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* Gov. Bruce Rauner was asked this week about why he gave all Republican legislators a total of $400,000 before the “right to work” floor vote…
“It had no tie to any particular vote.
“You know, I’m the head of the Republican Party. Madigan has been sendin’ campaign cash to members of the Democratic Party and the General Assembly for 35 years, OK?
“I just became governor six months ago. And I am supportin’ members of my caucus, members of my party. It has no tie to any particular vote. It’s I’m supportin’ them this year, I’ll support them every six months for as long as I’m governor. That’s my job and I’ll always do that.”
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:18 pm
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Can I get a cut of that action by joining the GOP without supporting its agenda?
Comment by Katich Walker, Jr. Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:23 pm
At first, the heroin was free….
Comment by Tommydanger Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:24 pm
More than fair. There is nothing wrong with evening the odds by learning from Madigan. Keep it coming, every six months like clock work.
Comment by SAD Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:25 pm
===I’ll support them every six months for as long as I’m governor. That’s my job and I’ll always do that.”===
Nothing like your Owner, not understanding the politics of donations, tellin’ everyone, “I own them, they’re mine. Every six months, they will be reminded, ‘I own you now, no $&@#% problems’.
These statements are the saddest of the sad.
The ILGOP, the GOP GA the autonomy of caucuses. Over.
“My caucus…”.
Just. Wow.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:25 pm
I kinda wish he thought that “governin’” was his job….just sayin’
Comment by is it just me? Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:27 pm
===More than fair. There is nothing wrong with evening the odds by learning from Madigan. Keep it coming, every six months like clock work.===
So did I miss that MJM, during sesdiom, was donating, specifically to all Democratic members, even Democratic Senate members?
You can point that out to me, no one will stop you…
Ugh.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:27 pm
Droppin’ Gs and droppin’ Gs.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:29 pm
Bruce Rauner thinks so little of the GOP GA, that every six months, he knows the Owls will thank him for being so “good” to them, by reminding them they are just colored buttons on a voting panel.
So, so sad.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:32 pm
===Nothing like your Owner, not understanding the politics of donations, tellin’ everyone, “I own them, they’re mine. Every six months, they will be reminded, ‘I own you now, no $&@#% problems’.
These statements are the saddest of the sad.
So I suppose by Madigan doing it quietly behind closed doors is better… At least Rauner has the b@#s to come out and say what he is doing and what he is intending to do… and call Madigan out with him.
Comment by Allen D Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:32 pm
“Tim Schneider is chopped liver.”
Comment by walker Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:32 pm
Does anyone know how much money, if any, Madigan has given out to Democrats in a non-election year like this year? Or in the last 35 years for that matter? I wish the Governor would have given some figures to back up his statements about Madigan giving out money.
Comment by Joe M Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:33 pm
“But… but… but… Mr. Rauner, sir… Governor… I’m still scared to cash the first check you have me… ”
lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:34 pm
Just in case the GOP GA members were beginning to forget.
Comment by walker Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:34 pm
Typical Rauner. The buck doesn’t stop here and the buck$ don’t stop here.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:35 pm
There’s a new Capo in town.
Comment by Keyser Soze Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:37 pm
===So I suppose by Madigan doing it quietly behind closed doors is better… At least Rauner has the b@#s to come out and say what he is doing and what he is intending to do… and call Madigan out with him.===
Oh - Allen D -,
You know there’s D-2s right? Go check if anyone ever controlled the voting buttons hours before a House vote like Rauner did.
Hours before requiring a vote, Rauner dropped $400,000 on all GOP GA members.
You go search that and get back to all us. Thanks.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:37 pm
=== my caucus ===
Yes it is, and you will get your money’s worth.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:38 pm
===“It had no tie to any particular vote.===
It did, however, have a tie to all of them there votes…just sayin.
Comment by PublicServant Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:38 pm
30 pieces of silver was meant to represent three month’s wages of work, so Rauner can do a LITTLE better, can’t he?
Comment by Albany Park Patriot Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:38 pm
His quote says it all, ” I’m the head of the republican party” and ” my caucus”. There is no doubt here. Say it ain’t so Willy.
Comment by The Colossus of Roads Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:42 pm
“Oh, you’ll cash these checks.
You know what? You’re owned, and you know what, you’ll stay owned, and you know what, me and my friends cut out the middlemen so there’s no excuses anymore.
Cash the $&@#% checks, and keep your $&@#% mouths shut.”
He’s a prince.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:42 pm
Rauner slams Madigan saying he controls his members. But, it’s okay when Rauner does it because he’s shakin things up. Give me a break!
Comment by Because I said so... Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:42 pm
He must’ve experienced the benefit of an apple a day, because Rauner now wants to be just like Madigan, except it’s called supportin’ when Rauner does it, corruption when Madigan does it.
Comment by AC Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:43 pm
===“You know, I’m the head of the Republican Party. ====
Ok. By rank he is below Sen Kirk. And I know he is the messiah the GOP has been waiting for. And since I don’t know who is actually the head of the party I shouldn’t care. But even Madigan has to be elected. Even though thats a done deal he bothers to get elected.
Comment by Been There Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:44 pm
==my caucus==
Okay, at this point, he’s just trolling Oswego Willy.
==Madigan has been sendin’ campaign cash to members of the Democratic Party and the General Assembly for 35 years==
I’m old enough to remember when Bruce Rauner won an election by promising to stop what Madigan’s been doing for 35 years.
He’s been thoroughly hammered and shaken by the Springfield status quo.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:44 pm
Please show me in the Constitution of the United States of America or the State of Illinois where it specifically says I do NOT have a “Right to Work”. That by passing this law it’s giving me a specific right that I didn’t have. Like voting, for instance.
Comment by Jack Stephens Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:45 pm
When Rauner give republican legislators money does he fold it and stuff it in their pocket, while say go get yourself somethin nice?
Or does he fold it real small and put it in his palm like he’s greasin a maitre d’, while sayin “I WANT a good table down front”. Just like a Goodfella?
Comment by 13thone Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:46 pm
When the Republican targets woke up today, they probably weren’t hoping that Mr. 35% Approval Rating would publicly promise to send them checks twice a year.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:47 pm
This is the story of Bruce Rauner and the politicians he controls.
Comment by AC Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:47 pm
There has always been a state GOP available to help its candidates, just as there has been a state Democratic party. Rauner is a brand new player, and he tips the scale with his own money and his personal involvement and agenda.
Comment by Archiesmom Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:47 pm
Just because you buy an expensive new toy - sports car, yacht, Leica camera, legislative caucus, state - doesn’t mean you know how to use it and that you won’t wreck it. Some GOP legislators may not like being treated as wholly owned subsidiaries, but what do they have to lose?
Comment by Willie Stark Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:48 pm
Rauner doesn’t even try to hide it.
Comment by Aldyth Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:51 pm
===His quote says it all, ” I’m the head of the republican party” and ” my caucus”. There is no doubt here. Say it ain’t so Willy.===
The ILGOP GA is over. See also; ILGO PAC.
It’s about Rauner all day, every day.
===Okay, at this point, he’s just trolling Oswego Willy.===
When ‘ck’ sends me an email, then I’ll know I’m on Rauner’s radar. This is about reinforcing a bought commodity.
“I own you.”
=== Some GOP legislators may not like being treated as wholly owned subsidiaries, but what do they have to lose?===
They better not say it out loud, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:53 pm
=and call Madigan out with him. =
hence his hypocrisy- “Madigan and the legislators he controls” from one side of his mouth…
“I’ll support” from the other.
Difference? None. Maybe. Madigan knows how to do it better without making it look like he is obviously trying to buy the votes.
Meet the new boss, same as the old. Wake up.
Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:55 pm
Hey, there’s always campaign finance reform. Not in Illinois, I bet. Not ever.
As to the periodic cash infusions, it’s legal, and rather clever. Because our esteemed legislators are going to rapidly become dependent on that money.
Comment by Cassandra Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:57 pm
Rauner, Inc. Capital fact. Nail meet dollar. Where is his moral persuasion? His iron clad argument for his agenda?
Comment by vole Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:57 pm
Psst TeamBungle did you tell the Bobbleheadthat +30% of his rentals were too embarrassed to cash the checks.
Anyone ask about the differin’ amounts?gf
Comment by Anonin' Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 1:58 pm
@vole:
Bruce has money…..that’s all the morals he needs.
Comment by Jack Stephens Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 2:04 pm
My money, my caucus.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 2:04 pm
- Arsenal -,
You make good points. Can you claim independence with you bi-yearly claim check of ownership, especially at a lower approval rating?
When the owner also promises a million dollar a seat in support, you won’t waver to far from your patron.
BTW, the “trolling” line made me laugh, well done.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 2:05 pm
OW - you missed “… my party…”
Where is Madonna to sing “Don’t cry for me ILGOP”
Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 2:17 pm
“So did I miss that MJM, during sesdiom, was donating, specifically to all Democratic members, even Democratic Senate members?”
Your complaint is actually not purchase of the caucus, but timing of when the check is delivered? Implicit campaign support during session is OK, but delivering that support during session is not? The concern is timing, not principle?
Ugh. What a double standard.
Comment by SAD Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 2:19 pm
-OW-
OTOH, I think it’s always hard to make voters care about fundraising stories (besides maybe the top line figure, but who even knows that in the state leg campaigns?), and “Republican gives Republican money” is definitely a dog-bites-man story.
But still, every Republican (every *candidate*) will want to project an image of independence, and this makes it harder. If nothing else, it’s made it easier for a Dem mailer against a particular rep to have a big ol’ pic of Mr. 35% on it.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 2:21 pm
“My caucus”
Rauner doesn’t earn things, he only buys them.
The GOP needs to consider if the loyalty they give this man is earned, or if they were bought.
Governor Rauner’s words answers it.
BOUGHT
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 2:27 pm
Dear Gov. Rauner,
Good afternoon.
Here are some easy steps to keep (deleted/redacted) like me off while you still get to continue this ownership (the only thibg in the world you claim ownership of, but I digress…) of the two caucuses, and without overt and blatent hypocrisy to boot.
This should take less and 45 minutes, even double checking your work.
1) Stop discussing the $400K, donations, “support”, etc.. This is easy. Just change to, “Republicans support Republicans, nothing new there.”, then zip it.
2) Immediately donate $50K to Durkin’s and Radogno’s Caucus committees. Why? “I support the leaders, they really are at the heart of what their members need.” I know, between us, that is “baloney”, but $50K compared to $20 million is nothing, and the jesture gives the illusion of autonomy.
3) Get a calendar. Have a “Superstar” call every single GOP GA member, absolutely do not skip this step, and from them directly, get their fundraiser dates. Note: do not skip this step. Actually start from scratch and get the dates absolutely from the members’ mouths. Also, a “Superstar” asking equals a buffer. You’re welcome.
4) Highlight TWO fundraisers for each member. Not 1, not 6, TWO.
5) Prepare pay schedules that equal actual event dates. Not before, not the day after, THE date, on the date, only the date.
6) Set “totals” that equal a grand total, not check totals; 4 + 2, 5 + 1, 3 + 3… they all equal 6, bit different ways to get there.
7) Never discuss “support” in the tones and language like you have been ever again. Ever. Never, ever.
8) Make a point to BE at one event. Why? So it’s not about the money, of course. Your attendance IS support too.
Now, if you are doing things like today to make sure a message is “sent” to your owned caucuses, then disregard. If you’re tired of this hypocrisy trick bag you keep getting yourself into, take the 45 minutes, and end your discussion about all this.
Sincerely,
OW
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 2:29 pm
I don’t agree that Rauner should do this, in a perfect democracy.
But as for the present and judging only by Rauner’s interests, I think this is pretty smart. You have to play by the other side’s rules to win. Right now, he can do this. The Democratic party might try to pass laws trying to stop it. They’re going to have to give up something in order to stop it legislatively.
Comment by Timmeh Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 2:30 pm
“not tied to a vote…” Good thing I swallowed before I read that.
Comment by Skeptic Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 2:34 pm
I hope union workers in Republican held districts are listening. Rauner wants to silence your voices, while buying your Representative’s vote.
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 2:42 pm
To all the Raunerbot “Madigan does it!”
1) like that? Example? (Note: Rauner was going to shake up and bring back, how is “business as usual”, according to you, doin’ that?)
2) Changing how it’s done, even following my 8-step program is still “just like MJM” and goes against the not I have in “1)”.
My whole point?
At least GIVE the illusion that 1) business as usual is over and 2) the GOP GA is autonomous to its constituents and not the the governor’s office.
Please. Thanks.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 2:42 pm
“It had no tie to any particular vote.”
“Every six months should cover all of them.”
Fixed.
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 2:43 pm
Rauner doing what he believes he was elected to do with all of the resources at his disposal. The hand-wringing will be as loud as it’s ever been, but only because it’ll be the first time since he was minority leader that Madigan actually has to worry about raising money. I don’t see how this hurts Rauner in any way. Everyone knows he’s loaded. It’s all the Dems every talk about. And “autonomy of the caucuses”? That actually made me laugh out loud. Even if there ever was “autonomy”, who cares?! They’re super minority powerless. They need Rauner if they want to have any shot at making gains in a Presidential year. He may not be doing the job the way a bunch of us would like, but he did win the election, and he’s entitled to govern as he believes is best for the state - with or without the approval of the insider/hack caucus(es).
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 2:44 pm
its not tied to one vote because its tied to all votes.
Comment by Abe the Babe Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 2:46 pm
Rauner believes that the best way to reform Illinois government is to corrupt it to show everyone that it needs to be reformed.
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 2:49 pm
Money. It’s how you take care of a squeaky wheel in politics.
Comment by Bulldog58 Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 2:49 pm
===And “autonomy of the caucuses”? That actually made me laugh out loud. Even if there ever was “autonomy”, who cares?!===
Maybe the people living in the 67 districts? You think on that…
===He may not be doing the job the way a bunch of us would like, but he did win the election, and he’s entitled to govern as he believes is best for the state - with or without the approval of the insider/hack caucus(es).===
… at the cost of the GOP GA. Collateral damage. Meh, voters don’t like it, who cares, I got $60 million in real and pledged monies, so if some Owls lose, or the pickups aren’t as great, what do I care?
“… he’s entitled to govern as he believes is best for the state - with or without the approval of the insider/hack caucus(es).”
Do you admit he owns the ILGOP, and the GOP GA, and we’re at his own peril.
Fun.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 2:50 pm
It’s a “rent with an option to own” arrangement.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 3:05 pm
airILGOP: Six month caucus rentals, no governin’ necessary.
Comment by Mittuns Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 3:15 pm
===- Mittuns - Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 3:15 pm:
airILGOP: Six month caucus rentals, no governin’ necessary. ===
governin’ ?? They don’t even have to vote.
Comment by Cuddles Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 3:33 pm
“You know, I’m the head of the Republican Party,” I thought Tim Schneider was chairman, Illinois Republican Party? Has he been informed he has been replaced by the Governor? Or does he just accept that he is only a figure head and the Illinois Republican Party State Central Committee no longer is of any importance?
Comment by Rod Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 3:34 pm
Rewarding career politicians that term limits are aimed at? Smarten up you are disposable.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 3:46 pm
- Arsenal -, I yhijk you’re On it that the imagery and such of an overall lack of indepence can and/or may hurt.
Voting as such (Ed Approp. for example) makes independence even more difficult. Being bold might come back to “bite” Rauner.
Appreciate the back and forth as always.
- Huh? -,
For $60 million, I bet Rauner could get Madonna. lol.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 3:49 pm
- SAD -,
Madigan doesn’t own his Caucus, and definitely doesn’t own the Senate Dems.
Rauner says he owns; “my caucus”
It ain’t a double standard, and the roll calls on SSM and Conceal Carry in the House are tgere for ya to look at as an example. Ugh, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 3:52 pm
For as long as ‘forever’ politicians have used money to gain support and bind their caucus. Threat of reprisal for breaking away from your leadership existed before the pilgrims landed. Few have used power and money more effectively than the Speaker, and Rauner would be be crazy not to do the same. This one doesn’t warrant debate, it’s as plain as the nose on your face. What IS interesting, is Rauner using his own money instead of money donated by others. That implies a lot of things warranting rampant speculation.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 4:04 pm
===What IS interesting, is Rauner using his own money instead of money donated by others. That implies a lot of things warranting rampant speculation.===
Great point.
“… my caucus… ”
That speaks directly to that, doesn’t it?
It’s a one-man show, one-man party, not one man helping or helping to run a party…
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 4:07 pm
–To all the Raunerbot “Madigan does it!”
1) like that? Example?–
You’re right: if the distinction is that Madigan’s always-present threat to turn on you in the next primary (to the point of not only running a candidate against you but running fake candidates with similar sounding names to ciphon off your votes) vs. making regular contributions throughout the term, and being a savvy enough politician not to use the word “own” vs. being a neophyte, absolutely there’s a difference.
Clearly the Democrats must stop this monster Rauner. Too bad they don’t have the supermajority power to do so.
Comment by lake county democrat Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 4:29 pm
30% of the GOPies did not cash the checks if that does not confirm it is sleazy….
Comment by Anonin' Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 4:31 pm
Makes sense to me!
Comment by Levois Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 4:32 pm
===if the distinction is that Madigan’s always-present threat to turn on you in the next primary (to the point of not only running a candidate against you but running fake candidates with similar sounding names to ciphon off your votes) ===
When, specifically, did he ever do that to an incumbent Democrat?
The last time I remember him running somebody against a sitting Dem was Al Ronan, who tried to take him out as Speaker. Seemed justified.
Perhaps I forgot somebody?
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 4:33 pm
===Clearly the Democrats must stop this monster Rauner. Too bad they don’t have the supermajority power to do so.===
It’s not up to Denocrats to help the GOP get our “house in order”. It’s up to the GOP to bring a party together, not be under the thumb of one man.
- Anonin’ -, I can see Rauner goin’ EFT, you know, to make sure no “no cashin’ checks” happens again, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 4:36 pm
MJM is promising and funding at grassroots levels - knowing those people (townships, other orgs, etc.) can be crucial in GOTV efforts. That’s in addition to the candidate level. It’s smart, not obvious, and demonstrates a desire to shore up the frontline machine instead of just the candidate. Rauner is focusing on candidates. It’s interesting - and will be more interesting when we have an election teed up to see how it goes.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 4:37 pm
The guy seems to respond more to criticism than govern.
Comment by Liberty Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 4:38 pm
(This is SNARK. Snark)
To: All GOP members of My Caucus
From: Bruce Rauner, your Patron
Re: Donations
Hi all,
Someone will be contacting you about routing numbers and banking institutions. It’s important that each and every one of you receive my generosity. I will be instructing my campaign treasurer to transfer you bi-yearly payments via EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) to ensure both you and I inderstand each other. Fully.
Those not in complete compliance with this procedure can/will face a “problem”, and we all don’t want any problems.
An alternative is for my campaign to create a new campaign account for you, and then I’d expect the balances, all monies, would then be transferred to the new account we created, and with a treasurer of our choosing. Up to you.
I look forward to hearing all I’ve asked is completed
Your Pal,
Bruce
(Snark)
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 4:44 pm
- Lincoln Lad -,
If it’s the micro, MJM and Cullerton understand the street, block, house idea of winning in the precincts.
We will all see how deep in these districts Rauner can/will go, with recruiting as party of the formula…
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 4:49 pm
Keep supportin’ me and I’ll keep them checks a comin’ fer shure.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 5:04 pm
Rich - I’m thinking of a race to replace a retiring rep, where he ran the deceptive-name candidate and others to defeat this particular candidate (forget the name but I recall it was a woman). As far as incumbents, I don’t know if there’s a scenario where the rep 1) challenges the Speaker forcefully in a showdown of comparable import as we’re seeing now (maybe it’s never happened) but 2) didn’t seek to topple/replace Madigan as leader of the party and 3) Madigan still supported them. Maybe it’s never happened because they know what’s in his arsenal. And as I alluded to, he still controls the party funding which arguably has heightened importance during the primaries (inarguably in districts sufficiently gerrymandered and/or deeply blue).
Comment by lake county democrat Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 5:28 pm
==When, specifically, did he ever do that to an incumbent Democrat?==
Not even when he should have done so.
https://capitolfax.com/2014/06/18/derrick-smith-and-mjm/
Comment by Formerly Known As... Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 5:34 pm
If you do not vote the way Madigan and Rauner want you to vote when they ask you to, their campaign support for you will dry up quickly.
When either asks you for a ==favor== like they Godfather, you had better do that ==favor== if you want their full support.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 5:39 pm
===Maybe it’s never happened because they know what’s in his arsenal.===
Oh geez, now you are “proving” it because it never happened? lol. That’s delicious.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 5:40 pm
“It’s good to be rich” - Mel Brooks
Comment by Rufus Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 5:43 pm
Republicans are now owned by a multimillionaire and two billionaires. Who didn’t see this coming?
For those who are Republicans and lament that their party is owned: please, no tears. No cryin’. Channel the lack of sympathy felt toward unions who failed at beating Rauner.
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:13 pm
Rauner bought the Illinois GOP fair and square. Sad to say, there were no other bidders.
So when he tells you to vote “no” on an increase in the K-12 budget, you do it. When he later signs that bill, you say nothing.
And when the governor’s tax increase comes along, many of you will do as you’re told and vote “yes.”
So, some of you will go into next year with a “no” vote for increased K-12 funding and a “yes” vote for higher taxes.
What a brilliant plan! Problem? Take it up with the boss.
Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 7:17 pm
lake county democrat, the person who I think probably fits all three criteria, and at least two of the three, would be Jay Hoffman. Jay was definitely in the dog house for a period of time, but I am pretty sure the Speaker didn’t have to buy him to get him back in the fold.
Comment by Juice Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 7:25 pm
OW, just think what kinda dough the Consulting Firm would be pulling down by now with this kind of advice?
Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 10:04 pm
===OW, just think what kinda dough the Consulting Firm would be pulling down by now with this kind of advice?===
If you play “rainmaker”, set up some meetings.
Obviously I’m the “bad cop” in the firm. Dunno if that’s a plus or a minus, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 10:18 pm
Aren’t there limits to how much one committee, or individual, can give another during an election cycle? Would $10,000 every six months violate that?
Comment by Michael Westen Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 11:20 pm