The Answer Man is back this week with some responses to those nagging questions about Illinois politics and government.

Let's get right to it:

Question: Rank-and-file lawmakers say they hope to put the disastrous 2007 legislative session behind them and hammer out a statewide construction program in the coming months. What are the chances?

Answer: About as good as Fred Thompson becoming the next president.

Q: Gov. Rod Blagojevich is traveling around the state to promote his idea that all senior citizens should ride buses for free. Why did he make such a big deal out of it?

A: Not to answer a question with a question, but did you think he would go around the state promoting the fact he broke his pledge to not raise taxes?

Q: The governor's office has created a website www.illinois.gov/transit where people can learn more about the senior bus freebie. The site says, "Now, all seniors can ride mass transit for free in Illinois." Is this true?

A: No. Only seniors who live in mass transit districts in larger communities qualify. Rural oldsters can't automatically get a free ride if they go to a bigger city.

Q: People always complain about the goofy things Blagojevich says and does. Is he the only one who acts this way?

A: Absolutely. Most lawmakers are very reasonable. For example, state Rep. Kenneth Dunkin, D-Chicago, recently introduced legislation that would ban a pedestrian from using a cell phone while crossing the street.

Q: Since Blagojevich previously served in the Illinois House and in Congress, wouldn't it make sense that he'd know how to deal with the General Assembly?

A: You'd think. But, in a stop last week in Decatur, he made it clear that he'd prefer not having to deal with those pesky lawmakers. Here's what he said: "I must confess, I kind of wish I could do just about everything by myself, because I feel Illinois would be a heck of a lot better."

Q: It's been a year since Blagojevich started his second term. The state's backlog of bills is huge. He's been unable to work with the General Assembly. He's got legal problems. What would it have been like if Republican Judy Baar Topinka won in 2006?

A: The former state treasurer, who ran partly on a platform of fiscal responsibility, released her campaign finance report last week. It showed her campaign fund had paid $313 in late fees to the bank between July and December.

Q: What's in store for the upcoming legislative session?

A: The governor will talk about wanting to approve a statewide construction program, but his real goal will be to expand health care.

Q: Last year, Blagojevich proposed a plan to raise taxes on businesses. What will he come up with this time to raise money?

A: One plan being quietly discussed would have privatized the University of Illinois. The money saved would be used to pay for an expansion of health care.

Q: Did I read that right? The state would sell the U of I?

A: That was the idea. However, Blagojevich spokesman David Rudduck said last week that selling or privatizing the state's flagship university "is not something we're considering."

Q: 2007 was a contentious year that saw lawmakers repeatedly being called back to Springfield. It must have been rough on them to have to be away from home so much.

A: A check of campaign finance records for the second half of last year shows Illinois politicians spent $1.3 million golf outings. That's about par for the course.

Q: National Democrats say they will help bankroll Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson's bid to replace retiring Republican U.S. Rep. Jerry Weller. Shouldn't the Republican candidates just give up now?

A: Two words: Tammy Duckworth.

Q: Will Barack Obama be the next president?

A: Let's just say his chances are better than Fred Thompson's.