What is the purpose of this Illinois district?

[ButterflyBlood]

Doesn't Illinois have a non-partisan redistricting process? I don't see how anything besides a blatant partisan gerrymander could create something like this, but neither party had the control to do so in 2000. This district is just insane.

[Nailzberg]

1. That's Lane Evan's district.

What a district to work in. Every demographic you could think of. Rural areas, urban areas, rich, poor, military, universities. It goes on and on.

Evans will hold it. His opposition is an out of work news anchor whose already started the personal attacks.

I'd hate to be an field staffer there, though.

[madrchsod]

3. i never realized his district

was that screwed up..he`s got the most diverse district in il. he`s a dam fine congressman and andrea zinga has no chance.

[John_H]

2. Believe it or not, this district makes sense

Since it covers the "urban" areas of central and western illinois (that's why that little jog along 72 into Springfield and Decatur), whose interests are different from those of the farmers who make up District 18. I bet they figured it's better to have one person represent all the folks who live in bigger towns and another to represent the farmers.

[davsand]

4. It was a compromise map to protect incumbents.

They put the two newest Representatives together in one downstate IL district to cover for the one Congressional seat IL dropped due to population shifts.

Phelps was the odd man out and they threw him into a district with Shimkus. Phelps was a Southern IL Dem (more like Poshard used to be.)

I'm in 15 and I share your pain. Our district sucks too.

Laura

[Nailzberg]

5. Tim Johnson territory, huh?

I like David Gill, he's great in the one-on-one shake everyone's hand category, but he is just so uncomfortable in front of groups. And he needs funding. I'd love to work for him, but I know he can't afford me at this stage.

Tell you what, tell all your friends to send Gill money, and then I can be his campaign manager. Deal?

[davsand]

6. David is a great guy.

I like David a lot--and his wife is a hoot too.

I'm in Champaign County--and as you know, David had a primary challenger from here. I've not looked at the County wide numbers, but I doubt that David lost many votes from here--he's pretty well liked. We've seen him a fair amount.

This district is an abomination, and Tim Johnson our GOP congressman is just awful on every issue--except for his labor votes. The big thing you are gonna face with Unca Timmy (sorry--I can't be respectful of him at all) is that he campaigns 24/7/365. You give me one Dem that works it that hard and I'l be a happy woman.

Anyhow, I'll see what I can do for Gill,and when you get the job you look for me here in Champaign County. David will know who we are--my husband is the AFL-CIO CLC leader here in the county.

Deal?

Laura

[Nailzberg]

7. Ralph was hardly a challenger.

Glad to meet another Gill fan. I've met him on several occasions, and I believe he'd do a great job. He's certainly got grassroot support, but he's got a tough road ahead of him. The southern part of the 15th is a huge GOP stronghold. And you're right about the labor issues, Johnson has gotten checks from several large unions.
He'll be a tough guy to beat.
I wish I was in a financial situation to work for David pro bono, but I got car payments and rent to worry about, and I recently switched to political consulting from the media, where the last several years of Bush hurt me hard.

You're from Champaign - This might seem an odd question, but do you know Col. Dan?

[davsand]

11. LOL! Yes--Doesn't everyone in Illinois know Col. Dan?

His Email list is huge. I'm willing to bet that there are more than a few of us here at DU from Illinois who know the name of Col Dan. He's at most of our County Dem events, and he's really something. He also makes a mean Chili, I might add!

As far as Ralph is concerned, I'll give him credit--he does knock on a lot of doors when he's running in his County Board races. He was no threat to David in that primary, but I think Ralph knew that going into it. I never was able to get any real answer out of Ralph about why he was even IN that race, and you know that came across to the Dems in other counties.

I'm shooting you a PM about some other stuff on this race so do look for it--OK? I doubt that most of the other DUers want to hear much more about Champaign County!


Laura

[KharmaTrain]

8. There's Other Illinois Districts That Need Help

Glad to see folks downstate working hard. We sure need to see/hear from you up here. Downstate political coverage is almost zero now.

I'm trying to get information about Melissa Bean...looks like she stands a solid chance against Crane. This scum has deserved the door for years and I'm ready to put checkbook and leather to work...just not sure where it serves best.

Also, I keep hearing from friends in the Joliet area who despise Jerry Weller...say he's also got a lot of people grumbling that way, but always seems to win.

Any poop would be appreciated...not sure if this is the forum to do so, but WTH...

Cheers

[Nailzberg]

9. I think Bean is the best chance for a pick-up in Illinois

Unfortunately, a friend of mine (a huge player in from the Illinois Democratic Women) tried to introduce herself at the Unity breakfast, and Bean side-stepped her. I covered for Bean, but it still was a negative impression.

I walked into Bean's office the same week, and she was in the front room and ignored me. She's a great candidate on paper, but she's got to learn to shake some hands. It seems like a minor thing after the primary, but she still can't alienate voters that way.

[KharmaTrain]

10. Uh Oh...I've Heard She's A Nice Person...But...

Lots of yard signs around here, but that's not what's gonna get rid of this alcoholic piece of work that's misrepresented this area for almost all my life.

This isn't a little thing as votes here are going to have to be one one at a time and with a fresh face/message. Being in a suburban area its double tough since there's virtually no local media for the entire district and buying TV/Radio time is way beyond cost means.

It's so frustrating!