Rove Hits the 'Burbs

By Karl Klockars in News on Feb 24, 2009 8:40PM

In case you were wondering what those Dementors were doing swarming around Schaumburg last night, Karl "Turd Blossom" Rove was at the Mariott talking strategy with Illinois GOP members at a fundraiser and general pep-talk for candidates and their Republican supporters. Topic of conversation: Beating the Democrats in 2010, of course.

You can't admit that he doesn't have a point when he says that Illinois Republicans are poised to take a new role in the state, following the complete balls-up that Rod Blagojevich was, as well as the continuing troubles of Roland "The Lord's Senator" Burris. (Presumed Democratic response: "Remember, if you want to point fingers about corruption, the Republicans in this state are the party of George Ryan. Take that!") However, it's hard to let this quote pass:

"The people are looking closely at the quality of candidates you put forward," Rove said. "You better not claw yourselves up and bloody yourselves up and cut yourselves up in a primary."

...without pointing out that things like dirty pool and "bloodying up the other guy" is exactly the lesson that the Boy Genius taught everyone in the 1999 primary season - because it worked. See also: "The McCain has an illegitimate black baby" whisper campaign. Plus, if there's anyone that can take an opportunity and turn it into a pile of crap primed for stepping in, it's the IL GOP. See also: the Jack Ryan mess and the "Carpetbaggin' Alan Keyes" decision of 2004.

In a way, Democrats should be thanking Rove for laying the scorched-earth groundwork for a candidate like Obama to take the White House, but we doubt that Illinois Democrats are exactly arguing over the text on the Hallmark card. But are they hoping that the IL GOP takes their cues from Rove's actions, instead of his words, and start baring their fangs early?

Photo by Ron Edmonds/AP