Pay to play

It appears you can take the candidate out of Illinois, but you can't take the Illinois out of the candidate. Or at least his campaign staff. The Hound is referring to Democrat Barack Obama's insistence the media pay to play to cover the candidate's Election Night victory party at Millennium Park in the big city.

The Obama camp is rolling in dough, yet they want to charge news organizations nearly $1,900 to buy space up close and personal. Photographers will be charged $410 for access and a seat in the heated press filing center will cost $935. The Hound would be in the cheap seats, by the way, and that includes power, cable TV, Internet access and, the only thing that really matters --- food.

There is no charge for reporters in a standing room outdoor press area which may have obstructed views. You know, like those posts in the grandstand at Wrigley Field. Did The Hound mention the election night event at a public venue is free and open to the public? Except the public probably doesn't get food.

The media normally pays for telecommunications services, but this is the first time The Hound has heard of charging people to cover a campaign event. Us freeloading media types usually get gratis passes to cover rock bands and sporting events.

But remember, this is Illinois where Chicago Democrats have had that "pay for play" mantra so long it's become inbred. Obama's advisers should rethink this latest ploy. If Joe Biden's right about being tested after taking office --- if the duo is elected --- they might want the media on their side in the first 100 days.

That media post-election honeymoon could be quite short if this is what they're up to. Hopefully, Illinois' pay for play politics won't be exported to Washington...