So, after pushing Ryan out of the Illinois Senate race, getting turned down by Mike Ditka of all people and quietly pretending second place nominee Jack Oberweis doesn't exist as he jumps up and down and waves his arms in the air, the Illinois GOP is courting Alan Keyes to run for the the Senate seat. Keyes, who is black, has had several failed political runs for office, both presidental and in his native (and current) state of Maryland.
Yeah, Maryland.
"But wait!" crows the Republican Greek chorus, "Hillary Clinton was from Illinois and she ran for (and won) the Senate seat in New York!" True, that. And it's a pity that, in 2000 during Clinton's run, Keyes remarked:
"I deeply resent the destruction of federalism represented by Hillary Clinton's willingness to go into a state she doesn't even live in and pretend to represent people there. So I certainly wouldn't imitate it."
National GOP leaders think Keyes is just in it for the publicity and to revive his book sales and right wing radio talkshow. Keyes is demanding full funding for his race and the blessing of GOP heads both in Illinois and nationally. And he says he'll give his answer on Sunday.
I love this race.