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...