July 13, 2004
IT'S A GUY THING:
State warms to idea of Ditka candidacy (Kathryn Masterson, July 13, 2004, Chicago Tribune)
Could it happen? Could Mike Ditka really be the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate from Illinois?When the news broke last week that a group had started a "Draft Ditka" Web site urging the former Bears coach to run for the U.S. Senate, it seemed like the quirky wish of Da Coach's fans.
But Monday, a Ditka candidacy edged closer to becoming-well, a possibility. He talked on TV about running, state GOP leaders said they had discussed the opening with Ditka, and Gov. Blagojevich declared him a qualified candidate.
The commotion grew when Ditka appeared on television Monday from his Chestnut Street restaurant and said a potential run for the seat of retiring Republican Sen. Peter Fitzgerald was on his mind.
"I'm getting excited about it, and I'm just thinking about it," Ditka told WGN-TV.
Ditka, wearing a Hawaiian shirt, bristled at the suggestion his lack of political experience disqualified him as a legitimate candidate.
"If you're going to tell me I couldn't be a better senator then Ted Kennedy -- I could be," he said.
"I'm not a genius, but I'm pretty common sense," Ditka said. "I'm just a guy. We're all just guys. This guy running as the Democratic candidate, he's just a guy."
The big question is does the governor switch to the GOP before or after the election?
MORE:
Ditka to Make Decision by Week’s End (Washington Dispatch, 7/13/04)
Illinois Republicans are giddy at the possibility that Mike Ditka may fill Jack Ryan’s vacated spot and run for the US Senate. And while many believed it was a joke, Iron Mike says he’s not taking it lightly.Posted by Orrin Judd at July 13, 2004 5:59 PMDitka said on Chicago TV from his restaurant on Chestnut Street…
"I don't know, but I'll make a decision by the end of the week. It is serious stuff -- it's not a funny thing and it is a great honor to be considered."
Ditka who describes himself as an “ultra-conservative” will reportedly use his own money for the Senate run if he decides to go forward.
Da Bears! First he gets elected governor, then he returns to da Bears!
Posted by: Steve Martinovich at July 13, 2004 6:23 PMErrr, I mean senator. Wait, he's Ditka...he can get elected to both positions...and then win the Super Bowl again.
Posted by: Steve Martinovich at July 13, 2004 6:38 PMDitka! Ditka! Ditka!
Posted by: Robert Schwartz at July 13, 2004 6:51 PMHe probably doesn't have to spend a dime of his own money. Have the GOP chip in travel expenses. No need to air any adds. Is there anybody in Illinois who wouldn't know he's running?
Posted by: Rick T. at July 13, 2004 6:55 PMAny internal polling on the match up?
Posted by: Jana at July 13, 2004 9:19 PMNo doubt it already has been done by the Illinois GOP, and the Democrats and the state TV and newspaper outlets are in the process of conducting their own surveys.
Ditka doesn't have the past political involvement Reagan or Schwarzenegger had prior to their runs for office, but that mainly means if he does make the run, the first couple of weeks of the campaign will be crucial in establishing his political image to the public (i.e. - is he smarter on his feet that Carol Moseley Braun).
If he passes that test, then as a longtime player and coach in a sport that has been intergrated for years, he would have the same advantage ex-Bills quarterback Jack Kemp had, in that the Democrats' usual 'Republicans=don't know any blacks=because they're racists' connection would be hard to get Illinois voters to swallow.
Posted by: John at July 13, 2004 9:51 PMA few nice words (or endorsements) from players and friends would settle the race issue, and then it would be an interesting ride for 3.5 months. John is right - if Ditka were to make it through 2 or 3 weeks with credibility, he could stand on his own and win. Obama's vaunted political future and intelligence would be negated in one fell swoop.
Posted by: jim hamlen at July 14, 2004 10:28 AMThe real question is whether Ditka would bring a quarterback with him on the trail so that whenever anything went wrong, he could yell at him? I wonder what Jim Harbaugh is doing right now?
Posted by: Chris Durnell at July 14, 2004 11:51 AM