Now, Senator Terry Link's "mini-me," State Senator Michael Bond, is apparently gearing up for a run, as reported by Roll Call. I was just commenting to someone the other day when I had heard this news on the street that if Bond was smart, he would announce quickly before Kirk made his choice that he (Bond) was going to run regardless of what Kirk did. That would allow Bond to steal just a little of Kirk's thunder, but more importantly, would get him momentum among Dem primary voters and allow him to claim that he is the one Dem with some testicular virility, considering that bravehearts Garrett and Seals have indicated they are interested ONLY if they do not have to face the fearsome and unbeatable Mark Kirk (say, wasn't it only last cycle that the Obama wave was going to sweep Kirk out of office? What a difference a few months make...). I doubt the person I made the comment to ran to tell Bond, so apparently he figured this out for himself, and is setting up a campaign team; I would expect an official announcement soon after some of the press builds.So, what about Bond? For those of you who don't know him, he is an ambitious little climber, who squeaked into office by coercing an endorsement from long-time Senator Adeline Geo-Karis at the twilight of her career, after she had lost a primary race to Bond's opponent, Sue Simpson. Bond has quickly tried to get his fingers into all sorts of local races in Lake County to build up a political army, kind of like his mentor Terry Link's 10-year plan on steroids. He has had varying degrees of success, and TA hears the word among the Dems is that Bond is a bully and mean-spirited even among his "own" people. Like Link, like Bond, apparently.
If Bond runs, regardless of his opponent, Illinois voters will be reminded that both Link and Bond are part of the Tribune's "Blagojevich 26," the group of state senators that voted to block a recall provision months before Blago's indictment and appointment of now-U.S. Senator Roland Burris. TA also hears that Bond's donor list will reveal some very interesting ties and contributions, so this could be quite a festival.
Terry Link, who is also Lake County Democratic chairman, has not been as effective a leader as he has been for years, being tainted by the Blago debacle and most recently losing a prime ally in Waukegan Mayor Dick Hyde. Looks like that Waukegan riverboat may not happen on Terry's watch after all.
But, I digress. I believe Bond is up for re-election in 2010 and will have to give up his senate seat to run for Congress. That will set off a feeding frenzy on the Republican side for Bond's seat, with names like Lake County GOP chair and Lake Villa Supervisor Dan Venturi, State Representative JoAnn Osmond, and County Board Chairwoman Suzi Schmidt all being mentioned on the street from time to time.
UPDATED 04/24/09: The Daily Herald has an article today, which I would have expected, but not much new information--unless you count the implicit confirmation by Bond that he is in fact running. Where's the press release/conference/fundraiser, Einstein?
The article does not address whether Garrett might change her mind about running only if Kirk does not, now that Bond has thrown in. The funny part is, there is far less risk for Garrett to run than Bond, since her senate seat is not up in 2010. Maybe Garrett will run just to annoy Bond, for whom she has no love lost, TA understands. Where will LBG of the 10th Dems go? She has already made some nice statements about Garrett, but her heart previously belonged to Seals. And she probably thinks Bond is cute in a munchkin sort of way.
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35 comments:
Yes, Bond can run for re-election, in 2010. I hope that State Rep. Osmond will run for his seat. If you agree, please ask her to run. Her email address is reposmond@aol.com. If she runs for the state senate, who should run for her seat? I hope that Judy Martini and Randy Whitmore would run.
Phil Collins
Let's get it straight. Geo backed Bond after you guys threw her under the bus!
Bond is a stand up guy and a great fundraiser. I'm looking forward to watching this unfold!
Just so you know, Senate and House staffers in Springfield on both sides of the aisle love Bond. He cuts right to the chase and is consistently ahead of the curve. As for the 'bully' business, that's not what County engineering department staff say. He went above and beyond to get them up to speed to present plans to the infrastructure committee, something Suzi Schmidt should have been doing. Bond is well liked even among ranking republicans in both the Illinos House and Senate, and has a rep of non-partisanship when it comes to getting the job done. The recall bill was a smoke-screen and you know it. Look around, what state service, which state park were you willing to sacrifice all for another kick at the cat? Recalls are prohibitively expensive
It seems to be irrelevent, but I don't think he lives in the 10th? I may be wrong on this.
He lives in Greyslake, according to his website, but not sure exactly where. It's certainly relevant, I think, as it was an error that Dan Seals made and continued to dog him for 2 campaign cycles. You all know how that race turned out.
Anyone know for sure?
"LTown" above matches Bond's personal IP address
"LTown" is also pushing "Bond" over at Capitol Fax Blog.
While I normally consider outing anonymous posters to be in bad taste, I will just ask if anyone wants to make a confession...?
If that's you, Senator, I look forward to getting to know you much better in the coming months...
OK let's look at Bond:
He is connected to the corrupt State Sen. Terry Link machine that fell apart this year when Eddie Washington beat Link's guy for reeelection and then Waukegan Mayor Hyde was wiped by Sabonjian.
Bond is hated by southern Lake county Dems who see him as corrupt and fairly dumb.
Oh and, like Dan Seals, Bond doesn't even live in the 10th district - a fact that killed Seals two times in a row.
For my money - watch Garrett in a Dem primary if Kirk runs for statewide office - she would crush Bond and "two-time" loser Seals in the primary.
If Kirk runs, Bond would be humiliated with many Dems in the southern part of the district opening backing Kirk.
It doesn't matter whether Bond lives in the 10th District. Rep. Bean was elected, in the 8th District, although she didn't live in that district, in 2004. In the special congressional election, in the 5th District, five of the 23 candidates, including two of the six Republicans, didn't live in that district. State Senators Matt Murphy and Dan Duffy said that they might try to replace Rep. Kirk, but Murphy and Duffy don't live in the 10th District.
Phil Collins
Susan Garrett crush Bond? I don't think so. She ran unopposed in her last race, has few credentials behind her elected office and was passed over for the infrastructure committee in favor of Bond because of his work ethic. Which sort puts some doubt into your questionable outing. I don't think Bond would bother with this blog. As to southern Lake Dems hating him, haven't heard that. Garrett was inabstentia during the county board races and Kathy Ryg and her staff seem to like Bond. It could be that since Bob Sabonjian's wife works for Susan Garrett's office, you may just be hearing his anti-dem foaming at the mouth. That certainly doesn't make Garrett look good either.
So let me get this right....Bond feels he can run in a district he doesn't live in?
Bond conspired with Sen Link on the voter fraud committed in Lake County.
Bond thinks he could make it past a primary against Garrett.
Bond supported Gov Blago.
Bond was against Gov Quinn in recall...“In addition, Bond said most of the people calling his office favoring recall focused solely on Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Bond, and other recall opponents, said it's a mistake to change the constitution…”
I don't think Bond is fit for the school board, much less the state senate or congress.
He lives in the eco-friendly neighborhood in Grayslake, south of 120, I just don't remember the name of it.
Yes. Bean doesn't live in the 8th and she beat the ranking Republican in the House to get there. That has never been a strong issue, and Bond lives a block out of the district. Check the roster of the current Congress where more than 60 members live outside their districts, including many Republicans.
You're not getting it. Bond won't be beat by the recall vote or merely connecting him to Blago. JoAnn Osman voted for Blago's proposals more than Bond did. The recall is a fool's issue. The state didn't have the money for a recall then and it's just bad politics. Find better candidates, engage voters more efficiently; don't support high school students for mayor for cryin' out loud! Besides, it's a tough sell for the party that is fighting a public vote for its own leadership to play the recall card. It just looks wrong.
Springfield connections are going to be highly toxic next year. The Democrats have done an awful job with the state and I don't care how much man love Bond gets from some community college educated staffers in a state capital most people couldn't find on a map, bond is going to get hit with 2 years of blago buddy attacks.
We'll see him on the trail.
Oh my! You got some learnin' to do, anon above. The staffers are the one's that write the bills, do the research, find and digest the sub-committee witnesses and reports. And, I'll venture a guess that you've never applied for that kind of job in Springfield. Don't take my word for it, call Osman, talk to Duffy. You better be top 5% of your class to get your little toe in the door.
Bond already earned some strong bona fides so we better come up with something more solid than Springfield is Bad. That's a backwards looking strategy and fails to watch for the bus just ahead of you.
I posted this on the Capitol Fax site and am also posting it here:
"Since Kirk is being taken seriously as a candidate for U.S. Senate or even Illinois Governor, the Kirk bashers have been out in full force bashing away. Kirk must be doing something right when the extremists of both political parties get a case of extreme nausea at the sound of his name. And most of the bashing has been pretty silly stuff.
"Both Bond and Garrett know how to campaign and get their messages out. Bond has done extremely well using technology to get his voters out and will be a force to be reckoned with. Both the abilities of Bond and Garrett as campaigners should be respected. The Seals message grew tired by the end of his second campaign and nothing new is emerging to show some fresh ideas from him.
"Since no one else is asking: Since Melissa Bean lives in the 10th and Bond apparently lives in the 8th, shouldn’t they swap places the next election and run in their respective districts? Just asking!
"And this stuff about Senator Geo-Karis’ endorsement of Bond I notice is popping up in a few places today. One person even used the word “coercion.” I can count on some of the fingers of my left hand the number of people close to Geo-Karis who know the true story about that endorsement and her decision to so endorse. I’m one of them. “Coercion” incorrectly describes that action. That’s all I’m saying on that one.
"Kirk is also an excellent campaigner who can speak to audiences and win them over. He comes across as thoughtful and intelligent, qualities only a few politicians can master. He hasn’t been winning tough campaigns in the 10th on sheer luck. If he stays put and Bond, Garrett or Seals run against him, he will win again.
"And if he runs for U.S. Senator or even Illinois Governor, I see him potentially winning for the same reasons."
Louis G. Atsaves
Bond was on the Senate floor when the above posts went up, you chowderheads.
rogers, it's springfield. No one really cares except for a few lobbyists, money grubbing state politicians and hacks. I've never met anyone who actually wants to work in a state capital. You guys have been an international embarassment to the state and the nation the last 6 months and your lack of academic and professional credentials has really showed.
Kirk's an international force. If some guy from a podunk state capital who's spent his life working on water treatment legislation for a town of 10,000 wants to try and play with the big boys, bring it on. The pupster somehow a grad of u of chicago, mind you after 3 years of campaigning, at least could find Kabul on a map and could tell you what the IDF was.
Bond for Congress - let the games begin!
1. Petition Signing Coordinator - Peter "the sneak" Couvall. Check and then recheck all petitions submitted. Look for dead, forged or otherwise signatures in alphabetical order. Circulators needed: If you are a former felon, drug addict, deadbeat or otherwise vulnerable as a witness - please apply.
2. Campaign Manager - Terry "I can get away with murder" Link.
3. Fundraiser - Tony "I can do this from Jail" Rezko - check his past D2s and look for any "pay to play" especially regarding Zion Nuclear Plant.
4. Grassroots Organizer - Bob "felonious tax dodger" Creamer. Hey Bob, too bad you weren't appointed in the current administration - you wouldn't have had to serve time.
5. Team Captains - SEIU, AFSMCE, NEA, AFL-CIO, CTU, IEA, Citizens Action and of course ACORN and the Lake County YWCA.
6. Anticipated Endorsements: Citizens for Honest Government, Committee for Transparency in Government, Illinois Committee for Honesty in Government, (and other rogue organizations formed by crooks for crooks).
7. Outreach Coordinator - Lauren Beth "I'm easy but not cheap" Gash.
8. Real Estate Management - Bill "the lying former mayor of Round Lake" Gentes and his wife Chris "thank you for the commissions Round Lake" Gentes.
Bond lives in Grayslake on Prairie Orchard - not to be confused with two other Michael Bond's living in Grayslake... mini me 1,2 and 3?
Michael Bond does not live in the 10th district. Here’s what’s puzzling: If Bond is so brave in declaring his candidacy how come we haven’t heard a peep from him? So far all we have heard from are his “sources”. So has he officially announced? Or is he just playing political games? Come out of the closet Michael!
We have a file two inches thick on Bond's corruption with Pete Couvall and Terry Link - complied by fellow Democrats.
Yes, Susan Garrett would crush Bond. Amazing to see Bond writing on this blog (IP address now confirmed) trashing Susan.
Senator Garrett would romp but you would have to live in the 10th congressional district to even know that.
Bond, Garrett, bring em on. I can't wait to see some springfield skunk who's been a part of the mess down there that our awful state party chairman mckenna can't hold them accountable for, try to defend their mess. My concern with beth coulsen is if she has the cojones to actually get up and fight.
And to the staffers from springfield writing on this blog, I really hope you aren't doing political work on government time because you know, TA knows how to get the press's attention.
Mark really hasn't had the acorns to go all out against the pup and I fear that this bond guy who has 2 degrees from probably the worst school in the state-southern illinois, may not get the full beating he deserves from the NRCC and whoever steps up to run against him.
Bond comes across as stupid
Over on Daily Kos they're having a field day with the thought of a Bond and Garrett battle up here. I for one still hope that Mark Kirk decides against a run for the Senate seat at this time. Garrett has said she won't run against Kirk so that leaves Bond and maybe that joker Footlik in a primary battle. It won't be long until we know the answer. November of 2010 will be here in a heartbeat so let's get ready for what's coming.
Don't think Garrett can do it unless Sorich and Katalinic will be out of jail by 2010. If you remember, it was their street and sanitation workers that assisted in Garrett's last race....
Hmmm... now why would the Queen of Streets and Sans take a chance unless of course, Jan Schakowsky's husband, Bob Creamer defects from Seals campaign and launch classes for the asses ala Saul Alinsky for the Queen?
Let's wait and see...
Footlik is a lobbyist in d.c., he pissed off the base and he's gone. At last check he was working with the vaunted Noam Neusner-he of the Bush white house, lobbying for the government of Turkey among other things and you have to think that strong ties to the bush administration and lobbying would be fatal for him in a dem primary.
Pup is probably still the favorite, though his political skills aren't there and his reason of being-bush is gone now.
Munchkin looks like small fry, a degree from southern illinois-not a smart one this cat- and several years in a state legislature running up deficits, watching jobs leave the state and then there's that whole corruption thing.
Garrett's an old woman from Lake Forest meaning she's just about the most unambitious dainty thing in America today. I really don't see her with any sort of fire or willingness at this stage of her life to raise the money-people from that zip code tend to self-fund, or want to shuttle twice a week between d.c. and ord. She also carries the MAJOR baggage of springfield and no GOP to hit anymore.
Finally you wonder what the blago trial will do to local dems, ryan's trial killed our party, and you look at springfield FAIL, plus stroger, minus the bush mess, minus the mess of the hastert mckenna congress and you perhaps see some light for TA, King Louis and the Grand Old Party.
FOKLAES
You need a Jewish Mark Kirk to hold on to this district. Find a Jewish Mark Kirk, and you'll stay Republican.
No we need some party leaders with balls.
you need a moderate with military service and government experience
No we need a leader, like say a Congressman and his former finance director who may run the state party to stop playing hide and seek and actually do something to lead our beleaguered state party out of the toilet. Mark bombed Iraqis, how hard is it to lay political waste to a few aging soccer moms?
Tim Stratton and the indefatigable TA and sidekick Louis shouldn't have to fight the chicago machine alone.
3. Fundraiser - Tony "I can do this from Jail" Rezko - check his past D2s and look for any "pay to play" especially regarding Zion Nuclear Plant.
i love when kirkies attack make unsubstantiated attacks on candidates when Mister Kirk himself had money donated by my Rezko (I know, I know he gave it back) but what what gave Rezko the impression he should donate to Kirk? what did Kirk promise in return?
Anon 8:28 you had better have proof of what you're stating. Mark Kirk has never taken or given a damn thing on any quid pro quo and you know it. Those of you on the dark side who just refuse to understand that Mark Kirk isn't a slime bucket politician like most. He is a man with one helluva great track record that you nasty folks can't seem to force out of office in spite of all your underhanded and slimy tactics. Get over it and go troll where you belong. Too bad that the sicko won't let any of you comment any longer.
Wow! The bile flowing around in these comments is frightening. I'm not a Springfield staffer but I know many and most of you guys are clueless. I hate to say this, but if this is the tenor of the Lake County Republican Party, there will be some big surprises next year. I only hope this blog represents the lunatic fringe of the party but I fear not.
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