As JBT's campaign manager ...

Admittedly, I know nothing about managing a political campaign.

But I believe the simple things (things that even a guy like me can figure out) will be important and will make a difference in the March primary and the November general election.

We were promised by candidate Blagojevich that following the corruption of the Ryan administration there would be 'no more business as usual.' That's a promise that has not been kept. I think Topinka has to hammer at that beginning today.

I also believe there are some big endorsements up for grabs that could bolster Topinka's chances. One of those is AFSCME, so I think courting that union would be a plus. Ask any correctional officer if they remember candidate Blagojevich standing at Vienna Correctional Center and uttering those famous words, 'I will never balance the budget on the backs of working class people.' Then one of the first things that Gov. Blagojevich did was threaten to shut down Vandalia Correctional Center to help balance the budget.

AFSCME has not forgotten that and neither should Topinka.

I recently posed a question to listeners on my radio show asking somebody to call in and defend the governor and tell me why he should be re-elected. I had eight calls in quick succession and seven of the calls came from people who had voted for Blago last election but will not vote for him this time. One guy who owns a small trucking company stood out. He said he has three trucks and the fee increases implemented under Blagojevich costs him $18,000 ($6,000 per truck) per year.

Those type of stories should be told and re-told by Topinka.

In 2004 the Illinois General Assembly, with a Democrat-controlled Senate and House and a Democrat governor, had a 54-day overtime session. The inability to get along with his own party doesn't spell leadership or the ability to govern in many people's minds. I think people are tired of politics as usual and the public be damned and would like to see a governor unify and work with a bi-partisan approach.

Also, while it might seem trivial to some, Topinka could enamor herself with many people (including me) by simply being on time -- or even being close to being on time. The last two events I covered involving Blagojevich he was 90-plus minutes late both times. I understand that it is hard to stay on schedule when traveling statewide, but three years of being woefully tardy shows a lack of respect.

Finally, when Topinka visits Southern Illinois I would encourage her to NOT wear blue jeans. The first two years that Gov. Blagojevich traveled to Southern Illinois he felt compelled to wear blue jeans and a western-looking shirt, I suppose to fit in with the rednecks and hicks in 'these here parts.'

I think it will also be important for Topinka to understand a few facts that Blagojevich's people didn't figure out until year three of his four-year term. It would be to JBT's benefit to know that most of us here in Southern Illinois have at least a couple pair of non-blue jean-type pants, some of us wear shoes (although I'm bare-foot as I write this) and most houses have running water and indoor bathroom facilities.

Let the insanity and the mud-slinging begin.