A new Tribune/WGN-TV poll released over the weekend contained some dispiriting news for Illinois Democrats. More than six in 10 statewide respondents said they lacked confidence in state government, which has been controlled by the party for almost a decade. While Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) is confident that the Dems won't lose its majority in the upper chamber, the "anti-politician" mood swinging through the Land of Lincoln could spell trouble for a number of members in tight re-election campaigns.

More importantly, voter anger is bad for progressives who are trying to implement sound policies in Springfield. The Democrats' stewardship of the state budget, along with the Republicans' political obstruction, undermines the legitimacy of the solutions that need to be passed to fill the gap. It's tough to ask for a tax increase, even if it makes sense on the merits, when people think their hard-earned money is going to waste. "No one is willing to put their job on the line to address problems," respondent Sue Larkin told the Tribune. She's got a point. And until enough members take that risk, we can expect public frustration with Springfield to remain high.