Today’s quotables
Tuesday, Feb 11, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From last night’s gubernatorial candidates forum that Bruce Rauner skipped…
The candidates were allowed the opportunity to ask one another questions and Dillard began by saying he regretted having to ask this of the state treasurer.
“Are there any more allegations of sexual harassment coming at you from anyone else?” Dillard said.
The question seemed to hang in the air as the crowd numbering in the hundreds booed and grumbled.
Appearing taken aback by the question, Rutherford offered a long pause, staring right at Dillard at first.
“Sen. Dillard, I believe that was inappropriate,” Rutherford responded and the room erupted in applause.
Dillard later defended his question, saying he wanted to make sure that whoever wins the Republican nomination would not be derailed in a contest against Democratic incumbent Gov. Pat Quinn.
Like it or not, that was a fair question by Dillard.
Nobody in the GOP wants to see a repeat of the Jack Ryan insanity. The possibility that the state party might have to look for a replacement gubernatorial candidate is scaring the daylights outta some folks.
- Happy Days - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 9:45 am:
The idea that the eventual primary winner out of these four would have to drop out and give us someone better is a feature, not a bug for me.
- Downstate Illinois - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 9:46 am:
Dillard was right. The biggest reason not to vote for Rutherford at this point is what might happen after the primary, but before the general election.
- Everytomdickandharry - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 9:47 am:
It was absolutely appropriate for Dillard to ask! He may not have money but at least we know Dillard can be tough, that’s a needed quality if he goes up against Quinn.
- hisgirlfriday - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 9:49 am:
Agree it is a fair question although tough.
But reading Dillard being tough and direct on this issue with Rutherford makes me even more annoyed with him for not turning his sights on Rauner in the PBS debate.
- Pot calling kettle - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 9:50 am:
Dillard is highlighting the biggest concern for primary voters. The accusations are bad, but the doubt about how this will turn out is much worse.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 9:51 am:
The question was embarrassing.
The question was appropriate.
The question needed to be answered.
All are true, which is why Rutherford is in trouble, politically.
- Wensicia - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 9:52 am:
It was a fair question and it should be noted Rutherford didn’t give an answer (yes, no, I don’t know).
- One of the 35 - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 9:52 am:
The question was appropriate. After all, Rutherford was the one who first raised the issue by holding a press conference about it. Did Rutherford think it was not going to come up again during the campaign? How naïve.
- Spliff - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 9:54 am:
Fair question. Maybe one of these three should have asked Rauner (specifically since he wasn’t there) about some of his indiscretions. Since none will ever be able to afford to put them on the television at any other time.
- Old Shepherd - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 9:56 am:
Since yesterday’s press conference, the online comments I have seen regarding Rutherford have been overwhelmingly supporting and positive. The people I have seen commenting view it as a politically motivated hit. I believe this story has gained him supporters, but it will undoubtedly be a net loss.
- Chris - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 9:57 am:
“The question was embarrassing.
The question was appropriate.
The question needed to be answered.”
Can’t conceive of a better formulation. Spot on.
Rutherford is DOA, unless he can *prove* that the accusation is politically motivated AND false. And he doesn’t have enough time for that (even if provable), unless the accuser is working with the Keystone Kops, and there is an epic paper trail.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 9:58 am:
Remember the “smoke filled room” at the Blackstone Hotel? Senator Warren G. Harding (R-Ohio) was asked if there was any impediment that would threaten his presidential candidacy and he answered in the negative.
Nobody asked Governor Clinton the same questions (snark).
- Levois - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 9:59 am:
I never understood the Jack Ryanepisode, why was there such a push to look at his divorce records. On the other hand the current Rutherford episode I do.
- Tom Joad - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 10:00 am:
The sanctimonious response by Rutherford denied him the opportunity to forcefully respond to Dillard’s question. The question was a softball if the answer was no. It seems Rutherford couldn’t assure anyone that there were no more employees past or present who might claim harassment. Instead, he wimped out.
- CicrcularFiringSquad - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 10:09 am:
D-lard is already done so question no problem
Wonder if he plans to ask Mitt Rauner any questions going forward. Maybe the words Delta Dental could be in the inquiry
- Ahoy! - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 10:10 am:
It’s a fair question, but it could have been handled a little differently and should have included the allegations of requiring political work.
- Chicago Cynic - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 10:14 am:
“The possibility that the state party might have to look for a replacement gubernatorial candidate is scaring the daylights outta some folks.”
Rich, is this is actually scaring folks then they are not paying attention. Rutherford is toast so that possibility certainly won’t happen with him. Now if something comes up about one of the others, that’s a different story.
- Jake From Elwood - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 10:16 am:
I listened to most of the debate on the radio. You could even hear the awkwardness in the room once the harassment question was asked. Brady was surprisingly glib and humorous–more personable than I recall in the last gubernatorial election. All three candidates are cut from similar cloth and it is hard to distinguish among them based on policy alone.
- Dizzy Cow - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 10:16 am:
Of course it’s fair! It’s politics! If Rutherford didn’t think he was going to get asked that question he should fire his entire staff. The real question was was it a smart question to ask? If there’s one person who defiantly isn’t going to win this race it’s Kirk Dillard. Apparently he’d like to be the chief of staff to two governors, since that question basically implies he’s working for Rauner. It amazes me that the IL GOP doesn’t see what’s happening right in front of them. Wait- no it doesn’t .
- used2beGOP - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 10:20 am:
It was an appropriate question and HAD to be asked. I am wondering the same thing, myself.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 10:21 am:
–Apparently he’d like to be the chief of staff to two governors, since that question basically implies he’s working for Rauner.–
Say what? Dillard produced three great anti-Rauner spots. But he has no money to air them.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 10:22 am:
===that question basically implies he’s working for Rauner===
Good grief, some of you people have worked yourself into a complete Rauner frenzy. Take a breath. You are only making yourselves look like fools. Sheesh.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 10:33 am:
First, - Chris -, thanks, “it is what it is”…
To the idea of all this “Rauner stuff”,
Take a step back from conspiracy theories and tin foil hats for one second. As one campaign has decided that the Rauner Crew is behind their ills, and its based on what’s “in my heart”, you have to look at what is being said, as just what is being said when it somes to all this conspriacy theory campaigning.
One campaign is banking on the theories. Some people are now seeing spooks and goblins everywhere. Turn on a light in the house, turn the TV way loud, change the battery in your cell phones, and take a hammer to your computers.
It might make you feel better.
- Amalia - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 10:36 am:
agreed on like it or not. Google search finds the current story covered in press in San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and on NBC news. question must be asked.
- Robert the Bruce - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 10:37 am:
Fair question, but the timing seems foolish to me. With all is years in politics, he should’ve known that the crowd wouldn’t react well.
- Robert the Bruce - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 10:39 am:
==that question basically implies he’s working for Rauner==
Actually, what Dillard seems to be doing is slinging a lot of mud at both Rauner and Rutherford, making himself look bad in the process.
- Jechislo - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 10:42 am:
A question for all of you Cap Faxers:
When Rutherford withdraws from the primary (and I believe he will), which of the other candidates will he throw his support to?
- Goonhammer - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 10:43 am:
Having attended the debate and feeling the presence of the room I would say that it was a fair question, however I also believe that the answer is fair too. The problem is that we are unsure if the current allegations are even true and to suggest or imply that there are other allegations coming is inappropriate in some respects.
DR has held two press conferences saying the first set of allegations are false. If the first accuser is false (according to DR) then subsequent allegations in the same context would be false.
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 10:43 am:
I wouldn’t vote for a candidate that wouldn’t have asked. I’m tired of seeing nice guys cowardly dancing during debates. The next governor is going to have to be blunt and serious. No more empty suits, future felons or retirees keeping the governor seat warm, thank you very much.
No more Boomers in office, time for candidates that see a future beyond their own retirement. But I’ll go with a candidate with guts.
Dillard showed he can do that.
- Bobbysox - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 11:04 am:
Not a fair question! Anyone can be accused of sexual harassment, including the other three candidates. You do not have to be guilty to be accused.
The fair question would have been if he is or has been guilty of any sexual harassment about which legitimate charges may follow.
- Arthur Andersen - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 11:19 am:
I caught pieces of it. Agree the question should have been asked and no points against Dillard for doing so.
Jake, I also detected a more relaxed, chill Brady in the part I heard fwiw.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 11:23 am:
It was a fair question by Dillard and kind of dumb. If Rutherford drops out, it’s hard to see him endorsing Dillard after that knife in the chest.
Oh, and Dillard lost Jill Stanek’s support yesterday, a huge blow to his pro-life street cred. That might be why he was so angry at the forum last night.
- Mokenavince - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 11:53 am:
The question by Dillard should never have been asked. Class shows and Dillard has none.
Nothing like kicking a guy when he’s down.
Rutherford may be done and his accuser may be a lair, time will tell. This could have been blackmail.
- Siriusly - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 11:55 am:
A totally fair question, but Dillard should not have asked it. Dan is already done.
- Mokenavince - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 11:57 am:
The race is now Rauner and Brady,Dillard scratched himself.
- A guy... - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 12:03 pm:
Not sure if the question was inappropriate. The way it was asked was, in my opinion. The asker could have been a more appropriate choice as well. Kirk didn’t do himself any favors by being the guy to ask. I think a lot of voters may feel sympathy with Rutherford if he’s not guilty of these allegations. If he has to leave this race, Dillard just insured they won’t join him. And despite the fact he has no chance now, he did the impossible by lessening them even more. Appropriate or not, it was very bad form.
- 3rd Generation Chicago Native - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 12:50 pm:
I couldn’t agree with Downstate Illinois more, he is right on about what
“The biggest reason not to vote for Rutherford at this point is what might happen after the primary, but before the general election.”
- Reformed Public Servant - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 1:26 pm:
Is Alan Keyes still available?
- downstate hack - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 1:49 pm:
An absolutely fair question. Should have been asked by the moderator.
- LisleMike - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 2:44 pm:
As far as DR endorsing Dillard should DR drop out of the race..never would happen anyway. DR cast a deciding vote for Christine Radogno to be Republican senate leader, over Dillard. Dillard had just held a fundraiser for Rutherford the week before in Downers Grove. I think the endorsement horse left the barn years ago
- Just The Way It Is One - Tuesday, Feb 11, 14 @ 7:32 pm:
It WAS a fair question. DR’s reply itSELF was inappropriate, AND defensive, and although he may have gotten some groans and applause in the ROOM, I greatly doubt the Viewing PUBlic was much pleased by DR trying to dance and dodge around the issue–i.e. he sure didn’t score any “Brownie Points” with THEM/the VOTERS, and THEIR opinion is all that counts right now…!
- T.J. - Wednesday, Feb 12, 14 @ 4:02 am:
Thanks to Dillard for a timely reminder why he’s the one candidate in this primary I’ve never considered. We aren’t absolutely certain Rauner’s behind the smear, but as Mokenavince observed, Dillard doesn’t even pretend to have class.