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| Is There Such a Thing As an "Outsider?" |
Are you getting tired of the phrase, "I'm an outsider"?
You hear it out of almost every political candidate's mouth: "I'm not a political insider" or "I'm an outsider." Whichever phrase they choose or however they say it, most of those trying to get into politics try to distance themselves from the status quo of corrupt Illinois politics.
During a recent debate in Chicago, Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate seat soon to be vacated by Sen. Roland W. Burris (D-Ill.) were asked about the phrase "outsider." The debate's moderator, a longtime journalist, questioned the frequent use of the phrase by those who already are in politics or have had some dealings in state government.
Candidate Cheryle Jackson, a former spokeswoman for ex.-Gov. Rod Blagojevich, agrees the "outsider" label is used too often but says it’s not the label that's important but rather a person's action. Jackson's platform is about creating jobs.
Candidate and State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, who won his term as treasurer running as a Barack Obama-backed candidate in the Democratic primary against a candidate backed by state Democratic chairman and Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan, talked of "Washington Insiders" which led to the discussion. He didn't elaborate on the outsider-insider question.
Candidate David Hoffman, a former federal prosecutor, says he understands the frustration some voters have when hearing the phrase repeatedly used. He says it's all about whom the voters can trust.
(Illinois Radio Network) |
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| 01 25 10 by Newsroom |
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