I have lost all faith in the voters of Central Illinois. No, not because Obama won. Not because Dick Durbin got reelected. Not even because Kevin Lyons got reelected, although that did push me to the brink. But the thing that pushed me right over the edge was this election result:
Joan Krupa (R) 16,390 47%
I consider myself pretty open-minded. I can totally understand why people would vote for Obama, Durbin, Schock, Lyons, etc. I may disagree with many of those choices (and I do), but there are logically defensible reasons to vote for them nonetheless.
But Jehan Gordon? Seriously? I can’t think of one single solitary reason to vote for her. Not one qualification. In fact, she’s easily the most unqualified candidate I’ve ever seen in my life. I have a number of Democrat friends who voted for every other Democrat on the ballot, but couldn’t bring themselves to vote for her. Yet 53% of voters cast their ballot for her.
For the love of Mike, why? Have you people completely lost your minds? Did you do even the most rudimentary research on the candidates before casting your vote? Like reading their bios, for instance? Or are you so partisan that you would vote for any name with a “D” behind it, no matter how unqualified they are?
I honestly cannot believe she was elected. IT BLOWS MY MIND!!! What is wrong with 53% of you voters?
I agree CJ, I can accept Obama’s victory but Gordon is pushing it. You’re right when you say that there isn’t one reason to vote for her but you didn’t mention that there are a number of reasons NOT to vote for her. But in the end, at least I can say that she isn’t my state rep…
I am not happy with it… but.. I have seen Jehan Gordon on several occasions. Krupa I have never seen once. I have seen Gordon’s supports out and about knocking on doors, getting out the vote. Never saw a Krupa supporter come along knocking and talking to potential voters, except people putting signs in their yards. Gordon supporters were putting out flyers on cars, on doors, on multiple occasions. The mailings were pretty overdone by Gordon. Krupa… NADA. Krupa wasn’t asking for my vote. For all of Gordon’s shortcomings, her supporters seemed younger and far more energized.
Then there are the issues….
BAD CHOICE Peoria! BAD CHOICE. This is a disgrace to our community. When it comes to this race, I am one dissatisfied Dem. All the coat tails in the world are no excuse for this.
You’re right, Mahkno! That approach to the voters usually wins campaigns.
I have to agree, C.J. This is disappointing. I couldn’t bring myself to vote for a single Republican in this election … even those who ran unopposed. However, had I lived in Peoria County, I would have voted for Joan Krupa.
Hopefully, Jehan Gordon will apply herself to her new office in a way that she has not done as a school board member. Perhaps she will rise above her past. I’m doubtful, but we can hope. It is, after all, a night of hope.
I agree–I truly expected Joan to win this one. I do know that Joan will continue to serve in some way–so we have not lost her dedication to helping, etc.
I got the best campaign piece on the mail of the whole election from Krupa…better than any candidate for any office. I saw her at lots of functions too. Can’t believe the voters chose otherwise.
Coat tails plain and simple.
I don’t see a problem with Gordon. Give her a chance. She’ll probably do better than boy wonder. I do however understand your feelings. It is the exact same feelings I have about Schock winning. That to me is even scarier.
The shocker of the local election. It’s a real head-scratcher. I voted for three different parties this year and Gordon was not getting my vote.
The Lyons outcome also surprised me. Kudos to all who called the Lyons victory.
You seriously don’t get it? Ask yourself why there was such a large turnout for this election and the scales might fall from your eyes.
Nontimendum — If you’re saying what I think you’re saying, (a) That doesn’t account for the whole 53%, and (b) it doesn’t exactly restore my faith in the voters.
Simple. Joan Krupa ran a lazy, negative campaign reflecting her “superior” social position. I didn’t vote for her because she worked for United Way (which I personally experienced as a horribly unethical organization), she talked down to the voters and she really thinks she “deserved” it.
What we do not need in government is any more old white Republican people with old white Republican ideas.
Jehan, on the other hand, is a high energy, thoughtful person who needs some direction to channel her resources… this is the perfect opportunity for her and and our district..
Gordon might as well have been the Invisible Woman for all the times she was in my West Bluff neighborhood – none. I’m disgusted with her and with those who elected her.
Joan Krupa came to my door personally very early on and I know she had people canvassing neighborhoods for her on the weekend before the election. I thought she was a shoe in with all the information about Gordan coming out and I am surprised the Dems couldn’t come up with a better candidate. Things should be interesting!
With all due respect to both candidates, had Cindy Ardis-Jenkins not pulled out, I believe we would have seen different results.
I have just been listening to a discussion on WMBD about this race. For those of us who know Joan personally, we know the negative perceptions about her are not true. The one factor (mentioned on WMBD) that many of you might not know is that Annie Gordon is Jehan’s mother. And many people voted for Jehan because she is Annie’s daughter. Annie is just as well-known and loved in her circle of friends and acquaintances as Joan is in hers. If Joan had not been Jehan’s opponent, my opinion of Annie would have undoubtedly come into play. I have only been in the same room with Jehan twice–both at a West Peoria Residents’ Association meeting. Once she sat beside me and recognized my name because of my connection with her mother. The second time she spoke at our meeting. Both times I found her to be very gracious, etc. This was the only campaign that personally tore me up inside. As far as the negatives about Jehan go, I think those who voted for her simply overlooked them–as many of us undoubtedly have done in voting for candidates with whom we have a personal, positive connection. Pesonally, I certainly did not hold Jehan’s shoplifting charge against her because of her age at the time, etc. Not paying the fines bothered me. But even more so I am wondering what kind of system we have that allows someone to go that long without paying court imposed fines, etc. Anyway, now that Jehan has won, I wish her well.
Sharon,
I am sure that all of the candidates have ‘personal friends’ that think the world of them…… Krupa, Gordan, Lyons, LaHood, and yes…even Schock have plenty of friends and neighbors who vouch for their ‘character’. Hells-Bells, you might even find a few people who tell you I am a good guy! That does not ‘qualify’ me for office.
C.J.
I understand your frustration with the local/area voting population… With his now ‘out-in-the-open’ criminal background, Schock still managed to turn the headlights on and blind 59%+ of the voters in the 18th! What in the Hell is the world coming to?!? Now we are sending the youngest [Republican] member of the blah, blah, blah – to a Dem controlled govt. We can’t afford to sit back and watch Schock do nothing but begin his move for the Senate.
Leave it to Central Illinois to IGNORE the writing on the wall. Voting Schock in as a Congressman is going to prove far more detrimental to the area than voting Gordan in as a state rep.
It is amazing to say the least that a convicted shoplifter, a proven liar and generally dishonest person is elected to this office. I suppose those that voted her over the top thought those characteristics were actually qualifications for the office.
But maybe the Gordon victory is the result of ideologues. Those who vote straight down party lines no matter what. For example, there are a couple area politicians on Knoxville Ave., who prominently displayed Jehan Gordon signs on their lawns. Sensible people for the most part but their choice makes one scratch ones head. But then didn’t former Sheriff Shadid also support Gordon? Another head scratch.
Simply amazing that a person with this integrity was put up by the Democratic party at all.
What would also be amazing is if this Jehan Gordon proves to be an asset for this area. It could be that she will become a one term rep. It will be a miracle if she turns out to be a true winner.
Well, Ceej, I have to agree with you on this one. This surprised the heck out of me.
C.J.:
(a) It didn’t have to, and (b) it wasn’t designed to.
Personally, I certainly did not hold Jehan’s shoplifting charge against her because I am a Democrat and so is she.
FTFY
“I am surprised the Dems couldn’t come up with a better candidate.”
There was a better candidate. He just didn’t win the primary.
If he did not win the primary how can we say he was the better( loaded and ambiguous term)? Did his personal qualities outshine his opponent to the degree that everyone was mesmerized by his mere appearance. Was his political record so far out ahead of everyone who approached the race. Was his ethical conduct above reproach? Did his grasp of the cogent issues of the race rivet the tv watching crowd enough that they pulled the lever for him on election day? Did the party voters in this district understand that he had their best interest at heart? Was he an advocate of change?
Peoria is changing. Almost 70% of the children in our schools are African American. I hate to think it, but I believe she got the African American vote simply because she is African American. People voting for someone just because they are African American makes this a sad day in Peoria. Gordan is a huge problem and I am in disbelief she is representing us.
“People voting for someone just because they are African American makes this a sad day in Peoria. ” It’s just as sad when someone didn’t vote for her or Obama just because she and he are black.
Perfect candidates don’t exist, folks. We find out about some people’s shortcomings before the election, we find out about others’ after the election. Sometimes we, as reasonable people, have to look at the person’s entire life and not focus on one bad judgment.
I don’t understand how the same people who overlooked all of Schock’s pimples, warts, and unethical behavior could express such disdain for people who voted for Gordon. That doesn’t make any sense at all.
I’m not at all certain that people from Peoria’s south side voted for Jehan just because she’s black. This was a “local” election. Many of you seem to forget (or to be unaware) that the south side has a “community” spirit that other neighborhoods may not have. Maybe West Peoria, too–because we are a small city, there is a sense of community that doesn’t exist in other areas of 3,000 households. I think people voted for Jehan because they know her or her family, etc., or know of them in some personal way. And that might also make them more forgiving or cause them to overlook shortcomings, etc. I am in no way implying that this personal loyalty is a good way to select candidates for public office, but I think most of us do have some sense of loyalty to people from our “own group”–and that isn’t always a good thing. I go to First United Methodist Church, where there, of course, is also a sense of community. Don’t you think that most of us voted for Joan because of a sense of community and because we know her?
I still firmly believe that in every “objective” way Joan was the most qualified for this position–but the votes from her friends were probably also “subjective.” My vote, however, was for Joan, not against Jehan–probably because I also have some ties to that community that voted for her.
Sir Knight,
Spoken like a true dyed in the wool Democrat. I contend that if Blago ran again for governor, 90% of Democrats would support him. Visit my blog site for more facts on Jehan Gordon.
Wrong Merle. Blago has proven himself to be a scoundrel among scoundrels. I voted for the Green Party candidate last time around. I’m a YDD but I have my standards!
Sir Widmer,
This Democrat didn’t vote for Blago last time, and I certainly wouldn’t vote for him again. And could you explain how my saying that I’d vote for Joan Krupa makes me a “true dyed in the wool” Democrat … ??? Is it wrong for me to hope that she’ll rise above her past, for the good of the people of Peoria? That sentiment is somehow misguided and partisan?
I think somebody woke up on the wrong side of the election this morning. 😉
I don’t believe for a second that 70% of students in District 150 are African American or even 70% are non-whites. Where did you get this information?
I was curious about those statistics, too. Because so many students are going to private schools, I think there is a possibility that these percentages are not that far off–but seems a bit high. I believe the percentage of African Americans in the south side schools might be higher than 70%.
Info is on iirc.niu.edu – it’s the Illinois Interactive School report card. It shows 61.1% Black, 70% low income. Good source of info.
Hey Jim:
What action is the Board considering to begin reversing those stats? What efforts/programs is the District considering to attract more middle income families?
Silly Frustrated, they’re building new school buildings and closing neighborhood schools, of course!
Wow, Jim, even the conservative estimates are 60% Afrinca American…
Here is what I find amazing:
Race:
87.7% White (1.9% Hispanic or Latino)
8.7% Black or African American
0.2% American Indian or Alaskan Native
1.3% Asian
6.3% Other
2.7% Multi-Racial
From http://www.ci.peoria.il.us/population
Now I suspect these figures include East Peoria, Dunlap and other surrounding areas…
kcdad — Yes, those figures are for the metropolitan statistical area. From the census bureau for the City of Peoria alone (as of 2000):
69.3% White
24.8% Black
2.5% Hispanic or Latino
2.3% Asian
2.2% two or more races
0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
So, although the numbers are significantly different, I think they still makes your point. There is a racial disparity between the general population and the school population.
“Cuz white folk don’t do it as much?”
Do you have the age demographics that go with racial figures? I would interested to know if the white population is older and that is why there are more children of color, or if it because the whites are attending Notre Dame, Peoria Christian, Home Schooling and going out of the district?
These are some of the West Peoria enrollment figures–where the kids go to school. I will soon have additional figures from Peoria Christian, Peoria Academy, St. Thomas, Holy Family, Christ Lutheran, and St. Philomena’s–and Washington Gifted. Some are also home schooled–not sure how to get those figures. And I think you’re right about West Peoria, at least–there is an older population; those with children have moved or are moving elsewhere.
Enrollment figures for West Peoria students at the following schools are:
140 at Whittier (Kindergarten-4th grades)
116 at Calvin Coolidge (5th-8th grades)
24 at St. Mark (Kindergarten-4th grades)
25 at St. Mark (5th-8th Grades)
1 at Manual (7th & 8th Grades)
55 at Manual High School
7 at Peoria High School
17 at Richwoods High School
1 at Woodruff High School
34 at Peoria Notre Dame High School
kcdad,
“What we do not need in government is any more old white Republican people with old white Republican ideas.” What a blatantly racist comment.
I finally figured it out why you act the way you do and say the things you do, you are really Pam Adams right?? I get it now.
Some years ago there was a survey done that showed that more and more people graduating from high school and college were not becoming parents as early as our generation had. They were more concerned with their future and their careers and were opting to use birth control and put off having children for up to ten years. Many of those have decided after ten years that they don’t really want to disrupt their careers and have children. This has been an on going ideology for some time now. The general economy has also dictated that having more children or any children is not a smart move for them or the children. I raised quite a few children of my own and step children and foster children and it took both of us working sometimes two jobs to cover our expenses. And the economy was not in nearly the shape it is now. I would not want to do it in this day and age. Perhaps that is what is happening with young people today. As for the racial disparity I will not comment.
I will comment on the racial disparity in the school population, etc. I think–in growing numbers–black young people are also going to suburban or private schools for the same reasons that white families have taken their children out of District 150 schools. I hope someday we will be able to look at these issues from an economic, not a racial point of view–especially and hopefully, as the black middle class continues to grow. For instance, I believe (no statistical proof at the moment) that there is a significant population of African-American children at Northmoor school–which was just awarded blue-ribbon status for NCLB scores. And I don’t believe that the black children there have magically excelled (against all odds) because they are enrolled in an Edison school. I believe they were chosen because they already tested well above their peers. Isn’t it true that Northmoor is the Edison school that serves only students who leave north of War Memorial–which also is an indicator of economic status?
SCR: it absolutely was a racist comment. As a white conservative it is painful for me to admit it. Just look at the election results… who voted for McCain? The deep south and the rural west. THIS is the base of The Republican Party. When did the south become the Republican base? AFTER the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Who is in the deep south that isn’t in the northern and far western states? The party of David Duke, George Wallace and their ilk. You don’t have to like it. You don’t have to agree with it. The people who voted Obama into office, the vast majority of those who voted for Obama were white, educated, 21st century, Americans. Certainly there were minorites and others who voted for Obama. Certainly their were Socialists, Independents and Liberals who voted for Obama. But if that were there was, Obama would be going back to his Senate job.
Just listen to Rush and hannity today… Rush has already called anyone who voted for Obama an idiot. (Nice talk from a college dropout who relied on Daddy’s connections for his career.) He even said, and I quote: “Those of us who are really in charge” will take back the country. Really? Who put him in charge of anything… except himself?
Bravo Sharon. Well said.
kcdad,
Thank you I rest my case.
CJ sez:
From the census bureau for the City of Peoria alone (as of 2000):
69.3% White
24.8% Black
I sez: There is more than a single school district within the City limits. Thus, a predominantly White north Peoria send their kids to Dunlap.
My point is, D150 has different boundaries than the COP, and thus, different demographics.
Anon e. Mouse: I think the point is that not all within the 150 boundaries go to District 150 so the city’s racial statistics (no matter what boundaries you are using) are considerably different than those of District 150 schools.
SCR: good, now rest your mouth (figuratively speaking)