* The Illinois Republican Party has a new website called BossMadigan.com. The party is making no bones about its three top targets for next cycle and is warning them about their vote for House Speaker in January…
* From the site…
Brandon Phelps has taken over $200,000 from Mike Madigan’s political machine and has voted to make Madigan the Speaker seven times. Phelps voted for Madigan’s plan to hold funding for his school district hostage to try to bail out Chicago Public Schools. Phelps also voted for Madigan’s $8 billion unbalanced budget that would force at least $1,000 tax hike on middle-class families. Phelps even voted for the Madigan-Blagojevich pension scheme that increased pension debt by up to $22 billion.
Despite these actions, Phelps can show he’s ready to begin repairing Illinois by opposing Mike Madigan for Speaker in 2017.
Mike Madigan’s funneled over $1.6 million to Sam Yingling’s campaigns, and in return, Yingling has twice voted to make Mike Madigan the Speaker of the House. Yingling sided with Madigan to hold school funding hostage in an effort to bail out Chicago schools. He also voted for the broken Madigan budget that would have increased state debt by $8 billion and forced a massive tax hike without reforms on hard-working families.
In the weeks ahead, Yingling can show he’s ready to put Illinois families ahead of his political patron by opposing Madigan for Speaker in 2017.
Mike Madigan’s given Jerry Costello nearly $200,000, so it’s no surprise that Costello has twice supported Mike Madigan as Illinois Speaker. Like the rest of Madigan’s members, Costello followed orders and held his own school districts hostage to bail out Chicago. And Costello tried to force a $1,000 tax hike on families in his district by voting for Madigan’s phony budget that was nearly $8 billion in the hole.
In January, Jerry Costello can show he’s willing to start fixing Illinois by voting against Mike Madigan as Speaker.
Discuss.
…Adding… I’m told these are just the “first three” targets. “Long time until the vote for speaker to add more.”
…Adding More… From the twitters…
- From the 'Dale to HP - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:23 am:
And the Democrats should come back with the same thing, focusing on 3 or 4 GOP House members who are loyal to “Let It Burn While I Eat Cake” Rauner.
- Bobby Catalpa - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:26 am:
Isn’t this like a kidnap deal? I mean, guy grabs you, holds a gun to your head, says, “Tell me the combination to the safe — and I won’t target you.”
You think about it. You weight the options.
Guy tightens his grip, says: “Do it now. Tell me. Do what I say.”
You say, okay, here’s the combination — and you give it.
Guy kills you anyway.
In other words, it doesn’t matter. These three — what? They take the easy way out, decide to agree to the demands. “Madigan mean,” they say. “Madigan bad. We won’t vote for him.”
Election time comes, they expect little opposition cuz, you know,they did Rauner’s bidding.
But what happens? Rauner says, “Yeah, I lied…” — and targets them anyway.
It’s lose-lose. Better to have mean Madigan shoring up the ranks than … who? Someone else?
I dunno. There’s a lot of cowards in the legislature. Their bravery is bought solely by Rauner’s cash.
- Rocky Rosi - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:26 am:
Madigan has strong relationships and the support he needs to do his job.
- The Captain - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:26 am:
They didn’t even put a candidate up against Costello in 2014 or 2016. First demonstrate basic electoral competence before you start feeling your oats.
- Annonin' - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:27 am:
Sheer genius.
nuthin’ sez Grand Bargain like the ILGOPie mumbo jumbo.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:27 am:
===And the Democrats should come back with the same thing===
Their website is from the 1990s, so I kinda doubt they will.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:27 am:
They’re going to come after you anyway…
They’ve set up a website to come after you…
They will not give aid or shelter if you submit to their wishes…
If you fold now, why play another hand the next two years…
Three… is also NOT nine. It’s three.
A strong Democratic messaging would be helpful about “now”…
- duckblind - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:27 am:
last election showed they are going to run the ads no matter what, someone who never ran for office before but every ad had her being a lap dog for Madigan?
- illini97 - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:28 am:
“Progress for the People”
The people are still waiting to see the Return on Investment for this progress. Because, I’m a person, and all I see is a giant stack of unpaid bills, decimated social services, faltering universities and crippled K-12.
Just point me to a good source of info on how a vote for anything Rauner has proposed will lead Illinois to economic stability. Please.
- Winnin' - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:30 am:
Don’t expect these three amigos to go along with the Bruce Rauner revenue enhancement plan. Good luck with getting 60, Bruce. You’ll be ranked as the worst one-term governor in Illinois history.
- Not It - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:30 am:
This does not help getting a deal done.
Maybe the partybstaff isn’t focused on that right now, but the party leader should be and he should ask them to knock it off for a few days, or at least focus on getting a deal done.
- GOPgal - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:31 am:
Why would Democrats replace a leader who wins all the time?
IL GOP is clueless. No leadership whatsoever.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:31 am:
===…Adding… I’m told these are just the “first three” targets. “Long time until the vote for speaker to add more.”===
I guess finding 60 isn’t the goal for governing?
Raunerites want the 2012 quote. Nothing more(?)
- Ron Burgundy - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:32 am:
He’s gonna be re-elected Speaker, the only question is if anyone at all registers any dissent. Even that would be a big deal. I would be surprised if anyone does. One thing I think we can all agree on, though, if they do any nominating speeches this time (sounds like they may not), I would recommend that any Dem legislator look at their most recent election %, and if that number doesn’t at least start with a 6, politely decline.
- Bobby Catalpa - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:34 am:
BTW — why in the world want to get rid of Madigan anyway? Madigan is Rauner’s golden ticket. So long as Madigan is in charge, Rauner can do no wrong. 99% of the editorial boards in this state say so.
Madigan goes — then what? Who’s Rauner gonna blame when things *still* don’t go his way? I mean, dude said he was gonna take the “slings and arrows”. But dude runs so fast out of the room, he’s not even there to count the arrows slung.
Someone should write an editorial generator. Combine 30 phrases like “… the only common thread is Madigan …”, “… Turnaround Agenda …”, “… Rauner is a man for the people …”, “… Madigan is over-rated …”, “… it’s time for change …”, “… status quo Madigan …”, “… Rauner speaking for the little guy …”, “… courage …”, “… Chicago Machine …”
- Pundent - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:34 am:
Be careful what you wish for. One of the reasons that the budget impasse has dragged on for this long is that it’s pitted Rauner against Madigan while ignoring the math required to pass the turnaround agenda. Replacing Madigan doesn’t change that. In fact it would actually help the Democrats illustrate that the support for the turnaround agenda isn’t there. Allowing the Rauner argument to be “but Madigan” has been a great distraction from reality.
- From the 'Dale to HP - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:36 am:
===Their website is from the 1990s, so I kinda doubt they will.===
Agree. But if they want to have any shot in 2018, they need to rip a page from the current IL GOP playbook. The Democrats sure seem to still think they’re up against the late 2000s Illinois GOP, even though everything that’s happened over the last three years says they aren’t.
- walker - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:38 am:
Interesting. Everyone already knows these are among the top targets for next cycle. Even if Phelps doesn’t vote an eighth time for MJM, the GOP will hammer him for his first seven votes and come after him big time on all kinds of other things.
This isn’t a warning. It’s an early start of the attacks. We are now in open campaign mode the entire 24 months of a legislator’s term. Sad.
- Roman - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:39 am:
To channel OW, and this gets Rauner to 60 votes how?
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:40 am:
===And the Democrats should come back with the same thing===
Set up a website? An accessible communications platform where citizens could easily learn about the full extent of the damages caused by squeeze the beast in one place?
Such technology, theoretically, may be possible some time in the 20th century, but as of now, it’s far beyond the Dems’ communication gurus abilities or imagination.
The new carrier pigeons are on back order.
- Deft Wing - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:43 am:
As I have repeatedly said, the last election settled nothing and the 2018 election is now underway.
Rauner is smart to keep the pressure directly on Madigan’s caucus. If Madigan feels impervious to Illinois voters, his caucus does not share that feeling.
More of this coming soon (and often), which is good.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:43 am:
- Bobby Catalpa -
Rauner Word Jumbles have been issued and been working for nearly 3 years.
The most upscale and updated is the one sitting outside the office of @StatehouseChick. When the updates occur, she usually shills them out right after “ck” in one form or another (radio, webcast, “column”, editorial)
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:46 am:
I think we can all agree that only members in safe districts will give the uber-flowery speeches in support of Speaker Madigan’s reelection to his post.
- Rogue Roni - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:48 am:
Going to be a long two years.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:49 am:
===Rauner is smart to keep the pressure directly on Madigan’s caucus. If Madigan feels impervious to Illinois voters, his caucus does not share that feeling.
More of this coming soon (and often), which is good.===
Then the stalemate will go on, Rauner will “never” find 60 and 30, Eastern Illinois University and Chicago State will both close, social service groups will wither and die on the vine waiting for funding, the backlog will surpass $14 billion and in 2 years, maybe reach as high as $20 billion, given the explosion seen now.
And this is… “Good”
Yikes, man.
- Illinois O'Malley - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:51 am:
In the spirit of giving, I’d like to present the democrats the following social media advertisement: #RaunerFail. #RaunerClosedEIU, etc…
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:55 am:
I don’t care for this strategy myself, but you have to admit, this is how you hurt the Speaker. Rauner is very adept at hurting people and this is his plan. Don’t expect it to stop.
- Thoughts Matter - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:55 am:
Governing vs campaigning. No budget… But somehow pushing these kinds of threats is the best version of representing the citizens of the state? There is a statue on the lawn of the Capitol honoring a statesman. Do any of these people even know the definition of the word?
- 618er - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:56 am:
Rauner needs 60 in the house for his agenda. Rauner WANTS 60 for one vote. And let’s get real here, this one vote is one he has to have…
Rauner will probably let them keep their seat for a no vote. What will Madigan give them for a yes vote?
There are what, 11 downstate Democratic members that could coalesce into a powerful group within the House, and maybe even have enough leverage to force some movement…If there were a politician among them..
- Team Sleep - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 12:01 pm:
11:46 was me.
- Annonin' - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 12:07 pm:
Looks like Rauner Lame Duck Ta Hike (AKA BigBrain Grand Bargain) gettin’ torched by Franks-McSweeney…..oh oh.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 12:08 pm:
===11 downstate Democratic members===
They just lost 4, so are you sure?
- train111 - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 12:17 pm:
Rich
If you count everything outside the Chicago metroplitan area they have 11 exactly. 66, 72, 92, 96, 103, 111, 112 (new), 113, 114, 116, 118.
Now whwhetheor not you want to count the Rockford, Peoria, and Champaign urban districts as ‘downstate’ is another discussion. I would definitely count the 4 Metro East districts as downstate however.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 12:20 pm:
===4 Metro East districts===
And all those folks are solidly with organized labor.
- northsidenomore - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 12:23 pm:
As Obi wan said “Move along these are not the droids you are looking for”
- Ahoy! - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 12:28 pm:
Thanks Phelps, we all know the Democrats don’t play politics, especially with something important like voting on bills.
- Signal and Noise - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 12:41 pm:
Yawn. This cult of personality obsession is both childish and unproductive.
- J. Nolan - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 1:00 pm:
I’d skip the nominating speeches if I were them. Safe seat? Bradley’s last electoral win before his defeat was by 30+ points. No one is safe when you attach yourself to the most hated politician in the state.
- blue dog dem - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 1:17 pm:
Rich. 118 is not solid.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 1:31 pm:
I can’t speak to Yinglings politics, but his beer is exquisite.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 1:34 pm:
“Yuengling” is the beer…
“Yingling” is the Targeted Democratic member of the Illinois House
Having “Yingling” in the House is a Democratic priority.
Having “Yuengling” in my house is an Oswego Willy must.
- A Jack - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 1:41 pm:
I don’t quite see how this is going to get a budget created before the temporary one expires.
- Deft Wing - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 1:54 pm:
I imagine it’ll be Barbara Flynn Currie & Lou Lang nominating and seconding the motion for Madigan to be retained as Speaker. No target, potential target, or sane member of the House Dems will want to be “Bradleyed.”
- Keyser Soze - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 2:00 pm:
Cherry picking a handful of targets isn’t very efficient. So, it’s surprising that the GOP hasn’t taken an alternate route and invested in a little political jujitsu to set up an internal Democrat opposition. Might well funded (safe) Dem seats in the House, particularly from downstate, be enticed to mount a challenge to the Speaker?
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 2:01 pm:
===Might well funded (safe) Dem seats in the House, particularly from downstate, be enticed to mount a challenge to the Speaker?===
LOL
Name one.
- Emily Miller - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 2:02 pm:
Remember how folks were saying, “wait til after the election” as an excuse for why no one was fixing anything now? The thing about waiting until the election is over until either side will budge is that the election is never over.
Maybe if there were limited resources, one could expect a lull in the rhetoric. But there is unlimited cash, and as such, the election is never over.
- Ron Burgundy - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 2:09 pm:
“Yuengling” the beer is pronounced Ying-ling though.
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 2:12 pm:
A jack. I don’t think there is going to be a budget. That’s why this went out. It is proportional though. But I think Rauner will fly us into the mountain side.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 2:17 pm:
- Ron Burgundy -
“Speaker Madigan and the last name pronunciation he controls… “?
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 2:28 pm:
Emily Miller what can individuals do to help your organization survive? My prayers always for you and the brave private social service agencies still alive during this. ( except for Ounce of Prevention who chose this path by retaining Diaba Rauner). As winter comes please tell us specifically what those who are blessed can do to help. I hope rich will allow this or open up another post.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 2:56 pm:
Willy, it’s been said your ” Ying-a-Ling is the cutest thing”.
Thousand pardons to Chuck Berry
- illini97 - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 3:02 pm:
“Wait until after the election” has turned into “Wait until after Trump guts ACA and Education” which will then become “Wait until after the Gubernatorial Election”
Rinse. Repeat. Nothing fixed.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 3:09 pm:
Yikes - Anonymous -… lol
…
Yikes.
- A guy - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 3:12 pm:
Intermission is over.
Fire Madigan Part Deaux has already begun.
In certain places you can win or lose with the Speaker. What you want to avoid as much as possible is a lose, lose scenario. Won’t know the answer until it happens. There’s no good vote on this for some of these legislators. He’s a load for some of them.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 3:16 pm:
If Rauner wanted to govern, he’d govern.
Rauner wants destruction, and sites like this… does not promote 60 and 30.
- Rufus - Tuesday, Nov 29, 16 @ 11:14 pm:
I see three people digger deep holes…. and it is going for them difficult to climb out of of those holes.
- Anon221 - Wednesday, Nov 30, 16 @ 8:21 am:
Is something wrong with the attack site on Madigan? I went to it this morning and it has no blog and only some “headlines” and a picture of Madigan with steepled fingers. Did they have a change of “heart”??? And, seriously, this is no way to work toward bipartisanship. Just more Rauner Bucks at waste.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Nov 30, 16 @ 8:21 am:
Not the way to build a consensus across the isle. It’s more of Rauner’s slash and burn philosophy.
The web site, poorly designed, appears someone with marginal skills put it together.
Bruce, just might want to be careful… considering the litigation against him and his nursing home consortium, individuals who has suffered bodily harm due to lack of services in his privately run nursing homes, employee litigation against him, and then his propensity to grab, promote off the wall unsubstantiated comments made…. there just might be a need to develop a Bruce Rauner web site.
- Rabid - Wednesday, Nov 30, 16 @ 8:43 am:
The managment style of fear and intimidation no substance. Just because you own the smaller half does not give you the right to dictate to the majority. Keep it up and you will turn madigan into robbing hood, take from the rich give to the poor