I don’t know how much of this is Blago or his people but over the last 3 years, Illinois has certainly turned into a more innovative, litmus test state for many new ideas. Whether they work or not or if we can afford them remains to be seen to the fullest degree but at least we’re trying new things.
- 'The Gay Governor' - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 8:53 am:
Are we sure he cut 13,000 from the state payroll?
I’d certainly give him a load of credit if he had (although it’s not enough of a cut) but didn’t a lot of the “cuts” come from not filling positions left vacant by the Ryan admin? And I believe the plan was already not to fill those when Blago took office.
In any case…he hasn’t raised income taxes. We simply cannot afford more taxes out here in the real working world, and Blago has managed to fund his priorities so far without raising our income taxes.
- SilverBackDemocrat - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 9:12 am:
His policies for the people of this state are cutting-edge, 21st century style. Innovative ideas like Universal pre-school for 3 and 4 year olds; Progressive policies like Universal Health Care for Children; Health Care for Veterans; prescription drug help for seniors who fall the cracks of medicare; Investing in bio-medical technology and stem cells; and of course, clean coal technology, ethanol production, and nano-technology. I believe this is a great start at moving this state in a positive, progressive motion that is actually getting things done.
Gitt R’ done!
He has been successful in getting core Democratic values (education, health care for those who need it, preserving a woman’s right to make her own choices about her body, etc.) enacted. I’ll even toss in open road tolling as another success.
People, I’ve had to delete about a dozen postings because you aren’t heeding my admonitions. If you don’t like the question or the answers, don’t post.
he’s maintained aplomb despite adversity. being the first Democrat administration after so many years I’m sure he knew that there would be plenty of adversity but his determination and single-mindedness have enabled him to enact some essential programs
- SilverBackDemocrat - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 9:47 am:
I left one thing out that I want to mention earlier. The Governor is a “Lover of the Lord.” This is the single most important point for me because his policies that he wants to impliment address the issues of the poor, just like the Lord commanded in his sermon on the mount. Keep fighting the good fight Brother.
He didn’t knuckle under to teachers’ unions by raising income taxes to continue education raises at double the inflation rate while education quality declines.
He can have some appeal to right wingers like Palos Park Bob who make up “double inflation rate” comments that are in no way true.
Yet Rod can support public education and see test scores going up while knowing that IL. is sending more students to college overall than at any point in history.
He is pretty darn good on the stump (better than any Republican Governor or Gubernatorial candidate since Thompson). He is an extremely talented politician and is such a gifted fundraiser he could probably raise campaign cash in a third world country. He is also pretty good one on one or in a meet in greet situation. All in all, the guy gets an A+ for politics and a D- for governance. That averages out to be a C+ overall, which is a pretty good grade for someone who contintuoulsy reminds us that he was a C student in College.
He is a good father and husband, he cares about the citizens of Illinois. He has not raised income or sales taxes which has helped my family by letting us keep more of the money we earn and he raised the minimum wage.
as a member of a local school board he has raised the state aid to our district each year. this came after years of no growth and decreases. he has been the strongest governor on education illinois has had in my lifetime.
He pushed for a rule to get rid of 90% of the toxic mercury from power plants in Illinois, and recently made a deal with Ameren that will reduce over 70% of the smog and soot pollution that comes out of the companies Illinois coal power plants today. Considering over 1300 people a year die in Illinois from power plant pollution alone, that’s worth some applause. As the Tribune Ed Board noted Sunday, now its time for the rest of the power industry.
I don’t care how ill-planned it was. It’s a necessary step to help children in Illinois.
- paddyrollingstone - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 4:21 pm:
He is the finest campaigner I have ever seen, bar none. I met him when he was first running for state rep and I knew then that he was a politcal force to be reckoned with.
Has stood up for a woman’s right to have ALL prescriptions (including those for contraceptives) filled without a hassle. Supports pre-school and health care for a much broader group of people.
- Snarkless - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 8:28 am:
3 words:
Open Road Tolling
- Woe is us - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 8:31 am:
More bilingual workers at social service agencies.
- Walking Wounded - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 8:38 am:
O.k., I am happy that he stood up to the pharmacists who wanted to play God with women and their birth control prescriptions.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 8:43 am:
He has the singlemindedness of a bloodhound.
- Still Anon - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 8:43 am:
Whether his plan works or not remains to be seen, but health insurance for kids is vital.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 8:44 am:
Oh yeah….more money for early childhood learning.
- anon - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 8:49 am:
say what you will but the guy can stay on message and bs with the best of ‘em
- moderate - half way between crazy and crazy. - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 8:51 am:
he is a great, no amazing, no phenomenal campaigner.
- anon - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 8:52 am:
I don’t know how much of this is Blago or his people but over the last 3 years, Illinois has certainly turned into a more innovative, litmus test state for many new ideas. Whether they work or not or if we can afford them remains to be seen to the fullest degree but at least we’re trying new things.
- 'The Gay Governor' - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 8:53 am:
He is entertaining!
- Siyotanka - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 8:55 am:
He has a cute daughter…
- corvax - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 8:55 am:
he was raised Orthodox
- Anon - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 8:56 am:
He cut 13,000 workers from the state payroll.
- Lovie's Leather - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 8:58 am:
Hell of a politician…
- Common Sense in Illinois - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 8:59 am:
He actually believes what he says…
- Tom DeLay's Mom - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 9:03 am:
He’s got a full head of hair and he jogs.
- Chick McGann - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 9:03 am:
He has too many state workers online saying nice things about him when they should be working.
- Cassandra - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 9:08 am:
Are we sure he cut 13,000 from the state payroll?
I’d certainly give him a load of credit if he had (although it’s not enough of a cut) but didn’t a lot of the “cuts” come from not filling positions left vacant by the Ryan admin? And I believe the plan was already not to fill those when Blago took office.
In any case…he hasn’t raised income taxes. We simply cannot afford more taxes out here in the real working world, and Blago has managed to fund his priorities so far without raising our income taxes.
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 9:11 am:
He married well.
- SilverBackDemocrat - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 9:12 am:
His policies for the people of this state are cutting-edge, 21st century style. Innovative ideas like Universal pre-school for 3 and 4 year olds; Progressive policies like Universal Health Care for Children; Health Care for Veterans; prescription drug help for seniors who fall the cracks of medicare; Investing in bio-medical technology and stem cells; and of course, clean coal technology, ethanol production, and nano-technology. I believe this is a great start at moving this state in a positive, progressive motion that is actually getting things done.
Gitt R’ done!
- Bluefish - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 9:14 am:
He has been successful in getting core Democratic values (education, health care for those who need it, preserving a woman’s right to make her own choices about her body, etc.) enacted. I’ll even toss in open road tolling as another success.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 9:26 am:
People, I’ve had to delete about a dozen postings because you aren’t heeding my admonitions. If you don’t like the question or the answers, don’t post.
- Fiscally Responsible - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 9:31 am:
He and his cronies have made Rich Miller a well-to-do man! Without them and their fodder, Rich would have nothing to write about.
- doubtful - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 9:31 am:
Creative and visionary.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 9:33 am:
he has nice hair.
- North of I-80 - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 9:38 am:
He can sure whiz a budget through the legislature.
He can find $$ millions of state dollars where no one else could.
- anonymous - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 9:41 am:
he’s maintained aplomb despite adversity. being the first Democrat administration after so many years I’m sure he knew that there would be plenty of adversity but his determination and single-mindedness have enabled him to enact some essential programs
- Anon - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 9:44 am:
He’s a devoted father.
- SilverBackDemocrat - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 9:47 am:
I left one thing out that I want to mention earlier. The Governor is a “Lover of the Lord.” This is the single most important point for me because his policies that he wants to impliment address the issues of the poor, just like the Lord commanded in his sermon on the mount. Keep fighting the good fight Brother.
- So-Called "Austin Mayor" - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 9:49 am:
He has shown that anyone can grow up to be the governor of Illinois.
- T.J. - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 9:50 am:
He was really raised Orthodox?
- schenked - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 10:10 am:
He personally lobbied to get sexual orientation added to the Illinois Human Rights Act.
- PalosParkBob - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 10:17 am:
He didn’t knuckle under to teachers’ unions by raising income taxes to continue education raises at double the inflation rate while education quality declines.
- Niles Township - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 10:19 am:
He has a good Lt. Governor.
- taxmandan - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 10:38 am:
Ronald Reagan tollway, nice gesture by a Dem.
- Anon - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 10:42 am:
With so many state workers bashing him online, he has to be doing something right!
Cut another 13,000 baby!
- Alicia Snyder - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 10:47 am:
He visited the school where I teach before he was elected.
- blahhhhgo - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 10:53 am:
He can have some appeal to right wingers like Palos Park Bob who make up “double inflation rate” comments that are in no way true.
Yet Rod can support public education and see test scores going up while knowing that IL. is sending more students to college overall than at any point in history.
- Patrick F. - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 10:55 am:
He sounds good on tape.
- ChicagoCynic - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 11:04 am:
Universal Pre-K is essential and he made it a priority.
- NumbersGuy - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 11:18 am:
positive role model for physical fitness.
- Todd Castro(ger) aka Wumpus - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 11:24 am:
He is loyal to his friends and supporters. He loves his daughtersssss. he picked a press sec with a nice smile, Abby.
- Chicago Guy - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 11:27 am:
He hasn’t raised taxes and, until his recent political troubles, he regularly stood up to Speaker Madigan and Mayor Daley.
- kimsch - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 11:29 am:
He loves his children.
- Jaded - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 11:35 am:
He is pretty darn good on the stump (better than any Republican Governor or Gubernatorial candidate since Thompson). He is an extremely talented politician and is such a gifted fundraiser he could probably raise campaign cash in a third world country. He is also pretty good one on one or in a meet in greet situation. All in all, the guy gets an A+ for politics and a D- for governance. That averages out to be a C+ overall, which is a pretty good grade for someone who contintuoulsy reminds us that he was a C student in College.
- (618) Democrat - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 11:39 am:
He is a good father and husband, he cares about the citizens of Illinois. He has not raised income or sales taxes which has helped my family by letting us keep more of the money we earn and he raised the minimum wage.
- scoot - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 11:57 am:
1-spinning and lots of it!
2-ferreting out his wrong doing, and closing the loopholes he created
- HANKSTER - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 12:14 pm:
ELVIS!!!
- Carl Nyberg - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 12:31 pm:
Blagojevich is a deft campaigner.
- Tom DeLay's Mom - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 12:33 pm:
Oh, oh…I’ve got one more: he’s excellent at raising campaign contributions!
…let’s never mind HOW he goes about raising money - I’m trying to be positive here, per Rich’s instructions.
- are u serious - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 12:49 pm:
He seems to have a decent family of his wife and two kids.
- Anon - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 12:51 pm:
Taking on power companies to cut pollution and promote renewables
- Honest Abe - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 1:24 pm:
He is a former Republican. He switched parties in order to be elected in Chicago.
- Honest Abe - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 1:27 pm:
He is a Cubs fan.
- Cal Skinner - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 1:40 pm:
His mother was a Goldwater Republican.
- school daze - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 1:47 pm:
as a member of a local school board he has raised the state aid to our district each year. this came after years of no growth and decreases. he has been the strongest governor on education illinois has had in my lifetime.
- cleanairguy - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 1:51 pm:
He pushed for a rule to get rid of 90% of the toxic mercury from power plants in Illinois, and recently made a deal with Ameren that will reduce over 70% of the smog and soot pollution that comes out of the companies Illinois coal power plants today. Considering over 1300 people a year die in Illinois from power plant pollution alone, that’s worth some applause. As the Tribune Ed Board noted Sunday, now its time for the rest of the power industry.
- Establishment Republican - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 2:31 pm:
The Cubs did not lose when he went to Wrigley Field last Saturday.
- B Hicks - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 3:04 pm:
He’s a former Golden Gloves Boxer…that’s kind of cool.
- Arthur Andersen - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 3:22 pm:
As a voting member of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, has completely avoided the Chief Illiniwek controversy.
- Team Sleep - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 3:45 pm:
All Kids
I don’t care how ill-planned it was. It’s a necessary step to help children in Illinois.
- paddyrollingstone - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 4:21 pm:
He is the finest campaigner I have ever seen, bar none. I met him when he was first running for state rep and I knew then that he was a politcal force to be reckoned with.
- Lovie's Leather - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 4:47 pm:
Oh, I thought of one more… he is an incumbent… that has to count for something, right?
- NIEVA - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 4:55 pm:
Rod has a great personality!!!
- Way Northsider - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 5:30 pm:
Has stood up for a woman’s right to have ALL prescriptions (including those for contraceptives) filled without a hassle. Supports pre-school and health care for a much broader group of people.
- Gus Frerotte's Clipboard - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 5:38 pm:
He stakes out bold stances on bedrock Democratic Party issues that resonate with the public — health insurance, preschool, women’s rights.
- Jake from Elwood - Tuesday, Aug 8, 06 @ 5:41 pm:
The guy has stones. No doubt about it –ask Dick Mell.