1. - Fan of the Game - Wednesday, Aug 13, 08 @ 9:22 am:

   Why would they want to be there? The only reason is to present a “unified Democrat Party front” to fair goers and the press. But the pretense of a unified front has been blown to pieces, so that’s not a real reason to go.

   If I am the Madigans, I let the governor squirm on the stage alone.




2. - Springfield Alum - Wednesday, Aug 13, 08 @ 9:23 am:

   That’s no surprise. If he showed up, it would be like Kevin Bacon’s line from Animal House, “Thank you, sir, may I have another?”




3. - Ghost - Wednesday, Aug 13, 08 @ 9:26 am:

   Cross and the republicans might want to consider that its not good for them to be standing on Stage with the Gov at other times either. During TOpinka’s run there were any number of adds showing pics of her together with Ryan; how many democrats want to see that tactic repeated against themselves with pics of them standing up with Blago.




4. - DeepFriedOnAStick - Wednesday, Aug 13, 08 @ 9:27 am:

   What does Madigan gain by being there on stage? I can’t think of anything.




5. - Anon - Wednesday, Aug 13, 08 @ 9:27 am:

   Is he sending Currie




6. - North of I-80 - Wednesday, Aug 13, 08 @ 9:28 am:

   Who would want to be on the stage with him?




7. - wordslinger - Wednesday, Aug 13, 08 @ 9:29 am:

   The lack of hypocrisy is refreshing. I wish I could make a Springfield trip today to see for myself who shows up and why.




8. - One of the 35 - Wednesday, Aug 13, 08 @ 9:32 am:

   Perhaps the Governor could invite the dozens of Chicago Streets and Sanitation Dept. employees who he alleges are also State Representatives, to appear on stage with him? :)




9. - e - Wednesday, Aug 13, 08 @ 9:34 am:

   Outside of his “bro” Emil, I can’t think of too many from the legislature who would choose to stand up with the Gov and pretend that all is well.




10. - CARLOS - Wednesday, Aug 13, 08 @ 9:48 am:

    Patrick Fitzgerald would……




11. - Heartless Libertarian - Wednesday, Aug 13, 08 @ 9:48 am:

    This isn’t suprising either… the Speaker of the House has to be in a special session that the governor called, while the governor is doing something personal. And I bet MJM was trying to spin it that way. Wait, is it technically spin when it is true?




12. - The Doc - Wednesday, Aug 13, 08 @ 9:53 am:

    “Also, the spokesman stressed that he believed the news of the day was that the House was making significant progress on refashioning the Lottery lease bill, which will fund the capital plan. He did say, however, that there wouldn’t be a vote on the plan today.”

    This is the most interesting part of the post, frankly. I’m wondering why, if the lottery is such an attractive asset to potential buyers, the state doesn’t work harder to squeeze more revenue from it internally, rather than leasing it out for pennies on the dollar. Could this be a sign that Madigan is beginning to feel the heat as well? This would serve to empower Blagojevich, and what the state needs least is this governor with more authority.




13. - anon - Wednesday, Aug 13, 08 @ 9:55 am:

    Maybe MJM should be on stage because he is the CHAIRMAN of the DEMOCRATIC PARTY of ILLINOIS! Isnt that reason enough? This is a rally for Democrats and he is their leader. How is he a leader if he doesnt show up?




14. - Ted - Wednesday, Aug 13, 08 @ 10:06 am:

    My sources tell me that Madigan liked your photo contest so much yesterday that he wants to pose again near Blago in hopes that someone captures an equally charming moment.




15. - This Guy - Wednesday, Aug 13, 08 @ 10:07 am:

    “This is a rally for Democrats and he is their leader.” anon 9:55 am

    Then why isn’t it called Democrat Day? RRB is never part of the rhythm section; he is the soloist, or he takes his horn and goes home.

    That is, if he even shows up to the gig at all.




16. - Captain Flume - Wednesday, Aug 13, 08 @ 10:34 am:

    Maybe we could work on leasing the Governor’s office. It seems from the gestures being made to fund church re-builds, school lunch programs and so forth, that there is plenty of money there.




17. - Ghost - Wednesday, Aug 13, 08 @ 10:46 am:

    Need somone with a camera, should be some great pic opportunties for future caption contests.




18. - DeepFriedOnAStick - Wednesday, Aug 13, 08 @ 10:52 am:

    What time does the Dem rally at the state fair begin?




19. - I'm just sayin' - Wednesday, Aug 13, 08 @ 11:17 am:

    Blago should be at Republican Day tomorrow. Cross, Watson and McKenna obviously have no problem standing with the Guv on the big spending and gambling plan.




20. - Loop Lady - Wednesday, Aug 13, 08 @ 1:07 pm:

    here’s my prediction: cap bill will be passed in Veto session after the election;

    The election on 11/04/08 is going to be a watershed day on the State and Federal levels…it can’t come quick enough for me…




21. - STALLION - Wednesday, Aug 13, 08 @ 1:25 pm:

    The Speaker is a Democrate thru & thru. When Edgar, Ryan, & Thompson were Governers, the Speaker may not have liked what the budget was like every year but everyone walked away with a little something. I think that the Speaker is indirectly saying that we may not get along but his Democratic beliefs are not going to be compromised by anyone…

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