Democrats Could Lose Obama, Biden Senate Seats

I couldn't agree more with some of the other comments when they say that Kirk is foaming at the mouth at a possible showdown with a scandal ridden Giannoulias, but unfortunately we will run into the same problem with either Hoffman or Jackson. Jackson, clearly an empty suit, just isn't ready for prime time. If Sarah Palin had an African-American, democrat doppleganger it would be Jackson. Hoffman is a wolf in sheeps clothing. After clerking for Rehnquist and working for a Pro-Life, faux Democratic Senator, progressives in Illinois are already saying they will stage a sit-in and vote green. Kirk has as many ways to tie Giannoulias, Hoffman and Jackson to the embarassing Chicago political machine - and will. There is nothing to be won in Chicago, this race will be decided in Chicago suburbs, central and downstate areas. Kirk, a self-proclaimed moderate, is a slick politician that will have to beaten based on his poor policy choices and shallow ideas on how to revive Illinois' and the American economy. If Democrats don't want the summer and fall to be a highlight real of their greatest embarrassments, then it's time to look for someone new, with a fresh perspective and untainted background.

Having said that, it's time for Democrats to go back to the drawing board while there is still time and take a look at Jacob Meister. Meister, a progressive Democrat, has comprehensive plans to bring manufacturing back to Illinois, is strong on foreign policy and shares none of the nefarious associations the aformentioned candidates do. Kirk would be forced to run a substantive campaign on the merits of his arguments. Meister, a commerical lawyer with more than 20 years of experience working on behalf of small businesses, consumers and individuals fighting health insurance companies, understands financial regulation, economic development and trade issues that must be addressed if the U.S. has any interest in re-establishing ourselves as a global manufacuring power and climing out of this economic oubliette.

While Meister is still working to get his message out, publicized polling indicaters that Illinois Democrats and independents like what he has to say, and even more, Democrats in the burbs, downstate and central Illinois are ready to depart from the political machine that has left Illinois as the punchline to a thousand jokes nationwide. So before anyone jumps on the Hoffman train, remember that he has no experience creating jobs, building businesses or any clear understanding on American foreign policy. While a fine prosecutor, he is woefully out of his depth when we consider the monumental ecnoomic challenges that confront us today. Meister is the only candidate in the race prepared to deal with these problems, both in the short and long-term, on day one. Visit his website and decide for yourself - www.meisterforsenate.com.

Jordan of IL 12:38PM December 18, 2009

Having now been to several of David Hoffman events, I can tell you that he would be an outstanding candidate against Mark Kirk. Hoffman is articulate, brilliant, honest, and highly qualified for the office of Senator even if he hasn't run for public office before. I'm no longer of the opinion that one needs experience to be a Congressman. Most have failed their constituents and voted in their own self-interest time and time again, showing that all it takes is money to win and all it takes is money to buy most of them off. Mark Kirk is a very slick politician-- I'll give him that. He has never been a moderate, has always been part of the right-wing lap dogs, but has been able to convince his constituents otherwise. For those in the Tenth Congressional District who have voted for him for his strong stance on Israel, make note that he has now voted against appropriations that would benefit the State of Israel. One can only assume he no longer needs those voters in his distict and is willing to lose their votes in order to pick up those in the rest of Illinois. He has flip-flopped more times than I can count. He is also willing to sell his sole to the devil if it means gaining the most votes. So David Hoffman is a breath of fresh air and I think he can give Kirk a run for his money.

Sharon Sanders of IL 9:18PM December 15, 2009

Mark Kirk can't wait for the chance to run against Giannoulias. Imagine the spectacle, Blagojevich on trial, Rezko testifying, the White House pretending Alexi doesn't exist. Great climate for Democratic in the general election. It was between Jackson and Hoffman until her horrible, deer in the headlights performance when the Tribune editorial board asked about Afghanistan. Hoffman is the only choice.

Robert of IL 3:27PM December 15, 2009

Clearly, these are important races for the democrats. If they don't want to lose in Illinois, they would do well to elect Hoffman, rather than Giannoulias, in the primary. Hoffman has a much cleaner record, and a fresher face. I seem to remember things going quite well for the democrats when a similar young, corruption fighting candidate with a message of change ran for this very senate seat...

Robert C of IL 2:49PM December 15, 2009