What’s He Running For, Anyway?

May 1st, 2008 at 08:22am Aaron Chambers

Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes is a low-key guy in a low-profile position. In his third term as the state’s chief fiscal officer, he has become a reliable counterpoint to Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s fiscal madness. Where Blagojevich and his aides throw dollar signs up on a wall to see what sticks, Hynes sorts through those numbers in an orderly fashion. He speaks rationally about what’s really happening with state finances.

Where Blagojevich lacks credibility on budget matters, Hynes has it.

But where Blagojevich has political gusto, Hynes lacks it. Back when Blagojevich showed his face in public on a regular basis, he could ignite a crowd with his energy, crazy stories and antics. Though Hynes is down to earth and engaging one on one, he can get stiff as plywood in front of a crowd. Like it or not, political persona matters for somebody hoping to advance himself politically. Credibility on budget matters alone likely won’t do it.

So it’s worth noting that Hynes in recent months has worked hard to heighten his name recognition while recasting himself as a leader in touch with populist concerns. Hynes has not formally indicated his interest in another office, perhaps governor or U.S. Senate, but he certainly appears to be positioning himself for one.

In February, Hynes slammed Blagojevich for failing to capitalize on a growing national economy after taking office in 2003.

Hynes noted that a growing economy has helped boost state revenues, but added that “while other states took advantage of a period of economic growth to firm up finances, Illinois … still sustains a deficit, ending fiscal year 2007 nearly $3.6 billion in the red based on preliminary unaudited estimates. While this is an improvement from the record $4.166 billion deficit recorded in fiscal year 2003, it provides Illinois the dubious opportunity to retain its status as having the worst deficit in the nation for the fourth year in a row.”

Then in mid-April, Hynes turned up the rhetoric. He traveled to Southern Illinois University and delivered a speech that read like an indictment of Blagojevich’s fiscal practices. He cast Blagojevich as an absentee governor:

You see, to be committed, you first have to – for lack of a better term – show up. Be engaged. And that starts at the top. A few years ago, the Governor complained that the General Assembly was spending like a bunch of drunken sailors. But I think the real problem is a captain hiding in his quarters.

The full text of his speech is here and here. Click here to watch video.

Then on Tuesday, Hynes went to Rockford to rally 4-H Club members distraught over Blagojevich’s refusal to release dollars for the program. (On Thursday, the administration reportedly was preparing to release the dollars.)

Hynes reiterated criticisms of Blagojevich’s decision to revoke the $18 million in budget allocations, saying the 4-H Club participation in the county fair is not the only thing in jeopardy. Extension officials echoed his sentiment and told him the Winnebago County Extension office stands to lose about $125,000 in state funds, half of its budget. The other half is raised through fundraising efforts. That could mean staffing cuts or the elimination of some popular programs the office sponsors, such as master gardeners and youth programs.

Hynes’ visit followed Chuck Sweeny’s coverage of the 4-H funding cuts. Sweeny previewed his appearance in another column on Tuesday.

Entry Filed under: DanHynes, Rod Blagojevich