This time next year I expect to be giggling like a fat kid in a candy store while following the campaigns of state and local officials. One year away from the general election and state wide candidates are starting to come to life in preparation for next spring’s primaries. These are pivotal times in Illinois as we face an eleven billion dollar budget deficit and an unemployment rate of 9.9%. Officials will have to find new ways to reduce spending, increase revenue, stimulate job growth and overcome the perception of institutional corruption in Illinois. Now more than ever your vote will count heavily but who do you vote for?

At the Governor’s level Pat Quinn (D) faces challenges from within the Democratic party and a crowded Republican field. Everyone from Dan Hynes (D) to Andy McKenna (R) to Jim Ryan (R) and others have lined up for the keys to the Governor’s mansion but who has the vision to move the state forward in these tough times?

The race for wingman Lieutenant Governor is a tossup if you ask me. Mainstream media types may recognize the names tossed into this ring but the only one I recognize is the unlikely candidate Rickey Hendon (D). No disrespect to state power brokers like Terry Link (D), Art Turner (D) and Mat Murphy (R) who are also running for the Lt. Governor spot. It’s just that as a Chicagoan I haven’t heard much about anyone other than the flashy outspoken State Senator from the 5th (Hendon).

The Attorney General race should be fun. I can see Lisa Madigan yelling debating the pants off of all comers. Judy Baar Topinka looks to make a return to state wide office as State Comptroller but the real fireworks will come in the race to fill Roland Burris’ Senate seat. Alexi Giannoulias (D) and Mark Kirk (R) lead a rag tag field of candidates ready to duke it out of for the jr. Senator’s Seat.

With Mark Kirk (R) running for Senator his seat in the Illinois 10th Congressional district is up for grabs. I’m hoping for a real war of the roses in this race. This is the same district that launched Lisa Stone into the papers last week so when I should be hoping for leadership for the people of the 10th I am really looking forward to something like the Wacky Races. Let it fly suburbanites, I’ll bring the popcorn.

If I were a better man I would be running in the 7th Congressional District to replace Danny Davis (D). I was a long time resident of that district and it faces real challenges going forward. Challenges I am familiar with and have a clear vision of resolving. Unfortunately my pedigree would leave me torn to shreds, my pockets are way too shallow and my rolodex too lightweight so I’m just blogging about the race instead of running in it. As Davis comes home from Washington D.C. to challenge for Cook County Board President LaShawn Ford (D), Darlena Burnett (D) and Jim Ascot (D) among others have stepped up to replace Rep. Davis. I wish them all well on behalf of the district they may come to represent.

Matter of fact let me take the time to wish everyone running for office in Illinois good luck. The people of this great state work hard to make a living and deserve representation that protects their livelihoods and liberties. Follow BraxtonMedia for coverage of next year’s primaries and general election. I love politics and I am looking forward to a great political season.