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Rate Bruce Rauner’s new TV ad: “100 years of failure”

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* This ad was recorded by a friend off his TV at my request this morning because the Rauner campaign has yet to release its own version.

It’s pretty hard-hitting, but one of the first times I’ve seen the lesser-known Senate President John Cullerton used in a negative hit. They probably needed his 25 years in office to push the total to an even 100…

…Adding… The Rauner campaign has a press conference scheduled for 10 o’clock this morning to “make a major policy announcement.” The ad will likely be released after that. The campaign has set up the ad with a press release, however…

Across Illinois, They’re Talking About Pat Quinn’s Corruption

Grand jury subpoenas. Illegal patronage hiring schemes. Secret insider deals. We’ve seen this move before; we know how it ends.

Federal grand jury subpoenas…

A new subpoena seeking records about Gov. Pat Quinn’s botched 2010 anti-violence program has been issued, this time from a federal grand jury based in Chicago.

The request marks the first subpoena issued by Chicago-based federal authorities in the probe into Quinn’s $54.5 million Neighborhood Recovery Initiative. Numerous prior subpoenas had come from federal authorities in Springfield.

The federal grand jury in Springfield has subpoenaed emails from the governor’s former chief of staff, Jack Lavin, and several others heavily involved in implementing the program.

Illegal patronage hiring schemes…

Sanguinetti says it’s wrong that the governor’s administration is allowing a little more than 100 of those people to keep their jobs at IDOT. The Rauner campaign says the hirings are wrong considering Quinn says he’s working to clean up state government.

“We should get rid of all these illegal hires and going forward, we should do the right thing, the fair thing, which is hiring people based upon merit,” Sanguinetti said.

Sanguinetti says one of those keeping their job is a woman married to a Peoria labor official who has contributed to the Democratic Party.

Secret insider deals…

Republican governor candidate Bruce Rauner said Tuesday he wouldn’t have signed legislation creating Illinois’ medical marijuana pilot program because it includes a secret process for deciding who may grow and sell the drug.

Rauner said it’s “another hallmark” of a culture of corruption under Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn. He said the public should know who’s applying for a limited number of state permits, and whether the permits are given to “insiders” with political clout.
“Millions of dollars in business licenses are up for grabs, and Pat Quinn wants to keep taxpayers in the dark,” Rauner said.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 8:45 am

Comments

Very good. Why he hasn’t been pounding home with that all summer I do not know.

Comment by LincolnLounger Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 8:47 am
Agree. Good ad, should have start sooner.

Comment by anon Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 8:48 am
Look like that could be a Theo Epstein commercial

Comment by Glass half full Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 8:49 am
It’s pretty hard to disagree with the content.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 8:51 am
This should be playing everywhere. Any idea where the ad buy is Rich?

Comment by Nony Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 8:54 am
Blago has been serving the Federal government for a while …

It’s a “B-”.

Showing the weeds and the vacant houses, sometimes negative is too negative…

Bringing Cullerton and MJM into all this isn’t going to help with the governing part, if Rauner wins

Both the Senate President and Speaker are “big kids”, but what Rauner forgets, MJM didn’t put up with the phony Blago, and tweaking Cullerton so a number is round, the Illinois Senate will probably still be veto-proofed.

Politics ain’t beanbag, but Rauner Crew, neither is governing.

Closer to a “C+” than an “A-”, but effective, especially downstate. - LincolnLounger - is 100% correct; should have been doing this all Summer, now this Ad is just another in a narrative.

It totally works, just not restaurant quality.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 8:57 am
I didn’t realize all those guys were so old…

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 8:57 am
It doesn’t look like my neighborhood in Chicago. Maybe it’s Rauner’s neighborhood in Winnetka? How many years was the Thompson, Edgar and Ryan triumvirate sloggin’ around Springfield? They racked up the lion’s share of the debt - which is real - but the cracked sidewalks, overgrown parks, graffiti and trash and other signs of urban decay just don’t exist in most of Cook County. Not sure where this works.

Comment by Jimmy Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 8:57 am
This is his best ad yet. Lose the corruption line on Quinn and focus on management ineptitude leading us down a very deep hole. Connecting to the Springfield culture is just a nice bonus.

Comment by Niles Township Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 8:57 am
===Sanguinetti says it’s wrong that the governor’s administration is allowing a little more than 100 of those people to keep their jobs at IDOT. The Rauner campaign says the hirings are wrong considering Quinn says he’s working to clean up state government.
“We should get rid of all these illegal hires and going forward, we should do the right thing, the fair thing, which is hiring people based upon merit,” Sanguinetti said.

Sanguinetti says one of those keeping their job is a woman married to a Peoria labor official who has contributed to the Democratic Party.===

“There any job openings in you agency?”

“Cow tipping”

Anyone think Slip and Sue is a good person to talk about hiring practices in a Quinn Administration, when she herself wanted a job with Quinn too?

Dope.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 8:59 am
Maybe a reporter will ask him how he feels about corruption in the Mayor’s office?

Comment by Jimmy Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:00 am
==signs of urban decay just don’t exist in most of Cook County==

You’ll see it in a lot of places in Cook County…occasionally even Quinn’s own yard.

Comment by Anonymoiis Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:00 am
In my best Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson voice:

“Finally…Bruce Rauner has begun running negative ads against his opponent!”

Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:03 am
Ads good B+

right narrative need to focus in more on PQ and pound in.

Comment by Mason born Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:05 am
Anonymoiis “You’ll see it in a lot of places in Cook County”

Where - exactly - is the urban decay? It may be coming with cuts to services but it’s not here yet. If Rauner starts trashin’ Chicago too much, he may create a campaign issue for Rahm.

Comment by Jimmy Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:07 am
Good ad. Rauner is clearly vulnerable on his history and lack of policies that make sense, but Quinn has big problems also.

Comment by Peoria guy Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:08 am
It feels more like 100 years of rauner negative attack adds.

Comment by William j Kelly Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:08 am
I don’t know why everyone is loving this ad. It is unfocused. And when you compare Quinn to Madigan, Cullerton, and Blago, you come away with the thought that Pat Quinn is the best of the four. Now if they would only put it to happy music and have a pic of Quinn smiling, it would be as bad as the Quinn campaigns early attack ads.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:09 am
The urban decay images look like stock footage from the 1970s some intern in DC picked out rather than using current footage with local landmarks.

Comment by Jimmy Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:12 am
Rauner’s ad folks have too much fun with arithmetic to make this as scary as they intended. They can’t shoot the bull about 100 years without getting close to 1914.

It reminds me of the 67% tax increase.

Comment by Kasich Walker, Jr. Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:13 am
Team Sleep:

Rauner = Hunter Hearst Helmsley
Quinn = Mankind

Comment by Mittuns Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:22 am
Nice one, WJK. As for the ad, C at best. Is it me, or does this ad suit Rauner’s week of looking desperate. The press conference where he called Quinn a bumbling fool…or was it that he isn’t a bumbling fool? Or..wait, what did he say? Thats how this commercial made me feel. 10 pounds of dirt in a five pound bag. I feel like Rauner has water boarded me with negative ads.

Comment by anon Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:22 am
It seems like I’ve been subjected to 100 years of annoying Rauner robo-calls and campaign workers calling my home!!

Comment by Big Joe Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:24 am
I think the Rauner folks added Cullerton so that they could say “have been in Springfield for over 100 years…” Otherwise they it would be like 70-some years…

Comment by ndaggerscfo Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:25 am
At this point in the campaign it is about reaching the independent undecides. From that stand point I give this ad an A.

Comment by Yipperdo Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:26 am
Good for the anti-Chicago GOP base. But Rauner already has those votes.

Does it move the needle among persuadable Independents? Maybe some.

But a lot of self-identified Independents used to be Republicans. They didn’t wander away because of Democrats.

Addressing why they left the GOP is probably more important at this point.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:30 am
- William j Kelly - Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:08 am:

It feels more like 100 years of rauner negative attack adds.

Hey ANON, me thinks Kelly’s off his meetings again..
sourpuss bill, this is the first hard hitting ad calling Quinn on his record that’s been out yet, have we all missed something that you are enlightened about in your transcendence state of awareness?

Comment by elaine B Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:31 am
Meh. It’s like those real estate ads you see in the paper with all the agents lined up, saying, “200 Years of Experience!” Disingenuous at best, but then all politics is.

The problem is that venture capitalists are not seen as squeaky clean ethically either.

C-

Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:37 am
It has the right elements. It just doesn’t grab the emotions like it should. Perhaps it’s the voice tone so matter-of-fact, rather than angry.

The “hundred years” headline is just not strong enough. It should be more like “Haven’t you had enough?” or We’re fed up!”

The music is more funereal or defeatist, than call to action.

Good content. Could be stronger presentation. B-

Comment by walker Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:39 am
The Rauner campaign could go back to ads featuring the wife.

Have her walk a couple golden retrievers and wonder aloud about Quinn, Blago, and the Speaker before she meets up with her African American Winnetka neighbors at the dog park.

Comment by Kasich Walker, Jr. Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:40 am
- Elaine - Kelly still waiting at front door at his pizza party that started last week. They are up to 3 people helping with petitions . If they can’t get anymore Rham going to help him.
As for the Commercial , for the life of me what took so long?
Now he has to spend 2x more on negatives then if he started in June.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:48 am
B. But it doesn’t matter. The problem for Rauner is that Pat Quinn has spent a lifetime in the public eye. Negative ads don’t hurt him as much as Quinn’s ads against Rauner.

Comment by Nonplussed Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:49 am
Ad pulls the focus back to where it should be, the the long term governing record of the party in complete unchecked power in Illinois. The governing record of the Democrat Governor of Illinois, who started as Blagojevich’s Lt. Gov, and where he played the role of Blagojevich’s chief cheerleader until it became too painfully obvious that he could not continue in that role.

Takes away all the ‘look, a squirrel’ distractions thrown out there by the governing Democrats this election.

Very effective. Very strong. This is where the focus should be by the Rauner camp and Republicans for the rest of the election.

Comment by Louis G Atsaves Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:50 am
This ad seems a bit like Homer Stokes speech in Brother Where Art Thou (cronyism, nepotism, rascalism)… it starts at 45 seconds in. Maybe the Cohen brothers are writing for Rauner?

http://www.anyclip.com/movies/o-brother-where-art-thou/everett-finds-his-daughters/#!quotes/

Comment by Jimmy Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:51 am
I can smell the desperation coming off the screen.

Comment by Cheryl44 Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:54 am
Desperation.

Pure Desperation.

Rauner’s internal polls must be showing him what we saw in the Tribune poll: conservatives aren’t supporting him.

This is red meat for the base, but independent voters rejected efforts to tie Quinn to Blagojevich in 2010.

And the tone? Compare the tone of this to his suburban women, pro-choice, pro-gay rights ad.

If Rauner isn’t talking to independent voters, he is failing, and the message and tone of this ad is all wrong.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:54 am
Meh. It’s the same Shoe-On-The-Other-Foot schtick. How long were Big Jim/Little Jim/Big George along with Pate Phillip doing exactly the same sort of thing (if not more so since it was less illegal back then?) So to me, the R’s are just as much part of that “100 Years Is Enough” as anybody. As to the ad, it has production values, I’ll give it a B-. Sweeping generalities. At least it didn’t say “Shake Up Springfield.” I’ll give it that.

Comment by skeptic Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 9:57 am
===the Democrat Governor of Illinois,===

C’mon Louis, you’re better than that.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 10:02 am
Btw, who is Bruce rauner?

Comment by William j Kelly Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 10:05 am
Blahhh.

“The horse is dead boys, you can stop beating it.”

Comment by Under Influenced Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 10:06 am
When I first saw it I thought it was a legislative ad. Not good, “D”.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 10:08 am
Might work to get ultra-conservatives back in line.

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 10:11 am
“The problem is that venture capitalists are not seen as squeaky clean ethically either.”

Very true!

Another problem with this ad is that it seems to be attacking Illinois citizens as well as the politicians. Both the Republicans and Democrats have created the fiscal problems in our state. But Illinois citizens continue to work hard to make our communities prosperous, safe, and healthy for families. So don’t call us failures.

Comment by Enviros-Anon Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 10:12 am
“desperation” you say? It’s merely the fine old political strategy of painting your oppo in the ugliest fashion possible. And why not? Isn’t that the stock and trade of the election industry?

Comment by Hyperbollixed Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 10:23 am
It’s a pass. A strong one. This is a reminder ad. Sort of a “sum up”. Should have run it a bit earlier. Cullerton deserves as much smack as MJM. It takes 2 chambers to create bad policy and a Governor willing to sign it. If you’re going to talk about one party rule, you have to define it.

This ad does that. It will be effective with R leaning independents. To those who don’t think Chicago doesn’t have those kinds of scenes, I’d suggest there is a “second” Chicago that absolutely does. This is a candidate reminding the people who live in those pockets what the “in” crowd has done for them lately. These areas absolutely do exist.

It’s not a knockout punch, but it’s a disruptive uppercut to the jaw. It’s a powerful message whose time has come. Sad ad, but a strong message.

Comment by A guy... Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 10:33 am
Over the top, but not unexpected at this stage. Don’t Edgar, Thompson, and Ryan get any credit for helping create the 100 years of corruption? If Rauner wins, being in the room when he meets with Cullerton and Madigan should be an experience.

Mittuns:
When does Quinn pull out Mr. Socko?

Comment by zatoichi Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 10:51 am
Rauner has simply run too many TV ads in the Chicago area over the past year that moderate/independent voters are sick of him. He has been going overboard, and voters can sense when someone is trying to buy the election. This become really noticeable with the Mike Ditka ad during the Bears game.

Comment by Ando Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 11:03 am
=== simply run too many TV ads===

History has proved that you can never run enough.

The problem is never quantity, it’s quality. On that, we could agree.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 11:04 am
Just like the cubs. They lose for 100 years and raise ticket prices. Democrats 100 years of failure raise our taxes.

Comment by downstate hack Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 11:14 am
===Rauner has simply run too many TV ads in the Chicago area over the past year that moderate/independent voters are sick of him.====

Yeah, that’s it. They’re tired of Geico and Progressive commercials too. Too many commercials. Cut back and everything will improve.

Yikes dude.

Comment by A guy... Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 11:19 am
It is an Ok add but, as Word and MrJM note it may only play to the base and not move the needle. Does the ad create the opportunity to link Rauner and his business practices to the Great Recession? (Regardless of whether that point is accurate or not.)

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 11:20 am
===They’re tired of Geico and Progressive commercials too===

lol

Excellent point. Those of you who whine about too many ads just don’t have a clue. Too many lousy ads, I can see. But just too many ads is beyond silly.

Please don’t post here if that’s your level of sophistication.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 11:21 am
–To those who don’t think Chicago doesn’t have those kinds of scenes, I’d suggest there is a “second” Chicago that absolutely does. This is a candidate reminding the people who live in those pockets what the “in” crowd has done for them lately. These areas absolutely do exist.–

Wow. Thanks for the insight. Who knew there were ghettoes, and just in Chicago?

When did this happen? Because I’m sure if Republicans had known about this on their watch, Englewood would look like Wilmette by now. Because that’s the way the world works.

Nice of Rauner to “remind” people who live in ghettoes that they live in ghettoes. How else would they remember?

But i really don’t think the ghetto scenes were intended for those who live in them.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 11:39 am
You’re welcome Sling. Unless you’re being facetious of course. Of course you are. I wouldn’t know you otherwise. John Edwards played 2 America’s to the hilt. There are 2 Chicago’s in the same vein. This reminds people that there are other places where you can actually let your kids out to play; you know, like where you live. He’s pounding the perils of one party rule. You may not relate, but there’s a pocket that will.

I think I’d call this a Century’s worth of Corruption. A little more catchy.

Comment by A guy... Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 11:59 am
Hyperbollixed -

I say ‘desperation’ because the latest Tribune poll found that only half of self-identified Conservatives say they are voting for Rauner.

Wordslinger is wrong.

Rauner has not locked in the GOP base, which is why we see this ad attacking Democrats for being Democrats.

It is also why, I think, Rauner came flailing out yesterday against medical marijuana, with an emphasis on marijuana. It is classic Nixon/Reagan, red-meat Republican culture war stuff.

Republicans will love it, but this is not an ad aimed at Independent voters.

Quinn’s is.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 12:08 pm
Would still love to be a fly on the wall when Rauner has his first sit down meeting with Madigan and Cullerton after he wins the election. I’m guessing it would be something like “y’all know I was just saying those things to win. You guys are the best!” and Madigan pulls out his apple and knife and slowly cuts it into wedges, saying nothing.

Comment by Roadiepig Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 12:11 pm
Ad playing in Peoria–TV stations that is. Content reinforces the party faithful. Not sure it adds up for others. 100 years? C’mon.

Comment by Nearly Normal Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 12:23 pm
I have been seeing the recent ad’s by both Rauner and Quin recently.

I know this sounds bad, but I am somewhat descensitized to the anti-quinn ones. They just arent striking me with concern.

On the other side, the anti-Rauner ad’s are causeing me to be concerned about Rauner. So far, I have to say the anti-rauner ad’s are more impactful on me then the anti-quinn ad’s.

Although I have to say it looks like a vote for Quinn is more a no to rauner then a yes for Quin at this point. Unless OW gets his campaign moving….

Comment by Ghost Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 12:41 pm
Throwing Cullerton in is ridiculous. They might not like liberal politics, but he’s the only grown-up in Springfield. To lump him into a “corruption” themed ad just to add the numbers to 100 is unfair.

Comment by orzo Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 12:52 pm
===Unless OW gets his campaign moving….===

The yard signs are available, - Norseman - is handling the logistics, you will be notified.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 1:06 pm
–Ad pulls the focus back to where it should be, the the long term governing record of the party in complete unchecked power in Illinois.–

See, Louis, that’s where you get tripped up. The first thing you need to address are the reasons the Illinois GOP brand became so toxic that people abandoned it in droves over the last 20 years or so.

Voters make choices every two years. And they’ve been passing on the Illinois GOP brand more and more.

Who’s to blame for the GOP being in super-minority status in the GA and Pat Quinn being elected governor with Blago around his neck in a GOP national wave year? You and your pals need to look in the mirror.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 1:54 pm
A Guy, you miss the point. I found your earnest assurances that there are ghettos in Chicago amusing. I guess you thought you were making a serious point.

I think most people know there are ghettos in Chicago, Rockford, Rock Island, East St. Louis, Springfield, Decatur, all over the United States, all over the world, since about the time the crust cooled.

And I doubt those who live in ghettos need to be reminded of the fact.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 2:18 pm
What they are being reminded of Sling, it that there are places that aren’t ghettos. Capice?

Comment by A guy... Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 2:41 pm
@wordslinger: I get what you are trying to say. Let me turn off the lights and speak freely for a moment.

Republicans are to blame for the 13x our bond ratings have dropped in the past few years. For the outrageous debt load and unpaid bills. For the out of control pension debt. For reductions in education spending, cutting mental health facilities and treatment. For “temporary” income tax increases. I could go on and on, but yes, we Republicans are completely to blame, not the ruling party, because the public doesn’t buy our brand. I admit that. I recognize that. Democrats can’t govern, Republicans can’t be trusted to govern.

We GOP are to blame because our message isn’t resonating with voters.

I agree. I hear that from the extreme right wing of my own party, who will never be satisfied enough with any GOP candidate to vote for them. Just yesterday one of them was ranting there was no difference between Quinn and Rauner.

Ergo, the Patty Hearst syndrome in “Blue Illinois” has run wild. Voters can’t get enough of governmental failures? God love them. Stick with the tried and true and don’t bitch about it. A certain wing of the GOP can’t get enough of losing repeatedly. Stick with the tried and true and don’t bitch about it. Same b.s., just different sides of the coin.

A coalition of supposed GOP groups (I call them vampire groups) need a failed GOP so they can continue to exist, from individuals ala Ibendahl, William Kelley, Oswego Willy, to advocacy groups like Illinois Family Institute, ad nauseum. So they spout off nonsense, and everyone thinks that nonsense is what the majority of Republicans actually believe in. They take real Republicans for granted. They scold them for being real Republicans and not like themselves.

I can live with that. Just don’t blame Republicans. The “we would have voted for you but we don’t trust you” enough syndrome is pretty ruthless in the way it cuts up the real Republican brand.

“How’s that working for you?” is what I ask Democrats, Independents, and far right Republicans. The response I keep getting is “not very well, but . . .”

Rauner comes along and blows millions of his own money trying to unTitanic the GOP party in Illinois and this State’s government. The smart political types thought him insane nearly two years ago. They still do. But he is still in there slugging away against the blob that the fading once great State of Illinois. I admire him for that. More should. I hope he succeeds. For all of our sakes.

But then again, I’m a Cub fan. Undying devotion. Unreasonable hope that the future will be bright and a World Series is just around the corner. A TFG Republican at heart.

I get it. And I can dream a bit too. That’s why I think the ad allows everyone to refocus.

Now I’ll turn the lights back on and return to my regularly scheduled programing!

Comment by Louis G Atsaves Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 2:41 pm
“Bruce Rauner said Tuesday he wouldn’t have signed legislation creating Illinois’ medical marijuana pilot program …”

Could this ad from the Florida campaign to legalize medical marijuana have changed Bruce’s mind?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdcvhUgeDRg

Comment by Kasich Walker, Jr. Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 2:48 pm
===A coalition of supposed GOP groups (I call them vampire groups) need a failed GOP so they can continue to exist,…Oswego Willy, to advocacy groups like Illinois Family Institute, ad nauseum. So they spout off nonsense, and everyone thinks that nonsense is what the majority of Republicans actually believe in. They take real Republicans for granted. They scold them for being real Republicans and not like themselves.====

You put me in that group?

Example? I’ve commented here plenty, so how am I in that group?

You want to be a victim, have at it, I didn’t make you a victim, and I explain clearly why I say what I say, and what I believe, and own it.

Thinking I am NOT a Republican is the Slytherin ideal is “only, never, always, and every”.

By trying to marginalize me, you keep marginalizing yourself.

Dope.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 2:51 pm
@OW: Don’t pin the “slytherin” label on me. I am a proud TFG Republican. I’m not a victim. Nor do I pretend to be.

I’m that kindergarten teacher stuck with an unruly class with the clock running down. I feel like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day. That doesn’t make me a victim. It may make me more observant, and I have a right to my opinions based on what I am observing.

“Dopes” (your favorite word, not mine) who want to destroy and have destroyed the two-party system in Illinois, well congratulations.

Let me admire those who still believe in good politics, a good two party system. Give me my Cubs moment. And if you can’t, then keep up your good work. You’ve gotten what you’ve wanted.

Comment by Louis G Atsaves Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 3:01 pm
===@OW: Don’t pin the “slytherin” label on me.===

How am I not a Republican?

What criteria? What makes me a…supposed… Republican?

You know what you said, so defend it.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 3:05 pm
===“Dopes” (your favorite word, not mine) who want to destroy and have destroyed the two-party system in Illinois, well congratulations.===

How have I, personally, destroyed the two-party system?

When did I do that? Examples?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 3:08 pm
===Let me admire those who still believe in good politics, a good two party system.===

When did I not believe in good government, good politics or both together?

Example please?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 3:09 pm
- Louis G. Atsaves -,

Don’t use my name to make Dopey points about two-party system as you try to knock of Libertarians off the ballot.

You want to lump me in destroying your Slytherin style of “supposed” Republicans, then you better be ready to defend it.

It’s embarrassing to read how much of a victim you claim you aren’t, but you know who is victimizing you. I can’t understand why you whine about all you do, but marginalize people , in one fell swoop. I have more than enough comments here that you could make a case, if there was one.

You go and work on the petition challenge, whining about two-party systems and good government…

You want to make me part of your personal pity party, own it, and explain it.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 3:45 pm
There is no reason for the IL GOP not to embrace the freedom-loving entrepreneurial spirit represented here:

http://www.hightimes.com/read/free-weed-episode-69

The Dems of Illinois refuse.

Comment by Kasich Walker, Jr. Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 3:46 pm
@OW: Please. I support the two party system. The challenges I filed against Libertarians and the Constitutional Party candidates were against third parties.

Dope!

Since you are back to name calling and victimizing, my advice to you is to grow some thicker skin. Stop using the “Slytherin” and “Dope” stuff if you want intelligent discussion. Then you can reply to these questions:

(1) “Out of all the thousands of posts you have made on this site, how many GOP candidates this election cycle do you actually support?”

(2) “Name them and tell us why?”

If you are not supporting any GOP candidates this election cycle, please tell us why you are advocating the continuation of the current one party system here in Illinois.

I await your responses.

Comment by Louis G Atsaves Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 4:06 pm
I’m supporting Tom Cross for Treasurer, I’m supporting Comptroller Topinka, I look forward to the SGOP and the HGOP to make inroads, and I feel pretty good that some I’ve criticized understand my Daily Southtown way.

I tried to be critical to GOP candidates for governor in the Primary to defeat Rauner, to assist them, usually trying to steer them away from the Dopiness.

I feel pretty comfortable with my credentials, and since you can’t show how I’m not a Republican.

I refuse to back the Blago of the GOP, as those in my party railed on Dems for backing the original Blago.

Only a Slytherin would ask my credentials, while your Dopey shill petition challenge is really about Rauner, you feel the need to think you know why or what or how…I am, I do, I think.

Pretty pathetic, but when you claim to be about inclusion, but play a victim, it’s hard to be taken seriously. Your tent is getting smaller if you don’t understand what I do, or why I do it. You aren’t my audience, and your comment lumping in like Slytherins do to those not like minded reminds me I have work to do to see My Party rise.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 4:19 pm
@OW, you only named one before reverting to name calling. Try a little harder. I’ve heard all the names over the years. A victim would have walked away years ago. I didn’t and I take special enjoyment in confronting GOP types like yourself. You don’t like it? Tell me why without name calling.

Then tell me again why you aren’t supporting anyone else on the GOP Statewide slate other than Topinka, i.e. supporting continuation of one party government.

Comment by Louis G Atsaves Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 4:31 pm
Cross. Topinka.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 4:34 pm
I can’t name the AG or SOS candidates for My Party.

You know why? Voting against Jesse or Lisa because a bane is there, isn’t a reason to be a Party. Be serious, spend the money, get the candidates, the you get me.

I am not a lemming.

Oberweis? Please. Jim Oberweis brought pitchforks and torches to My Party on SSM.

4-62, Oberweis is part and parcel of that Slytherin lack of inclusion.

When My Party decides to be serious, I’ll be serious too.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 4:39 pm
Lewis g atsaves, if you really believe the majority of republicans are cool with a billionaire who has shady insider deals with Rahm, shady off shore bank accounts and contributed to and voted for democrats until it no longer served his diabolical purposes, you and I will just have agree to disagree.

Comment by William j Kelly Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 4:48 pm
–Please. I support the two party system. The challenges I filed against Libertarians and the Constitutional Party candidates were against third parties.–

LOL, Louis, that’s hilarious!

And technically, wouldn’t one of those be a fourth party?

Which is the greater threat to democracy? A third party of a fourth party?

Give me a minute — I’ll check the U.S. and Illinois constitutions to see what they say about the “two-party system.”

I’m back. Nothing.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 4:49 pm
Art. IV, Sec. 6 refers to Majority leader/Speaker and Minority leadership. That’s two in my book, not even using a calculator! (IL Const.) Leaders of what? Cubs? Sox? No . . .

Comment by Louis G Atsaves Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 5:06 pm
Louis, what’s your point? That the Illinois Constitution allows only two political parties?

That’s obviously not the case. But it would have saved you guys some pistolero money if it did.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 5:16 pm
The other raunerbots like Elaine b don’t seem to know how to spell.

Comment by anon Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 5:17 pm
===Art. IV, Sec. 6 refers to Majority leader/Speaker and Minority leadership. That’s two in my book, not even using a calculator! (IL Const.) Leaders of what? Cubs? Sox? No . . .===

You do realize in Parliamentary procedures, including when US Senate has a member of neither party, they just choose one.

Majority and Minority refer to control, not the idea if just two parties…

What if a Green Party member win an IL House seat?

Simple thought, only 2 parties. It’s cute. Good for you.

It refers to getting 60 (59 Dems, 1 Green) as a majority, and the group at 58 (57 GOP, 1 Lib.) as Minority.

Government is Fun!

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 5:24 pm
Now I truly am embarrassed for you - Louis G Atsaves -.

The US Senate deals with 3 parties, guess your big brain can’t(?)

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 5:26 pm
This is a state political blog so I concentrated on the State Constitution. Problem?

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 7:52 pm
Louis, haters gonna hate. You did your job, and are still doing it. That’s the game here, but some folks always gotta hate the players instead.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 7:56 pm
===A coalition of supposed GOP groups (I call them vampire groups) need a failed GOP so they can continue to exist, …Oswego Willy,…===

I took offense to be lumped in with a point you were making, I just had hoped…if you’re going to make a point, you wouldn’t had used me the way you did, unsolicited.

Your heart is in the right place - Louis G. Atsaves -, that I respect.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 8:28 pm
Very fine conclusion to a riveting discussion. Three people being authentic and finishing it up strong!

Comment by Mighty M. Mouse Wednesday, Sep 17, 14 @ 11:05 pm
Louis, I agree with willy it was wrong to ‘lump him in’ with people who aren’t afraid to put real names on the line. However, i suppose it is smart to use a fake name if you are on the wrong side of history as you Louis G Atsaves will discover in November.

Comment by William j Kelly Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 9:09 am
This ad reminds me of Governor Ryan’s time in prison.

Comment by Anon Friday, Sep 19, 14 @ 8:29 am
Wonderful, what a website it is! This website provides valuable data to us, keep it up.

Comment by bike tips Tuesday, Sep 23, 14 @ 3:45 am