First Impressions of the 46th IL Senate Race

Woes me. As if the gubernatorial race was not bad enough, I've got a quandary on who to vote in the 46th district senate race. Among the choices this November, based upon my first impressions of these candidates:

From the Democrats, a pair of Daves. Dave Williams, the current chairman of the Peoria County board is one of the candidates in the Democratic primary. If memory serves, didn't he rubber stamp his approval to send some county officials on a trip to Hawaii for some useless municipality convention. Sounds like a good way to spend taxpayer dollars, at least for some people. Also, didn't Mr. Williams ramrod some pay raise for county board members? I seem to remember Merle Widmer writing about that at his blog as he was not available to vote on that measure. Alas, a true fiscal manager, wouldn't you say?

The other Dave is Dave Koehler. My impression of this Dave is weak. No backbone. I believe it was reported that well over 50% of Mr. Koehler's campaign contributions had come from labor unions. This has a familiar ring to it. He will no less become a slave to those who had paid for him to run. Will Mr. Koehler become beholden to these unions and become their whipping boy, catering to their every whim? Whether its unions or the gun lobby or the Christian Coalition or whatever; candidates seem to have to pay back those who paid to put them into office. Is Mr. Koehler any different?

The Republicans are only giving me one choice this election season; Blair Gambill. Yes Mr. Gambill, you did get to meet the Vice-President of the United States. Yes Mr. Gambill, we did see the photograph of you several times meeting said Vice-President. No Mr. Gambill, we're not impressed. My first impression of Mr. Gambill is summed up in one word; "slick." He might make a good game show host however.

Common Sense of it All: We are all going to miss the current Senator who holds this office, George Shadid. Sen. Shadid is one of those rare exceptions of an elected official the people could count upon, and from both sides of the aisle. I wish Sen. Shadid the best in his well deserved retirement.