Gulley vs. Schock. Just what we needed... A good laugh.

Upon reading the headline in this morning's newspaper, I laughed so hard coffee came out my nose. If anyone is curious about my identity -to be honest, there are no indications anyone is- attend the campaign debates between these two. I will be at every one I possibly can, most likely with a video camera in hand to record for posterity the consequences of straying out of one's league. (Imagine Pauley Shore asking Katherine Zeta Jones to prom.)

Bill Dennis beat me to it, but this race will be fine entertainment. God help the Unions if Bill Spears doesn't leap into this race. They will be stuck campaigning for Gulley, who falls ever so slightly above plant life on the intelligence scale. Schock, on the other hand, is smart. I know many feel he hasn't done enough in Springfield or is too young to wield the power he does, but the kid is bright and everyone knows it.

There couldn't be a bigger mismatch in the oratory department. As Bill Dennis wrote this morning, Gulley has a hard time stringing a few words together let alone a complete sentence. Gulley's verbal skills are a political train wreck. I wince every time he raises his hand at City Council, knowing that nothing but embarrassment will follow. In the other corner, we have Schock, master of oratory (I was going to write "master debater" but I didn't want the way too easy sophomoric commentary). Aaron can give a fluent, succinct and nearly entertaining speech without once checking his notes.

To the other four candidates that ran for Gulley's council seat, take heart. Gulley is about to be put properly in his place. I disagree with Bill Dennis on his prediction that Gulley will take most of the black vote. Gulley received only slightly more than half of the vote in his last election. Had there not been so many candidates running against him in the Primary, the General Election would have yielded far different results. Greg Banks emerged a primary winner to face off against Gulley, but just barely. If memory serves, Banks came out ahead about six votes in front of June Moore. Gulley isn't beloved, just lucky his inaptitude pushed so many people into the race which split the vote.

That won't happen this time. Schock will focus on the fact that of the six bills he has sponsored, all have passed. Except for one waiting, they have received Blago's signature. One Schock sponsored bill allows those on public aid to apply for state grant money to attend college. Think low income, single mom, trying to better herself and join the tax base. Schock is also responsible for the bill allowing deployed national guard members to pay less pay roll tax, a bill that Ricca Sloan screwed up before being boot kicked out of office.

George Ryan will hurt Schock. The timing of his Trial, and subsequent conviction, will remind voters of past Republican dirty deeds. However, Blago is the subject of about six investigations himself at the moment. (Power Washing Scandal, Teacher's Retirement Fund Scandal, Political Appointment/Father-in-law Scandal, etc...) Moreover, look for Aaron to point out the recent Democratic raid of state worker retirement funds to plug the budget. The Democratic majority in Springfield didn't cut spending, they didn't raise taxes, they just stole. Taxpayers will repay the retirement accounts along with 8% interest, but won't begin payments for several years. One billion borrowed now will cost us $38 billion in the long run. Moreover, realizing it was an election year, the Democrats stole enough for next year's budget too. Brilliant. Considering the pension raiding, it is hard to fathom labor unions supporting Democrats this time around. Look for local unions to support individuals, while roasting their own party. Fun! Fun! Fun!

The only thing Spears and Gulley have going for them is that they were not a part of the Democratic majority who pulled this crap. To beat Schock, Spears and Gulley will have to pull away from their own party. Painful to do, I'm sure, but quite enjoyable to watch. Spears may point out (I doubt it will dawn on Gulley) the horrific debt accrued, unbeknownst to Schock, by District 150 while Aaron served as School Board President.

I still say the very smart and humble Spears has a chance against the Republican Boy Wonder if he is willing to vigorously campaign. Of course, Spears will have to step up to the plate and declare he is actually running. Most who voted for him would probably admit- as smart as Aaron is, they would feel better sending someone to Springfield who didn't still require Clearsil and was at least old enough to shave.