September 1, 2007

Local Race Discussion page

A place to "discuss" (in quotes since that is a pipe dream apparently) local political races.

212 Comments:

At 10/11/2007 9:43 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

jerry Lack's campaign is really starting to pick up steam. Boland seems to be in trouble. Jerry Lack is cut out of the same mold as Lane Evans and is even being endorsed by Lane. Anyone that Lane endorses has my vote. Boland is toast.

 
At 10/12/2007 6:51 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ah yes, the Lane zombies are still roaming the countryside. "Lane say, I do. Lane good. Ugh."

 
At 10/12/2007 12:51 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

You can make fun of Congressman Evans all day long, but Lane knows how to get elected. First Lane put Jacobs into office, and then Lane installed Hare into Congress. Now Lane is providing the necessary strategy to beat Boland.

So far Lane has gotten Rep. Pat Verschoore and Rock Island County Board Chairman Jim Bohnsack to endorse Jerry Lack. In a few weeks, look for Lane to move the QC's most powerfull union to Jerry's side (BUILDING TRADES). Once Lane does that Boland is going to be toast.

No matter what you say, Lane Evans is the most popular politican in othe State of Illinois. If you don't think so Lane will ask Obama, Hare or Jacobs what Congressman Evans did for them!

 
At 10/12/2007 5:10 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lack may have a lot of signs up, but don't count out Boland.

Boland knows how to win elections.

Remember when Boland ran that ad last time? The one where he was on a ladder changing a light bulb? This year, Boland passed a bill to force people to change to a modern light bulb instead of old light bulbs that eat up excess energy.

Boland also passed legislation to make state workers buy ethanol.

Lane Evans' endorsement may be worth thousand votes, but Boland is a powerful career politican that keeps on going, and going, and going.

 
At 10/12/2007 5:59 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Anon 12:51.

Nice jujitsu move there, trying to accuse someone of "making fun of" Lane Evans when they were obviously making fun of YOU.

I don't think anyone's whacking on Lane. I don't recall anyone arguing that he's not influentioal around here, and of course his endorsement means a lot to any candidate.

But you're habit of fixating on him and worshiping the ground he walks on is a bit disturbing.

Lane isn't even in office anymore, yet you seem to feel the need to hype him constantly.

To me, it's like your'e yelling at everyone to not think for themselves and just turn off their brains completely and let Lane pick their representives in government. What sort of lemming does that?

Sure, you can weigh Lane's endorsement and decide how much you want it to influence your views, but you constantly seem to be saying that once Lane picks someone, it's all over.

That's simply not necessarily the case.

I might also point out that Lane's picks have not always been universally popular, either before the elections or after.

 
At 10/13/2007 1:30 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

You claim Lane's endorsement has not worked in the past, so please list those candidates that Lane Evans' publicly endorsed that have lost?

"Thank Heavens Lane Evans" installed Phil Hare in office. But Phil's doctor is unable to get Hare to lose a few pounds, Lane might have to replace him (Hare).

 
At 10/13/2007 8:28 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

If you MUST comment, would you please, please, PLEASE do one thing first?

Please read the comment or post your commenting on before continually making comments that misrepresent and distort anything said.

Is that asking too much from you?

Please point out where I said Lane's endorsements have not worked in the past.

Otherwise, just don't bother wasting time commenting.

 
At 10/14/2007 8:42 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Sure, you can weigh Lane's endorsement and decide how much you want it to influence your views, but you constantly seem to be saying that once Lane picks someone, it's all over. That's not necessarily the case."
-theinsidedope

Once Lane "lays hands" on a Democrat in Rock Island County, it's all over!

 
At 10/15/2007 2:46 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jerry Lack could do this on his own but with Lane Evans endorsement it is all but over. Why do you think that such powerful players like Rep. Pat Verschoore, and Jeff Terronez have come out for Jerry Lack. I think Boland is doing nothing in this race because he feels that it is over now.

 
At 10/17/2007 2:09 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lack's yard signs are springing up all over the place.

I couldn't help but notice Lack's yard signs are duplicates of Lane Evans old signs? It's almost as if Lane was running for office again.

Boland can run, but he can't hide from the heat Jerry Lack, Lane Evans, Pat Verschoore and Jeff Terronez are putting on him!

Maybe Boland could give Lack a scholarship and make him go away?

 
At 10/17/2007 10:23 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mike Boland is doing a great Job. He deserves to be elected whether Lane Evans wants him or not. Boland has been a leader and we need to back him as he works for WIU and other projects for the area. This would be the wrong thing to lose Boland now.

 
At 10/18/2007 7:42 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

You people talk of Lane Evans as though (1) he had a clue what he was doing, (2) he actually did something.

Lane Evans was nothing more than a skinny Phil Hare.

He was put in with the clear understanding that he would lose (then Railsback messed up). He was a flunky who got lucky and won.

He was no less a fish-out-of-water than Hare is today. He took his orders and he survived as best he could (did nothing in Washington) and got reelected in a District that would elect anyone with a 'D' behind his name.

 
At 10/18/2007 8:02 AM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Editor's note: From this point on, any attempt to start talking about YARD SIGNS (for God's sake) will not be published.

The issue pops up every election and I simply can't think of anything dumber than trying to bitch about yard signs.

Thanks.

 
At 10/18/2007 11:56 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mike Boland will win this election easily. He will get the capital budget passed which will bring WIU and other great projects to this area. Once these are through he will be elected easily over Lack.

 
At 10/18/2007 1:32 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

This thread is off in la-la land already. (big surprise)

Anyone that thinks either Lack or Boland will win "easily" is dreaming.

 
At 10/18/2007 6:49 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

No you are in la la land. It is Boland that has done such a great job for this area. Lack is a wind sock for Evans. I will take the brave leadershp that Boland affords us.

 
At 10/19/2007 1:36 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Anon 6:49

Let me get this straight.

I'M in la-la land because I say that this race won't be won easily by anyone???!

So you're saying that Boland will win by a huge margin... easily.

Right? Wanna go on the record now with that prediction?

I'm not saying he'll lose...who knows what will happen.

What I'm saying is that neither he nor Lack will win "easily" like you so foolishly predict.

 
At 10/20/2007 1:38 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I will go on the record as to say that Boland will win easily. He will win 56-44. A landslide by all accounts. Mike has done nothing to date because he knows that this race is over before it started. Lets see you go on the record Dope. I know that you are for Lack and you think he will squeek by but you are wrong. Boland in a land slide

 
At 10/20/2007 1:52 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

You know I'm for Lack, eh?

Stunning, given that I've never written a word that would suggest that.

Whatever.

It's particularly funny when I recall how badly I got beaten up for trying to stop people from unfairly beating up on Boland last time around, and had people accusing me of being Boland's right hand man.

Ah... guess it doesn't have to make sense, eh?

 
At 10/20/2007 7:18 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Why don't you post your number on the Boland/Lack race Dope? Are you afraid?

I think Lack will win by a landslide. Something like 52-48%. Democrat primaries are sometimes closer affairs, but the people I talk to are upset with Boland over the scholarship scandal.

Boland has a chance to tighten the race, but Lane's endorsement carries a great deal of weight with veterans, seniors, Hispanic and African American voters.

 
At 10/20/2007 7:18 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

So by your LACK of comment about ny prediction I will take it that you admit that Boland will rack up a landslide win 56-44.
Lack and Evans can not stand up to Mike as he has been a force for the area in Springfield. Evans is over rated as far as his ability to get people elected. Evans can not do anything to keep Boland from a landslide victory.

 
At 10/21/2007 9:32 AM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Yeah, that's it.
I'm afraid.


Good lord.

I don't do "numbers". I simply think it will likly be a tight race.

Sorry that seems to disturb you so much.

 
At 10/21/2007 12:16 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

So you think the Boland/Lack race is going to be "close" and not a 56-44% landslide? How close do you think it will be? 51-49%?

 
At 10/21/2007 3:13 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

I feel it would be silly to speculate at this point.

I'll let others take their guesses if they wish.

 
At 10/22/2007 8:36 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mike Boland is in trouble. Jerry Lack if it were not for Lane Evans would be no challenge at all. I think that Evans carries a big punch for a candidate however. Look what happened when Lane put Phil Hare into office. Boland could only get a handfull of votes against Hare who had never been elected to anything before his appointment. If Evans can get the monitary support to Lack that the Chicago House boss will give to Boland then I think Lane Evans will be the difference and propell Lack into the House seat. People are talking about this important race and the Evans endorsement.

 
At 10/22/2007 8:59 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Where do you hang out? Dem meetings? I can't imagine anyone else talking about this race right now.

 
At 10/22/2007 10:49 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Drive the local area and you will see signs that jerry lack is winning the race.

I've been to a lot of Democrat events and seen a lot of Jerry Lack and his new pins, but Mr. Boland is nowhere to be seen. Does anyone know where Mike Boland is hiding?

 
At 10/22/2007 12:12 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Anon 10:49..
I'll give you a break and assume you're sincere, but seriously, you think that yard signs are a solid indicator of how a candidate is doing?

Pretty shaky there I'd say.

 
At 10/23/2007 12:29 PM, Blogger Craig said...

Funny Dope,

When people start saying bad things about candidates for local office everyone is anonymous.... Interesting.

 
At 10/23/2007 10:13 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Well, I think that's a good thing. Otherwise no one would ever say anything negative at all, even if they believed it or it's true.

And the fact is, I can only think of one other commenter besides yourself who uses their actual name.

So you're squarely in the minority by far.

 
At 10/23/2007 10:14 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Well Craig, I don't think that's a bad thing necessarily.

Otherwise no one would ever say anything negative at all, even if they believed it or it's true.

I'd also hasten to point out that politicians that want to endlessly post things praising themselves or otherwise smearing their opponents here do so anonymously as well.

And the fact is, I can only think of one other commenter besides yourself who uses their actual name.

So you're squarely in the minority by far.

 
At 10/25/2007 10:13 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I got Boland's taxpayer financed campaign mailer today. A couple of thing jumped out at me right away. One was Boland's pledge to ensure everyone that wants a hand gun is given one. All though I like the glossy photos, I was shocked the flier didn't include a single photo of a person of color. What? Does Boland only represent white people? And I don't understand why Boland didn't update us on his work to bring Triumph to East Moline? When is it coming? How much will people be paid?

other than those small complaints, the taxpayer funded mailing was real good! thank God Boland is reforming government and saving our tax money!

 
At 10/25/2007 11:21 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'd rather Boland include pictures of people he was actually with rather than thinking he has to drag in someone of color to use as a prop like other pols.

Who's more disrespectful?

 
At 10/26/2007 5:15 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

FROM THE BLOGFATHER:
LANE EVANS CAMPAIGNS FOR LACK

Former Congressman Lane Evans has sent a letter into Rep. Mike Boland’s district touting Boland’s Democratic primary opponent, Jerry Lack. Evans remains very popular in the district, so his open support will give Lack a boost. I’ll post the full letter at the blog later this morning.

 
At 10/27/2007 12:23 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Lack/Boland race is fast becoming the one to watch.

Not only did Lane send out a letter against Mike Boland, but Lane is also hosting a big fundraiser in Carroll County today for Jerry Lack.

Those that have seen Lane working for Lack say Evans looks great. Lane is strong, of sound mind and quick with a political zinger.

Look for Lack's television spots featuring Lane to start running in January!

If Evans appointed Phil Hare to his seat, Lack is sure to win. Jerry Lack is twice the candidate that Hare is, and ten times more fit!

 
At 10/27/2007 12:26 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Obsessive Anon above.

You're banned.

If you send in any more comments which mention Lane Evans more than 10 times, it's going in the dumper.

We get it, OK? Now shut up.

 
At 10/30/2007 8:51 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I saw that Jerry Lack is being supported by Pat Verschoore. What is with that.

 
At 10/30/2007 3:28 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

ENOUGH ALREADY!

Boland - Lack, big deal. The Dem's have screwed the State (and the QC area) up so much - does it really matter?

Flip a freaking coin, support the unions more and the last one out, please turn off the lights!

 
At 10/31/2007 8:43 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

everyone keeps saying that Lack is only going to get elected because of Lane. Well if you think about it Lack worked for Lane for 23 YEARS!! So of course Lane is going to support Lack, if Lane didn't think that Lack is capable of getting the job done why would be employ him for 23 years? Jerry Lack is a good guy and a great politian he will win this race and do great things with his position. If he choices Lack could be the next Lane and stay in office for years to come.

 
At 11/02/2007 4:49 AM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Yeah, blame it all on unions. That's brilliant.

When this area was going gangbusters and the economy was humming, unions were stronger than ever. Now they're weaker than ever and you're still bashing them and blaming them for corporate outsourcing, globalization, etc.
Go figure.

 
At 11/02/2007 4:34 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

The UAW is an example of what is wrong with labor tdoay. The UAW sold out future members by agreeing to a two-tier wage system. What ever happened to SOLIDARITY FORVER?

 
At 11/03/2007 3:50 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you Dope...when this area was "humming and the economy was stronger than ever" - back, what, 25-years ago...RICO was a Republican-run area!

Remember Tom Railsback? No one could conceive of the Republicans not running RICO. Dem's got in and the area has flushed ever since.

Unions - partly.
Thick-minded Dem's - certainly.

Vote Republican - FOR A CHANGE!

 
At 11/03/2007 6:02 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Hmmm. So the world-wide slump in agricultural equipment sales and economic downturn that devastated the entire industry across the country is now the fault of unions?

Interesting. I had no idea they dictated the global economy. Who knew they were so powerful?

And who knew that the prosperity of local union jobs were all due to one man?

Again, miraculous!

And Railsback was a county official? Didn't know that either! I thought he was the lone Republican representing this area and worked in D.C. with a majority Dem legislature. Very moderate as well, if I recall.

You're full of simply stunning revelations.

 
At 11/04/2007 9:57 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Over 400 past and present members packed the I-wireless Center last night for our big labor celebration dinner. Key labor leaders were in attendance, as were Congressman Hare and Sen. Jacobs, but Boland didn't other to show up.

When labor dignitaries and key elected officials were introduced, Jerry Lack was introduced to us as as "our next state representative."

Lack got a rousing hand from our members and afterwards our team leader told me that it was time to elect Lack.

After the program I got to met Jerry Lack and his wife, and wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment of our leader that Jerry Lack is a better choice!

 
At 11/04/2007 10:26 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well, better think like the "team leader" tells you to think.

 
At 11/05/2007 7:32 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Justify it all you want Dope, but it is under Republican leadership that the QC-area flourished - and under Democrat-leadership that the QC's has stagnated.

John Deere has done well over the years - have they not?

IH was severely affected by the union strike - this is beyond debate.

If you are lame enough to think that an area rises or falls on a single industry, then indeed you are a dim-Democrat. The problem is not the fate of the farm-impliment business, it is the lack of leadership in rebounding from challenged times.

Every area has challenges - unfortunately, the (Illinois) QC area has not done a good job of dealing with adversity.

 
At 11/05/2007 9:14 AM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Fair enough, but your blaming the union for any of these corporate failures is woefully uninformed, particularly when it comes to IH.

Every business publication which dealt with the demise of the company clearly realized that it was due to a series of mistakes and mismanagement in the face of economic downturn that sunk the company, NOT unions.

Remember the multi-million dollar warehouse project that they decided to build just as the company was on the ropes, and the wildly huge salary and bonuses that the CEO was taking at the time? That's just a couple examples.

 
At 11/05/2007 12:57 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jerry Lack and Mike Boland will debate tonight in Moline. What a show this should be.

 
At 11/05/2007 2:46 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Most certainly, the demise of any company, whether it be IH,or eagle Foods (local examples), or GM, Ford, Maytag is a result of poor management, but in each example, also unions that created a situation where those companies became uncompetitve.

No doubt about it - this is not a one way street. Unions and management had an equal share in the demise.

 
At 11/05/2007 3:59 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Don't miss the big Boland/Lack debate tonight in Moline. Plus Sen. Jacobs will also be in tow to debate his opponent.

VFW, Moline, 6:00 PM. Sharp!

As this is the last big Democrat event before the Holiday Season this could be the only chance we get to see local candidates in a face to face format! Don't miss this opportunity it as it's going to rock.

 
At 11/05/2007 6:49 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am a bit surprised by all the attention on this thread to the Boland/Lack race, when the fact is the Rumler/Jacobs race is the one to watch on the Illinois side of the river; at least what I see and hear out in the field. In the field the word on Jerry Lack is he is a very weak candidate, painfully awkward on the campaign trail and his resume has a lot to be desired. Jerry Lack should not tout his job for the last 20 plus years as a Congressman's Economic and Community Development Officer as the reason to beat out a popular, independent voice like Mike Boland, when the 17th Congressional District, the job Lack came from is known far and wide as one of the most impoverished, and struggling areas in the entire Illinois delegation, from Decatur to Keithsburg to Galesburg. Yet you have a fairly dynamic, well read and cerebral young candidate in Paul Rumler, running against the profane and sophomoric appointee in the 36th, and not much on the blogs about Paul Rumler’s solid candidacy. I think the Jacobites are trying to monopolize this blog space and turn the glare and attention somewhere else, because Mike Jacobs is in trouble, and the Jacobites are shrewd enough to put the old maxim to work, that you either define yourself, or let others define who you are, and that's what they are trying to do; trying to define the Boland/Lack race as the one to watch, when it is much closer to the truth that Representative Boland will win fairly handily and Mike Jacobs will be in for the fight of his life.

 
At 11/05/2007 7:29 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Well, Drew, ya got me there.

Can't argue with what you say.

If I screw up a company I run and start losing money, I guess one way to hang on a little longer or maybe turn things around would be to simply stop paying my employees or slash their wages to what workers in say, Mexico make.

Yep, if you think that workers are supposed to willingly agree to slashing their own wages because some company is mismanaged, what can I say?

And Union workers indeed did just that several times in efforts to keep companies afloat, all to no avial.

Sorry, but I can't see how any blame can be laid at the Union's feet in that situation.

 
At 11/05/2007 10:16 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ok, tell me, Mr. Wonderful - what is the #1 expense for GM in making a car?

Any idea, Mr. Brilliant?

 
At 11/05/2007 10:48 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jerry Lack did a very nice job tonight against Boland.

 
At 11/06/2007 2:43 AM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Drew,

Of course I know. It's health care for current and former employees.
And next you'll spout off against reforming that system too.

So where are you going with this, asshat?

Contract terms negotiated years ago before Detroit got their lunch eaten by foreign competition? Terms fully agreed to by the companies themselves after extensive negotiations?

Yes, that issue is a serious problem, but that's what happens in business. Should those who they owe this to under binding contract voluntarily give most of it back? Voluntarily give up their health and retirement benefits?

Rest assured that no one hired in the last several years or in the future will ever get decent retirement benefits or insurance, which apparently will make you sleep better at night.

But this issue runs much deeper than just unions, and as a matter of fact, unions are only a very minor part of it.

It's symptomatic of globalization and many things which the corporate leaders of this country played an active part in creating and following.

It asks the very tough question of whether we should try to win the race to the bottom for workers in both benefits and safety in order for our corporations to better compete? Or should we decide that the key thing is that in America, workers are provided for well in exchange for their contribution to a company and maybe Americans should just pay a little more for that when they buy a car?

Something like a couple grand of the cost of every Ford and GM car or truck is the cost of their employee benefits.

So what should we do? Take the easy way out and race to "catch up" with under paid foreign workers with no benefits? Will it be victory once our labor force is on par with the Philipines or Cambodia?

At any rate, this thread is about, try to believe it, local political races.

If you've got some itching need to bash unions, go down to the UAW or Teamsters hall and tell it to them, don't do it here.

Get lost.

 
At 11/06/2007 8:15 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lack and Boland had a good discussion last night. Lack made some strong points about working for Lane and Boland talked about his work to change all the light bulbs in Illinois.

For his part Jacobs talked about all the project he completed for Moline and about voted "Senator of the Year". Rumler didn't have much to say other than he would not stand up to Blagojevich.

The Cornor's race could be an intersting one with three strong candidates running. I liked Joel Moore and the doctor. I think it could be cool to have a real doctor like Quincy as our cornor!

 
At 11/06/2007 5:16 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Anon 8:15

Gee. I wonder who could have sent THAT comment? What a puzzler.

Telltale signs:

Wouldn't say anything decent about Boland if he had a gun to his head, while spouting in public about "burying the hatchet".

Supports Lack.

Mentions weak info designed to promote Jacobs (WHO decided he was "Senator of the Year"? The Illinois Bar & Restaurant Association?)

Trys disingenously to throw Rumler under the bus.

Spells at a third grade level.

I'll leave it to long-time readers to figure out the mystery.

 
At 11/06/2007 10:11 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

At 11/05/2007 6:49 PM, Anonymous, I find your reasoning to be very silly. The Rumlerites are trying to make a race out of this thing but it is the Boland Lack race that is the big race. When do you see a sitting Democratic State Rep. who is a house partner like Pat Verschoore goes against his housemate and openly endorse Boland’s challenger? He is not the only one either. A little known guy by the name of Lane Evans feels that Lack is a better fit for the job than Boland also. You Rumlerites may want to divert attention away from Boland Lack but the people disagree with you.

Jacobs is not an appointee. He beat Rumler 57-43 in an open primary. Then Jacobs won the General by a bigger margin. Rumlerites felt that he had a good showing and could move that into something. What they did not realize is that they didn't vote for Rumler. They voted against the appointment. People now know Jacobs was elected because they voted for him. There was a backlash in the last election against the appointment but that is gone because Jacobs beat Rumler handily. Rumler's choice to work for a lobby group that lobbies against minimum wage and healthcare for children is a bad move. People know that Jacobs voted for these great bills. People also know that the Rumlerites are for the pig plant this go around as is the chamber of commerce. This further hurts Rumler. You can see Rumler fading.

You say that Rumler is fairly dynamic, well-read and cerebral young candidate, these oddball republican choices that Rumler has made shows he is anything but cerebral. Jacobs actually has more education than Rumler and he never had the foolishness to work for a republican lobby group.

People said that Lane Evans was painfully awkward on the campaign trail and his resume had a lot to be desired. He won and was and is the most powerful politician in this area. This is why the people are interested in Boland Lack. When enough people come out and say that Boland is not the right guy people start to wonder. Watch as these races heat up.

 
At 11/07/2007 3:08 AM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Bill,
wow.

 
At 11/07/2007 8:57 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Bill hit the nail on Rumler's bald head!

 
At 11/08/2007 6:44 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Bill made no sense whatsoever. It was pure gibberish. No wonder you feel it's so great.

And I'll vote for a bald head over an empty head any day.

 
At 11/08/2007 11:42 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

In the first real debate of the year in Carthage the skinhead looked unprepared and painfully awkward. You could tell that Rumler never had to think on his feet and it was very painfull as Rumler was questioned on playing both sides of the fence. Rumler when pressed made it clear by not answering clear cut answers that he was straddeling the fence on many issues.

This debate showed that Rumler is out of his league in his second bid. Jacobs proved to be very good at this type of debate.

This is a blow to the Rumler campaign.

 
At 11/09/2007 8:30 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

And of course, that's a completely unbiased opinion.

You just can't help yourself, can you?

And where and when did this momentus "debate" occur? Evidently it was so important that it drew no press whatsoever.

Nothing in the Carthage paper, the Macomb paper, or the Quincy paper at least.

 
At 11/10/2007 8:57 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Debate took place in Alpha and Paul Rumler was outsatnding. Jacobs tried to pin him down on questions but Rumler craftely

 
At 11/10/2007 1:54 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Next it will have occured in Galva.

Nice try.

Of course, we should have known better. Jacobs wouldn't debate Rumler if a gun were to his head. And if he did, that's exactly what he'd likely sound like... like a gun was against his head and he was in a hostage tape.

There were no debates last time around, and I'm sure he'd run from one this time as well.

But wow, how great would that be?

Of course we have no idea how it would go. Maybe Jacobs would thrill us all with his vast knowledge and oratorical skill, who knows? He's had a few years of on the job training. Maybe Rumler would fail to show any actual positions on anything.

But I'm certain it would be interesting and wish one of the candidates or the media would press the issue.

 
At 11/10/2007 3:05 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Paul Rumler does not have to be outstanding to beat the appointed on. Jacobs is a long time lazy political hack. He had trouble getting enough signatures to get on the ballot, maybe Rumler should challenge them, and get him thrown off. Jacobs has no campaign manager, no staff, no game plan, except to buy it again. People liked Denny, they don't like what Denny did putting his son in the job. Rumler needs to repair the image of the district. Rumler will be able to work with Rep Boland and Rep Vershoore for our community.

 
At 11/10/2007 3:30 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

thats funny anon 3:05 I am a young dem and know for a fact that Senator Jacobs had a huge amount of petitions and that the buzz was that Jacobs had so many petitions that they actually gave up counting them in Springfield. I also know for certain that the opponent Rummler got thrown out of numerous football games for aggressively begging for petitions. I believe in real facts. Let's stop making up lies and grasping for straws.

 
At 11/10/2007 4:48 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

My God Anon, 3:30, can you spell hypocrite?

Why don't you follow your own demands and correct that load of non-sense.

They "gave up" counting petition signatures in Springfield? Yeah, THAT'S not "making up lies and grasping at straws" at all.

And your characterizing Rumler as supposedly being "thrown out" of football games, that's not grasping at straws?

Even if it were true, now a guy can't seek petitions in public places where large crowds are to be found?

If you want all this happy horsecrap to end, stop spewing it yourself for starters. Otherwise, don't spread the crap in one breath while condemning others for doing it in the next.

 
At 11/10/2007 7:08 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

dope you hit the nail on the end, mikey and the boys love to throw all kinds of nonsense and hyperbole, but when it is thrown out to benfit someone or something the good ole boys dont like, they howl like coon dogs chasing a escaped prisoner, i find this latest round of banter great.. keep given mikey and his gang crap...

 
At 11/10/2007 10:33 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dope if you had read the D/A dated 11-8-07 page 8A you would have read that the Henry County Democrats had a debate in Cambridge Community Center. Candidates from the 14th Congressional District John Laesch and John Stein first debated then Senator Mike Jacobs and Paul Rumler debated then Rep. Mike Boland and Jerry Lack debated. I saw no guns held to anyone’s heads either. I feel that your ill informed pot shots at Jacobs are just petty and uncalled for.

I will forgo the synopsis on the Congressional candidates since they are not from our district.

Jacobs made poor Paul Rumler look as if he had eaten a canary. This format lent itself to Jacobs as there were questions opposed to each candidate by Annawan Chief of Police Tim Wise, whom did a stellar job, questions were asked by audience members and each person was able to walk around and talk freely. Jacobs talked of his work for education and securing money for WIU Moline planning phase last year and the construction phase this year, the money for that phase is waiting approval in the House. He talked about the biggest one time increase in K-12 education funding without raising tax’s. He also talked about the transportation society of Illinois honoring him for his work to bring rail transportation to northwestern Illinois.

I do agree with your comment that Rumler has been at an advantage. Mr. Rumler has not had to answer questions as you pointed out in your comment on 11/10/2007 1:54 PM, The Inside Dope said... "Rumler would fail to show any actual positions on anything". This is exactly where Rumler tried to be. When he was asked for his specific positions on several questions he would not answer them. These were very bad awkward moments for Mr. Rumler. Senator Jacobs came across as straightforward and honest. Jacobs was very much for the rights of individuals and he answered the questions that were asked of him and followed up with specific examples that he has taken that showed this. I was very disappointed in the way that Rumler would not answer direct questions when asked of him. Rumler had nothing to point to as an accomplishment other than working for some Washington political. Jacobs with an easy win without any guns at anyone’s head.


Rep. Mike Boland and Jerry Lack seemed to be a much more even debate. No real missteps like Rumler had in the Jacobs Rumler debate. Rep. Boland was his old self, talking about how he has worked to cut the energy prices and his work with Cub. He also talked about his work to get the State to change the light bulbs when they fail to energy star light bulbs, which cost more but save energy. He talked about how he had worked to get WIU at Moline since he got in office. He stated that he feels that the money for WIU Moline will be approved. He also talked of his commitment to education and his years teaching. Lack was much better than I had anticipated. He was animated and showed great conviction while talking about his work with lane Evans. He explained his tenure with Evans and his ability to work hard and his commitment he has which he shows as a marathon runner. He had several good initiatives about how he has been working with Generals at the RI Arsenal and the importance of the Illinois gun manufacturers play in helping the arsenal to supply our troops in battle. I would say that there was no clear-cut winner in this debate. I would say that Lack looked and acted more energetic than Rep. Boland and the fact that he was more of dynamic character than people have stated here and in other places.

A very good night for the voters and I only wish that you could have seen it with your own eyes.

 
At 11/11/2007 12:09 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

BREAKING NEWS...AP

The Illinois State Police have reopened an investigation into illegal fundraising. Published reports claim a fundraiser illegally pressured a business owner to donate $25 thousand to the campaign fund of Governor Rod Blagojevich.

State Police spokesman Lieutenant Scott Compton has told Chicago newspapers the matter is now a criminal investigation.

Chicago business owner Jatin Patel claims that Blagojevich fundraiser Harish Bhatt encouraged him in 2005 to make a $25 thousand campaign contribution so his practice would be treated fairly in a Medicaid fraud dispute.

Blagojevich campaign spokesman Doug Scofield says such tactics would not generally have been condoned by the campaign.

 
At 11/11/2007 5:46 AM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Anon 12:09.

Blago is now a "local race"??!!

At any rate, the last line is the gem.

At least the spokesbot informs us that such corrupt practices, would not "generally" be approved of by the governor's campaign.

That's certainly resassuring, isn't it? Sometimes maybe.... but not generally. They might approve shady stuff a lot of the time, but not "generally".

Amazing.

 
At 11/11/2007 7:10 AM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Thanks Jenny, but I think I'd rather be forced to watch those horridly lame Chris Dodd commercials non-stop with my eyelids taped open than drive to Cambridge to hear politicians talk about themselves. Well, actually, that's a toss-up.

I'd take issue with Jacob's supposed assertion that he's for the rights of individuals. He's clearly not when it comes to the right to sue for negligent injury, as proven by his nearly lockstep voting to further curtail and smother individuals rights to both sue for wrongful injury and the right of juries of ordinary people, if they find a company should be punished, to determine what an appropriate amount would be.

Jacobs votes consistently for what the corporate lobby wants, and it doesn't want to pay much, even when found guilty by a preponderence of the evidence and after being represented by some of the highest price lawyers available.

That's NOT defending the rights of the individual in any way, shape, or form.
It's further tilting the playing field in favor of corporate interests, as if it's not already so tilted that an ordinary person barely has a chance.

You also butchered what I wrote by taking it out of context and completely distorting its meaning.

In thinking about a possible debate between Rumler and Jacobs, I wrote:
"Of course we have no idea how it would go. Maybe Jacobs would thrill us all with his vast knowledge and oratorical skill, who knows? He's had a few years of on the job training. Maybe Rumler would fail to show any actual positions on anything."

From this, you get, "...you pointed out in your comment on 11/10/2007 1:54 PM, The Inside Dope said... "Rumler would fail to show any actual positions on anything".

What a difference leaving out one word makes, eh? You obviously left out that key word so as to completely misrepresent my thoughts. I speculated about possible results, you quote it as if I definitively said Rumler wouldn't discuss his stances on anything.

Worse, you did it consiously. Why else would you take the time to reconstruct the entire quote complete with time and date, and then just "happen" to leave out the key word??

Could you perhaps answer that?

Again, I speculated, "Maybe Rumler would fail to show any actual positions on anything."

You turn around and say that I wrote that, "Rumler would fail to show any actual positions on anything".

Bottom line, if you're going to quote someone, make sure it's in context if possible, or at least correctly reflects the authors opinion or thoughts. But whatever you do, at least make it accurate. (Cut and paste works wonders for this.)

 
At 11/11/2007 11:39 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Is Rummler for or against the new factory in East Moline? Is Rummler for or against gay marriage?

 
At 11/11/2007 11:59 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

“What Is Lawsuit Abuse Costing Your Family?” asked a full-page ad that ran this week in several major newspapers, including The Wall Street Journal. The answer: $3,520 a year.

Larry Akey, a spokesman for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce of which Paul Rummler lobbies for, cited a much greater estimate of the “tort tax,” reported last year by the free-market think tank Pacific Research Institute, of $9,827 per family of four. Akey reportedly said the figure didn’t look at the cost only of abusive suits, but by choosing what he calls the conservative estimate from Tillinghast rather than Pacific Research Institute’s number, we think the cost-of-abusive-lawsuit estimate is in the range we assert it to be.

Where does Rummler stand on tort reform? Is he with the greedy trial lawyers or baby doctors?

 
At 11/11/2007 5:50 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Ohhhh kay.

Let's put on our thinking caps, shall we?

Let's apply a little critical thinking to the above two comments which are obviously from someone wishing to sway readers against Rumler and defend Jacobs inexcusable position on protecting corporations from lawsuits.

First comment asks two questions.
"Is Rummler for or against the new factory in East Moline? Is Rummler for or against gay marriage?"

What do we have here?

Well, if you look at it and use your brain, you realize it's a bunch of hogwash.

The commenter asks if Rumler supports "the new factory in East Moline." How vague can you get?

Does anyone even know what the hell they're referring to? No. What "new factory"? Could they be alluding to the massive factory hog slaughtering facility which Jacobs unthinkingly supported, the one being built directly on top of wetlands directly connected to the Rock River? The one which history has shown will bring with it a host of problems such as factory farms, massive toxic waste, an endless stream of heavy semi traffic carrying hundreds of thousands of terrified and or crippled hogs, polluting the air (horrible stench), the land, (oil run-off), and water (hundreds of tons of hog waste leeching into the river) and illegal immigrant labor? Or is it some other factory that we don't know about?

I see that FedEx is building a large facility near the site of the Quad City downs. That's development that doesn't destroy the environment (much), and provides good jobs at good pay.

Is that what they wonder if Rumler supports? Who knows?

So how could anyone know if Rumler supports "the new factory", when no one knows what it is?

And importantly, does any reader know if Jacobs supports "the new factory"? Of course not. Again, no one knows what it is.

They then ask if Rumler supports gay marriage.

Again, does Jacobs? Has anyone ever heard him express a position on this?

I also find it more Republican than Republicans to be trying to hammer a Democratic candidate about this ridiculous issue. Amazing that the Jacobs supporters are willing to go down that road.

On to the second comment.

Yet another cut and paste citing some "study" from an ultra-conservative think tank established with millions in donations from corporations and millionaires, which, amazingly enough, concludes that so-called "abusive" lawsuits are bad and cost YOU money.

Well, to be generous, that's voodoo economics. I also find it interesting that the Jacobs are now hiding behind the opinions of the Chamber of Commerce, who they've spent a ton of energy trying to tar Rumler for being associated with. Blatant hypocrisy at its finest.

The key word in the article is "free-market", as it's your flashing red light that lets you know that this group is just another lavishly funded lobby group out to remove any and ALL regulation from business completely.

Is that the Democratic position? Of course not. But it's Jacobs solid stance.

Shouldn't he really switch parties and get it over with?

 
At 11/12/2007 12:16 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lack was in Port Byron yesterday working the pancake breakfast. Boland was now where in sight and Lack gave a strong speech about veterans.

 
At 11/12/2007 5:22 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jerry Lack gave a real good speech today!

 
At 11/12/2007 7:01 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Can the smoking embers from the Mansur Woods fire in Carbon Cliff come back to burn Mike Jacobs? 48 families are displaced after a fire started in a housing complex built by long time Jacobs supporter (both Denny and Mike) John McChurch. McChurch passed away so he cannot be questioned, but his building permit is going to be pulled; seems the proper fire breaks were not in place that could have significantly limited the extent of the fire. Mike Jacobs is also long time friends and benefactor of failed developer Mike Shamsie. Shamsie owes the city of Moline over $750K and his developments along the old Moline Public Hospital property, as well as along Hospital Road in Silvis, have been dogged by complaints of shoddy construction. We need to end business as usual in the 36th and repair our image. Paul Rumler is not a tool of corrupt and greedy developers in the Illinois Quad Cities, and will work to make sure 48 more families are not displaced due to the Jacobs and their supporters. Vote Rumler.

 
At 11/13/2007 12:56 AM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Anon 12:16

This is where your political analysis is?

You fault Boland for not stalking Lack to some obscure pancake breakfast????

Breathtaking.

 
At 11/13/2007 7:23 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jerry Lack has gotten some great endorsements. Lane Evans has endorsed Lack. This is a huge win for Lack. The one that is interesting which no one is talking about is Pat Verschoore. Verschoore is very well respected and thought of. His backing Lack makes me wonder if Boland is in real trouble. Polls must show Boland in trouble or why would Verschoore endorse Lack. Speaker Madigan's support for Boland must be soft or Verschoore would not be endorsing Madigan's guy. Remember Madigan spent half of a million dollars to get Boland elected last time. Does anyone know what is going on with this specific endorsement?

 
At 11/13/2007 10:24 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Port Byron is a battle ground precinct in the coming election as Lack tries to carry his momentum out of Carroll and Henry, and into Rock Island County. If Boland withstands Lack's concentration in Port Byron and Cordova, he may survive Lack's challenge.

 
At 11/13/2007 9:33 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Again, "Tom" (ahem)

Why do you insult people's intelligence with this stuff?

Lack, who was one of Lane's key aides and worked at the right hand side of now congressman Phil Hare for years, gets Lane's endorsement and you report that's "HUGE"???!!!

Jesus, what exactly is "huge" about that?

That's not even close to ...well, anything.

The only thing that would be "huge" would be if Evan's DIDN'T endorse him.

So again, why do you insult people's intelliegence by trying to pass along ridiculous spin like that?

The sad fact is that this area's Dem politics is a tiny little can of worms where only that handful are allowed to run or control things. It's a very closed club. There haven't been any new and un-stale candidates for decades, and when a spot opens up, what do we get? Denny Jacobs' son.

And now Lane Evans and Phil Hare's next in line. Evidently Lane's office was a waiting room for elected office. The number two guy got Lane's spot, now his number three is shooting for Rep.

Evidently there are no qualified people who didn't work directly under Lane.

Amazing and very disappointing.

When are the rank and file Dems going to stand up on their own hind feet and stop mindlessly supporting this little gang who will never loosen up and move the local party into this century?

 
At 11/13/2007 9:59 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your spin Dope is insulting to people's intelligence. Having the most powerful personality in the District to endorse Lack is a huge thing. Lane Evans pulls many votes with him. Lane beat Boland with Hare in the congressional race easilly. For you to downplay this endorsement is crazy.

The worst of your spin is that you totally missed the most amazing thing in my comment. How do you explain the fact that Pat Verschoore is endorsing Jerry Lack. Verschoore is very well respected and thought of. His backing Lack makes me wonder if Boland is in real trouble. Polls must show Boland in trouble or why would Verschoore endorse Lack. Speaker Madigan's support for Boland must be soft or Verschoore would not be endorsing Madigan's guy. Remember Madigan spent half of a million dollars to get Boland elected last time. Does anyone know what is going on with this specific endorsement?

Try and answer this instead of running your spin machine Dope.

 
At 11/14/2007 7:24 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

For youy to attack the democratic voters is terrible. They are not animals as you suggest, they do stand on two leggs. Because they voted for Hare over Boland and the others means that the people are for Phil. If your guy doesn't win then you attack the people. This is wwrong and very immature. Phil Hare is deserving of his seat in Congress and is doing such a good job that nobody is running against him.

Quit your bellyaching and if you don't think enough qualified people are running for office then I suggest that you run.

Your attacks on the voters is a bad way to run for office.

 
At 11/14/2007 5:12 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Are you saying that Mike Boland is more capable of moving the local party into this century? Are you kidding Me? Jerry has done more for this area as Lanes right hand man than Boland has in the 30 years that Boland has been in power.

You are going off of the deep end now.

 
At 11/14/2007 8:42 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Tom,
Repeating the same dim spin doesn't make it suddenly make sense.

I'll say it again. Lack worked closely with Evans for years. Tell me how the fact that Lane endorses Lack is "huge"???

Are you stupid?

Do you really think this is a big deal? Do you really think for a second that Evans WOULDN'T endorse Lack?

Perhaps you can't grasp what I'm saying.

I'm not saying that an Evan's endorsement isn't a big help to anyone that gets it, I'm saying that Evans endorsing Lack is absolutely NOT "huge" in any way, shape, or form, as it was a given from before Lack announced.

And you really should learn the difference between "missing" something you wrote and simply not commenting on it.

 
At 11/14/2007 8:51 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Bozo 7:24

The people have no say in the matter of who their candidates are.

And of course, if you had a few firing cells between your ears, you'd realize that I was NOT attacking the democratic voters, but rather the little cabal that dicates what they can and can't do and who they can and can't have as candidates.

That said, I do wish, and believe it will happen, that local Democrats will eventually tire of the same old gang, and when the inevitable change of the guard from those over 70 to those under 40 takes place, maybe the tired old power structure will see some needed revamping.

And yeah, insululting voters is a poor way to run for office.

Thank God I'm not and have zero desire to do so, regardless of whether I ran this blog or not.

Compromising my priciples (or simply not having any to begin with) and resorting to smear, attack, and lies, sucking up and becoming a whore for campaign cash, and subjecting yourself and your family to the glare of the public eye, all to gain and cling to power, Sorry, not interested.

 
At 11/14/2007 8:55 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Straw man fan 5:12

I should just keep this handy to cut and paste, since I have to use it with you clowns so often.

If you can't attack me without having to MAKE UP what I said or meant, then don't.

If you have to errect a straw man then attack that, you've got nothing.

You do so here by first putting words in my mouth. You ask if I ... whatever you said about Boland.

The answer is no.

Then you argue against what YOU said, not me, and conclude that I'm going off the "deep end".

Wow.

Arguing against yourself is just stupid.

 
At 11/15/2007 9:13 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dope, I cut anything else so that you do not get confused. How do you explain the fact that Pat Verschoore is endorsing Jerry Lack. Verschoore is very well respected and thought of. His backing Lack makes me wonder if Boland is in real trouble. Polls must show Boland in trouble or why would Verschoore endorse Lack. Speaker Madigan's support for Boland must be soft or Verschoore would not be endorsing Madigan's guy. Remember Madigan spent half of a million dollars to get Boland elected last time. Does anyone know what is going on with this specific endorsement?

Try and answer this instead of running your spin machine Dope.

 
At 11/16/2007 3:26 AM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Tom,
Just go f**k yourself, OK?

How do I explain Vershoore's endorsing Lack? I don't, that's how. First of all, I have to take your word that he has, and in this case I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

But why is the fact he endorsed Lack so earthshattering? It's the good ol' boys network, and Boland's never been a part of it.

It's not even news.

You say I spin things. What the hell do you call it when you repeatedly write in trying to pound the idea that Boland is in trouble simply because Vershoore endorses Lack?

Try to get a sense of proportion, if you can.

 
At 11/16/2007 11:49 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

State Rep. Jerry Lack picked-up four big endorsements over the week including, but not limited to:

1) Hampton Mayor Sean McKay
2) Former East Moline Mayor Bill Ward
3) Former EM Mayor Joe Moreno
4) Former Hampton Mayor Scott Newberg

It seems anyone that knows or worked around Mike Boland supports his opponent. What is that?

 
At 11/17/2007 12:58 AM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Anon 11:49

I'd suggest it's due to their all wanting to suck up to the Jacobs, as they know that open support of Boland would dry up the cash.

And maybe they think Lack is going to be the winner.

Just a theory.

 
At 11/17/2007 10:26 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

UPDATE:

Just yesterday Rock Island County Treasurer Lu Ann Kerr joined the parade and publicly endorsed Jerry Lack over Mike Boland.

 
At 11/17/2007 1:02 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

This thread is absolutely absurd, ludicrous, preposterous.

Anyone that thinks they're helping "their guy" by posting some ridiculous comment about who "endorsed" who, or by crafting some meaningless piece of six-degrees-of-separation history from thin air is not only miscalculated...they're dotterel.

This area needs a complete overhaul of its influence peddlers.

 
At 11/17/2007 1:24 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sen. Mike Jacobs is clearly a "powerful" leader, but I doubt he's "strong" enough to force Congressman Lane Evans, Rep. Phil Hare, Rep. Pat Verschoore, R.I. County Board Chairman Jim Bohnsack, former mayor Scott Newburg, Bill Ward, Joe Moreno and current Hampton Mayor Sean McKay to dump Mike Boland and openly endorse Jerry Lack for State Represenative.

My guess is these prominent elected leaders worked with Boland and made up their own minds on who is better suited to serve the people of our area!

 
At 11/17/2007 4:34 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Anon 1:24

Sure, everything's as pure as the driven slush in local politics.

Now tell us about the Easter Bunny again.

 
At 11/17/2007 5:47 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

your crazy!~~

 
At 11/17/2007 6:37 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

MY crazy? Huh?

 
At 11/18/2007 2:04 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Sure, everything's as pure as the driven slush in local politics."

--- A Dope

What does this mean? Are you creating a "STRAW MAN" or do you have information that Lane Evans, Phil hare and Pat Verschoore are getting tainted "campaign cash". Your faels innuendos do nothing but drive up cynicism in our area!

 
At 11/18/2007 3:09 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Thanks for your sterling example of a perfect straw man.

You think you're scoring points by accusing me of using such stupid tactics, then use an obvious one yourself.

Go ahead, point to where I mention anything about "tainted" anything.

I'll wait.

 
At 11/18/2007 8:48 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Inside Dope said...

Anon 11:49

"I'd suggest it's due to their all wanting to suck up..., as they know that open support of Boland
would dry up the cash."

Hampton Mayor McKay, former Mayor Ward, former East Moline Mayor Moreno, former Hampton Mayor Newberg and Congressman Evans would support Boland, but are afraid "open support for Boland would dry up the cash"?

Delusional conspiracy theories aside, what specific "cash would dry up" if the aforementioned public servants did support Boland?

 
At 11/18/2007 10:44 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I saw in the D/A where Rep. Mike Boland had his lawsuit abuse bill overturned. We have seen two new insurers come into Illinois since this bill was passed. Now they will leave again and we will beright back where we were before this ill was passed. I hope Our reps try and keep Doctors in Illinois. I am sure that in the end because of this lawsuit abuse Doctors will be leaving Illinois because of this type of abuse that our community will have to pay for.

 
At 11/19/2007 4:45 AM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

How about support all across the board at least locally?

There's cash donations from Jacobs campaign chest, which they are fond of bragging about every chance they get, then there's simply the fact that the Jacobs, shall we say, make life difficult, for those who don't toe their line.

As a receipient of their thuggish behavior, I know first hand what can happen if you don't play their game.

 
At 11/19/2007 4:57 AM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Anon 10:44

I'm not sure even YOU believe what you just wrote. It reeks of bull to try to justify Jacob's being in the pocket of those who want to shut down the courthouse for average people.

First of all, if two insurance companies just located in Illinois, they obviously aren't too concerned with this phony "lawsuit abuse" issue.

Why the hell would they invest all the time and money to locate in the state if they thought it was so horrible????!!!!

And I'm sure you're sure they'll leave, but I'd bet a large pile of cash that they won't. (this is hypothetical, since I'm equally convinced you're pulling this crap out of your ... )

Sorry, the old line that doctors are leaving because of lawsuits just won't hunt. It's been proven to be nothing but propaganda from big business repeatedly.

There's no crisis with doctors and lawsuits. Malpractice premiums have gone up, true, but all that does is cut into doctor's income a bit. Maybe instead of three vacation homes, they have to trim it down to two.

And in order for them to get that third home in the Bahamas back, they want to cap damages and erect impossible hurdles for people with legitimate claims to seek justice in the courts. And one of their biggest puppets is Sen. Jacobs, as has been amply demonstrated by his earning the highest ranking by far of any Democrat in Springfield by a lobbying group set up by insurance and big medical interests.

If they remove the wrong organ or amputate the wrong leg on your Dad, tough luck. Jacobs and these outfits want you to only be able to get a set amount, and that's only IF you're able to afford to jump over all the hurdles and roadblocks they want to set up to prevent people from even being able to bring suit.

Throw away the idea of juries hearing all the evidence from BOTH sides and then deciding what is legally justified.

These millionaires can't live by those bedrock rules. So they enlist folks like Sen. Jacobs to fundamentally cripple the very foundation of our court system.

If you buy the utter fantasy that anyone but insurance companies and some (VERY few) doctors actually will benefit from the measures Jacobs supports, then good luck.

 
At 11/19/2007 11:33 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

The comment from 11/18/2007 10:44 PM, Anonymous said... is about boland supporting this bill. Is he in the pocket in order for them to get that third home in the Bahamas back, they want to cap damages and erect impossible hurdles for people with legitimate claims to seek justice in the courts.

Is it true that Boland supported this bill? if Boland did why are you attacking Jacobs when Boland must be lining his pockets with these fat cats money.

It seems that you have a double standard for Mike Boland.

Either Boland and Verschoore are crooks like Jacobs or none of them are crooks Dope.

What gives Dope?

You can not have it both ways.

 
At 11/20/2007 7:19 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

The interesting thing is that Boland Verschoore and Rumler are all for controlling lawsuit abuse. Your comments look personal.
Do you hate Boland, Verschoore, and Rumler also?

 
At 11/20/2007 8:47 AM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

I'm sick to death of idiots such as yourself who thinks they really "got" me now, apparently without devoting more than a split second to it.

First of all, you're trying to make a claim when you've obviously not followed the discussion or read what I've written on this.

I'm not having it "both ways", you chuckle-head.

First of all, I don't know how Boland voted on any particular bill. I don't particularly care unless it comes to my attention.

Secondly, if you fought off the ADD long enough to read the post in question, you'd plainly see that NO ONE.... that's NOT ONE Democrat in the state of Illinois voted to prevent citizens from getting justice in courts when confronted with malpractice or faulty products more than Mikey Jacobs. OK. That much is not in doubt.

So why are you desperately (this is about the fifth time) trying to say, "Oh look over there!" to draw the heat away from your guy?

Boland may have voted for some bill or bills that had to do with this, but as I ALREADY HAVE WRITTEN, he's not anywhere close to Jacobs according to the big business lobby that rates legislators on how well they perform for them. Jacobs got a 67, I think Boland was rated about a quarter of that, if that much.

So now you feel a rustle in your head and think you'll be clever by accusing me of somehow being unfair to Jacobs? Still trying to suggest that I somehow overlook Boland?

I published both Boland AND Verschoore's rating, as you'd know if you paid attention.

People can judge for themselves.

When Boland ranks higher than every single other Dem and nearly half of the Republicans in the state legislature for voting against people's legal rights, THEN you can be sure I'll mention it.

How's that?

 
At 11/20/2007 8:49 AM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

I don't hate Boland.
I don't hate Rumler.
I don't hate Jacobs.

But I do hate impeciles like you who know better, (I have to give you the benefit of the doubt. To think anyone is truly that stupid is just too depressing.) but still insist on wasting everyone's time with utter bullshit.

Give it a rest.

 
At 11/20/2007 10:15 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Democrat Legislators and the Governor of Illinois passed medical malpractice reform legislation in response to a severe doctor and hospital crisis in Illinois.

First, the new law is working. The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin reported last week that medical malpractice lawsuits are down in Illinois.

In fact, it proves the point that litigation will drop if trial lawyer winnings go down. The "cap" enacted in 2005 deals only with non-economic damages, the subjective and often emotionally-determined portion of an award that provides most of the plaintiffs' attorneys' fee. In Illinois, the fee can be as high as one-third of the first $150,000, scaled down to 20% of awards over $1 million.

Under the new law, the non-economic damage award can't exceed $500,000 in cases against doctors, and $1 million against hospitals.

For the first time the system is working, the number of lawsuits in Illinois is down, and there has been a change in the perception of Illinois' medical malpractice climate. At least two new medical malpractice insurers -- including one headed by a former president of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (Kim Presbrey, 2001-2002) -- have begun operations.

In fact Medicus Insurance, a Texas-based insurer, made it clear that medical malpractice reform in Illinois was a prime reason for its decision to get involved here.

Judges in Madison County, one of the most scorned jurisdictions in Illinois, have initiated new mediation and arbitration proceedings in medical liability cases and they have held several meetings with doctors and hospitals in an attempt to improve mutual understanding and trust.

Let's hope the success of the last two years will be matched with the same success in the next two ... and the next ten ... and next 20 and more. The winners will be Illinois patients who are, after all, us.

 
At 11/20/2007 3:09 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jerry Lack had a great day today gaining another impressive endorsment in his fight to replace Boland. The Trial lawyers are endorsing Lack's campaign against civil justice.

Lack appears to be doing all the right thing. Gaining endorsement, building a coalition, raising the funds and knocking and knocking on door after door!

The only hope his opponent can do is bring Madigan's Moody's back in and hope they convince people to abandon their values and support the Chicago ticket.

 
At 11/20/2007 3:15 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

The bill in question is the medical malpractice bill.
Once again.

Boland
Verschoore
Rumler
all three support this law.

The chamber of commerce was fought harder for this bill than anyone.

You are always trying to run these straw men arguments.

Please answer the questions at hand and not make it into straw.

Are these Democrats bad for voting for this?

Yes or NO.

 
At 11/20/2007 7:07 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

You post stories on the Internet for a living and think nobody has has the right to question you?

I don't know who you are, or care, but nobody, and I mean nobody owns the Net. Not Mike Boland, not Congressman Phil Hare, not even a greedy Trial Lawyers (think John Edwards). Nobody.

If you don't want people to question your authority unplug your computer.

"We the People" own the BLOG --- not YOU and your elk.

 
At 11/20/2007 7:15 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Listen "Tim" (it's Tim this time, eh?)

I'm only going to say this once, and try to get someone to help you figure it out.

There's not just ONE bill on this issue, but many, perhaps a dozen or more.

Boland voted for a few, as did Vershoore. Even Jacobs didn't vote with these people 100% of the time, though nearly.

There's not one bill that everyone voted for, OK?

Now crawl back in your hole. (I thought you said you were moving from the area anyway.... guess that doesn't spare me your obstinant bullshit.)

 
At 11/20/2007 7:18 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

"Ann"... figure you better mix it up and pretend to be a female, eh?

You crack me up.

Yes, I do "own" this blog, depite whatever notions you may dream up.

I suggest you look around the "internets" a little more and figure out what the hell you're talking about.

And leave my elk out of this. He's done nothing to deserve it.

 
At 11/21/2007 9:05 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Senator Mike Jacobs has a higher labor voting record than Boland and Verschoore according to the AFO/CIO web site.

Does this make him the best labor candidate in the area?

I know you love numbers.

 
At 11/23/2007 3:39 AM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

What, exactly is all this drivel about? What are you trying to prove?

That ratings are meaningless? Or that they are at least a pretty good guide to how a pol votes on whatever particular issues an interest group represents?

You're all over the map on this and your arguments are confused.

If Jacobs was ranked higher than his two colleagues, then yeah, I guesss he's "best", if you want to put it that way, at issues that the AFL/CIO consider in their interest.

But your whole outlook and demeanor I find really repulsive to begin with. Why are you constantly pitting and comparing Jacobs to his two Democratic colleages who aren't even in the same chamber and who aren't in any way in competition with him?

Can you please explain your hangup with this?

 
At 11/23/2007 11:14 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jerry Lack garnered yet another impressive endorsement in his race to unseat Boland. Rock Island County Treasurer Lu Ann Kerr is the fourth Rock Island County elected official in as many weeks to endorse Lack.

What makes this endorsement so interesting is that Kerr and Boland use to be close. One is left to wonder why Boland's loyal supporters are jumping ship?

Are we watching an upset in the making?

 
At 11/24/2007 4:20 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Our union is set to endorse Jerry Lack. When I asked why they said, "Boland hasn't accomplished anything in twenty years of office." They took after Boland and accussed him of "Spending all his time and energy swapping American made bulbs for these new bulbs from China."

While I think Boland's is pro-labor, I get what leadershp is saying. After twenty years in power one would expect Boland to do something important. Boland has spent too much under Madigan's thumb and gotten nothing in return for our area.

If Phil Hare doesn't shape up and strart delivering for our area it will be time for him to go too.

 
At 11/26/2007 10:48 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jack,

"After 20 years in power, one would expect Boland to do something important" -

Why was this never a criteria for Lane Evans? He spent 24-years in office and did nothing other than stump for a few Veterans issues (which no one could be against).

He did nothing of consequence for the area.

He did nothing of consequence for jobs.

He did nothing of consequence for the economic well being of the area.

He did nothing to assist the RI Arsenal in growth (there was a nearly 50% loss of Arsenal jobs on his watch),

yet the area, the Dem's, think the man was a great success...huh?

 
At 11/27/2007 3:52 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is the part I love. When the Jacobs fanatics monopolize the entire blog to trash Boland while the Boland people ignore it.

 
At 11/28/2007 3:26 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I disagree with anon above. Jacobs and Boland have been working closely. Jacobs has sponsered most of Boland's bills and Boland Jacob's bills. Quit starting a fight where none exists.

 
At 11/29/2007 5:45 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

HA!!!! That made me do a spit take!

That's the damn funniest thing I've read in a long time, I swear.

"Quit starting a fight where none exists." What a freaking hoot!

You must forget you're dealing with a guy who has seen a few products of the Jacobs mind here over the years, and a few of them have been, shall we say, critical of Rep. Boland. Let's say about 3,000 of them, and that's a conservative estimate.

Sure, Jacobs talks out of both sides of his mouth, trying to project the image that he and Boland are like peas in a pod. And on occasion, they do find themselves in agreement on things.

But the vicious, dishonest, and truly breathtaking things that they've done to try to smear him here is nothing short of monumental.

It's like the guy who hugs his wife and says kind things about her when the cameras are on, and then screams and calls her every name in the book when they're behind closed doors.

I think the boys in the hood call that "frontin'"

And trust me, I'm not trying to start any fight here. That's hilarious to even suggest. This fight has been going on since I was in short pants. I can't claim any credit.

 
At 12/07/2007 2:15 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jerry Lack had about onehundred and fifty people attend his fund raiser last night. Even Lane Evans was in attendance.

Lack is doing a great job of getting support.

 
At 12/08/2007 8:58 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jack, I could not agree more.

Let us change the name to Phil Hare.

"After 20 years in power, one would expect Hare to do something important" -

He did nothing of consequence for the area.

He did nothing of consequence for jobs.

He did nothing of consequence for the economic well being of the area.

He did nothing to assist the RI Arsenal in growth (there was a nearly 50% loss of Arsenal jobs on his watch),

yet the area, the Dem's, think the man was a great success...huh?

 
At 12/10/2007 9:28 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mike Boland has gotten his campaign going now. I am starting to see signs up for him. Boland will start getting it into high gear now that we are getting into the swing of the election cycle. These people with their signs up so early are wasting their load.

Boland knows how to run a campaign and we will see this in the stretch run.

 
At 12/11/2007 7:44 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

If I was Jerry Lack, I would study the race from 1986 when Jacobs defeated Boland.

 
At 12/12/2007 5:32 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mike Boland will crank up the pressure and beat Lack silly. The runner crowd is only so big.

 
At 12/13/2007 10:41 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree that the "the runner crowd is only so big," but Lane Evans' crowd is huge.

Lack 51/49%.

 
At 12/28/2007 9:28 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

We need to put in laws against signs that are up for months on end. Political signs should only be allowed for a one month period. These huge signs should be outlawed. They are ridiculous.

 
At 1/03/2008 4:28 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I got my first piece of mail today from Jerry Lack. The piece is well done. It highlights Lack's strong ties to labor, Congressman Lane Evans and the importance of working as part of a team in Springfield.

Although the piece seems wee bit early to me, it proves Lack is going to spend considerable funds in his race to win this seat.

 
At 1/04/2008 4:35 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I feel Jerry Lack has to get out early and often to beat Mike Boland. If he does that and can get Lane Evans out into the mix he has a true chance after the long hard General battle with the scholarship scandal that was part of Bolands negatives just one year ago. This mail piece shows some signs of life from the challenger.

 
At 1/05/2008 12:35 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Get out early? The election is a month away! I'm not sure of the date but the primary election has been moved up to sometime the beginning of February. I agree that the scholarship business with is friend in Fulton may have hurt Boland a little, but I don't think it will be an issue when people go to the polls. No one reads these stories in the newspaper like they should!

 
At 1/15/2008 9:49 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

This I don't want to be Rep. I want to be anything but is the kind of arrogance that just might get Boland in trouble. People are upset with this kind of attitude .

Lack should be able to drive a hole in this hole.

 
At 1/16/2008 3:49 AM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Ummm.... OK?

Friends don't let friends post drunk.

 
At 1/16/2008 4:33 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

the only thing lack can do is drive more jobs away from this area like he and lane did for 20 years plus a life time political hack does not a leader make lacks support is from the same anti bolandites who have been around since 1986 boland wins and then if he does run on a ticket with pat quinn that is fine with me

 
At 1/16/2008 11:29 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is the same Lane Evans that got Phil Hare to defeat Boland by a giant number.

What makes you think that Lane and his forces won't beat Mile Boland again?

I think Lane has a good plan that will do for Lack what it did for Hare.

Victory for Lack over Boland!

 
At 1/16/2008 8:54 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

iff this area sends jerry lack to springfeild, we get what we deserve the worst thing about lack is he actually thinks he deserves this lack did nothting for 20 years for this area besides cut a couple of ribbons in keithsburg and around mercer county picnics and drive lane evans to the moline airport as a farmer in this area and a democrat i will not be supporting lack but i guess all on the internets will support lack god help us maybe john thodssos will run he brings jobs at least

 
At 1/17/2008 1:53 AM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

holy cow an entire comment without a single capitalization and not one punctuation mark interesting but it makes it a bit tough to comprehend it doesnt take a lot of effort to work the keyboard thing if you really put your mind to it

 
At 1/18/2008 8:38 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

A new poll shows Lack and Boland in a dead heat!

 
At 1/19/2008 12:58 AM, Blogger Mac said...

Well Dope, you got it right, this is a can of worms.

I think the primary is going to be very interesting, and there is no way anyone can predict how the Lack/Boland fight will turn out. I have to say that I will be supporting Jerry. I think Boland is a fine gentleman, but I just haven't seen the action out of him that I would like in a Representative.

~The other guy who uses his real name.

 
At 1/19/2008 4:00 AM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Scott,

It'll be one to watch, won't it?


And...

It doesn't matter if you use your real name or not. You could call yourself Eustace P. McGargle and your comments would still be welcome.

It's the words, not the identity, that should be of any importance here.

What your particular views are isn't the point either. What matters is whether you show any intelligence and thought and whether or not you come with some nasty attitude.

And yours are always pretty darn rational and reasonable if I do say so myself, whether I always agree or not.

Hope you continue to contribute.

 
At 1/19/2008 4:01 AM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Anon 8:38

A new poll shows that people should never believe any poll results reported without any source whatsoever!

 
At 1/28/2008 2:06 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Here's the REAL story TID.

because of Rumler's challenge to the Jacob's "throne", Pat Verschoore is acting as their "surrogate" and passing money to Boland's opponent. Doing via proxy what they can't openly do themselves because of Rumler's challenge.

Pat doesn't fool me one bit, since he's first been elected he's had his limps so firmly attached to the Jacob's backside that you'd think they were surgically attached.

Funny thing is, old Tricky Dick Leibowitz was their best shot to unseat Boland, and what was that - 10 years ago?

The only thing that makes this race close is the fact that Madigan and Blagojevich can't get along, creating an anti-incumbent feeling that threatens BOTH Mikes . . .

Isn't it ironic that they'd (Boland and Jacobs) end up in the same boat, both threatened by individuals with even bigger feuds and even bigger egos (Blagobitch - Madigoon - and Senile Jones).

 
At 1/29/2008 2:11 AM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Irony,

Excellent observation. Thanks for your contribution.

 
At 1/29/2008 7:28 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

The biggest story has to be Boland getting kicked to the curb by the teachers. YIKES! I heard he's livid!

 
At 1/29/2008 8:14 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I saw the latest Jacobs campaign piece and what a crafty one at that.

Perhaps he forgot that he said he deserved a raise and then voted for one himself. This came out of the taxpayers dollars and our taxes are going up.

Maybe he can spend the money on driving lessons. If that was his life changing experience, the sheltered boy has not lived a very exciting life. Another crafty campaign plug at the end of that article.

I doubt Jacobs has many friends, more like a whole lot of people that want something in return for contributions. Funny, sounds a lot like prostitution.

 
At 2/01/2008 7:05 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Any official polls that can be published here for the upcoming races?

 
At 2/02/2008 7:11 AM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

An enormous amount of money has been spent on polls, though it's up to the campaigns as to whether they want to publicize them, since they're the one's spending the money for them.

I've been contacted at least once by a poll asking preference between Jacobs and Rumler, and it's likely that I may have missed others, since I usually screen calls.

Since Rumler is very short on funds, it's a safe bet this poll was paid for by Jacobs.

I'm aware he did a lot of polling last time around because he was in an abject panic just prior to election day, and afterwards revealed that polls had him 10 points behind Rumler only shortly before the election.

Polling results would be interesting of course, but publishing them poses a problem, namely, I'm not sure I could simply post poll results that someone simply sent along in e-mail or something.

How is there any way to know if the results are even real? Short of being provided an official copy of the poll (unlikely) or speaking directly to the firm who conducted the poll, there would be no way of knowing.

And unfortunately, it's been proven numerous times that it's foolish to think you could trust a campaign to not blatantly fudge figures or flat out lie about their poll results.

I'm not aware if any local media have conducted their own polls, and simply haven't seen any published.

If you're aware of any, by all means contact me by e-mail and provide a link to the data.

 
At 2/02/2008 10:49 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Rumler's campaign has taken on an air of desperation. From the looks of Rumler --- Jacobs must be way ahead of Rumler.

 
At 2/02/2008 11:07 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

rumler is running a phone poll and is on tv and the radio. how do you do all that on no money?

 
At 2/02/2008 10:56 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

To the two anon's above.

Really, you can look at someone and determine where their campaign is at? Do you realize how silly that sounds? I guess not.

And Thing 2,

Did someone say that Rumler had absolutely no campaign funds? I must have missed that.

And make up your mind. Jacobites are in the habit of juvenile gloating about how little money Rumler has at hand compared to their vast treasure trove.

Yet now when someone so much as mentions that Rumler is at a financial disavantage, we get them writing in trying to suggest that Rumler has plenty of money.

Evidently, if Rumler is able to run any media whatsoever, that's not fair and should be considered proof that he has all the money he can handle.

Again, ridiculous.

Anyone ever considered being even slightly honest and sticking to reality here? Guess not, how silly of me.

The fact remains that Jacobs once again is VASTLY outspending Rumler. You can't turn on the TV, no matter what channel, without seeing one of two shiny new TV spots for Jacobs. It's saturation.

You can continue to try to pretend that it's even close to a level playing field in this race, but you'd look like a fool.

The fact that with their 10 to one or better money advantage the Jacobites still feel the need to put down their opponent for running a few cruddy ads is telling.

Like in the past election, despite having such a truly enormous money, media, and organizational advantage that the election should be a lock, they're still worried.

I guess that goes to show that sometimes, money can't buy you love.

 
At 2/03/2008 7:48 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Daddy, can you be in my TV ads so I can have some credibility.

Also, I could use some more money from your buddies to pay for it.

If we can buy another election by outspending my opponent, maybe people will finally accept me as their Senator.

Courage - Nope
Experience - Nada
Leadership - Zippo

 
At 2/04/2008 8:47 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

You say that you can not look at someone and determine where their campaign is at. Referring to commenters saying Rumler is desperate.

Then you say that you the Dope somehow can tell that they (Jacobs) are still worried.

Do you realize how silly you sound ? I guess not.

 
At 2/04/2008 10:41 AM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

It was interesting to see both Boland and Jacobs get spots on air during the Super Bowl. Boland had his same old spot with background music that sounded like it was from the Teletubbies or something and a voiceover that sounds like it's coming from a battery powered transistor radio.

Jacobs of course was more expensively produced, and the concept was good, as far as tying in the game. Denny clearly has the natural acting talent of the family, delivering his lines convincingly, even if it would have been more realistic if he threw in some salty language, and the just-out-of-the-box caps looked a bit lame.

But the punch line about telling where Jacobs Jr. gets his "fighting spirit" was a bit strained.

Denny and Mike's son aren't identified in the spot (unless I missed it). Of course, many people will recognize Denny and know the set-up, but many more would not have had a clue who the guy and the young man were on the couch and the tag-line wouldn't have made much sense.

I wholeheartedly endorse the use of humor in political ads though, and it's a damn lot better than those dire, ominous ads that portray the opponent as lucifer himself.

Jacobs ads haven't attacked or mentioned Rumler, which is a relief.

Boland's ad does take a swipe at Lack, though without naming him, by suggesting that his opponent thinks negative campaigning is the way to go. It's been noted that this is a recycled spot from his previous campaign, and that seems odd, as I'm not aware of any negative campaign efforts from his current opponent, Lack.

 
At 2/04/2008 10:51 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jacobs didn't mention who Denny or his son where but, if the inside dope could figure it out so could other voters I assume. The boy I knew was Mike's son by the way he called Denny grandpa. I guess it could be another grandson of Denny's but I guess most knowing from editorials that Mike has a 10 year old son would think this is him.
I know Denny is an avid bears fan and would not have a NY hat but I found the ad cute and refreshing.
I like that Jacobs has taken the high road in this election again not even mentioning anything but his accomplishments and not his opponent at all.

 
At 2/04/2008 11:10 AM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Anon 8:47.

I based my suggestion on the fact that someone still feels the need to take swipes at Rumler. Maybe they're not worried at all, who knows? They certainly shouldn't be. They're the ones who have spent a lot of money on polls to tell them how they're doing.

All I know is that last time around, less than a week before election day it looked like the Senator was going down despite outspending his opponent by a 10 to 1 margin.

I imagine that like any normal politician, they never take anything for granted.

But if anything should be taken for granted, it's that the hundreds of thousands of dollars spent should surely put Sen. Mike back in office against a guy that simply can't compete with tens of thousands of PAC donations, etc.

 
At 2/04/2008 11:15 AM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Bruce, Are you trying to suggest you're surprised I could recognize Denny? Please.

Your comment essentially repeated mine exactly, yet you managed to make it sound like I'm an idiot. Good work.

 
At 2/04/2008 6:19 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just got a call for Rumler from California. Who do you suppose is making calls for him from Monteray? He has run a poll also. TV and radio ads. All for nothing! TV ads are very expensive. Especially on ESPN and bigger channels like that.

I'm not a friend of] Jacobs. I'm just sick of everyone crying how this kid has no money. He must. Those signs of his are sophisticated. The really big ones.

If he is spending his own money does he have to report it?

Or is someone else paying for it and then he doesn't have to report it? I'm not sure how it works.

 
At 2/05/2008 6:38 AM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Anon 6:19.

Wow. Now larger yard signs are "sophisticated"? Jesus... if that's sophisticated, what isn't?

Clearly Rumler doesn't have a fraction of the money Jacobs does, and is spending a fraction of what Jacobs has already spent.

Anyone with a pair of eyes and ears can tell that. For you to still insist on pretending that Rumler must have a pile of cash is pretty goofy.

And yes, he has to report any money he himself donates to his own campaign, and has.

Apparently you're not a close reader of this blog. Otherwise you would have noticed and read the post I did only days before which provided figures from each local campaign and links to the pages which display the candidates finance reports.

Go check them out. It will prevent you from walking around with your mistaken notion that Rumler is somehow flush with cash.

 
At 2/05/2008 2:09 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dope you will see that Rumler has hidden money and will be reprimanded by the state board. Rumler has spent $29,000 on TV(the TV stations tell one what someone has spent) $6,000 on radio a mail piece which costs about $6,000 and a poll and office space and phone bank. Records show him to have $23,500 on hand before these bills.

Someone is playing hide the money. It will all come out in the wash.

Rumler will have spent about $50,000 when it is all said and done.

 
At 2/05/2008 6:12 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Anon 2:09.

I have no idea if your figures are correct, but at any rate, please get in touch when your theory "comes out in the wash" so we can see if it's remotely true.

 
At 2/05/2008 6:30 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Campaign cash appears to be flowing freely from Rumler's hands these days. How is it possible for him to spend this kind of money when he has reported not having it. Rumler could be heading for jail.

 
At 2/05/2008 6:36 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

And Jacobs could have a horrible case of genital warts.

I mean, what the hell? You made it all the way to election day without leaving this sort of ridiculous trash.... why let loose now?

 
At 2/05/2008 8:02 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

HMMM.

Bass Street for fundraising. Heh Bro, lets chomp on steak and drink wine, pay the tip so it can count.

Must be hard campaigning at Oakwood once a month.

If only those non-itemized expenditures could be itemized.

And finally the geniune thought of only giving to those that can somehow help you or your image in return.

 
At 2/06/2008 7:50 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

This might answer a few of your questions. Bolands got some splaining to dooooooooooo

http://www.elections.il.gov/CampaignDisclosure/A1List.aspx?id=359038

 
At 2/06/2008 9:53 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Anon 7:50

For God's sake, give your little jihad a rest.

You even provide the link that proves you're wrong.

As I explain in a response to your assertions on another post, the contribution you think is so scandalous was given the day before the election.

The report listing that donation was filed with the board of elections the day after the election.

Are you saying it's illegal to file a finance report the day after an election?

Somehow I doubt that.

So basically, unless you know this to be illegal, shut up.

 
At 2/08/2008 3:22 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have read these posts and Dope you will have to admit that when it comes down to how Rumler could have payed out more than he reported in then there is a problem.

You seem blind by your anger.

I hope that you are for reporting correctly and not hiding money illegally.

 
At 2/08/2008 5:30 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

OK Anon 3:22

I "have to admit" that Rumler spent more than he took in?

Based on what information?

Do you have any idea what he spent? Do you have any idea what any candidate spent?

No, you don't. So, please, don't be an idiot and act like you do.

And if you can tell me what I'm "blind" to, I'd be eternaly grateful.

PLEASE, point out where I'm "blinded by anger".

Anger is caused by frustration, and I'm the first to admit that comments like yours frustrate the hell out of me, so yes, I'm angry, but I'm sure the hell not blind.

If you'd been working at putting out a blog for years and were subjected to people like you who either are stupendously gullible or are the candidate themselves thinking it's cute to try to spread lies and misinformation about your opponent, I would wager that you'd be pretty damn pissed yourself.

It's endlessly tedious, and yes, it pisses me off that there are jerks like this out there, and that some of them are in positions of great authority over people's lives.

I must be nuts, but I'd expect better.

 
At 2/10/2008 4:16 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mike Boland is a classless jerk. Accusing Jerry Lack of running a negative campaign? Right.. Lack is a well known intorovert, almost shy, he never once did anything negative, and this comes from someone who did openly support Lack Boand said the same crap about Ahern four years ago, and about Toppert four years before that. No one has ever run a negative campaign against Mike, but maybe they should, that could be the only we rid ourselves of this jerk.

 
At 2/10/2008 5:58 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Anon 4:16

Do you think Boland is a jerk? I'm not sure you got your point across. (ahem)

Before you burst a blood vessel, I'd remind you that I mentioned this curious part of Boland's TV ad long ago.

But others had mentioned that Boland was simply re-using an ad that was made for his previous campaign against whats-his-name the Republican from Savannah.

Evidently that's where the charge about negative campaigning came from and why it was in there.

But considering that it took up all of about one half of one second of the commercial, I'm kind of baffled as to why at this late date you're still frothing at the mouth and willing to get so ugly about it.

Any explanation of why this trivial matter causes you to appear enraged beyond any rational proportion to the issue?

And what the hell is an "intorovert"? Does that have something to do with bulls?

 
At 2/11/2008 9:39 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jerry Lack's radio ads attacked Boland over scholarships etc. THAT's where the charges of Lack running a negative campaign (which he did on radio) stem from I believe.

The post election call between Rumler and Jacobs is now almost legendary, but no one will mention that Lack didn't even have the class to call Boland.

SORE LOSER = LACK

 
At 2/12/2008 1:36 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Boland is said to be anguishing over laying down $12,000 in campaign cash to Rumler and missing the elusive Jacobs. Boland is sweating bullets fearing Jacobs' fund raising abilities. Madigan has stepped forward in an attempt to save Boland from himself, but Jacobs is said to be in "no mood" to rescue Boland.

"Jacobs won a four year term, and Boland is left with his ars hanging in the air winning a two year term. Look for Jacobs to dump upwards to $200,000 into Boland's 2010 race," said a insider familiar with the case. "Boland overplayed his hand, missed and will pay a huge price."

 
At 2/12/2008 6:01 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

I appologize to readers for allowing the Jacobites to use this blog to issue yet more of their goofy threats and phoney facts, otherwise known in the real world as lies.

There may be a grain of truth in there somewhere, but they pile on so much BS that it gets pretty much lost among the muck.

You can safely ignore them. It's never worked in the past, but maybe allowing them to see their attempts to spread dirt in print will keep them happy for a while.

Well, actually, I should have dumped that. But at least they can't continually whine when their garbage doesn't make print.

 
At 2/22/2008 7:39 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

THE DOPE IS A FLIPPIN TARD

EAT THOSE WORMS TARD BOY

 
At 2/22/2008 8:17 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Thanks Jacobs fans,

And don't forget to take your meds.

 
At 2/23/2008 6:03 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

would Jerry Lack and Mike Boland please get their signs down in Hampton, Silvis and East Moline.

 
At 2/23/2008 6:54 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Anon 6:03.

I hope someone heeds your call to take down the signs.

A campaign doesn't have strict control over where or who puts up their signs, but it should at least make a good faith effort to take them down after an election.

The fact is that it should fall to the property owner to take them down, but if people are sticking them on unoccupied land, then it's their responsibility to take them down. And they are an eyesore after an election.

I hope someone makes an effort to do as you suggest.

 
At 5/13/2008 12:49 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

What happened to that blow-hard Sen. Jacobs. Haven't seeen him blowing his own sorry horn for a long time.

Did he wise up, or did someone put the muzzle on him?

 
At 5/17/2008 9:41 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

How can our rookie Sen. make any dumb statements when there's never any reporters in the bars he frequents on a regular basis to write them down? Of course they'd have to take up drinking during the week.

 
At 5/21/2008 1:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Phil Hare is a giant windsock. His parading around with this man who's son died calling for healthcare was in bad taste and worse off he will do nothing avout healthcare. He has no bills in to get healthcare for all citizens.
Talk talk talk!!!

 
At 5/22/2008 2:43 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Makes you wonder how he gets anything done. Well, then again, what does he get done? All I hear is about money that MIGHT come, eventually, sometime, maybe.

Less time in bars might help.

 
At 5/22/2008 9:26 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Less time in the bars and away from the table. This guy must weigh 400lbs.

 
At 6/08/2008 8:58 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

If someone spent less time in bars, maybe his wife would not have filed for divorce.

 
At 6/08/2008 10:13 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

It's irresponsible to speculate on the causes of anyone's divorce.

Divorce is never easy and at best, is a painful and difficult experience for all involved, and as such, their privacy should be strictly respected.

I'm very sorry to hear that the Jacobs are apparently splitting and sincerely hope that things work out as well as possible for everyone.

Being a political spouse isn't easy by any means. When a spouse gets elected to office, things change dramatically, and not always for the best. One obvious effect is that the politician is rarely around anymore, and the spouse may feel like they're a single parent already.

And for some, the sheer pressure of trying to promote themselves and hang onto office, the worry, the stress, the presssure, added to the high-living, being suddenly surrounded by huge sums of money and people wanting to give it to you, and all telling you that you're the man, can be difficult to deal with while maintaining their balance.

People kiss your ass, give you huge sums of money, and act like you're the toast of the town.

People around you depend on you for their livlihood and the money you can hand around to them.

There's the danger that you might actually believe the hype, believe you're really as wonderful, handsome, powerful, and brilliant as these people constantly assure you that you are.

In many ways it's a life that defies sanity and balance, and can make ordinary people lose sight of morals, ethics, good sense, and humility and start to believe the constant bullshit that's churned out trying to make the person appear nearly god-like.

It often leads to becoming a raving paranoid and can result in the belief that anyone who isn't kissing your ass or who questions the hype must be your sworn enemy and should be destroyed, smeared, or otherwise attacked.

And those who kiss your ass will convince you of this too. The worse you get, the more the suck-ups will back you up. You truly never know who your friends are anymore. Everyone wants something, and everyone's lying and spinning.

In other words, it's a world of pure ego, and it often results in the ego going way, way, way out of control in an effort to defend itself.

This isn't a new phenomena.

But all this is to say that the stresses of living as a politician are great and if one isn't very careful and firmly grounded to begin with, if one forgets where one comes from, and loses the person they are, it can make otherwise good people go a bit crazy, get sucked into seeing the world and everyone in it as some massive battle for survival, a battle against anyone who won't go along with the hype, seeing anyone who doesn't kiss your ass as the enemy who you think is clearly out to destroy you if you don't destroy them.

And being consumed with taking any position necessary in order to get more campaign cash, getting sucked in by all the lavish high-living perks that those who want your vote push on you, and beginning to think that you really ARE all that.

And as a result of the paranoia and being consumed with raising cash and deciding who to suck up to and the daily political game, actually remembering what you believe in, if anything, and actually doing something to help people gets shoved so far back it's nearly forgotten.

The only reason to do anything legislatively at all is to either A. bring in campaign cash by supporting or voting for corporate interests, or B. supporting some goofy hot button bil that you can tout in your newsletters to try to grub for votes, or C. voting a certain way as part of horsetrading with colleagues.

All these contradictions while trying to convince people you're honest and only looking out for them has got to cause some problems with the conscience.
Either that, or you learn how to not have a conscience at all.

Again, this isn't anything new. It happens all the time. Look at any number of stars who couldn't handle it.

And the number of marriages which are damaged or ended by one or the other spouse suddenly going from essentially nothing to a very public position surrounded by PR hype are too many to count.

It's a sad thing that the Jacobs are apparently having problems. We should all wish them the best and hope that things work out the very best for all involved.

 
At 6/14/2008 6:32 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jacobs churns up enough bullshit on his own to make himself appear to be god-like.

The guy is a real grub.

 
At 6/16/2008 11:14 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yes, but he is your grub.

 
At 6/17/2008 3:42 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

And once grubs get in, they're destructive and damn hard to get out. But not impossible.

 
At 6/17/2008 11:27 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Senator Mike Jacobs form of open, honest government is similar to Obama's message. Barb Ickes says in her article about Jacobs that the people do not want the truthfulness that Jacobs gives. I disagree and think that this is exactly what people want. People want and can handle the true and this is why like Jacobs, Obama's message rings so true to the voters.

 
At 6/17/2008 3:18 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

The biggest problem the Democrats have locally are the democratic primary losers that are the true moles that make their living on the back of these grubs. These losers just can not get over the two losses that they suffered. These moles are destructive to the party as a whole and moles are easy to beat but continue to have bad attitudes that show that everything is about them. They have no respect for the voters that rejected them and the party is growing weary of moles continuing their destructive nature. Clinton has done the right thing and is supporting Obama who defeated her. Clinton is a true Democrat unlike the moles that we are discussing here.

 
At 6/18/2008 2:06 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for the laughs!

Funny that you're the only one who came away from Ickes column with that discinctly peculiar view that Jacobs is just too honest for people. I think you're warped ego is showing Senator.

You shouldn't take every criticism to heart, but neither should you delude yourself into believing your mom when she told you you were "special".

Pretending to be a star doesn't make you one.

As Russert's recent passing shows, just being yourself can go a long way. (though he did work the hell out of promoting his image as an average joe who loves his family, come to think of it. In a way, he was running for saint all along.)

But no one appreciates a paranoid who compensates for insecurity with comical outbursts of ego and hype.

It's insulting to people that you actually think they're dumb enough to buy it.

Spin is fine, if done with a light touch. But your idea of spin is to warp reality beyond recognition and make it so exagerated and twisted that it's not only instantly dismissed, it's laughable.

Not good.

And please, in the name of all things holy, have more respect for Obama than to compare yourself with him in any way whatsoever, other than you're from the same state.

Thanks.

 
At 6/18/2008 2:07 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

So.....
The biggest problem the Democrats have is that anyone... ANYONE dares to run against Jacobs.

Interesting.

But stupid.

 
At 6/18/2008 7:32 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Remember when Jacobs compared himself to Rosa Parks???????

I would bet that if he were playing football, he would compare himself to the great Walter Payton.

if he were playing basketball, to the great Michael Jordan.

if he were playing golf, to the great Tiger Woods.

if he were playing poker, to the great Phil Ivey.

and most recently the comparison to great Barack Obama.

Why does the Senator have to compare himself to somebody else that is or was great????????

Here is the answer, because he is NOT.

Get a life POSER.

 
At 6/22/2008 2:51 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mike Jacobs is someone you either love or hate. Thankfully for him, he has more supporters than detractors. Funny thing is, I don't think Jacobs cares if people love him or hate him.
As I heard Mike recently quip to a combative reporter, "Just spell the name right!"

 
At 6/23/2008 12:07 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Even his "quips" are cliched.

Who was this "combative reporter"??

I'm not sure there are any. Seems made up to me.

 
At 6/23/2008 5:36 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

If you could read Ickes writes that Jacobs speaks in an honest manner that the the voters are not always ready to hear.
The next article Ickes write is fun time with the Philster who was just cumming back from his founding of a gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender caucus along with democrat Barney Frank in Washington to give these individuals special rights. This is from breaking news from the qc examiner that puts Ickes story in prospective.

Now we see where Ickes is comming from.

 
At 6/23/2008 9:51 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

First of all, please enumerate all these "special rights" you seem to think Hare and others are magically bestowing on GLBT people. Do tell.

Secondly, what are you implying by saying that now you know where Ickes is coming from?

What the hell are you trying to say that apparently you can't?

And lastly, get over yourself and grow the hell up. Thanks.

 
At 6/24/2008 11:11 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

The QC Examiner spells it all out. She broke the story.

 
At 6/24/2008 4:29 PM, Blogger The Inside Dope said...

Ok cubby. I'll take your word for it. Sounds like Pulitzer material. What was it about now?

And why not answer the questions? Because it will reveal you as an ass?

 
At 6/25/2008 10:24 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

No one should be handed special rights or privileges, or minority status because of their chosen
sexual behavior. We don't have it for people who are polygamists, we don't have it for people who have affairs on their wives or husbands and we don't have it for men seeking the love of young boys.

The Dope can dress up in six inch pumps, but it doesn't make him women, it makes him a cross dresser.

Well ass, how do you defend your gay+lifestyle, and why should I +grant you special rights?

 

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