Has GOP finally hit bottom, or is this hole even deeper? (IL and Keyes)

[displacedtexan]

Be sure to read the whole story: good writing; famous Keyes quote re Hillary Clinton moving to NY to run for the senate.

Has GOP finally hit bottom, or is this hole even deeper?

August 5, 2004

BY MARK BROWN SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST

There are 7.1 million registered voters in Illinois, nearly half of whom could probably pass for Republican in a pinch. But in the entire state of Illinois -- from Chicago to Cairo -- the Republican State Central Committee could not find one candidate willing and qualified to run for the United States Senate against Democrat Barack Obama.

So they flew one in from Maryland on Wednesday.

Is Obama that good or is the Illinois GOP that bad, you might be wondering.

A little of both, I guess, but probably more of the latter.

From the scandal that led to George Ryan's indictment to the one that ousted state party chairman Lee Daniels to the one that caused Jack Ryan to withdraw from the Senate race, Illinois Republicans can't seem to pull out of their nosedive.

http://www.suntimes.com/output/brown/cst-nws-brown05.html

[benburch]

1. It's deeper.

Though you can't get lower than the belly of a snake, the GOP in Illinois is doing its best!

[lil-petunia]

2. you mean those not yet indicted.

most of the last admin are either vacationing at taxpayer expense or awaiting trial.

[ronnykmarshall]

5. I love it!

You should read some of the crap the Repugs are saying on yahoo trying to defend this moron.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=584&e=4&u=/nm/20040805/pl_nm/campaign_illinois_senate_dc

[mopinko]

3. the bottom?

whale shit. that's them.

[madrchsod]

4. they should have stuck with Ryan

he had a better chance than anyone else..that`s not saying much but they don`t have anyone now that will get half the votes of Ryan. really it`s a sad day for the republicans in illinois..i know a few who must be sick of what has happened to the party..

[On the Road]

6. Frankly, I'm Not Sure Keyes Will Accept

He's hedging his statements. He knows he would be a sacrificial lamb.

[hatrack]

7. What if Keyes says no?

And if Keyes is a desperation candidate (and I think we can all agree that he is), flop sweat is going to be boiling from their foreheads if HE says no.

In that event, look for offers to Wayne Newton, Bo Derek and Sherry Lewis & Lambchop in the weeks ahead.

[benburch]

9. Sadly...

Sherry Lewis passed away some time ago.

[hatrack]

10. That won't keep the Illinois GOP from offering if Keyes declines!

RIP, Lambchop!!!

[benburch]

11. I loved Lambchop when I was a wee lad.

[comradebillyboy]

8. keys is crazy, not stupid

nt