[Comments now open on this post.]
* Campaign and lobbying powerhouses Victor Reyes and Mike Noonan were interviewed on The Daily Line’s “Aldercast” podcast the other day. The whole thing is most definitely worth a listen, partly because those two guys rarely consent to interviews, but also because there’s a reason why they’re respected insiders. They’re highly accomplished and very smart.
Here’s Noonan on why he believes the Democrats absolutely need a self-funding gubernatorial candidate in 2018…
We [himself and Reyes] focus on “how do we win?” Everything else doesn’t really matter… winning is critical. So when you look at the gubernatorial race, the Republicans have one major advantage right now, and that’s that Gov. Rauner has unlimited resources and he has proven that he is willing to use them.
The Democrats have all the rest of the structural advantages. Hillary Clinton just carried the state by 16 points. We have a super majority in the Senate and a near super majority in the House.
To me, the formula is fairly straight-forward. First thing you do is you eliminate the advantage that the Republicans have. And the way to do that is by getting a candidate who can match or surpass the financial resources that Rauner brings to the table.
The Speaker and President Cullerton did a masterful job of raising the resources to be able to negate the Republican financial advantage at the legislative level in 2016. They’re going to need to do that same job to match those same legislative expenditures [in 2018]. There’s a finite amount of money, right? Can the unions and the trial lawyers and the other main, traditional givers find the $40 million that’s needed on the legislative side and then find another $90 million for governor? Unlikely. […]
It is unfortunate, but it’s the reality that until we do something about the way the campaigns are financed, yeah, that’s the era that we are entering into. […]
When you look from a Democratic perspective at what’s at risk in the 2018 election. The [2018 election] is going to determine who controls the legislative [district] map until 2030. The fight that we have here in Illinois is the most critical one I’ve seen in my 25 years of working. And I think that, while we may not be crazy about the fact that we have to limit our choices to self-funders, that’s I think the reality we need to come to if we want to be serious about defeating Gov. Rauner.
Make no mistake, [Rauner] and his team are incredibly formidable. The notion that they won because of Gov. Quinn is folly to me. They won, and they made advances in 2016, because they’re good at what they do. And they are fearless and they are willing to push the envelope in ways that we haven’t seen before. And so if we don’t take that challenge seriously, I think that we are going to face a bad outcome.
* Now, with that insider perspective in mind…
For a sitting, massively rich Republican governor who just added $50 million in personal cash to his re-election campaign, a sitting Chicago alderman with a measly $50,000 probably doesn’t seem much of a threat.
And perhaps pro-business, union-critic Governor Bruce Rauner has nothing to worry about from 47th Ward Alderman Ameya Pawar, a liberal (progressive, if you prefer) who has decided to take him on.
Pawar, 36, in an exclusive interview with NBC Chicago’s Ward Room, made it official as of Tuesday.
“I am running because we’ve gotten to a point in this country where wealth worship is the only qualifier for public office, trumping public policy. Chopping benefits or declaring strategic bankruptcy or selling companies off in pieces for profit is somehow seen as the secret ingredient for an Illinois utopia,” said Pawar.
The case he plans to make? In his words, “Government should be aspirational. People like to tell us how terrible government is but it was the federal government after the Great Depression that created the middle class. And sent a man to the moon.”
Pawar, an Indian-American, who holds three graduate degrees in urban planning, disaster management and social policy, is accustomed to being discounted.
I’ll open comments on this post tomorrow.
*** UPDATE *** From the ILGOP…
Ameya Pawar – A Tax-Hiking Politician Just Like Mike Madigan
“I don’t believe we’re overtaxed in Illinois…I think we’re under taxed.”
“Chicago Alderman Ameya Pawar is the very definition of an out-of-touch, tax-hiking politician just like Mike Madigan. While job-crushing tax increases without reform has caused an exodus from Illinois, Pawar doubled down on the Madigan Chicago agenda, supporting higher income taxes, higher property taxes, and even a tax on our drinking water.” - Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Steven Yaffe
This morning, Chicago Alderman Ameya Pawar announced a longshot bid for Governor. His signature issue? Raising your taxes, taking a page out of the Mike Madigan playbook.
In August, an out-of-touch Pawar stated, “I don’t believe we’re overtaxed in Illinois…I think we’re under taxed.”
Pawar doesn’t just talk about raising our taxes. He’s done it repeatedly.
Pawar said that Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s budget containing a $598 million property tax increase was, “the right thing to do”.
Pawar even defended a 28 percent tax on water and argued for a tax on Chicago businesses, which would drive even more jobs out of the state.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Pawar responded to the Republicans about the state being under-taxed…
But the Chicago alderman argued that’s not the case, noting that he and his wife are members of the middle class and “pay more than our fair share” of taxes.
“When I say undertaxed I mean the wealthy are undertaxed,” he told NBC 5. “We have a very aggressive tax structure, we’re really talking about reform. Let’s talk about equitable public education funding by making sure the wealthy pay their fair share.”
What’s that old adage about “When you’re explaining…”?
* He also responded to the ILGOP blast about city tax hikes…
Still, the Illinois GOP claimed Pawar said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s budget, including a $598 million property tax increase was, “the right thing to do.”
“I understand their response, because $50 million buys a lot of negativity and you know that’s OK,” Pawar said. “The upper middle class all the way down to the working middle class to the poor are all in the same boat, we pay more than our fair share [of taxes].”
The harsh reality is it’s gonna be tough to be a Chicago alderman and run statewide.
* Related…
* Pawar Officially Announces Run For Governor, Calls Rauner ‘Original Trump’: “On my end, having $50,000 in the bank is nothing to be ashamed of. It doesn’t mean I’m not supported in other ways,” he said. “I’m going to run the ‘Every Man’ campaign.” … “Government doesn’t just report to a small group of shareholders,” said Pawar. “It reports to all people.”
- John - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 7:07 am:
Nothing would make me have more confidence in the voters if a guy with 1/1,000th of a campaign fund of the other guy wins.
I think it’s time we elect someone who can relate to the middle class and not some extremely wealthy person who has little idea to what most of us go through.
- Cheryl 44 - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 7:12 am:
Please is my alderman. He’s a very smart guy. There’s got to be some reason he thinks this is a good idea.
- LizPhairTax - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 7:19 am:
“I don’t believe we’re overtaxed in Illinois…I think we’re under taxed.”
And Dick Uihlien agrees! Why else would he take advantage of our lower income tax by living in Illinois while moving all his business across the state line?
Yafee is a reflexive hack with Rauner & Friends money muscles.
- LizPhairTax - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 7:41 am:
*Yaffe. He deserves the respect of having his name correctly spelled.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 7:46 am:
It might be sad but true, that Democrats need a self-funder to compete with Rauner, but perhaps a different path was just created. Even harder than getting googobs of money, Democrats may need a candidate who can pull off the following:
1) Have rallies, lots of them. They’re relatively inexpensive.
2) Make outrageous statements and constantly get in the news.
3) Have a simplistic slogan and sixth grade messaging.
4) Be Messianic, grandiose, larger than life–only the candidate can fix it.
Sigh.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 7:55 am:
I heard Mr. Pawar on the Jim Leach Show(WMAY), as I drove home today. I was impressed with his intelligence and clarity before I knew who it was Jim was interviewing.
The Dems don’t need a big money candidate, they need someone like this who relates to the rest of us. Then we can highlight the difference between the Rauner/Griffin/Uihlien robber barons, and the things that matter to the rest of us.
That is not to say he won’t need the support of Democratic moneyed individuals.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 8:01 am:
Reyes is mistaken. The answer is within you. People need to stand up to tyranny. Not look for another rich man pressing his will on all of us. Enough big money is running the U.S. Congress. We don’t need more of the same. You know “Will of the People”.
- djohn - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 8:04 am:
We need the voice of the people. Not the voice of big money interests.
- Henry Francis - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 8:17 am:
Pawar could have just stayed the obvious. That even the Governor has acknowledged that taxes need to go up. And if he ever gets serious about fulfilling his constitutional obligation to present a balanced budget, it will contain a tax increase.
He may not be able to win, but he can be useful in contributing to the defeat of Campaigner Rauner.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 8:21 am:
“I think it’s time we elect someone who can relate to the middle class and not some extremely wealthy person who has little idea to what most of us go through.”
I couldn’t agree more. It would be so sweet to have this type of candidate who could withstand the Rauner cash onslaught and win.
- Fixer - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 8:21 am:
Never have heard of Pawar,but he seems to have a decent idea for an effective campaign.
- Illinois Bob - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 8:30 am:
“We have a very aggressive tax structure, we’re really talking about reform. Let’s talk about equitable public education funding by making sure the wealthy pay their fair share.”
What an idiot. He apparently doesn’t know that districts with a lot of “wealthy” people get FAR less state subsidy and pay much higher real estate tax rates than Chicago. Apparently the guy knows so little about school funding that he doesn’t know that CPS spends more per pupil than the Naperville schools, with FAR more subsidy. Apparently he’s not aware that Illinois spends 18% per pupil above the national average in K-12, yet scores show the outcomes as average at best. Just another teacher’s union and patronage army stooge.
- Michael Westen - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 8:33 am:
Pawar term-limited himself to two terms as Alderman, and unlike others who have done so and then conveniently ignored their promise, he has enough integrity to keep his word on the issue.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 8:35 am:
Noonan ain’t wrong.
In actuality, I can’t find anything to disagree with in Noonan’s assessment.
I do think where Noonan is missing a much bigger vision, but isn’t missing the bigger picture, is that there will also be 5 statewide races Rauner will be staffing and arguably funding to keep the whole ticket from Rauner all the way down competitive, and making Democrats spend monies chasing down challengers for races like Comptroller and Treasurer, SoS and Attorney General.
But, reading Noonan, that’s the Ball Game that really needs to be considered and the Map and the other long-term politics that could be at play aren’t collateral noises, but what Rauner himself would relish…
… holding the state hostage, again, for a Map… and putting Social Services and Labor as the fulcrum to a Map designed to elect Raunerites, not Republicans, and finally making the Blagojevich dream complete.
Restaurant-Quality by Noonan, hitting all the points, I can’t agree more, but a blind spot could be the other statewides and the spending there that will also suck up millions.
- Huh? - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 8:36 am:
$50 million vs $50k? Why is 1.4% spending money to swat a gnat?
The Dems need to find somebody who can fight fire with fire and is willing to do what is necessary to oust 1.4%.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 8:40 am:
The thing Pawar will learn…
This run is a fool’s errand disguised as a crusade, and it will help Rauner when Rauner spends $10-12 million on attacking Democrats in their primary and Pawar will be helping Rauber with honing a message, and Rauner will thank Pawar by destroying Pawar personally and politically.
Note, $50,000 is exactly “0.1%” of $50 million.
Deliciously ironic, tragically foolish, and harming Democrats for no reason but to seem relevant.
- Dee Lay - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 8:42 am:
Pawar should run to the populist side and just start attacking the future Rauner Tax Hike.
He won’t succeed, but the populist angle might cause 1.4% to shift his eye of sauron away for a moment.
- LTSW - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 8:42 am:
The Republicans have the money to do Swiftboat and Willie Horton ads against whoever runs. Those tactics might be more successful against a rich self funder than someone like Pawar. Taxes will go up, but not till after 2018. I’m afraid we are going to limp along till then.
- Come on Man! - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 8:43 am:
I like Pewar. I was talking to a fellow operative the other day and our thoughts were our brains say no but there is something about his run that feels right in the gut.
To Noonan and Reyes about the need of a self-funder. I think there is a diminishing marginal return of campaign spending. We have seen this on the national level with Clinton as well as in State-wide races in states comparable to Illinois in size and scope i.e. Carly Fiorina, McMahon, the Trek lady against Walker in WI. I had a campaign manager say to me one time “No money, no message. Yet, if you don’t have a message then why are you spending the money.” I think that the DGA will have the resources to make this race competitive since they are on offense this year and IL is an easier pick up than other Great Lake State. We ought to nominate the candidate with the best message to excite democratic voters and dem leaning independents. To date that is Pawar, in so far, that he is the only one talking directly to voters and not consultants, operatives, and ed boards.
- LessAnon? - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:00 am:
-sigh- The “wealthy” don’t pay their fair share. So old and tired. Ironic the left now call themselves “progressive.”
According to the IL Dept. of Revenue, 63% of all income tax revenue in Illinois comes from the top 18% of earners, INCLUDING everyone making $100K or more (hardly “rich” these days). The 22% of income tax revenue collected from the 23% of taxpayers earning between 50K-100K, makes that 85% of tax revenue coming from just 41% of the population. And that doesn’t include property taxes, the bulk of which is most assuredly also paid by that same 41%. Our problems cannot be solved just by raising taxes on those that are already providing 85% of income tax revenue.
- Not It - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:00 am:
Sorry if I’m double posting, but regarding Noonen’s comment, I am not surprised that someone whose livelihood is politics consulting would argue that there needs to be more cash in the political process.
Here is a crazy idea: maybe the Illinois Democratic Party should come up with some better ideas. What are they doing to create jobs and tackle the nation’s largest unemployment? What are they doing to balance the state’s budget and pay down bills? What are they doing to solve the state and local government pension crisis?
Their answer to everything seems to be “We aren’t Rauner.”
- Liberty - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:03 am:
Interesting interview. Dems need to get rid of the overly simplistic poll driven media consultants and run on Rainers record of leveraging everything and accomplishing nothing.
- Lucky Pierre - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:10 am:
Fascinating analysis from two pros.
Highlights
Chicago cannot tax its way out of its problems. The same is true of the state. These gentlemen believe only Trump can save us. Where was President Obama all this time?
Also nice to hear them validate that Rauner’s team is incredibly talented and discount the Pat Quinn lost nonsense.
It sounds like they believe term limits will happen.
- Roman - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:11 am:
Noonan is not wrong. He is articulating a winning Dem General Election strategy — one that resonates with political pros.
Problem is, the primary comes first. And Pawar is articulating a winning Dem Primary strategy — one that resonates with rank-and-file Democratic voters.
Not saying Pawar the right candidate, just saying he has the right message for the left-leaning folks who will pull Dem ballots 14 months from now.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:14 am:
I wish this future Democratic candidate would support marijuana legalization. Speaking of pro-growth, I read this morning that the marijuana sales are exploding and will continue to do so.
Colorado sales in 2016 topped $1 billion and beat last year–with higher projections for the future. The implications for Illinois are enormous.
There is an issue that could be looming as huge for Illinois and many other states. Republicans are about to gut Obamacare. That could mean the loss of Medicaid for hundreds of thousands of low income Illinois residents. Other Illinois residents would lose their private health insurance. The toll would be gigantic.
Democrats should be pushing Rauner to oppose stripping healthcare for so many Illinoisans. If he doesn’t take a stand–which he likely won’t, since he opposed Medicaid expansion–this refusal, the million Illinois residents who lost social services and the harm to higher education should contribute powerful messages for the Democratic candidate.
- A Jack - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:22 am:
I am not sure a Chicago alderman will get very many votes outside of Chicago. He may have a good message, but the headlines of this or that Chicago alderman going to jail is going to overshadow his message. Perhaps another state-wide office may be better for getting his name out there.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:22 am:
So to be elected to a major office in Illinois you have to be Richer than Rich or have a sugar daddy that will buy the office for you and then control everything you do. The common man will never be elected to a state office again without a big money backer??
- Honeybear - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:28 am:
Quite a robust debate last night on Facebook about Pawar amongst a group of activists. Just like Capfax it quickly morphed into a slugfest about taxation.
Privilege blinds and numbs to others.
Rauner only wears a tie for a small group of people.
If he’s not wearing a tie for you he’s not hearing you.
That includes his own followers.
Rauner doesn’t have to listen
Pawar I think listens but he doesn’t have the power of 100,000,000 dollars.
To win we’ve got to have a 100,000,000 who will understand their privilege and grant Rule of Equality to underprivileged people.
The rival to Rauner should wear a tie for everyone.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:33 am:
===The common man will never be elected to a state office again without a big money backer?===
Who was the last “common man” elected governor without big money backers?
- Illinois Bob - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:41 am:
I’m impressed that Noonan really gets it, unlike what national Dems are spewing out. Perhaps, though, the new paradigms have escaped him. Trump won despite spending about half per vote what Hillary spent. He ran a SMART, rather than expensive campaign, understood what key issues affect the voters, and knew how to use free media to communicate to them. The problem that Dems will be facing is that if they’re not self funding, they need to sell out to the unions, government bureaucracy, business cronies, and the entitlement class who surely will insist they abandon the public interest for solutions to Illinois’ massive problems in favor of their narrow interests. You simply can’t serve them and solve the Illinois issues that will draw in voters who want real solutions. Finding a “kennedy dem” who will be able to establish tax policy and regulatory environments that will grow the economy and someone who’ll bring in people who can make Illinois government more effective and efficient and also self funding is quite an order….
- CLJ - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:44 am:
I disagree that a “self-funder” is necessary to win in ‘18. A good message that resonates with a majority of voters will always beat a money advantage. Yes, money does get the message out, but you can have tons of money and terrible message and still lose. I think we saw this on a national level during the presidential election.
Pawar is a very good legislator in that he is mindful of all sides of an issue and is willing to compromise to achieve the best possible policy goal. That unfortunately could be a liability in an ugly race that ‘18 is already started out as. Additionally, being governor is more than just good policy work. It’s a management position and I don’t think he is ready yet. Hopefully for him, the attacks do not become so bad that he is tarnished for future runs.
- Robert the Bruce - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:44 am:
Pawar needs to get going on fundraising before anyone takes him seriously.
Unfortunately it’s hard to raise a lot statewide from grassroots-style fundraising, and the billionaires are likely locked up by the Pritzker/Kennedy.
I wish he would’ve tried for SoS instead.
Until then, he could at least talk policy: develop a specific proposal for higher income tax for millionaires or changing the way our schools are funded.
- Johnnie F. - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:45 am:
Would love to see a single solid democrat candidate for Governor in the primary and a moderate republican challenger to Rauner for the primary. It’s a dream to have a REAL republican knock-out Rauner in the primary (with help from cross-over dems). I can dream, right?
- Team Sleep - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:49 am:
If no one who’s wealthy runs in the Dem primary - and he’s willing to travel outside of the Chicago area - then Pawar could pull off a primary upset.
Manar may have higher aspirations but his insistence on passing his and only his education “reform” legislation will hurt him above I-80.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:54 am:
Pawar lacks any credible experience running a “$36 billion” state, and lacks any real substantive Executive experience to even begin to tackle the running the 5th largest state in America.
This is a fool’s errand by an unqualified “alderman” who sees himself far larger than the qualifications he possesses.
The $50,000 questions now are, “How much damage to the real, possible, Democratic candidates will Pawar cause, and how much help will Pawar give to Rauner in the end?”
Pawar is barely qualified to run city-wide, today.
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:56 am:
===Who was the last “common man” elected governor without big money backers?===
Pat Quinn 2010??? Jim Thompson 1976??? Someone elected during the Great Depression???
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:57 am:
===knew how to use free media to communicate to them===
I just don’t see that scaling to a statewide campaign here.
Also, Pawar only has 7,879 Twitter followers.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:57 am:
===Pat Quinn 2010?===
That’s a joke, right?
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 9:59 am:
===Pawar is barely qualified to run city-wide, today.===
Umm… we just elected someone with no experience in almost anything except real estate as president. And he has way more experience in running a government than the current governor.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:03 am:
===Umm… we just elected someone with no experience in almost anything except real estate as president. And he has way more experience in running a government than the current governor===
1) Electing someone does not negate actual experience.
2) Mighty low bar of qualifications you have there.
We can go “there” if you’d like…
Pawar is as qualified as Ole Slip and Sue…
That’s real.
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:04 am:
===That’s a joke, right?===
I guess it is just relative in my mind. Campaign spending exploded so much in the last five years that it feels like no matter who won in 2010 they would be a “common man” without big money funders.
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:07 am:
@OW
Right. Being a part-time city councilman in a city with the population of 50,000 is the same as being a professional city councilman in a city of 3 million. Right. What a laugh.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:10 am:
- Ducky LaMoore -
Chicago Aldermen are part time too.
Just saying, lol.
No, it’s the “same”, Pawar lacks. Pawar is exactly as qualified as Ole Slip and Sue.
That’s real.
Honest.
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:25 am:
===No, it’s the “same”, Pawar lacks. Pawar is exactly as qualified as Ole Slip and Sue.===
So somebody with 3 1/2 years experience on a city council in a city with 50,000 people is the same as someone who will have 6 years experience as a councilman in a city of 3 million. I am not saying Pawar is extremely qualified. But you are saying he is as qualified as Evelyn?! Please. Please please.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:30 am:
===So somebody with 3 1/2 years experience on a city council in a city with 50,000 people is the same as someone who will have 6 years experience as a councilman in a city of 3 million. I am not saying Pawar is extremely qualified. But you are saying he is as qualified as Evelyn?! Please. Please please.===
So 30 months and still being a part time Alderman, one of 50 Alderman is better than Ole Slip and Sue?
Nah.
They both are/were members of a council, not the Executive of a municipality, never even ran budgets for their Municipalities.
Pawar is a more glorified Slip and Sue and lacks any credible governing experience to be THE Executive of the 5th largest state in America.
Fixing potholes is fixing potholes…
Slip and Sue and Pawar come from THAT background.
That’s real.
- Ok - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:31 am:
Ow is back here with his false belief that Rauner and his money is all powerful.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:32 am:
- OK -
Read Noonan, get back to me.
Thanks.
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:35 am:
@OW
Well… at least you now say a “glorified” Slip and Sue…. So let me pose the question… Would you consider Pawar or Sanguinetti more qualified than say a venture capitalist? Are they more qualified than a JB or a Kennedy? Rod Blagojevich? He never had executive experience. Cheri Bustos is a councilman turned congressman, how qualified is she? Not trying to be flippant. I am just trying to figure out what you consider “qualified.”
- CLJ - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:36 am:
Actually, Pawar positioning himself for Lt. Governor is not a bad idea/plan. Like I said before, he is a good “legislator” and would be an asset to any administration working on policy and relationships in the GA. Think Pence’s role in the Trump Administration. While he hasn’t served in the GA, his role as an Alderman has put him in direct and regular contact with the city’s GA members as well as vast world of lobbyists that have work in both the city council and GA.
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:40 am:
And off the top of my head… George Ryan is the most “qualified” governor that I can think of. And he turned out to be a pretty poor (and criminal) governor.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:43 am:
I’m using “glorified” to absolutely mock the premise ANY member of a municipal legislative body as their experience to run the 5th Largest State is such utter folly, that “glorified” highlights the lacking Pawar enjoys.
===Not trying to be flippant.===
You sure? Hmm.
What I feel makes someone qualified is “simple”…
The case any candidate can make to have the skill set and experience to fulfill the constitutional duties prescribed, and making that case allows me to see how those touted skills match to the responsibilities the office entails.
Voting on potholes repairs for a Ward is not qualifying to run the 5th largest state in America.
Pawar is running as a seated alderman.
As for any and all your other non-flippant examples, use my criteria for each as they either ran, consider running, or are running and you can then make, or not make a case for every one.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:51 am:
- CLJ -
The qualification for Lt. Governor is to BE a governor if the situation arises.
Pawar lacks. Like Slip and Sue, Pawar is not ready to assume the Big Chair.
That’s the qualification.
Respectfully.
- QCLib - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:55 am:
So.. They want to sound like their being fair without just flat out saying “Hey, we’re all in for Pritzker”?
I can’t wait for someone else to get in this so Pawar can stop sounding like a serious candidate… Ugh.
I’ll wait for a few candidates to get in before committing to anyone.
The Sun Times article the other day was a good read on this.
- anon. - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 11:13 am:
Noonan and Reyes support big money races because they know it would have to go through them in Democratic primary. Their prints are all over the Daley disasters. Be forewarned.
- Lucky Pierre - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 11:14 am:
Pawar is smart to get his name out early even though he has zero chance to get elected Governor.
He ran against the machine in a ward with some pretty big hitters against him. His record as an alderman is outstanding.
The 47th Ward is one of the best places to raise a family in the entire state
Keeping his word on term limits is a mixed blessing for his constituents, most of of whom I suspect would like him to stay
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 11:15 am:
@OW
Ah. So you need a candidate to lawyer-speak to you to determine if they are qualified. Got it. As I think back to the “touted skills” of our current and past governors, all I can think is… none of them are qualified. But when I think about temperament, I can think of a few. What good are “qualifications” and “touted skills” if you end up with people that have the temperament of Blago or Rauner?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 11:27 am:
(Sigh)
- Ducky LaMoore -
===…lawyer-speak to you to determine if they are qualified. Got it.===
“I vote on fixing potholes”
That’s Pawar.
GHR had experience as an Executive and as a Speaker in understanding government, and with and not excluding the many wrongs that happened, the tools to be an effective governor, at the time of his running allowed voters to see qualifications.
As with Quinn, as with Edgar.
Blagojevich had legislative experience at multiple levels and solely as a candidate, understood state government, it’s function, and what it should and could do. Rod chose to cash in, that’s on an individual.
Rauner ran as an outsider to shake things up, but his 2012 quote, it turns out is his governing style.
Pritzker and Kennedy new to declare first, then let’s see what they feel they bring.
Pawar votes on alleys, potholes, street fair permits… nothing of significant substance in a body of 50, a municipal alderman, part time.
Anything else…
- Lucky Pierre - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 11:39 am:
OW as somebody from Oswego, why is it necessary to be pretend to be a know it all about the intricacies of a 47th Ward alderman.
Pawar’s record as an independent alderman who is not afraid to cross the Mayor who lives in his ward is to be admired. His record on TIF reform and K-12 education is fantastic. Your know nothing comment about potholes is ridiculous. Pawar is .He would be a great candidate for mayor or some other office.
Voted best alderman by the Chicago Reader and has a stellar academic record
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ameya_Pawar
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 11:40 am:
===Anything else…===
Minimum wage increases, budgets (yes budgets), business regulations, and did you know the city is actually in charge of its own schools? Yeah. He does a lot more than vote on fixing pot holes.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 11:45 am:
- Ducky LaMoore -
Pawar is not qualified to be the Executive of the 5th largest state in America.
Same with Slip and Sue.
Pawar with what you are touting, is barely qualified to run city-wide, but that is a stronger and smarter leap, for us all.
Pawar is who we think he is, he’s one of 50 in the Chicago City Council with $50,000 and a plan to hurt the eventual Democratic nominee by aiding Rauner as Rauner also takes down Pawar for sport.
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 11:47 am:
Forget Sanguinetti, OW. Is he more qualified than Rauner?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 11:49 am:
===…why is it necessary to be pretend to be a know it all about the intricacies of a 47th Ward alderman===
What have I said that’s wrong? Don’t make it about me, make an argument.
===He would be a great candidate for mayor or some other office.===
Read what I write, exactly as I write it.
Pawar is not qualified in running the 5th largest state in America.
City-wide? Pawar can make a case, but Pawar is choosing that, so you’re twice-built straw man isn’t holding up.
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 11:52 am:
To be flippant, OW, how about the sixth largest state? That’s where we will be very soon.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 11:53 am:
===Forget Sanguinetti, OW. Is he more qualified than Rauner===
Slip and Sue holds an office that solely exists to be the next governor if the situation arises.
Pawar and Slip and Sue have equitable experience in municipal governing.
Dismiss it all you want, Pawar is Slip and Sue.
Neither are qualified to be a governor.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 11:56 am:
===To be flippant, OW, how about the sixth largest state? That’s where we will be very soon.===
Not to BE flippant, are you suggesting Pawar will be the person to stop the 40 year trend and the spiking of people leaving these recent years?
That’s news to me.
Lots of pressure for a Chicago Alderman that never ran statewide, let alone city-wide.
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:08 pm:
===Pawar is not qualified in running the 5th largest state in America.===
Yeah, well, that’s just, like, your opinion, man.
Pawar is as qualified as Bustos, Kennedy or Pritzker to be Governor.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:10 pm:
===Yeah, well, that’s just, like, your opinion, man.===
- 47th Ward -
What was your opinion of Evelyn?
With respect.
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:23 pm:
===What was your opinion of Evelyn?===
I’ve never met her, and haven’t worked with her so I don’t really have an opinion of her.
I’ve met Pawar and have a high opinion of him. That doesn’t mean he’s won my vote. He’ll have to earn that, but I don’t share your opinion that he and Sanguinetti are somehow equivalent.
You’re comparing apples and oranges and also Donkeys and Elephants.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:26 pm:
===he (Pawar) and Sanguinetti are somehow equivalent.===
Experience in municipal, serving in a legislative body, leaping to say they are qualified to run the 5th largest state in America.
If Slip and Sue isn’t qualified, Pawar isn’t qualified. Can’t be.
With respect, as always.
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:32 pm:
Respectfully Willy, Sanguinetti didn’t run for statewide office. She was plucked from obscurity and foisted upon the people of Illinois.
Pawar has stepped into the arena and is taking the shots that come with being in the arena. That’s not nothing, and it’s a heck of a lot more than Sanguinetti. If he somehow survives the next 13 months and wins the nomination, he’ll be more than qualified to run the state.
If Sanguinetti can match that experience someday on her own, then she’d be equally qualified. Until then, you’re as entitled to your opinion as I am to mine.
- CLJ - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:38 pm:
OW, you haven’t given one decent argument to why Pawar isn’t qualified other than comparing him to Sanguinetti which is quite an embarrassing comparison because she “is” the Lt. Governor and Bruce Rauner (zero elected office experience, state government is not a hedge fund) is Governor.
Also, I pretty positive at this point you don’t know what a Chicago alderman actually does. Lastly, Chicago is larger than 15 states in population and 13 states in terms of annual operating budget. It’s not a small job. It might be part-time, just like the members of the General Assembly, which I guess means all of them must not be qualified to run for governor either.
Basically, I do not think he is ready for the prime time of the governor’s office, but I also believe your reasoning is rather weak.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:39 pm:
- 47th Ward -
With respect,
A Chicago Alderman in the middle of his second term, with no city-wide electoral experience, let alone statewide campaign experience as s candidate, no experience in handling statewide governmental duties, no state legislative experience, nothing that can equate to someone that can handle running a whole state…
Not qualified.
You’re right, we are all entitled to our opinions, I respect yours, no doubt, but Pawar lacks. Throw in the opportunity for a costly Primary that Rauner will meddle in, Pawar isn’t helping anyone, including himself.
Rauner will use Pawar against the others, then dispose of Pawar and his $50,000 leaving Rauner well positioned for a re-elect.
Can’t beat somebody with nobody, or worst with somebody so wounded by someone not even qualified to hold the office to begin with…
- Cadillac - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:41 pm:
=== - 47th Ward - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:32 pm:
If he somehow survives the next 13 months and wins the nomination, he’ll be more than qualified to run the state. ===
I agree. The bar has been set very low with respect to being able to run the 5th largest state.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:44 pm:
- CLJ -
I gave my reasons, you may want to read better.
Thanks.
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:49 pm:
===A Chicago Alderman in the middle of his second term, with no city-wide electoral experience, let alone statewide campaign experience as s candidate, no experience in handling statewide governmental duties, no state legislative experience, nothing that can equate to someone that can handle running a whole state…===
By your definition, Rauner wasn’t qualified and neither is Kennedy nor Pritzker. Lol.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:56 pm:
- 47th Ward -
Now you got it!
Let’s see if any of the “others” with $80 million behind them can “Skyhook” Rauner.
Pawar can’t
- Ok - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:56 pm:
OW believes Rauner and his money is all powerful. OW also believes if you are a billionaire then you are automatically qualified.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:06 pm:
- Ok -
Make an argument, it’s not about me.
Add ton the discussion.
- Michael Westen - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:55 pm:
Not saying Pawar is a good candidate for Governor because he isn’t but I don’t agree that no Chicago Alderman ever would be qualified to be Governor. Aldermen in Chicago do a lot more than “vote to fix potholes.” This City Council has voted on pension reforms, major education issues, crime reduction issues, gun issues, social justice issues of every kind, economic development issues, infrastructure, tourism issues and many more. And depending on how effective and activist the Alderman is they’ve dealt with many of these issues in a more hands-on way in their communities. It would depend on what else is in their background in addition to being an Alderman.
- Snucka - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 2:34 pm:
My least favorite argument about a candidate is that he or she is “not qualified” for the office. It’s almost always false. Pawar meets the requirements to serve as governor, so the only further “qualification” he needs is to gain more votes than any other candidate.
If we learned anything from Trump, it’s that “qualifications” for office - beyond the constitutional requirements - are entirely subjective and will be decided by each individual voter.
- A Jack - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 2:37 pm:
Chicago alderman may have to deal with a lot. But outside Chicago, they are seen as being in charge of a nearly bankrupt city with the highest murder rate in the country.
The Rauner message will be, if Pawar couldn’t fix the city, what can Pawar do for the state.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 2:51 pm:
===If we learned anything from Trump, it’s that “qualifications” for office - beyond the constitutional requirements - are entirely subjective and will be decided by each individual voter.===
You can be qualified for the office, constitutionally and resume-wise, and win or lose.
You can be qualified for the office, constitutionally, and have no experience in handling the office and win or lose.
All four options have happened forever.
That doesn’t mean Pawar is remotely qualified to actually be a governor even if he meets the constitutional requirements.
With your logic, please don’t complain about Rauner or Trump.
There’s a reason jobs have interviews too.
Sometimes even after interviews, people make bad hires… like Ole Slip and Sue, who was hired. Ask her.
- Chi - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 3:36 pm:
It’s not huge news that campaign consultants think campaigns need more money to be successful.
Your local car dealer thinks everyone should own a car. Stop the press.
- Six Degrees of Separation - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 4:12 pm:
I would modify OW’s “qualified” to “well equipped”…even though elections should function as “job interviews”, they more often function as “beauty contests”. Pat Quinn had tons of experience in government and was “qualified” to run and hold the position of governor, but his lack of executive skills and inability to rely on wise counsel left him not as “well equipped” as someone with maybe less governmental but better executive leadership skills. In my opinion.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 4:16 pm:
- Six Degrees of Separation -
With deference, I concede your point. Well said.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 8:09 pm:
Democrats will need a self-funder or a candidate in the general who can line up a network of Griff-like funders who will commit early and stick around to keep them in the ballpark of Rauner money.
In other words, if not JB, then JB, Eychaner and friends writing powerful checks from the end of the primary to the end of the general.
The Trump “free media” model is an illusion on the state level. I don’t think all the national cable TV networks are going to turn over their programming to a candidate in the Illinois race because it makes for boffo ratings and revenue.