Viewer’s comments on Dan’s appearance on Dick Kay’s show ‘City Desk’

Rick...You were great this morning on Dick Kay's City Desk. You were poised, well prepared, and articulated the facts presented pertaining to issues surrounding the Secretary of State's office as well as the state wide financial issues addressed and discussed. I totally agree with you regarding running the Secretary of State office like a CUSTOMER SERVICE orientated business.

Carolyn...Great job!  I thought you looked very good and well prepared.  I hope your people plan to get you on more TV news shows in Chicago.  The public needs to see you, not just hear you.

One suggestion, be careful criticizing Jesse.  He is well liked by many people in the state.  The public needs to know the mistakes he and his administration have made, and you do need to point them out and make people aware of them.  But emphasize the changes you will make and the programs you intend to initiate.  You have some great ideas and I think the people want to hear them.  Keep pointing out that you have served the state as a representative and senator.  You have that over Jesse.  I don't believe he ever had a government position until this one.  Your business experience working with a service organization is a good point to keep putting out there.  Another point is age.  You have youth, energy and ambition over Jesse.  The reason I say not to be too critical of Jesse is because I know people did not like the mudslinging Oberweis did during the primary.  That's a turn off for many.  You haven't done that, but just tread carefully in that area.

Susan...You have wonderful presence and style - you have enough personality to
host your own show.... however the arguments were not that strong (in
the scheme of things) and you are against a popular person - - - - -
good luck -
It was a pleasure to put a face to the name.....

Randy... I watched the show this morning. I thought you did a great job. It sounded like Dick Kay was stumping for Jesse White. I think most voters would agree with your assessment of the Secretary of State's office. I would say that the last time I was there it was better, but I think it had more to do with the time of day than the efficiency of the staff.

I liked your idea about internet use in the office. More people are getting connected and expect to use the internet for as many activities as possible. Scheduling test times would be amazing. There is no reason why forms could not be printed (or not printed) and processed from my home. I will say that I refuse to process payment by credit card or on-line and pay extra fees. Whose time am I saving, mine or the agencies. I think electronic filing should be encouraged and not charged more. Electronic filing should be easier for both sides since many of these records have to be keyed in later or scanned (I think).

I thought Dick Kay tried to hang you with George Ryan's indiscretions (which is unfair). I do wonder how oftern legislators look the other way on fellow party member's indiscretions. I think the four tops in many ways bread a culture of corruption that has become acceptable. It is going to take a long time to overturn that opinion (I think). I think an interesting way to answer Dick Kay when he hits you with that commentary is not to attack Blago as much as to say don't paint all Republicans with the Ryan paint brush. Corruption has been a calling card of leaders of both parties for a long time. It would not be fair to damn all Democrats for the bad decisions of Blago and Daley.

What I liked the most is that you did not come off as "whiney" when he didn't agree with you or challenged you. That came off great and made Dick Kay's commentary less impactful. Good luck in the next step in your campaign.

Rick...I taped your interview with Dick Kay while I was at church and watched it
after I got home from a family dinner.  You did well with a clearly biased
"journalist."  It will be interesting to see if Mr. Kay interrupts Mr. White
as much as he did you.  It will be interesting to see if Mr. Kay tries to
divert Mr.White as he tried to do (fairly unsuccessfully) with you.
First you handled the abortion issue perfectly.  That question has no place
in the Secretary of State race.  That question has no place in the Treasurer
race.  That question has no place in the Comptroller race.  The same applies
to issues like gun control, etc.  PASS IT ON!!!!
I liked the way you handled the Cecil Turner issue.  You respected Mr.
White's compassion, but emphasized the six years it took him to discover his
faith was misplaced and only after federal intervention.  Use that again.
Sitting on cold chairs with a "bakery" number is an improvement Mr. White
implemented.  The method used "going way back" to other Secretaries of State
was a "Great America" line system, which beside being aggravating was
humiliating.  The Internet idea is a good one, but I question the state's
ability to fund it even if it has minimal costs.
The comments about license sticker renewal mailings was not your strongest.
I liked how you pointed out that while renewal is a personal responsibility,
we have become depended on the government to remind us with a mailing.  (If
this insignificant dependence was the peoples' only one, our state would not
be in so much trouble.)  I did not like the comments about the IRS, credit
cards companies and Lands End catalog mailings.  It seemed flip and is,
based on my personal experience, inaccurate.  For the second year in a row,
I had to download my 1040 forms from the IRS web page because I didn't
receive any forms in the mail.
Mr. Kay did manage to divert you from the Secretary of State race by talking
about the state's deficit.  For the record the state's governmental funds
accumulated deficit at June 30, 2003 (the one Mr. Blagojevich inherited
after only 4.5 months in office) was $40 billion including "off balance
sheet" pension obligations of $27 billion.  I will separately send you a
link to a non-partisan web page which can help you with that issue while you
are still a state senator.
But, you did get back on track, despite Mr. Kay's diversionary tactics, to
discuss the sweep of scholarship "private donations" from the college
license plate funds.  And you properly pointed out Mr. Whites quiet
acquiescence.  The amount swept was only $84,000, but keep on using this,
especially the part about Mr. White's silence on the misdirection of
"private donations."
Over all you did well.  Stick to the issues of the particular race.  Tell
other Republicans to do the same.  Don't that the media distract you.

Ryan...Michelle and I made a point to watch the interview.  We think it went great.

We like the focus on how the office could be run better.  Definitely sounded like you had some clear plans of how to do that.  Dick Kay seemed to like you, even with his tough questions.

You did well.

Sandee...I did have an opportunity to watch you on City Desk with Dick Kay. 

You came across as friendly, down to earth and very knowledgeable on the office you are seeking and the issues that face the voters of Illinois. Not like some office seekers.... Either uncomfortable in a Q and A or sometimes combative. Everyone knows Dick Kay is a hard interviewer. 

I especially liked when Dick Kay would ask a question that the average viewer might not be aware of .... You first explained to the viewers what the issue was about, why it was important to them and what you would or had done about it. Even when he followed up with but what about this .......you knew the ins and outs of both sides of the issues. It appeared Dick ran out of Q & A on the office you are seeking and had to go to other issues. At the end of the interview, he just seemed to run out of steam with his questions while you appeared ready to answer more.

Paul...I did, indeed, watch the segment which aired at 9:41 a.m. today. Well done. Very well done. Anyone who can hold their own with a liberal political toady like Dick Kay deserves my vote.

If you don't mind, I would like to provide requested feedback in bullet point format.

I wish you success. To have an honest Secretary of State would be refreshing (instead of an Oxymoron).

Charlie...I watched the show.  You did very well.  I will not miss Dick Kay much
when he retires soon, far to left leaning for me.  I remember him doing
everything but put on a cheer leaders costume for discussing Gore's
results.  You handled yourself well.  Go forth and win. 

Mark...Fantastic job on Dick Kay's Chicago City Desk.  You really seized the opportunity to link Jesse White's name with the dissatisfaction experienced at the Driver Services facilities.  In addition, I am glad to see the ongoing awareness of the problems with license sticker renewals. 

Dale...That was a great interview with Dick Kay.  You hit the nail on the head
several times.  You have my support.

David...Oh, by the way I happened to catch you on the morning news a few weeks ago on city desk with Dick Kay (I can't stand that guy by the way). I couldn't believe how you took off the gloves and came out swinging right away against Jesse white. Also liked the how you shut up Dick when he was asking you what you stance on abortion was? Like that has anything to do with being secretary of the state. I am also glad your running for secretary of the state, as that will give you statewide name recognition for possibly (or hopefully) a run for governor in 4 years.

ED…I think the program will help you a great deal because you did not hammer the Secretary personally but what can be done and that you can do it. You seemed a little nervous and I can understand that---I probably would not be able to talk at all on TV. Keep up the good work.

Guy…I could not catch the show on Sunday; however, with modern technology, I was able to TIVO it and watch it with Marissa (I'm already trying to get her interested in public service) while feeding her early this morning.

You were superb.  It's obvious Dick Kay has a biased platform, but at least you were given the opportunity to speak, and you have a great skill and presenting an answer in a positive way, supporting your platform. 

Watching you solidified my support, and let me extend my services, however they can be used, to help you win this November.  I would be honored to help you in any way I could, and I wish you all the luck in the world.

Randy…Keep up the hard work, we need you!

Ray… I saw your program on Sunday morning and you made sense, as well as took every advantage with the minimal time element.  We were at a friend's house
Saturday night and told them that they needed to watch-he is a confirmed democrat-what a surprise, he is actually voting for you after seeing the program.  Very convincing in a very short time period.

Jerry… The interview on NBC was very good. You presented yourself very well. Good command of the facts. No negative comments or "dirty politics". Hopefully enough voters are dissatisfied with the present governor and will vote for the republican slate. Thanks.

Tom…I saw you on the Dick Kay show last weekend and thought you did a great job.  Very articulate, held to the issues and generally presented a very professional and qualified picture.  Let me know how I can help.

Brian…I saw your interview with Dick Kay on NBC the other day and you came off
well.  I think you might want to look more firm and serious in your facial expressions.  You smile a lot and that good but tone it down some.  I am a hardcore Democrat and you’re doing a good job winning me over; keep up the good work!

Joanie…Your enthusiasm is magnificent! Only one suggestion, next interview, gives the interviewer a chance to get the question out before you agree or
disagree - try not to talk 'over' the guy. You brought out some good points,
especially Jesse being a nice guy, but not doing an adequate job.  Go Dan!

Art…Seeing you for the very first time, my first impression were....extremely honest man. after Dick Kay kicked the intro around you came on with a nice smile and rolled with it perfectly.  In the short period of time you had where everything is run by the clock on the wall you got across some very important points starting with your background in the service field.  I certainly would keep that point uppermost, because, even though you've been a fine state senator, you really are not a politician...you are an elected servant of the people......service to the public is the most important part of the secretary of states office and your democratic friend in the photo on the wall in your office is not serving the public properly.  I am so glad, though it didn't seem to faze Kay, you covered very well the 200, 000 plus Illinois citizens who failed to receive license renewal applications, many of whom, myself in Burbank, and my son, Jeffrey, in the loop, were ticketed, and had to pay additional fines to those communities.....in the classrooms at the two colleges at which I taught road casting for over twenty years, I drew up a special grading paper I would use for each student every class. I have one in front of me now, and I will use a few of the categories in this critique you requested.  Appearance....excellent, well groomed.....voice.....excellent....... speaking ability....excellent.....voice nicely modulated.....pronunciation......flawless.. mic technique.......excellent....if on camera.....does not seem least bit aware he is o/c.....perfectly natural....  grade  A+

Richard…I watched the show and thought you handled yourself very well, with strong points presented vis-à-vis Jesse. Dick Kay is not my favorite political reporter, but at least you got some good air time.

Lorraine and Dan…Liked the idea of appointments at the DMV, also accurate/timely renewal mailings.

Terry…It seemed to me that Dan Kay was acting like an idiot.  You stayed poised while Kay was trying to keep up with you while sounding Condescending.  He was trying to upstage you as far as his "name dropping" abilities.  I don't like that man. You did fine.

Donald…I ended up having to go somewhere, but luckily had an old video tape that I could record over.  Thus, was able to record and watch it later.  I'm getting really tired of Dick Kay, but he is what we are all faced with and one of the many who the politicians have to deal with.  Trying to be unbiased, I believe you did a good (great) job on the interview.  It showed a few good points.  1) you did not get rattled, 2) you KNEW your material, 3) there were no facts that were either disputed or contradicted what you had to say, 4) there was graciousness on your part....i.e., no mud slinging, acknowledgement for your opponent, 5) a good business case for what you are doing, and 6) seemingly undisputed private qualifications...though that needs to come through more during your campaigning.
Jesse has quite a following...and -many- Republicans I know think well of him.  It isn't the same as going against most other democrats.  I'm familiar with ServiceMaster as I once worked "briefly" for a division and my parents had known the owner of it (back in early 70's).  I even talked with him over the phone one evening and was offered a job by him, but turned it down (perhaps a mistake on my part...<grin>).  As far as I know, a VERY REPUTABLE company.....and with a presence that -should- help you.  I think you did well..........and certainly hope you do as well in other interviews...and you need MORE of them and with stronger people than a Dick Kay....though you can't dismiss him.

Jim…I watched Sunday am as you asked. I did not get to see all of it, due to I was on the phone with Anthony from Iraq. But what I did see was really good. Every time Dick would ask you something you NEVER hesitated, you looked right at him and answered the question. I do like some of your ideas and I still need some signs for the front yard (hint, hint) again...good interview Sunday.

Eileen…I had to sit through the insufferable "news readers", but it was so worth it! 

Great job, Dan, you were extremely knowledgeable and poised. 

Shirley…Watched with great interest!  You did a great job!  You  answered every question with skill and right to  the point.  Keep up the good work.  Let me know if I
can be of any help.

Mark…Great job on City Desk this morning. I was impressed you held your ground on very important issues with the Secretary of State office.  Dick Kay seemed like a bit of a Jesse White fan but I you handled his "questions" extremely well.  Continue the March.

Karin…are you ready for the flood of emails?  You were WONDERFUL ... you got your points across, handled the "devil's advocate" questions with grace, and your line about Lands End had me laughing out loud.  You came across as sharp, extremely customer oriented, and very charming.  I'm so proud of you!!!

Brian…Watched the show.  First - you looked good.  At first you tried to get the whole message out in thirty seconds - a bit too fast - but it got out.  After the break you seemed much more in charge and in control. You got the plug in on the website and I cheered when you mentioned ISU. You turned the license plate issue around effectively as it relates to the budget.  You showed a knowledge of the downstate facilities which is to be expected bit to the viewer effective.  Dick Kay is a tough interview. You did well. You co-oped him a couple times to show relationships - that was good. He couldn't  charge too hard at you.  He also couldn't keep you on the General Assembly distractions. Good job on your part to being it back to the office you seek.  My thoughts are also based on how White will react. He will use statistics which you can turn around to your advantage as the Illinois people are generally not pleased with the service they get.  I like the customer service angle.  People don't go to the government because they want to - they go because they have to. I have used that in my own speeches. Go ahead and use it. If people have to go to government they should get good service and value for the taxpayers dollars.  As the campaign expands - customer service angle may not be enough. I haven't gotten any of your mailers to see the whole message.  Finally - your smile is great. Use it more - but not to the extent as Lolita did. The road is uphill - no question about it. You however a bright star.  They will have a hard time attaching you and defending their record at the same time. Some things you talk about - like the post office are not defensible. You are the hardest working guy down there. You will without doubt out work them.  I remain a "Dan Fan". 

James…I watched your interview and enjoyed your presentation.  I thought you appeared relaxed, approachable, and informed.  Your issues were good ones.  I feel you will present a good alternative to Jessie White.  One constructive criticism I would like to make.  When you were discussing the renewal of license plates issue you were commenting on how you realize when your plate's renewal sticker is expired.  In one of your statements you said "..... until the "coppers" stop you".  Although I personally take no offense to this "nick name" because I know the origin of the term (Constable On Patrol or "COP", an early British term from the days of Robert Peele) some may interpret it as a "slang" that diminishes the "professionalism" of the position.  Other than this observation, I felt you made a fine presentation.  Good luck in your endeavor.

Henry…I listened to the discussion and thought you did a very fine job and had
a lot of facts on hand, not only as they pertained to the Secy. of State but also on the Blago. administration. I have respect for Jesse White personally but I think his patronage army is devoted to retaining patronage rather than serving the public.  You mentioned late notices of plate renewals....Add to that the fact that for the last 2 years the envelopes that you mail your check back in come apart because the company that makes the envelope has not applied adhesive past the tear off side strips and it is necessary to use Scotch Tape to hold the sides of the envelope together.......I can't believe I am the only one to have this problem. I have not complained to the Secy, but you would think if the envelopes are coming in with Scotch Tape that someone would have a clue  that something is wrong and remedy the situation.

Nelson…I thought that the piece with Dick Kay was interesting. You answered more questions directly than I have ever seen Jesse White answer.  That is the kind of approach I would like to have define you as a candidate.  When asked a question, answer it completely and honestly or say you don't know but will get back to them; then actually get back to the interrogator.  My feeling is that government has gotten far too involved in the lives of citizens of the State of Illinois.  As usually occurs when that happens, the people become negatively impacted and the involvement becomes too expensive.

Bruce….I did watch the program (my first time) and you came off very well. I
think that you have a large challenge because Jesse White is very popular and well known in the Chicago area because of his work with the tumblers. He is somewhat of a hero with the African Americans and he has a high profile and is well liked and admired by the white folk for that program .(but I am sure that you know all of that.) You also know that the last 7 months of the BIG TRIAL is not a help. Even though I basically vote Democratic, I often split my vote and I will certainly place my X or touch the right icon that will vote for YOU when I exercise my right to vote in November. Best of Luck.

George…GREAT interview!  You continue to shed light on what needs to be done RIGHT as the Secretary of State!  We are behind you!

Jer and Mar…Besides the fact that you look a lot older than when we were at ISU, I love your idea of making appointments at the driver's facilities. Good Luck with the election.

Jason… I did have an opportunity to watch the news Sunday. I think overall you did a great job. Dick seemed to take the oppositions side just enough to give you an opening to hit the key points. Mr. Kay made no arguments nor asked any questions you couldn't quickly overcome. You came off confident and capable. I really like the customer service message. I think that will connect with people. The SOS is the universal standard for poor service. The interview did seem a little rushed, more time would have been better. Keep it up!

Anthony…I watch you on City Desk this a.m, I was very impressed.  You are running a very professional campaign.