Ryan takes lead in early poll; 45% remain undecided [IL Senate]

The Illinois Leader ^ | October 23, 2003 | Fran Eaton

[Pubbie]

"Hull seems to be falling flat."

They said the same thing about John Corzine.

Give Hull some time to run, didn't Hull say he would spend 20 million of his own money to win the race?

[BillyBoy]

Yes, but Hull is a joke. I remember when he marched in my town's parade and just came off as this cocky limosine liberal egomanic. He's ALERADY spent $2 million and most Illinoisans (including my parents) say "Blair who?" when the name comes up because they are not paying attention.

Just out his bio page on his website. This guy basically has no credentials other than the fact he made zillions in investment banking. Other than that, he was a union member 40 years ago when he was 19 and once taught H.S. classes. Wow, so did my uncle but he's not running around acting like he's gonna be the next U.S. Senator.

[Clintonfatigued]

Blair Hull said that he would spend $20 million in the 'Rat primary, and another $20 million in the general election. But there is a key difference between Hull and Corzine: Jack Ryan can match Hull dollar for dollar in the general election.

[Pubbie]

"But there is a key difference between Hull and Corzine: Jack Ryan can match Hull dollar for dollar in the general election."

Actually, Ryan isn't quite as rich as Hull is.

Do you see any parallels between Hull and Corzine? I'm praying that Hull is Ryan's opponent and NOT Hynes.

I recall Corzine, like Hull is now, started out in the single digits in the primary, but then won the nomination by sheer force of money.

What do you think?

[Clintonfatigued]

The parallels I see between Jon Corzine and Blair Hull are obvious: both are veterans from Goldman-Sachs, both have appealing biographies, both are liberal neophytes spending their way into office, both represent states that have trended heavily to the 'Rats in the late 1990'. But Blair Hull faces much tougher opposition than Corzine ever did. Corzine had the total support of the 'Rat establishment in the primary, and faced an bland, underfinanced Congressman (Bob Franks) in the general. Also, while Illinois leans to the 'Rats, it still has a much larger rural vote and conservative base than heavily urban/suburban New Jersey. Also, you're right about another thing: state Controller Dan Hynes is a formidible candidate, and even Jack Ryan would have a tough time beating him.

[Pubbie]

Great informative post.

I guess Hull has an uphill climb ahead of him, However 20 million dollars can get you VERY far in life so stay tuned.

Later on I'll do some Google news searches to see how this Democratic primary is going (Ryan looks like he will take the Republican nomination so I'll concentrate on the Democrats.)

[cookcounty]

"Stone said his candidate, while placing third in the Ryan poll, has over thirty endorsements from elected lawmakers"

What Mr. Stone doesn't realize, is that in this state, ravaged and raped by the politicians (including the GOP establishment), 30 such endorsements is pretty much useless. On second thought, it's a negative, at least with me and many other "fed-up-with-it" Republicans. I'm planning to "Back Jack." "sick-unto-death-of-politicians state."

[cookcounty]

We conservatives are getting as ambiguous as the Dems:

"Kathuria is ....... a minority ....

So,.... he's a transvestite?