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* Rep. Don Moffitt (R-Gilson) has been endorsed by unions pretty much every election cycle. He recently announced his retirement, but don’t expect a break with Gov. Bruce Rauner any time soon if this quote is any indication of where he stands…
Rep. Don Moffitt, R-Galesburg, who was at the bakery, said that he didn’t think the impasse would end before January and that what’s happening now shouldn’t be a surprise.
“He was elected by the people with pretty strong support. He ran on an agenda of shaking Springfield up,” said Moffitt, who plans to retire at the end of his term. “We shouldn’t be surprised at anything that’s happened so far. Gov. Rauner is keeping his commitment, he’s keeping his promise. And he is shaking things up.”
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 11:32 am
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I bet all those unions feel really foolish right now…
I would.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 11:35 am
actually he prmised he was not antiunion, and leaned on that fact to get votes. so he is breaking his promise with his pursuit of new laws to remove all collective baragining….. this standoff is about not keeping to what he said to get elected
Comment by Ghost Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 11:36 am
He was elected with pretty strong support? Really?
Comment by burbanite Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 11:36 am
so we should expect Mr Moffitt to be working for in the administration in 3…2…1.
Comment by Tom Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 11:36 am
Pretty strong support? It wasn’t a landslide and there was a very low turnout. What are these guys drinking?
Comment by ash Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 11:37 am
Congrats on the Director of Ag spot, Representative.
Comment by Juice Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 11:37 am
OW the unions had a lot of conservative republicans, especially in southern illinois. many state workers were hired under gop administattions, and several before rutan even
they supported rauner because they thought he was focused on other reforms. antecdotally they regret their support now that he isncoming after their wages and benefits.
Comment by Ghost Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 11:38 am
“He was elected by the people with pretty strong support.”
50.27%
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 11:39 am
No mandate for union busting.
Comment by Relocated Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 11:39 am
“Dear Labor Movement,
We’re over you. Rauner said so. You messed up, you trusted us.
Oh well.
Very truly yours,
The ‘New’ GOP GA
A subsidiary of the Raunerite ILGOP, Inc.
cc: Bruce Rauner, Proprietor.”
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 11:41 am
Rich,
Something that I keep in the back of my mind when I read stories like this; Has there been an abnormal amount of turnover/retirements in the GA over the last 8 years?
Comment by Jockey Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 11:42 am
=who plans to retire at the end of his term=
Translation: Unions can’t hurt me now..
Comment by Mouthy Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 11:42 am
- Ghost -,
I get it. Elections have consequences, and those who may feel they were duped, I feel for them most.
In 3 years, they can decide if sending Gov. Rauner back is “worth it” to them.
They can feel duped, and also feel foolish.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 11:44 am
“He was elected by the people with pretty strong support.”
He got 50.3% of the vote, barely a majority. Compare that with Edgar who once won the Governor’s race by 29 points. Heck, in 2002 even Blagojevich had more.
Comment by The Captain Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 11:47 am
Are we expecting Moffitt to be like Hercules and take on Rauner on his own? Acting independently of the Rauner-controlled House GOP?
That would be unrealistic.
It would certainly be admirable, but not realistic.
Comment by Austin Blvd Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 11:52 am
Uh-Oh. Stay away from the bakery!
https://capitolfax.com/2013/05/28/rep-moffitt-loses-100-pounds-keeps-it-off/
Comment by LizPhairTax Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 11:52 am
“Heck, in 2002 even Blagojevich had more.” And you know what drove a whole bunch of that? He wasn’t a Republican. Just like Rauner wasn’t Quinn.
Comment by Skeptic Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 11:55 am
Don, I know you know better. You should be ashamed. I’m so disappointed in you.
Comment by Eugene Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 11:56 am
I have a feeling Moffitt was asked to retire because his boss (Rauner) knows Moffitt was a union backer.
Comment by Mama Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 12:00 pm
As we saw in Wisconsin, a lot of forced unionized workers would rather be free of them. When given a choice, a lot of Wisconsin teachers left the unions.
I would guess that in most service industries, about 40% of those forced to join would leave if given the chance in Illinois. 40% of the union vote going to the GOP is often enough to turn the tide.
Comment by Arizona Bob Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 12:01 pm
I hate to be cynical - just as I was the other day when I noted Rep. Sullivan’s potential future endeavors - but I wouldn’t be surprised if Rep. Moffitt winds up as a Director/Secretary (or something similar).
Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 12:04 pm
–”We shouldnt be surprised…..Gov. Rauner is keeping his commitment, he’s keeping his promise.”–
Rep. Moffitt
–”Pushing any specific labor legislation is not my priority at all.”–
Bruce Rauner, October 2014
–”Bruce doesn’t have a social agenda.”–
Diana Rauner, over and over, on the tee-vee, 2014
It’s just so easy for some people, isn’t it? Is there a name for that?
Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 12:04 pm
Congrats on the Director of Ag spot, Representative.
Don pumped a bunch of tax dollars into the Galesburg Fire Dept. Where his son works & became a Union darling . It seems he lost more than a little respect by selling his “present” vote to the Gov. for a future prize that will surprise few.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 12:06 pm
Bet those Union folk are sorry they didn’t GOTV for Quinn.
Comment by donNobid Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 12:08 pm
enough of these questions of when do you think it will end. so sick of that question.
start asking every ga member and rauner what they are personally doing to get a budget before january.
I really dont want to die on an icy interstate highway getting to work this december because the roads arent salted.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 12:11 pm
“Boy, we showed Quinn!”
Voting against your better selves? I hve no sympathy.
“What are you prepared to do, Labor Movement?”
This, this is why Rauner doesn’t fear the Labor Movement. Rauner marginalized them by having 2 in 5 voters in Union households vote against their better selves, and Rauber marginalized the GOP members “sympathetic” to Labor issues.
So… “Labor, What are you prepared to do?”
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 12:12 pm
===As we saw in Wisconsin, a lot of forced unionized workers would rather be free of them. When given a choice, a lot of Wisconsin teachers left the unions.===
Well, yeah paid membership in an organization is kind of pointless if said organization is legally barred from doing what it is supposed to do.
Comment by GraduatedCollegeStudent Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 12:13 pm
As somebody who lived in Galesburg 18 years, I know unions are not as strong in that district as they once were. When the Maytag plant moved to Mexico several years ago, it took 1,600 jobs, most of them union jobs, with it.
Knox County may be strongly Republican, but it’s suffering economically. This impasse can’t be helping it, as far as social services go.
Maybe Don Moffitt was on a sugar high when he described Rauner’s “strong support.”
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 12:18 pm
Quinn lost as much as Rauner won. That being said he is the Governor.
Comment by Stones Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 12:25 pm
**As we saw in Wisconsin, a lot of forced unionized workers would rather be free of them. When given a choice, a lot of Wisconsin teachers left the unions.**
Sigh… you leave context out well.
If you have two options, which would you choose:
Option 1: Pay nothing, and get the benefits of union representation - grievances, pay increases, etc.
Option 2: Pay dues, and get the benefits of union representation - grievances, pay increases, etc.
Which would you choose?
Take it a step further - when the state severely limits what the union can do to represent you, the union has less to offer.
So, basically, WI teachers get all the benefits (even when limited by right-wing state policies), but don’t have to pay for them.
Comment by AlabamaShake Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 12:25 pm
Lesson for the unions. The money is better with the new guy.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 12:40 pm
==Maybe Don Moffitt was on a sugar high when he described Rauner’s “strong support.” ==
Or maybe his future employer told him he needed to get out there and say something positive about the Governor. The talking points are straight out of the Governor’s shop.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 12:41 pm
**As we saw in Wisconsin, a lot of forced unionized workers would rather be free of them. When given a choice, a lot of Wisconsin teachers left the unions.**
You will need a much better example, since it wasn’t much of a choice. As mentioned above, once the right to bargain pretty much everything goes away, it is kind of silly to keep paying dues. Teachers wages were driven down and their hours increased and they were not allowed to bargain any of it.
Why not use the Ohio example? Oh, nevermind.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 12:44 pm
== Arizona Bob - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 12:01 pm: ==
Maybe, it’s another buck in their pocket now. Let’s see what they think when wages & benes start going down.
Comment by sal-says Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 12:48 pm
“He ran on an agenda of shaking Springfield up”
He ran on a catch-phrase of shaking Springfield up.
Fixed.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 12:50 pm
12:50 was me, apologies.
Comment by Timmeh Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 12:50 pm
Not to be Owlish, but “Unions Who?”
Heck, if I were a dues-paying member of a public Union right now, I would kinda wonder what my money is going for. My leaders played footsie with people on bills to cut my pension, they were all over the place on the Gov’s race, and now the pensions were shorted a half billion and not a peep. Not to mention that they don’t seem to be players in trying to break the impasse.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 1:29 pm
That was hilarious. If this mess has taught me anything, it’s taught me that I don’t know the meaning of the phrase “pretty strong support.”
Comment by Roamin' Numeral Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 1:35 pm
“Hey, Rep. Moffitt. That’s a nice state appointment you’re looking at there. Should give your pension a nice little bump, even if it only lasts for two years. The last guy only had it for a few months and didn’t put many miles on it! We’ve got a good deal on appointments right now; how about I go ask my manager if we can get you into nice one that suits your background…”
(time passes)
“OK, I talked to the manager, and he’s willing to help you out, but we need to work on your trade-in…”
Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 1:44 pm
Rep. Moffit has voted with Labor on nearly all of the 11 or so roll calls on the amendments to scale back collective bargaining rights and allow local governments to opt out of the State’s prevailing wage requirement on local public construction projects. He’s always been with Labor most of the time while simultaneously being measured in his comments (even privately to lobbyists like me), so I don’t think anything has changed. Perhaps people are reading too much into his recent statement.
Comment by D. Schwarz Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 1:45 pm
- D. Schwarz -
Where was Moffit on the AFSCME override?
You put a think on that… and get back to us…
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 1:49 pm
===Rep. Moffit has voted with Labor on nearly all of the 11 or so roll calls===
No, he hasn’t.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 1:51 pm
Probably looking for a job appointment from Rauner.
Comment by Buzzie Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 1:59 pm
“What are you prepared to do, Labor Movement?”
I had a whole paragraph of bluster but I’m getting a bit more mature. Comes down to 3 things.
1) Ground game
2) EVERY SINGLE RACE IS A REFERENDUM ON RAUNER
3) Primary Mischief
Comment by Honeybear Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 2:19 pm
Rich, he voted no on 9 out of the 11 roll calls; he didn’t vote on one and he was exused the other time. In fact he’s the only Republican who has consistently voted against these amendments. Oswego Willy, to be clear I didn’t say he’s “always” with Labor. The fact that he voted present on the AFSCME bill and override doesn’t undermine my point. I don’t see how either of your comments undermine my basic point that he’s with Labor most of the time and that this recent blurb doesn’t necessarily mean he’s turned against us.
Comment by D. Schwarz Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 2:43 pm
===“He was elected by the people with pretty strong support.”
50.27%===
Don’t forget how low voter turnout was. I understand a politician saying that, but I hope he doesn’t actually believe that with the voter turnout being as low as it was.
Comment by Anon Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 2:44 pm
Voting against their better selves? It may be more accurate to say that some union members voted against their state and local union leaders.
Illinois still has compulsory “fair share” fees for many public employees. While union membership is “voluntary,” fair share deductions are not. The US Supreme Court is going to take up the issue as to whether or not such payments are lawful and constitutional. There are many leaders of public employee unions who are out of step with some of their members and it is hard to buck the leaders if you are a dissident member.
We will find out the result of the litigation next year.
Comment by After Further Review Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 2:58 pm
D.Schwarz-”present” is a choice. The wrong choice=TARGET
Comment by Honeybear Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 2:58 pm
===Oswego Willy, to be clear I didn’t say he’s “always” with Labor. The fact that he voted present on the AFSCME bill and override doesn’t undermine my point.===
It kinda “does”, and Labor, including Local 150 and others said it does, so…
I’ll let them speak for me.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 2:59 pm
After Further Review- Good point. But I’m not worried about Friedricks vs CTA. It’s going to be a cleansing moment. Wheat from the chaf
Comment by Honeybear Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:04 pm
Oswego Willy, no, the facts don’t undermine my point. You just disagree with me.
Comment by D. Schwarz Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:15 pm
=== no, the facts don’t undermine my point. You just disagree with me.===
Seriously?
When you disagree with facts, you’re in denial?
So Labor is wrong too, saying Moffit turned his back on them?
That’s rich, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:22 pm
Also Oswego Willy, did firefighters’ union file a witness slip in support of the amendment that became the AFSCME bill (or any other absenses you notice)? You put a think on that and get back to me.
Comment by D. Schwarz Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:24 pm
Schwarz—Only McCann….let me say it again. Only McCann.
Comment by Honeybear Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:24 pm
- D. Schwarz -,
lol, the Unions themselves are saying the GOP GA have turned their backs on Labor.
How about the FOP and their statement?
Moffit turned his back on Labor and is now a “them”… according to Labor.
Please, keep up. This isn’t difficult, unless you ignore facts.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:29 pm
==- Norseman - Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 12:40 pm: Lesson for the unions. The money is better with the new guy.==
Norse, are you referring to the Dems?
Comment by Mama Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:33 pm
We never had his full support. That’s my point, we enjoy it only most of the time. Nothing has changed. What am I missing here?
Comment by D. Schwarz Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:33 pm
- D. Schwarz -
The truths your choosing to ignore. That’s what you’re missing.
Moffit turned his back on labor. It’s done. Sorry. It’s true.
You choose to ignore facts, you told me so.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:36 pm
==
“He was elected by the people with pretty strong support.” 50.27%
– MrJM ==
MR JM, the voter never mandated union busting because Rauner told the voters he had no plans to bust the unions. He mislead the voters big time!
Comment by Mama Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:37 pm
Mama, I was referring to Rauner.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:41 pm
==“Labor, What are you prepared to do?”==
OW, with all the money Rauner has to spend on elections, what can the union do?
Comment by Mama Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 3:45 pm
Mama, the only thing that can beat green is people. You need to motivate union membership to participate in the campaigns of your friends. If someone can’t walk precincts, they make phone calls. They help with mailings. They call their relatives. They march in parades. They bring people to the polls. Yada, yada, yada …
While targeting money is a given, you may also have to target your people. Use your resources on doable races.
If the folks aren’t motivated to put some skin in the game by now, you can kiss your union protections goodbye.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:01 pm
- Mama -,
I was going to point you to - Norseman -’s action list, but I see - Norseman - handled his business.
Hope that helped.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:22 pm
He only received 50.27% of the vote (nowhere near a landslide associated with mandates), his party only gained 1 seat in the Democratically super-majority controlled General Assembly and his current approval rating is hovering around 35%…hardly a mandate from the citizens and voters of Illinois.
I can see a potential problem for GOP members of the GA who have jumped onto the Rauner bandwagon. The longer this drags on the more money they’ll need from the Rauner war chest to overcome the stigma of being on board for this epic disaster in governing. Every candidate running against them will immediately dig into that deep pile of rich, free mud and start slinging it.
Comment by Bulldog58 Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 4:35 pm
A lot of cheap shots have been taken today against a man of character and integrity. Moffitt has provided exceptional service to his district over a very long career. He is well known for his willingness to meet and talk with everyone including those who disagree with him. He is in every sense of the word a gentleman.
Comment by One of the 35 Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 5:51 pm
- One of the 35 -,
All true, but Moffitt, still walked away on labor. That’s true too.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 5:57 pm
Every politician is a chameleon.
Comment by illinoised Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 7:15 pm
@ Arizona Bob
Wrong comparison with teachers. Wisconsin stripped collective bargaining rights through the legislature. I see your in denial about Sheriff Joe, you need to stay out of the heat more.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 7:25 pm
I live 12 miles from Don. the majority of his constituents in this area are terribly disappointed in his recent voting history. Bought out $$$ or sold out $$$, whatever you wanna call it, he should be ashamed.
I e- mailed him daily, before the 1229 veto override, and never once got a response…and he’s known me/ my family personally for 40 years.
Perhaps it’s hard to type with your tail between your legs?
Comment by Property of IDOC Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 9:39 pm
==A lot of cheap shots have been taken today against a man of character and integrity.==
You have integrity until you don’t. I think a lot of folks were pretty disappointed in Rep. Moffitt. Years of good faith can be wiped out pretty quickly when you vote counter to personal, long-standing practice. It makes the folks who supported you for all those years wonder: “Why the switch?” The Rep’s statement that: “He (Rauner) was elected by the people with pretty strong support,” which is demonstrably false, simply adds to the impression that integrity has been compromised.
Many folks have been holding out hope that someone like Rep. Moffitt would be willing to speak truth to power. The “cheap shots” are a clear expression of frustration and disappointment.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Oct 29, 15 @ 10:08 pm