The state of Illinois should become the center of all Democratic activity

[Tweed]

Chicago should be the capital. We have a widely popular Democratic mayor here in Chicago. We also have a Democratic governor, comptroller, Lt. governor, secretary of state, attorney general, Senator times two, congressional congregation, state senate, state house and we voted for Kerry at 55%. Plus our state is in the heartland of America. Why Dick Durbin is not being named Senate Minority Leader is BEYOND me. I think it would serve as a great symbol to the fact that the Democratic party still rules in some areas of this nation.

Durbin is the kind of guy we need more of. Strong on Unions (both work and civil), abortion rights, Catholics, farmers, the middle and poor classes, getting rid of corporate corruption and all that is good that this party does/use to stand for.

[tritsofme]

1. I'm with you!

We gave the country the gift Obama and around here Crane is gone!

We are a great state.

[snippy]

2. One of the most interesting things to me about Illinois politically is

the breakdown of party unity in the Illinois GOP. I don't know whether it is due just to the criminal scandals that plagued the former Governor or whether it is the result of irreconcilable differences between the moderate republicans and the Reich Wing fundamentalists.

If it is the latter, we need to find a way to stimulate and encourage similar breakdowns in other states. It probably would not affect the balance of power and political control in several states, but it could in a few states, like Ohio and possibly Virginia for example.

[Tweed]

3. Illinois is the birthplace of the GOP, now it just might be the deathbed

That's a good point about the scandals. I'm sure there is corruption amongst other GOP governors. Then you pile on Jack Ryan's sex scandal. I think each state is a couple of scandals away from a shift if politics. Maybe not Utah...

[LuminousX]

5. Law of circles

[snippy]

8. Connecticut's GOP governor had to resign because of scandals, but

it seems to me that there is more discord in the Illinois GOP than just the scandals. If that is true I would like to see it spread to other states.

I am convinced that the Reich Wing fundamentalists in the GOP present the greatest danger to this country and possibly the entire world. I also am convinced that the moderate republicans see the Reich Wingers as quaint but harmless and since they are so useful to acquiring and retaining power they should be tolerated. I think the democratic party should find a way to persuade the moderate republicans otherwise. This should not be the sole focus of the democrats, but it should be one part of a long term multipart plan for retaking political control of the country and of several states.

[RetroLounge]

10. Actually, that would be Ripon Wisconsin

RL

[kerry-is-my-prez]

4. In Chicago and Illinois, politics is the favorite past-time.

They don't fool around.....

[Obviousman]

6. EXACTLY!

People, its time to move. I cant make a thread because i dont have over 250 posts. someone here, PLEASE start a "Draft Durbin" thread. It may be too late, but if we get an overwhelming online support, we may be able to turn the tide. Get as many people sign up on the post and then send a link to every member of the US Senate. It's a longshot, but its worth it. If the fundies can establish so much power, why dont we do it to?!

[Skittles]

7. I am very proud of my native state (I was born in Illinois)

very proud indeed. :thumbsup:

[RetroLounge]

11. Me too!

Born in Chicago, raised in Niles, now making Wisconsin a little more blue!

RL

[Skittles]

12. I lived in Wisconsin too

Madison - my favorite place of all my stops as a GI brat. Hey, isn't Niles northern Illinois? One of the high schools I went to was in Libertyville.

[Tweed]

9. Illinois: THE BLUEST OF THE BLUE