Big shots getting Illini tickets-oh the outrage

When a team is going good everyone wants on the bandwagon.  And that's ok, why gripe about new fans or returning fans or fair weather fans, if it weren't for them there would be no big crowds with died hair to mug for the camera.  But there are some in the University of Illinois system who are mad because politicians have been able to buy tickets to Illini games this year and want to see that bit of favoritism ended...in favor of letting the real fans...have these seats.

I say hooey on this grumbling.  The politicians pay for the tickets which are a part of a number of alloted tickets given every year to the President's office to disburse as they see fit.  The pols pay for them, they aren't free, and so what?  You want the legislators ignoring you?  Riiiight.  The real question I have is why George Ryan Jr, son of former Gov. George Ryan, he of the scandals, was the able to be this year's top ticket getter.  According to the Sun-Times George Jr. was able to use his father's status to get 60 tickets for 15 games.   What status?   His father now has status?  What kind of status?  Criminal status, for one, but does that qualify for Illini tickets?  How weird this state can be.   But as to the other politicians getting tickets?  Hey, its the one real non-partisan point of agreement...Fighting Illini...number one in the nation. 

Here's a rundown of who got tickets and how many:

THE ILLINI'S BIGGEST POLITICAL FANS

These political figures got into U. of I. basketball games with the university's help. The number of tickets they purchased this season at face value follows their names.

Former Gov. Jim Edgar (68)

George H. Ryan Jr., son of the former governor (60)

Rep. Roger Eddy (R-Hutsonville) (39)

Rep. Naomi Jakobsson (R-Urbana) (34)

Sen. Frank Watson (R-Greenville) (33)

Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Collinsville) (18)

Sen. Deanna Demuzio (D-Carlinville) (16)

Rep. Kurt Granberg (D-Centralia) (16)

Rep. Raymond Poe (R-Springfield) (16)

U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello (D-Ill.) (14)

Source: University of Illinois     Uh, looks like someone at the University of Illinois source department made a mistake, according to Stephen, Rep. Naomi Jakobsson is a Democrat, not that there is anything wrong with that, heh.  Just makes it 5-5 in tickets.

Comments

[Stephen]

Rep. Jakobbson is a member of the Democrat party. Nice post otherwise.

[gh]

Rep. Jakobsson would be the correct spelling.