Brand Name
Republican in Name Only
March 4, 2018
Back in the old days a small town had two car dealers one a Pontiac and the other a Dodge. Of course, they have none now. A salesman for Dodge had convinced some of his customers that Pontiacs were simply junk, then he switched dealerships. One of our locals had complete faith in the salesman; he would never buy a Pontiac. The salesman sold him a Pontiac with the nameplates removed. He proudly drove his Dodge with the Indian head hood ornament on his Saturday trip to town. We want to support our political party, either our parents’ party or that one we joined in college. It is easy to lay all the blame on the other party and believe ours is on the right path. It becomes a habit, just as an old person tells the same story over and over.
1950
I listened as many of my Downstate neighbors in the GOP talked of shaking up Illinois in 2016. They would get rid of Speaker Madigan. I explained Madigan had won his primary and very few house seats were competitive. The same dysfunction and stalemate would continue. Voters do have the opportunity to reform a party in the primary. In Cook County voting for Fritz Kaegi for Cook County Assessor would definitely shake things up. You may have contacts in Chicago ask them to be informed and vote.
Downstate can vote for Chris Kennedy (RFK’s son); he refused the party insider route of slating to remain an independent voice of reform. Reforming property tax is a key issue for Kennedy. Requesting a Democratic ballot and voting for a reform candidate would be the most effective vote you can make on March 20th. A primary vote is not binding; the next primary you may choose either ballot. Our general elections are strictly secret.
A Pontiac and A Dodge
This time in the March 20th primary Downstaters have the opportunity to reform Illinois politics even in Cook County. Taking a Democratic ballot is also a message of reform for the Republicans. The Illinois GOP may still have the nameplates, but is not Everett Dirksen’s or Bob Michel’s GOP. Illinois’ Alan Keyes contingent has become the Trump/Rauner Base. The GOP path of extremism has imperiled the rule of law; it undermines our state’s economy. The Illinois GOP can tell me they are still driving their 1950 Dodge, but I can see the Indian head hood ornament.
Chris Kennedy - Kennedy for Illinois
Fritz Kaegi running to reform Cook County assessments
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