Mob banker Giannoulias still has February primary debt

Politico is reporting that failed mob banker Alexi Giannoulias, who is defending Rod Blagojevich-appointee Roland Burris' seat in the US Senate for Illinois Democrats, still has debt left from his bruising primary battle. On the surface that's not unusual, but Illinois' primary was five months ago.

But his Republican opponent, Mark Kirk, has much more cash on hand. On a related note, Rasmussen Reports' latest poll has Giannoulias leading Kirk 40 to 39 percent. Kirk had a tough late spring as exaggerations in his résumé came to light.

I expect the polls to remain close, barring any new revelations about the candidates, until October, when newspaper endorsements for Kirk start rolling in. What self-respecting editorial board can endorse a candidate who won statewide office based on his banking credentials--and that bank fails four years later? The collapse cost taxpayers $394 million.

Otherwise respectable publications such as Crain's Chicago Business embarrassed itself in 2002 by endorsing Rod Blagojevich for governor in 2002. Four years later, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch still had the gall to endorse Blago--even though his pal Tony Rezko had been indicted by then.

Related posts:

Giannoulias' dismal second quarter cash numbers

Kirk raises $2.3 million in 2nd quarter

ILSen: Kirk was entrusted with vital data during Kosovo Conflict

Technorati tags: politics Illinois Election Democrats cronyism Alexi Giannoulias crime Blagojevich senate Chicago Tony Rezko Rezko Mark Kirk Republican st. louis post dispatch