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*** UPDATED x2 - Quinn responds *** Rauner plays the loopholes card

Posted in:

*** UPDATE *** Read the new plan by clicking here.

Very little new here. This stuff has been floating around Springfield for years, even decades. That doesn’t mean these are not good ideas. It does mean, however, that he’s not truly thinking outside the box. Then again, there’s only so much anybody can do. Maybe he’s finding that out already.

[ *** End Of Update 1 *** ]

* Natasha Korecki has the scoop on Rauner’s “Step 3″ proposal

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner unveiled a plan today that he says aims to reform “corporate welfare,” offering up taxes on racehorses, private jets and yachts as well as ending a tax break on newsprint. […]

Rauner said he would overhaul the so-called EDGE program, Economic Development for a Growing Economy, as a starting point to broader changes to make Illinois more attractive to business. Rauner said the state has negotiated deals in the past – including for Sears – that allowed tax breaks even if the company is laying off workers. […]

His plan mentions cutting tax breaks for a private jet and yacht inheritances as well as ending an exemption for newsprint and ink from sales taxes, which he said cost the state $32 million a year. […]

Other parts of Rauner’s plan includes many elements that have been attempted in the past in the Illinois Legislature to no avail. That includes Rauner’s proposal to end an incentive the “big oil loophole” that allows oil companies with an Illinois presence to drill off shore without paying state income taxes. […]

Rauner did not specifically say whether he would support a private jet depreciation tax break that’s been discussed nationally as costing an estimated $3 billion nationwide. Instead, he said he would look at the whole tax code in Illinois.

Big props for going after newsprint. But that’ll hurt him with the newspaper industry for sure.

Even so, these are not new ideas. They are regularly rolled out whenever somebody (usually the governor) wants to fund a new program that the state can’t pay for. Just the word “loopholes” has become a bit of a Statehouse joke.

And there were attempts to reform the EDGE credit this year, by Speaker Madigan, and it went nowhere.

*** UPDATE 2 *** The response…

Chicken Budget #2: Billionaire Bruce Directly Lifts Governor Quinn’s Policies

Corporate Welfare King Denounces Corporate Welfare in Latest Illustrated Pamphlet

CHICAGO - Following is the statement of Quinn for Illinois Communications Director Brooke Anderson in response to the latest Billionaire Bruce Rauner illustrated pamphlet - half the size of the original, if you can believe it - revealed today.

“Maybe it was the embarrassment of his chicken budget from two weeks ago. Or maybe it was because he didn’t think anyone was paying attention.

“In any case, the illustrated pamphlet Billionaire Bruce issued today lifts several policies directly from Governor Quinn who has been fighting for tax fairness for years, including repealing the non-combination rule, the oil derrick loophole and EDGE reform, which the Governor worked on and supported this year.

“Billionaire Bruce Rauner - and his chief patron Ken Griffin - both have benefited directly from hundreds of millions of dollars in bank bailout money. Now Rauner wants to pretend he’s a Quinn-like reformer by renouncing the ‘corporate welfare’ and loopholes that he and his friends have benefited from all these years with their yachts and private jets, including the Griffin jet that carts Rauner around the state.

“After two weeks of hiding and more than a year of stonewalling, Rauner has yet to remotely explain how he plans to make up for $6 billion in revenue that will be required to balance the budget next year.

“Instead of giving us a real plan to tackle the massive structural challenges facing Illinois, Billionaire Bruce has given us two chicken budgets, with today’s version including nothing but warmed-over window dressing, stolen Quinn proposals, and hypocritical ideas.

“A corporate welfare king like him hardly has a shred of credibility when it comes to reforming a system that has made him a member of the .01 percent.”

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 2:24 pm

Comments

  1. Does “Shake Up Springfield” and “Bring Back Illinois” really mean…”Same Ole, Same Ole” and “Rehash Old Illinois Ideas”?

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 2:28 pm

  2. ==Big props for going after newsprint. But that’ll hurt him with the newspaper industry for sure.==

    With the exception, of course, of the Trib editorial staff. Right?

    Comment by The Doc Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 2:34 pm

  3. In internet parlance, there’s a meme abut three steps, with the third step being “profit”, but usually it’s step 2 that’s left blank - indicating that somebody’s plan is not well-thought-out.

    I have no doubt Rauner’s step 3 is “profit”, but he hasn’t shown even a valid step 1 yet, never mind 2.

    The real “corporate loopholes”, the ones that would bring significant new income streams. - he isn’t touching.

    Comment by Newsclown Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 2:34 pm

  4. Is Bruce going to be available to Press, or is this the “Rose Internet Garden” strategy?

    Where is the “new thinking”?

    Where is the “openness”?

    Is this “Campaign by Proclamation”?

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 2:35 pm

  5. Rahm and rauner are all about the loopholes.

    Comment by William j Kelly Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 2:36 pm

  6. Does this mean that endorsements really don’t matter? Cuz he just lost every last newspaper endorsement. And the private jet that Griffin is loaning him will now NOT be tax deductible?
    Awesome.

    Comment by in the know Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 2:36 pm

  7. P. 2: Second news blurb quotes a CBS report from Dec. 16, 2014

    Rauner brings back news from … The Future.

    Comment by Dave Dahl Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 2:39 pm

  8. The Quinn campaign should spin this as “Bruce Rauner wants to raise taxes on businesses.”

    Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 2:42 pm

  9. This looks like another good “campaign” document and the TV commercials that will play off of this rather well.

    The press, policy wonks and others won’t like it but this stuff will work with the voters.

    Comment by Cassiopeia Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 2:42 pm

  10. Willy, yes it’s going to be the same old, different day. That’s too bad because we should be able to expect more from this guy other than retreading old ideas. I don’t know what’s going on with this guy. He graduated summa cum laude from Dartmouth College with a degree in economics and an MBA from Harvard. That’s some pretty serious “sheep skins”. He is also a self made billionaire. If there has ever been a person who would have the know how and moxie to turn this budget and pension mess around it would be him. Unfortunately he doesn’t seem interested in using his extensive knowledge for the good of the state. Ridiculous budget proposals and political cheap shots is all we get and that really is a pity.

    Comment by Ginhouse Tommy Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 2:43 pm

  11. The EDGE program has been efficiently operated for many years. But with a recent change in personnel, watch for the record keeping to disintegrate rapidly. That may give Madigan the excuse he needs to pursue change to the program.

    Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 2:45 pm

  12. I guess thinking outside of the box would be actually doing what has been discussed for years and decades. Hope springs eternal.

    Comment by A guy... Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 2:46 pm

  13. ===I guess thinking outside of the box would be actually doing what has been discussed for years and decades. Hope springs eternal.===

    Gotta give you more props then “Your Guy” - A Guy…-.

    You are at least attempting to be available to this utter Dopiness, Rauner and “Slip and Sue” are hiding(?)

    Which is worse? Having a poor rollout of policy and show up, even with Dopey props, or…

    Rolling out yet another Dopey policy idea, retreads, but hiding via Internet pages?

    “Bruce” is not afraid to take on anyone, but afraid to say how he will do it, face to face?

    Pretty lame and pathetic attempt to look like a leader, while cowering away from the questions.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 2:53 pm

  14. Loopholes? They usually arise in the spring and are gone by summer. This is beyond naive. Rauner really needs to get some new advisors and remember that this is Quinn’s, not Rauner’s race to lose.

    Comment by Cassandra Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 2:56 pm

  15. I predicted it.

    I think it is news, in a man bites dog way.

    Yes, others have called for ending tax expenditures, but usually those others have been Democrats.

    Here is a simple suggestion: put a sunset on all of the tax expenditures. They should all be reviewed every ten years.

    Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 2:56 pm

  16. Between this set of “reforms” and last week’s bizarre reforms — there’s not much — if anything — new. In fact, it’s remarkably stale. Sure, the state saves 700K because a rich guy refuses a salary.

    But … that’s about it. It’s becoming clear that “shaking up Springfield” means absolutely nothing. Rauner is cynical enough to hope voters don’t notice, I guess.

    Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 2:59 pm

  17. - Ginhouse Tommy -,

    Thanks. Maybe there are those, like me, who think if you have those credential waving around as strengths, being seen as a typical Politican, like “Bruce” hammered and shook in the Primary, is a reminder of his no substance campaign.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 2:59 pm

  18. Not surprising that Rauner would want to start taxing ink and newsprint, but, c’mon Rich. You too? Why do you hate newspapers?

    Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 3:13 pm

  19. ===Why do you hate newspapers? ===

    I don’t hate newspapers. Never have. It’s just a gutsy move. Nobody wants to do it for obvious reasons. That’s why it’ll never pass. You’re gonna get some legislator to vote against all of his local papers? lol

    Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 3:14 pm

  20. Most people probably don’t even know about that tax break, I wonder why (snark)? So when said newspapers rail against bad corporations taking advantage of “loopholes” they’re including themselves in that, right?

    Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 3:18 pm

  21. –And there were attempts to reform the EDGE credit this year, by Speaker Madigan, and it went nowhere.–

    True, but when you have the speaker and a governor on the same page a lot can get done.

    One of the things Bruce needs to just say is that our fiscal situation will take multiple years to fix and the best thing we can do is manage state government better.

    Comment by Ahoy! Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 3:20 pm

  22. ==Between this set of “reforms” and last week’s bizarre reforms — there’s not much — if anything — new.==

    Are the reforms he’s wanting currently in place? If not, by definition they would, in fact, be new if done.

    Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 3:20 pm

  23. *Yawn* Yet more cliches come to the fore: “Waste, Fraud, Abuse, Corporate Loopholes, Fight special interests . . .” My Campaign BS Bingo card is just about full.

    Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 3:29 pm

  24. Taxing yachts? Whining about corporate welfare? Blaming “big oil” job creators?

    Nicely done populism, Mr. Rauner!

    Comment by Robert the Bruce Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 3:34 pm


  25. Are the reforms he’s wanting currently in place? If not, by definition they would, in fact, be new if done.

    Wow. You’re trying *really* hard.

    Despite that — or maybe because of it — Rauner continues to be full of it. But empty of new ideas. Go figure.

    Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 3:36 pm

  26. Another cut-and-paste job of small-bore odds and ends. That ain’t shaking it up, that’s phoning it in.

    Based on this and the chicken presser, Rauner has shown himself to be a strong supporter of the status quo when it comes to spending and taxes.

    Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 3:41 pm

  27. Rauner’s autobiography: Profiles in Cowardice.

    Comment by Precinct Captain Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 3:43 pm

  28. Ginhouse Tommy
    He graduated summa cum laude from Dartmouth College with a degree in economics and an MBA from Harvard. That’s some pretty serious “sheep skins”. He is also a self made billionaire. If there has ever been a person who would have the know how and moxie to turn this budget and pension mess around it would be him. Unfortunately he doesn’t seem interested in using his extensive knowledge for the good of the state. Ridiculous budget proposals and political cheap shots is all we get and that really is a pity.

    Perhaps there are no trick fixes and easy solutions! Not even Magic dust from Slip ‘n Sue can fix a broken tax system! Face it folks there is no simple budget magic coming from Baron Von Carhart’s business acumen that can make up for being under taxed and over spent for thirty years! He simply is not that smart or capable.

    Comment by Old and In the Way Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 3:45 pm

  29. I think Rauner has some great points. This will garner support from the “undecided”. Smart move again from Team Rauner.

    Comment by new face Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 3:48 pm

  30. From chicken feathers to horse feathers!

    Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 3:48 pm

  31. Oh my goodness. When he unveiled his “budget,” I commented that he would be going after loopholes next.

    It was a joke, you Raunerbots! a JOKE!

    Comment by Soccermom Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 3:50 pm

  32. ===This will garner support from the “undecided”===

    Which is why the current governor and the previous governor both proposed most of the same stuff.

    Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 3:50 pm

  33. Proposing ideas that have no chance of being enacted is mere pandering.

    Cue the Allman Brothers

    Lord, I was born a panderin’ man,
    Tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best I can.
    And when it’s time for leavin’,
    I hope you’ll understand,
    That I was born a panderin’ man.

    Comment by Bill White Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 3:52 pm

  34. One more comment, Repubs have the ball. There is no shot clock. Repubs are ahead. Clock is in their favor. No need for Rauner to be in a hurry. He is playing it safe. Just running some time off the clock.

    Comment by new face Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 3:54 pm

  35. So Rauner adds the title, plagiarist, to his list of accomplishments…

    Comment by anon Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 3:54 pm

  36. == Directly Lifts Governor Quinn’s Policies ==

    Please stop, Governor.

    If you were truly effective, there wouldn’t be anything for anyone to “lift” because an effective Governor would have already guided these “policies” into “laws” and “results”. All you achieve by essentially saying “those are my ideas too” is to remind us of just how ineffective you have been working with a supermajority of your own party in both chambers.

    Comment by Formerly Known As... Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 3:57 pm

  37. “Which is why the current governor and the previous governor both proposed most of the same stuff.”

    I think it will have a tad bit more credibility coming from the sort of guy who people associate with these tax breaks and loopholes, at least for the voters. Where a lot of people have failed before, people could maybe see it succeeding with a guy like him pushing for it.

    Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 4:00 pm

  38. The Gentleman ain’t no dummy. The Gentleman will say “these are my ideas.” Then the Quinnies” will argue “Hey, no fair. Those are our talking points.” And the public John Q don’t know the difference. And the clock continues to run. He ain’t no dummy.

    Comment by new face Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 4:00 pm

  39. “He is playing it safe. Just running some time off the clock.” Um…to stretch your sports metaphor a wee bit further, teams that sit on the ball lose their momentum and wind up on the outside looking in. Besides, “playing it safe” is going to “Shake Up Springfield?” I don’t think so.

    Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 4:02 pm

  40. ===One more comment, Repubs have the ball. There is no shot clock. Repubs are ahead. Clock is in their favor. No need for Rauner to be in a hurry. He is playing it safe. Just running some time off the clock.===

    1) Rauner is not a Republican.

    2) “Repubs” are “ahead”? What does that even mean? The Rauner Cake to victory is based on Democrats and Indies, and the GOP, keeping their yaps shut about any and everything. “Ahead”?

    3) No field operation, no victory, Dopey plans or not.

    “New Face”, same Rauner challenges, and that Crew is not meeting those challenges, including today’s ignorance of policy.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 4:03 pm

  41. **If you were truly effective, there wouldn’t be anything for anyone to “lift” because an effective Governor would have already guided these “policies” into “laws” and “results”. **

    LOL - please do tell how a Governor Rauner would be able to turn these ideas into laws and results.

    Comment by AlabamaShake Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 4:03 pm

  42. This is keeping me shaking in Springfield. I’m sitting here shaking my head and the lack of any substance from this guy and his policy staff. Perhaps he should shift some of his campaign dollars from the media consultants to a couple of QUALITY policy guys.

    Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 4:06 pm

  43. Oops - “at the lack of substance”

    Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 4:07 pm

  44. Dems got no counter-argument worth two Mr. Lincoln coins. “He plagerized” won’t cut butter.

    Comment by new face Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 4:08 pm

  45. == please do tell how a Governor Rauner would be able to turn these ideas into laws and results ==

    LOL - please do tell how a Governor Rauner could be less effective than Governor Quinn.

    We know Quinn is ineffective. At least with Rauner, there is suspicion and conjecture he may be ineffective, but also a slight hope he may not. Neither of them may be good for the state.

    Comment by Formerly Known As... Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 4:09 pm

  46. Smart and rich are not synonymous. Rauner is indeed rich but increasingly he doesn’t look that smart. Between some of his investment blunders, his choice of running mate, and this lame “three step” program he is revealing himself to be perhaps more lucky than smart! These political “master strokes ” are not impressing anyone.except the Raunerbots. My colleagues are still laughing about the chickens!

    Comment by Old and In the Way Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 4:11 pm

  47. God, the DC “talking points” and name-calling coming from both their communications shoppes are tedious already.

    Comment by LincolnLounger Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 4:21 pm

  48. @ Willy and the others
    John Q public ain’t living and dying on the meaningless drivel that both sides are putting out this summer. The chatter don’t matter. It might mean something to people who are politic groupies and junkies, but to Mr. John Q. Public they got no time for the summer nonsense.Rauner has the lead, and everybody on here knows it. But Brady had the lead, too. So what. Don’t shoot the messenger here, but Dems are playing “gotta catch up”. But then again, I am just an observer. And my opinion is worth what you paid for it, and no more.

    Comment by new face Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 4:23 pm

  49. ===God, the DC “talking points” and name-calling coming from both their communications shoppes are tedious already.===

    Agreed.

    This is one of the most disappointing aspects of both Crews;

    Extremely poor and lazy messaging, bordering at tedious.

    Do not confuse activity for achievement - John Wooden.

    Both Crews know the shots they will take, so the both will just roll out tired counters to seem responsive .

    Coach Wooden would be disappointed.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 4:25 pm

  50. You will not lack for creativity and out-of-the-box thinking from a Governor Oswego Willy.

    Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 4:29 pm

  51. So this is step 3. Does this end the policy agenda or will we get a “step 4″ or merely a refinement of steps 1, 2 or 3 in greater detail? Rauner and his “new face’d” defenders really are sounding more and more like a caricature of Will Ferrell in the Campaign. “Ending corporate loopholes is the backbone of my Shake Up Springfield Agenda!”

    Comment by in the know Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 4:33 pm

  52. - new face -

    Brady had a true Republican base, Rauner does not.

    Rauner has no field operation, and while sounding more and more like Quinn, Rauner is trying to get more Democrats and Indies, at the expense of Republicans, Brady never did that.

    Leads are won and lost in the precincts. Rauner’s 17 point drop in days reminded everyone; no field ops against Quinn, is a recipe for a loss.

    For someone not “crowing” - new face -, what do you call your unsubstantiated optimism with Rauner laying these eggs, Raunerbot soundbites?

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 4:34 pm

  53. - Norseman -, any creativity seem above a 3rd grade level, and any plan that doesn’t have it’s roots based in Windows “cut and paste” Clipboard, will be embraced.

    That is a hurdle I know you and the Crew you are assembling will lead to victory.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 4:38 pm

  54. what a pithy comment by Quinn. you know what, they are good ideas, regardless of party. But the problem here is that you couldn’t get them done when your own party is in control.

    Comment by Barney Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 4:38 pm

  55. “He plagerized” won’t cut butter.”

    No, but “he plagiarized” might — if it’s spelled correctly. Especially when a guy says he’s going to have all these great new ideas, and then he doesn’t follow through and all he can come up with is the same-old same-old.

    Comment by olddog Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 4:46 pm

  56. @willy
    There they go again wantin’ to shoot the messenger. I’m readin’ tea leaves, and they say what they say. It’s like everybody gets upset if anybody opines Rainer does something’ smart. You’ll are free to say I am wrong. But in the face of 7 subpoenas, and all the Quinnabees can say is “he stole our talking points”, somebody needs to look in the mirror. Now I gots to go.

    Comment by new face Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 4:48 pm

  57. Point of Information:

    The Fifteen Largest Tax Expenditures - FY 2013
    (Millions of Dollars)

    $ 2,233 Retirement and SocSec Deductions
    Individual Income Tax
    $ 1,644 Food, Drugs, Medical Appliances
    Sales Tax
    $ 1,110 Standard Deduction
    Individual Income Tax
    $ 548 Property Tax Credit
    Individual Income Tax
    $ 360 Foreign Dividend Subtraction
    Corporate Income Tax
    $ 333 Sales to Exempt Organizations
    Sales Tax
    $ 282 Exemption for Trade-Ins
    Sales Tax
    $ 267 Farm Chemical Exemption
    Sales Tax
    $ 204 Manufacturing Machinery Exemption
    Sales Tax
    $ 173 Hospital Provider exemption
    Hosp. Provider Assess.
    $ 162 Earned Income Tax Credit
    Individual Income Tax
    $ 146 Gasohol Discount
    Sales Tax
    $ 133 Biodiesel Discount and Exemption
    Sales Tax
    $ 125 Retailer’s Discount
    Sales Tax
    $ 114 Non Motor Vehicle Use
    Motor Fuel Tax
    $7.833 Billion
    Total Impact of 15 Largest Tax Expenditures

    $8.950 Billion
    Total Impact of All Tax Expenditures

    88 % Percent of Total Impact

    Source: Tax Expenditure Report, FY 2013. http://www.ioc.state.il.us/index.cfm/resources/reports/tax-expenditure/

    Comment by Charlie Wheeler Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 4:49 pm

  58. The Rauner budget ideas presented so far, part #1 and part #2, will do some good as I see it. However, they appear to add up to very little in terms of dollars. The Illinois budget needs billions of dollars to fund the obligations already made by the state without adding a single new program. When will Rauner present his ideas to bring in lots of money, billions of additional dollars?

    Comment by Hit or Miss Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 4:55 pm

  59. ===It’s like everybody gets upset if anybody opines Rainer does something’ smart.===

    What was smart about today?

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 4:55 pm

  60. = So this is step 3. Does this end the policy agenda or will we get a “step 4″ =

    I know I hate having to go to step 4…

    It only happens when step 3 doesn’t do the job.

    And that’s where Rauner is right now, as he’s not even remotely close to fixing a $6 billion budget hole that awaits him if he’s elected. That will require bold and/or gutsy action, something sadly lacking so far from his campaign.

    Whether you like Gov. Quinn or not, you should at least acknowledge that his request for a tax rate extension prior to the election is gutsy.

    Comment by cover Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 5:15 pm

  61. Charlie, research and facts are not helpful in gubernatorial campaigns. They mess with the rhetoric. I and so many others appreciate the information, but then again, I’m not running for governor.

    Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 5:22 pm

  62. I’m happy to see that Mr. Rauner is bringing his “A” game to his policy announcements. It lends credibility and substance to the ridicule cast towards his campaign.

    Comment by MikeMacD Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 5:23 pm

  63. Rauner was smarter when he was silent now the floodgates of stupidity have opened.

    Comment by anon Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 5:34 pm

  64. Seriously, who does Rauner have working on his policy team? The first time I heard these ground-breaking ideas, I was riding my dinosaur to Springfield…

    There are actually some good, smart things you could do to tighten things up in the Illinois budget. But first, you know, you’d have to actually read it.

    Comment by Soccermom Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 5:41 pm

  65. First off, Quinn needs to get new spokespeople. All of this name calling and labeling seem very childish and unprofessional. It sounds more like something AFSCME or one of the reform groups would put out.

    I think that if Rauner wins, he may have a chance to push some of the same things that have recently failed and bring a few R votes along with him. Makes sense to me, anyway.

    Comment by anon Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 6:17 pm

  66. I did not expect “Copycat!” as a response.

    All true of course.

    But as Rich notes, pretty much all of those ideas were floated by Rod first…careful there Quinnsters.

    They die because, contrary to what Mr Griffin think, people who own yachts and publishing companies have a lopsided influence on policy making.

    Maybe instead of running for Governor, Rauner should be
    running for House Minority Leader, since House Republicans have tended to side with the yacht owners nearly unanimously.

    Or, he could cut a seven figure check to Citizen Action.

    Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 6:27 pm

  67. === that has made him a member of the .01 percent ===

    I didn’t realize Rauner is that wealthy. 1/100th of a percent? Wow, that’s stratospheric. Whoever wrote that response is a dingbat.

    Comment by dupage dan Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 9:45 pm

  68. ===I didn’t realize Rauner is that wealthy. 1/100th of a percent? Wow, that’s stratospheric. Whoever wrote that response is a dingbat.===

    I think if you hit the “search” key, you may be surprised who put Bruce in that stratosphere.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 10:00 pm

  69. And so I can help DuPage Dan. My friend, here is your “dingbat.” His name is Bruce Rauner.

    https://capitolfax.com/2014/03/11/mr-01-percent/

    Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 10:51 pm

  70. === that has made him a member of the .01 percent ===

    In reality it’s probably more like .001%, but as we’ve seen with his budget ideas numbers aren’t his strong suit.

    Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 11:13 pm

  71. “After two weeks of hiding and more than a year of stonewalling, Rauner has yet to remotely explain how he plans to make up for $6 billion in revenue that will be required to balance the budget next year.”

    Um. Where is Quinn’s plan to make up for $6 billion in revenue next year?

    Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jun 25, 14 @ 11:29 pm

  72. –I didn’t realize Rauner is that wealthy. 1/100th of a percent? Wow, that’s stratospheric. Whoever wrote that response is a dingbat.–

    Geez, DD, you take the most candid and honest thing Rauner has said during the campaign and rip him for it.

    I guess the WSJ edit page is right — again.

    You Illinois public employee union guys are just so in the tank for Quinn and the Dems for doing your bidding on those royal pensions you didn’t earn.

    Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 26, 14 @ 12:12 am

  73. –Um. Where is Quinn’s plan to make up for $6 billion in revenue next year? –

    Probably in that second, non-recommended budget proposal he presented that assumed the tax sunset.

    Geez, now the Tribbie edit board is posting anonymously, revealing that they don’t read their own news pages?

    By the way, anon 12:12 was me. Computer problems. I’m such in the .01 dingbats.

    Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jun 26, 14 @ 12:31 am

  74. Rahm wants rained and so does the suntimes. Done deal.

    Comment by oyvah today Thursday, Jun 26, 14 @ 6:40 am

  75. Heh, heh. I had forgotten that. Rauner the dingbat. What a maroon.

    Comment by dupage dan Thursday, Jun 26, 14 @ 9:59 am

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