* A Bruce Rauner TV ad opens a brand new (for this year) and powerful front against Gov. Pat Quinn.
The new ad slams Quinn him for his administration’s botched early prisoner release plan that just about cost the governor the 2010 Democratic primary. Bill Brady didn’t really emphasize the botched program, but Rauner isn’t making that same mistake. [They’ve fixed the typo mentioned above and posted a new ad] Have a look…
* This is no one-off, either. Expect Quinn to get pounded on this and other topics for the rest of the season.
On December 14, 2009, The Associated Press Reported That The Illinois Department Of Corrections Had Instituted A Secret Early Release Program Known As “MGT Push” And That 850 Inmates Had Already Been Released Weeks Earlier Than They Should Have Been. “Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has suspended a prison program that allowed repeat drunk drivers, drug users and even people convicted of battery and weapons violations to serve less than three weeks’ total time behind bars. Records obtained and analyzed by The Associated Press show that since September more than 850 inmates were released weeks earlier than they ordinarily would be. The Corrections Department was saving money by abandoning a policy that requires inmates to serve at least 61 days and awarding them discretionary good-conduct credit immediately upon entering prison.” (John O’Connor, “Ill. Suspends Program That Released Inmates Early,” The Associated Press, 12/14/09)
At Least 230 Of The Inmates Quinn Released Early Were Serving Sentences For Violent Crimes Or Crimes Involving A Weapon. “Corrections also dropped a 61-day minimum stay for all inmates, meaning scores of prisoners spent a total of less than three weeks behind bars, including county jail time. They served, on average, 26 days in the state pen, from as few as seven to 60, just below the old minimum. On the updated list, at least 230 released early were convicted of violent crimes or those that involved weapons. (John O’Connor, “Ill. wrongly reported early release prisoners, The Associated Press, 1/23/10)
Criminals With Histories Of Murder And Rape Were Released Early Under Quinn’s Program. “A west suburban man sentenced to prison for murder conspiracy was freed early under a controversial state program that Gov. Quinn called a ‘mistake’ and discontinued last week, a Chicago Sun-Times analysis has found. Also sprung early were 20 other men with killings or attempted murder in their criminal backgrounds, records show. Six were convicted of murder, five of second-degree murder, one of manslaughter, one of murder conspiracy and seven of attempted murder…During a news conference last week, neither Quinn nor Randle pointed out the degree to which people with murder, armed robbery, rape and other convictions for violent crimes had been released under the program.” (Frank Main and Chris Fusco, “Back on the street,” Chicago Sun-Times, 1/6/10)
Criminals With Histories OF Domestic Battery Were Released Early By Quinn. “Quinn on Wednesday has backtracked from earlier statements, acknowledging that he knew ahead of time that the state Department of Corrections had planned to release some inmates early as part of a cost-saving measure. Quinn, however, has refused to say whether he knew that some of the prisoners had been convicted of violent crimes that included domestic battery.” (“Gubernatorial Challenger Hynes Takes Quinn To Task,” Belleville News-Democrat, 12/17/09)
Darrell Bracey Was Released From State Prison On September 23, 2009 Under MGT Push, After Serving Just One Year Of A Three-Year Sentence For Burglary. “The 23-year-old Bracey was freed Sept. 23, 2009 after serving one year of a three-year sentence for burglary, including 55 days in the state penitentiary.” (John O’Connor, “Ill. Parolee Wasn’t Picked Up After Battery Claim,” The Associated Press, 9/20/10)
On January 4, 2010, Bracey Allegedly Had Sex With A 14-Year-Old Girl. “If he had been picked up in December, he could have been back behind bars Jan. 4, the day he admittedly had sex with the 14-year-old girl, according to investigators. Naperville police investigated the incident as a criminal sexual assault, records show, but prosecutors have not filed charges because the victim’s family is not cooperating, according to the Will County state’s attorney’s office.” (John O’Connor, “Ill. Parolee Wasn’t Picked Up After Battery Claim,” The Associated Press, 9/20/10)
Joshua Paddock Was Let Out Of Prison November 6, 2009 And Was Arrested December 12 For Domestic Battery. “Joshua Paddock, 21, who was sentenced to four years in early 2008 for aggravated battery. Lake County Jail held him about 18 months, he left Stateville Nov. 6 after 14 days, and was arrested later that month for driving without a license. But Corrections did not revoke his parole until after he was arrested Dec. 12 on four charges of domestic battery.” (John O’Connor, “Quinn: Secret prison early release ‘big mistake’,” Associated Press, 12/31/09)
Paddock’s Victim Was Beaten And Choked For Four Hours In A Hotel Room. “According to the Corrections documents, the victim contends Paddock stripped her, kicked her, choked her and dragged her across the pavement and back into a hotel room over the course of four hours.” (John O’Connor, “Crimes come to light Gov. Quinn denies knowing offenses of released inmates,” Associated Press, 1/9/10)
Edjuan Payne Was Serving Time For Criminal Damage To Property When He Was Released Early Under MGT Push. “Payne was serving time for criminal damage to property when he got out last fall as part of Quinn’s secret early prison release program, although he also had an earlier murder conviction. He was sent back in January for violating parole on the property damage charge by drinking alcohol and not properly reporting to his parole agent. He was freed in March. On Friday, he was charged with murder in Peoria.” (”Parole Violator Now Charged With Murder Was Released Early,” The Associated Press, 5/18/10)
Payne Was Sent Back To Jail In January Of 2010 For Violating His Parole. “Payne was serving time for criminal damage to property when he got out last fall as part of Quinn’s secret early prison release program, although he also had an earlier murder conviction. He was sent back in January for violating parole on the property damage charge by drinking alcohol and not properly reporting to his parole agent. He was freed in March. On Friday, he was charged with murder in Peoria.” (”Parole Violator Now Charged With Murder Was Released Early,” The Associated Press, 5/18/10)
Payne Was Released From Prison Again On March 29, 2010. “Payne would have served the remainder of his sentence (which was one year because the state counts each day served as two) and been released at the end of July 2010. The state’s Prison Review Board, however, allowed Payne to be released from prison on March 29, 2010. The PRB is an independent agency. It does from time to time make confidential recommendations to the governor relative to clemency petitions.” (Andrew Greiner, “Former Convict Accused of Second Murder,” NBC Chicago, 5/14/10)
On May 13, 2010, A Month And A Half After He Was Released From Prison, Payne Was Arrested For the Murder Of A 41-Year-Old Peoria Woman. “Peoria police arrested a Chicago man Thursday in connection with the death of a 41-year-old woman whose body was found in an alley. The woman’s body was found Thursday morning in the alley in the 1400 block of Northeast Perry Avenue and she has been identified as Orvette Davis. The 8-month-old infant found lying on the ground next to her is her granddaughter, Aaliyah Gaston. The infant was taken to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center on Thursday morning with what police described as non-life threatening injuries. Police arrested Edjuan L. Payne, 40, of Chicago and booked him on charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder and endangering the life of a child. (Scott Hilyard, “Police Arrest Homicide Suspect,” Peoria Journal Star, 5/13/10)
- 2nd Ward - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 7:38 am:
Pathetic attempt to scare voters with a four year old story. Rauner’s campaign seems to be getting desperate.
- MrJM - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 8:10 am:
A four-year old story versus a federal bankruptcy court determining if Rauner’s investment firm “participated in a fraudulent scheme to avoid liability for a string of deaths at nursing homes”? http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/clout/ct-bruce-rauner-nursing-home-bankruptcy-20140922-story.html#page=1
Good luck with all that.
– MrJM
- Cassiopeia - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 8:10 am:
If the Quinn campaign can use 4 year old stories about a company of Rauners then I guess this story is fair game.
- VanillaMan - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 8:21 am:
230 violent criminals, secretly released early by Pat Quinn
If you were one of the dozens of victims of these parolees, or one of their new neighbors, the problem with this statement is that they were not contacted before these parolees were released.
The key word here is secret. If we care about our public safety, care about victim’s rights, care about their safety, care about justice - then not being contacted before their attackers were released, was absolutely wrong.
That is the problem.
Not the fact that it happened four years ago - you want to tell a rape victim that they should have moved on from that? You want to tell the frightened wife and her children that they should just forget their beatings?
Turning this into a political debate insults the criminal reality that Pat Quinn needs to address before he faces voters.
That is how this works. Pat Quinn is the governor. Be a governor and give us answers, please.
- Snucka - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 8:24 am:
Everything is fair game. That said, the Rauner story is newer in voters’ minds. Voters knew about the Quinn story when they chose him over both Dan Hynes and Bill Brady. I wouldnt say Rauner is desperate, but this may be a sign of panic. Then again, the way they probably plan to throw everything at each other at least once.
- bill ryan - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 8:40 am:
this Rauner ad is outrageous and beyond the pale. Lord knows quinn aint perfect but anybody willing to use this misleading false despicable fear mongering ad doesn’t deserve to be dog catcher let alone governor. i was seriously thinking of sitting out this election but no longer. i will vote and support quinn. if want to discuss criminal justice each should present plan to reduce overcrowding, increase safety for all of us. doc overcrowded and overworked. we need serious reform not stupid ranting
- Del Clinkton - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 8:43 am:
The better question, for Bruce and Governor Pat Quinn is:
What are we going to do about the fact that the “War on Drugs” has cost/continues to cost the State of Illinois billions and billions of dollars?
- OneMan - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 8:52 am:
Del,
I think if you asked most voters who they would rather see released early, it would Billy Possession not Vinny Violence..
At least I would.
- PublicServant - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 9:00 am:
I guess we could have released these guys into one of Rauner’s nursing homes, but then that would be cruel and unusual punishment.
- econ prof - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 9:25 am:
This isn’t nearly as strong as the ad that Dan Hines ran against Quinn, which included mugshots, but it will be effective. They need a strong Willie Horton ad to really drive this home.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 9:27 am:
To the Post,
To me, the reality, if Rauner’s Crew would have made this a much larger, ongoing narrative all summer, having Quinn answer these questions during the State Fair, parade season, the Trib session, I might, politically speaking only, think this could be beyond fair and very hurtful…
…and it wasn’t.
Now it’s white noise, sadly, compared to the ongoing narratives Quinn and allies have been parsing out, reinforcing one thought; lesser of two evils, and Rauner might be an evil Illinois can’t afford.
This race would be significantly different if Rauner’s Crew was adding on to the continued narrative, reinforcing, instead of adding to a seemingly flimsy hodge-podge of poor governing to one big story that you have to think about to conclude Quinn is a bumbler.
This isn’t 3rd Grade, with “and you know what? Quinn did this too, teacher!” as both kids are sent to detention.
Amateurish in executing a broad plan.
- Jocko - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 9:37 am:
==230 violent criminals, secretly released (approximately four weeks) early by Pat Quinn.==
If you’re going to “Willie Horton” him, don’t wimp out and use a merry-go-round in lieu of a revolving gate.
- MrJM - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 9:49 am:
“Turning this into a political debate insults the criminal reality”
I share Vanilla Man’s outrage that Bruce Rauner would vulgarize issue by making it the subject of a campaign ad!!1!
– MrJM
- walker - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 10:10 am:
This one disappointed me. Reaching deep into the trick bag of negative campaigning, used in almost every state against any sitting governor.
Our whole prison system is broken in this country. We are a dramatic outlier from everyone other than N. Korea. I guess someone will always have to take the heat for it, until we change it.
- A guy... - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 10:27 am:
It’s a poignant pass. Anyone who thinks about Panic is kidding themselves. This is the card that’s coming out of the shoe now. We’re at the point of time where it’s more about the closing strategy than fly by the seat of your pants adjustments. People are just now starting to lock in. Therefore, both sides are starting to drop face cards. It’s down to a 40 day stretch.
- W.S. Walcott - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 10:29 am:
@bill ryan
“this Rauner ad is outrageous and beyond the pale. Lord knows quinn aint perfect but anybody willing to use this misleading false despicable fear mongering ad doesn’t deserve to be dog catcher let alone governor.”
The “misleading false despicable fear mongering” was enough to have Michael Randle fall on his sword for Quinn. If this is the issue that sparks your interest so greatly, and moves you to vote, great.
Democracy works in mysterious ways I guess, and as I’ve said before, just ask Michael Randall.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 10:31 am:
===It’s a poignant pass. Anyone who thinks about Panic is kidding themselves. This is the card that’s coming out of the shoe now. We’re at the point of time where it’s more about the closing strategy than fly by the seat of your pants adjustments.===
So the Spelling error in the Ad…was …strategy?
- A guy... - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 10:45 am:
No Willie, that would be a spelling error. No more, no less. Cat got your tongue on this? Pretty weak brother.
- Amalia - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 10:47 am:
follow up. follow up. follow up. I’m talking to you, Pat. your IDOC staff needs to know who got out and what is going on with them. while this is a scare tactic, things did happen. make the decision to let someone out early, live with the consequences. follow up.
- zatoichi - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 10:51 am:
Details. Imagine that. 4 year old secrets with news articles. OK. If you feel early release is wrong where do you put these people when you run out of room at the big house? A brief plan would be nice.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 10:55 am:
- A guy… -
===Cat got your tongue on this? Pretty weak brother.===
Hmmm.
===- Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 9:27 am===
Seems like I did respond. Dope.
I guess details matter little to the Rauner Crew?
Go it, thanks. lol
- Formerly Known As... - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 11:04 am:
== If you were one of the dozens of victims of these parolees ==
Seems likely that we will hear from some of them or their family members at some point. With the downward spiral in full effect, and the focus on emotions and outrage, it’s only a matter of time.
- Archiesmom - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 12:13 pm:
At this stage of a close campaign, the guy perceiving himself as slipping or behind will roll out the scare tactics and sling everything against the wall, hoping enough sticks. And sometimes it does, especially with ads like this. But I think it’s too late.
- A guy... - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 12:24 pm:
===Archiesmom - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 12:13 pm:
At this stage of a close campaign, the guy perceiving himself as slipping or behind will roll out the scare tactics and sling everything against the wall, hoping enough sticks. And sometimes it does, especially with ads like this. But I think it’s too late.===
Hardly, A Mom, the brass knuckles are just beginning to be brought out. You’re witnessing the 1st inning of the final phase.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 12:36 pm:
===You’re witnessing the 1st inning of the final phase.===
…of the 4th Quarter, 3rd Period, last possession…
Mixed metaphors, mixed messages, is that desperation of…explanation?
- Responsa - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 2:27 pm:
This is a mighty, powerful, and honest ad about an issue close to peoples’ hearts. The release of known violent criminals without proper notice was, and is, a huge Quinn screw-up that continues to resonate.
- Archiesmom - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 2:43 pm:
== Mixed metaphors, mixed messages, is that desperation of…explanation? ==
I’m going to try end churn out as many analogies and metaphors as I can today in your honor, OW. Right now, my internal oundtrack is “It’s the end of the world as we know it.”
- A guy... - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 3:17 pm:
==Mixed metaphors, mixed messages, is that desperation of…explanation?===
No, merely a way to help a dude like you understand. Is this last minute to you? No. 42 days out. Try to keep up.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 3:33 pm:
===No, merely a way to help a dude like you understand. Is this last minute to you? No. 42 days out. Try to keep up.===
Mixing…mixing helps explain.
Yikes.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 3:35 pm:
- Archiesmom -
And…I feel fine.
- A guy... - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 4:00 pm:
Hey, you’re the one who says you’re an assumed “+”. Just trying to get you to the polls while you’re still wobbling.
- crazybleedingheart - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 5:33 pm:
“I think if you asked most voters who they would rather see released early, it would Billy Possession not Vinny Violence..”
Such nice, neat, feel-good lines to draw.
Q: Where does threatening to blow someone’s head off fall on this spectrum, if you don’t actually do it?
- Odysseus - Monday, Sep 22, 14 @ 10:53 pm:
If I weren’t already voting against Rauner, this ad would lock in my opposition.
“pathetic”, “outrageous”, and “beyond the pale” don’t go nearly far enough.