Republicans win a Democratic primary in the Quad Cities
The Lt. Governor's office isn't the only bizarre Democratic primary result in Illinois this year. Republican leaders successfully stuck their nose into the three-way Democratic primary for State Representative in the 71st district.
The Republican leader in the Illinois House, Tom Cross, had robo-calls attacking one of the Democratic candidates, Porter McNeil. Cross refused to answer questions about why he interfered in a Democratic primary. The obvious implication is that Cross saw McNeil as the biggest threat in the general election.
Anyone who has worked with Porter, as I have, knows why he would frighten Republican leadership. He's a smart, well-respected, engaging person who will make a strong leader in the region.
It's also no wonder why Republicans would like the "Democrat" who very narrowly won the primary, Dennis Ahern. Check out these quotes from the district's new Democratic nominee.
“My family has been called the Republican wing of the Democratic Party for a long time.”“I’m pro-concealed carry and pro-life.”
"I am a social and fiscal conservative"
No matter who wins in November, this race is a Republican victory. Ahern better hope that the Green Party doesn't recruit a serious nominee for the general election.
The real question is why the chair of the Illinois Democratic party backed Ahern. Mike Madigan sent Ahern at least $10,000 and ground troops to help. Tom Cross and Mike Madigan found something they agree on!
Let's not pretend that nominating a conservative is the only way to win this district. It has been held for years by Mike Boland, one of the most progressive Democrats in the legislature.
Besides being anti-choice and pro-guns-in-bars, Ahern's answer to the state financial crisis is legalizing fireworks. Wow...brilliant.
It's almost enough to make you think that Madigan doesn't want strong Democratic leaders coming out of downstate. Conservative Democrats rarely stand a chance in statewide elections. Hmmm...
Comments
I have heard grumblings that many of my friends are refusing to vote for Ahern because of his views. Their thought is that since he and his opponent, Rich Morthland, are so close on the issues, it would be better to let the Republican have it for a term. That way, if something goes wrong, they can blame it on Morthland. McNeil can run against the incumbent Republican next time, but, unlike this go around, Morthland would then have a record to attack. Makes sense to me...
Posted by: illinoisdem08 | February 5, 2010 6:51 AM
dem, it wouldn't surprise me if that happened, but I know that McNeil is supporting Ahern in the general election.
Posted by: Will | February 5, 2010 9:17 AM
Will,
This is Porter McNeil and I just wanted to thank you for taking the time and energy to shine a light on one of the most underhanded House GOP campaign activities in recent memory -- namely, sending 14,000 robo calls into the 71st District against me. That they lied about my record is not so shocking, but that they sent their missiles into a Democratic primary is truly underhanded.
If Tom Cross wants to talk about my budget and tax plans, and my five-point plan to recharge the regional economy, then I invite him to come to the 71st District to meet with me. That would be the path of integrity and decency, and I challenge him to do so.
Posted by: Porter McNeil | February 9, 2010 9:00 PM
McNeil was on the verge of pulling of a primary victory Feb. 2, supported by lots of Moline Republicans including former Mayor Stan Leach. That's why Tom Cross targeted him for defeat. Conventional wisdom was that McNeil would attract lots of crossovers and be the toughest in the general.
Posted by: Insight | February 12, 2010 6:14 PM
Rumor has it around the Quad Cities that Ahern is running as a Dem because he doesn't think he could win as a GOPer. However, he plans to jump over to the GOP if elected. Yikes.
Posted by: illinoisdem08 | February 16, 2010 2:32 PM
The other theory is that the House Democrats chose Ahern because the other two candidates supported some form of revenue increses (in McNeil's case, it was coupled with property tax cuts) and the House Dem gurus want cookie-cutter just-say-no-to-taxes candidates throughout the state.
The irony is that McNeil was endorsed by the QC TIMES for having the guts to come up with a 5-point jobs plan and budget reform and property tax cuts.
The House Dems were asleep at the switch on this race.
They misfired and chose the wrong candidate. Tom Cross may have been right here - he beat up McNeil so they wouldn't face him.
Cross's team, as underhanded as they are, scored a point on this one.
Posted by: Western Illinois Democrat | February 16, 2010 10:30 PM