Thursday, February 02, 2006

Speechless

While it's still unknown, (although unlikely), whether there will be any debates between Governor Blagojevich and challenger Edwin Eisendrath, it is a certainty that the one planned by Channel 7 and the League of Women Voters will NOT be going forward. The debate was cancelled today after the Governor failed to respond to the invitation by the deadline.

"By canceling the debate, what we have done is a great disservice to the citizens of Illinois, because they don't have the opportunity to see Governor Rod Blagojevich and Ed Eisendrath talking about the issues," said Carol Maier, League of Women Voters of Illinois.

The deadline for agreeing to debate on ABC7 the night of March 7 was Tuesday. But Governor Blagojevich never signed on, claiming to be too busy running the state, preparing a budget and trying to get the state legislature to approve a host of new programs.

"We want to do a lot of different things. It takes a lot of work and effort, and my focus is exclusively on my job," said Blagojevich.

Interestingly, I was at a press conference with Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn last Saturday at which he was asked about his thoughts on debates between Blagojevich and Eisendrath. Always the populist, Quinn said that he thought that debates were good for the public, and that every incumbent should participate in at least one debate. I guess he and the Governor can agree to disagree on that one.

4 Comments:

At February 2, 2006 at 9:32 AM, Blogger fedup dem said...

Representative Fritchey, it is unfortunate that you must count this courage-challenged occupant of the Governor's office as one of your constituents. Mark my words; if Edwin Eisendrath does not topple Rod in the Primary, then he will lose, and lose badly in the General Election.

The question is whether or not you and your fellow Democratic officials in state government are willing to allow this to happen, and then see the Governor's office remain in Republican hands for another 20-year period or so?

RANDALL SHERMAN
Secretary/Treasurer, Illinois Committee for Honest Government
Chicago

 
At February 2, 2006 at 1:54 PM, Blogger Bill said...

Randall,
C'mon....Eddie is not going to "topple" anyone in the primary and Rod is not going to lose in the general. That is total wishful thinking on your part. Rod is busy being governor and does not really have time to fool around with the likes of Eisendrath. Why should he debate? Eddie's only chance of getting on tv is if Rod is there lending credibility to his candidacy.
Eddie seems a little reluctant to spend mom's money on media so there is a good chance people away from the lakefront won't even know who he is and the lakefront voters are probably still mad at him for running against your buddy Sid Yates, who by the way, beat Eddie in spite of being about 90 years old.
Somehow I don't see John and all the other esteemed Democratic elected officials, or the unions, or anyone else of stature, bucking the Speaker and the president to endorse a certain loser.

 
At February 5, 2006 at 4:06 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Bill,
I'm, with you. Incumbancy means, you dictate the rules.

 
At February 5, 2006 at 7:11 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

From Jeff Berkowitz' blog:

Six debate invitations from various entities [including Public Affairs] to Rod Blagojevich and Edwin Eisendrath, the challenger in the Democratic Primary. Six acceptances from Edwin Eisendrath. And, six instances of no response from Hot Rod. Is Rod the Steath Candidate? Is Rod afraid of Eisendrath? Will there be outrage from the major media at Governor Blagojevich's attempt to play rope a dope and hide from his challenger?

 

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