Illinois politicians have vexed me to the point of speaking out.

What Illinois politicians, you may ask? Not Barack Obama, right?

No, he is exempt from being scolded right now and can continue being a role model, archetypal U.S. senator and an exemplary rockstar until further notice. You guys should know where this is going.

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Hello, Mr. Blagojevich. Good day, Ms. Topinka.

Ladies, gentleman and fellow Salukis, let me be the first to introduce you to the candidates of the 2006 Illinois mudslinging race. In the blue corner we have the incumbent – Illinois governor and Democrat Rod Blagojevich. In the red corner, his opponent, current Illinois state treasurer Judy Baar Topinka.

Both Blagojevich and Topinka have become quite adept at mudslinging. For example, they both have dark, equally disrespectful commercial ads attacking one another. These commercials have all the makings of a hip-hop dis record; only the disrespect shown in these spots involves well-financed, high-powered political figures.

In this example, Blagojevich could be the legendary Bronx MC KRS-One, and Topinka, groundbreaking female rapper Roxanne Shante. These mudslinging commercials play out just like hip-hop battles – aimed to injure, seemingly hilarious, and at times, downright filthy.

Blagojevich has one gritty commercial where he criticizes his opponent, turning Topinka’s words against her and finishing her off with the commercial’s closing line – “Judy Baar Topinka – What’s she thinking?” There is also a commercial on Topinka’s campaign Web site where a reporter is questioning the governor’s spending practices. The ad ends with a deep stern voice asking, “Had enough?”

Well, yes I have.

Can someone please tell me where is the integrity in politics and in today’s society as a whole? Mudslinging is highly disgusting and takes a lot of negative energy to create. Winners win and losers lose. As a winner, if you work hard enough, no matter what the next man is doing, you will come out of the battle unscathed and on top. A good majority of our politicians are losers.

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How about they use the same efforts employed in mudslinging to create positive change, which is needed for an improved legislature. My point in the matter is mudslinging tactics on both fronts need to stop. There isn’t a real winner if all the political hands are submerged in sewage. A famous rapper named Jay-Z once said in a rhyme, “A wise man told me don’t argue with fools because in the midst of arguing you can’t tell who is who.” Blagojevich and Topinka could learn from this logic because right now they both are exhibiting tomfoolery.

All it takes to end the mudslinging wars is good character. Good character can create a clean race. Some politicians have it, and some don’t. Take Alan Keyes, for example. Keyes was the Republican candidate/ hired-mudslinger for the U.S. Senate seat two years ago. He attempted to sling mud on Barack Obama, saying even Jesus wouldn’t vote for him. Barack Obama could have slung the sludge back but chose to exercise humility.

That proved to be a good move, seeing the final tally for the 2004 U.S Senate race ended in a 70 percent to 27 percent scraping of Keyes. For those who aspire to be a famous politician, remember my words, and if you ever decide to be a mudslinger, just know that when you throw dirt, it can get in your eyes as well.

Yanney is a senior studying journalism.