Illinois ‘Independent’ Lt. Gov. Candidate Full of Beans

-By Warner Todd Huston

Remember the toothless “Coffee Party USA” effort, the astroturf effort created by Obama operative Annabel Park? Remember that supposed “non-partisan” effort to get folks involved in the political debate that was created by Democrat operatives? Yeah, that one. Well, we have another example of that faux “independent” spirit popping up here in Chicago with the choice of a Lt. Gov. running mate made by independent Gubernatorial candidate Scott Lee Cohen.

On Monday, Cohen chose Baxter Swilley, his former campaign manager, as his running mate for Lt. Governor. Paradoxically, Cohen said of Swilley, “He wasn’t my first choice, but he’s the best choice.”

For his part, Swilley claims to be just as independent as Cohen (read outside the Democrat Party). But this couldn’t be farther from the truth as all his experience is inside the Democrat Party as a lobbyist and insider operator. Tom Mannis at Chicago News Bench had a pretty good summary of Swilley’s Chicago Democrat resume back in March. In fact, he was even the organizer of a Chicago “Coffee Party” event. From John Ruberrry reminded us all of Mannis post revealing Swilley’s coffee party connection. “It’s a ticket that is full of beans,” scoffed Ruberry.
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Illinois ‘Independent’ Lt. Gov. Candidate Full of Beans”


Report: May 12, 2010 Sarah Palin In Chicago

-By Warner Todd Huston

In the deep blue sea of the People’s Republic of Chicagoland, Sarah Palin shined like a light of liberty among the darkness of Mayor Richard “King” Daley’s perverse domain. Palin brought hope into the home of President Obama’s cynical “Chicago Way” style of politics, and I was there to witness the May 12 show.

Sarah Palin was her usual effervescent self, upbeat and positive about this great country and happy to appear before us. She reveled in her “aw shucks” persona built from regular Americana, a style that has made her dear to the hearts of so many Americans from coast to coast.

The show started with a little patter between Big John Howell and Amy Jacobson, the morning radio talkers from Chicago’s WIND AM. One of John Howell’s musician buddies performed a few songs for us and I have to say he was pleasant to listen to. Finally, just before the Governor addressed us, the ever avuncular and impressive Guy Benson — who has a Sunday evening show on WIND — entertained us with some political humor.

Then, when the giant curtains parted to reveal the governor, the applause was almost deafening so the evening started with an electric jolt. She immediately asked all U.S. military veterans to stand for recognition to a huge round of applause for her recognition and for ours of our vets.

One of the early things that Governor Palin brought up was this idiotic business of Highland Park High School whose administrators suddenly canceled its girls basketball team trip to Arizona. The team had won the right to play in a tournament for the first time in 26 years. Why was it canceled? Only because the tournament is in Arizona and school administrators are mad at the state. Disgustingly, these school chiefs are using these girls to advance their own political agenda. Palin was amazed that this school was ignorant enough to say Arizona is not a worthy place for their girls to visit yet the school is still sponsoring a trip to China! “Do you know how girls are treated in China,” Palin asked. Then to great applause she suggested that those girls might have to “go rogue.”
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Report: May 12, 2010 Sarah Palin In Chicago”


Scott Lee Cohen Runs for Ill. Gov. as Independent

-By Warner Todd Huston

Well, it seems to be official. Former Democrat Lt. Gov. primary winner, Scott Lee Cohen, is running for governor as an independent.

Cohen told Fox News that he is “tired of waste and mismanagement” in Illinois government. and that is why he’s running. He told the media that he may not be perfect, but he’s been honest with the people.

Cohen needs to get 25,000 signatures on his petition by June 21 to have his name added to the ballot.

It ought to be interesting, eh?


Is He or Isn’t He: Scott Lee Cohen for Governor?

-By Warner Todd Huston

A few days ago, we pondered the amusing possibility of Scott Lee Cohen running for Illinois Governor as an independent. Wouldn’t it be hilarious if this fellow ran for governor after being kicked off the Democrat ticket?

Well it is beginning to look like Cohen really is looking to run for governor as an independent. Now a spokesman for Michael Madigan is saying that Cohen told the party bigwigs that he does, indeed, want to run for governor as a lt.

This would be awful fun if it came to pass. But I warn everyone about Cohen. He seems awfully flakey. Don’t be surprised if Cohen flakes out and decides he “never said he’d run.”

I don’t think we can trust this guy to really commit.
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Is He or Isn’t He: Scott Lee Cohen for Governor?”