Conscious Choice: Will Democrats Do the Right Thing?

October 2002

Will Democrats Do the Right Thing?

Early political appointments will signal the real direction

by Jim Slama

It’s been a long decade for progressives in the state of Illinois. For the past ten years James "Pate" Phillips has been the definitive political voice in Illinois. After the 1990 census, the subsequent re-mapping of Illinois political districts gave Republicans control of both houses of the General Assembly in 1992. As Majority Leader and President of the Illinois Senate, Phillips wielded nearly as much clout as the governor. And the way he used it to advance his conservative agenda was a frustrating thing for those who saw endless possibilities for the state to do the right thing.

It was tough to watch many good pieces of legislation die in the Senate. Cindi Canary, Director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform affirmed Phillips’s role in the nearly invisible death of various legislation. "Senate leadership used its rules committee as a legislative purgatory — essentially it was a holding tank for ideas they didn’t want to deal with," she said. "For example, a comprehensive political ethics package passed the House overwhelmingly and then didn’t make it out of the Senate’s rules committee."

According to Illinois Sierra Club head, Jack Darin, the Illinois Senate also bottled up action on a number of environmental bills in the Phillips decade. "In 2001 there was strong momentum to pass Smart Growth legislation in the state. A good bill that had received consensus support from the Illinois Growth Task force passed the House overwhelmingly. Yet the bill never saw the light of day in the Senate."

Armed with numbers from the 2000 census and a fortuitous tiebreaker won by the Democrats, the Illinois Supreme Court recently approved a redrawn legislative map that has significantly changed the political climate. As a result, Phillips’ ten-year reign appears to be over. An analysis by John Patterson in the September Illinois Issues magazine indicates that Democrats have 29 "safe seats" in the November election and would need only one victory in seven other races that are currently in play to take control of the 59 member state senate. A strong slate of candidates, combined with redistricting advantages, gives the Democrats the upper hand in quite a few of the seven.

One of the closest of these races is on Chicago’s north shore, where Democrat Susan Garrett is challenging Republican senator Kathleen Parker. Garrett has compiled a strong environmental voting record while serving in the Illinois House and earned a Sierra Club endorsement for her campaign. Because of her credentials and campaigning skills, Garrett was hand picked by Democratic leaders to take on Parker in the increasingly Democratic district. According to Illinois Issues, if Parker doesn’t win this race, "GOP efforts are almost assuredly doomed."

The situation in the Illinois House is even grimmer for Republicans. House Speaker Michael Madigan is expected to build on his Democratic majority to take a commanding lead in the House. Democrats also control the Illinois Supreme Court and Rod Blagojevich has a double-digit lead in his quest to be the first democrat in the Governor’s mansion in 26 years. In essence, Democrats are likely to take complete control of state government in 2003.

The thought of a progressive transformation in the state is definitely appealing. With the Democrats overwhelmingly predicted to win power, this might be a good juncture to reflect on the lessons to be learned from the past decade. For if Blagojevich’s progressive agenda is to be successful, he will have to deal with an entrenched Democratic political machine with a number of powerful players wielding their power much like Phillips. Can he achieve it?

Illinois Shifts to the Left

When you listen to Republicans talk about the upcoming election, you would think that their woes are all the fault of current Governor George Ryan. This was highlighted in the media recently when George Ryan responded to criticism that he was bringing down Republican candidates by calling Jim Ryan "a lousy candidate" for governor. In response, Jim Ryan called George Ryan "a bitter man" who "ran the worst administration in the history of Illinois."

Clearly George Ryan’s scandal-plagued administration is a major factor in Blagojevich’s huge lead in the governor’s race. However, the Ryan debacle is just the tip of the iceberg for Illinois Republicans. The fact is that on a statewide level you can’t blame George Ryan or even the GOP’s loss of the redistricting tiebreaker for their impending loss of power. The real issue is that the electorate in Illinois has increasingly become more liberal in their views and Democratic candidates are benefiting. On issues such as the environment, women’s issues, education, gun control, and campaign finance reform Democrats clearly are more in tune with the sensibilities of voters. Most political analysts believe that suburban soccer moms make up the state’s key sector of swing votes.

Results in recent presidential elections bears this out. In 2000 Al Gore garnered 55 percent of the popular vote in Illinois compared with George Bush’s 43 percent. In 1996 Bill Clinton beat Bob Dole 54 percent to 36 percent and in 1992 he beat Bush the elder 48 percent to 34 percent. So in the last three presidential elections, Democrats have won by an average of nearly 15 percent in Illinois.

Illinois Senator Richard Durbin is bullish on Democratic prospects in the state. "I am excited to see strong Democrats in each race for statewide office this year," said Durbin. "Illinois voters are fed up with scandals and want a big change in Springfield. This is a perfect opportunity to usher in a new political era which reflects the changing demographics and values of Illinois voters."

Will Power Corrupt?

If Democrats do take power in Illinois, what will they do with it? Clearly Blagojevich has racked up an impressive voting record over the past decade in Springfield and Washington. He and his staff say all the right things concerning important issues such as the environment, women’s rights and organic food. But will his administration follow through with integrity and positive action?

In our current political system money and access define political power. In order to win, Blagojevich has raised millions of dollars in campaign contributions and of course his donors will expect political favors for their generosity — this is the American way.

Two of the biggest contributors to the Blagojevich campaign are labor unions and trial lawyers. In the case of the unions, there is usually quite a bit of common ground between their goals and a progressive agenda. It’s easy to agree on living wages and tough occupational standards.

But what about development of a third Chicago area airport in Peotone? Unions want it built because of the tens of thousands of construction jobs it would produce. Environmentalists see it as a multi-billion dollar boondoggle that will quickly turn the south suburbs into a hotbed of suburban sprawl. Currently Blagojevich supports the airport, but how can he justify it and still be a proponent of "smart growth." Will Rod do the right thing? Or will campaign cash and the needs of unions and the state Democratic machine rule the day? Fortunately, Mayor Daley opposes the airport, so there is a chance that his clout outweighs the unions. It will be an interesting dance.

The biggest challenge for Blagojevich’s progessive agenda will be dealing with other Democratic leaders. Mike Madigan has been speaker of the House in Illinois for 24 of the past 26 years. He is a master politician and a prolific fundraiser who uses campaign contributions as a powerful means of leverage for Democratic representatives. As a result he retains legendary control over House Democrats and doesn’t hesitate to use it to his political advantage.

One adjective that isn’t normally applied in discussing Madigan is progressive. Or even liberal for that matter. He is purely a pragmatist. In the past, if an environmental bill needed to pass to help north shore House Democrats — or to embarrass Pate Phillips — it passed. If the bill’s passage would alienate the unions or other important constituencies, chances were it’d be shot down.

If the Democrats secure the 30 seats needed for control on the Senate side, long time Democratic machine politician Emil Jones will become its president. Jones, too, fits the label of political pragmatist far more than the label of progressive. Yet as an African American, Jones will bring some much needed diversity to the state’s power structure. But to what extent he will support Blagojevich’s agenda remains to be seen. And of course Mayor Daley and his political juggernaut are a major force to be reckoned with. You better believe they expect payback for the Mayor’s early endorsement of Blagojevich.

In the end, it will be up to Blagojevich to ensure that the potential of his administration is fulfilled. In fact the process has already begun as staffers analyze potential political appointments, a key measure of an administration’s political barometer. President Bush, for example, signaled to the world where his administration was headed by appointing John Ashcroft, Gayle Norton, and dozens of other ultra-conservative right-wingers to cabinet and sub-cabinet positions. If Blagojevich appointments mainly come out of the realm of the Democratic political machines and campaign donors rather than thoughtful reformers, it will send an early signal that his campaign rhetoric was merely a façade.

Blagojevich’s campaign chair, David Wilhelm thinks the new administration will be up to the task of fulfilling the needs of state citizens fed up with tainted state politicians. "Rod realizes that he is being elected as a reformer. People in this state are fed up with corruption and broken promises. The Blagojevich administration will be one of honesty," he said. Wilhelm engineered Mayor Daley’s first two mayoral victories and later ran Bill Clinton’s 1992 national presidential campaign. Some observers believe that he has brought credibility and stability to the Blagojevich campaign.

Yet they have a huge task ahead of them if they are to implement a progressive agenda without busting the budget. Blagojevich’ goals come with a significant price tag. When combined with the pent up demand from a Democratic Machine that has been prevented from partaking in the governor’s share of the state’s political pork and patronage for two and a half decades it may lead to a major inter-party budget battle unless the economy picks up and tax revenues increase substantially. The problem will likely be compounded by the fact that Blagojevich’s career has received a major boost from his father in law, Chicago Alderman, Richard Mell, who will undoubtedly be lobbying behind the scenes for his share of the pie as well.

There have been some signs that Blagojevich has the gumption to go head to head with Democratic Party powerhouses. During the campaign, he has been highly critical of Mike Madigan’s role in the state budget process that cut millions of dollars of aid for the poor, while retaining hundreds of millions of dollars in political pork.

Blagojevich was particularly vocal about condemning Madigan’s funneling $600,000 to a college buddy’s horse show, asking, "How could you possibly justify spending money on [a horse show] when you cut funding for schools, when you cut funding for health care, when you cut funding for public protection, correctional officers, when you cut funding for mental health facilities?"

When asked about standing up to the Machine, David Wilhelm expressed faith in Blagojevich. "If the polls hold up, we are going to have a mandate for reform. And Rod is up to the challenge," he said. "He’s a battler whose personal integrity is going to shine through."

And unless Jim Ryan pulls off a miracle, Rod’s got four years to prove it.

Other Important Races

Besides governor, the statewide race that will have the most impact on Illinois environmentalists is that of attorney general. According to the Sierra Club’s Jack Darin, "The attorney general is the cop on the beat protecting Illinois citizens from corporations that cut corners and disobey pollution control laws. They have a lot of leeway in pushing polluters to clean up their act."

This race pits Democratic state senator, Lisa Madigan against Republican Joe Birkett, the DuPage County state’s attorney. According to polls, this office is truly up for grabs. This is due in part to the fact that each candidate has suffered their fair share of negative publicity. Madigan has been pummeled by a number of cover stories in the Chicago Tribune, detailing contributions to her campaign from a white supremacist whose father received support in a judicial election from Madigan’s father, Democratic powerhouse, Mike Madigan. Although the contributions have been returned, it was a damaging revelation.

Yet Birkett also has a major scandal in his background — he was a leader in DuPage County’s prosecution of Rolando Cruz for the murder of Jeanine Nicarico. After three trials, a judge finally threw out the case against Cruz, prompting the Chicago Tribune to write, "One thing is clear: none of those involved in the Cruz prosecution deserves ever again to enjoy a position of public honor or trust. They have demonstrated that they have no honor and merit no trust."

To make matters worse, Birkett failed to acknowledge or prosecute a convicted murderer who subsequently confessed to the Nicarico murder. Despite Birkett’s bungled prosecution of Cruz, who could have received the death penalty for a murder in which he was later acquitted, Birkett is still an unabashed supporter of the death penalty.

Birkett also has extremist views in many other areas as well. His philosophy may explain why he has received significant support from the National Rifle Association, which doesn’t reflect well for the state enforcement and prosecution of those violating concealed weapons laws.

And in the issue of choice, Birkett opposes abortion, even in the case of rape or incest. Birkett’s campaign hasn’t offered any constructive ideas in terms of environmental enforcement, an area that has suffered under the leadership Jim Ryan, the current attorney general.

Madigan, on the other hand, has put forth a comprehensive environmental plan and has received a strong endorsement from the Sierra Club which claimed, "As a state senator, Lisa was the lead sponsor of legislation to impose fees on water polluters, not taxpayers, to pay the cost of issuing water discharge permits." This was just the opening volley: Madigan quickly emerged as one of the most reliable environmental champions in the state senate, fighting for tougher air pollution controls, protection of natural areas and smart growth policies."

Tough environmental enforcement could be a refreshing change in the attorney general’s office and Madigan’s opinion in this area is clear. "Illinois needs an aggressive, pro-active attorney general who will enforce state laws when it comes to protecting our environment.

It’s time for polluters to understand they must follow the rules or face the consequences," she told Conscious Choice. In addition, Madigan has progressive policies on the death penalty, gun control, and abortion. Her loss would be a major blow to creating a progressive agenda in the state.

Illinois Democrats Can Gain National Power

Senator Richard Durbin tops the national ticket for Illinois Democrats, is the state’s leading member of Congress and is expected to run away with his reelection campaign for the U.S. Senate this year. With a standing 100 percent League of Conservation Voters ranking and a strong voting record from Ralph Nader’s Public Citizen, Durbin has impressive progressive credentials. In addition, he has been a powerful advocate to bring jobs and public works projects back to Illinois.

He is also guardedly optimistic about the national prospects of his party: "The public is fed up with the corporate scandals plaguing our country and historically the Republican party has been closely aligned with big business. When combined with an economic downturn, it certainly gives Democrats an opportunity to add to their majority in the Senate and to take over the House of Representatives."

In the U.S. House, Illinois is represented by some of the top progressive voices in the country. Chicago-area Representatives Jan Schakowsky, Luis Gutierrez, Danny Davis, and Jesse Jackson, Jr. have risen to become strong leaders who are building significant power bases in D.C.

They are expected to be joined in Washington by Democrat Rahm Emmanuel, who is favored to win the House seat vacated by Rod Blagojevich. Emmanuel was a top aide in the Clinton white house and has already made a name among environmentalists for his plan to create a Great Lakes Trust to fund projects benefiting water quality in the region. He has also signaled support for creating a regional organic food system to support the Chicago area.

If Democrats are to truly stand up to the anti-environmental policies of the Bush administration, they need to win five more seats in the House of Representatives to gain a majority. If this occurs, the Chicago area progressives stand to acquire more national influence. On the fastest track is Jan Schakowsky who recently was appointed to the post of Chief Deputy Whip, by House Minority Leader Richard Gebhardt. She achieved this position despite the fact that she is a relative newcomer on the national scene with only two terms under her belt. "I am honored to serve the state and look forward to supporting progressive values," said Schakowsky. "It will make my job a lot easier if we can take control of the House."

One manner in which Durbin and Illinois’ other national politicians can properly use their power is in the ongoing battle over regulating vitamin supplements. According to Durbin’s detractors, the Senator is leading the charge to overthrow the law that leaves dietary supplements unregulated. While most Conscious Choice readers would vehemently oppose drastic changes that cause supplements to be available by prescription only, a more meaningful regulation that guards against misleading claims and harmful products would probably be a boost for consumers and the industry in the long term.

In recent years, there have been numerous deaths attributed to the herb ephedra, which is used for weight loss. In addition, many other supplements are touted for uses such as "extending penis size" and other ridiculous claims. Such credibility problems are likely to alienate millions of potential users of natural products because they don’t trust an industry that is so poorly policed. Legislation that protects consumers from dangerous products and claims and yet protects the ability of Americans to continue to freely buy supplements might be a good compromise.

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