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* From a recent interview of Bruce Rauner…
I got so frustrated with the pace of school reform that I formed a PAC four years ago, and got a piece of legislation drafted, that took away tenure for ineffective teachers, took away the teachers’ ability to strike in Illinois because its a nuclear bomb on our taxpayers, and it’s a public safety issue for kids, and put in a rigorous school accountability system.
Got the bill drafted, it was pending in the legislature, Madigan, Daley - it was bi-partisan support, and we lost most of the bill. And you know who fought us the hardest in the legislature in the end when it got killed? Republicans in the legislature who take teacher union money.
This is the challenge we’ve got, but you know what? I’ve never taken a nickel from a government union boss, I can stand up to them. I don’t need their …I’m financially independent … I will take on the teacher’s union, AFSCME and SEIU. They’ve got a stranglehold on the state.
* Illinois Review followed up by checking some GOP campaign finance disclosures…
State Rep. Sandy Pihos received a $25,000 check from the IEA in September, just before she introduced legislation to reduce state educational grants going to Chicago schools. With a growing controversy over how Illinois education funds are distributed, the IEA, which represents the vast majority of Illinois’ teachers outside of Chicago, has millions at stake. Pihos is influential as the Republican spokesperson on the House Elementary & Secondary Education, as well as serving on the House Approp-Elementary & Secondary Education committees. […]
State Sen. David Luechtefeld, a former teacher, principal and high school basketball coach, is the Minority Spokesman on the Senate Education Committee. The IEA has given him over $115,000 in campaign donations over the years.
Other GOP lawmakers who have received at least $5,000 of support from the IEA include State Reps. Keith Sommer, Chad Hays, David Reis, Mike Bost, John Cavaletto, David Leitch, Adam Brown, Dan Brady, and Dennis Reboletti; and State Senators Dale Righter, Sam McCann, Chapin Rose, and DuPage County’s Kirk Dillard.
Dillard, who received $250,000 from teachers unions in his 2010 gubernatorial bid, is the only current Republican lawmaker to receive support from the radically left-wing Chicago Teachers Union.
* The IR’s conclusion…
The amount of money and diversity of recipients speaks to the depth and breadth of political influence the teachers unions have in the state. No matter who the governor is in 2015, one of their most formidable opponents will be the many teachers unions. Time will tell if a gubernatorial David will ever be able to fell this union goliath.
Time will also tell if Rauner can make support from public employee unions an effectively divisive issue in a GOP primary. Polling indicates that the idea has traction.
But does the Republican Party really need yet another issue that supposedly defines who is and who is not a “real” party member? And can anybody say with a straight face that Keith Sommer, Adam Brown, Dale Righter and Sam McCann (among all those others) aren’t “true” Republicans?
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 10:38 am
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. . . the radically left-wing Chicago Teachers Union . . .
Holy moving Overton Window!
Comment by Bill White Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 10:48 am
Outsider Rauner has been talking about how he has insiders who will hwlp him maneuver Springfield. Senator Dan Duffy has come out big for Rauner saying Ilinois neds to “hire an expert.” Got to imagine Dan Duffy gives Rauner some street creed; but how much? They both have disdain for the unions and consider themselves outsiders.
Comment by Samurai Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 10:49 am
Rauner doesn’t take one dime from the Chicago Teacher’s Union…
He only clouts his DENIED New Trier living Daughter to be taught by the members of the … Chicago Teacher’s Union.
Every single time Payton Prep Clouter Bruce Rauner talks schools, teacher’s union, union contracts, charter schools …
“And your Daughter, who was clouted into the Chicago school system, would you care to comment?”
Huge cover for Dillard, huge cover for the Reagan Rule Republicans.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 10:53 am
–I got so frustrated with the pace of school reform that I formed a PAC four years ago, and got a piece of legislation drafted, –
Just another Regular Guy Outsider.
–I’ve never taken a nickel from a government union boss,–
Didn’t have to. Made a fortune skimming off the pension funds of government workers. Much more lucrative.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 10:55 am
I will have to say the CTU does seem left wing in many ways to me…
That being said, the only pure Republican is me…
Comment by OneMan Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 10:56 am
I don’t understand how he gets to have his daughter educated by people he can denounce now.
Comment by Chavez-respecting Obamist Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 11:01 am
@OneMan
Sure, the CTU is “left wing” but radically left wing? Today, Gerald Ford would be seen as left wing.
Comment by Bill White Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 11:02 am
@BillWhite — Not to me, but one person’s radical isn’t the same as another.
Comment by OneMan Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 11:04 am
There’s definitely too much Teacher union money flowing in DuPage. For some, it’s by far their biggest contributor. The Teachers Union know a bargain when they see one. There’s more than a little traction on this in DuPage. Property tax there is a monster sized issue now.
Comment by A guy... Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 11:09 am
Maybe My Party needs another litmus test to define what IS the litmus tests, how everything is weighted, you get a “Score”, and then you …
That’s right, My Party already does that. My Party “Scored” the new leadership team Leader Durkin put into place, because we need to “know” if we have any infidels in leadership, “Right”?
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 11:10 am
These tactics may help in the primary, but will be used against him very effectively in the general. Attacking Susie’s or Johnnie’s beloved second grade teacher never works.
Comment by downstate hack Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 11:12 am
OW, what OUR party needs is much better messaging and articulation of the issues we mostly agree upon and show a real difference with the other party. Pension Reform might be the biggest of those. Lots of partisans on either side are divided on a lot of the Social Issues. The Economic Issues have a much clearer net between the parties. Generally speaking (very generally), the races around the state seem to be focusing much more on the Fiscal Issues, no matter how many forces internally and externally might be trying to raise the social issues. My own opinion is that people in the electorate are determining what’s going to be discussed. And they mostly care about the economic stuff now. Pensions, Jobs, Medicaid, Financial Accountability. That’s what I’m hearing.
Comment by A guy... Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 11:17 am
I wish Rauner would just say “I’ve bought politicians left and right to build my fortune. And now I’m so wealthy - I can’t be bought.” That seems to be the crux of his outsider argument; he just can’t say it.
Comment by Robert the Bruce Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 11:18 am
The GOP is in super-minority status in both Houses and has lost the last three gubernatorial elections — two to Blago, one to Quinn.
Yet the IR types continue with the auto-da-fe.
Where do they get their funding? Madigan?
The idea is to attract more voters, not repel them.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 11:19 am
Downstate Hack, respectfully, people are beginning to think of teachers like Congressman–I like mine, but the rest of them are unreasonable. People have had a tough time. They’ve made due with less. They’re not happy with anyone who’s benefited while they’ve suffered. It’s worse when it’s someone with a public job. Fair or unfair, that’s what a lot of them are thinking. As much as the salary, it’s the guaranteed job security that bristles them, with guaranteed raises. That’s missing in a lot of people’s lives.
Comment by A guy... Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 11:21 am
Maybe Rauner should campaign about introducing legislation to deny party contributions from ineffective legislators! That would get my attention.
Comment by BMAN Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 11:26 am
- A guy… -,
And Bruce Rauner is the “Right” vessel to sail that ship to victory?
Yikes!
===. Generally speaking (very generally), the races around the state seem to be focusing much more on the Fiscal Issues, no matter how many forces internally and externally might be trying to raise the social issues.===
Are ya paying any attention to the Primary Challenges in My Party?
I think, no, I know, Paul Caprio and his Slytherin House friends … are running on Social Issues. Not “Generally”… actually.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 11:28 am
–Pension Reform might be the biggest of those.–
Is there a unified GOP message that can be articulated on pensions? Not judging by the votes last session in the GA.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 11:32 am
Willie, Social issue shops always run on social issues. I’m not a Caprio fan. I’m not committed at all in the Gov race at this time. I’ll decide down the road a piece. I won’t engage you on Rauner because I know how strongly you feel about the Clouting Business to the point of obsession. That bugs me, but there’s something that bugs me about all of them, and something I like about all of them. I have a little more optimism than I’ve had for a while with regards to all of them. Any one of them could be the “ship” to victory. I’ll support one of them in the primary and the winner in the general. I’m still undecided. Not going to punch any of them so hard that they’re damaged goods later on. This “slytherin’” business isn’t helping in my opinion. Not by them and respectfully, not by you.
Comment by A guy... Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 11:36 am
Slinger, I guess that’s the point of this article. Pension Reform should absolutely be a franchise of the GOP. It’s the issue that is going to drive a lot of the voters IMO. The GOP should absolutely own it.
Comment by A guy... Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 11:39 am
===This “slytherin’” business isn’t helping in my opinion. Not by them and respectfully, not by you.===
Then tell those Slytherin House Republicans, with all their Blood Oaths, and Litmus Tests, and “Scores” for legislators, basing it on the imaginary weight of each issue important to a faceless bunch….to stop, then I won’t point it out.
Until that stops, I don’t think, no, I know I won’t stop pointing it out every time this “Purity” nonsense is the reason to shrink My Party.
Also, if you like Rauner vacationing with Rahm Emanuel, and donating to Rich Daley, and Ed Rendell, and making money off the pensions, while talking about shutting down the state, and comparing Illinois to Wisconsin or Indiana, then you get the government, and governor you deserve.
With kindest personal regards, I remain.
Sincerely yours,
Oswego Willy
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 11:43 am
–Pension Reform should absolutely be a franchise of the GOP. It’s the issue that is going to drive a lot of the voters IMO. The GOP should absolutely own it.–
Own what? You seem to be laboring under the impression that GOP districts don’t include public employees and pensioneers that would get stung.
There isn’t a unified GOP position because GOP lawmakers represent very different constituencies.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 11:44 am
…wait a minute ” left-winged CTU” let me get this, if you strike and stand up, you are ” left wing ???? Com’ on you label mongers… What does that mean in today’s politics…?? : (
Comment by Some people call me Maurice Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 11:44 am
a guy: You’re probably right, it would be effective if possible. But making pension reform a GOP “franchise” in Illinois would be quite a stretch.
Some of the biggest obstacles to significant pension reform right now are GOP legislators. They say one thing, vote another. Perhaps it is “union-sponsorship” which sways some of them.
Comment by walkinfool Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 11:50 am
Hey Maurice . . .
Exactly right. Our kids should be taught by temporary workers. Just like at Wal-Mart and the fast food joints.
That appears to be what Bruce Rauner and the Illinois Policy Institute seek.
Comment by Bill White Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 11:54 am
These nut jobs expect people with master degrees to work for $35 grand a year to educate their children. An education last a lifetime but they want to pay peanuts for it.
Comment by foster brooks Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 12:08 pm
===You seem to be laboring under the impression that GOP districts don’t include public employees and pensioneers that would get stung.===
I guess My Party writes off all districts with state universities, the Sangamon County area, districts with prisons, large, municipally-heavy counties, and counties with a significant IDOT presence.
Now, if we can just get counties to vote … this strategy would work. However, voters vote. Leader Durkin and the SGOP need to find Reagan Rule Republicans, who 80% of the time we agree, and some might have to have roots in areas where public employees are a huge voting bloc.
I think …the Caucuses had members who were like that … or maybe the “Purity” is driving them out?
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 12:08 pm
hey guys…why dont we just continue what we’ve been doing! hows that been working out? at least rauner has ideas….rauner will be a gov comparable to mitch daniels or scott walker…and that scares the democratic gravy train crowd….
Comment by warhed Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 12:08 pm
What Rauner forgets about the unions is that in addition to having PAC funds, they have members. Tens of thousands of teachers and public workers. So, while a union can deliver contributions, their other role is to inform their members and deliver votes.
Bruce can deliver lots of money and one vote, his own. When the unions review the records of office-holders and report back to their members about candidates positions on issues, they can swing lots of votes (and volunteers) toward or away.
The reason politicians pay attention to unions is that connection to lots of voters.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 12:17 pm
== The GOP should absolutely own it (the pension issue) ==
Keep in mind that the majority of the House Republicans voted against the Madigan pension bill this year, even though their leader supported it. Would Rauner purge those 24 Republican reps out of the party?
Durkin voted against SB 3168 last year to eliminate GARS, the General Assembly pension. Does that put him on the wrong side of pension reform?
Comment by reformer Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 12:21 pm
===Bruce can deliver lots of money and one vote, his own. When the unions review the records of office-holders and report back to their members about candidates positions on issues, they can swing lots of votes (and volunteers) toward or away.===
See: “Bill Brady - Downstate - 2010.
===rauner will be a gov comparable to mitch daniels or scott walker…and that scares the democratic gravy train crowd….===
What did the legislatures look like in Indiana and Wisconson, compared to the projected Illinois legislature for a “Gov. Rauner” in 2015?
Yeah, not even close.
Further, that pesky constitution here in Illinois is going to tie up Rauner more than Madigan and Cullerton combined with his “style”, and let us not forget a governor is 1/3 of Illinois government, not a CEO who “rules over” everyone. MJM and Cullerton have a 1/3 too, and saying that MJM has never had to “deal” with a guy like Rauner… how many “board members” are telling Bruce Rauner, “No, try again. I won’t work with you on that.” Yep, none.
Lastly, Illinois is the 5th largest state in America, having the 3rd largest city in the country, and is also one of the largest agricultural states, along with being a transportation linchpin.
Wisconsin got all dat? Indiana a spittin’ image of Illinois?
Um, no. Not on Lincoln’s Illinois’ worst day, is it like Wisconsin or Indiana in its government, population, role in America, energy, “energy and vibrance”, culture, or its diverstiy in people or businesses or cultures.
It’s a plus, and a minus to those lacking understanding, that Illinois is unique.
Thank. Goodness.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 12:27 pm
Illinois would garner several $billion more revenues a year if our state had the Wisconsin state tax system, with a graduated income tax and heaps of service taxes. If Rauner really admires the Dairy State so much, how about emulating its revenue system??
Comment by reformer Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 12:49 pm
I’m assuming the PAC from 4 years ago Rauner is touting is Stand for Children?
If so, what involvement does Rauner have with it still (it just gave Rahm $10k in September) and what happened to its paid staff and why doesn’t it raise money any more (no contributions were reported in the last quarter)? Did these people get absorbed into the Rauner campaign?
Also if people like Dave Luechtefeld are so horrible in Bruce Rauners eyes because of taking IEA money in the past then why is the PAC he formed, Stand for Children, giving Luechtefeld money (most recently $250 on 8/29) and giving others with past receipt of teacher union money similar support?
Comment by hisgirlfriday Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 12:56 pm
- “respectfully, people are beginning to think of teachers like Congressman–I like mine, but the rest of them are unreasonable. People have had a tough time. They’ve made due with less. They’re not happy with anyone who’s benefited while they’ve suffered. It’s worse when it’s someone with a public job. Fair or unfair, that’s what a lot of them are thinking. As much as the salary, it’s the guaranteed job security that bristles them, with guaranteed raises. That’s missing in a lot of people’s lives.”-
A guy, your comment is not based in reality in so many ways. I’ll do my best to be brief in response…
First, I will assume you have polling data which tells you people have similar feelings about teachers and Congress. Full disclosure: I have the polling data. You’re wrong. And not by a little. In fact, a national poll done just this summer shows that people like and trust those from only one profession more than teachers…nurses. Please don’t make “people think” claims without some basis for the statement.
“Salary, job security, and raises…” I’m a public employee. I teach full-time at one of our great state universities. I have no clue what you mean by any of these. Salary? I have my masters, have been teaching for 7 years, and I make $32,000 a year. I struggle to believe that others “bristle” at that compensation. Job security? I’m essentially at-will. I don’t have tenure or security beyond this semester. Many are in very similar situations around the state. Guaranteed raises? I’m on our bargaining team and can say there is no such thing. We fight hard for our members to get them fair compensation, but in recent years we have had increases of zero in some cases and below inflation in nearly all.
I’m willing to debate the cost of public employees and the services we provide any day of the week. However, we have to agree to debate reality.
Comment by The Wonderboy Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 1:11 pm
–This “slytherin’” business isn’t helping in my opinion. Not by them and respectfully, not by you.–
In case you hadn’t noticed, there’s been quite a debate going on in the GOP — both in Illinois and nationally — for some time between those who demand ideological purity at all costs and those who seek to build a governing majority.
Willie invokes Reagan’s 80% Rule often. So does Sen. McCain. So does Chairman Priebus.
If you wish to challenge or disagree with Willie’s position with some sort of reasonable argument informed by fact, that’s appropriate in a forum such as this.
If you want to tell him to stop expressing his opinion just because you don’t like it, that’s something else entirely.
Is that “helping?”
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 1:11 pm
==People have had a tough time. They’ve made due with less. ==
That includes EVERYBODY @A Guy. You continue to perpetuate this stereotype that public employees have it made. You complain about others like Willy hounding on certain issues and yet you continue to hound on the issue of “how good” all of those public employees have it. I’d love for you to provide some evidence of this “great life.” Looking forward to your information.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 1:44 pm
Picture is becoming clearer. Take-charge-guy doesn’t let the education system tell him what to do. No, take-charge-guy tells the education system what it will do.
Comment by Cheswick Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 1:46 pm
I haven’t made any due lately
Comment by steve schnorf Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 2:16 pm
- demoralized -, thanks.
- wordslinger -, thanks for always having my back when it comes to the Reagan Rule. Always appreciated.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 2:27 pm
I wish Mr. Rauner the best of luck with his adventure.
Nearly 300,000 teachers or former teachers in the Teachers Retirement System.
In my experience, Quite a lot of them vote in Republican primaries.
With no statewide primaries on the Democratic side, that total could go even higher if any of the GOP contenders has the guts to say “Unlike Mr. Rauner, I don’t hate the professionals who teach our kids every day.”
Comment by Juvenal Monday, Oct 21, 13 @ 4:11 pm