Just unity day in Springfield: Local Democrats continue to fight
SPRINGFIELD —Feuding Illinois Democrats invoked the name of Charles Dickens today to describe their "best of times, worst of times" predicament:
Barack Obama is expected to sweep Illinois in November, helping elect Democrats at all levels throughout the state — but party infighting continues to keep elected officials from getting much done.
(Sun-Times file)
"Barack Obama’s power and popularity are going to save us from ourselves," State Comptroller Dan Hynes said as he entered a meeting of Democratic County chairmen.
Hynes used Dickens’ line from A Tale of Two Cities, calling it the "best of times, worst of times," as Democrats worked together to elect Obama, while the inability of Gov. Blagojevich and House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) to even meet with each other has prevented the state from tackling its toughest problems.
"At the local level, it’s the worst of times for the Democratic Party as we continue to fight amongst ourselves and impede progress on important issues," Hynes said. "A state budget that had to be cut by over a billion dollars, devastating families across the state. ... The developmentally disabled, our seniors, our veterans, those seeking heath care from the state, those addicted to drugs and alcohol — all are going to have to find some other way to cope, and get by because state government isn’t going to be there for them. Why is this happening? Not because of a policy decision or some change in agenda of the Democratic Party but instead, because of a power clash, a personality clash."
The audience for Hynes’ and Blagojevich’s remarks today was a breakfast attended by 1,500 Democratic county chairmen and precinct captains from around the state.
Obama’s win is expected to be so big that Blagojevich and other party leaders told these workers to be prepared to cross the border into Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin and Indiana to help Obama win states that are still up in the air.
Today is Governor’s Day at the Illinois State Fair, where Democrats are hoping to rally for unity. But Hynes is boycotting the event because he said, "I believe it’s going to be not so much about Democratic unity but about demonizing Democrats. It was once a traditional day of Democrats coming together, and now I think it’s more the governor using it as his next tactical maneuver."
Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn and State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias also weighed in against Blagojevich.
"It’s embarrassing as Democrats to have to deal with this," Giannoulias said. "It’s horrible for the state of Illinois. We’ve had a complete lack of leadership in Illinois. It’s horrible. People have real problems. You’re talking about people who just hate each other, and they’re just putting their personal agendas in front of helping people. I wish Barack had some God-like features to come in here and save the world, and everyone hugs, and the rainbows come out."
"It’s time for the governor to be a little more cooperative with his fellow office-holders, including me," Quinn said. "Our No. 1 leader right now is Barack Obama for president."
Madigan sounded almost optimistic as he talked about the prospects of reaching a compromise with Blagojevich to lease out the Illinois Lottery to fund a long-stalled capital bill.
"Over the last few days in the House of Representatives, we’ve had very productive meetings on the lease of the state Lottery with the proceeds to be used for a capital construction program," Madigan told the gathering, which included hundreds representing unions that could benefit under a capital plan. "Today the prospects look very, very good."
But as Madigan spoke optimistically, state Republican leaders held a rival news conference to blast the Democrats for calling special sessions then taking no action. They even drew up a "Help Wanted" sign with a picture of New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, inviting him to take over here because there is an executive mansion in Springfield "available for immediate occupancy ... hasn’t been used in six years."
State Sen. Dale Risinger (R-Peoria) summed up the Democratic infighting this way: "Let me put this in technical terms for you: Today is a crock of crap."
Asked about Hynes’ reference to Dickens‚ "best of times, worst of times" quote, Blagojevich described himself as a great fan of the English Victorian-era novelist and plugged his children’s health insurance plan: "If Charles Dickens were alive today, I think he’d appreciate All Kids.”