins by a landslide and Democrats pick up more seats. Prediction–Obama wins over 40 states. It will not be close. Look at the economy. Look at the war. Finally, look at John McCain in a debate with Obama. Get the picture.
- Jack - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 10:33 pm:
I might consider becoming a Republican, if the current Republican leadership weren’t a bunch of wimps. Tom Cross either needs to get his act together or get ou,t as does the rest of the Illinois Repbulican leadership. I mean, what exactly are they doing for Durbin’s challenger? Half the state doesn’t even know the good doctor’s name. And who did they pick to challenge Obama a few years ago?
- bluedog demo - Sunday, Jul 13, 08 @ 7:47 am:
GOPers will hold their noses in supporting a capital bill funded by gambling as long as this ” vice ” is conducted in the ” city of evil “. They love roads and bridges not so much because of job creation but the transporting of goods for their big business friends. Ask a GOP legislator point blank what THEY would cut from the budget and you will see a lot of foot shuffling !