How things look from downstate

[Cuban_Liberal]

Because Paddy and I have to get up at 3:00 a.m. M-Sa to unload the bundles of newspaper delievered to us, we regularly treat ourselves to breakfast at the local diner. We've become 'regulars' with a politically-diverse group of men and women who also eat breakfast out, and one of the staple topics of conversation is state government. This morning was a typical morning, and the conversation was both lively and enlightening.

The Governor's budget proposals were front and center this morning, and there was a fair concensus about them, particularly as they applied to our region, east-central Illinois. While the Republicans among us were fairly restrained and tended toward a 'wait and see' position, even they were willing to give very tenative approval toward the overall budget. The positives that were noted were continued funding for the Rt. 51 improvement project, funding for the new I-57 interchange north of Mattoon, the proposal to bring state pensions more into line with those in the private sector, stable/slightly-increased education funding, slightly-increased funding for Medicaid and general-assistance and funds for the EIU/Doudna Fine Arts Center renovation.

There is a resignation/acceptance downstate that the State remains in a financial bind, and in general, people here give the Governor fairly good marks for at least trying to bridge the gap without gutting essential education and social safety-net funding. Overall, our group would probably give Rod's proposed budget a B+.

How do things look in your part of the state?

[davsand]

1. Seems like the Repubs almost like him more than the Dems.

Maybe it is just the Republicans I know, but it seems to me that they are more supportive of Blag than a lot of the Dems.

I got into a discussion the other day about the Governor's re-election chances and I was AMAZED to hear a fairly solid Republican say he'd probably vote to re-elect Blag. He thinks Blag is doing fine with the state finances and thinks he's on the right track.

Are you hearing this too?


Laura

[Cuban_Liberal]

2. Yes, we're hearing that, too.

To quote one of our breakfast buddies ( a Republican ), "Unless my party comes up with a DAMN FINE candidate, I'll vote for Blagoevich in the primary and general both".

[Radical Activist]

3. In Springfield, as usual

people hate the Governor. He has been very hard on state workers, especially in Sangamon County. Most Democrats there kuss at the mention of his name, except the ones he brought in from out of state to work for him.

The only other downstate city I've spent much time in lately is Rock Island/Moline. I haven't found anyone who thinks he's doing a great job there either. If I ask people to name something Blago has accomplished as Governor people just pause and shrug. This is the first time in 30 years that we've had a Dem Governor and legislature and all he has accomplished is moving some money around in the budget.