* From Sen. Kwame Raoul…
Yesterday, a member of the press asked if I am willing to meet the governor halfway.
I replied with an example I’ve used in the past, asking rhetorically if it would be appropriate for me to meet the governor halfway if his stated objective were to enslave me. I knew my words were jarring. I used them not in order to play the “race card,” but because they illustrate an unacceptable extreme.
In no way was I suggesting that the governor is a racist. His personal philanthropy and conduct toward me demonstrate otherwise.
The governor and I have worked together productively in the past and continue to do so. Just yesterday, Gov. Rauner, Leader Currie and I celebrated the expansion of the Chicago Innovation Exchange. Later, I attended a meeting of the criminal justice reform commission the governor convened shortly after taking office. Where we share ideological priorities, we’ve worked together, and where we differ, we’ve engaged in civil discussions. The governor has never failed to be a gentleman. That does not mean I must turn a blind eye to the disproportionate impact many of his demands would have on communities of color while harming low-income and middle-class families of every description.
This crisis won’t be resolved in an arm’s length back-and-forth in the media, and I remain willing to meet with the governor to discuss the topics on his agenda. But in my practice of law, I’ve represented employers in negotiations related to labor, workers’ compensation and civil lawsuits, and I know that when one side insists on extreme approaches as the only possible starting and ending point, a negotiation cannot bear fruit. We can’t forget that we live along a fragile continuum of progress. Not so long ago, employees had few protections and injured workers little recourse, civil justice failed the victims of corporate negligence and minorities were shafted at the ballot box and in redistricting.
The governor also prefers we forget that just six months ago, both Republicans and Democrats funded a set of critical priorities that are simply unsustainable without additional revenue. Instead, he’s content to accuse legislative Democrats – a diverse caucus – of uniformly wanting a tax increase, when in fact, most Republicans agree to the need for revenue, with their votes if not their voices.
I’m willing to negotiate, but a list of inflexible demands plus willful amnesia is no recipe for any negotiation, much less a successful one.
Thoughts?
- Harvest76 - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 2:56 pm:
Yes.
- JackD - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 2:58 pm:
He speaks truth. The analogy to legal negotiation is apt.
- Keyrock - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 2:58 pm:
Excellent.
- Centennial - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 2:59 pm:
More. Of. This.
- Macbeth - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:00 pm:
Raoul: Please run for Governor.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:03 pm:
That’s the Senator Raoul I know.
===I used them not in order to play the “race card,” but because they illustrate an unacceptable extreme.
In no way was I suggesting that the governor is a racist. His personal philanthropy and conduct toward me demonstrate otherwise.===
Fair. “Solid B”, while trying to keep the purpose of what he said, and why he said far less impacted by an outright apology, but trying to make clear intent, and his rational for the intent.
Better than some I’ve heard before…
- efudd - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:05 pm:
Trover and crew will now respond with “sham policy”, “corrupt union bosses”, “taxpayers of Illinois”.
They will think they are displaying the same level of erudition as Raoul.
That, in and of itself, is what is sad.
- Robert the Bruce - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:06 pm:
Good explanation by Raoul. And he’s probably hearing worse sentiments about Rauner’s intentions from his constituents.
==Where we share ideological priorities, we’ve worked together, and where we differ, we’ve engaged in civil discussions.==
More of this, both sides, please. Much better than months of failure to meet on the Turnaround Agenda/budget.
- hisgirlfriday - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:07 pm:
I feel like in the last 5 years or so, Democrats in the G.A. already met Rauner’s point of view halfway when they passed anti-CTU school reform bills at the behest of Rauner types, passed an anti-AFSCME unconstitutional pension reform at the behest of Rauner types, and took no action on the minimum wage or extending the income tax at the behest of Rauner types despite the Democratic base support for at least the first item. These are not just proposed agendas but actions taken.
What action has Rauner taken in office against his rich guy base?
This whole meet halfway thing on policy is a crock when there is no popular support for Rauner’s policy agenda and he only got elected by running on no agenda other than he was not-Quinn and not-Madigan.
- Gruntled University Employee - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:09 pm:
Yesterday, people were calling for Sen. Raoul to apologize or at least “walk back” his statement. Today, instead of apologizing, he put his statement in the context that was intended. Kudos Senator, we need more levelheadedness in this time of manufactured crisis. Please keep up the good work.
- Honeybear - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:09 pm:
I thought that letter was excellent.
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:11 pm:
Nice work Kwame. Statesman and a gentleman. Most people in Springfield know how to negotiate and compromise. Most people.
- illinoised - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:12 pm:
Well stated and factual.
- cb - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:13 pm:
=== when in fact, most Republicans agree to the need for revenue, with their votes if not their voices==
Then it should be pretty easy to pass a budget with or without the Gov.
Clearly not true unless something offsets the Republican votes like some sort of economic reform, the status quo has not worked over these last few years.
- Qui Tam - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:15 pm:
=This whole meet halfway thing on policy is a crock when there is no popular support for Rauner’s policy agenda and he only got elected by running on no agenda other than he was not-Quinn and not-Madigan.=
Agreed. Thank you.
- Anon - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:15 pm:
If your leaders won’t do it, put together a balanced budget, and take it to the Governor. Someone should…
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:16 pm:
===Clearly not true unless something offsets the Republican votes like some sort of economic reform, the status quo has not worked over these last few years.===
Ugh.
“Clearly not true unless something offsets the Republican votes like $20 million dollars and a primary opponent hanging over their head, the independent thinking GOP GA member will not work over these Rauner demands and monies”.
Better.
- Federalist - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:18 pm:
Some comparison other than race PLEASE!
It just gets old and is not very original.
- Lucky Pierre - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:18 pm:
” I am willing to negotiate” but apparently not willing to concede anything. Interesting how he mentions his law practice and how he is involved in workers comp and civil litigation. One more reason why there are no concessions that would affect trial lawyers but benefit taxpayers and the businesses that employ middle class workers
- cb - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:19 pm:
Willy sometimes is it about making things better, if we had term limits you wouldn’t have to worry about the primary after a few terms, oh no!!!! not that what would career politicians do for a living!!
- Wordslinger - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:22 pm:
Therein lies the problem of using the “jarring” extreme. Any thoughtful context will be lost on those who may be persuadable.
That’s not a new phenomenon.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:22 pm:
===Interesting how he mentions his law practice and how he is involved in workers comp===
I may be wrong, but I’m pretty sure he represents businesses.
- walker - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:22 pm:
That’s doubling down when you actually have the cards.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:23 pm:
- cb -
“Fire… Madigan”?
Again. Ugh.
- Juvenal - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:23 pm:
@Federalist:
Sure: What if the governor had said he wanted to give our economy a shot in the arm by repealing equal-pay-for-equal work requirements?
Paying 62 cents for every dollar a man makes sure would reduce the cost of business for private business and state government!
- cb - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:25 pm:
willy … no talking about independent legislators.. more independent when not worried about where the money is coming from.
- Robert the Bruce - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:27 pm:
==This whole meet halfway thing on policy is a crock when there is no popular support for Rauner’s policy agenda ==
Term limits, fair map…not everything on the turnaround agenda is unpopular.
- northernwatersports - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:27 pm:
==Some comparison other than race PLEASE!==
Really? How else will the media finally be woken up, and finally start to ask BR the tough questions? I say more! Much more! Grab their attention. Grab the attention of the electorate. They’re smarter than you think, and they don’t need a 8th grade explanation to avoid the political correctness.
MORE PLEASE!
Wish I could vote for him.
- Ducky LaMoore - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:29 pm:
===Willy sometimes is it about making things better, if we had term limits you wouldn’t have to worry about the primary after a few terms, oh no!!!! not that what would career politicians do for a living!!===
What they all do when they get sick of hearing from constituents… lobbying.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:30 pm:
No - cb -, you said…
===Willy sometimes is it about making things better, if we had term limits…===
===what would career politicians do for a living!!===
Not…
===… no talking about independent legislators.. more independent when not worried about where the money is coming from.===
Please, keep up with your own comments.
I can read.
- sal-says - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:32 pm:
A thoughtful and reasoned comment by a Not-Mike-Madigan. Thank you, Mr. Raoul.
But this must be another Den sham, right Governor & ck?
- Austin Blvd - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:32 pm:
If Rauner believes so strongly in his Turnaround Agenda then he, as GOP puppetmaster, should have his GOP legislators introduce it and have hearings.
Then, he and his staff of constructive lobbyists(i.e. Goldberg) can get the votes.
I can envision Bruce Rauner exhibiting leadership on the House and Senate floor, twisting arms to get his way. (Think Big Jim Thompson).
Time for those brace hearted GOP members to get off of their duffs and go something!
Oh, never mind, this could never happen with this group.
But, great letter Kwame. Great letter.
- cb - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:33 pm:
Willy.. true career politicians like Madigan and other would have to do something else but they in their last term could afford to be more independent. Remember and to quote a very smart person “elections have consequences”
- Federalist - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:36 pm:
@Juvenel,
How does your comment provided below relate to what I posted?
Juvenal - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:23 pm:
@Federalist:
Sure: What if the governor had said he wanted to give our economy a shot in the arm by repealing equal-pay-for-equal work requirements?
Paying 62 cents for every dollar a man makes sure would reduce the cost of business for private business and state government!
- Robert the Bruce - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:37 pm:
== in their last term could afford to be more independent. ==
Or they might sell out to the highest bidder, whichever company is hiring them upon being term limited out.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:39 pm:
===Willy.. true career politicians like Madigan and other would have to do something else but they in their last term could afford to be more independent.===
What so you base that on, how is that measurable?
===Remember and to quote a very smart person “elections have consequences”===
With respect, “elections have consequences” so beat those you need to beat to get those consequences.
Term limits… defeats the premise of “elections have consequences”… and it becomes “beat ‘em or wait ‘em out”. That’s not close to the same.
- Pelonski - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:40 pm:
“Meeting halfway” is a concept for the ill-informed. Negotiations are about reaching a mutually beneficial agreement, but that doesn’t mean both parties get the same benefit. Typically, the majority of the benefit goes to the one with the majority of the power. We are at a standstill because both sides believe they are in a position of power. The standstill won’t end we have a crisis that forces one of the parties to realize that they are in a position of weakness.
- Austin Blvd - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:45 pm:
Pass my agenda or the state’s citizens get it, he said with the state in a headlock.
Yeah, that’s working.
Madigan’s fault.
- VanillaMan - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:52 pm:
Amen
- Archiesmom - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 3:56 pm:
Another reasonable voice in the Senate. I know many of them in both houses who are sick to death of this stalemate, and who have offered compromise. The door has been slammed in their faces repeatedly, accompanied by yet another Rauner rhetorical blast. Just yesterday I was told by another senator that “they don’t want to solve this.”
Kwame for Governor!
- burbanite - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 4:01 pm:
cb pretty sure Madigan isn’t doing it for the money. I am thinking he could retire, if he wanted to, and quite comfortably.
- burbanite - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 4:02 pm:
Oh and A for the statement.
- cb - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 4:10 pm:
==burbanite==
The money is about fund raising for the election not personal
- Arsenal - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 4:12 pm:
==rue career politicians like Madigan and other would have to do something else but they in their last term could afford to be more independent==
We’ve got about a dozen GAers who’ve announced their retirements, what are they doing to buck their leaders?
It’s a complete misunderstanding to say that Dems only oppose anti-union fanfic because Madigan tells them to, or that Republicans only oppose tax hikes because Rauner tells them to.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 4:12 pm:
- cb -, if you think, honestly, Speaker Madigan needs the money, please, it’s Friday, start the Weekend early…
Yikes.
- cb - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 4:18 pm:
Willy .. was not speaking about Madigan at all you guys are obsessed with the great and powerful Madigan not me. I was speaking about the rank and file legislators being more independent without the need to fund raise, have good weekend
- Juvenal - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 4:25 pm:
Federalist:
You said you wanted a comparison of Rauner’s negotiating tactics other than an example that is race related. I gave you one.
Rather than rolling back Prevailing Wage, Rauner could suggest we exempt them from Illinois’ Equal Pay for Equal Work Law.
Both would save municipalities money. Actually, paying women 62 cents on the dollar probably saves a great deal more.
Both are non-starters.
Or, if you want a baseball analogy: imagine a pitcher throwing intention walk pitches high and away who loudly complains to the ref that the batters won’t swing at anything.
- A guy - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 4:25 pm:
Artful and effective. His pencil has a solid eraser.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 4:27 pm:
Madigan isn’t a “career politician”?
I got $2 million in Ads telling me Madigan is the poster child…
- sal-says - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 4:31 pm:
== Some comparison other than race PLEASE! It just gets old and is not very original. ==
What? No problem if a white guy said it tho, eh? Interesting that you find it about race.
- Norseman - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 4:33 pm:
So according to cb, term limits will only provide benefits during the lame duck two years because the duck will feel free to vote independently? That sure sounds like a good reason to lose quality long-term solons and give lobbyists more influence by adopting term limits (/s).
Then again, someone called it reform so it must be true.
- logic not emotion - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 4:34 pm:
I thought the press release / statement was well done.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 4:38 pm:
- Norseman - lol,
“The first 8 years, I’ll be completely useless, but those last two years, lookout!”
- Gumby - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 5:05 pm:
Rauol fixed it. Fixed it good.
- Gumby - Friday, Oct 9, 15 @ 5:07 pm:
oops -Raoul-