By Steve Rhodes
Where has last night’s Kirk Dillard been? Trying to win the last election instead of this one by throwing too much red meat to his party’s right-wing even as he touts his long-ago job as Jim Edgar’s chief of staff. Dillard is clearly the most palatable of the GOP candidates and clearly the one who could most plausibly be a relatively decent governor if only he could get elected. He’s been our frontrunner from the start, despite the Rauner hype. Too bad Rauner’s money bought the media’s attention.
Rauner clearly had the worst night last night, refusing several times to answer questions (as he has his whole campaign) and appearing wan. Bill Brady and Dan Rutherford came off well as informed legislators with ideas and agendas, but less up to the task than Dillard.
Which isn’t to say any of them looks like they could beat Pat Quinn right now, which is an utterly remarkable statement to type. Four more bumbling years in the Land of Lincoln.
Also a loser last night: The media moderators. As usual. Think up original questions and stick to them. And don’t be afraid to ask follow-up questions. You don’t have to get to everything. The night shouldn’t be scripted like a TV show – or your news broadcasts. Also, do your damn homework.
*
GOP debate moderators should stay on the first question all night long if they have to until the candidates answer it. #twill
— Beachwood Reporter (@BeachwoodReport) February 28, 2014
*
Dillard says gay marriage bill was unconstitutional. Moderator Ron Magers fails to ask why. #twill
— Beachwood Reporter (@BeachwoodReport) February 28, 2014
*
Magers: “As you look back on the campaign, full of campaign ads …” Only by one candidate, that is. #twill
— Beachwood Reporter (@BeachwoodReport) February 28, 2014
*
Not only has Dan Rutherford not read the report, he hasn’t seen the ads. #twill
— Beachwood Reporter (@BeachwoodReport) February 28, 2014
*
Magers fails to fact-check Rauner on claim that crime has “skyrocketed” in Illinois under Quinn. Not true: http://t.co/lOpLieRPGT | #twill
— Beachwood Reporter (@BeachwoodReport) February 28, 2014
*
Mr. Rauner, how is it such a smart business guy can’t remember a phone call to Arne Duncan about your daughter? #UnaskedGOPDebateQuestions
— Beachwood Reporter (@BeachwoodReport) February 28, 2014
*
Mr. Rutherford, is it true that you’ve read the executive summary of your internal report? #UnaskedGOPDebateQuestions
— Beachwood Reporter (@BeachwoodReport) February 28, 2014
*
Mr. Brady, wouldn’t each of the other more moderate candidates have beaten Pat Quinn last time around? #UnaskedGOPDebateQuestions
— Beachwood Reporter (@BeachwoodReport) February 28, 2014
*
Mr. Dillard, are you telling us you were really the governor and Jim Edgar was just a figurehead? #UnaskedGOPDebateQuestions
— Beachwood Reporter (@BeachwoodReport) February 28, 2014
*
Brady, Rutherford & Rauner each supported assault weapons for everyone w/background check & training. Dillard said it was a federal issue.
— Beachwood Reporter (@BeachwoodReport) February 28, 2014
*
Brady blamed votes siphoned from Scott Lee Cohen’s campaign for his 2010 loss to Quinn. Was Brady really the second choice of Cohen voters?
— Beachwood Reporter (@BeachwoodReport) February 28, 2014
*
No question about why taxpayers should subsidize wealthy corporations that don’t pay taxes. How is that the free market? #twill #GOPdebate
— Beachwood Reporter (@BeachwoodReport) February 28, 2014
Posted on February 28, 2014