LIVE session coverage...
SUBSCRIBE to Capitol Fax      Advertise Here      Mobile Version     Exclusive Subscriber Content     Updated Posts    Contact
CapitolFax.com
To subscribe to Capitol Fax, click here. Subscriptions are $350 per year.
Blagojevich: “No” on con-con *** UPDATED x1 ***

Friday, Oct 31, 2008

* Thanks, governor!!! And I truly mean that….

Gov. Rod Blagojevich said [yesterday] that he doesn’t support a convention to rewrite the state’s 1970 constitution because he fears attempts to strip some of his executive powers. […]

“Thank God that the constitution gives the executive branch a lot of power to get around the legislative branch,” Blagojevich said, adding that without his ability to issue executive orders or use his amendatory veto power there would be no free mass transit rides for seniors or free breast and cervical cancer exams for women.

“If the constitutional convention were to occur and there was an effort to erode the executive branch’s ability to do those things, then I think less good things would happen for people,” Blagojevich said.

The governor just gave us the best reason yet to vote “Yes.” And he tied his horribly damaged reputation to the “No” campaign. What a break. Hopefully, this gets picked up by every major news outlet in Illinois.

If he was standing here right now I’d kiss him.

* Yet another goofy and false anti constitutional convention spam e-mail forwarded to me by one of my newspaper editors…

CON-CON is the Constitutional Convention vote that will take place on the Nov. 4th Ballot. One of the changes that the CON-CON will provide is the taxing of pensions in the State of Illinois.

Every public school teacher/administrator should get the word out to vote NO!!!!! Do not let the State tax our pensions.

Tell all your Illinois friends that on Nov. 4th vote NO to CON-CON.

Jeffry B. Nelson, Ed.D.

Peoria County Assistant Regional Superintendent of Schools

The confidence expressed by opponents that some radical thing WILL ABSOLUTELY HAPPEN if the convention is approved is simply absurd.

I attempted to contact Nelson yesterday without success.

* Meanwhile, Roland Burris has done an anti con-con radio ad. Listen here. It’s got a funky beat, so I wonder if they put this on African-American stations.

* Here’s another anti ad called “Waste.” Also, “Respect.”

* And I can’t help but wonder whether the groups that helped pay for this Jim Edgar TV ad may be doing some harm to incumbent legislators they are otherwise supporting…


Thoughts?

*** UPDATE *** Oops. I forgot to post the “Yes” group’s TV ad…


- Posted by Rich Miller        


17 Comments
  1. - archpundit - Friday, Oct 31, 08 @ 10:37 am:

    Tied it not only to him, but to specific abuses of power–admittedly not the part that will capture the average voter, but a wonderful bit of irony


  2. - Dan S, a Voter and Cubs Fan - Friday, Oct 31, 08 @ 10:40 am:

    Every day we get a new revelation fron Gov. Goofy.


  3. - Levois - Friday, Oct 31, 08 @ 10:42 am:

    Wow, he really thinks his strategy of going around the legislature is really a good thing? He must really not believe in this idea of division of powers. He must think the governorship should be a lord over the legislature.


  4. - Six Degrees of Separation - Friday, Oct 31, 08 @ 10:43 am:

    The gov’s stance is one of the few potential “positives” in the last week for the pro-con’s. I still think it is going to be an uphill battle.


  5. - wordslinger - Friday, Oct 31, 08 @ 10:48 am:

    –“Thank God that the constitution gives the executive branch a lot of power to get around the legislative branch,” Blagojevich said.–

    This guy kills me. King Midas in reverse!

    I saw a pro Con-Con spot on Fox Chicago this morning. The production values were pretty bad, especially the sound. It focused on Blago and recall.

    The three people in the spot — white dude with beard, black woman, white woman — all looked familiar, but I couldn’t put names to them.


  6. - Vote Quimby! - Friday, Oct 31, 08 @ 10:50 am:

    I saw the Edgar ad on St. Louis TV last night, and I thought it sounded like a ‘throw the bums out’ argument. Like Rich posted a while back, this basically insults voters that you are too stupid to elect quality leaders. Thanks a lot, Jim!


  7. - Vote Quimby! - Friday, Oct 31, 08 @ 10:51 am:

    ==white dude with beard, black woman, white woman==
    Rich Miller, Oprah, Cindy Canary?


  8. - The Doc - Friday, Oct 31, 08 @ 10:52 am:

    Priceless. Will history look back on Blagojevich as the governor that helped reform IL?

    I like Fritchey’s blog post on this topic - did Blago come out against a con-con but secretly, deep down wants it? Too funny.


  9. - Don't Worry, Be Happy - Friday, Oct 31, 08 @ 10:54 am:

    “If he was standing here right now I’d kiss him.”

    Well, at least give him a hug.


  10. - culatr - Friday, Oct 31, 08 @ 10:55 am:

    This reminds my of how Dick Durbin was first elected to Congress:long-time Congressman Findley was defeated for his association with the PLO and Yassar Arafat. Tying Rod to a No vote on the Con-Con looks like the same kryptonite to me.


  11. - BandCamp - Friday, Oct 31, 08 @ 10:57 am:

    Like I mentioned yesterday, the stuff that comes out of his mouth is priceless…however, I still support the “no” position, regardless Gov. Soundbite’s position.

    ===The confidence expressed by opponents that some radical thing WILL ABSOLUTELY HAPPEN if the convention is approved is simply absurd.===

    Just as you are correct by identifying something radical “absolutely” will happen is false, the opposite stands true. There are no guarantees that something good will “absolutely” come from a con-con. But if your crystal ball cracks or breaks, I’ll sell you a new one.

    I maintain were the year 1996, and everyone was buying stock and making money, this con-con stuff wouldn’t even be first section news.

    I’m trying hard to not solicit a “bite me” right now…and I could be wrong about my position. But only time will tell. You can’t condemn my position today.


  12. - Captain Flume - Friday, Oct 31, 08 @ 11:04 am:

    The Governor has probably done himself a favor by his statements. He himself may not be popular, but the “No Con-Con” crowd is making the anti-con-con position a popular one. And of course, the Governor’s statment about the “good things” he has done for people (the hard-working people of Illinois, I mean) by not using the legislature is a nice touch. It’s a Democratic tenet to expand health care and take care of the less fortunate.

    From what we have been seeing, the Dem legislators will be back in force for the next session. Not too many “bums” appear to be getting thrown out for enabling the Governor’s actions, or for not more assertively disabling his actions.

    Bottom line is, IMO, the Governor said the right things for anti-con-con cause and it won’t suffer because of his support.


  13. - Arthur Andersen - Friday, Oct 31, 08 @ 11:13 am:

    If you Vote Yes on Con-Con, the useless offices of Regional Superindents of Education WILL ABSOLUTELY BE ASOLISHED!


  14. - Anon - Friday, Oct 31, 08 @ 11:14 am:

    == The confidence expressed by opponents that some radical thing WILL ABSOLUTELY HAPPEN if the convention is approved is simply absurd. ==

    And, of course, nothing in the constitution prohibits taxing of pensions now. The only thing preserving our pensions from being taxed is (drum roll please):

    a video of Dan Rostenkowski’s limo driving off with a little old lady hanging from the hood ornament, after he tried to raise medicare taxes on the elderly.

    And that is almost certainly enough.


  15. - 2ConfusedCrew - Friday, Oct 31, 08 @ 11:42 am:

    SHow of Hands
    Anyone out there still is anything but a rock solid, 100% sociopath?
    As a reminder, here are the keys:
    Profile of the Sociopath
    This website summarizes some of the common features of descriptions of the behavior of sociopaths.

    Glibness and Superficial Charm

    Manipulative and Conning
    They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.

    Grandiose Sense of Self
    Feels entitled to certain things as “their right.”

    Pathological Lying
    Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.

    Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
    A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.

    Shallow Emotions
    When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.

    Incapacity for Love

    Need for Stimulation
    Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.

    Callousness/Lack of Empathy
    Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others’ feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.

    Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
    Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.

    Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
    Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet “gets by” by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.

    Irresponsibility/Unreliability
    Not concerned about wrecking others’ lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.

    Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
    Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts.

    Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
    Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.

    Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
    Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily.

    Happy Halloween!
    P.S. I think Blagoof really voted “yes” on the ConCon con ’cause he wants to abolish the legslative branch.


  16. - Squideshi - Friday, Oct 31, 08 @ 12:09 pm:

    I’m actually a lot more concerned about the power of the Illinois Judiciary. For a long time now they have tried to operate secretively and they enact Supreme Court Rules which have the force of law, and at least in regard to important judicial issues such as who can practice law or who can represent themselves in court, which supersede public laws approved by the legislature and governor. There is no recourse. What are you going to do, sue the Illinois Supreme Court?


  17. - Irish - Friday, Oct 31, 08 @ 3:13 pm:

    So JE and RB agree on something?


Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.


* Question of the day
* *** UPDATED *** THIS JUST IN... Harriman drops out of congressional race... Costello, Sr. takes himself out of contention... Plummer responds
* Old man Ricketts has a new problem
* Report: Kirk concealed campaign payments to wife, girlfriend
* SB: 1849 A Revenue and Jobs Solution
* Major media pension coverage so far today
* Today's headline
* Polls: Schneider tied with Dold and Rahm's on a roll
* Morning Shorts
* *** UPDATED x2 *** SUBSCRIBERS ONLY: This just in...
* *** LIVE SESSION COVERAGE ***
* SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - An important pension update to today’s edition and a big Statehouse roundup
* SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)
* Yesterday's blog posts

Support CapitolFax.com
Visit our advertisers...

...............

...............

...............

...............

...............


Search This Blog...

Search the 97th General Assembly By Bill Number
(example: HB0001)

Search the 97th General Assembly By Keyword


Categories
Home
Illinois
YouTube
Pundit rankings
Obama
Subscriber Content
Durbin
Burris
Blagojevich Trial
Advertising
Updated Posts
Polls

* Ematic introduces the eGlide Steal Android tablet for $119.95
* Sony Xperia acro S is a water resistant smartphone
* Sony Xperia go (Xperia advance) announced
* Samsung Chromebox And Chromebook Laptop Announced
* Amazon Instant Streaming Arrives On Xbox 360 Consoles (video)
* NZXT Aperture M Media Reader
* Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary site kicks off

  
* HTC puts import ban in US behind it
* Sony goes waterproof with Xperia go and acro S
* HTC One X and Evo 4G LTE Get Their Passports Stamped By U.S. Customs
* Verizon Galaxy Nexus 4.0.4 OTA Update Incoming
* Spirits still high among Research In Motion employees
* Pixorial Rolls Out New Enhancements Across its Video Platform
* Benchmark Outs Nexus 7 Tablet, Showing Android 4.1 Jelly Bean And Quad-Core Tegra 3

* White Sox eye eighth straight behind Quintana
* BR_WhiteSox: http://t.co/yNvnlx1o - Sox Drawer: From 'worst' to first:..
* Five-run sixth gives White Sox seventh straight win
* BR_WhiteSox: http://t.co/2jLNK1qk - Firing on all cylinders, Sox take ..
* BR_WhiteSox: http://t.co/yNvnlx1o - White Sox PGL Plus: Frank on Tank:..
* White Sox 7, Rays 2; Big 6th leads Sox to 7th straight win
* White Sox 7, Rays 2: Big 6th leads Sox to 7th straight win


May 2012
April 2012
March 2012
February 2012
January 2012
December 2011
November 2011
October 2011
September 2011
August 2011
July 2011
June 2011
May 2011
April 2011
March 2011
February 2011
January 2011
December 2010
November 2010
October 2010
September 2010
August 2010
July 2010
June 2010
May 2010
April 2010
March 2010
February 2010
January 2010
December 2009
November 2009
October 2009
September 2009
August 2009
July 2009
June 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
January 2005
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004

Blog-Spot Archives
November 2005
October 2005
September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005

   
Loading


* Illinois Senate passes $1 cigarette tax increase -....
* Cigarette tax passes; pension plan surfaces - Dubu....
* Illinois Senate passes $1 cigarette tax hike - Chi....
* Illinois Legislature passes big cigarette tax hike....
* Our View: Cigarette tax hike good for fiscal, phys....
* Excerpts from recent Illinois editorials - RealCle....


* ACLU lawsuit to challenge Ill. gay marriage ban
* Ill. cigarette tax passes, pension plan surfaces
* Illinois Senate again rejects anti-bullying bill
* Disbarred southern Illinois attorney Cueto dies
* Judge reduces prison sentence of insurance mogul
* Tamms, Dwight prisons stay open in Ill. House plan
* Illinois Senate OKs cigarette tax hike to help Medicaid
* Emanuel rolls out new plan to fight Chicago gangs
* Illinois House committee approves pension overhaul

* State internal auditor disciplined for rule violations
* Committee endorses ban on flavored cigar wraps
* Cross challenges Madigan on pensions
* Cigarette tax hike heading to Gov. Quinn's desk
* Illinois bill would require free care for poor
* Pension proposal: Choice of COLA cut or no health insurance
* Cell phone ban near emergency scenes goes to Quinn
* House votes to add Powerball to Lottery's online game lineup
* House gives final OK to DNR relief
* Committee votes to give up Peoria-area state park

* Illinois Senate approves cigarette tax increase
* Judges left out of Illinois pension reform plan
* Illinois House committee doesn't like flavor for blunt wraps; OKs bill
* Exclusive: IL committee chairmen rake in campaign contributions
* IL Medicaid provider on hook for $6.7M for alleged fraud
* IL House approves cigarette tax hike
* Week in review: Medicaid reform, eavesdropping limbo, respite for Rep. accused of bribery

* DraftFCB trims headcount following MillerCoors loss
* Mickey Segal released from prison — and friends couldn't be happier
* ComEd delivery rates to fall
* Sun-Times Editor Barron leaves newspaper
* Illinois Senate OKs cigarette tax hike to help Medicaid


* Police sergeant hospitalized while on duty
* Wheaton North High student injured while car-surfing
* 9 injured in fire, blast at VFW post
* Firefighters criticize Rahm’s cost-cutting concussion plans
* Life jacket a lifesaver  in reuniting family, pup
* State and Adams getting colorful art makeover
* Sen. Mark Kirk: Ex-wife engaged in ‘bitter personal attacks’
* NATO Protesters to city: Pay us for mental, physical injuries
* Sunny days ahead for baby with glaucoma
* Boy, 13, killed in Uptown ‘so young to die’: family


* Man injured in stabbing inside Uptown bar
* Demolition begins on gutted Lincoln Park furniture store
* Cops: Police sergeant hospitalized after becoming ill on duty
* Emergency landing call leads to late night waterway search
* Same-sex marriage supporters take their fight to Illinois courts
* Taxpayers won't foot NATO parking tab
* 2 critical injuries among 9 hurt after welder ignites fire at VFW on bingo night
* Person struck, killed by Metra train on Union Pacific North Line
* Robbery in front of a police station? Really?
* At charter network, new management means new faculty


* Rev. Jesse Jackson on Medicaid cuts: ‘People will die’
* Backers of detention center bill race against clock
* Obama to honor Medal of Freedom recipients
* Democratic Candidate Leaving Congressional Race
* Vote On Pension Changes Expected At Statehouse
* Mexico's Institutional Revolutionary Party posed for electoral comeback
* Worldview for 5.29.12
* 50 Wards in 50 Weekdays: 11th Ward’s Jesse Villarreal says Bridgeport has changed for the better
* Are Turkey and Africa the keys to Europe's future?
* Chicago boy, 14, killed at pizzeria

* City Estimates NATO Parking Meter Bill At $65,000
* Firefighters criticize Rahm’s cost-cutting concussion plans - Chicago Sun-Times
* Wolf Point Development Plan Unveiled
* Developers give first glimpse of proposed complex at junction of Chicago River branches - Chicago Tribune
* Chicago Teachers Union President's Speech at Historic Rally


* Illinois Symphony selects Seattle conductor as new music director
* Disbarred southern Illinois attorney Cueto dies
* Committee endorses ban on flavored cigar wraps
* Cross challenges Madigan on pensions
* Chatham man arrested in connection with fatal shooting
* Judge reduces prison sentence of insurance mogul
* Soriano homers again; Cubs beat Padres 5-3
* Illinois bill would require free care for poor
* Fire at Grandview Cafe closes North Grand
* Cigarette tax hike heading to Gov. Quinn's desk


* Cigarette tax increase heads to governor
* Past tobacco tax hike lucrative for Illinois
* Illinois bill would require free care for poor
* Quinn thanks lawmakers who voted for cigarette tax
* Judge rules firm illegally fired Illinois worker


* DOD to honor Link-Mullison today
* LIFE Center pool opens; other programs set
* Marion City Council remembers 1982 tornado
* Yasir Hasnain settles in for Round 2 of National Spelling Bee
* Williamson County Regional Airport looking for new terminal
* Driver dies after crash
* Grave decoration thefts mount
* Cigarette tax boost goes to Quinn
* ICC rejects Ameren’s smart grid proposal
* Pension tension builds in House

* Too Many Republican Congressmen Giving Unions..
* Chuck Sweeny: Readers have their say about wh..
* Republican Party Unity Dinner Held in Rockfor..
* IVAC to sponsor legislative luncheon June 13 ..
* Brad Harriman drops out of Illinois congressi..
* Harriman Drops Out of Race - Alton Daily News
* Rep. Kinzinger Talks Progress - WIFR
* Is the Canadian government backing Jesse Jack..
* Insight - Pioneer Ireland fears austerity was..
* Ted Cruz, David Dewhurst Test GOP Establishme..

* Bob Kerrey's entitlement honesty: Michael Ger.....
* Chemical uses at times need more scrutiny - L.....
* Nation, state best served by embracing immigr.....
* IVAC to sponsor legislative luncheon June 13 .....
* Conflict minerals measure is stuck in Dodd-Fr.....

* Mark Kirk’s 2010 Campaign Payments to Girlfri.....
* Illinois House panel approves pension overhau.....
* Pension reform hits snag in Springfield - Mor.....
* May 29, Northbrook: 15 mailboxes damaged, 18 .....
* Mark Kirk hit with FEC complaint by ex-wife -.....

* City Estimates NATO Parking Meter Bill At $65,000
* Parking Meter Vandalism On The Rise?
* And here I just got a new smart phone that supposedly has a quality camera
* How uncouth!
* Senate Battles Over Pension Reduction
* Senate Clashes Over Pensions
* Chicago Farmers Markets 2012 Schedule
* Meet the meter tax -- Latest parking insult is likely not the last
* Q the Eye/05.29.12
* Paywalls spring up everywhere …


* Statement from Governor Quinn on General Assembly Passage of Legislation to Save Medicaid
* Honoring Illinois' Fallen - United States and Illinois flags at half-staff immediately until Sunset, Wednesday, May 30, 2012.
* Statement from Governor Quinn on General Assembly Passage of Hiring Veterans Tax Credit
* Governor Quinn and Illinois Tollway Honor Fallen Servicemembers during Memorial Day Weekend - “Portrait of a Soldier” Memorial Exhibit on Display at Illinois Tollway Oases Through Independence Day
* Governor Quinn Lays Memorial Day Wreath in Recognition of Gold Star Families - Honored with Maj. Gen. John A. Logan Patriot Award for devotion to America’s Armed Forces

Header Photo...
Wayne Bretl


Hosted by MCS    SUBSCRIBE to Capitol Fax      Advertise Here      Mobile Version    Contact Rich Miller