Editor:
Dave Uphoff
Tomorrow, March 21, state-wide primary elections will be held. The most important race will be the selection of a candidate for governor. Illinois is in dire need of an effective governor who will cast aside political ambitions and do what is needed to get the state back on track. Governor Rod Blagojevich stuck to his guns to not raise taxes but instead raised fees on everything related to business and in the process chased away not only existing Illinois businesses but also deterred the creation of new businesses. Contrary to what he said he would do, the governor was just as political as his predecessor when it came to doing favors for friends and supporters. It was politics as usual and in Illinois that is not a good thing.The Democrats could have run Mickey Mouse for governor and won after the disasterous stay in office of former Republican governor George Ryan. Therefore, Blagojevich should not feel that he had a mandate when he was elected. The problem now is who among the Republican candidates has the best chance of beating Blagojevich since he now has a sizeable war chest which he can use to run his re-election bid. The Republican candidates for governor are State Treasurer Judy Baar-Topinka, Chicago businessman Ron Gidwitz, Aurora businessman Jim Oberweis, and Bill Brady a state senator from Bloomington. Brady is not well known enough to be elected even though he may be a good candidate. Judy Barr-Topinka is a carry over from the Ryan administration and to me that taints her chances of being elected. I saw her give a speech a few years ago at a Toluca fund raiser and I was impressed with her speaking capabilities. However, I feel that it is time the Republicans clean house completely and start over with a fresh face that will not be a minion to the Republican party. It's time to get away from the good old boy system.
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That leaves Gidwitz and Oberweis. The Chicago Tribune endorsed Gidwitz citing his independency from the Republican bigwigs. The same attribute can be given to Oberweis as well. The Tribune said that Oberweis's strong anti-immigration stance will hurt his chances to be elected. I like the fact that both candidates are not career politicians and are, instead, successful businessmen. I prefer Oberweis over Gidwitz. He is not afraid to challenge the Republican party hierarchy and will not be under the Chicago influence like Gidwitz. Whatever your choice, be sure to vote tomorrow. We need to get more nonpoliticians into Springfield and Washington. Finally, vote to re-elect Minonk resident Jim Pierceall for Woodford County Sheriff.
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