Normally, I'm very cautious about counting my chickens before they're hatched when it comes to politics and elections, but I'm going to break my rule and gloat for a few minutes.

Critics outside and inside the major parties say that conservatives cannot win statewide office.  Critics point out that Illinois has always been a Blue State.  Critics state that conservatives got us in the mess we are in and going back would be detrimental. 

Let's address that last point first.  Make no qualms about it, Republicans helped with the situation we are in when they went astray sometime after W. got elected.  They spent, not as much as Democrats, but they spent nonetheless.  As I have pointed out in a previous article, the average increase in the national debt under W. increase at a rate of about $610 billion per year.  That's still not close to the $1.6 trillion average yearly increase projected under Obama and a Democrat controlled Congress.  Remember, Democrats have had control of both Houses since 2006 so despite W. signing those spending bills, remember all that spending came from Congress first.  Both under W and Obama, conservative fiscal principles are hard to find which is why I believe Republicans lost Congress and then the White House.  When you deviate from what works, our current situation is what you get.

Now the second point raised.  Illinois has always been a Blue State.  Critics in both parties would like you to believe this "nugget of truth".  Unfortunately for the critics, history doesn't hold with their assertions.  I urge anyone to talk to Dr. Charles Titus at Eastern Illinois University for further clarification on Illinois Political History, but as Dr. Titus says, "In general, as Washington DC goes, so does Illinois".  The idea that Illinois is so entrenched as a Democrat state is false.  I will concede that Illinois seems to elect more Democrats to the US Senate, but the Governor's mansion has been a mixed affair.  Is this because of the quality of candidates or because of ideological differences within the state?  I'll leave that for you to decide.  What I do know is that the Governor's mansion is up for grabs by any major party in each election for Governor. 

Finally, conservatives can't win statewide office.  I would humbly point to the newest Rasmussen poll that shows Republican Bill Brady (a fiscal and social conservative) leading the liberal Gov. Pat Quinn by a whopping 13 points.  Ouch.  Meanwhile, the two Senate candidates, Mark Kirk (definitely no conservative) and Alexi Giannoulias (card carrying liberal and Obama worshiper), are tied at 40%-40%.  Oh the critics will say neither candidate is all that good, but looking at Brady's current point spread, does it really boil down to quality of candidates or their stands on the issues?  Guess we'll find out in November.

Take a look around the country right now.  The Obama aligned Democrats are beginning to lose ground and "safe" races are becoming toss-ups or legitimate possible pick-ups for Republicans.  In addition, there are more conservative candidates on the ballot this year than I can remember in quite a long time.  For instance, Sen. Bob Bennett got his clock cleaned by a GOP primary challenger in Utah - and the challenger, Mike Lee is a conservative.  Sharon Angle, a conservative, in Nevada is neck and neck with Sen. Harry Reid.  Ken Buck won his party's nomination for Governor in Colorado - and he's a conservative.  Nikki Haley running for Governor of South Carolina is a conservative.  Conservative Marco Rubio running against the ex-RINO, now "independent" Charlie Crist for Senate in Florida.  Conservative Rand Paul running for Senate in Kentucky is also making a charge toward November.  Moving the spectrum to the left, you see other Republicans challenging deep-pocketed, long term incumbents elsewhere.  Carly Fiorina is leading Sen. Boxer in California.  Did you get that?  Read that again.  Boxer is down in the polls in California!  Republican Meg Whitman is in a statistical tie with ex Governor Jerry "Moonbeam" Brown.  Talk about state being Blue as the day is long...

Ok, I'm done gloating.  Back to reality.  Primary victories and polls in mid-August are great news fodder and go great for bragging rights, BUT, it all means nothing if we can't get these candidates elected in November.  The danger is there that the resurgent conservative movement - led by the Tea Parties and 9-12ers - could be set back a generation should our candidates lose.  It is our job to make sure that we get people to the polls in November.  Turnout will be key.  If you can't vote on November 2nd, there are plenty of opportunities to cast a ballot.  And don't forget, if you have moved recently and have not changed your voting registration, you need to immediately.  Both Stef and I are deputy voter registrars, so if you live in Effingham County and need to change your voter registration, don't hesitate to get a hold of us here at downstateiladvocate@yahoo.com.  We are more than willing to come to you or register you at a place of your choosing, but time is running out.  You can contact us at the same email if you need a ride on Election Day, we'll come get you and take you to the polls - no questions asked to who you will vote for, we just want you to vote.