Blago's 2006 GOP opponent appears on WLS-AM

Two Christmases ago, then-state Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka, a Riverside Republican, was a candidate for governor, and she sent out that Christmas card to supporters, which appealed to three important Illinois constituencies: Chicago White Sox and Cubs fans, and those who back the St. Louis Cardinals.

Topinka emerged from a brutal GOP primary victorious, but she was defeated by Rod Blagojevich in the general election.

Had she won, well, I'd be blogging about something else tonight.

Topinka was interviewed by Roe Conn in the WLS-AM studios, and she painted a frightening picture of life under Blago's rule by "pay-to-play."

According to Judy, lobbyists expressed great surprise when they were granted access to her. "We'd talk to anyone," she she explained.

But according to Topinka, it cost the same people a $10,000 campaign contribution to speak to Blagojevich, which she pointed out, is not illegal.

I have to jump in here. Barack Obama, his future chief-of staff Rahm Emanuel, and Sen. Dick Durbin didn't know about any of these shenanigans?

Topinka is naturally disappointed about her defeat at the hands of Blago, but she said her task was practically unachievable, as was forced to battle "a 27 million shakedown scheme."

Hey Judy, if it means anything to you, I voted for you. I'm disappointed too. So are most of the people of Illinois.

The wrong person won in 2006.

Hat tip to Cal Skinner of the McHenry County Blog for the Topinka Christmas card.

Technorati tags: illinois Rahm Emanuel democrats Election politics Obama Barack Obama Illinois Politics corruption Blagojevich Christmas