ILLINOIS, ONCE THE LAND OF LINCOLN – AT 8:04 A.M. ET:  If Lincoln could see what's going on today in Illinois politics, he'd probably ask that his grave be moved to a more refined state.  First, there is the already nominated Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, as the Chicago Tribune notes:

Only hours after federal regulators took over the failed bank that his family controlled, an emotional Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias took a big swig of water and labeled his day personally "devastating."

Now Giannoulias must convince the White House and voters that it's not politically devastating as well.

Oh come on, it's a bank failure, fellas.  This is Illinois.  It's not like the St. Valentine's Day massacre.  Those were the days!

The closing of the doors at Broadway Bank for the final time Friday failed to slam shut ongoing concerns over Giannoulias' relationship with the bank and the impact on Democratic hopes to retain the Senate seat once held by President Barack Obama.

In 2006, Giannoulias portrayed himself to voters as a savvy young executive at a thriving community bank with the experience that qualified him to be state treasurer. Four years later, his role at the bank is being downplayed and the bank is out of business as he tries to persuade voters to send him to Washington.

In Illinois politics, U.S. senator is a demotion.  State treasure – that's really something.  All that money, all that patronage.

That contrast has become the dominant early story line of Giannoulias' general election contest against Republican Mark Kirk, with political overtones that stretch to the White House.

Standing before reporters, choking back tears as he described the bank his father founded 30 years ago, Giannoulias pronounced himself as having a "renewed vigor and a new perspective on just how horrible it is out there for so many people."

COMMENT:  Glad you noticed, son.  Mark Kirk is a solid candidate, and deserves election to the Senate, flipping Obama's hardly used seat to the Republicans.  As for Giannoulias, an MBA from a local school might help clear the mind.

Oh, some late Illinois news:  The former Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, who had to withdraw when it was learned he'd been charged with domestic violence, is now seriously planning a run for governor as an independent.  I knew you'd want to know so you can send contributions.

April 26, 2010