Not influenza, the political season. Of course in Illinois, it never really stops. Bill Clinton s recent visit to Quincy accentuates that point. The prez was in Illinois to discuss the state of the nation, but the trip clearly had Goreish overtones. It is not our imagination.
Some states are really more intense and significant politically than are others.
Like Iowa, New Hampshire and California, to name a few others. In Illinois we have always produced great statesmen as well as a smattering of outlandish characters. Mention money and shoe boxes in the same breath when it is related to politics and folks instinctively know to whom you refer. Since the days of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates the nation closely observes our tall narrow state for political trends. Because of this frenzied politicizing, distortions of history occasionally emerge.