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Question of the day

Wednesday, Nov 4, 2009

* Politics Magazine has asked me to create a chart for them describing who the top 100 Democratic and Republican “influencers” are in Illinois (fifty for each party). The magazine’s Florida “influencers” chart is here, the New Hampshire chart is here.

Notice that both charts focus mainly on people who are not elected officials. That wouldn’t be the case here, because a few elected officials run so much in Illinois.

I have a general idea about what I’m going to do, but I thought I’d ask for your input. So…

* The Question: Who do you think are the top ten or so un-elected political “influencers” in each Illinois political party? These would be staffers, lobbyists, consultants, etc., etc., etc. Please, stick to people who are not elected to any public office. Explain if you want. I’m more interested in your lists. Try to be as extensive as possible. List more than ten if you want, but don’t just come up with one name. Put a little thought into this. Thanks.

- posted by Rich Miller


103 Comments
  1. - Carl Nyberg - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:35 am:

    Tom Balanoff of SEIU should probably be on the list.


  2. - Captain Flume - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:38 am:

    Maybe Greg Baise at IMA


  3. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:39 am:

    List more than one, please. C’mon, now. You can do it.


  4. - reformer - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:41 am:

    In the GOP, I’d put the following:
    * Doug Whitley, head of the state Chamber
    * Greg Baise of the IMA
    * Paul Caprio of Family PAC
    * Jack Roeser of Champion News
    * Dallas Ingemuson
    * Steve Rauschenberger of the URF
    * Big Bob Kjellander, former national committeeman
    * Ron Gidwitz


  5. - Captain Flume - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:44 am:

    oops, not sure about party affiliation, esp. since top influencers at least try to be bi-partisan for the good of their causes:
    Greg Baise
    Jim Edgar
    Al Ronan
    Henry Bayer
    Rod Blagojevich (may be negative but his influence is still being felt)
    Jesse Jackson, Sr.


  6. - Joe in the Know - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:52 am:

    Democrats (in no particular order):

    Dave Ellis
    Mike McClain
    Tom Cullen
    Mike Kasper
    Joann Sullivan
    Rob Uhe
    Steve Brown
    Jerry Stermer
    Penny Pritzker
    Bill Harte

    GOP (in no particular order)

    Whitley
    Baise
    Roper (Chicago Chamber)
    Edgar
    Matt O’Shea (House GOP Chief of Staff)
    Jay Keller (lobbyist)
    Jack Roeser (Family PAC)


  7. - Face Time - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:54 am:

    Rahm Emanuel
    Jim Thompson
    David Axelrod
    Steve Brown
    Patrick Ryan
    Valerie Jarrett
    Jim Edgar
    Jesse Jackson
    Bill Cellini (at one time anyway)
    Thom Serafin
    and Rich Miller


  8. - 47th Ward - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:55 am:

    Off the top of my head, Tim Degnan, Victor Reyes, Joe Berrios, Larry Suffredin, Bill Filan, Tom Hynes, Jim McPike, James R. Thompson, Bill Celini…

    Oh, and Rich Miller for sure.


  9. - LouisXIV - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:57 am:

    For Dems:

    Tom Balanoff - SEIU
    Terry Cosgrove - Personal PAC
    Rod Blagojevich (you didn’t say it had to be a positive influence)
    Madigan’s chief of staff
    Jesse Jackson Sr.
    Michelle Obama (presumably)
    Mayor Daley’s chief of staff
    Bill McNary - Citizen Action

    For the GOP

    Jim Thompson
    Jim Edgar
    Dan Webb


  10. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:58 am:

    People, kindly leave me off your lists. Thanks.


  11. - Stormin Normin - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:00 pm:

    This is more Chicago centric, than Illinois. Three years ago the list would’ve included Cellini, Kjellender,Rezko, Levine, etc. Jesse Jackson does not deserve to be on this list, but will somehow buy his way on. I’m sure the head of unions from Chicago and from the John Deere and Caterpillar people have some political muscle as well.

    Here’s a list I quicly threw together.

    Republicans - Andy McKenna. Pat Ryan, Joe Scheidler, Jim Thompson. John Kass.

    Dems - Pritzkers, AKP Media, Walsh Construction, Elzie Higginbottom, Fred Eychaner, Johnson Publishing, Rick Garcia, Bill Daley.

    Independents - Rich Miller?


  12. - OneMan - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:02 pm:

    You can however add OneMan to them :-)

    But besides me on the GOP side

    Baise
    Jack Roeser
    Mancow
    Proft (outside of him running for Gov)
    Denny Hastert


  13. - You Go Boy - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:07 pm:

    Nice, Rich…ask us to do some work for you, then put conditions on it. You sound like my brother.


  14. - VanillaMan - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:07 pm:

    Rich Miller - Influential Blog Master.
    Andy Shaw - Better Government Association
    Henry Bayer - AFSCME
    Jill Stanek - Anti-Abortion Spokesperson
    Jesse Jackson - Former 1988 Pres candidate
    David Axelrod - Campaign guy
    Rahm Emanuel - WH Chief of Staff
    Ron Gidwitz - Owner of expensive art
    Jim Thompson - Owner of Thompson Center
    Jim Edgar - Owner of great hair
    Patrick Fitzgerald - Federal Prosecutor
    Abner Mikva - old man with funny name
    Mike Ditka - Coach
    William Ayers - Domestic Terrorist
    Oprah Winfrey - Superstar!
    Dennis Hastert - Former Coach
    Louis Farrakhan - A guy with a big church
    Eric Zorn - Yellow Journalist
    Michael Sneed - Another one
    Rich Whitney - A Greenie
    Steve Bartman - Ryan & Blagojevich supporter
    Dan Ryan - Famous Deceased Voter


  15. - Bill - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:09 pm:

    Dems
    Dan Walker
    Otto Kerner
    Paul Powell
    Niles Sherman
    Cliff Kelly
    Dan Rostenkowski
    Rod Blagojevich
    Tony Rezco

    Repubs
    George Ryan
    Scott Fawell
    Roger Stanley
    Stuart Levine
    Bill Cellini
    Tony Rezco
    Patrick Fitzgerald


  16. - Bill - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:11 pm:

    Oh Yeah and Bill Scott on the repub list.


  17. - fan - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:11 pm:

    GOP:Thompson, Edgar, Greg Baise, Dave Vite, Bill Cellini, Jack Dorgan, Jack Roser, Denny Hastert, Carter Hendren, Dave Sullivan, Paul Caprio, Ron Gidwitz, Nuding & O’Shea.
    Dems: Dave Ellis, Tim Mapes, Penny Pritzker, John Dunn, Balanoff, Cosgrove, Gannon, Bill Daley, Tom Cullen, Mike Kasper, McClain.


  18. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:11 pm:

    Can the snark, please. Thanks.


  19. - VanillaMan - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:13 pm:

    Did I say Roland Burris?
    No - I didn’t think so.


  20. - Bill - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:15 pm:

    OK, Sorry.


  21. - Ned Racnad - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:16 pm:

    Charlie Wheeler has trained practically the entire press corps. That training affects what statehouse reporters see as news.


  22. - dupage progressive - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:20 pm:

    so, let me get this straight, we’re doing the project for you?? lol.

    Most of the names I can think of are already listed:
    R’s — Baise, Vite, Baise, Cellini, Jim Edgar
    D’s — Bill Daley, Bill Harte, Bayer, Balanoff, Carrigan, Gannon, Maggie Daley, David Axelrod, Rahm, Valerie Jarrett, Arne Duncan
    Indep. - Carol Marin, Rich, Andy Shaw


  23. - Been There - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:21 pm:

    GOP
    Duchossois
    Andy McKenna
    Jerry Roper
    Jim Edgar

    DEM
    Denny Gannon - CFL
    Jesse Jackson, Sr
    Mike Carrigan AFL-CIO
    Tim Drea AFL-CIO
    Juan Ochoa – McPier
    Bill Daley
    Tim Mapes
    Steve Brown
    Alan Dixon
    Ed Smith – downstate labor
    Henry Bayer – AFSCME
    Tom Balanoff - SEIU
    Fred Eychaner


  24. - Just My Opinion - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:23 pm:

    Jeff Holden - Illinois State Medical Society


  25. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:24 pm:

    Some of you are really stuck in the past. Alan Dixon?


  26. - I'm just saying - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:25 pm:

    Bill Gainer, Mike Kasper, The Joyces (How could anyone forget them), Tom Cullen, Filan, Balanoff, Burt Odelson (Hate saying it but true) Tim Mapes, Emil Jones, some of the revs on the west and south side…..


  27. - Scooby - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:29 pm:

    Not to be critical of people for trying, but these suggestions seem to be heavy on people who’s names appear in John Kass’ column and/or people who seem like a big deal at Saputo’s. Dick Durbin’s won big in each of his statewide races going back to the 1990’s, Barack Obama became only the 3rd African American to join the US Senate since reconstruction when he won statewide and went on to the White House and Blagojevich is the only Democrat elected Governor in this state since 1972 and I haven’t seen any mention of anyone close to Durbin, and only Axelrod for Obama and Balanoff for Obama and Blagojevich.

    So let me add Pete Giangreco and Terry Walsh of the Strategy Group who’s big wins include Obama 2004, Obama 2008, Blagojevich 2002 & 2006, Foster’s special and general in 2008, Quigley’s special last year and the Senate Dems supermajority.


  28. - siriusly - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:30 pm:

    In no particular order of course - here’s as many as I could think of who I believe are real influences in their parties (The Madigans, Burkes, President Cullerton and Mayor Daley excluded per your instructions)

    Democrats:
    John Gianulis
    Jesse Jackson, Sr.
    Donald McNeil
    Tom Cullen
    Mike McClain
    Michael Kasper
    Elgie Simms, Jr.
    Courtney Nottage
    Tom Hynes
    The Steans Family (sorry Rich)
    Fred Eychaner
    Michael Bauer

    Republicans:
    Caprio
    Roeser
    Todd Vandermyde
    Jim Thompson
    Jim Edgar
    Jim Fletcher


  29. - Bring Back Boone's - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:31 pm:

    Patrick Fitzgerald
    Tim Mapes
    Dennis Gannon
    Penny Pritzker
    Shelia O’Grady
    Cindy Canary
    John Potts
    Victor Reyes
    Jim Edgar
    Jim Thompson
    Steve Brown
    Dallas Ingemunson
    Dennis Hastert
    Mike Carrigan
    Ken Cosgrove
    Mike Noonan


  30. - reformer - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:35 pm:

    To round out my earlier GOP list to 10:
    * Jim “The Milkman” Oberweis
    * Joe Calomino of AFP


  31. - Will County Woman - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:38 pm:

    How is Jerry Stermer not snark?

    To the person who listed him are going just by virtue of the job/title he holds, rather than his ability to protect his boss from himself and others, and make sure that he comes off looking good at all times, or as much as possible?


  32. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:38 pm:

    Maybe I should’ve asked for explanations. Do you really think Oberweis is an influencer today? Maybe at one time, but today? Same goes for Cellini, etc.


  33. - reformer - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:41 pm:

    Rich is right that The Milkman probably has little clout nowadays. I’ll delete him from my list and insert Fran Eaton of IL Review.


  34. - the list - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:48 pm:

    Good luck with this list, Rich. In my opinion the top non-elected influencers from each party include:

    Republicans (hate to say this, but I can’t think of 10):

    Jack Kubik - as former Chief of Staff to House Minority Leader Tom Cross (and he was a Rep). He continues to have enormous influence in Republican circles and is respected by Democrats.

    Baise - You need him if you want to get anything done related to taxes or jobs

    Douglas Whitley - He has more influence that most realize and care for him to have

    Cindy Canary - Campaign for Political Reform Executive Director; has become the person to wave the magic wand on reform issues

    Matt O’Shea - As Chief of Staff to Cross, he has influence, but possibly not enough to land him on your list

    Democrats (in no particular order):

    Michael Kasper - most influential lobbyist in the Capitol; election lawyer extraordinaire who helps every democratic member and some republicans stay on the ballot

    Shaw Decremer - Works the House floor for the Speaker; top campaign manager for house and aldermanic races; rank and file members consider him to be the person to turn to when you need answers

    Tim Mapes - The “gatekeeper” to the Speaker; the only person with more power than Tim Mapes is the Speaker himself

    Sean Vinck - appointed Quinn’s legislative guy but seems to be responsible for just about everything in the Governor’s office

    David Vaught - long time friend of Quinn appointed special counsel and now director of OMB; like Vinck seems to have his hand in everything and always has Quinn’s ear

    Eric Madiar - new counsel to President Cullerton and prior lawyer to Madigan; in a short time has become the guy that signs off on everything

    Heather Weir Vaught - #2 to Dave Ellis in the Speakers office and the go-to person for legislation; helped with the blagojevich impeachment; most influential woman on Madigan’s staff, besides Joanne Sullivan

    John Dunn and Billy Gluntz - Mayor Daley’s right hand men; get stuck delivering the tough messages but both are respected and a little bit feared

    Ann Spillane - Chief of Staff to AG Madigan; rules with an iron fist and gets results for Madigan


  35. - Anon - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:49 pm:

    Bill Houlihan
    John Simmons
    Pete Giangreco
    Pritzkers
    Mike Kerrigan
    Ed Smith
    Steve Brown


  36. - OneMan - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:49 pm:

    ok…

    Jim “The Milkman” Oberweis

    Is going to play a role in the congressional race and may play a role in the challenge to Lauzen. His pockets may not be as deep, but they are somewhat deep.

    OneMan

    Well I am the only sane Republican blogger in the state :-)

    Duchossois

    Money and more generally the outsized for the size of it’s industry role that horse racing plays in this state.

    Andy McKenna

    His ability to raise the $$$

    Proft

    Perhaps the sharpest ‘voice’ the right has in Illinois right now. Lots may not agree with him but you can tell he has a PR background.

    Jack Roeser

    Huge mailing list and willing to spend to back what he believes in. Also plays a big role in Northern Kane County which is a large GOP area in the state.

    Hastert:
    His role in Kendall county and the shadow Kendall casts in GOP politics in the western collars and beyond.

    The Guy who is running against Kay Hatcher who is Kendall County GOP Chair.
    – Again Kendall county casts a big shadow in the western collars and beyond


  37. - VanillaMan - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:51 pm:

    Rich - you are asking us crazy people. We’re going to give you some crazy answers with perhaps a gem or two in them.

    That’s the best we can do. Remember, I was the one that gave you Oprah. I’m right, and you know it, but too proud to admit it. Oprah Freakin’ Winfrey - Queen of the Media World. Queen of talk and the person who made Barack Obama president.

    Now, how many of our other bloggers would have come up with that correct answer? Bill? wordslinger? I thinketh not, oh bearded wonderboy!


  38. - Stormin Normin - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:52 pm:

    Strategy Group definitely deserves to be on the list. Sometimes they get passed over because they often work the same campaigns as AKP.

    They do have an impressive track record.


  39. - dont forget - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:53 pm:

    For the dems don’t forget Mike Thomson. The House democrats election guru.


  40. - Been There - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:54 pm:

    =+=Some of you are really stuck in the past. Alan Dixon?===
    I had to think of some downstaters to show I get south of I-80. But his endorsement, which he still gives out, means just as much to downstate dems as does Edgars to the GOP.


  41. - indupage - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 12:55 pm:

    Pat Brady - R party chair, RNC committeeman, chair of RNC ethics committee

    Jim Durkin - R State Rep, chair of McCain Illinois, leader in House action for impeachment


  42. - reformer - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:18 pm:

    indupage: Both of your names are disqualified because both are current officials. See the criteria.


  43. - Will County Woman - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:22 pm:

    Media/communications types are still drivers of opinion, not only in terms of who they are, but most importantly because of what they chose to communicate.

    For me, I have to feel like the information that I am getting is on straight-up and honest. This list is by no means all-inclusive/exhaustative:

    Press:
    Mick Dumke
    Laura Washington
    Jack Conanty
    Carol Marin
    John Kass
    Eric Zorn
    Carlos Hernandez Gomez

    Commentator/Analysts:
    Paul Green
    Tom Serafin
    Andy Shaw


  44. - Little Egypt - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:22 pm:

    VanMan, I usually agree with you and on the Oprah thing, I will admit that she put forth a lot of effort in helping Obama get elected. I don’t think it will work though for a second term. Opray is losing some of her political capital and I don’t think she’s going to be as influencial the next time she tries. She’s gaining the reputation of one who stands for nothing and falls for everything.


  45. - publius - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:22 pm:

    yes cellini there more government employees and decision makers in place because of him than anyone can imagine and more development deal partners of his than any one can ferret out–an d he maybe the smartest guy of all listed–win or lose the indicted in this state often recover even winding up as commentators on tv—he certainly remains influential–although invisible most of my ten are already mentioned but i would add jim reilly


  46. - Will County Woman - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:25 pm:

    sorry, and I think the people on my list do a good job of keeping politicians in check to varying degrees and in that way influence politicians.


  47. - Been There - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:25 pm:

    At the risk of again being accused of being stuck in the past:
    Bill Harte & Bill Luking


  48. - JonShibleyFan - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:26 pm:

    Awesome question. Probably not the top ten, but I’ll give it a shot…

    Dem:
    David Axelrod
    Tom Balanoff
    Christie Hefner/Bill Marovitz
    Ed Geppert (IFT Prez)
    Fred Eyachner
    Penny Pritzker
    Tim Mapes

    GOP:
    Dick Duchossois
    James Owens (Caterpillar)
    Todd Vandermyde
    Doug Whitley
    Greg Baise
    Jack Roeser

    BOTH:
    Frank Clark (ComEd/Excelon)
    Jim Sweeney (Local 150 IUOE)
    Dan Clausner/Bill Olson (Booze and Beer barons)

    I’m sure I’ll read someone else’s list and slap my forehead and say “oh yeah!”


  49. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:30 pm:

    Been there, those two guys are some of the most influential and relatively unknown Dem influencers in Illinois. Particularly Harte.


  50. - way northsider - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:36 pm:

    Christie Hefner and Bill Marovitz


  51. - davehostetler - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:46 pm:

    On the Republican side:

    Adam Andrejevski - Sunshine advocate
    John Bambenek - Put back Amendment guy
    Fran Eaton - Illinois Review


  52. - what! - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:47 pm:

    John Lowder has his hands in every budget, every single year. Ultimately his staff puts together most budgets. He has to be on the list


  53. - Quinn T. Sential - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:47 pm:

    No particular order; and no need to rationalize most of these, although quite a few were left off of other lists, I think I could make a good case for any of them being included.

    Democrats
    Beth Kanter
    Penny Pritzker
    Gerry Shea
    Glen Poshard
    Al Ronan
    Bill Daley
    John Filan
    Abner Mikva
    Marilyn Katz
    Jeremiah Joyce

    Republicans
    Ron Gidwitz
    Dr. Lois Frels
    Greg Baise
    Dallas Ingemunson
    Demetra DeMonte
    Bob Churchill
    Joe Scheidler
    Jack Roeser
    Mary Alice Erickson
    Tolbert Chisum


  54. - davehostetler - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 1:49 pm:

    Oh, forgot–anything wrong with mentioning Tony Peraica?


  55. - Been There - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:10 pm:

    I am sticking with the older guys. Ex-elected officals except Donavon.
    Dick Devine
    Tom Donavon
    Adlai Stevenson
    Dan Rostenkowski
    Tom Hynes

    And a couple of whipper snappers, sort of.
    Dan Shomon
    Tom Binigno
    Mike Daly


  56. - One of the 35 - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:13 pm:

    Rich: Don’t remember anyone mentioning Mike Lawrence, but he should be on any such list as a respected, experienced wonk.


  57. - 15th - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:15 pm:

    Jerry Clarke


  58. - Feldman - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:19 pm:

    I don’t think Peraica is even influential with the voices in his head.


  59. - Machine - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:20 pm:

    TIM MAPES - Top Confident to the Speaker and Master Parliamentarian.

    MARTIN QUINN - 13th Ward Political Field General

    MOODY BROTHERS- Political Assassins

    WILL COUSINEAU - Director of Issues Staff and top political Strategist


  60. - Chicago Guy - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:20 pm:

    My list is all democrat with the exception of Jim Reilly.

    Fundraisers:
    Lou Sussman
    Jack Guthman
    Sandy Guthman
    Lou and Susan Manilow
    Pritzkers
    Art Johnston

    City Hall connections:
    John Satalic
    Ed Bedore
    Greg Goldner
    Alison Davis
    Bill Daley
    Lance Tyson

    The Sister Agency Board Chairs:
    Gery Chico
    Marty Nesbitt
    Michael Scott
    Bill Brandt
    Terry Peterson
    Jim Reilly

    I’m leaving out the Obama people like Valerie Jarret but they will be back.


  61. - indupage - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:23 pm:

    Reformer -

    Pardon the mistake, I read the question too fast. Thanks for calling me on it;)


  62. - IMO - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:25 pm:

    Dems:
    Wayne Whalen
    Bill Luking
    Michael Bauer
    William R. Daley
    Tom Lanctot
    Jim Tyree
    Tom Moore
    Hefner/Marovitz
    Jay Doherty
    Bill Gainer

    Reps:
    Tom Roeser
    Pat Brady
    Chris Robling
    Ron Gidwitz
    Greg Baise

    Media & PR:
    Michael Sneed
    Andy Shaw
    Jim Terman
    Anne-Marie St. Germaine
    Paul Green
    John Kass
    Marilyn Katz
    Abdon Pallacsh
    Carol Marin
    Charles Thomas


  63. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:25 pm:

    Chicago Guy, very good list


  64. - Southern IL GOP - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:28 pm:

    GOP
    Nick Bellini


  65. - Anon West Side - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:31 pm:

    The one and only Pete Giangreco


  66. - Just Me - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:34 pm:

    Greg Baise
    Jim Edgar
    Ron Gidwitz
    Chicago Tribune Editorial Board
    Thom Seraphin


  67. - John Bambenek - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:37 pm:

    You’d think with the shear numbers of politicians, pundits and press that all but plagairize my work that I’d be on the list ;)

    /snark


  68. - Been There - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 2:37 pm:

    Rich, aren’t all these lists pretty much like your subscriber list? Either way, there are a lot of names on here that we sometimes forget about. I would rather have this team list over the elected officials list if you took off Daley, Durbin, Gov and the Four Tops.


  69. - observer - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:01 pm:

    I think a lot of these are good. Greg Goldner may be a good addition.


  70. - Pot calling kettle - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:17 pm:

    I’m surprised no one listed the Speaker, since many consider him to be unelected…

    My list would be the staffers that have moved through Speaker Madigan’s office and into offices (government, lobbying firms, non-profits, etc.) all around Springfield and Chicago. Individually, some are more influential than others, but as a group, the former Madigan staffers seem to be ubiquitous on the Illinois political scene.


  71. - redbyrd returns - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:20 pm:

    Dems
    Dennis Gannon
    Jack Lavin
    Mike Carrigan
    Mike Kasper
    Henry Bayer
    David Axelrod
    Pritzkers

    Repubs
    Jim Thompson
    Dick Duchosis
    Bruce Dold
    Andy McKenna
    Pat Brady
    Tom Roeser
    Fran Eaton


  72. - George - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:22 pm:

    Rich, if you put John Kass on your list I will smite you


  73. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:24 pm:

    George, I wouldn’t do that, but the Trib’s edit board is going on the GOP influencers list for sure.


  74. - My Kind of Town - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:31 pm:

    Interesting no one’s mentioned Ray LaHood.


  75. - George - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:31 pm:

    Well, that’s acceptable.


  76. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:32 pm:

    MKoT, probably because Ray ain’t here any more.


  77. - Randolph - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:38 pm:

    Pretty much everyone on my list has been listed previously. Regardless, Rich knows who the real influencers are and isn’t asking us to do his work.

    The one comment I’d make is that it is curious no one has listed a pollster. Without them, no one would know which way to influence. I’d start that list with Dave Fako…


  78. - phocion - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:46 pm:

    A few of the biggest names haven’t even been mentioned here. Hmmm…now that’s really being the guy behind the guy behind the guy. And, no, I aint tellin’.


  79. - bill preston - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 3:56 pm:

    R
    Fran Eaton - controls the conservative message
    Bobbi Peterson - runs the central committee
    D
    Kasper & Nottage - best around, whenevr you see something pass or fail and ask how look to these 2


  80. - 4 percent - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 4:06 pm:

    Dave Vite goes about his business quietly but is one of the most respected and effective folks.


  81. - Chicago Guy - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 4:07 pm:

    I’m going to push my luck and provide a few more names. All dems.

    Legacy names with clout:
    Chris Kennedy
    Anne Roosevelt

    Assorted other names:
    Bill Griffin
    Linda Hawker
    John Filan
    Frank Kruesi
    Mary Sue Barrett
    George Ranney

    Plus one Republican
    Paula Wolff, Chair of the Tollway Authority


  82. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 4:20 pm:

    The problem, 4 percent, is where to put Vite. He plays both sides quite well.


  83. - wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 4:21 pm:

    CG, George Ranney is bedrock, establishment GOP, is he not? Lost to Judy Koehler for the GOP senate nomination in ‘86?

    Is Sam Vinson still doing his lobbying thing?


  84. - Chicago Guy - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 4:24 pm:

    Wordslinger,

    I must admit I assumed George Ranney is a Dem.

    I was thinking of his influence through Metropolis 2020 and in Lake County.


  85. - Politico - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 4:29 pm:

    These three may take sides on issues but can be always be relied upon for smart and independent analysis:

    John Kass
    Carol Marin
    Thom Serafin


  86. - Brian Costin - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 4:36 pm:

    How about John Tillman of the Illinois Policy Institute, Joeseph Bast of the Heartland Institute, and Joe Calamino of the Americans for Prosperity Chapter in Illinois.


  87. - Angry Republican - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 5:02 pm:

    What about the big law zoning law firm in Chicago (Banks?). Not sure which list to put them on, but Lawrence Msall and that Shakman guy wield some influence


  88. - Jacksonville - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 5:04 pm:

    I like the names that try to remain beneath the fray, yet wield enormous influence: Ken Bruce (yes, still); Jim Montana, James Bruner.


  89. - Really? - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 5:09 pm:

    Rich-What about the head of the Illinois Hospital Association? I beleive that is Howard Peters. And the Wirtz family. ???


  90. - 4 percent - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 5:33 pm:

    Republicans

    Greg Baise
    Dave Vite
    Jerry Roper
    Pat Brady
    Al Lerner
    Jim Edgar
    Todd Vandermyde
    Rev. Bob Vanedenbosch
    Jack Roeser

    Dems

    Tim Mapes - Dems
    Mike McClain - Lobbyist
    Mike Carrigan - AFL
    Bill Perkins - SEIU
    Jim Collins - ITLA
    Jack Lavin
    Al Ronan


  91. - Trash Talker - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 5:38 pm:

    Luking
    Filan, Bill
    Mapes
    Brown, Steve
    Kasper
    Cullen
    Thomson
    Dave Sullivan
    John Potts
    John Lowder
    Eric Madiar


  92. - The Court Jester - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 5:57 pm:

    one man, if YOU don’t know his name, how can the guy from Kendall County be influential? Please tell me you were joking??

    vite, Hastert, Big Jim, Baise, Kasper, Edgar, potts, ronan, Steve Brown..


  93. - GOP - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 6:14 pm:

    tony peraica


  94. - Stormin Normin - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 6:38 pm:

    Bob Clifford. He’s big with the trial lawyers and he was Cook County States Attorney Anita Alvarez’s biggest supporter.


  95. - hm - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 6:40 pm:

    Jim Edgar
    Thom Serafin
    Steve Brown
    Abner Mikva
    Dick Duchossois


  96. - Thomas Westgard - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 6:53 pm:

    Rich, this is fascinating. I look forward to all of this being fleshed out a little bit more. I won’t submit a list because I don’t have the background for it, although I do keep seeing the names Phelan and Balanoff cropping up in the most unexpected places.


  97. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 7:50 pm:

    GOP
    Paul Vallas
    Andy McKenna
    Jerry Roper
    Jim Edgar

    DEM
    Dennis Gannon - CFL
    Jesse Jackson, Sr
    Mike Carrigan AFL-CIO
    Bill Daley
    Tim Mapes
    Gilbert Villegas-HACIA
    Ed Smith
    Henry Bayer – AFSCME
    Tom Balanoff - SEIU
    Terry, Jim Allen-134, Masons


  98. - LakeviewJ - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 8:53 pm:

    Adlai Stevenson III
    Billy Ocasio


  99. - RINO - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 9:30 pm:

    Terry Cosgrove, Penny Pritzker, Jim Edgar, The Manilows,ASK, Strategy Group, Ann Spillane, Bill Brandt


  100. - Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Nov 4, 09 @ 11:01 pm:

    It’s really not fair to come in at the end of the day and scribe a list after seeing so many good suggestions (and a few loopers-I mean, really, a couple of these old horses couldn’t get you yesterday’s paper, and if they could, they would want to trade you for today’s and $10.)

    Therefore, instead of a full list, I write to just point out a few missing names:

    Francis Cardinal George
    Dr. Eric Whitaker
    John Rogers
    Rocky Wirtz
    Ty Fahner
    Lori Healey

    I would vote ChicagoGuy, IMO, and 4% as having the best lists, fwiw.


  101. - ABCBoy - Thursday, Nov 5, 09 @ 12:27 am:

    Ditto all the above. Rather than repeat many of what the others said, I’ll try to add a few new ones:

    All Republican based or GOP leaning:

    John Tillman-Illinois Policy Institute
    John Tsarpalis–Sam Adams Alliance
    Joseph Bast–Heartland Institute
    Denis Healy–Turtle Wax CEO


  102. - Anon - Thursday, Nov 5, 09 @ 9:33 am:

    Carter Hendren


  103. - Wumpus - Thursday, Nov 5, 09 @ 9:35 am:

    Dem -Roland Burris
    GOP Wumpus

    unk - Jerry Reinsdorf


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