* Expect a lot more on this front in the coming days…
A coalition of leaders who worked with, supported and espoused Harold Washington ideals and policies issued the below statement. Leaders who issued the statement are U.S. Representative Bobby Rush (D-1st), U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-2nd), U.S. Representative Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-4th), U.S. Representative Danny Davis (D-7th), Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Commissioner Jesús “Chuy” Garcia, Timuel Black, the Rev. Clay Evans, Jacky Grimshaw and the Rev. Dr. B. Herbert Martin:
“Harold Washington would be rolling over in his grave to see this desperate commercial run by a billionaire who didn’t hire a single African American executive at his own business and who wants to eliminate the minimum wage.
“Those who remember and loved Harold Washington know that he spent his entire career fighting against the Republican, anti-worker, benefit-the-rich policies that Bruce Rauner wholly represents.
“This is another desperate effort by a billionaire trying to change the subject from an ongoing federal trial targeting his company after misdeeds that led to the abuse, neglect and death of many senior citizens under his watch. Bruce Rauner can’t avoid responsibility for his business.”
The Rauner ad is here, in case you somehow missed it earlier today.
- 3rd Generation Chicago Native - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:19 pm:
“Those who remember Harold Washington” and those who were too young also lost on this ad. Distasteful boarding on Offensive, boarding on ancient history depending on what age group you are in.
- 3rd Generation Chicago Native - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:22 pm:
meant bordering not boarding
- Louis G Atsaves - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:24 pm:
Are they saying that Harold Washington was untruthful about what he said about Quinn? No.
- Walter Mitty - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:27 pm:
The response solidifies my opinion that it’s effective for the masses. Not just the minority vote.
- Del Clinkton - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:30 pm:
So what DOES Bruce stand for? No thanx, I’ll vote for Quinn. Bruce, time to go back to being a “home day trader” with your wife Betsy.
- MrJM - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:30 pm:
“Are they saying that Harold Washington was untruthful about what he said about Quinn? No.”
Oh, snap! There ain’t no way Pat can win the 1990 gubernatorial election now!
– MrJM
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:31 pm:
===“Harold Washington would be rolling over in his grave to see this desperate commercial run by a billionaire who didn’t hire a single African American executive at his own business and who wants to eliminate the minimum wage.
“Those who remember and loved Harold Washington know that he spent his entire career fighting against the Republican, anti-worker, benefit-the-rich policies that Bruce Rauner wholly represents.”===
Here endeth the lesson;
The suburban millionaire from Winnetka, winner of the GOP Primary is going to tell the people, the caretakers of the Harold Washington Legacy, what that legacy feels about the Rauner-Quinn race?
Goodness gracious, this is stepping in it, when it should have been ignored completely…in a General Election.
Rauner’s Crew just motivated people that he should have left alone.
This ain’t adding for Rauner, but adding to the chorus; “Defeat Rauner, at all costs”
Congratulations, Rauner Crew. Well done.
- William j Kelly - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:31 pm:
Rauner needs to counter this with by show casing all the black employees from his company GTCR , oh wait, there are no black employees at Rauner’s company.
- VanillaMan - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:33 pm:
So Washington never said this stuff about Pat Quinn?
Or are we just changing the subject here by playing the race card?
- Demoralized - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:38 pm:
@VMan:
Well you completely missed the boat here. I believe the point is that Harold Washington would have never supported Bruce Rauner.
And can you please stop with your race card crap you keep bringing up.
- Illannoyed - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:38 pm:
So a whole bunch of people that already oppose Rauner have come out to denounce the ad. Shocking! But will their denunciation only call further attention to an ad that is intended to raise the Governor’s competence as an issue? It seems to be that this is probably what the Rauner people want to make the election about.
- Wensicia - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:38 pm:
==Or are we just changing the subject here by playing the race card?==
That’s the question you need to ask Bruce Rauner.
- Illannoyed - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:40 pm:
Pardon…”seems to me…”
- 3rd Generation Chicago Native - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:41 pm:
===This ain’t adding for Rauner, but adding to the chorus; “Defeat Rauner, at all costs”===
Oswego Willie, this is so true, this can only help Quinn. And this will also get a few more people fired up to make sure Rauner does not get in and they will be sure get out to vote.
- Of Course - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:41 pm:
OUCH! Bruce is on a sinking boat…
- anon - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:44 pm:
Rauner stepped in it…again.
- MrJM - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:47 pm:
And somewhere, Karen Lewis is high-fiving her team.
– MrJM
- VanillaMan - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:54 pm:
I believe the point is that Harold Washington would have never supported Bruce Rauner.
By his own words, it sounds as if Mayor Washington would never, ever support Pat Quinn.
That was the point of this ad.
- Meanderthal - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:54 pm:
I don’t think there is much Harold Washington’s life he ever regretted saying. He was right then and the sentiment is correct now.
- William j Kelly - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:55 pm:
Not only is rauner toast but all the people who publicly supported rauner can kiss away any further in Illinois politics.
- OneMan - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:55 pm:
True…..
Did he also think Pat Quinn was incompetent?
Based off the evidence, also true.
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:56 pm:
I am 30 years old. Harold Washington died when I was 3. I don’t know how much this resonates. But I do think Dan Hynes had a way better ad at a full minute. And what Harold Washington says just makes me laugh. Don’t know if it was true or not. Quinn may have done a horrible job way back when, but he has a track record since then that I would say is pretty good.
And if you want to hear Harold Washington say more hilarious things, here is an ad from the ‘83 mayor’s race….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFHumMcInzg
- Cheryl44 - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:56 pm:
So Washington never said this stuff about Pat Quinn?
Not lately.
- Formerly Known As... - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:56 pm:
Touched a nerve? Seems so.
- ??? - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:57 pm:
I agree with VanillaMan. They aren’t saying that Harold Washington would support Bruce Rauner; that wasn’t my take-away at all. They (Rauner campaign) are saying that Harold Washington felt that Pat Quinn was not a good leader and too much of a PR ho (not in those exact words, of course).
- Frenchie Mendoza - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:58 pm:
This is Rauner shaking it up? He could barely get three coherent words out at his latest press conference — and he read from notes at the one before.
Now Rauner’s tangling with a legacy — and an image — he didn’t need to touch — or tarnish.
Good god. Rauner is a dumb man.
- Slow Down - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:59 pm:
Not dumb Frenchie, desperate.
- Soccermom - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:04 pm:
Oh, no! Who could possibly have foreseen that the response to an ad showing Mayor Washington criticizing Pat Quinn would have been a strong, forceful, united statement by a large number of well-respected leaders in the African-American community?
If only someone had tried this before, to demonstrate the likely outcome…
- Formerly Known As... - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:07 pm:
Older voters turn out out in larger numbers that younger voters. Plenty of older African American voters recall exactly who Harold Washington was and what he meant in Chicago and Cook County.
Mr. Rauner can expect a strong push back against this ad from Dems precisely because it is so damning of Mr. Quinn. Combined with the unhappiness many within the African American community have with the Democratic party, and it packs a formidable punch.
I would be scared of this ad too. This is Rauner’s version of Quinn’s “Nursing Home” ad. Both can do significant damage.
- Precinct Captain - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:10 pm:
Another Bruce Rauner failure. For a guy who has been “successful at everything,” he is sure racking them up lately.
- MrJM - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:11 pm:
By his own words, it sounds as if Mayor Washington wouldn’t have supported Pat Quinn in 1987.
– MrJM
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:11 pm:
===I would be scared of this ad too. This is Rauner’s version of Quinn’s “Nursing Home” ad. Both can do significant damage.===
- FKA -, with respect,
You are comparing Ads that has one with people dying from neglect with maximized profits and the FBI and Bakruptcy court…
…to Quotes of Harold Washington, that Washington supporters are denouncing?
Lay down just for a minute and think about it;
Deaths, profits, courts…
…quotes…and rebuttals.
Not the same.
With respect.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:12 pm:
- Combined with the unhappiness many within the African American community have with the Democratic party -
You’re speaking for the AA community now? Good luck.
I was worried the Illinois GOP had learned their lesson from losing to an unpopular Democratic Governor in a huge Republican wave year. Fortunately there seems to be a collective amnesia about that.
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:14 pm:
Lol Soccermom. Brilliant.
- Formerly Known As... - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:16 pm:
== You’re speaking for the AA community now? Good luck. ==
LOL. No, I am reflecting the direct quotes and comments of prominent African-American leaders such as Corey Brooks, Larry Trotter and other who have expressed their frustration at being == taken for granted == by Illinois Democrats.
I assumed Illinois Dems had realized there was a substantial problem in that regard. I was mistaken.
- VanillaMan - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:18 pm:
Well, I believe the reason for the emotional outpour of partisan anger over this ad is due to the fact that what Mayor Washington said about Pat Quinn is so damning. If Washington wasn’t who he was, and if he didn’t say it the way he said it, then there probably wouldn’t have been a response by the Quinn camp at all.
I keep reading that this thing backfired all over Hynes, so if these people actually believe what they are saying, then they shouldn’t be acting as if they were a swarm of angry hornets going after a bear.
This obviously stings. Mayor Washington was a damn fine mayor and he is obviously intelligent and measured and detailed in his criticism over Pat Quinn.
I bet the only grave rolling Mr. Washington would have been doing would have been on the day Pat Quinn became governor.
- Leprechaun - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:20 pm:
By the reaction it must have hit a nerve. The young African Americans don’t remember Washington the older ones who vote do. And this add all but says to them, don’t vote for Quinn.
My opinion it helps more then hurts.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:22 pm:
@Oswego Willy -
This is another clear cut case of letting someone besides the professionals run the campaign.
Yes, in a Democratic Primary, this ad makes some sense.
But in a General Election, all you are doing is reminding African American voters that there is an Election, and making sure that Democrats don’t take their base for granted.
I just don’t get it.
- low level - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:30 pm:
I’m amazed that Mayor Washington had all of this partisan Republican support back then! Who would’ve thought??
- A guy... - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:31 pm:
Look at that list of names. Hmmm. If only Harold were still around today to keep them in line with the leadership he had. Interesting to think about. JJ Jr. would have never been in the House. (I know he’s not mentioned on the list) Obama probably would have been in the House either in the 3rd, or Harold would have retired Cong. Rush. Danny Davis wouldn’t have been teetering back and forth every election cycle. Toni P. would probably have been groomed as an heir apparent to the mayor. Rahm would still be in DC, etc. In fact, much of the cast of characters would be a lot, lot different.
Interesting to think about. But, for a few, that’s not a really great list there. I suspect you’ll see some response with another list. And then, voila, we’ll get to compare lists. Tis the season.
- MrJM - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:31 pm:
“The young African Americans don’t remember Washington; the older ones who vote do.”
They also know and recognize the names of Bobby Rush, Robin Kelly, Luis V. Gutiérrez, Danny Davis, Toni Preckwinkle, “Chuy” Garcia, Timuel Black, the Rev. Clay Evans, Jacky Grimshaw and the Rev. Dr. B. Herbert Martin.
But maybe you think a tacky campaign ad from a Winnetka Republican carries more weight with older African American voters…
– MrJM
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:33 pm:
===This is another clear cut case of letting someone besides the professionals run the campaign.===
- YDD -,
Let’s go one step further, shall we?
The professionals…
…have no clue…what they are doing.
Couple things I don’t like;
Pleated golf shorts… and watching politics done poorly by a Crew that thinks they are doing it well.
It is borderline blissful ignorance, or malpractice brought on by incompetence.
A Winnetka millionaire GOP Nominee uses …a failed… Democratic Primary Ad… to make hay for or opposed to who, I don’t know.
I can’t stand watching bad politics play out willfully by a Crew.
- Abraham Froman - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:34 pm:
Harold Washington quotes from years ago may have some resonance with older black voters but older black voters also can understand that not being able to find ANY black qualified executives for a businessman’s company wouldn’t have flied back in Mayor Washington’s day and definitely shouldn’t fly in todays world.
- Formerly Known As... - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:38 pm:
== Not the same. ==
OW, also with great respect,
The ad contents are not the same or even comparable. That is true. But the damage they can do to each respective candidate is also comparable. It strikes right at the core of their most sensitive vulnerabilities.
People fear Rauner may be a vampire capitalist pretending to be a successful and compassionate businessman. The nursing home ad hits the bullseye. What his company possibly did to Mr. Saacks is sickening.
People fear Quinn may be a self-serving, careless individual pretending to be a well intentioned public servant. The Harold Washington ad hits the bullseye. The unemployment and crime rates in many heavily African-American parts of Illinois are sickening.
I may be wrong and this ad is irrelevant. But measuring by the reaction to this as opposed to most of Rauner’s other ads, it has evoked a much stronger defensive reaction.
Right or wrong, I remain respectfully, FKA
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:42 pm:
===Interesting to think about. JJ Jr. would have never been in the House. (I know he’s not mentioned on the list) ===
lol, then why bring him up, it’s not relevant to the actual names…
===Obama probably would have been in the House either in the 3rd, or Harold would have retired Cong. Rush. Danny Davis wouldn’t have been teetering back and forth every election cycle. Toni P. would probably have been groomed as an heir apparent to the mayor. Rahm would still be in DC, etc. In fact, much of the cast of characters would be a lot, lot different.===
Relevance?
This blathering of things that NEVER happened…is Dopey.
===. But, for a few, that’s not a really great list there===
Hmmm…
===U.S. Representative Bobby Rush (D-1st), U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-2nd), U.S. Representative Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-4th), U.S. Representative Danny Davis (D-7th), Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Commissioner Jesús “Chuy” Garcia, Timuel Black, the Rev. Clay Evans, Jacky Grimshaw and the Rev. Dr. B. Herbert Martin===
Bunch of nobodies.
Members of Congess.
Cook County President
County Commissioners
Community activists
You slighting a community, by slighting their chosen leaders?
Careful, careful.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:43 pm:
When I first saw the Hynes ad about four-and-a-half years ago, I thought it was a slam-dunk winner.
Abot 48 hours later, I was proven to be 100% wrong. It was a disaster.
See where I’m going here?
- Formerly Known As... - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:44 pm:
== can understand that not being able to find ANY black qualified executives for a businessman’s company wouldn’t have flied back in Mayor Washington’s day and definitely shouldn’t fly in todays world ==
Exactly. The question now becomes, whose message will be driven home more loudly and effectively?
Rauner’s money and support within the AA community? Or Quinn’s? My money would say Quinn’s by a nose, but it all depends on how well the respective crews handle the push back and the counter.
- Leprechaun - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:45 pm:
Mr JM Rev Meeks , Dr Willie Wilson , pastor Brookins must not have a problem with it . So a tacky to you isn’t what matters.
- wndycty - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:48 pm:
This is what Rauner gets it wrong, he underestimates and in many ways insults the Black voter. They (we) know who Rauner is, we know who Pat Quinn is and we know who Harold Washington was.
While we can debate whether or not Harold Washington would be supporting a fellow Democrat (Quinn) in 2014 election, we are pretty confident he wouldn’t be supporting Rauner.
Washington didn’t like Quinn, but from an ideology standpoint he has a lot more in common with him than he does Rauner and the voters this ad is meant to influence know that.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:49 pm:
- FKA -,
All good. Understand your points, you defend your stance, and you made me think.
Thanks, as always.
- Formerly Known As... - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:54 pm:
OW, likewise, thank you.
I may be missing the ball here. That is part of the “fun” during all this sleaziness. Watching, listening, learning. You also make me think, like many others here.
- A guy... - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:57 pm:
=== Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:42 pm:
===Interesting to think about. JJ Jr. would have never been in the House. (I know he’s not mentioned on the list) ===
lol, then why bring him up, it’s not relevant to the actual names…====
It was very well known in “not” secret circles that Harold and Rev. Jackson were not close. It was at that time JJ Sr. moved out of Chicago to start his Shadow Senator of DC statehood routine. Harold was that powerful. Many on that list are only “somebodies” because Harold made them so. My comment was directed at thinking about Harold’s time here. You think Pat Quinn would have been on any State Ticket with Harold alive? That was where my mind was going.
This list? It’s not the list Harold would put together, no Willie, not by a long shot. A few would make it. Most would not. Harold fought the party every single day. If he had a choice now, I think he’d be talking to Bruce very seriously. We already know what he thinks of Pat.
Just reminiscing Willie. I liked Harold a lot.
- Soccermom - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:59 pm:
“a much stronger defensive reaction”? Seriously? I am responded with vehemence because this is so flat-out ridiculous. I just hope Rauner is sending some of his limitless cash to Hynes, since Rauner has been appropriating so much of Hynes’ campaign. (I don’t know who is going to break the news about the 2010 primary’s outcome to Rauner after he’s put so much effort into following the Hynes playbook…)
- Jake From Elwood - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 2:00 pm:
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 8:53 am:
===He has a different problem. He’s a Republican. Watch what happens.===
Prescient advice. You called it.
- A guy... - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 2:01 pm:
Harold would have traded a token executive appointment for 100 decent jobs and economic improvement in a distressed community for African Americans in a New York minute. Book it. He could care less about symbolism.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 2:04 pm:
=== You think Pat Quinn would have been on any State Ticket with Harold alive? That was where my mind was going.===
How do you know he wouldn’t have been?
How do you know?
===This list? It’s not the list Harold would put together, no Willie, not by a long shot. A few would make it.===
Ok, whose “on” whose “off”
You can like or not like anything or anyone, but your speculation 30 years into a future that has been void of Harold Washington and knowing who makes a list, who doesn’t, who would be statewide, who wouldn’t…
A month in politics is a lifetime, you are saying in 30 years removed, you know?
The Hubris.
I’m lucky if I know how I will feel about my mailman in 30 days, you know how Washington would have felt and would feel now, 30 years of water under the bridge?
Yikes.
- AFSCME Steward - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 2:05 pm:
VanillaMan
” Mayor Washington was a damn fine mayor and he is obviously intelligent and measured”
Did you feel this way back in 1986 or is this a recent revelation ?
- low level - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 2:12 pm:
Washington was a strong supporter of minimum wage increases
- A guy... - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 2:13 pm:
AFSCME Steward, I did. Did you?
I lived in the 19th Ward at that time. We were being told stories that would make your teeth chatter about what was going to happen. Turned out- no bogeyman, just a guy who treated the office in a more colorblind way than any before or after him. He was always in search of balance and harmony in a place that never experienced either.
- AFSCME Steward - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 2:18 pm:
A guy
AFSCME Steward, I did. Did you?
I lived in the 19th Ward at that time. We were being told stories that would make your teeth chatter about what was going to happen. Turned out- no bogeyman, just a guy who treated the office in a more colorblind way than any before or after him. He was always in search of balance and harmony in a place that never experienced either.
I voted for Harold Washington. I lived in the dominion of the great Bernie Stone (sarcasm intended) at the time. I remember all of the fears & the council wars stuff. I even wrote a satire song about it.
- Belle - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 2:32 pm:
Harold Washington would have probably said the same thing many of us have said, which is ‘I’d love to vote against Pat, he’s a goof—if only there was someone decent. I’d love to vote for someone else as long as it isn’t Rauner”..
- A guy... - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 2:40 pm:
AFSCME…good on you!
Belle, Harold would’ve made sure Pat wasn’t the other choice. Book it. Listen to whatever version of that commercial again and try to pass that comment off as what he’d do. NOT.
- Leprechaun - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 2:49 pm:
Rich or Willy do you recall what Dan Hynes numbers in polling were at when this add started running ?
- AFSCME Steward - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 2:59 pm:
A Guy & Belle
In 1986, the GOP had real leadership. Bruce Rauner never would have gotten through the front door of the township offices he bribed to support him this year. With a bumbling unpopular governor like Quinn they would have been salavating at the chance to get him. I am a registered Republican. I am voting for Quinn only because of who Rauner is. Unfortunately the GOP really blew the chance to win here. Bumbling Quinn, all of his baggage and all, is going to win this race easily. Rauner knows it, that is why all of the goofy ads and statements are coming out. I already said it last week, I would not be suprised if Quinn wins with a double digit margin. What is happening here is the internal polling indicates deep trouble for Rauner. Rather than fix what went wrong, he’s gotten stupider and stupider.
What is sad is that we need a strong GOP in Illinois. Maybe in 4 years ?????????
- VanillaMan - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 3:03 pm:
“Mayor Washington was a damn fine mayor and he is obviously intelligent and measured”
Did I feel that was in 1986?
I couldn’t vote - but yeah.
I still remember where I was when I heard he suddenly died.
I also remember being horrified by so many of my coworker’s nasty racist comments immediately after.
It was shocking to me to discover so many college grads with such racially prejudiced minds.
- CamelSays - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 3:28 pm:
A playground observation: family members “beat up” one another all the time (ever seen a young brother and sister go at it?). But, just you try to join that fight and you’ll suddenly face a whole-lotta-hurt coming from *both* siblings. BR’s team badly misjudged this. The ad touched a nerve alright…the Democratic family will be rising up! Rauner lit a flame he should have left alone.
- Del Clinkton - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 3:41 pm:
Just some context.
Harold Washington was elected Mayor (1983) only 16 years after Loving V Virginia (1967, which invalidated laws prohibiting inter-racial marriage).
For African Americans this was a remarkable achievement in a city still divided by race.
Bruce stirred up a hornets nest.
Pat Quinn, on the whole, has been a good man for the State of Illinois for many, many years. Not perfect but he has always looked out for the “little guy”.
- low level - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 4:48 pm:
“The Democratic Party’s problem with the AA community”.
That’s why Bobby Rush, Danny Davis & Robin Kelly are in the “Races to watch category”, right??? They are going to be defeated?
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 4:52 pm:
–If only someone had tried this before, to demonstrate the likely outcome…–
What’s that definition of insanity?
In this case, maybe it’s just a combination of laziness and lack of imagination.
Or ignorance. Is it possible the cheez-whiz kids weren’t aware that this was done four years ago? They’re from out of town; could they have not done any research?
It’s almost impossible to believe that a highly paid campaign crew could have signed off on it knowing how it blew up last time.
Why would you do that?
- Pot calling kettle - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 7:04 pm:
I get that some smart folks (including on this blog) think this works. And, on the surface, I can see why they might think that. However, the ad does not exist in a vacuum. An almost thirty-year-old quote from the first black mayor of Chicago (who had to fight tooth and nail against the white establishment) resurrected by a white guy with no interest in the AA community until a few months ago is very likely to have a significant, negative backlash. If you want to put folks on the defensive, appropriate their history.
The other problem with this is that it tells voters that past actions matter, a message the Rauner camp is trying to move away from.
It was an unnecessary move that someone in the Rauner camp thought would be clever.
- Shan - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 10:41 pm:
A guy… - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 2:01 pm:
Harold would have traded a token executive appointment for 100 decent jobs and economic improvement in a distressed community for African Americans in a New York minute. Book it. He could care less about symbolism.
My Man,
You didn’t know Harold!
- Shan - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 10:46 pm:
- Louis G Atsaves - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:24 pm:
Are they saying that Harold Washington was untruthful about what he said about Quinn? No.
30 Years ago.
You know I was 9 when Harold died. I stood in that long line on Lasalle with my Grandpa and mom and watched them cry. My Grandpa was a mans man and never cried. This man touched so many in such a short time. My elementary school was one of the last events he place a shovel in. The was a special soul.
The fact remains yes Harold and Pat had their issues but would Bruce stood with Harold in 1983-1987? I doubt it.
- Shan - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 10:49 pm:
Formerly Known As… - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 12:56 pm:
Touched a nerve? Seems so.
Harold represented a joy that black folks had after Jane Byrne.
- Shan - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 10:59 pm:
- Leprechaun - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 1:20 pm:
By the reaction it must have hit a nerve. The young African Americans don’t remember Washington the older ones who vote do. And this add all but says to them, don’t vote for Quinn.
My opinion it helps more then hurts.
Yeah okay. Again Harold is a legend we all know Harold Washington mandatory teaching in CPS schools since 1989.
- XLWeps - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 11:01 pm:
I’ve found Quinn’s attack adds regarding Rauner’s wealth borderline comical.
So, Rauner’s rich…
Okay, but that means absolutely nothing to me, and Quinn’s talking like Rauner has personally robbed me.
The only one’s that have robbed me recently is Quinn’s IL state govt for one week’s worth of pay. A laughable promise of the tax hike being temporary (which I knew would never come to pass given the tollway is still here). I also pay $1400 a year in tolls alone
If the state needs more money and felt it needed to raise taxes that’s one thing, but don’t insult our intelligence by selling it as a temporary measure. The fact Quinn pulled it right after election so he wouldn’t face repercussions has left me very angry
I’m not in the tank for Rauner, but Quinn is unworthy of my vote. The only way he has a prayer of gaining my vote is if he publicly states he never meant for the tax increase to be temporary in the first place.
Otherwise Quinn deserves every boo he got at the Blackhawks rally 20 fold
I’ll write in a candidate before I vote for Quinn. Most of the supporters seem to be voting out of Republican phobia, rather than true support for Quinn, and that is a horrible way to vote as is straight ticket
- Shan - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 11:31 pm:
I’ll write in a candidate before I vote for Quinn. Most of the supporters seem to be voting out of Republican phobia, rather than true support for Quinn, and that is a horrible way to vote as is straight ticket
- XLWeps - Wednesday, Sep 24, 14 @ 11:01 pm:
I feel you I am writing in none of the above for both Mayor and Gov race.
- Just The Way It Is One - Thursday, Sep 25, 14 @ 12:50 am:
He’s just blatantly wasting his time and money with a tactic that has been tried beFORE against Pat Quinn by the Brady Campaign 4 years ago, and has fallen flat on its’ face.
Folks in the Black Community know that, despite his flaws, Pat Quinn is, and has ALways been on the whole, truly sympathetic to their hopes, dreams, and aspirations–and has proven it time and again, whereas .01%ers like his Opponent just can’t ever make that case.
In the end, Illinois Blacks will support Pat Quinn somewhere in the High 80’s to 90th(%/percentile), and anything Rauner musters out of this effort here simply won’t be anywhere NEAR enough to put him over the top or to cut into the Governor’s solid Base there…!
But, hey, the guy–along with his Wealthiest Illinois Billionaire buddy/#1 fan, Griffin–are free to throw their money out the window wherever and HOWever they want to–but on THIS point, in desperation, as the MAjor African-American Government Leaders have already duly pointed out…!
- low level - Thursday, Sep 25, 14 @ 7:28 am:
AFSCME steward - “In 1986, the GOP had real leadership. Bruce Rauner never would have gotten through the front door of the township offices he bribed to support him this year. ”
Absolutely correct. Couldn’t agree more.
- fact check - Thursday, Sep 25, 14 @ 12:18 pm:
Honestly, as I read all of these comments…one thing is apparent,,there are a lot of streotypes being thrown around and not a lot of facts. Fact, Rauner has done more through private charities and non-profits to help the AA community…Gov’t will not–will never help the AA community…that is something that politicians who want the AA vote try to “sell”…but they all know, at the end of the day…they are just trying to get a vote. Who pays for votes? Wake up people…realize this is Illinois and we are LAST in everything that we should not be….blind followers..educate yourselves…then do some meaningful posts….
- XLWeps - Thursday, Sep 25, 14 @ 8:00 pm:
Relying on terms like 1% ers is for low information voters, and I pity them. Low information voters are EXPLOITED on both sides. I would advise straight party voters to actually make a candidate earn their vote rather than voting out of spite
I’m not saying Rauner’s the guy, but I will say that Republican candidates actually have to put more effort into gaining votes rather than rely on buzz words and emotional rants.
The dems should have taken Quinn out via primary. Their failure to do so has caused the Dems a severe dis-service and moderates like myself will not support him
I’ve seen little actual support for Quinn containing substance. The vast majority comes from the simple fact he has a “D” in from of his name, and most of his supporters know it
- XLWeps - Thursday, Sep 25, 14 @ 8:03 pm:
*D in front of his name
- Shan - Thursday, Sep 25, 14 @ 11:14 pm:
Honestly, as I read all of these comments…one thing is apparent,,there are a lot of streotypes being thrown around and not a lot of facts. Fact, Rauner has done more through private charities and non-profits to help the AA community…Gov’t will not–will never help the AA community…that is something that politicians who want the AA vote try to “sell”…but they all know, at the end of the day…they are just trying to get a vote. Who pays for votes? Wake up people…realize this is Illinois and we are LAST in everything that we should not be….blind followers..educate yourselves…then do some meaningful posts…
Maybe I missed it as an African American (have been one for for 35 years) I have never heard of Rauner until this election. I have live, shopped, worked in black neighborhoods until the age 30, until I moved downstate and returned to Chicago in 2012. My children have never seen this either.
My point is that not every African American has the same experience. I went to the best school in the city without money attached to it. I am not a “drop out” Got pregnant young true but married my sweetheart still 15 years strong. So this magic charities he has or charity he created has never been seen by me ir majority of the folks I know.