Not So Smart Paul
So by now, I guess that, even though I have been trying to make a decision quickly and quietly, it's no secret that I have been weighing a run for the Treasurer's office, (and no, this post is not a going to be a pronouncement one way or the other-very soon though), so I read with some interest Rick Pearson's article today discussing the fact that with Judy running for Governor, the race has a whole new dynamic to it.What surprised me in the article was the flippant tone of Knox County State's Attorney Paul Mangieri's comments. It's one thing to have an air of confidence, as you should, even if you were tapped to pitch because there was nobody left on the bench. But it doesn't strike me as smart politics to gamely take a reporter's bait, and in so doing, deride "Chicago liberalism" (is he talking about the Speaker?) or more so, "the courage of the convictions" of myself or others by not getting into the race at the time of slating. If he doesn't get that the race is wholly different now than it was, he is missing something. And I don't know if that is a quality that I am comfortable with in any of our candidates.
And while he may be personally confident of his vote-getting abilities downstate, he would have been well-served to talk to some of the downstate County Chairmen first to see just where they are on the race.
Furthermore, I find it interesting that while he is quick to tout his 'conservative ideology on soical issues', he said nothing about why he substantively wants to be Treasurer. Given that this is now at least the fourth different office for which he has run, I guess I'm not surprised.
If he wants to thump his chest, more power to him. It's an appropriate tactic when used judiciously. But doing it the day before he was supposed to be coming in to meet with me probably wasn't the best move on his part.
posted by Rep. John Fritchey @ 11/21/2005
19 comments
19 Comments:
You've never been one to pull punches which is why even though I can't vote for you as Rep, I have still been a fan. For the sake of all of us John, please say that you're running, and say it soon! We should be ashamed of ourselves if we let this opportunity slip away.
John,
I don't remember him mentioning you in the article or anywhere else for that matter. Pearson, I'm sure, did not quote all of his comments, just a few out of context.
I'm glad that you two have made plans to talk. Maybe you should have waited to talk to him before slamming him on your blog.
Bill,
I think that you know that I sincerely respect your opinions on a wide range of issues. But Paul's comments were in fact made in reference to me, and regardless, they were not well thought out in any event.
Ironically, all his comments have done is resulted in a number of downstate electeds calling me today to pledge their support if I get in the race. And whether I do run or not, I think that those calls speak volumes about the concern Democrats around the state have for our ticket in its present configuration.
And the end of the day, while I undoubtedly feel a number of political considerations pulling at me, rest assured that my decision will be based on what makes the most sense for me personally, and not on the misguided comments of others.
Rep,
Of course you need to do what is best for you, but I hope that you understand your role here. You have become a leader in the party and I think that for a lot of reasons, the party needs somebody like you, you, to be on the ticket. Zip code aside, you bring a different dimension to the ticket and party, and the timing couldn't be more crucial. I agree with the earlier poster, it would be a shame for us to not get this office.
Rep. Fritchey:
Your comments are dead on here. This was nothing but shameless political maneuvering. Please get in this race.
Treasurer Fritchey? I am not saying it is a bad thing, in fact I think he would probably do a great job (bring some changes to an office that most of us know very little about). It would just be sad to lose a GREAT advocate for causes that other electeds seem too intimidated to bring to light in the House. Either way, keep up the good work Representative, you've got my support in whatever you do.
"I can guarantee you this, and guarantee any potential opponent in the Democratic primary, no one's going to outwork me and no one's going to beat me Downstate," Mangieri, 46, the three-term Knox County state's attorney, said Friday
Too bad that 74% of the statewide Democratic primary vote comes from the Chicago TV Market, a full 65% from cook county alone. Someone ought to tell this foolio that he can get every vote downstate and he'd still come up short of victory.
He may think he's the next Glenn Poshard, but that strategy requires three candidates of roughly equal strength to split the votae and allow the downstate vote to play a role in deciding the outcome.
The reality is if John, or any other Cook County, pro-choice pol gets a head-to-head with Paul, Paul will be toast.
First rule in politics...Numbers don't lie.
Mangieri will thump you. Don't even bother. Don't fall for the "I'm a D, so all the blacks will vote for me and I can win statewide" This is why we lose the Governors race so often.
We've seen some posts here that come seemingly out of left field, but that last one came flyin in from Waveland. I've read it 3 times now and I still don't get it. Mangieri can't can't can't "thump" Fritchey, there's no racial issue at all here, and while it may feel like we lost, we actually won the Governor's race last time.
Seriously, what does you running for treasurer get us? It builds you a little patronage army and some downstate name recognition, but, for what? Are you thinking about challenging Lisa Madigan in the gubernatorial primary in 4 plus years? If not, stay in the legislature where you can help get some stuff done.
"the dude" hits it on the head. What is this "configuration" concern? Are you planning to campaign with Eisendrath?
I think Mangieri will be a great candidate. What's wrong with a pro lifer on the ticket? I guess it's easy to preach diversity, but another story to actually endorse it. I think there are many pro life folks in CHICAGO, me included, that Mangieri will appeal to. Isn't a little tiring that all the slated Dem candidates seem to be pro choice? Back to reality though, the office is about investments and banking, and Mangieri is going to have to successfully express his ideas on how he can make the office serve the public better. Another thing, what name has more appeal in the heavy Hispanic sectors of Chicago and Cook County? FRITCHEY OR MANGIERI. I'll let you experts decide.
The 'configuration' comment was solely related to my belief that regardless of what I decide to do, we presently do not have close to our best candidate being put forward for Treasurer.
I want to ensure that the Democratic Party picks up that office. For a number of reasons, I am confident that I could do that. But I also have to decide if this is the right move for me personally at this juncture.
I hope that my state rep Mike Boland gets in the race. An independent thinker, a proven democrat, proven vote getter, he would beat Mangieri easily....
Run Mike Run
Rep. Fritchey, as a long time Democrat from southern Illinois, and one who cares about us winning that office, I don't care where you live - RUN!!! Everything that I have heard from the political types down here has convinced me that you are our man. We will be there for you.
Fritchey came off as arrogant in the Suntimes - You can't go around spouting stuff like and think people will like you. You should build a better relationship with Feigenboltz and Cullerton before you run statewide.
One thing left out of the calculus... who will the GOPers run? Brady? Gidwitz? Nancy Kimme? (snicker).
12:03 - there is a difference between confidence and arrogantce, but I should have chosen my words differently. And I think the world of both Sara and John, and have never acted otherwise, so I don't know what the heck you're talking about.
Rep. Fritchey (who is doing an outstanding job as my state rep.),
I am no political genius, but I'm fairly confident that neither you, nor Mangieri can beat Giannoulias. This guy is a very successful BANKER, which is exactly what the job is; he has the black vote (with both Jesse Jr. & Obama supporting him); he already has a great team put together (Obama's team); he has tons of money; he has a very loyal Greek populace supporting him; and after having met him on more than one occasion, I can say that he is extremely intelligent, kind, and very well-versed on financial and political topics. Mr. Fritchey, when and if you meet him, you will be very impressed with him. (He is a very loyal friend, so I suggest you two become friends)
Jessica,
I have met both these guys and they are both indeed impressive. Truth is though that Fritchey has the experience and network, and more importantly, has the vote delivering apparatus already lined up. The only question is if Fritchey wants this office or wants to wait for something of more interest to him. If he runs now, he wins. Can't wait to find out though.
Post a Comment
<< Home