[libertylover]

Yes, but he'll have to win. Boortz claimed yesterday that Keyes didn't have a prayer (without explanation). What's the voter mix in Illinois? Have they ever had a Republican senator?

[capt. norm]

Yes, Illinois has had some excellent Republican senators.

The most famous in recent memory was the late Everitt Dirksen. (I probably just murdered the spelling of his name)

When I lived in (suburban) Chicago in the early 80's they had a Republican governor, Thompson.

[The Scourge of Yazid]

Senator Everett McKinley Dirksen:

(Looks reprovingly at "libertylover." Shakes head.)

They named a freakin' bulding after me dude!

[Tribune7]

Boortz claimed yesterday that Keyes didn't have a prayer

I don't think he has much of one, but it will give him a platform to espouse views and maybe change some minds. Especially black ones.

[HamiltonJay]

Keyes has his work cut out for him... personally I don't think he can win this one.... but you never know.

Why can't he win? Well I don't know what Bore(tz) reasonings are, but for me I see his problems as primarily the following.

A) Late to the game.
B) Party Support (or lack there of) The party wants someone on the ballot vs no one, but will they truly back Keyes? History seems to indicate likely not. He calls Reps to the carpet just as much as Dems... and this doesn't leave party leaders very happy.
C) He has to overcome the carpet bagging issue, funding, etc etc etc...

I definately believe Keyes is a great man, and would make an amazing Senator.. it would be nice to see a senator in my lifetime that commands the english language and the skill of intellectual discussion and oration at the level Keyes has.

I don't know if he can overcome the hurdles in front of him in this race.... but I definately look forward to the debates. How Keyes comes out of debate #1 in the polls will be the indicator of if he has a true chance of winning or not. When is the first one scheduled?

[MadelineZapeezda]

Boortz claimed yesterday that Keyes didn't have a prayer (without explanation).

Say I'm an un-informed voter and I go to the polls. I see Alan Keyes vs. Obama Barrack. I'm pulling the lever for Alan.....just because of his name.

[green iguana]

Have they ever had a Republican senator?

Ummm... Peter Fitzgerald is a Republican. He's not running for re-election (I don't know why.) This apparently Keyes-Obama race is for his seat.

[Non-Sequitur]

What's the voter mix in Illinois?

Bush got about 42% of the vote in 2000. It's heavily Democrat and Republicans who win state wide tend to be moderate rather than conservative.

[Netizen]

Keyes, a two-time presidential hopeful who also ran two failed U.S. Senate campaigns from his home state of Maryland, opposes abortion and gay rights, wants to replace the income tax with a national sales tax and calls affirmative action a "government patronage program."

The above should help explain why he may not have a chance. I like Keyes and hope he wins, but its going to be tough for him.