And the media’s adoration of them. From Carol Marin’s column yesterday:

In the March primary, of the four Republicans running, Topinka was the only one who risked everything in making the race. Millionaire businessman Ron Gidwitz had an investment firm to return to, dairy magnate Jim Oberweis had an ice cream empire, and state Sen. Bill Brady, a managing real estate broker, had more years left in his legislative term. Topinka, a public servant for 26 years, was the only one of them who had no independent wealth or other full-time career.

The notion that it’s admirable that Topinka “risked everything” to run for Governor just shows how out of touch Marin and the Chicago press are with the people of Illinois. All of Topinka’s faults were because of her having too much on the line. Bold leadership very rarely comes from the inside, because those on the inside have everything to lose. The outsider risks a little cash, but ultimately has a life to fall back on, making him (or her) much less inclined to sell principles for patrons.

Marin’s column is actually about the role of women in politics. (hat tip Archpundit)