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* Remember that letter to the four tops and the governor yesterday from several good government groups which offered to host a meeting to “discuss solutions for the current prolonged budget impasse threatening our state”?
Well, Speaker Madigan called them back. Not only was he interested in the idea, he also suggested that the meeting be held in public.
The Union League Club offered a room. A date has been set: November 18th from 9:30 to noon.
“We’re now in the process of going back to all the leaders,” said Susan Garrett, who chairs the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform.
I’ll let you know what I hear from the rest of them.
*** UPDATE *** Senate President John Cullerton’s spokesperson just told me that Cullerton has accepted the invite and will attend.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:11 am
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Comment by Austin Blvd Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:12 am
$5 says Rauner won’t participate.
$10 says they call it a “sham” meeting.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:13 am
Wow, this might be the end of this mess.
How can Gov. Rauner refuse? And, if he doesn’t refuse, how can he defend his position publicly?
Hopefully, this is the light at the end of this bottomless pit.
Comment by Try-4-Truth Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:13 am
I doubt that Rauner will participate. He doesn’t do well when asked non-scripted questions and if it is public, he definitely won’t show.
Comment by Big Joe Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:15 am
It’s a good thing all around if Rauner refuses.
1. it puts the onus on him, where it belongs.
2. Durkin and Radogno show up actually in the mood to talk, that’s where the action is anyway.
3. Can we get Edgar and Thompson to show?
Comment by History Prof Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:16 am
@47th,
Agreed. I’m sure Goldberg is writing a pithy missive right now decrying this ’sham meeting in the extreme’.
Comment by How Ironic Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:16 am
Maybe Sandack will show up in Rauner’s place. He is a puppet for him on everything.
Comment by Big Joe Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:16 am
$20 says Garrett’s real response was… what? He’s actually coming?
Comment by Centennial Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:16 am
Susan Garrett - my former state senator (Democrat). Seemed to have a bit of an independent streak.
Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:17 am
I was going to suggest that this is fertile ground for a contest.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:21 am
I am some combination of surprised/pleased/amused.
Comment by The Captain Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:23 am
Madigan certainly hasn’t lost a step.
Can’t wait to see Bruce reading from his talking points list in a public forum.
Comment by Daniel Plainview Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:24 am
It’d be nice if Radogno is next to RSVP Yes. Wishful thinking?
Comment by Robert the Bruce Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:24 am
Brilliant. If Rauner declines, he’s the patsy obstructionist. If he accepts, he’s forced to meaningfully talk about the budget. Either way, Rauner loses the smoke/mirrors cover abruptly (versus the daily drip that’s killing him by 1000 lashes).
Comment by out of touch Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:25 am
So maybe it is not “Madigan?”
Comment by downstate commissioner Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:25 am
Madigan, “Governor, I ‘call’…”
This is exactly what Jim Edgar is trying to force to happen;
Focus on the state, not on an “Agenda”
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:26 am
Love it. Madigan and Cullerton can say, “lets talk numbers” and the gov can explain why he can’t/won’t.
Comment by Relocated Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:27 am
Thank God Madigan said yes. He should have proposed this idea himself months ago but better that it’s coming from his “natural allies” the goo-goos. Should make for some nice theater. Rauner either won’t come or wont’ say anything. Afterall, he truly believes he’s winning.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:27 am
A public and open discussion on critical issues facing the state?
What a sham.
Comment by Wordslinger Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:27 am
Now we’re talking. Get the cameras in there, and lock the door. Granola bars and water all around. I’ll hope that come Thanksgiving we get to see as much hostile honesty from all 5 than we have to date.
Comment by Kodachrome Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:27 am
There is no way Rauner actively participates in this type of meeting. He has little hope in winning. Madigan and Cullerton will have little problem publicly defending their positions to the majority of voters in this State.
My guess is that the Rauner team is in a room right now trying to figure out how to attend without actually participating in the process. It should be interesting to see what they come up with.
Comment by Pelonski Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:28 am
And if he says no, it will be something like, “I won’t attend this sham put on my Madigan and the good government groups he controls…”
Comment by Chicago Cynic Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:28 am
===his “natural allies” the goo-goos===
LOL
I can’t stop laughing.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:28 am
47th beat me to it.
Next up, what Rauner buzzwords will be used in the rejection of the meeting.
Comment by Norseman Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:30 am
Kodachrome
Don’t forget — lots of water, and lock the bathroom doors. The little things matter, ya know.
Comment by Not quite a majority Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:30 am
I agree eith “History Prof @ 11:16am”. But in addition to inviting former Governors Edgar & Thompson,I would invite a few others also,like Munger. And with Madigan & Cullerton also there, Iwould hope there would be enough seriousness an willingness to hammer out an Agreement Otherwise downgrades as well as more service providers and landlords will continue torefuse taking more IOUs fromthe State. Enough people have been hurt too much from all of this. If for no other reason, the Republicans should start to realize that they are just handing future elections over to the opposition.
Comment by Capitol Fax Follower Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:30 am
“The good government groups in this state have sat idly while Speaker Madigan and the politicians he controls have run this state into the ground.”
/s
Comment by Grass Bowl Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:32 am
“What’s all this about negotiatin’? There’s more shaking up to do! Sorry can’t make it. ‘
Comment by Nero says let it burn Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:33 am
Public meetings is the best way to work this conumdrum.
Comment by Pius Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:35 am
Little Birdie Reporting Service has this special alert on Governor Rauner.
Sources inside the Rauner administration reports that the Governor was viewed with uncontrollable shaking. The source denied there was a health problem stating, “he’s frightened over the idea of a public meeting. You know he hate’s doing things off script.”
Comment by Norseman Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:36 am
They should auction off tickets and have proceeds go to pay for day care. Of course, Rauner will stack the room…unless he believes that Madigan controls the Union League Club.
Comment by Charlie Foxtrot Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:36 am
Like Rauner would participate in a forum organized by Madigan and the goo-goos he controls…
Comment by hisgirlfriday Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:37 am
Gonna be hard for the governor to play the “victim” in this setting.
Comment by ToughGuy Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:37 am
Prediction:
Rauner will attend, then dart out after a few minutes ‘to attend a meeting with legislative leaders, including Madigan, Cullerton and others’, just like he did during the Holocaust remembrance.
When asked later why he left the actual meeting, to go to a sham meeting, Rauner smiled and just said “I called them, personally left each of them a message”.
Comment by How Ironic Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:39 am
“Please don’t fling me into that public discussion of possible solutions for the current prolonged budget impasse threatening our state!” — Br’er Madigan
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:39 am
Rauner’s attendance may depend on whether the invite letter (”…to discuss solutions for the current prolonged budget impasse threatening our state.”) can be interpreted to mean that some Turnaround Agenda items can be discussed. Or is it budget only? I can read it both ways.
Comment by Robert the Bruce Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:40 am
I believe Madigan’s actual response was “I’ll bring the apples.”
Comment by Dance Band on the Titanic Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:40 am
“===his “natural allies” the goo-goos===
LOL
I can’t stop laughing.”
Thanks, Rich. As an old goo-goo myself, I appreciate the laughter.
Comment by Keyrock Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:40 am
Please, Rauner: refuse.
Refuse. And publically. Say, “I won’t meet.”
This is what you want — so why go through the motions and pretend like, yeah, this is a good idea.
Just refuse it. I want to see the fireworks when this happens.
Comment by Macbeth Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:41 am
Any truth to the rumor that when Madigan sent in his reservation he signed it “Checkmate”?
Comment by How Ironic Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:43 am
The Governor will only participate at the Union League Club as long as they agree to his demand that their club become the Disunion League Club…
Comment by Captain Illini Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:44 am
Rich,
Unfortunately, the Governor will not be able to attend the Sham-meeting due to a previously scheduled out of State doubles tournament.
Regards, CK
Comment by Beaner Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:44 am
November 18th???!!??!!! That’s 25 days away. This is an urgent matter. The meeting needs held pre-Halloween, not a week before Turkey Day.
Comment by Mattman Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:45 am
I would be surprised if Rauner participates in any meaningful manner. I truly believe that his goal, just like the Tea Party and Freedom Caucus in Washington, is to shut down government until his extreme extortionist demands, which have little to do with the budget crisis, are met. Moody’s downgrade further serve’s Rauner’s ultimate doomsday plans.
Comment by Retired lawyer Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:46 am
I wonder if he’s willing to take questions? I’d love to see Andy Shaw “moderating” this kind of meeting and setting the agenda. The best topics would be the simplest; “How much can we cut out of the current operating budget and how much revenue will need to be raised from Illinois businesses and taxpayers?” What effects will this tax increase have on Illinois’ economy? “How many jobs and wage earners will it drive out of Illinois?” “What can be done to slow the growth of education spending in Illinois, which already is spending about 18% above the national average?” “What should be done regarding cost shifting from the state to local schools and municipalities?” “For fiscal year 2016, what is the right mix between spending cuts and tax increases to balance the budget?”
Of course, the more likely topics will be, “How do we increase spending to achieve more income equality?” “What can we do to provide more services and resources to those here illegally?” and “How much should we raise the minimum wage regardless of the economic impact of lost jobs and declining business growth?”
Comment by Arizona Bob Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:48 am
It’s showtime, folks!
Comment by phocion Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:48 am
Strategic response points go to Madigan. Now, we wait for Rauner to return the volley or concede.
Comment by Aldyth Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:50 am
The master strikes again! Dealer: “MJM calls…over to you Bruce Almighty” #pwned
Comment by Lawyered Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:51 am
There’s one notable similarity between Madigan and Rauner. Neither is a “builder” or a “salesman”. Both are “brokers” who make deals within a very small circle of decision makers, and who really aren’t very good in making the case for the deals they’re brokering. The deals are simply based on power and position, and “small fries” don’t get a seat at the table. That’s why this kind of appearance from Madigan is kind of a head scratcher, as it would be for Rauner if he shows.
Comment by Arizona Bob Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:52 am
May need a bigger venue - when do tickets go on sale?
Comment by Bogey Golfer Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:53 am
This is something I would personally go to watch..,
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:53 am
Why does that cranky Arizona person hate schools so much?
Comment by Tuesday's Pizza Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:55 am
===That’s why this kind of appearance from Madigan is kind of a head scratcher===
Nah.
He’s been doing budget negotiations for decades. Rauner has not. Accepting is a no-brainer for MJM.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:55 am
Actually, if they sell tickets to this, they’d make a lot of money that could buy stuff like, um, Meals on Wheels.
Of course, if Rauner is a no-show, then people will demand refunds.
Comment by Macbeth Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:56 am
MJM opens to public, billions in ticket sales, solves budget crisis in one meeting! #boom
Comment by Lawyered Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:56 am
==Accepting is a no-brainer for MJM==
Should be a no-brainer for all of them to accept and I bet they all will.
Comment by cb Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:57 am
I dunno - is it really that impossible in an interactive forum to put Madigan on the defensive? Walk in there with a map of our gerrymandered state and demand that the cameras show it, then press him to deny that he has any ties to Michael Kasper, or that previous attempts at reform in the legislature are blocked. Say that he wishes he could trust the Democrats to negotiate the turnaround agenda items “Fairly” and just do a budget now, but look at recent history. Keep repeating that if Madigan wants a balanced budget without raising taxes, that can be negotiated right here and now (”tell me where you would cut, Michael”), but if he is insisting on tax hikes he’s not going to do that to the hard working people of Illinois unless everything is on the table, ESPECIALLY when taxes are going up everywhere else. Rauner may have a 1% agenda, but it’s not hard for him to talk-up a middle class agenda.
The GOP thought an all-day assault on Hillary Clinton was a good idea. How’d that work out? (Yes, I get it, Rauner is no Hillary and Madigan is no no-name House panel member, but still…)
Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 11:59 am
Cullerton gets in on da action! Crisis creates opportunity…wait…this seems rational…no crisis, no opportunity! BR: “Dag gonnete.”
Comment by Lawyered Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:01 pm
They should host this “main event” in the United Center…
The only political spectacle I can think of that might be better than this would be watching a cage match with Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton wrestling Donald trump and Carly Fiorina. The pre-match talk would be priceless.
Comment by Charlie Foxtrot Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:01 pm
Now comes the negotiatin’ over seating, who speaks when, who else can attend, etc. i predict Rauner will attend, along w nudin’ and goldberg. Rauner will give his usual lecture on the need for the TA, still presented as a precondition. Madigan and cullerton will call his bluff by scheduling votes on each issue rauner wants, in the exact form rauner wants. Thats when goldberg will call the process a sham, bec dems havent agreed to “compromise” (capitulate). At some point, cullerton will quietly list the litany of social service damage done, and say lets talk about the budget. Rauner will say fine, pass the dem only tax increase–nudin’ durkin and radogno can handle
the details. And walk out.
We have seen this script over and over. Not gonna change, just the setting, and the theatrics. Dems are scared and rauner is winnin’.
Comment by Langhorne Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:02 pm
===then press him to deny that he has any ties to Michael Kasper===
You’re just goofy. I mean, why would he deny ties to Kasper. It’s his guy. Sheesh, man. You need a nap or something.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:02 pm
The heat is on…Rauner is in a no win situation.
Comment by Former Hoosier Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:04 pm
==This is something I would personally go to watch..,==
Me too. May I sit at your table if I don’t hog the bread, OW?
Comment by Robert the Bruce Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:04 pm
Madigan…and the good government groups he controls…
Comment by Lawyered Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:04 pm
Dems will be outnumbered 3-2 so they will be the underdogs…just like their voting base.
Comment by Charlie Foxtrot Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:04 pm
“You’re just goofy. *** Sheesh, man. You need a nap or something.”
Is it just me or is Rich getting kinder in his old age.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:05 pm
Any bets that Rauner forces Durkin or Radogno to be the scapegoat that can’t attend?
Comment by Daniel Plainview Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:06 pm
===Me too. May I sit at your table if I don’t hog the bread, OW?===
They should raffle tables off for charity.
I don’t worry about the bread. It’s the oil and cheese, lol. I’ll keep the date open, bud.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:08 pm
==I dunno - is it really that impossible in an interactive forum to put Madigan on the defensive?==
No, but it’s pretty hard to beat a message of “we need cuts and revenue” with a message of “I completely agree, but I wanna whack unions first because I wanna.”
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:09 pm
Rauner won’t be available. He’s got other commitments. But he’d love to attend. He really would.
Comment by Macbeth Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:10 pm
==You’re just goofy. I mean, why would he deny ties to Kasper. It’s his guy. Sheesh, man. You need a nap or something.==
Why does he need to? All the voters who care about- or can even name- Mike Kasper picked a side a long, long time ago.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:11 pm
Who is Susan Garrett?
Comment by Carhartt Union Negotiating Team Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:12 pm
Bruce, sorry man, the whole state is singing Kenny Rogers in unison outside your mansion. ” You’ve got to know when to hold ‘em…” My bet says we have a budget before then to save Bruce the indignity of publically dealing with realities of running a state and dealing with issues that aren’t on the script.
Comment by Nero says let it burn Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:12 pm
ok i would pay money to watch this live…. somone get a cable station in there….
Comment by Ghost Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:13 pm
@- @MisterJayEm - Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:05 pm:
Is it just me or is Rich getting kinder in his old age.
– MrJM
MrJM, don’t forget Rich had his first Yoga lesson yesterday. He’s learning not to sweat the small stuff.
Comment by How Ironic Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:17 pm
Does Steve Brown know how to send an invite to Bruce Rauner’s twitter page? I’d love to see something of substance there
Comment by Jocko Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:17 pm
Any action on whether the GOP tops attend? Now that MJM and Cullerton are attending, it amps up the heat on them too. And if they come, Rauner surely won’t want to be left outside looking in.
After all, he’s ‘winning’ right now.
Comment by How Ironic Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:18 pm
===he also suggested that the meeting be held in public.===
To cause as much well deserved embarrassment to the people that are holding the process hostage.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:21 pm
I bet the Governor doesn’t show. If he does it’s not because he wants to. I would hope that Durkin and Radogno are invited. They would need the Governor’s permission first though. If they attend I can hear them now saying ” Illinois needs some much needed structural reform before any discussions on a budget”. If that’s the case the hostage crisis continues and Illinois continues to sink further in debt by the day.
Comment by The Dude Abides Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:23 pm
==Thank God Madigan said yes. He should have proposed this idea himself.==
Who says he didn’t?
Madigan’s always been about “good government,” and Garrett’s a Dem, so by definition she’s in his pocket.
(kidding)
Comment by walker Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:24 pm
will tickets be sold for this event? popcorn? I really hope this will be open to the public; I’d happily stand in line overnight for this
Comment by Dozer Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:24 pm
“Shoot, now I have to finish reading the “politics 102″ course book. I was told I could skip all of that and run for President. I was going to be the next Scott Walker!”
Comment by Nero says let it burn Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:25 pm
This is awesome! Yay! I will buy a ticket! Let me know when they go on sale, jeez, I will buy a table!
Lake County Democrat, this is about the budget, not about fair maps, that is kind of the point, the budget needs to be dealt with. I have also seen many try to put Madigan on the defense, the guy is a pro, so good luck with that. Looks like he was on the offense with this move.
Comment by burbanite Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:27 pm
How long until Rauner declines and the Raunerites decline? How long after that until the Tribbies torch them for it? The end of time?
Comment by Precinct Captain Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:30 pm
It’s probably going to be held on the day Rauner’s Wine of the Month Club offering is supposed to be delivered. Really, he’d be there except for that.
Comment by Aldyth Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:31 pm
This needs to be moderated similar to labor arbitration meetings. Hopefully this group of good government groups puts this expectation on the table. To have all these folks come together and then give their stump speech, drop the mike and walk out accomplishes nothing.
Comment by Illinifan Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:32 pm
Why do I have a feeling that this is going to turn into a WWF Attitude Era showdown?! Each faction will come out and run their mouths while also hamming it up for the camera.
Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:44 pm
===Why do I have a feeling that this is going to turn into a WWF Attitude Era showdown?!===
I doubt it. When the cameras are on and they are all in the room together, whoever loses their cool loses public opinion.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:47 pm
Unfortunately Rauner won’t be able to attend. He’s announcing State Child Care Month in Bullpit, Illinois, along with additional cuts to State funded child care and further tightening of who qualifies.
First things first.
Comment by Sir Reel Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:52 pm
I haven’t been this excited since Lee Daniels challenged Gary Forby to a debate.
(the debate, unfortunately, never happened)
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 12:58 pm
Rauner is too busy Governing and Winning to attend.
Comment by ihpsdm Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 1:01 pm
“But in addition to inviting former Governors Edgar & Thompson,I would invite a few others also, like Munger.”
If Munger isn’t there then the Gov. has cover and can put everything on her.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 1:03 pm
Dems are scared and Rauner is “winnin”??????????????
Comment by Buzzie Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 1:04 pm
Blago once asked madigan if he would chair the leaders mtg.
Maybe this group could elect a jury foreman
Comment by Langhorne Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 1:06 pm
MrJM @11:39 - Bravo. I might be the only one who got that reference.
Comment by Dee Lay Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 1:07 pm
No diversions … let the five have at it. Any others who can provide information should be there for that purpose only.
This represents a huge win opportunity for Madigan and Cullerton and great risk for the Governor. Imagine Rauner trying to quantify the Turnaround Agenda in dollars and cents enough to justify the budget stalemate. The meeting is Madigan’s and Cullerton’s to lose.
Comment by Great Caesar's Ghost! Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 1:09 pm
If all invitees accept I’m going to hawk souvenirs; especially those big foam fingers. Only, it won’t be the index finger that’s extended….
Comment by Cubs in '16 Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 1:17 pm
LCD: It seems that this whole thing is mostly about remapping reform for you, but can you expand your repertoire a bit? In the context of taxes, social services, education, being business friendly, and economic concerns — pointing to a “gerrymandered” map won’t win the day for Rauner.
Comment by walker Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 1:21 pm
My concern is that having this discussion publicly would turn out to be just a case of competing press conferences. If they can’t get things done in private, what makes anyone believe they’ll get things done in public?
Comment by Snucka Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 1:39 pm
Who is Susan Garrett? Bruce’s neighbor…
Comment by Charlie Foxtrot Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 1:41 pm
Agenda item number one should be Rauner’s proposed budget.
Comment by Charlie Foxtrot Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 1:46 pm
I can just visualize those redacted items in the governor’s appointment book.
Comment by Dome Gnome Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 1:48 pm
Dear Susan,
Unfortunately, Governor Rauner will be unable to attend your forum. Instead, he will be meeting with foreign dignitaries. And, he will also allow time in his schedule to attend any police or fire funerals which might arise.
Thanks!
ck
Comment by Former Hoosier Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 1:52 pm
I suspect the “sham” release will drop about 5:01 p.m., the brave heart hour on Friday.
Comment by Wordslinger Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 1:54 pm
This would be a much better location for this event:
http://www.daycarecenterssite.com/Chicago-IL/Children-First-Inc2.html
Comment by vibes Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 1:55 pm
===Unfortunately, Governor Rauner will be unable to attend your forum. Instead, he will be meeting with foreign dignitaries. And, he will also allow time in his schedule to attend any police or fire funerals which might arise.===
And no, the Governor’s schedule is a private matter. You may not see it. Thanks! ck
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 1:56 pm
Friday 5pm refusal.
Wait for it.
Comment by Macbeth Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 1:57 pm
FH, the governor does not meet with just any “foreign dignitaries.”
He meets with “world leaders.” That’s top of the list.
Comment by Wordslinger Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 1:57 pm
“The ongoing budget negotiations are serious. We need a budget. I’m disappointed we don’t have a budget. A public event is not the proper venue for budget discussions. This just proves that Madigan is more interested in theatre than serious negotiations.”
Comment by Macbeth Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 1:59 pm
Rauner can’t attend because it would be held at the Union League Club that Madigan controls.
Comment by Keyrock Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 2:07 pm
Been out for a couple of hours. Thought we might have another update. Now why I thought that I don’t know. Rauner and his leaders are probably trying to figure out what they want to do. Assuming, Rauner’s gotten over the shakes at the thought of having to think on his feet.
Comment by Norseman Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 2:10 pm
Wordslinger…
The only world leaders the gov meets are the owners of Camping World or Window World, since the rest are just foreign…
Comment by Captain Illini Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 2:14 pm
And still no word from Rauner. #winning
Comment by Chicago Cynic Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 2:15 pm
Internal polling says the governor should wait out those pesky good government groups. They are bluffing. They will crack any minute now…. /s
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 2:19 pm
Macbeth, I don’t know for sure if you are serious or joking. Of course the budget is serious. The budget should have been done 4 months ago. There is one man who is in no hurry for a budget because he feels he will eventually get what he wants from the crisis he systematically created. A public event is being planned because things are going from bad to worse and people are tired of waiting for the Governor to show some leadership. He is the only one who can get the ball moving. He doesn’t want to do anything yet with the budget because he is an ideologue and citizens suffering are secondary to that.
Comment by The Dude Abides Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 2:20 pm
The show must go on if a no show empty chairs with cardboard cutouts and taped responses
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 2:20 pm
Bruce responds: “For speaker Madigan to throw me under the buss like that is foul. I guess they took for granted I was going to be there. I told them emphatically that I was going out of town. They knew d&mn well I was going to be gone.”
Comment by Lawyered Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 2:26 pm
Maybe they could address Rauner’s empty chair…like what Clint Eastwood did.
Comment by Bogey Golfer Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 2:32 pm
Clint got a bum rap. They never vetted what he was going to do, and he just did his thing, probably after many beers.
I thought it was cool, certainly within the context a of deadly dull convention.
Comment by Wordslinger Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 2:41 pm
My bet is Rauner will blow it off. He needs the crisis to give him his unconditional victory. The whole store has been bet on this. To accept would be to sell the ILGOP down the river. They have caused all this pain in order to win and only win. Rauner has put the ILGOP in the situation where winning, total victory is the only option. Rauner has told the ILGOP “you shall see your enemies driven before you and hear the lamentations of their women”. And they believed him and formed up behind him. To compromise would be like Conan talking things through with Thulsa Doom (James Earl Jones character) over tea. Can’t happen. The illusion that he is the pro-business Conan must be maintained at all costs to keep the followers jacked up and in line.
Comment by Honeybear Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 2:46 pm
=== Maybe they could address Rauner’s empty chair… ===
Didn’t Cullerton and Madigan say that it’s felt like they’ve been talking to an empty chair all along or was it that he wasn’t engaged. (1/2 s)
Comment by Norseman Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 2:54 pm
What a photo op “Public Budget Forum Legislative Leaders Attend - Gov Rauner a no-show” (empty chair).
Comment by How Ironic Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 3:04 pm
I think Rauner and his crew of indentured servants accept. Seriously, they get crushed public opinion wise if they don’t go. Right?
Comment by JS Mill Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 3:05 pm
Maybe he can pull a Sammy Sosa and pretend not to speak English.
Comment by paddyrollingstone Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 3:09 pm
Maybe it’s hard to feel a sense of urgency about a meeting of good government groups when your agenda is to shrink government and drown it in a bathtub.
Comment by olddog Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 3:12 pm
^^ Up there somewhere, someone suggested adding more people. Let’s not turn it into a Republican debate. The more time Madigan, Cullerton, and Rauner have to speak, the more they really have to defend themselves. You know, in the cosy hypothetical universe where Rauner accepts.
Comment by Timmeh Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 3:17 pm
Susan,
The Governor has determined that ‘good government’ is an oxymoron and thus, sham. He respectfully declines your invitation.
Regards,
ck
Comment by Cubs in '16 Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 3:45 pm
The governor will only agree to meet at that location if “Union” is removed from its name.
Thanks,
ck
Comment by PublicServant Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 3:59 pm
My guess is the Illinois Chamber will offer a similar forum to the leaders over this weekend and Bruce will say he can’t make the Garret one due to scheduling but he’ll be there for the Chamber event. The Chamber event will be scheduled before Nov 18 because they obviously care more about the dire needs of the State more than Garrett. Thereby the Chamber can control the narrative and give Bruce cover during the event.
Comment by DuPage Bard Friday, Oct 23, 15 @ 4:00 pm