The Chicago Tribune’s Adam Kovac reports that Gov. George “Safe Highways” Ryan will ask for higher taxes on cigarettes and riverboat gambling on Monday.

I am shocked, shocked that the Gov wants to increase taxes. The GOP seems to think the stench from the governor’s licenses-for-bribes scandal will hurt Jim Ryan’s chances against Blagojevich. Let me tell you what. Raising taxes — actually seeking to raise taxes, will do much more harm.

The idea that Illinois Republicans actually oppose tax increases is a tragic joke. Most people don’t expect much from state government, and they certainly don’t expect that the budget will be so mismanaged shortly following a period of tremendous economic growth and skyrocketing revenues that a tax increase will be required.

Can moderate Democrat Rod Blagojevich capitalize on this budget mess?