Republican Day roundup
Friday, Aug 16, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Sun-Times…
There was no sugarcoating it at the dour breakfast before the party’s pep rally at the Illinois State Fair. Things are not great for the state’s Republicans a year after Gov. Bruce Rauner lost re-election, and Pritzker quickly racked up major legislative accomplishments.
“We had a rough year,” Illinois Republican Party co-chair Tim Schneider said. “We lost the governor’s mansion. We have no statewide office holders, and we lost several legislative seats. But that’s our current reality, but it doesn’t and it won’t be our future.” […]
He said Republicans are in a “bunker” with the opportunity to come back “and be better than ever in 2020 and beyond.” […]
Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin said Republicans must “continue to fight them [Democrats] at every turn,” calling the graduated income tax “the killer of killers.”
“This past session there was one of the most aggressive, progressive returns that I’ve seen in all of my life and anywhere in the United States,” Durkin, R-Western Springs, said. “This progressive agenda that the Democrats passed is not yours. It’s not mine. Nor does it reflect the majority of Illinois’ morals and values.”
* Tribune..
“It won’t be our future. We can sulk and complain and do nothing. Or we can offer a vision of opportunity for the future,” said Schneider, who himself was defeated last year in his bid for reelection to the Cook County Board.
Still, as Schneider acknowledged a need for Republicans to “provide solutions for the pressing issues of our time” and offer voters a “positive vision” for 2020, he was unable to articulate a message forward. Instead, he said the state GOP “will map out a plan and a future for the party” at its state convention next year.
Symbolizing the state GOP’s situation, an attempt to conference call top Republican leaders who were unable to get to Springfield resulted in a recording of an operator saying the number they had dialed was out of service. […]
“Can you imagine a Democrat Party that invites the most liberal, socialistic member of the United States Congress to be their keynote speaker? Can you imagine that?” [Senate GOP Leader Bill Brady] said. “Ladies and gentlemen, if they want to bring Nancy Pelosi to Illinois, we know what that would tell moderates and independents and how they need to come back to the ranks of the Republican Party.”
* WGN TV…
As the Republican insiders plot a course forward, they remain upbeat and on the attack.
“You may have heard of AOC… AOC stands for absolutely out of control,” said Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Peoria).
House GOP Leader Jim Durkin said the “socialist agenda” is “not Illinois.”
* Speaking of socialism…
* Capitol News Illinois…
Scalise was the keynote speaker at the Republican Day picnic at the fair, where the theme of the day was “Fight the Machine,” a reference to the Illinois Democratic Party. He noted that Louisiana politics was also once dominated by a Democratic machine, but Republicans have since wrested control of it.
“The ghost of Huey Long still walks the state capitol in Baton Rouge in many places, but we finally took it back,” he said. “Today we have majorities in the House, in the Senate, and by the end of this year we will have every single statewide elected office as Republican. That’s how far we’ve come. And in just a short period of time, you can do that too.”
* Illinois Public Radio…
“We’ll tell you right out of the box: J.B. Pritzker has unlimited resources,” he said, “but we believe we have a message and we will build the resources necessary. The Democrats will always out-raise us, but we’ll out-message them.”
According to the Illinois Republican Party’s most recent financial report, it has just over $88,000 on hand. Schneider says Republicans are focusing on broadening their base of small contributors.
* Daily Line…
“Our elections will be local,” House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) told reporters Thursday. “Democrats will try to nationalize it, but the fact is if they do that, we can do just as good a job [of nationalizing issues].”
Durkin encouraged Republicans Thursday, telling the party faithful that many suburban seats that were lost were only lost narrowly, by 1 percentage point or approximately 300 votes. He said the House GOP would regain those suburban seats, but also set his sights on the St. Louis area — an area that had long been a Democratic labor stronghold, but has in recent years ceded territory to Republicans.
“The Metro East will be ours after this next cycle,” Durkin said.
The HGOPs have a legit shot at picking up two-three seats in the Metro East/southern Illinois area next year: 116th House (appointed Rep. Nathan Reitz); 111th House (Rep. Monica Bristow); 112th House (Rep. Katie Stuart).
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 10:34 am:
I find the socialist signs ironic given the Russian election interference for Trump.
- Smalls - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 10:37 am:
The GOP’s issue is they just keep with the “we have to fight it every step of the way” mantra. But they introduce no new ideas or plans to deal with the issues of the state. Lower taxes is not a plan to deal with IL’s reality.
- Linus - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 10:37 am:
That hammer-and-sickle jab is rich in irony, considering the national GOP’s approach to Russian interference in U.S. elections.
- efudd - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 10:40 am:
“Republicans are in a ‘bunker’”
Ya see, there it is. Everything with this party anymore is war-like. Everything they hold dear is “under siege”, every “right” facing decimation buy those aiming to tear us asunder.
It works with old white people, but after they are gone, now what.
- Grandson of Man - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 10:44 am:
“Can you imagine a Democrat Party”
Wrong right off the bat. Stop attacking opponents with cheesy and old talking points and start offering plans.
“Can you imagine a Democrat Party that invites the most liberal, socialistic member of the United States Congress to be their keynote speaker?”
Lol, lol. Nancy Pelosi a socialist? God, the GOP is so out of touch. With the angry, old, white and shrinking base, that’s all they got.
- Candy Dogood - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 10:45 am:
I can’t wait to see a bill from the Eastern Bloc GOP legislators advocating for each county to receive no more in state spending than they contribute via income taxes in an effort to end socialism in Illinois.
- Dotnonymous - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 10:46 am:
Capitalism works for the very rich few…while Socialism works for every one.
- Been There - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 10:47 am:
===The HGOPs have a legit shot at picking up two-three seats in the Metro East/southern Illinois area next year: 116th House (appointed Rep. Nathan Reitz); 111th House (Rep. Monica Bristow); 112th House (Rep. Katie Stuart).====
Depending on how the remap goes (fair maps, etc) the dems will just make two safe seats out those three and win those two back in 2022
- Henry Francis - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 10:47 am:
==Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin said Republicans must “continue to fight them [Democrats] at every turn,” calling the graduated income tax “the killer of killers.”==
I think the State survived the 67% tax increase in 2011. A 67% tax increase on 100% of the taxpayers.
- Candy Dogood - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 10:47 am:
===“This progressive agenda that the Democrats passed is not yours. It’s not mine. Nor does it reflect the majority of Illinois’ morals and values.”===
I wanted to share that this quote made me cackle. Bold words for someone in a super minority that backed one of the most losing Governor campaigns in recent memory.
- Blue Dog Dem - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 10:48 am:
As for the demise of the Illinois GOP, i think the finger can be pointed at Edgar and the nail in the coffin by Rauner.
- Annonin' - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 10:49 am:
GOPie pick up? Huh. When they field duds like Dwight Kay and Ron Stephens… no chance
- SSL - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 10:51 am:
The GOP in Illinois is DOA. I’m not saying that’s a good thing, but it’s time to fold the tent. Even Yogi Berra would say it’s over.
- TomSimm97009267 - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 10:52 am:
Still on the culture war kick. Sorry guys, that’s not going to bring more voters to your side.
- General Custer - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 10:53 am:
Not sure why Schneider, Shaw & current leadership is allowed to still be in charge of anything. Schneider lost his own race. Shaw saw losses across Lake, statewide, & first midterm loss in 10th since Mikva. Looks like there’s still no path forward.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 10:53 am:
===It works with old white people, but after they are gone, now what===
Others get old.
- Angry Republican - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 10:54 am:
@BDD,
I think George Ryan was the guy that did the most damage by leaving a power vacuum. I do agree Rauner put the last nail in the coffin.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 10:54 am:
===As for the demise of the Illinois GOP, i think the finger can be pointed at Edgar and the nail in the coffin by Rauner.===
… and yet, Edgar’s re-election in 1994 was the high water mark, after setting the table in 1990.
Rauner was NEVER a Republican, but a Raunerite. The GOP let a stranger in our house. That’s the demise.
I fed you, hopefully your giddiness will be satisfied so more corrections aren’t necessary to your trolling.
- Baloneymous - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 10:55 am:
“This progressive agenda that the Democrats passed is not yours. It’s not mine. Nor does it reflect the majority of Illinois’ morals and values.” — Jim Durkin
When Durkin says “majority of Illinois” does he mean counties or voters? Based on the whooping Rauner got last year I’d say the majority of Illinois voters are ok with the agenda. Including his own suburban constituents. I get that most attendees where probably from downstate but come on. And he and brady both with the Trumpian socialist remarks. I’m most certain in private both completely reject Trump. How do you rebuild a party when you can even be honest with yourselves.
- Streator Curmudgeon - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 10:56 am:
When will the ILGOP get it that their ideas that help the 1% aren’t popular with 99% of the voters?
- IL4Life - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 10:58 am:
“This progressive agenda that the Democrats passed is not yours. It’s not mine. Nor does it reflect the majority of Illinois’ morals and values.”
Umm… most polls showed three fifths support among Illinois residents for the things that were passed. Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at SIU had fair tax 67%, expanded gambling 57%, sports betting 63%, cannabis 66%, $15 minimum wage 67%. Only thing residents didn’t like was gas tax at 37% but many GOP lawmakers voted for that. Also, a majority of Illinois says time and again that they want to keep abortion legal in all/most cases.
- Blue Dog Dem - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 10:58 am:
Steve or Lucky. I need help as a former die hard Dem turned Independent. What exactly defines an Illinois Republican?
- Dotnonymous - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 10:59 am:
Or we can offer a vision of opportunity for the future,” said Schneider, who himself was defeated last year…
Visions of defeat?
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 11:02 am:
===Steve or Lucky. I need help as a former die hard Dem turned Independent. What exactly defines an Illinois Republican?===
Add to the discussion or don’t.
The trolling however is tiresome. Make your own points. Searching for others to feed you…
- Dotnonymous - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 11:03 am:
Rauner was NEVER a Republican - O.W.
Wasn’t Rauner a registered member of The Republican Party, O.W.?
- Donnie Elgin - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 11:05 am:
The political pendulum swings both ways. The GOP is at a low point no doubt; but the Dems will face the inevitable policy overreach or fiscal disaster that will move voters to the GOP column
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 11:06 am:
===Wasn’t Rauner a registered member===
We don’t register anyone, in any party, in Illinois.
Learn.
- frustrated GOP - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 11:09 am:
Schneider says Republicans are focusing on broadening their base of small contributors
They might consider broadening their base politically first. the money will follow. That said, they themselves bug their own grave when they stopped raising money and let Rauner fund everything. Proved bad short and long term for the party.
now it will take several elections to rebuild and when the top of the ticket is trump, add 4 years to any estimate.
- Blue Dog Dem - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 11:12 am:
Donnie. You are correct. When Bruce Rauner filed his State Board of Elections reports he registered as a Republican.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 11:14 am:
===When Bruce Rauner filed his State Board of Elections reports he registered as a Republican.===
No.
Rauner filed paperwork identifying the party affiliation for his candidacy as Republican.
We. Don’t. Register.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 11:16 am:
Rauner voted Dem the years his denied daughter was clouted into Payton Prep, attending the school denying a worthy child,
Bruce also was a supporter of Forrest Claypool while a Dem.
But, Rauner was never a registered Dem… because we don’t register voters’ party affiliations
- lake county democrat - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 11:18 am:
I’d argue the demise of the Illinois GOP came post-Edgar and pre-Rauner: the party was so dysfunctional in 2004 it seriously allowed Alan Keyes to run for senate. That was a symptom, but it illustrated the disease.
- Lt. Guv - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 11:18 am:
No. Rauner filed as a Republican. As OW pointed out, Illinois does not have partisan registration.
- Boone's is Back - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 11:18 am:
Lol that sign is so great and so ignorant. It reminds me of the “Keep your government hands off my medicare” signs back in 2010.
- Dotnonymous - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 11:30 am:
Was Rauner a Republican…at long last?
- Huh? - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 11:32 am:
“we can offer a vision of opportunity for the future …”
… a State of Illinois without the economic engine of the state, the Chicago metropolitan area.
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 11:34 am:
I just hope Trump frees Blago. That would be a huge millstone on republicans next year.
- zatoichi - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 11:36 am:
‘Republicans must “continue to fight them [Democrats] at every turn,”’ ‘ we are in a bunker..’
Instead of fighting why don’t they come up with some alternative options that could work for both groups. It is much easier to complain than actually work at cooperation. It would seem if there was strong support for Durkin’s ideal values, more Republicans would have won. They need a new message. The war/fight ‘em approach ain’t working too good.
- Blue Dog Dem - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 11:37 am:
Dot
Keep that up and the GOP will resurrect.
- Dotnonymous - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 11:38 am:
- Dotnonymous - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 11:30 am:
Was Rauner a Republican…at long last?
You. didn’t. answer?
- Skeptic - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 11:40 am:
“The Democrats will always out-raise us, but we’ll out-message them.” True, but you have to have a coherent message in the first place. So far it’s “All taxes are all bad all the time.” That won’t cut it.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 11:41 am:
- Dotnonymous -
Go troll with - Blue Dog Dem - on Facebook.
Asked and answered, ad nauseum.
Use the google here
Rauner was never a Republican, a practitioner of Raunerism.
I fed you both, you both are even ignorant to “registers”
- Dotnonymous - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 11:43 am:
Rauner was NEVER a Republican, but a Raunerite. O.W.
“Raunerism’ is a fiction generated by your imagination…Rauner was a Republican.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 11:47 am:
===Rauner was a Republican.===
… except when he was donating to Daley, voting Dem in Chicago, openly supporting Forrest Claypool, and while governor diving the most liberal abortion bill the star had seen, and pushing liberal social agenda items, allowing Ives to get 48%.
Raunerism was Bruce and Diana Rauner’s religion. The GOP was there to be bought to practice it.
:)
- Skeptic - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 11:49 am:
“Rauner was a Republican.” Lot of difference that makes with him living in Italy. /s
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 11:52 am:
===I’m not eating what your cooking up.===
Facts? Obviously. Can’t have facts.
LOL
To the Post,
The ball game is…
44-19-0
Deciding that a 51st state is needed, that those “not like us” are the “problem”, and seeing no path in the suburbs…
…44-19-0 might look better than it could’ve come January 2021.
Unity is needed around what makes good politics to Republican ideals, not partnering with Raunerites, IPI folks, secessionist, and overt racist.
Nope.
- City Zen - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 11:56 am:
Some folks calls it a hammer and sickle, I call it a mallet and kaiser blade.
- Roadrager - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 11:57 am:
OW, your argument sounds like that of the “Never Trumpers” who insist that the president isn’t what the party really stands for. They say this loudly and condemn his tone and decorum - then quietly support nearly all of his policy. It doesn’t matter if Bruce Rauner “wasn’t” a Republican by the narrow definition you seek to carve out. The “R” next to his name never stood for “Raunerist.” He was never a third-party candidate. The infrastructure of the state GOP supported him wholeheartedly, he made the party follow him into the abyss while he passed out checks on the floor, and nearly everyone neatly fell in line until the end.
Donald Trump said he used to vote Democratic too, you know.
Governors own, but Republicans own the actions they took, the money they grabbed, and the words they said under this last governor.
- lake county democrat - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 12:01 pm:
“All taxes are bad all the time” can work if you time it right, like when Pat Quinn honestly admitted he would raise taxes during a terrible economic time (if technically a “recovery”). I strongly support Kaegi’s work to undo Berrios’ corruption, but the timing is bad: when voters see tax hikes every where they look, they don’t look too hard at the anti-tax messenger.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 12:13 pm:
===The HGOPs have a legit shot at picking up two-three seats in the Metro East/southern Illinois area next year: 116th House (appointed Rep. Nathan Reitz); 111th House (Rep. Monica Bristow); 112th House (Rep. Katie Stuart).===
This is ripe territory.
The only issue I have?
The HGOP wants to add more “Magnificent 7” silliness to get closer to 50, how will that play in the suburbs/collars?
This branding of “Trunpkins” and then “Separatists”…
(Please note the spelling Mr. Halbrook, LOL)
… won’t appeal to too many suburban folks.
- Pundent - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 12:16 pm:
Can someone help me reconcile these two statements?
=Nor does it reflect the majority of Illinois’ morals and values.”=
=“We lost the governor’s mansion. We have no statewide office holders, and we lost several legislative seats.=
- Steve - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 12:24 pm:
- Blue Dog Dem -
I’d say what defines an Illinois Republican is someone who’s for 1) promoting limited and local government 2)Flat income tax 3) Right to work (like Illinois’ neighbors) 4)Public pension reform 5)Pro-gun rights . 5)Enforcement of federal immigration laws. Being pro-life doesn’t seem to unify the entire Illinois GOP.
- Blue Dog Dem - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 12:25 pm:
Thanks Steve.
- PJ - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 12:27 pm:
==Can someone help me reconcile these two statements?==
Only white people from rural counties matter. It clarifies a lot of otherwise nonsensical GOP talking points when you read it through the lens of “people in cities aren’t real Americans”.
- John Deere Green - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 12:28 pm:
What gives? My last post attempt too long? lol. Yeah, the HGOP archive of tough talk is pretty deep.
Metro East? I’ll believe it when I see it. HGOPs have had districts and races given to them on a silver platter and they still couldn’t win them without the assistance of a terrible Democrat at the top of the ticket, and even then sometimes they still failed… You get to talk tough after you win, not before.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 12:29 pm:
===your argument sounds like that of the “Never Trumpers” who insist that the president isn’t what the party really stands for.===
Yeah.
‘Bout that… I was never Rauner, never wavered. The argument you want is the “smorgasbord” argument. Thing is, I’m the wrong one to have that.
===They say this loudly and condemn his tone and decorum - then quietly support nearly all of his policy.===
In his/her own words, this is - A Guy -
That’s why for me there are no distinctions. In for an ounce, in for a pound. The reprehensible actions of Trump, the manner Rauner tried to destroy Illinois… in for an ounce…
That’s why the Brave 15 are celebrated.
That’s why the Perfect 10 are special.
===It doesn’t matter if Bruce Rauner “wasn’t” a Republican by the narrow definition you seek to carve out.===
‘Bout that too…
Raunerism is anti-labor. Raunerism is starving social service and a state to destroy labor. Raunerism is also about an uber-left, costal, limousine liberal social agenda, including the most liberal abortion bill of its time.
Nothing about Raunerism, narrow or not, embraced GOP ideals, as Ives ultra-right run showed by going so far right it missed the chance to win by just being a conservative.
===The “R” next to his name never stood for “Raunerist.”===
Rsuberism needed a vessel willing to be owned. The GOP was the party that obliged.
===The infrastructure of the state GOP supported him wholeheartedly, he made the party follow him into the abyss while he passed out checks on the floor, and nearly everyone neatly fell in line until the end.===
Yeah, it was about the money.
How do I know?
The GOP list it’s piggy bank, now its willing to partner with anyone who can pay for the grifters left… while ignoring racist, separatists, Trumpkins.
===Donald Trump said he used to vote Democratic too, you know.===
And look at his “base”… who Trump plays to, placates to… racist, angry white folks… party affiliation the same or not.
===Governors own, but Republicans own the actions they took, the money they grabbed.===
No.
Once you’re bought, you stay bought, or Rauner got rid of you, institutional knowledge showed that.
===and the words they said under this last governor.===
This I agree. Ask around.
I hold Raunerites accountable. I have the receipts. Said so many times.
That’s why Demmer and Barickman are no leaders of no party.
They are what’s wrong with the GOP, and Demmer and Barickman are the wrong leaders to think they can try to lead this party going forward.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 12:30 pm:
- Steve -
Do you support Trump?
Do you think Trump is a racist?
They are yes/no questions.
- Blue Dog Dem - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 12:32 pm:
Trolling=race baiting?
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 12:33 pm:
===Trolling=race baiting?===
- Blue Dog Democrat -
Do you support Trump?
Do you think Trump is a racist?
They are yes/no questions.
- Blue Dog Dem - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 12:36 pm:
Ow. I support Trumps actions against China.
There. I fed your race baiting. Now take that to Twitter.
- Rabid - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 12:36 pm:
GOP still clinging to the turnaround agenda till next year’s plan reveal
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 12:38 pm:
===I support Trumps actions against China.===
I think - Roadrager - would like a word with you, LOL
- Steve - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 12:38 pm:
OW
This may shock you. I’m no longer a registered voter . I didn’t vote in 2016 or 2018. At least with a lottery ticket, you have a chance of affecting the outcome.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 12:40 pm:
- Blue Dog Dem -
You think Trump is a racist?
You support Trump… but…
- Steve -, I’m still waiting.
How this all matters in the Post?
Supporting Trump in Illinois is a defeating strategy, a dividing strategy.
It might make 2022 the next logical chance… ‘cept pesky map thingy.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 12:42 pm:
===I’m no longer a registered voter . I didn’t vote in 2016 or 2018.===
Then your opinion is as worthless…
… as what your trying to change… minds.
- Henry Francis - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 12:42 pm:
With respect
All this talk about Governor Rauner not being a Republican is semantics.
To claim that he wasn’t a Republican would mean that he must then be a RINO. But who decides who is a RINO? Everyone seems to have an opinion on whether a candidate or officeholder is “enough” of a Republican. It is essentially a purity test.
A “Republican” is not what one person thinks it is. A Republican is whatever the Republican Party says it is. The IL GOP voters voted to have Bruce Rauner represent the Republican Party.
And so what if Gov. Rauner took some positions that were not consistent with past positions taken in the Republican Party. Parties change. They change when their leaders lead them into that change. Was Bill Clinton not a “Democrat” due to some of the positions he took that were not consistent with past Democratic orthodoxy?
And when Gov. Rauner ran for re-election? The Republican voters reaffirmed that he was their guy when he won the republican primary.
Whether Rauner is a Republican or not is not based on one person’s opinion. It is based on what the party says. What the voters say. And they said - twice - that Bruce Rauner is a Republican.
One may not like the direction that Rauner took the Illinois Republican Party, but that is the Illinois Republican Party until another leader, selected by the Republican voters, leads the party in a new direction. Elections have consequences.
- Steve - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 12:47 pm:
OW
Any good political scientist will tell you that voting is only one aspect of politics. Much of what goes on in politics has nothing to do with election day. Someone who gives money to powerful politicians has way more influence on the system than a single voter in an uncompetitive state.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 12:52 pm:
===Any good political scientist will tell you that voting is only one aspect of politics===
If you don’t participate in the process, i have NO time for your opinion
This isn’t dorm room…===Any good political scientist===
I don’t talk politics with those too lazy, too ignorant, or to avant- garde to vote.
===Someone who gives money to powerful politicians has way more influence on the system than a single voter in an uncompetitive state.===
… and yet, only elected people get to make governmental policy.
Winners make policy.
Go back to the dorm and tell everyone how Kool you are for *not* voting.
- Blue Dog Dem - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 12:54 pm:
Henry Francis. Excellent. Thank you.
Race baiting(Merriam-Webster). The unfair use of statements about race to try and influence the actions or attitudes of a particular group of people.
To the post. We have a Republican Day and a Democratic Day. How I long for a viable Alternative.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 12:55 pm:
===All this talk about Governor Rauner not being a Republican is semantics.===
Nope. Not at all.
Raunerism is an agenda, the GOP is a party.
What Raunerism did was find a party that they could own to move forward their agenda. Didn’t matter the party.
It’s not semantics. It’s understanding the difference between party politics and driving an agenda and the *need* of a vessel (party) to do so.
With much respect.
OW
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 12:56 pm:
- Blue Dog Dem -
So you don’t think Trump is a racist.
Thanks.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 1:01 pm:
To all this;
===And so what if Gov. Rauner took some positions that were not consistent with past positions taken in the Republican Party. Parties change. They change when their leaders lead them into that change. Was Bill Clinton not a “Democrat” due to some of the positions he took that were not consistent with past Democratic orthodoxy?
And when Gov. Rauner ran for re-election? The Republican voters reaffirmed that he was their guy when he won the republican primary.
Whether Rauner is a Republican or not is not based on one person’s opinion. It is based on what the party says. What the voters say. And they said - twice - that Bruce Rauner is a Republican.
One may not like the direction that Rauner took the Illinois Republican Party, but that is the Illinois Republican Party until another leader, selected by the Republican voters, leads the party in a new direction. Elections have consequences.===
When you buy a party… the party is dictated by the owner.
“No $&@#% problems”
The rest is rebranding what you bought to the electorate as those Raunerites, phonies like Demmer and Barickman… they knew… they needed the money.
If the party believed in Raunerism…
…
… then there wouldn’t have been the need for the “no $&@#% problem” speech.
Again, with respect.
- Lucky Pierre - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 1:03 pm:
The Republican Agenda a majority of Illinois voters support
Term limits
Fair maps
Pension reform
Property tax reform
Consolidation of 7,000 units local government
Workers comp reform
Most Democratic legislators oppose the wishes of their constituents on these issues to keep their trial lawyer and union donors happy
- Blue Dog Dem - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 1:07 pm:
OW.@1:01. Now that was the vintage you. Seriously good. How could you do that in 4 minutes.
- Steve - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 1:08 pm:
OW
Rauner is already a relic of the past. He’s not going to have much influence on anything but the lifestyle of Diana . But, if you believe he’s that important to the future Illinois GOP more power to you. What comes out of 219 S. Dearborn in the next 24 months is probably way more important than a GOP talking point.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 1:11 pm:
===Rauner is already a relic of the past. He’s not going to have much influence on anything but…===
… Schnieder, Shaw, IPI, Baise, all Rauner folks… all teaming to lead the GOP
Keep up.
Please stop. It’s getting to be embarrassing you lack of knowing the history.
- anon2 - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 1:22 pm:
== Republicans (have) the opportunity to come back “and be better than ever in 2020.”===
== Durkin said the House GOP would regain those suburban seats. ==
With Trump at the top of the ticket? I wouldn’t count on it. If Dems restore the one-party punch, things could get worse.
As far as winning back suburban seats, the GOP has been steadily losing them. The NW Cook district Terry Parke held for 22 years, for example, isn’t coming back to the GOP. Parke lost to Fred Crespo in 2006, and the district hasn’t been competitive since. The same pattern from suburban Cook is spreading in the collars. Reversing that trend with the party of Trump is a pipedream.
- Captain Obvious - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 1:23 pm:
“Socialism works for everyone.” Hard to fathom this level of ignorance. Go ask citizens in Cuba, Venezuela, China, or anyone who lived in Russia prior to 1990 how socialism works for everyone.
- Steve - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 1:28 pm:
OW
Those people you mention better find a big funding source plus a whole lot of changed voters minds (in Illinois) because Bruce Rauner is a relic of the past. Bruce was one and done. He would have never won if Pat Quinn didn’t raise the income tax so much, so quick.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 1:30 pm:
===Those people you mention better find a big funding source plus a whole lot of changed voters minds (in Illinois) because Bruce Rauner is a relic of the past===
The biggest purveyors of Raunerism are leading the party. Today. Now.
The money is another issue.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 1:32 pm:
===Quinn didn’t raise the income tax so much, so quick.===
No.
The 2 in 5 labor households voting Rauner is a measurable way to look how Rauner won.
- Last Bull Moose - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 1:48 pm:
Right now the Republican Party is wandering in the desert without Moses and the Ten Commandments. We worshipped the Golden Calf and lost our way.
- Anyone Remember - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 1:54 pm:
Blue Dog Dem - “Race baiting(Merriam-Webster). The unfair use of statements about race to try and influence the actions or attitudes of a particular group of people.”
So, in other words, the National GOP starting with Nixon’s Southern Strategy right to the current day?
- Blue Dog Dem - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 2:10 pm:
Anyone. Sort of. Yes.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 2:11 pm:
LOL at OW acting like he’s the arbiter of who is and isn’t a Republican. Sorry dude, you don’t get to determine that.
Rauner ran for Governor as a Republican, the first time he had ever run for office.
Rauner refused to raise taxes to cover revenue, cut social services, cut education funding, basically cut government spending across the board.
Again, sorry dude, but that’s a Republican. But all you really need ot know is that he was on the ballot as a Republican and that Republicans voted for him. Give it up, man. You will NEVER be able to credibly say that Rauner was not a Republican, and frankly, you should get called out every single time you try and say otherwise.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 2:15 pm:
Oh - Joe Bidenopolous -
You keep trying. You keep making me giggle.
===The rest is rebranding what you bought to the electorate as those Raunerites, phonies like Demmer and Barickman… they knew… they needed the money.
If the party believed in Raunerism…
…
… then there wouldn’t have been the need for the “no $&@#% problem” speech.===
Rauner had an uber-left, costal, limousine liberal agenda.
That abortion bill signed, the “sanctuary state” stuff.
You don’t like it, but there it is.
That’s why Ives ran, friend.
Rauner is a social liberal.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 2:18 pm:
===You will NEVER be able to credibly say that Rauner was not a Republican, and frankly, you should get called out every single time you try and say otherwise.===
… and yet… “No $&@#% problems”
I guessing it upsets you Diana Rauner made Bruce a social liberal, as part of Raunerism.
It grates at ya.
Raunerism is an agenda, not a party thing.
“No $&@%# problems” says so.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 2:26 pm:
The only troll here is the guy/gal trying to reinvent history and say Rauner wasn’t a Republican.
Rauner ran as a Republican and won.
Rauner ran as a Republican and lost.
I couldn’t give two shakes about Diana and frankly, I don’t want her in my party.
But you know, stick with the alternative facts and all that - I hear it’s all the rage. And I’ll put your opinions in the bin with the other trolls who spew alternative facts, lol
All you have to do is own it, but apparently credibility isn’t important to you.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 2:33 pm:
===The only troll here is the guy/gal trying to reinvent history and say Rauner wasn’t a Republican.===
Narrator: Rauner wasn’t
“No $&@#% problems” tell me so. Exiled GOP GA members? Why? Raunerism.
I get it. It grates ya. Ya told me so.
===I couldn’t give two shakes about Diana and frankly, I don’t want her in my party.===
Did you just tell me you can’t decide what people say… LOL
===stick with the alternative facts===
“No $&@#% problem” happened. Rich even reported on it. Keep up.
===And I’ll put your opinions in the bin with the other trolls who spew alternative facts===
So “no $&@#% problems”… you’re ignoring that.
That’s fun.
Rauner was a Raunerite with an uber-left, costal, limousine liberal social agenda.
You don’t like that fact, but… LOL
- Pundent - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 2:34 pm:
=Race baiting(Merriam-Webster). The unfair use of statements about race to try and influence the actions or attitudes of a particular group of people.=
Racism (Merriam-Webster) The notion that one’s own ethnic stock is superior. Donald Trump - “Go back from where you came from.” Mark Curran - “You know what, the wrong people moved in, what have you.”
There’s no ambiguity or unfair use in these statements. That’s the current state of the Republican party.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 2:39 pm:
I can’t decide that Diana isn’t a D and I didn’t do that - I said I didn’t want her in my party. THat doesn’t mean that I get to choose. Just like you don’t get to choose.
What grates me are blatant lies, which is what you’re peddling.
Can’t wait for the Trump/OW alternative facts tour of 2020.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 2:42 pm:
===Can’t wait for the Trump/OW alternative facts tour of 2020.===
Imma no Trump, never Trump… the party decided without an “no $&@#% problem” ultimatum, LOL
===Just like you don’t get to choose.===
Raunerism is an agenda. Raunerism bought a party with “no $&@#% problems”
Raunerism is an uber-left, costal, limousine liberal social agenda.
You don’t like that, but… lol
- Joe Bidenopolous - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 2:44 pm:
You may be never Trump, but you sure adopted his tactics by denying obvious truths. Intellectual dishonesty is unbecoming. Have a great day.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 2:45 pm:
===but you sure adopted his tactics by denying obvious truths.==
LOL
Raunerism is an uber-left, costal, limousine liberal social agenda.
Truth.
- Baloneymous - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 2:49 pm:
Joe Bidenopolous—
Great spin on what Rauner did and didn’t do. He would have raised taxes if Dems would have turned on labor and trial lawyers
He only cut social services and Ed funding in order to starve out Dems and try to get them to cave to his demands (see above). And he never used a veto pen to cut he only didn’t sign a budget. Too chicken to admit to actual cuts.
He also expanded state government by creating a brand new state agency — DoIT.
Please keep up. Wow.
- Skeptic - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 2:51 pm:
LP: I see “crushing unions” conveniently dropped off your list.
- Baloneymous - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 2:52 pm:
Rauner also signed taxpayer funded abortions into law and signed immigration bill that most Republicans despised. Do you even remember why Jeanne Ives ran against him?
Great republican he was.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 2:55 pm:
=== He would have raised taxes if Dems would have turned on labor and trial lawyers===
Raunerism, to labor.
===He only cut social services and Ed funding in order to starve out Dems and try to get them to cave to his demands===
Raunerism to leverage labor.
===And he never used a veto pen to cut he only didn’t sign a budget. Too chicken to admit to actual cuts.===
Raunerism to governing.
It’s an agenda, not a party.
Throw in the signed social agenda things Diana Rauner approved. Raunerism is warped, that’s why they wanted “no $&@#% problems”
(Tips cap to - Baloneymous -)
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 2:58 pm:
===Term limits
Fair maps
Pension reform
Property tax reform
Consolidation of 7,000 units local government
Workers comp reform
Most Democratic legislators oppose the wishes of their constituents on these issues to keep their trial lawyer and union donors happy===
Rauner could t get 60/30 for his agenda.
Bruce Rauner failed his agenda. That’s on Rauner not on the legislature.
Rauner never built concensus.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 3:01 pm:
===Most Democratic legislators oppose the wishes of their constituents on these issues to keep their trial lawyer and union donors happy===
… and yet the 74/40 are high watermark levels of Dems in the GA.
So going against the constituents… raised numbers in both chambers?
Hmm.
- Graduated College Student - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 3:04 pm:
===Others get old.===
That’s the canard, Rich, but I’m under the impression a few Republican strategists have been checking the polling among 30 and 40 somethings and are raising the alarm that people who started out liberal/Democratic in college among that generation AREN’T switching over with age and as they hit major life milestones as orthodoxy has thought to expect.
- SSL - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 3:47 pm:
Over 100 comments on a non pension post. Well done everyone. How many minds were changed by all the great points made.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 3:49 pm:
===Over 100 comments on a non pension post. Well done everyone. How many minds were changed by all the great points made.===
It’s not a debate society, it’s a comments section.
Ugh.
- Blue Dog Dem - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 4:02 pm:
Bottom line. The Illinois GOP is in a heap of trouble near term. The pendulum will swing back.
- SSL - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 4:10 pm:
Well with 30 comments you must have a hard time making your point. Or you’re just angry about something.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 4:14 pm:
===Well with 30 comments===
Use your fingers and toes to get that high?
===you must have a hard time making your point. Or you’re just angry about something.===
Since i was going back and forth with others, some might say I was in a discussion.
It’s Friday, I’m going to try to golf this weekend, not angry. Feeling Zen actually.