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* The McHenry County Blog reports that one Republican state Senator has refused to accept a contribution from Gov. Bruce Rauner, who recently contributed a grand total of $400,000 to GOP legislators…
Governor Bruce Rauner’s campaign fund cut checks to all Illinois Republican legislators.
Mike Tryon, a member of the House Republican leadership, got one for $8,000.
State Rep. Steve Andersson, a first-term state rep. also reported receiving $8,000 from Citizens for Rauner Inc. […]
“Considering the timing,” State Senator Karen McConnaughay decided not to accept her contribution from the Governor’s campaign fund.
McConnaughay is known for both her practical bipartisanship and her toughness.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:07 am
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“Considering the timing,” a wise choice.
Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:10 am
‘Considering the timing’? So maybe if Rauner had just waited a few days?
Please don’t leave the money on the nightstand, I’ll pick it up later….?
Comment by How Ironic Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:10 am
i heard poe on the radio say he got an envelope, didnt open it, and didnt intend to.
Comment by Langhorne Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:12 am
Congratulations! You passed your 2015 State of Illinois Ethics Training Exam.
Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:13 am
McConnaughay is known for both her practical bipartisanship and her toughness….
Also for her worst Republican nightmare replacing her as County Board Chairman in Kane County.
Comment by OneMan Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:13 am
There could be some very interesting FBI interviews, if they take place.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:15 am
Good on Sen. McConnaughay.
“Why?”
Because.
If Rauner’s own “superstars” refuse to see how writing $400K worth of checks hours before a vote the governor wants a certain response to, like I’ve been trying to do for months.
Good on Sen. McConnaughay.
A teaching moment.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:15 am
For refusing to accept what was essentially a bribe, will she now be labeled as corrupt with a conflict of interest?
Comment by State employee Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:16 am
Perhaps she wasn’t “considering the time” but was “considering the source”.
Comment by pundent Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:18 am
Also, considering she’ll will be a key supporter with or without it, doesn’t need it, and perhaps it could go to better use elsewhere. I suspect she was courteous in the process of formally not accepting it. i.e. not now. not, not ever. It may go back to the Leadership in this case. We’ll see.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:18 am
“If Rauner’s own ’superstars’ refuse to see how writing $400K worth of checks looks…hours before a vote the governor wants a certain response to, like I’ve been trying to do for months… maybe Rauner’s ’superstars’ need a dose of reality like this”
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:19 am
OW, Understand your point with regards to the House, but the Senate did not have a vote in front of them. In the old chicken and the egg conundrum….I do wonder if the Speaker (ingeniously) scheduled those votes once he knew the distribution dates. Just wondering.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:21 am
Why not take it and donate it to a charity that the Governor is cutting funding for?
Comment by The Colossus of Roads Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:21 am
===Also, considering she’ll will be a key supporter with or without it, doesn’t need it, and perhaps it could go to better use elsewhere.===
Read exactly what was said, exactly how it said it;
===“Considering the timing,” State Senator Karen McConnaughay decided not to accept her contribution from the Governor’s campaign fund.===
Your assumptions are really off the charts.
Sometimes, it is as simple as it says it is.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:21 am
A guy: you’re stretching, my friend. “Considering the timing” is sufficient to explain her choice.
Comment by walker Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:22 am
- A Guy -,
The payment to both Caucuses was a reminder;
“Vote as I say. Period.”
One was direct, the other was the reminder.
“I own all of you.”
Sen. McConnaughay is being a Republican, not a Raunerite in this gesture.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:24 am
A guy - The timing of the vote was announced by Madigan well in advance. Rauner used his money to buy the “present” votes once Madigan announced his intention to bring this to a vote.
Comment by pundent Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:28 am
===I do wonder if the Speaker (ingeniously) scheduled those votes once he knew the distribution dates. Just wondering.===
Are you saying, with the week notice of the date of the vote, MJM orchestrated the signing of the $400K checks, because Madigan knew in 5 days time, Rauner would be writing checks?
MJM: I have a hunch. Rauner is going to write checks, in 5 days. I need to orchestrate a vote, in 7 days…
Really?
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:30 am
@A Guy: Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.
Comment by Tournaround Agenda Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:32 am
@collusus:
THAT would have been precious. Call a press conference and donate the money. Of course with Bruce’s antagonistic history towards women in the corporate world….who knows.
Comment by Jack Stephens Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:33 am
Guy, she spoke for herself. What qualifies you to add to her explanation?
Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:33 am
Guy: Generally, you are a more accomplished spinner than this effort indicates.
Comment by Flavurful Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:35 am
Back to the topic please.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:35 am
Thought that the $20 million Rauner slush fund was set up as a PAC. According to the SBE, everything is set up under his campaign fund - Citizens for Rauner, Inc. which is only required to file quarterly D-2 reports showing their income and expenditures.
When checking the the website this morning for my 2 Republicans in the GA, neither had reported a “contribution” and I understand that checks were passed out 10 days ago. The SBE has specific reporting requirements, so either these 2 are also refusing the contribution or they seem to be skirting the reporting requirements.
Bottom line, this all looks bad.
Comment by illini Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:42 am
Rauner is failing Political Optics 101. He failed it with the grant cuts on Good Friday and he failed it with what appears to be a quid pro quo bribe here. This is all about the optics and she didn’t like them so she refused the $$$. Good for her.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:46 am
BTW NIU buddy Bob Pritchard is now reporting 2 $8K presentations from BVR… is there a second round?
Comment by Anonin' Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:47 am
Sorry - I shouldn’t have said “bribe.” I should have said “incentive payment.”
Comment by Chicago Cynic Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:47 am
Forgive me if I’m wrong, but I do not believe you have to report a contribution to the state board of elections until after you deposit the check. The various reps could sit on these checks for a while to avoid reporting requirements.
Comment by train111 Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:52 am
Ray Poe said on local radio last week that he received an envelope from Rauner, but did not open it. When asked if he would accept a check, he said no he would not.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:53 am
train111 - I do think you are technically correct. Should have couched my comments a bit more succinctly.
Comment by illini Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:59 am
As a consolation prize for refusing the cash, Karen wins the Wonka Chocolate Factory.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 12:00 pm
=== walker - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 11:22 am:
A guy: you’re stretching, my friend. “Considering the timing” is sufficient to explain her choice.===
Walk, a point or two for suggesting Also….(lol) She’s in pretty safe territory. It’s easy to see that this didn’t sit well with her, because of timing. In this strategy of spreading contributions around, he’s trying to donate something to everyone. Not everyone has the same needs or challenges. She has the right and the luxury to politely decline. She did. I’m sure there will be others.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 12:03 pm
===She’s in pretty safe territory===
Lot of tea partiers up there who vote in GOP primaries.
Just sayin…
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 12:04 pm
Lot of tea partiers up there who vote in GOP primaries.
Just sayin…
Not discounting the threat, but Karen has a carefully constructed coalition of soccer moms and mainline GOPers and is usually conservative enough and straightforward enough to win any contest handily. Being a woman helps her in her particular circumstance. I think she could still be Kane County chairperson if she wanted to be.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 12:10 pm
===She’s in pretty safe territory.===
Sen. McConnaughay is only safe, if Rauner says she’s safe.
How do I know that?
“$&@#% problem” ring any bells?
Rauner will go after sitting GOP Caucus members. He’s said so.
===In this strategy of spreading contributions around, he’s trying to donate something to everyone.===
This strategy is all about “leverage”, remember that? I do.
You pay them all off, and…
“Someday, and that day may never come, I’ll call upon you to do a service for me.”
That’s what’s going on.
Leverage.
===She has the right and the luxury to politely decline.===
She can decline, but she better not want a problem.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 12:10 pm
Good for her!
Comment by jazzy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 12:16 pm
“Considering the timing” is good, but she’ll probably take the check when the timing optics aren’t so obvious.
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 12:21 pm
==Not everyone has the same needs or challenges.==
Yeah, but there ain’t nobody who can’t use extra money. I mean, sure, she might want “better optics” more than she wants the money, but she still had to make a choice.
==Sen. McConnaughay is only safe, if Rauner says she’s safe.==
You’re not wrong, but I think it would be exceedingly strange for Rauner to target her over this. Then again, most of his moves have surprised me.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 12:22 pm
===You’re not wrong, but I think it would be exceedingly strange for Rauner to target her over this. Then again, most of his moves have surprised me.===
Remember; it’s not the following thru that creates the leverage, it’s just the threat.
For now. Like a bully.
Rauner will make it very clear what he expects, when, how, and without discussion, hesitation, or pause.
This isn’t about $4K, $8K, or $400K.
The number and timing are both obscene, but it’s the leverage, and Rauner uses money for leverage.
Always has.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 12:27 pm
Sen. McConnaughay refused to accept the donation until the turnaround agenda is approved.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 12:41 pm
It couldn’t be more clear. McConnaughay, unlike Rauner, wanted to avoid even the appearance of a corrupt bargain. Rauner on the other hand proudly doled out cash to his cronies.
Comment by Precinct Captain Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 12:53 pm
She didn’t make a big deal out of it, just politely refused. Nice. Note to other lawmakers: histrionics and getting your name in the paper aren’t necessary. Sen. McConnaughay kept her ethics intact and still can be helpful to the governor that she helped elect. Not a huge deal, but refreshing in this day and age.
Comment by Down the Middle Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 12:55 pm
Terrible decision by McConnaughay that only makes things more difficult for her fellow Republican legislators. These contributions could have easily been explained as a direct response to the shenanigans of Speaker Madigan. “Speaker Madigan is playing fast and loose with legislation aimed to bolster his negative mailers to attack good, honest legislators. Governor Rauner refuses to sit by and watch Speaker Madigan make libelous claims against these men and women who work tirelessly to better Illinois. Therefore, the governor has made good on his promise to protect those legislators that make the hard divisions and act on the best interests of Illinois and its taxpayers.”
Comment by Realist Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 1:28 pm
What little I know about Sen. McConnaughay, I like. She seems to be a more independent thinker, but that is an impression and I only have hearsay as a basis.
Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 1:29 pm
Decisions…autocorrect is a killer
Comment by Realist Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 1:30 pm
- Realist -,
So the Governor, hours before a RTW vote, donates to all GOP GA members from a $400K, because of… Madigan?
Don’t quit your day job…
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 1:34 pm
Also, - Realist -…
If all that’s “true”, why isn’t everyone proudly disclosing they hit these checks? Why open members as to why they aren’t disclosing the receipt of checks?
It is terribly bad politics to make this lemonade like that, given the timing and total amount given to all GOP Members.
“You’re not helping…”
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 1:38 pm
1 … and how many others?
Comment by forwhatitsworth Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 1:44 pm
Realist, what are you talking about with the “libelous?”
Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 1:47 pm
Two, McConnaughay and Poe.
Comment by RatherBGolfin' Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 1:52 pm
BTW Matt Murphy cashed his presentation for $8K
Guess the alternative theory on Kane County Karen is off limits …. too bad
Comment by Anonin' Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:00 pm
Anything can be made into lemonade. I’m not defending the timing at all, but cowering and hiding isn’t doing these legislators any good either. This wouldn’t be any more spin than Madigan claiming that republicans are against a property tax freeze; it’s all political spin. It’s about time Republicans start playing the game too.
Comment by Realist Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:06 pm
- Realist -,
You’re playing it poorly, and it would hurt in this very instance, more than help.
Also, saying “they do it” isn’t a good enough reason to play out a poor hand as you say.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:12 pm
I’m waiting to see how many other R’s in the
GA will refuse his generosity or will donate the $$$$ to a program or department that is being impacted by his proposed budget cuts - some of which could have considerable impact on the services they provide.
Comment by illini Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:12 pm
OW, my very simple point is that anything would be better than burying their heads in the sand and pretending nothing is happening. Also, I believe McConnaughay has only made things worse for everyone else by refusing to accept. She has essentially validated what all the democrats have said this far in regards to the contributions.
Comment by Realist Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:20 pm
- Realist -,
I can read what you wrote abd your idea, and your continual idea is hurting.
===Also, I believe McConnaughay has only made things worse for everyone else by refusing to accept. She has essentially validated what all the democrats have said this far in regards to the contributions.===
LOL.
So, having an ethical question to the timing of monies during a vote is bad?
Please, stop. Your hole is deep enough, by digging ain’t helping.
Rauner made the mistake, exaserbating it helps the Dems. Folding your ethics helps in teaching Rauner.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:30 pm
==cowering and hiding isn’t doing these legislators any good either==
OTOH, Sen. McConnaughay would probably argue that she’s “standing up” to “special interests”, even if that interest is her own party’s Governor.
Although…
==McConnaughay has only made things worse for everyone else by refusing to accept.==
Is probably true, especially if she spins it like I just did. But that’s your classic collective action problem.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:31 pm
OW, it’s possible to have a discussion on here without attacking another’s idea. You don’t like Rauner, we know. My point is that this late in the session, with Rauner’s (and the Republicans’) agenda on the line, it doesn’t help to have McConnaughay break ranks. What she did only helps the democrats and their messaging going forward.
Comment by Realist Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:34 pm
===What she did only helps the democrats===
Please.
Spoken like a true Raunerbot.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:35 pm
- Realist -,
Don’t make it about me, make a better argument.
At least…. try.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:36 pm
It doesn’t take a Democrat to point out to me that a $400k payment to the Republicans on the eve of a vote on RTW is bad optics. And one of those R’s admitting to the optics makes me have more respect for her, not less.
Comment by CharlieKratos Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:46 pm
Democrats looking to politicize these contributions need to look in the mirror. I’ve looked back and received fundraising solicitations for at least 60 legislators who have hosted or co-hosted events on Mondays during the session.
So they can ask for money and it’s OK but it’s not OK for the Governor to make donations?
Comment by 1776 Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:47 pm
==My point is that this late in the session, with Rauner’s (and the Republicans’) agenda on the line, it doesn’t help to have McConnaughay break ranks.==
It’s not McConnaughay’s job to provide maximum support for Rauner’s agenda.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:47 pm
===fundraising solicitations for at least 60 legislators who have hosted or co-hosted events on Mondays during the session===
Good point. The same point I made to subscribers on Monday.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:48 pm
So how do I get invited to one of those Monday fundraisers, or am I am I not prominent enough to get asked to give my $$$.
Comment by illini Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 3:56 pm
7 Degrees of Separation you are 8 degrees removed from the truth. McConnaughay took plenty of vendor checks as Kane Chairman. If Rauner owned an engineering firm and was building a bridge or a IL film exec director he might be good to go. Check out the D-2’s. She was named union statesman of the year a couple times.
Comment by 8 Degrees of the Truth Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 4:03 pm
8 Degrees -
You must be responding to my Willy Wonka post.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 5:06 pm
Maybe she could have used the funds to take some constitutional law classes in preparation for the next round of pension battles. Appears many of our legislators must have “cut” that class in their past.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 5:11 pm
-Realist@ 2:34 pm: == My point is that this late in the session, with Rauner’s (and the Republicans’) agenda on the line, it doesn’t help to have McConnaughay break ranks. ==
Realist, the Republican agenda doesn’t have a realistic chance of passing with a Democratic super majority in both houses.
Comment by Enviro Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 5:24 pm
So how long will it take to figure out how many members of the GA actually accepted, deposited and reported ( in a required timely manner to the ), the SBE should have the all the info, but they can only post what is reported to them.
Comment by illini Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 5:31 pm
I am remembering a line told me by a very successful businessman, told to him by his Father at a very early age “Why would you want to be a politician, when you can own one?” Looks like B.R. is looking to be a landlord as well as Guv.
Comment by Conusone Wednesday, May 20, 15 @ 6:26 am