Nominating meeting in Galesburg
The nominating meeting scheduled for committeemen and candidates in Galesburg is going on as I write.
If anyone has any news or reports on how it went, please share it with other readers.
Some quotes from a piece in the D/A regarding the meeting:
The meeting will start with an explanation of the legal opinion obtained by party officials that states only elected, not appointed, precinct committeemen are allowed to cast votes or nominate candidates, Don Johnston, 17th Congressional District Central Committee co-chairman, said.
Then, candidates will be nominated, again only by elected precinct committeemen. Nominations must be seconded, and candidates must be present to accept the nomination. After nominations have been made, central committee officials will explain how ballots will be mailed to the committeemen, and when they must be returned for counting.
...
Any extended fuss about any issues involving the nominating and voting process could derail the process and prevent candidates from speaking as Mr. Johnston has planned. How any protests or challenges will be handled is unclear.
"It depends," Mr. Johnston said. "We will have to play that by ear, but I don't expect any major dissention."
The legal opinion concerning the process, received earlier this week by Mr. Johnston and co-chair Mary Boland, asserted their belief that only elected precinct committeemen be allowed to vote.
"The opinion pretty much explains the position, and we think we have the most qualified election attorney in our area, or the state for that matter, providing the opinion," Mr. Johnston said. "We haven't heard of any legal challenges, so we don't expect any to our opinion.
"We are just plugging away to make this as legal and fair as we can."
Five candidates who have attended forums throughout the district are expected to be nominated for the ballot. They are Mike Boland, state representative from East Moline; Phil Hare, Rep. Evans' district director, from Moline; Rob Mellon, a teacher from Adams County; Mark Schwiebert, Rock Island mayor; and John Sullivan, state senator from Rushville. [Mellon is expected to drop out]
...
Issues that could be raised by committeemen are allowing appointed committeemen to vote, and whether to select a candidate at a convention rather than by mail-in ballot.
"Those issues are still out there," Mr. Johnston said.
Committeemen will be mailed ballots next week. Each committeeman will cast a number of votes equal to the number of Democratic ballots cast in their precinct in the March primary. They are free to spread their votes among various candidates on the ballot.
The ballots must be returned within 15 days to a sealed post office box. After the deadline, the ballots will be counted by the central committee and several county clerks from throughout the district and a winner will be announced.
After a winner is announced a nomination must be filed with the Illinois State Board of Election.
posted by The Inside Dope @ 5/13/2006
35 comments
35 Comments:
Why aren't you there reporting on this major event first-hand, up close? Wow - you could write some great stuff from Galesburg.
I apologize Mr. Dope, wrong board for my question. What is the location of the meeting?
I just got up and about; where is it at?
First of all, my jaw looks like I just went a round with Sonny Liston, the inside of my mouth is a bloody mess, and frankly, I'm not feeling too hot.
Secondly, I'm not sure if the drive would be worth it. If, as I hope, there's no contention and no outbursts, then it should be a routine meeting.
And thirdly, I can hardly justify buying a laptop with a wireless connection in order to "live blog" a potentially uneventful meeting such as this.
I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I don't recall you donating so much as a dime to the effort, nor, for that matter do most readers who enjoy the blog.
So, anyone who attended the meeting, please give us a report. Or not.
Ok brother, I was just wondering if you knew where it was at. I used to be a precinct committeeman when I lived in Warren County. I do not blog too much on this site, but I do browse and read here. I normally post at Capital Fax under the name TrueBlueandThankful. If I make it to the meeting, I will give you an update. Hope the tooth problem gets better.
Well, after about 5 comments asking where this meeting is being held, which is odd, since it will be over shortly, here's where it is (was) held:
Orpheum Theatre
57 S. Kellogg St.
Galesburg, IL
It began at 10:00 a.m.
I apologize for the re-postings, which you refer to as "odd." I posted in the wrong section first; then, when I posted the question in the right spot, your blog does not indicate if it was accepted because it refers the blogger to type in those "hard to read letters." That is the reason I have not "blogged" on this blog for several months. I hope that you accept my apology. I tried to write a blog back when you asked people to blog about what is meant by the term "liberal" and was not able to post because it kept denying the post because of the hard to read letters. Thanks.
This is working out so nicely. The last thing we need is more people getting involved (sorry, non-elected hand-picked wannabes, you are out of luck)in this great process.
Evans, John G and the Jacobs have show their power. All that is left is to report the vote to the press, but we already know that Congressman Hare is the WINNER.
As worked out, Chairman Johnston will get to send out Hare's mail in the upcoming election cycle!
The meeting went off without any surprises. All the RI candidates looked to have a strong showing which should give the nomination to John Sullivan. Hopefully, we get this done with in short order.
First of all, I'll be honest about where I'm coming from. I'm a Phil Hare guy (though I could easily support ANY of the Democrats over Zinga). Having said that, let me offer some feedback.
I've seen all candidates at least twice now, and most 3 times. It seemed to me as if every candidate I saw had stepped up their speaking ability and did better than when I saw them before...except, frankly, John Sullivan. Senator Sullivan didn't do that badly, but he wasn't as impressive a speaker today as he can be, and today is a day that ability would have meant something.
Different individuals received good applause lines. It's the first time that I've listened to Mayor S. when I haven't thought "hey, that's all well and good, but you're talking like an executive, not a legislator." He still doesn't do a great job of remembering that the election is more about the people than the candidate--he really comes across as talking "at" rather than "to" or "with" people. But he bloodied the Republicans a few times.
Rob Mellon has seemed to be an irritating neophyte out of his league...except today. He still has a lot to learn before he's a solid candidate, but he was received with grace. He had a GREAT line about the war on terror: "this is a chess game, and George W. Bush is playing checkers."
I'm convinced Mike Boland is out of it, but even though he spoke too long, even he was received graciously today.
The first time I heard Sen. Sullivan talk about some pieces of legislation he had backed it reminded me of State Sen. Obama, when running against people without legislative experience, very effectively doing the same thing. This time was not nearly as effective. He's clearly a handsome guy with what can be a winsome speaking style, but there was an embarrassing moment when he lost his notes, or his place in his notes--hey, we've all been there, but it took him longer than it should to get back on the bike, and it was almost painful to watch. It wasn't a terrible performance, but far from his best.
Each time I hear Phil Hare speak I have two reactions: 1, he starts somewhat slowly and then builds rhythm and energy, almost like some African-American preachers. Secondly, people really buy into this guy's sense of being authentic. I think people are very happy to hear someone who isn't apologizing for being a Democrat. He got a standing ovation at the end that was impressive, even allowing for the union folk who were precinct committeepeople.
Strangely, no candidate made a point of pledge to back any other candidate over Zinga. But there was a sense of unity, even if precarious, in the hall.
Don Johnston and Mary Boland, and the local party chair, clearly had done a lot to put this together, but it was still irritating that they couldn't put specific dates to what happens when and when it will all be done.
Everybody was gracious toward one another.
Just my opinion. I could be wrong.
I came from the meeting. Boland could hardley get nominated. Then Boland had to nominate Mellon. No one was going to nominate him so Boland helped him out. He probably hoping that he takes votes from Sullivan. They all did a fine job with their talks. After talking to several precinct committeepeople afterward I realized why John G. isn't pushing for the nonelected committeemen. Hare has the votes with plenty to spare. It was great to see Rock Island county have such a great leader like John G, Evans, and Jacobs to get the needed votes that are required for Hare to get the nomination. Evans wants Hare and it was evident that he will deliver. Several people from the southern part of the district confirmed to me that because of Evans wish for Hare to take the office that they would walk with him. This thing is over. It is time for us all to get behind Phil Hare as congressman.
In the full panic pre-MODAY mode. Little Summary @ UMRBLog. Good meeting, no large surprises. Firearms were checked at the door, just like in a Hopalong Cassidy flick.
Is that a root tip? Did it come from a Manatee?
Ouch, proceed and remain in the "Better Living Through Chemistry" mode.
Anon 12:32...
No need to apologize. I understand that it may be difficult to get the hang of posting here. I hope you keep at it, as once you get it down, it's not too difficult.
One hint is that sometimes even if you type the word verification letters corretly, they won't work, as the sets of letters change from time to time.
So if your post doesn't go through at first, try looking at the bottom and seeing if they gave you a new set of letters. Type those in and it should go through with no problem.
Another solution is to click on the little handicapped button next to the space to type the pass words. If you have headphones or speakers on your computer, you should be able to hear them speak a series of numbers or letters which you can then type.
Sorry for the difficulty, but it's a necessary hassle due to inappropriate commenters.
I hope you keep at it and find out how to make it work consistently.
Short of that, if you can't get it to work, simply send me your comment in e-mail, tell me which post you want it left under, and I can post it for you.
You can e-mail me by clicking the red link in the sidebar or sending it to theinsidedope@gmail.com
jbc always roots for the loser. This time it is that nut Mellon.
Please, put this issue to rest.
You are easily identifiable by the fact that you refer to "jbc" in routinely negative terms, nearly always trying to smear this person in one way or another.
I just gotta ask, who in the hell is "jbc"?????? Who are you talking about?
Are you trying to smear Beydler yet constantly insisting on messing up even a three letter initial? Do you actually think this is clever?
Or are you severely dyslexic, like the theologian who spent most of his life pondering if there really was a dog?
Phil Hare carried the day! He was nominated by Black Hawk Township Road Commissioner Doug House and seconded by the former Alserman from Moline Pat O'Brien.
Hare was the last speaker and talked honestly and openly about the issues most people care about.
jbs is none other than John "Crybaby" Bydler AKA Web Master at "ThePassingParade".
"Smearing" occures when YOU say something about someone that you know is totally FALSE. As you did in the recent Democrat Primary when you denegrated the poor woman that did opposition research for Senator Mike Jacobs' Campaign.
After watching jbc steal your blog traffic, I can't understand why you are defending Corporate Blog Masters?
Why do you feel the need to protect jbc, Master of the Coprorate Blog? Has he bought you off with a fat corporate check or a free newspaper susbscription or something? Perhaps free internet access for your blog?
Whatever the reason you have taken jbc to your bossome, you need to re-examin your convictions, because they look to be ever changing!
Just a thought!
Nollem. Are you wearing a tin-foil hat? You're not being clever, and you're twisted with paranoid delusions, but your comment conveyed that well enough.
I reported nothing false about any masseuse, and challenge you to point out where I did.
But thanks. You've provided the only information about the story anyone has ever received. So she was doing "opposition research", huh? Digging up dirt on opponents?
Interesting indeed.
I'm not trying to "protect" John Beydler. He certainly doesn't need to be protected and he certainly can defend himself, though he likely, as I probably should, ignores you.
No one "steals" blog traffic. And this "corporate blogmasters" stuff .. well... you need to adjust your medications.
As to examining my convictions... once again you're in la-la land. My convictions haven't changed. The problem is that you think you know what they are, apparently, and you're likely dead wrong.
You are in dire need of a reality check. Drop me an e-mail and maybe I can set you straight. (maybe)
And please, if you really feel the way you do, find another blog to comment on. There's lots out there about UFOs and the Trilateral Commission. Thanks.
Anon 1544,
You're not wrong about Sullivan and that speech. He does better note-less. John's appeal's not logic. It's that he inspires trust. Besides, you really think there were any undecided voters in that room?
Three nice candidates are blowing up RICO. That Knox looks like Hare country is no surprise. Wild card in all this are Macoupin and the scraps in Macon Christian and Sangamon. Macoupin has to decide whether Senator Demuzio's friend will represent them better than a bunch of guys from the north pole making an impossible promise about a District Office.
If this was a convention where you had to keep voting until someone got a true majority, it'd be Schwiebert. He seems to be everybody's second favorite candidate. Unfortunately for him, it isn't.
I'm with you. I'd cheerfully support any of these guys in this one.
You're also right about the civility. Everybody was well behaved during the meeting and there was only one notable whack job evident after.
I guess I could be called several things worse than a "nut" - but that does not seem to be appropriate or accurate. You could suggest that I am delusional or in fantasyland, but a "nut" - not really. I have laid out specific proposals for Energy and Iraq - I covered them in detail in three of the four speeches that I have given during this process. Hare and I are the only candidates who have given specifics on what they would do as a congressman. Something that every candidate should be doing. A "nut" does not generally offer a well-reasoned position on an issue. I am trying to be open-minded though - I will make a crazy statement so I can officially be labeled as a "nut" – so anonymous you are correct again. I just don’t get it though anonymous supports something one minute and then changes his mind just a few minutes later. His posts are erratic and confusing, but he is dedicated. I have seen anonymous in all of the blogs that I have visited from RI to Quincy and everywhere in between. A real dedicated blogger no doubt. He often is the first to make a comment in the morning and the last to offer one at night. In honor of this dedication I will make a nut-like statement. I am suggesting a policy of issuing all Illinois citizens skateboards - and replacing the roadways with paths complete with ramps and concrete banks. This is a similar to Castro's policy of issuing bicycles to all Cubans. My policy is more innovative and "phat" - and has been endorsed by the Tony Hawk Foundation for the Radicalization of America. Moreover, it reduces our dependence on foreign oil. This is a win-win situation. Expect to see this on my website soon - www.robmellon.com
NOW I AM OFFICIALLY A NUT – anonymous is right again.
A teacher, a father, an officer and very much a gentleman is inconsistent with being a nut. Rob could perhaps be cast a little naive and green. Isn't that great.? That's where our party's new talent comes from.
Rob and UMRblog... I think in the future the best idea is to totally ignore the "jcb" guy.
In his world, anyone who's not a rabid Jacobs supporter or supporter of who and what Jacobs supports is a "nut" and an evil person with horrible character flaws who needs to be lied about, slimed, and destroyed.
It's beyond tedious and really dumbs things down, not to mention that that much hate and venom from one person is a bit creepy.
In the future, I'll try to be more diligent in screening his stuff. I only allowed it this time because it was, as always, so weird and goofy and because they'd let slip a bit of info on the masseuse controversy.
One thing I've learned from following the blogs is that we've got some seriously undereducated folks interested in this process. The most entertaining are the anonymous commenters with 7th grade writing skills and borderline personality disorders.
Rob Mellon deserves a lot of credit for participating in the selection process. I'm encouraged to see that there are fresh new faces with good backgrounds willing to jump into the fray.
I'm not even ready to speculate on who will come out of this selection as the nominee.
I will say that it has peeled the onion and shown how RICO politics really work. While the reality is not that enlightening for me, it has validated many of my suspicions on party leadership and party followership.
I don't think this is the kind of representation that 55 guys in Philly 230 years ago envisioned, but at least there are a few folks that are still trying.
I noticed you didn't take exception to the term loser Mellon. I will stick with this and not call you a nut. The thing is you have worked for the government your whole life and to call yourself an outsider is what I thought you were a nut for. Now I am corrected and can see that you will only be a loser and not a nut. Please refrain from calling yourself an outsider if you don't want people to be confused.
Huck Finn, Why don't you enlighten us on what you have been enlightened upon. I would like to hear your suspicions on party leadership and followership.
What about this process do you think that 55 guys 230 years ago would not envisioned.
And last who are the few folks that are trying and what are they trying for.
Clear these up for us all.
I can see those of us without secret decoder rings are at a decided disadvantage.
Rob, shame on you for serving your country for ten years and then educating our children! All the time you are working for ZOG. And all this time I had the idea you were a patriot educator. You would have had me fooled, you devil, it wasn't for Mr. TinFoilHat exposing.
TID is right, I'm done now.
Look I think it is great that Mellon served his country and tries to educate our youth. Are you people having trouble reading. It is the outsider tag that he wants to cover himself with. When you have been at the government trough your whole life you are not an outsider. Plain and simple.
MELLON IS AN INSIDER!!!
I was at the meeting and the clear choice is Phil Hare.
Worse than that...Mellon feels the need to interject himself into every step of the process. Heck, the guy had to rely on Mike Boland to nominate him. Are things that bad for Mellon that nobody he knows would even support him? What kind of loser is that? THE VERY PEOPLE THAT KNOW HIM BEST ARE SUPPORTING CONGRESSMAN HARE1
Now I know that Mellon is sensetive to being called a "nut," so I won't call him that, but I will call him "a self-appointed politcal elite who's only goal is to read his own name in the newspaper.
Before someone runs for office he or she ought to have some politcal expereince even if it is volunteering in a campaign. Mellon has none, zero, zilch, nada.
This guy has done nothing but waste our time, and the MACHINE DOESN'T wan't "nuts" eating up our valuable time. What kind of person stays ina race when he doesn't have a single vote. This guy is an arrogant flake!
Okay, let me spell it out.
1. That the congressional seat in not seen as a representative of the district. It is treated as a throne. Not once has serious public consideration been given to letting voters pick the candidate in a primary. Did a single county clerk even put forth the cost/requirements pros/cons to holding a primary? No, and in RICO, the clerk stood behind John G. to endorse Phil Hare within two weeks. More consideration has been given to who can raise money or who Lane wants than to who represents the needs of the people. Issues and representation are an afterthought.
2. That there are two "perspectives" in RICO Democratic politics, embodied in John G. and Don J. Because John G. has a perceived and exercised "power base," party members at the grassroots level (committeemen) are strongly upwardly loyal. This loyalty has blinded the party to changing demographics (race, age, gender, labor, income) within the county over the last 20 years. Preservation of John G.'s power base takes priority over the long term sustainability and relevance of the party.
3. Because of that loyalty, RICO Democrats are not a collective force of similar ideals. Instead the party is a fiefdom. It is an insular, closed, self-preserving top-down system that is increasingly out of touch with voters.
4. Because we won't have a primary to choose our next nominee, we have purposefully chosen to preserve this insular system rather than debate it openly. (Lane's decision to retire is completely irrelevant to this opinion.) The steps taken by party officials and Phil Hare(quick endoresments, maneuvering to install committeemen to vacant precincts, etc.) were not taken to ensure representation for voters. The whole series of events is a coordinated "Al Haig" power play. Don Johnston's actions to set up a selection process are the only above-board ethical moves I've seen along the way.
The 2nd Continental Congress met at their own peril to collectively represent the concerns of people they were sent to represent. They were serving, not being served. I see the whole process here as selfish service instead of selfless service.
Huck Finn 1442,
Your number one point is interesting and the "reload election" option would certainly be the most democratic. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending upon one's view, the legislature contemplated this exact scenario and gave us a statute dictating how the candidate was to be selected. As a consequence, it would have been a useless exercise for the clerks to have taken the action you suggest. Essentially, it would have been unlawful to have held an election.
Provocative subject, though, how a short shelf-life primary would have played out.
Yes, yes, yes, preserving the leadership is key. And yes, the Congressional seat is beyond any one persons power to control.
Chairman Johnston is to be rewarded by the leaders for his self-sacrifice and willingness to limit the vote. The leaders don't want a speacial election. Do you think they think Congressman could win that?
Chairman Joihnston and Madam M. Boland have done terrific job!
Ours is an open, inclusive party, in full compliance with ancient Democratic fellowshipd practiced by Jefferson and other right-standing Templers.
Director Gianulis is also in line for great credit. Although he played the "heavy," John has long sustained minnions with provisions and deeds. His power touches beyond the shadows and is as vast as the land we serve.
Chairman Leibovitz stands ready to count Congressman Hare's votes. The issues have been discussed and re-hashed beyond recongnition. The people have spoken. Now is time to the support leaders. "Thank Heavens Lane Evans Chose Phil Hare!"
Lane pledged to guide and direct Cogressman Hare's every actions. If Phil stumble, labor unions will stand together and aid Lane's "brother"! The people will carry "brother" Phil to where we need to be. Such is the relationship between our party, labor and the people. Bless the leaders. Bless labor! Bless the people!!!
The State of our Party is strong. Zinga, and her unkopwn running mates are none-factors. The people have spoken and they want Comngressman Hare!
Thank you Chairman Mao. Sheesh.
ttk hit the nail on the head. This is the best explanation of how things should work. Liek a well oiled machine. I think that ttk should or probably is one of the power broakers broakering the deal.
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