BERKOWITZ: CEGELIS ANSWERS THE TOUGH QUESTIONS

Jeff Berkowitz, host and producer of "Public Affairs", looks back at an interview with Peter Roskam and looks forward to another interview with Christine Cegelis:

State Senator Peter Roskam [R-Wheaton], when he last appeared on “Public Affairs,” in December, 2004 speculated that former State Senator Pat O’Malley was more likely than not to get into the 2006 gubernatorial race [ See here ] and that two conservatives running against each other, as well as against State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka in the Republican Primary, could completely destroy things, from his point of view. ***

However, we haven’t been able to get Senator Roskam back on our show, although we have been trying for the last half year or so, ever since it became clear he would run in the 6th Cong. Dist. to replace Congressman Henry Hyde, who is not seeking re-election after thirty two years in the House of Representatives. We are told by his campaign manager, Ryan McLaughlin, that Ryan is studying transcripts of “Public Affairs,” so Ryan can decide whether he should recommend to Senator Roskam that he tape my show, notwithstanding that Peter Roskam appeared on our show several times before Ryan came on the scene. We hope we pass Ryan’s test.

Meanwhile, we don’t know if State Senator Peter Roskam has changed his mind on his assessment of the Republican Gubernatorial Primary, or more importantly, what his views are on the domestic and foreign policy issues of the day, and what his ability is to answer tough questions on same.

On the other hand, Christine Cegelis [ See here ], who is favored to win a now two candidate Democratic Primary in the 6th CD and be Roskam’s opponent in the general election, will be taping our show for a third time in the last year. While we have not endorsed candidates in the past, we have endorsed the notion that all candidates for office and incumbents should do what Christine Cegelis has done and is doing, i.e., come on “Public Affairs,” and answer tough questions about the issues in the race. The voters deserve no less.

If you, my gentle readers and viewers, have any questions or topics you would like to see discussed when we tape our show with 6th Cong. District candidate Christine Cegelis this coming Sunday afternoon, please send me an email with same. If I use the question, I will only identify you by name if you indicate I should do so. If you like, please also indicate your village of residence.

So send your questions regarding the 6th District race to JBCG@aol.com. I am sure that Jeff and Christine will both appreciate them.