Posted by
"Mind and Morals" Michael Coyne on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 5:44:44 PM
Call
me an idealist. I sent out the following message to members of a newly created
Facebook group whose stated purpose is to try to get Congressman Peter Roskam
elected Governor in 2010:
“I want to thank all of you for joining
this group. Especially those of you who are actually from Illinois--although
all support from any State is appreciated!
Why did I start this group? I'll confess,
I'm a bit opportunistic. With the arrest of Governor Blagojevich, I see an
opportunity that our State party would be remiss not to take. The people of
Illinois are tired of voting for the lesser of "who cares?" We
deserve a real politician, not the stuffed shirts we get stuck sending to
Springfield. And with the Illinois Democratic Party left tainted, State
Republicans have a chance that is too good to miss.
Governor Blagojevich won in 2006 because
Topinka simply sucked worse. Forgive me for being so blunt. The people of
Illinois deserve better... The Illinois GOP deserves better.
For once, we have a legitimate shot at
electing a politician who has more than just the "gravitas" that
voters usually have to settle for. Peter Roskam, I believe, is a man of
authenticity. He is the perfect candidate to become the face of the Illinois
Republican Party.
Our Party is in shambles. Illinois
Republicans are disorganized, lost, and confused. That's because our
candidates, even when they have electability, lack real leadership potential. Peter
Roskam has it.
For 2010, we have a choice. The Illinois
GOP could nominate another stuffed Republican that will fail the Party and the
State, or we could elect a real leader. A principled Republican of character,
authenticity, moral fiber, and, yes, that gravitas.
For all intents and purposes, this is
2009. We need to get a jump on supporting the man who can and should lead
Illinois in 2010. Invite friends, rally support, wear "Roskam for
Governor" t-shirts. Anything to get the word out.
Thank you for
joining.”
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “The
good ones always lose. ESPECIALLY in Illinois!” You’re not wrong.
I supported Fred Thompson during the 2008
Primaries, not because he was the most electable man, but because I honestly
believed that he would have been the best man for the job. I learned quickly
that the politician who should win is usually not the one who does.
But, here, in Illinois, in light of the
recent tainting of the Democratic Party in Illinois, is it so insane that I see
more of an opportunity than ever to push to elect the right man for the job?
Politics doesn’t have to be a choice
between who will screw us less. We have a chance here to put in a candidate
that we can honestly believe in. Illinois deserves that kind of chance.