* I told subscribers about these ads earlier today. From a press release…
State Solutions, an affiliate of the Republican Governors Association, launched a new television and digital advertisement effort today in Illinois, highlighting Governor Bruce Rauner’s push to balance the budget, reform government and improve the state by capping spending, freezing property taxes, creating term limits on politicians and adding jobs. […]
“Governor Rauner is working hard to enact a balanced budget that protects taxpayers and grows jobs,” said State Solutions spokesman Jon Thompson. “The same duct tape solutions - higher taxes, more spending and no real reforms - that Illinois politicians have used in the past won’t fix the state. It’s time for a true spending cap, a real property tax freeze, and reforms to repair the state’s broken political system and add jobs.”
Illinois Working Together Campaign Director Jake Lewis released the following statement in response to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s new television ads:
“Governor Rauner’s new television ad blitz is just another reminder of the governor’s wrong priorities, putting political games ahead of getting the job done for the people of Illinois. Not only has Rauner never passed a budget, the most basic responsibility for any governor, but he has never even proposed a balanced budget as required by the Illinois constitution. Rauner’s “balanced budget” claims have already been deemed “pants-on-fire” false by Politifact Illinois.
“What Rauner fails to mention in his ads are his accomplishments in more than two years as governor — because he has none. Rauner’s wrong priorities have resulted in disruptions to school funding, cuts to services for seniors, and an Illinois economy hobbled by uncertainty. Enough with the political games, governor. Do your job.”
I hope and believe that messaging to the people of Illinois about what’s going on and what’s at stake will help us get an agreement in the General Assembly, help us get a balanced budget with structural changes to grow jobs, protect our taxpayers, get term limits.
I think it’s very important that the people of Illinois understand what’s going on, they understand what’s at stake and I’ve personally worked hard in my role to communicate with the people of Illinois. I’ve done it directly by going to meet with people around the state in groups of from two to two thousand, to talk with them about what’s at stake. I’ve met with you, members of the media on a pretty regular basis to talk about what’s going on and what’s important and asking you to communicate back to the people of Illinois. I’ve used social media, tried to use social media to communicate the important issues that’s going on in the state of Illinois.
And now, and from time to time, we have used and we will use paid media to communicate to the people of Illinois what’s importantly at stake, the changes to fix the broken system that we’re advocating, term limits and property tax freeze and balanced budgets with more jobs. We can’t tax our way out of our problems, we gotta grow. We need regulatory changes to be competitive and grow jobs. It’s important that the people of Illinois understand what we’re working for and that’s what we’re trying to do is help them understand.
===State Solutions, an affiliate of the Republican Governors Association, launched a new television and digital advertisement effort today in Illinois…===
This isn’t even Bruce spending his own money… in March… of 2017.
When Kennedy broke the cap, and in that contested primary on that side, Rauner will be on the air consistently and relentlessly… still proposing, mind you, because Rauner has such little accomplished as a governor, including the fundamental, a budget.
Rauner polling at 58% negative, in reality, Rauner has a whole year to swamp, not only the Dems, but swamp the #DoYourJob meme, because Dems these past two years have been “owned” by Rauner, and Rauner’s vertical integration in media.
If I’m Rauner, why would I want to help Leader Radogno. At this point, more destruction the better. The weeks and months of no budget continuing is the passive cuts Rauner won’t own, without a tax increase Rauner won’t sign, and Rauner just needs to win in 2018 to be the person to hold up a map to get more Raunerites.
“Simple”.
Until the Dems, and I mean all the Dems realize they are getting throttled by Rauner daily, these ad tactics will continue to roll out, and win, with millions upon millions, from Democrat Diana Rauner too, to take out any Democrat that may be in the ball park to beat Bruce Rauner.
This is complete genius by Rauner’s Crew. This is exactly how Bruce Rauner can pull of a Rod-Style victory, even with Trump in his midterm.
If Dems can’t start getting a collective, and I mean collective “anyone but Rauner” thought and ingrain that into every campaign, every thought, no matter if your candidate wins or loses the nomination… and y’all don’t drag everyone out to vote “anyone but Rauner”, I’ll know it’s the vertical integration, the messaging, the money, that beat back the people hurt by Bruce and Diana Rauner. Purposely.
Whatever. Obviously someone thinks the regular guy in my workshop canard is believable. He’s been at it since he became a public figure so it almost reads as authentic to some people.
I just wish Rauner would get his fake clothes, fake dialect and fake concern off my TV and submit a balanced budget…too much to ask a Governor to govern I guess! #DoYourJob
“Hi, I am Bruce Rauner. I had a hard time with math in school, but give me four more years and I might figure it out. I blame Mike Madigan and all the math teachers he controls.”
Assuming this ad buy is >$250k (or will be shortly)… this is only possible because of Chris Kennedy, right? Otherwise Rauner would have been the one busting the caps.
In any case, not ads I would have spent any money on. Bruce, the citizens of Illinois haven’t forgotten that you’ve been governor for over two years. The folksy “Springfield politicians don’t do nothin’ but spend yer money!” doesn’t work any more
Boy, this would be a good campaign ad for someone not in office. The fact that he’s been governor for 27 months and has accomplished zilch makes this a bit weird.
I miss Red Green. From that perspective it might work to get started. Many people will see this as ungovernorish which is becoming a meme at the presidential level.
Illinois is ranked 40th in economic health and has been so for some time
Kansas is 31st
I don’t get the connection with Kansas. Has the Governor advocated cutting income taxes? No he is for passing a tax increase with reforms. Not in the same ball park as Kansas no matter what they tell you in the AFSCME meetings.
We are tied with West Virginia for having the second highest unemployment in America
See any reason for any reforms that would help employers expand here and hire more Illinois workers?
Why is he in someones garage/workshop? What’s with the weird shirt? I find it insulting, not just to my intelligence, but to the intelligence of most people in the state.
===No he is for passing a tax increase with reforms===
- Lucky Pierre -
Revenue is NOT a give. Rauner is required. You can’t hold out revenue as a give for “phony, unmeasurable reforms” when in reality, reforms, no reforms, “10″ reforms, revenue is 100% required.
If you continue to refuse this 100% truth, and continue to say ridiculous and provable phoniness, at what point should anyone take you seriously?
Make real arguments. Otherwise you will get the same facts you can’t refute directed back at you, since you either refuse to learn, or are purposely saying false thing for a specific reason.
“Has this ever happened to you? You listen to the news, and then ask yourself, THERE’S GOTTA BE A BETTER WAY? Well, folks, listen to this great TV offer from RaunerCo - the happy taxpayer company!”
“Let’s imagine that this duct tape is a roll of bad government -unrolling at the wrong time, sticking to your fingers, and GOSH DARN IT, making a GOLDARN MESS!”
“Well I’m gonna tell ya that I won’t let that bad government duct tape wreck your life!”
“Introducing RaunerCo’s amazin’ GOVERNMENT FIXER!” “Look how easily it slices right through, like a Ginzu Knife slicing through this multi-billion dollar stack of unpaid government bills!”
“How much are you willing to pay?”
“WAIT!There’s more!”
**Has the Governor advocated cutting income taxes?**
Uh… yea, he did. He *strongly* advocated for letting the tax increase expire. And he’s attempted to take advantage of the crisis that it caused ever since.
>See any reason for any reforms that would help employers expand here and hire more Illinois workers?
Lucky, I agree that we can make changes to improve our business climate. But I think that a stable, balanced budget will do more to improve our economic climate than any reform. Duct tape is really awesome and can hold things together without letting them get worse, creating more damage and much more expensive repairs. Rauner might be better suited to be our governor when it’s time to improve things, but we need someone who can stop the bleeding.
It’s odd to open with the assertion that the Governor is working hard to get a balanced budget that protects taxpayers and grows jobs.
That is literally the opposite of what he’s actually done as Governor. He failed to propose a balanced budget one, two, then three times. His proposed budget cuts, his administrative cuts, and the effective cuts resulting from the lack of a budget have had devastating impacts on working families. Hundreds of social service providers have lost jobs statewide.
To Lucky– if you’re genuinely confused about why folks draw parallels between Kansas and Illinois, a great place to start is by looking at who Rauner brought in right off the bat to slash budget spread sheets. It was Donna Arduin, as in, Arther Laffer’s Donna Arduin.
For more context, here’s a piece from the Atlantic that might help you further understand why people draw the comparison: https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2016/03/state-budget-crisis/473157/
If you really do not think reforms in the way that Illinois treats business and taxpayers in this State are needed then you really have not been paying attention for the last few decades. And you definitely have not been listening to business leaders as they move all or part of their businesses out of state. Raising taxes for those three years didn’t grow the economy in comparison to the surrounding states but it did take an extra $2500 a year out of my family household budget.
===If you really do not think reforms in the way that Illinois treats business and taxpayers in this State are needed then you really have not been paying attention for the last few decades===
“decades” (sigh)
1) You don’t get this talking point with Rauner’s 3 grossly unbalanced, phony, unbalanced budgets.
2) The measurable returns, according to Rauner’s own numbers were only increasing illinois’ budgetary return 1.4% or $500 million, not nearly enough to even be in the ball park of positive measurable returns
3) Revenue is required. It’s not up for discussion, it’s not up for debate. To hold an entire state hostage for an absolute requirement that hinges on a want, that’s Rauner destroying Illinois, today, now, real-time… not “decades”.
===Raising taxes for those three years didn’t grow the economy in comparison to the surrounding states but it did take an extra $2500 a year out of my family household budget.===
>If you really do not think reforms in the way that Illinois treats business and taxpayers in this State are needed
I agree with you that we can make changes to improve our business climate. I think we’re piling on debt like crazy and putting strain on all the Illinois businesses who do work for our state and I think the first thing to be done is stop the bleeding with a stable, balanced budget. It doesn’t have to stop there, but we’ll stop digging the hold deeper and need even worse medicine to get things to a stable point from which we can work on improvements.
==If you really do not think reforms in the way that Illinois treats business and taxpayers in this State are needed==
You’ll knock that strawman down eventually, Arock!
The problem with this line of argument is that Rauner’s reforms won’t work and he’s proven singularly inept at enacting them. So, sure, Illinois needs reform. And Rauner has proven he can’t deliver it.
If Rauner is allowed to continue, ARock, you may have to reminisce about that 5% tax rate. As the impasse continues, bills are piling up and state borrowing is getting more expensive. Rauner is sticking Illinois taxpayers with a massive debt and for what, term limits? Rauner could have done doable business reforms and started Illinois on the path to recovery, but has chosen to do nothing.
===The last election was about anyone but Quinn. The next will be about anyone but Rauner.===
The only way that works is if a full-court press by all Democrats begins, and by doing so, the messaging the “Skyhook in reverse” game plan has a chance to work.
Right now? Dems are grossly inept at countering Rauner messaging, even with Rauner polling at 58% in the negative.
I will not vote for a candidate who thinks they can defeat Rauner by tying him to Trump or Koch. Rauner has earned every nasty fact that can be thrown at him. Don’t make this about anyone but Rauner.
Rauner is killing Illinois. Focus on that, comfort the citizens seeking relief from Rauner’s horrific government and don’t bring garbage like Trump or Koch into it, or you’ll dillute the message.
Can we see the backup for the balanced budget plan that creates jobs?
There must be some kind of basis for those claims, right? You wouldn’t just make it up. That would be dishonest and insulting to the citizenry.
So let’s see it — the proposed balanced budget and the analytics on why it will create jobs.
LP, you’re tight with the boss — can you get those things and share? Or, as usual, do you just want to change the subject when the shallow talking points fall apart?
==I will not vote for a candidate who thinks they can defeat Rauner by tying him to Trump or Koch. Rauner has earned every nasty fact that can be thrown at him. Don’t make this about anyone but Rauner.==
I get that sentiment. At the same time, it’s hard for people to understand the impact of state level policy making on their lives. The national picture is very obvious to people because it takes up gobs of time on broadcast and cable tv (especially now.) I don’t see anything wrong with connecting those dots for people so they understand that if they’re pissed off about what Trump has done to the country, Rauner did it first to Illinois. Look no further than cuts to Meals on Wheels, after school programs, and immigrant and refugee programs for proof of that.
It wouldn’t be great to have that as the only message because Rauner has actually done significantly more damage to Illinois than Trump has and you’d be leaving all that out, but I think it’s worth making that local-national connection for people.
As a long time garage rat never have i seen a shop that clean , nothing out of place no unfinished - in progress projects , things that need to be finished or fixed…
I think the made up workshop where everything is neatly arranged and there is not a speck of saw dust or dirt (it actually shines) is the perfect metaphor for this governor as it is clear its is a phony prop, and he hasn’t done a lick of work there.
There is no denying that Madigan polls 2% lower than Rauner and has been unpopular for many years.
But Rauner is being criticized by a number of persons and he can’t deflect all of that against Madigan. If Rauner were a wise politician and he has proven many times he isn’t, he would try to make peace with the GA and Chicago and set his sites on the next remapping.
But the guy is too hard headed to even listen to former Governors, so I suspect he will continue on his present course. And I think the present course will be a tough sell to voters.
Reasonably explained, thoughtful to the “why”, methodological on end thinking process, and ties it up with an end game any candidate would want to happen with their message.
Of course, Rauner is an incumbent governor with few tangible wins, so showing wants and agendas makes 100% sense…
… but…
If you watch these with an eye that it’s an incumbent still searching for wins, but running ads to stop the negative numbers, you can’t help but see the…
“Bruce Rauner failed… ”
… because Rauner isn’t even a syllable off-scrip with this statement.
This statement, itself, is a script too… trying to calcify the strawman, in hopes that the press, groups 2 to 2,000, businesses… hope they all ignore Crain’s
By nearly every measure, Gov. Rauner, Illinois is worse off since you took office.
I just want to take him by the hand and very kindly say “I hear what you’re saying dear, but no one believes anything that comes out of your mouth anymore”.
Emily Miller. I see you are a frequent commentator, and understand many think you and your organization do great work. I do not know that to be a fact, but since so many write it, I will take it as true. Your 11;39 post seemed a bit political, so I googled Voices for Children. I noticed the second paragraph lobbies for an increase in revenue to cover state pension costs. I thought that odd and out of place.
So, I attempted to locate if you are a state employee and your salary. I mustn’t be good at googling, because I came up empty or your not employed by the state.
In most cases this is none of any ones business, but in light of your politicing(and you are entitled to), I thought it relevant to some of your lobbying.
- Spliff - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 8:36 am:
Did he buy that shirt in Montana on his ranch while fly fishing with Rahm?
- pskila - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 8:37 am:
he is hot water..if this is the best he can do…smh
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 8:47 am:
===State Solutions, an affiliate of the Republican Governors Association, launched a new television and digital advertisement effort today in Illinois…===
This isn’t even Bruce spending his own money… in March… of 2017.
When Kennedy broke the cap, and in that contested primary on that side, Rauner will be on the air consistently and relentlessly… still proposing, mind you, because Rauner has such little accomplished as a governor, including the fundamental, a budget.
Rauner polling at 58% negative, in reality, Rauner has a whole year to swamp, not only the Dems, but swamp the #DoYourJob meme, because Dems these past two years have been “owned” by Rauner, and Rauner’s vertical integration in media.
If I’m Rauner, why would I want to help Leader Radogno. At this point, more destruction the better. The weeks and months of no budget continuing is the passive cuts Rauner won’t own, without a tax increase Rauner won’t sign, and Rauner just needs to win in 2018 to be the person to hold up a map to get more Raunerites.
“Simple”.
Until the Dems, and I mean all the Dems realize they are getting throttled by Rauner daily, these ad tactics will continue to roll out, and win, with millions upon millions, from Democrat Diana Rauner too, to take out any Democrat that may be in the ball park to beat Bruce Rauner.
This is complete genius by Rauner’s Crew. This is exactly how Bruce Rauner can pull of a Rod-Style victory, even with Trump in his midterm.
If Dems can’t start getting a collective, and I mean collective “anyone but Rauner” thought and ingrain that into every campaign, every thought, no matter if your candidate wins or loses the nomination… and y’all don’t drag everyone out to vote “anyone but Rauner”, I’ll know it’s the vertical integration, the messaging, the money, that beat back the people hurt by Bruce and Diana Rauner. Purposely.
I’m looking at YOU too, Labor.
- Mouthy - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 8:48 am:
Looks like he’s going full bore after the Red Green vote..
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 8:48 am:
Bruce should follow Neil Gorsuch’s example and use “Gosh” & “Golly” a lot.
- @MisterJayEm - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 8:48 am:
“Illinois is broke and broken. And after two years in office, this duct tape gimmick is all I have to offer.”
– MrJM
- RNUG - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 8:52 am:
== Governor Rauner is working hard to enact a balanced budget … ==
Maybe he could start by proposing a balanced budget …
- Louis G Atsaves - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 8:55 am:
Saw both ads multiple times on WGN TV News this morning. Ad buy must be pretty large.
- LizPhairTax - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 8:56 am:
“Springfield Politicians”
YOU are the Governor, dude.
Whatever. Obviously someone thinks the regular guy in my workshop canard is believable. He’s been at it since he became a public figure so it almost reads as authentic to some people.
He’s not “working hard” to do diddlypoo.
- Ratso Rizzo - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 8:57 am:
The duct tape thing is kinda creepy. It’s as if he’s taking the tape off a hostage’s face.
- justpeachy - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 9:02 am:
I just wish Rauner would get his fake clothes, fake dialect and fake concern off my TV and submit a balanced budget…too much to ask a Governor to govern I guess! #DoYourJob
- Tommydanger - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 9:11 am:
I’m not sure that suggesting duct tape is not the solution to almost any problem will resonate with voters.
- A Jack - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 9:15 am:
“Hi, I am Bruce Rauner. I had a hard time with math in school, but give me four more years and I might figure it out. I blame Mike Madigan and all the math teachers he controls.”
- LeonDespres - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 9:15 am:
Assuming this ad buy is >$250k (or will be shortly)… this is only possible because of Chris Kennedy, right? Otherwise Rauner would have been the one busting the caps.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 9:17 am:
In any case, not ads I would have spent any money on. Bruce, the citizens of Illinois haven’t forgotten that you’ve been governor for over two years. The folksy “Springfield politicians don’t do nothin’ but spend yer money!” doesn’t work any more
- Chicago Cynic - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 9:21 am:
Boy, this would be a good campaign ad for someone not in office. The fact that he’s been governor for 27 months and has accomplished zilch makes this a bit weird.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 9:25 am:
He makes nice commercials. Too bad he can’t put that kind of effort into governing.
- MissingG - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 9:25 am:
Rauner’s workshop is nicer than any home I will ever be able to afford.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 9:26 am:
LeonDespres, the caps are on fundraising, not spending. And Rauner has about $50 million in his campaign account.
- oldman - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 9:26 am:
Such a visionary. A true disgrace.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 9:27 am:
Nevermind that I hired Leslie Munger to a $135K a year state job.
- bud - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 9:30 am:
Bruce Rauner: Bringing the Kansas economic miracle to Illinois!
- Peters Post - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 9:30 am:
I miss Red Green. From that perspective it might work to get started. Many people will see this as ungovernorish which is becoming a meme at the presidential level.
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 9:41 am:
His presentation is as creepy as the happy seniors telling me about their awesome free catheters.
- Lucky Pierre - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 9:45 am:
Kansas schools are ranked 20th in the US
Illinois 13th
https://wallethub.com/edu/states-with-the-best-schools/5335/
Illinois economy ranked 29th
Kansas is 35th
https://wallethub.com/edu/states-with-the-best-economies/21697/
Illinois is ranked 40th in economic health and has been so for some time
Kansas is 31st
I don’t get the connection with Kansas. Has the Governor advocated cutting income taxes? No he is for passing a tax increase with reforms. Not in the same ball park as Kansas no matter what they tell you in the AFSCME meetings.
We are tied with West Virginia for having the second highest unemployment in America
See any reason for any reforms that would help employers expand here and hire more Illinois workers?
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 9:45 am:
I want a governor who doesn’t look and talk like he’s abusing dextromethorphan.
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 9:50 am:
It’s like he’s taken acting classes from Ron Popeil.
- Flynn's mom - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 9:51 am:
Why is he in someones garage/workshop? What’s with the weird shirt? I find it insulting, not just to my intelligence, but to the intelligence of most people in the state.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 10:00 am:
===No he is for passing a tax increase with reforms===
- Lucky Pierre -
Revenue is NOT a give. Rauner is required. You can’t hold out revenue as a give for “phony, unmeasurable reforms” when in reality, reforms, no reforms, “10″ reforms, revenue is 100% required.
If you continue to refuse this 100% truth, and continue to say ridiculous and provable phoniness, at what point should anyone take you seriously?
Make real arguments. Otherwise you will get the same facts you can’t refute directed back at you, since you either refuse to learn, or are purposely saying false thing for a specific reason.
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 10:02 am:
“Has this ever happened to you? You listen to the news, and then ask yourself, THERE’S GOTTA BE A BETTER WAY? Well, folks, listen to this great TV offer from RaunerCo - the happy taxpayer company!”
“Let’s imagine that this duct tape is a roll of bad government -unrolling at the wrong time, sticking to your fingers, and GOSH DARN IT, making a GOLDARN MESS!”
“Well I’m gonna tell ya that I won’t let that bad government duct tape wreck your life!”
“Introducing RaunerCo’s amazin’ GOVERNMENT FIXER!” “Look how easily it slices right through, like a Ginzu Knife slicing through this multi-billion dollar stack of unpaid government bills!”
“How much are you willing to pay?”
“WAIT!There’s more!”
- Lucky Pierre - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 10:07 am:
My real argument is there is s no similarity between Illinois and Kansas
Do you think there are?
there are real facts in the post
do you dispute?
can you read OW?
what is the falsehood in the post?
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 10:08 am:
What laxative are these ads for?
He’s smiling like he’s passed a bill outlawing uncomfortable bloating.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 10:10 am:
- Lucky Pierre -
Do you deny what I grabbed that you wrote it?
“I’ll wait, thanks”
You said ===No he is for passing a tax increase with reforms===… that’s you’re argument.
I called you on it. It disingenuous to actual facts.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 10:12 am:
Bruce’s best argument: I can take Illinois lower, faster.
- Arsenal - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 10:15 am:
The fix/workshop/duct tape metaphor is a bit too cutesy, and it’s downright creepy in the 15-second spot.
- JoeMaddon - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 10:15 am:
**Has the Governor advocated cutting income taxes?**
Uh… yea, he did. He *strongly* advocated for letting the tax increase expire. And he’s attempted to take advantage of the crisis that it caused ever since.
- Earnest - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 10:17 am:
>See any reason for any reforms that would help employers expand here and hire more Illinois workers?
Lucky, I agree that we can make changes to improve our business climate. But I think that a stable, balanced budget will do more to improve our economic climate than any reform. Duct tape is really awesome and can hold things together without letting them get worse, creating more damage and much more expensive repairs. Rauner might be better suited to be our governor when it’s time to improve things, but we need someone who can stop the bleeding.
- Emily Miller - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 10:27 am:
It’s odd to open with the assertion that the Governor is working hard to get a balanced budget that protects taxpayers and grows jobs.
That is literally the opposite of what he’s actually done as Governor. He failed to propose a balanced budget one, two, then three times. His proposed budget cuts, his administrative cuts, and the effective cuts resulting from the lack of a budget have had devastating impacts on working families. Hundreds of social service providers have lost jobs statewide.
- Emily Miller - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 10:36 am:
To Lucky– if you’re genuinely confused about why folks draw parallels between Kansas and Illinois, a great place to start is by looking at who Rauner brought in right off the bat to slash budget spread sheets. It was Donna Arduin, as in, Arther Laffer’s Donna Arduin.
For more context, here’s a piece from the Atlantic that might help you further understand why people draw the comparison: https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2016/03/state-budget-crisis/473157/
- Arock - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 10:36 am:
If you really do not think reforms in the way that Illinois treats business and taxpayers in this State are needed then you really have not been paying attention for the last few decades. And you definitely have not been listening to business leaders as they move all or part of their businesses out of state. Raising taxes for those three years didn’t grow the economy in comparison to the surrounding states but it did take an extra $2500 a year out of my family household budget.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 10:42 am:
===If you really do not think reforms in the way that Illinois treats business and taxpayers in this State are needed then you really have not been paying attention for the last few decades===
“decades” (sigh)
1) You don’t get this talking point with Rauner’s 3 grossly unbalanced, phony, unbalanced budgets.
2) The measurable returns, according to Rauner’s own numbers were only increasing illinois’ budgetary return 1.4% or $500 million, not nearly enough to even be in the ball park of positive measurable returns
3) Revenue is required. It’s not up for discussion, it’s not up for debate. To hold an entire state hostage for an absolute requirement that hinges on a want, that’s Rauner destroying Illinois, today, now, real-time… not “decades”.
===Raising taxes for those three years didn’t grow the economy in comparison to the surrounding states but it did take an extra $2500 a year out of my family household budget.===
Was Pat Quinn reducing the backlog of bills?
Has Bruce Rauner reduced the backlog of bills?
Think on that.
- Flynn's mom - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 10:44 am:
Given that Illinois is a sinking ship, I think that Flex Tape as opposed to duct tape would have been a better analogy.
- Earnest - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 10:54 am:
>If you really do not think reforms in the way that Illinois treats business and taxpayers in this State are needed
I agree with you that we can make changes to improve our business climate. I think we’re piling on debt like crazy and putting strain on all the Illinois businesses who do work for our state and I think the first thing to be done is stop the bleeding with a stable, balanced budget. It doesn’t have to stop there, but we’ll stop digging the hold deeper and need even worse medicine to get things to a stable point from which we can work on improvements.
- Arsenal - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 10:55 am:
==If you really do not think reforms in the way that Illinois treats business and taxpayers in this State are needed==
You’ll knock that strawman down eventually, Arock!
The problem with this line of argument is that Rauner’s reforms won’t work and he’s proven singularly inept at enacting them. So, sure, Illinois needs reform. And Rauner has proven he can’t deliver it.
- Biscuit Head - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 10:56 am:
In the next election I hope to be able to vote for a Governor to replace this Blamer and Excuse Maker.
- A Jack - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 11:06 am:
If Rauner is allowed to continue, ARock, you may have to reminisce about that 5% tax rate. As the impasse continues, bills are piling up and state borrowing is getting more expensive. Rauner is sticking Illinois taxpayers with a massive debt and for what, term limits? Rauner could have done doable business reforms and started Illinois on the path to recovery, but has chosen to do nothing.
- A Jack - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 11:08 am:
The last election was about anyone but Quinn. The next will be about anyone but Rauner.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 11:09 am:
===The next will be about anyone but Rauner===
Or anyone but Madigan.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 11:12 am:
===The last election was about anyone but Quinn. The next will be about anyone but Rauner.===
The only way that works is if a full-court press by all Democrats begins, and by doing so, the messaging the “Skyhook in reverse” game plan has a chance to work.
Right now? Dems are grossly inept at countering Rauner messaging, even with Rauner polling at 58% in the negative.
That’s the whole ball game.
- Rabid - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 11:14 am:
“repair the states broken political system and add jobs” thank you munger and purvis
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 11:19 am:
I will not vote for a candidate who thinks they can defeat Rauner by tying him to Trump or Koch. Rauner has earned every nasty fact that can be thrown at him. Don’t make this about anyone but Rauner.
Rauner is killing Illinois. Focus on that, comfort the citizens seeking relief from Rauner’s horrific government and don’t bring garbage like Trump or Koch into it, or you’ll dillute the message.
- Winnin' - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 11:21 am:
Fake Governor.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 11:26 am:
Can we see the backup for the balanced budget plan that creates jobs?
There must be some kind of basis for those claims, right? You wouldn’t just make it up. That would be dishonest and insulting to the citizenry.
So let’s see it — the proposed balanced budget and the analytics on why it will create jobs.
LP, you’re tight with the boss — can you get those things and share? Or, as usual, do you just want to change the subject when the shallow talking points fall apart?
- Emily Miller - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 11:39 am:
==I will not vote for a candidate who thinks they can defeat Rauner by tying him to Trump or Koch. Rauner has earned every nasty fact that can be thrown at him. Don’t make this about anyone but Rauner.==
I get that sentiment. At the same time, it’s hard for people to understand the impact of state level policy making on their lives. The national picture is very obvious to people because it takes up gobs of time on broadcast and cable tv (especially now.) I don’t see anything wrong with connecting those dots for people so they understand that if they’re pissed off about what Trump has done to the country, Rauner did it first to Illinois. Look no further than cuts to Meals on Wheels, after school programs, and immigrant and refugee programs for proof of that.
It wouldn’t be great to have that as the only message because Rauner has actually done significantly more damage to Illinois than Trump has and you’d be leaving all that out, but I think it’s worth making that local-national connection for people.
- jon r - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 11:55 am:
As a long time garage rat never have i seen a shop that clean , nothing out of place no unfinished - in progress projects , things that need to be finished or fixed…
- Annonin' - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 11:58 am:
BigBrain decked out in s starched shirt …unF* real
Think on a new code name –Maybe GovDuct&Dodge…still workin’
- walker - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 12:06 pm:
Cannot find a way to run the state, so run more campaign ads.
- Huh? - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 12:20 pm:
So 1.4% put out a Halloween ad in costume and all. Is he getting ready to trick or treat again?
- Henry Francis - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 12:32 pm:
I think the made up workshop where everything is neatly arranged and there is not a speck of saw dust or dirt (it actually shines) is the perfect metaphor for this governor as it is clear its is a phony prop, and he hasn’t done a lick of work there.
- A Jack - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 1:42 pm:
There is no denying that Madigan polls 2% lower than Rauner and has been unpopular for many years.
But Rauner is being criticized by a number of persons and he can’t deflect all of that against Madigan. If Rauner were a wise politician and he has proven many times he isn’t, he would try to make peace with the GA and Chicago and set his sites on the next remapping.
But the guy is too hard headed to even listen to former Governors, so I suspect he will continue on his present course. And I think the present course will be a tough sell to voters.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 2:27 pm:
To Rauner’s remarks,
Reasonably explained, thoughtful to the “why”, methodological on end thinking process, and ties it up with an end game any candidate would want to happen with their message.
Of course, Rauner is an incumbent governor with few tangible wins, so showing wants and agendas makes 100% sense…
… but…
If you watch these with an eye that it’s an incumbent still searching for wins, but running ads to stop the negative numbers, you can’t help but see the…
“Bruce Rauner failed… ”
… because Rauner isn’t even a syllable off-scrip with this statement.
This statement, itself, is a script too… trying to calcify the strawman, in hopes that the press, groups 2 to 2,000, businesses… hope they all ignore Crain’s
By nearly every measure, Gov. Rauner, Illinois is worse off since you took office.
Ads or not.
OW
- Chicago 20 - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 2:34 pm:
Rauner’s lofty goals presented without details, again.
Rauner has no details or has ever defined a plan to obtain his goals just Koch based ideological goals which only further enrich and empower the 1%.
- whetstone - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 3:26 pm:
Wow, he keeps a clean workshop.
- Biscuit Head - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 3:46 pm:
“Vote for me!
I can’t work with anybody I don’t own and I have accomplished nothing at all.
Vote for me!”
- (un)Happy - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 4:21 pm:
I just want to take him by the hand and very kindly say “I hear what you’re saying dear, but no one believes anything that comes out of your mouth anymore”.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 4:40 pm:
Not to mention that he’s a rich guy that likes to see himself on TV.
No call to action in the spot, like “contact your legislator to support X.” Just ego-trippin’ image spot.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 5:02 pm:
===Just ego-trippin’ image spot===
If you looked that good in an ugly shirt, and had $50 million to blow, you’d make ads too.
Q: Why are you running ads now?
A: Because I can.
- blue dog dem - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 5:18 pm:
Emily Miller. I see you are a frequent commentator, and understand many think you and your organization do great work. I do not know that to be a fact, but since so many write it, I will take it as true. Your 11;39 post seemed a bit political, so I googled Voices for Children. I noticed the second paragraph lobbies for an increase in revenue to cover state pension costs. I thought that odd and out of place.
So, I attempted to locate if you are a state employee and your salary. I mustn’t be good at googling, because I came up empty or your not employed by the state.
In most cases this is none of any ones business, but in light of your politicing(and you are entitled to), I thought it relevant to some of your lobbying.
- James - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 5:33 pm:
testing–trying to see if I was banned
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 5:50 pm:
If duct doesn’t work, try WD-40./s
- blue dog dem - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 6:22 pm:
My era. Try bailing wire.
- burbanite - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 7:14 pm:
I would bet he couldn’t identify 50% of the tools in that workshop. You could off the floor! What an every man kinda guy our gov is!
- burbanite - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 7:15 pm:
eat of the floor***
- Present - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 8:21 pm:
@Emily you went outside his bubble dear. I agree.
- Present - Tuesday, Mar 28, 17 @ 8:23 pm:
@bluedogdem sorry if your a female. I would google you but it’s really not necessary.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Apr 11, 17 @ 6:21 pm:
I am sick of seeing his ugly union breaking, pension reducing, middle class degrading face on TV every five minutes!!!!