Don't laugh: Chicago GOP to run "American Idol" vetting process for candidates

You know what? I--gulp--support the "American Idol" idea. I live just north of Chicago and I live in two General Assembly districts that reach into the city. And often the Democratic legislator on the ballot runs unopposed and I have no one to vote for. Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie), who I've said should be selling smoke-damaged clothing out of the trunk of his car instead of "representing" me in Springfield, ran unopposed in 2010.

Last year State Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) ran unopposed.

I voted against both men because I just skipped their names on the ballot. But is this Democracy?

From CBS 2 Chicago:

The Chicago Republican Party is kicking off a new effort to attract candidates citywide, and part of it involves an "American Idol-style”" vetting process.

WBBM Newsradio’s Bernie Tafoya reports the party will first run a set of Internet ads seeking potential GOP candidates for state legislative races in next year's election.

Spokesman Chris Cleveland said people who apply to run as Republican candidates and fill out surveys will be asked to engage in an “American Idol-style” vetting process, which will include standing before a selection panel to present a speech about themselves and their views.

"The committee’s mandate is to select credible candidates who adhere to core Republican values. There will be no litmus tests," the party said in a news release.

With the failure of the Democratic-supermajority to pass pension reform--again--voters in Illinois deserve the opportunity to vote against entrenched Democratic incumbents who just keep kicking the can down the road.