State Sen. Dave Koehler has applied for the job of Lieutenant Governor of Illinois. The Lieutenant Governor of Illinois has no significant purpose or duties, and lawmakers are considering eliminating the position completely. At least one Lieutenant Governor has resigned due to boredom. So… I’m not sure what Koehler sees in the position, other than maybe a full-time paid vacation.
I would rather see the position eliminated.
…and right now we have a former Lt. Governor serving as our current governor based on succession.
And that’s only half the story isn’t it?
problem with eliminating Lt. gov. is, as Sterling points out – who becomes Gov. if (when?) something happens to the Gov.? The Speaker of the House? Elected by only a small Chicago district? That would be great for the rest of the state, wouldn’t it?
According to the Governor Succession Act, after Lieutenant Governor, the next in line is the elected Attorney General, followed by the elected Secretary of State. In fact, Speaker of the House is seventh in line.
I’d rather have Koehler eliminated.
Not in the literal sense, of course. Just away from public view and public office.
What about your republicans? They have a 27 year old Lt Gov candidate from Edwardsville whose mommy and daddy purchased his nomination (I know, the Ds have plenty of those types as well, but Rs tend to think they get a free pass). Combine that with legalize the puppy gas chambers Brady and the Rs have managed to nominate another stellar ticket. They would have better luck letting George Ryan run via sattelite from his cell block.
i thought Koehler wanted to eliminate the lt gov office?
Eliminating the Lt. Gov office removes some of the needed checks and balances in the system. With no Lt. Gov., the Atty. Gen. is next in succession. But what if the AG must investigate wrongdoing in the gov’s office? That’s a bad conflict of interest. And it’s not true that it’s a do nothing job — both Dems and Reps took on responsibilities and worked hard.
“looks & votes like Lenin” Koehler is at least one of the most civil and pragmatic a liberals that you are going to find in Illinois. But then that is just about anyone compared to what you have coming out of Chicago.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_65fJY6BlFC0/SP9LT4r0ZOI/AAAAAAAAAXc/MMlV9eGEJf8/s400/lenin.jpg
Seems like a nice guy but I always saw him as a white Jesse Jackson; a reverend who you really weren’t sure of what he did for a living
A white Jesse Jackson? Unfair.
Koehler works very hard as a legislator. He also runs a lovely bakery and cafe on the near north side. It’s a great place for lunch!
I work very hard at my job, I run a sheep and wool facility just on the outskirts of the Peoria regional Airport and I will provide lunch for a very reasonable fee.
We need a Lt Gov – someone on the ballot who people understand can fill in for the Gov on limited or, hmm, more permanent occasions. Someone, like the VP, who can provide clear advocacy for the Honcho’s positions. Don’t know why Koehler would give up his arguably more powerful legislative seat but if that is what he wants he certainly has earned the right to advocate for it.
Koehler comes off as Mr. Nice Guy, Mr. Swell, but don’t cross him. If you’re not agreeing with him and telling him that he walks on water, he becomes quite vicious. Speaking from experience.