IL GOP Risks Cannibalizing Themselves

Craine's Greg Hinz

...Unfortunately for Republicans, that campaign cannot be waged very effectively — at least, not without a fast, major makeover — by the GOP's primary front-runner, Illinois Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka, who declared her candidacy last week.

...It shouldn't be that way. Ms. Topinka herself needs to prove that she's not just a get-along, go-along gal. She can start by moving away from Bob Kjellander, who has a stunning conflict in his twin roles as a lobbyist who has to butter up Democratic officials and a protector of GOP interests as the state's Republican national committeeman. Then she can propose and unite her party behind new ethics laws with teeth.

Ms. Topinka can't undo the past. But she needs to demonstrate the future will be different.

No one within the cadre of IL GOP candidates for governor has captured the reform mantel as Hinz suggested.

Illinois is a Democrat state. Without any of the Republicans willing to focus a reform message directly at Blago, the state GOP risks another 4 years of irrelevance.