Political blogs have been getting a bad rap in newspapers for years, but they're rapidly coming of age, and they're already making an impact in campaigns throughout Illinois this year.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich A new statewide poll shows that, given the opportunity, a majority of Illinoisans would vote to recall Governor Rod Blagojevich. But don't get your hopes up.

House Speaker Michael Madigan In the hyper-over-reactive world that is the Illinois Statehouse, every move made by every major player is analyzed to death to see who is zooming whom. House Speaker Michael Madigan's Illinois Gaming Board reform plan is a case in point.

Davenport City HallIn preparation for the November 6 Davenport municipal election, the River Cities' Reader sent a survey to all 22 candidates for office. Twelve candidates answered the survey.

Those of us who toil at the Illinois Statehouse often feel alone and isolated.

Dan HynesIllinois Comptroller Dan Hynes is not generally known for his sense of humor.

Privately, in one-on-one situations, Hynes can be engaging, and even funny. Put him in front of a microphone, however, and he's usually stiff as a board.

So, it was a great surprise last week when Comptroller Hynes regaled a Springfield audience with a "fable" that had attendees laughing with glee.

There is no shortage of goofiness at the Illinois Statehouse these days. Some players are goofier than others, but Governor Rod Blagojevich usually gets most of the coverage.

In a move that has probably fatally poisoned an already toxic Illinois Statehouse atmosphere, the wife of House Speaker Michael Madigan's chief of staff was fired from her state job.

Governor Rob Blagojevich The newspaper headlines were just what Governor Rod Blagojevich wanted last week.

"Illinois to offer free cancer tests for women."

"More women get free cancer screenings; uninsured now have access to program."

"Governor expands cancer screenings."

And the story leads were pretty good, as well.

Even when a judge asks Governor Rod Blagojevich to sit down and negotiate in good faith, he can't bring himself to do it.

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