* 11:10 am - After announcing that he would make a “major announcement regarding the future of Illinois” today, Adam Andrzejewski announced moments ago that he won’t run for any office in 2014.
Sheesh.
Video is here.
Discuss.
*** UPDATE *** From an e-mail to his supporters…
Today, I announced that I am staying on as CEO of For The Good of Illinois and will not seek public office in 2014.
After consulting with supporters, donors, advisors, and my family, I have decided not to run for office in the 2014 election cycle.
Now, we are free to pursue transparency & accountability reforms on a non-partisan basis. We will continue to put “every dime, online, in real time” through the Open the Books platform; advocate for aggressive auditing of government agencies; and, when necessary, pursue legal action to expand transparency.
We have been effective at exposing corrupt practices. This will continue…
Our platform of real solutions - expanded transparency, forensic audits, and freezing property taxes - is robust. These policies, along with other necessary reforms, begin to solve the long-term problems of the state.
Together, we are a national leader in pioneering online transparency of Government spending. Our first-to-market mobile app which hyper-localizes twelve years of United States Government checkbook spending to your zip code- is a game changer with national implications. Stay tuned for more….
My Conclusion: Illinois requires aggressive reforms, and after balancing the pros and cons of each approach, I decided I will have a more positive impact outside of an elected position.
Thank you to all who have supported our work.
We have much to do.
LIVE special session coverage...
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:12 am:
Who does guy think he is, a Kardashian or something?
- Norseman - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:13 am:
Now that is important for the future of Illinois.
- Arthur Andersen - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:14 am:
Where does he buy trousers to fit stones that big?
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:14 am:
It’s a tad early for an April Fool’s gag, isn’t it?
- Aaron Krager - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:15 am:
Rickrolled!!!
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:15 am:
Lesson Learned - Adam A. is not someone relevent to the discussion.
Any guy, with his election record, holds a presser to announce he ain’t running, is just wanting to hear himself talk. Congratulations, you talked, good for you, now just go do whatever you are going to do.
- mr. whipple - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:16 am:
I’m not running, too.
Film at 10
- Small Town Liberal - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:18 am:
Man, I would have been angry if I had my sport jacket dry cleaned for that. Hope the hors d’oeuvres were good.
Seriously, who has a press event to announce that you’re going to do what nearly 13 million other Illinoisans are going to do in 2014, not run for elected office?
Then again, Adam has been making announcements and declarations of absolutely no importance since he decided to get involved in politics, I guess today shouldn’t be any different.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:19 am:
I will miss him, however.
- Cuban Pilot - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:21 am:
OW -
He might not be gone for long. I wonder if he is trying to be adopted as someone’s Lt. Gov. pick? Just a thought.
- Name Withheld - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:24 am:
He did say that his kids need a coach. Possibly gig for the governor’s brother?
- MrGrassroots - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:25 am:
Who is that again?
- Downstater - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:26 am:
His is a goofball!
- langhorne - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:28 am:
i had never heard him speak, just read his nonsense about forensic audits. what a squeaky little voice. how embarrassing for those behind him. here is my platform, yada, yada, yada…..but ta-da. i am not running. thats what letters to the editor are for.
- LHMS - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:29 am:
Tilting at windmills might be more credible than being a Republican politician. Look at the ILGOP chairmanship clowncar.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:29 am:
- Cuban Pilot -,
I have no knowledge of Rutherford’s, or Dillard’s or Schock’s plans, but you could push me over with a feather if any of those three CHOOSE Adam as their #2. Those three are sane enough not to go down that road.
Rauner? Rauner needs someone with at least a “working knowledge” of Springfield, municipalities, or the Public Sector. Placing 4th in a Primary for governor doesn’t count.
Don’t worry, - Cuban Pilot -, it’s early. Heck, Plummer’s twitter still has “Plummer for Congress” as its wallpaper!
- Amalia - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:30 am:
AA, now for political abuse.
- Samurai - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:30 am:
Have to give him credit for posting the salary information. But, what an arrogant clown show.
- Irish - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:30 am:
Major announcement affecting the future of Illinois.
Adam Andrzejewski announced moments ago that he won’t run for any office in 2014.
Things are lookin up!!!
Now only if a few others would follow suit…..
- Scott Lee Cohen - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:33 am:
His staff keeps getting on facebook talking about a third party. Well, I could use a running mate. Call me, Adam.
- TeamAbs - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:35 am:
If he hits the gum for a few months I could see him being LtGov for TeamAbs.
- Will Caskey - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:36 am:
The only funnier incidence of “MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT” I’ve seen was the series of Scott Lee Cohen “announcements” in 2010 during his brief LG nomination after which he didn’t even show up to the indicated venue.
- TCB - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:37 am:
Is Adam Andrzejewski channelling his inner-Ron Burgundy??
“Ladies and gentlemen, can I please have your attention. I’ve just been handed an urgent and horrifying news story. I need all of you, to stop what you’re doing and listen.
CANNONBALL!!!!!!!!!!”
- Vote Often - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:40 am:
Well, a couple thoughts here. First, I wonder just how deep his pockets are. Like Plummer, who I think didn’t put much into his own race this time, I wonder if AA didn’t really have that ability.
Second, I wonder if he draws a salary from this foundation. If so, he might just enjoy that position of paid rabble rouser which is guaranteed to the uncertain future as treasurer, where he’d actually be held accountable for things.
He’s a little goofy, sure. But actually, on balance, I’m glad he’s around. And very glad he’s not running for anything.
Oh, he could always change his mind. :)
- Cincinnatus - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:40 am:
This is, indeed, hysterical. And on many different levels…
- Tommydanger - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:41 am:
Just another example of the need for more mental health services.
- Wensicia - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:44 am:
Whew! I not worried the future of Illinois will be in doubt as a result.
We will survive!
- Arthur Andersen - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:44 am:
Thank God. I won’t have to fight this doofus over the AA letters for the next two years. Besides, I was here first.
Sincerely,
The Real AA
- Chicago Cynic - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:46 am:
What is it with Republicans making “major announcements” that announce nothing. Reminds me of Trump’s “major announcements” that turned into a rehashed $5 million offer for Obama’s college transcripts.
- walkinfool - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:48 am:
And people actually showed up.
- Kim Kardashian - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:49 am:
I object to this comparison of Andy A to a Kardashian. We at least have a following. If a comparison needs to be mase, say he’s like Chloe. No one likes her.
- Demoralized - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:51 am:
Well, at least I understand the whole “future of Illinois” thing now. The fact that he isn’t running for anything bodes well for that future.
- Northsider - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:53 am:
I, which is to say, Me, have, Myself, which is to say, I, decided not to grace you with My Presence as your Leader. That is all.*
Thus endeth the minutes (all 15 of ‘em) of another clown.
*: Or did he use the Imperial “We”?
- Steak Taters And Gravy - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:54 am:
Andrzejewski translated into English: “Fifth Place”
- blogman - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:56 am:
Maybe Rauner’s fundraising scared him off! It has been impressive so far.
- Milton Township Republican Organization - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:56 am:
The MTRO just passed a unanimous resolution.
Be it RESOLVED, Adam is a d:ck.
- RJ - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:57 am:
I am drafting my press release now. I just have to practice raising my nose in the air.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 11:58 am:
As an aside, I am happy for - Arthur Andersen -.
This is a glorious day for you, and you should rejoice. The “other” AA is staying in his Ivory Tower.
- zatoichi - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 12:12 pm:
I had a major announcement from my dog this morning. She wanted out too.
- steve schnorf - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 12:17 pm:
I am pleased to announce that I am not running for Governor or Lieutenant Governor this year. However, stay alert as there may be further announcements in the near future. In the meantime I appreciate the great support that has been shown for me, and I will continue to work tirelessly to better our great State blah blah blah…
- Darienite - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 12:21 pm:
Isn’t how our current Guv got started? Consumer watchdog, rallying against utilities, cutting the bloated size of the GA. Democrats disliked him as much as Republicans.
AA could be the Republican PQ.
Let’s look ahead to 2022………
- AFSCME Steward - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 12:24 pm:
What I’m really saying is that after consulting with my advisors and family I discovered that I don’t have any supporters or donors.
“After consulting with supporters, donors, advisors, and my family, I have decided not to run for office in the 2014 election cycle.”
- steve schnorf - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 12:28 pm:
I am also pleased to announce that I am not running for the Metropolitan Sanitary District or for Du Page County Board Chairman this year. However, stay alert as there may be further announcements in the near future. In the meantime I appreciate the great support that has been shown for me, and I will continue to work tirelessly to better our great State blah blah blah…
- Chloe - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 12:29 pm:
It is not fair to compare Adam with even me , I think Adam Rodman may be better . Hey North Korea Adam is looking for press and is open to visit . Adam brings Lech to North Korea , press at 7
- Dirty Red - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 12:31 pm:
I wish I had the kind of money where I could afford a press conference to announce nothing.
- steve schnorf - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 12:34 pm:
Red, try using Rich’s blog. it works quite well, and reaches a lot of interested people. I personally am considering several additional important announcements in the near future.
- Adam A - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 12:37 pm:
Seriously guys , I am all about “for the good of Illinois ” and not feeding my bloated ego .
- Political Career in Flames - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 12:40 pm:
I think this is my cue — thanks Adam
- Meanderthal - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 12:41 pm:
When that sorry looking group of misfits was lining up behind him for the press conference I thought they were going to start doing the Harlem Shake dance my granddaughter keeps posting on her Facebook page.
- Effingham County - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 12:41 pm:
I guess Adam won’t be coming here bi-weekly anymore ? Thank God
- Group of misfits - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 12:43 pm:
Calling the folks behind Adam misfits is an insult to misfits.
- PublicServant - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 12:46 pm:
So is For the Good of Illinois non-partisan like IPI, or non-partisan like the rest of us think non-partisan means? Just asking.
- madam of bracelets - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 12:50 pm:
Considering FGIs history of only going after Republicans, I am guessing it is a front for Madigan.
- Roger Eddy - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 12:52 pm:
I can’t believe I quit over this bully.
- Crickets - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 12:53 pm:
This is the worst day EVER for us , we will now have to cover all of Adam’s stuff . Joy :(
- Nearly Normal - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 12:53 pm:
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
- Dan Proft - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 12:54 pm:
How did I finish behind this phone book magnate?
- Pat Brady - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 12:55 pm:
At the central committee meeting I will just have to inform the members that I am at least not Adam A .
Happy Days
- Cedra Crenshaw - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 12:55 pm:
You don’t have to be elected to still be a force in Illinois politics!!!!!
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 12:56 pm:
OK, OK, you’ve had your fun. Enough with the sock puppetry or I’m gonna start deletions.
- Sock puppet - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 12:58 pm:
Come on Miller , I was just getting warmed up
- Sock puppet - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 12:59 pm:
Miller — Crickets ??? That was $$$$ pure $
- AFSCME Steward - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 12:59 pm:
This just in. Adam Andrzejewski has announced his schedule for this week.
Thursday he will have a major announcement on the future of Iowa.
Friday he will have a major announcement on the future of Kansas
Saturday he will have a major announcement on the future of New Mexico
Sunday he will have a major announcement on Idaho.
Stay posted for additional schedule updates.
- Sock puppet - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 1:02 pm:
AFSCME owes me a new Keyboard — I spit coffee from my nose laughing
- Sock puppet - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 1:04 pm:
News Flash : Adam accepts job as Dan Proft’s driver and wiper .
- Statesman - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 1:06 pm:
Wait for it… wait for it… wait for it…
- Ouch - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 1:09 pm:
I don’t think the word “major” is what he thinks it means.
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 1:10 pm:
I’m relieved!
I learned to spell, “Blagojevich”, “Illinois”, and “Giannoulais” - I do not wish to learn how to spell Andy Whatshisstupidname.
- Sock puppet - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 1:11 pm:
Even the mouth breathers at Illinois review are mad at Adam . The words new low may not actually describe this current spot.
- Mob Banker - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 1:11 pm:
I’d like to nominate AA to the political spank bank board of directors.
- East Central Illinois - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 1:11 pm:
Just think of how much campaign money the guy COULD HAVE raised if he was gonna actually run for an office! Pure genius on his part - - by making a big press conference announcing he is not running for anything; he actually pulls off the most TRANSPARENT media/political event of all time. The guy is a GENIUS - - (all tongue in cheek, of course)
- Roadiepig - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 1:19 pm:
Wordslinger- perfect comment ! What an amazing ego one must have to call a press conference to announce that they are not running for office, especially when nobody has really been asking then to run in the first place. What a joke !
- LisleMike - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 1:29 pm:
word- great line
- Wildcat - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 1:33 pm:
Next Northwestern Basketball coach. Book it.
- Loop Lady - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 1:33 pm:
bwahaha…thanks Vanilla man…another wealthy man with a large ego and bank account who thankfully spared us his egomaniacal quest for an office he is unfit and unready for…drinks for everyone at 5 pm at your favorite watering hole…
- Demoralized - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 1:54 pm:
I still fail to see what his issue is with audits. You can see an audit of any agency online at any time. And, there are also special audits going on all the time. And I still have no idea what the heck he is talking about with a forensic audit. He clearly doesn’t understand what that term means or he would stop saying it.
Oh, and I almost spit out my coffee with his whole “non-partisan” statement, although I guess that could be true since I think he thinks he is his onwn political party.
- Quizzical - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 2:08 pm:
I will not be making myself available in next month’s NFL draft.
- IBS Victim - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 2:11 pm:
I haven’t seen an exercise in this much excrement since my last barium GI.
- Sock puppet - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 2:33 pm:
Super Abe
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2010/08/new-comic-character-super-abe-unveiled.html
- madison - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 3:11 pm:
I guess once Bill Brady and Jason Plummer told Adam they would be too busy to manage his campaign next year he had to quit…
- Cincinnatus - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 3:39 pm:
If nominated, I will not run. If elected, I will not serve.
- just sayin - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 3:41 pm:
Mock all you want, Cincy. Adam lit himself on fire but at least he didn’t endorse Barack Obama.
- Anon III - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 3:46 pm:
Whew! If this Blog were a bar, I wouldn’t go in.
- Boone Logan Square - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 3:51 pm:
The entire state of Illinois…well, it goes about its day as if nothing has happened. But we always appreciate hearing from you, Adam.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 3:59 pm:
If this Blog were a bar, I’d never go home.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 4:11 pm:
- 47th Ward -,
I think Rich shuts this down over the weekend to wipe the tables, hose down the floor, and restock.
Are you a “booth” - 47th Ward -, or a belly-up to the bar? The only differences between here and “Cheers” is alcohol being served and the commercials.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 4:20 pm:
I’m definitely a belly-up-to-the-bar kind of guy Willy. I’m a big fan of bartenders and like to soak up their wisdom while I’m soaking my gut in beer.
My old bartender friend introduced me to my wife. I’ve since forgiven him, but now I don’t tip as much as I used to. He understands.
- Arthur Andersen - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 4:22 pm:
-If this Blog were a bar, I’d never go home-
47th, if this Blog were a bar, Arthur’s liver would be deader than Elvis.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 4:26 pm:
Gotta go Belly-up, prefer a corner next to the wall. You can’t call it your bar unless you can call the Bar Keep name and he/she knows your drink, even if its just a shot and a beer.
You made me think even further on the “bar” bit…
Maybe this is a Wide Open “social club” type of place, no sign on the window/door/store front, and you are welcome, but you better be able to keep up (This is not a newspaper “drive-by” Blog!)
At least we know Rich would have good music every Friday too!
- Arthur Andersen - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 5:33 pm:
Definitely Belly-Up. Booths are for dating.
- Just The Way It Is One - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 5:37 pm:
Glad HE finally “got the Memo!”
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 5:39 pm:
Booths can be for “business” - ever see a booth that you KNOW you better not look at again?
- Just The Way It Is One - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 5:39 pm:
And I just have to add, that if this WAS a Bar, OW, Word, and AA would be (take your pick) Norm, Frazier, and Cliff!!!
- Muffin Man - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 5:40 pm:
Adam is a nice guy but I am scratching my head about the “major announcement” that he came out with. I will attribute it to—”Too much vino and too little coffee” when he came up with this one.
He must have been hanging around with Pat Brady too long and it has started to rub off.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 6:04 pm:
There are far too many regulars to go down that road of pairing up…
I would be more afraid of Rich going all “Nick” in “It’s a Wonderful Life” and asking me “That’s it, either out the door or through the window.”
- Just The Way It Is One - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 6:50 pm:
But first he’d add: “And by the WAY, where do you get off callin’ me Nick?! MY name is RICH! That’s it…!”
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 7:27 pm:
- Just The Way It Is One -,
Well done.
- Arthur Andersen - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 8:23 pm:
Just the Way-seconded!
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 9:11 pm:
I was just thinking - 47th Ward -, if this place WAS a bar, I would hate to see the bar tabs!
Social!
To the Post,
Who now seems more Dopey?
Adam for announcing …nothing, or William Kelly announcing he is going to announce for something now that the Mighty Adam has stepped aside?
What world are these two politically relevent to worry what they, or the other is planning?
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 9:23 pm:
I didn’t mean to hijack the thread, I was just responding to Anon III at 3:46, who must be from Herscher.
Now that’s it. Out you pixies go!
- Arthur Andersen - Tuesday, Mar 19, 13 @ 10:31 pm:
Ah, another day of good, clean fun.
Let me get the lights.