Run, Ray, Run!

Lahood may have caught on. He probably won't win the gov's seat. I think the Republican party would be wise to go with Judy Bar Topinka. Topinka was the only Republican left standing after Gov. George Ryan was revealed to be a corrupt bucket of slime.

Nonetheless, I was really, really, REALLY praying that Ray would run. Lets play musical chairs.

Yes, it would be lovely to get Kevin Lyons out of his current job as State's Attorney. I agree with Bill Dennis on this one. Lyons is a wimp who won't prosecute any case that he isn't assured of winning. Sucks for those of us who live near crack houses. Everyone seems to know WHERE the crack houses are in Peoria, yet Lyons doesn't feel he can PROVE where they are. Good prosecutors have to take risks, not hide behind a misleading win/loss record. (Bless 3rd District Councilman Bob Manning for saying this out loud.)

It would be nice to see Patrick Nichting get Leitch's seat. State Rep. Leitch wants LaHood's current seat. It would be sad to lose a essential services council member, but I can't imagine the 5th District would elect anyone who wasn't a basic services candidate. He is a bit too conservative for my taste, but Nichting represents the wishes of tax fearing North Peoria and Tazwell County well. Nichting would have an excellent chance of winning.

Even better than relieving Lyons and Leitch of their duties would be the non stop fun of a John Morris run for LaHood's current seat. Morris probably wouldn't be able to retain his current City Council post in the next City election, but watching him grandstand for Congress would be hilarious. Apparently, Morris has decided to go after a bigger audience who doesn't know him like we do. Sadly this has worked for other politicians, but I don't think Morris can pull it off. Although he recites the rhetoric of his party and carries the Chamber of Commerce's water whenever possible, Morris is all fluff and no substance. Still, it would be an entertaining way to boot kick him off the Council.

Run, Ray. Run!