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* Rep. Ken Dunkin made the Chicago media rounds yesterday. ABC 7…
“I am not a puppet for Mike Madigan, for the governor. I work for the citizens of this district and across the state,” he said. […]
“The facts are people are sick and tired of us down in Springfield who are under the thumb of Mike Madigan,” Dunkin said. […]
“We should be celebrating the fact that children can now go back to daycare,” Dunkin said. […]
“What’s wrong with negotiating with each other whether you’re Republican or Democrat? It makes no difference. People want to see functionable government,” Dunkin said.
Dunkin says he’s not the only democratic lawmaker who wants an end to partisan politics. The others, he says, are afraid to speak out - intimidated by party leadership.
* Sun-Times…
Dunkin described a nearly two-hour caucus prior to the session as “intense” and “the most animated and raucous caucus in quite some time.”
Dunkin said he told House Democrats to trust Rauner and his agreement to restore funding. […]
“I don’t have a dispute with the speaker. I don’t have a problem with the speaker. I just don’t work for him,” Dunkin said. […]
“I am strongly against trying to dismantle the unions. People should have a right to unionize,” Dunkin said, adding he would have voted for the no strike bill if he had been in town. […]
“I think I am coming to terms with [Gov. Bruce Rauner] being able to listen to reason. He’s tenacious. I’m tenacious. I’m insistent. I’m passionate about doing what I need to do for our citizen in the state,” Dunkin said. “We have to, all of us, come up with a relationship, at least a professional relationship to get something done.”
* Mark Brown…
Dunkin stopped by the Chicago Sun-Times on Wednesday to explain why most reasonable would be the proper interpretation of his decision to be the only member of his party not to oppose Gov. Bruce Rauner on two key votes in Springfield this week.
But not before he fretted over whether he should change his fashionable paisley tie for our videographer. […]
Restoring the child care subsidies immediately was more important than “teaching the governor a lesson,” said Dunkin, arguing the bills should never have been called to a vote by House Speaker Mike Madigan. […]
“What is that [Madigan] has offered up or is willing to compromise immediately with this governor?” Dunkin said.
* He wore the tie, according to raw video of the Sun-Times visit…
* Tribune…
“Part of the compromise that politicians do is we make deals to move forward,” Dunkin said in an interview Wednesday with the Chicago Tribune. “What was successful about this here, by not embarrassing him or really being provocative or being sort of vindictive towards him, was he immediately did an about-face.” […]
“There was no need for the bill to be run, other than to be vindictive towards (Rauner),” Dunkin said. “We reached an agreement where he would restore the program to some semblance of what it was before July 1. And he did that, and the sponsors agreed to it. So how is that a loss?” […]
“I’m down there to not be some robotic Democrat,” Dunkin said. “I’m down there to be a person to work with Republicans, to work with Democrats.” […]
“They should be talking, and that’s part of the problem. That’s the real issue here,” Dunkin said. “Leaders are not talking with each other. They haven’t talked since May, as I understand it. That’s insane. And so they want to vilify me, for what?”
“It was a tremendous win. Keep in mind: The governor required a family of two to make $650 a month. Now they can make up to $2,400 a month. He restored the eligibility up to about 85 percent, compared to where it was over the last four months, of nothing, pretty much. So now we’re looking at about 100,000 kids able to go to a safe and qualified child care provider. Providers are happy, and parents are happy.” […]
“It was a tremendous win. Keep in mind: The governor required a family of two to make $650 a month. Now they can make up to $2,400 a month. He restored the eligibility up to about 85 percent, compared to where it was over the last four months, of nothing, pretty much. So now we’re looking at about 100,000 kids able to go to a safe and qualified child care provider. Providers are happy, and parents are happy.” […]
“I’ve worked with Mike Madigan for quite some time now. Sometimes it’s hot, sometimes it’s warm, sometimes it’s cold. But guess what? I’m not down there to make sure that Mike Madigan is happy for Ken Dunkin. I’m down there to do a job for the constituents that I took the oath of office for and to serve them well, as well as throughout the state.” […]
“What this compromise proved is that the governor is willing to work with us, and if I can penetrate the governor’s stoic approach towards him reforming government and get him to fund child care at 85 percent–and at 100 percent next year, when we get our act together with a real budget–and to have him do an about-face with the determination of need, that’s a gateway to a successful budget negotiation, pension negotiation, education negotiation. I should be, as members are, ecstatic that this governor is willing to work with us.”
The full interview is here.
* Meanwhile…
Sneed is told by top GOP sources Dunkin called Republican heavyweights Tuesday seeking assurance the Republicans were united against the bill – and that no one was going to flip — or he’d be up a certain creek.
• The buckshot: It’s called the creek of no return.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:21 am
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It’s hard work to be in the tank with the gov. You have to come up with all these excuses for going back on your word and talk to all these media types. But the bennies are great and I don’t have to worry about campaign cash.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:27 am
===adding he would have voted for the no strike bill if he had been in town.===
Oh I almost forgot why I think you are not competent. Thanks for the reminder.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:29 am
In the Sun Times video, he said that Hutchinson was originally willing to reduce from 185% to 157% (I think that was the number he quoted), but Booth wanted the 162% based on her district. However (according to him) he had the Gov. willing to go all the way back up to 185% right away. Question- why in the world would the original Sponsors settle for a lower number if the Gov was originally offering the full deal but compromised “down” to the Sponsors’ “supposed” request? Truth and reality- I think Dunkin has a problem with that.
Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:30 am
“I am strongly against trying to dismantle the unions. People should have a right to unionize,” Dunkin said, adding he would have voted for the no strike bill if he had been in town. […]
I think I’d trust Judas Iscariot before Ken Dunkin.
Comment by CrazyHorse Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:31 am
He is right in a lot of ways. People are sick of the fighting. I don’t care if he had to sell out to move the ball forward. If more people would sell out the ball would be across the goal line and we could actually make some positive moves forward as a state. Too much entrenchment, not enough compromise.
Comment by hot chocolate Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:33 am
From Natasha Korecki: “Juliana Stratton, a former top aide to Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, has surfaced as a possible Dunkin primary challenger, a source tells Illinois Playbook.”
That would be interesting.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:34 am
On Channel 11 Dunkin claimed he didn’t know who Benedict Arnold was–before saying he wasn’t a Benedict Arnold.
Comment by Precinct Captain Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:38 am
You only go on a media tour, like this specific one, to explain away your loss of credibility when you have no credibility left, and nothing to lose.
It’s very Rod-like.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:40 am
=== He’s tenacious. I’m tenacious. I’m insistent. I’m passionate about doing what I need to do for our citizen in the state,”===
===“Part of the compromise that politicians do is we make deals to move forward,” ===
The gentleman from New York has perhaps not realized that at best attempting to take credit for something that very few people are going to give him credit for achieving which few people are going to consider as an achievement.
If this is all there is to that deal, he’s got a price tag that makes an Old Navy Flip-Flop look expensive.
Comment by Anon Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:40 am
What’s next, Meet the Press?
Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:41 am
Dunkin nailed one thing.
The focus of concern and anger here should be on Rauner and Madigan for this situation.
He is a small fish swimming with two sharks, and we are ranting at the small fish.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:42 am
““What is that [Madigan] has offered up or is willing to compromise immediately with this governor?” Dunkin said.”
The above is from the Mark Brown column. Anyone have an answer to this question?
Comment by Louis G Atsaves Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:43 am
Celebrity Apprentice is in Dunkin’s future.
Comment by illinoised Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:44 am
Wensicia- “What’s next, Meet the Press?”
Wonder which tie he’d wear for that one?
Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:46 am
- Louis G Atsaves -
Then why the hasty retreat for the hostages Rauner himself made?
Why did Rauner take hostages to begin with, if only to have Ken Dunkin be his “conscious”
It’s actually quite pathetic that Bruce Rauner needs the least trustworthy person in Illinois Government as a life raft… to save face… for taking hostages.
Ken Dunkin is more influential than Diana Rauner, LOL
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:48 am
I sincerely hope his constituents realize this lasted claim of “success” in negotiating would not have been necessary had he shown up and voted with his caucus.
And I hope when they realize that, he will be voted out of office.
Comment by Bluegrass Boy Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:49 am
“latest”
Comment by Bluegrass Boy Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:49 am
Ken has a problem with truthiness. But when he attacked those who would invoke Esther’s name as playing politics last night on Chicago Tonight, I almost punched my TV screen. Kenny boy, you chose to sit next to Governor Rauner at her funeral. I can think of nothing more politically craven than that.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:49 am
== “The facts are people are sick and tired of us down in Springfield who are under the thumb of Mike Madigan,” Dunkin said. ==
But it’s OK to be under raunner’s thumb? LOL.
Comment by sal-says Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:50 am
Dunkin also said it was “irrelevant” to talk about the sacrifice of Esther Golar–one made while he was dining on luxury seafood in New York.
Comment by Precinct Captain Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:50 am
Maybe Diana Rauner can give their “Legislator of the Year” Award to Ken Dunkin.
“I was useless to convince the Governor to release hostages, but the Century Club President just gave up his voting key, so tonight, Ounce of Prevention, we honor him where I failed” - Fake Diana Rauner.
How delicious that would be, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:51 am
==Dunkin described a nearly two-hour caucus prior to the session as “intense” and “the most animated and raucous caucus in quite some time.”==
Over a peace gesture from Gov Rauner?
That indicates this has become about ==winning== more than ==helping== for some. Rauner walked this on Monday and even had Goldberg sounding like Mr Manners in his public statement.
This risks going off the rails quickly if Madigan stays focused on ==war== and forces Rauner to dig back in.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:51 am
As upset as I am at Dunkin for not voting on key bills he helped sponsor, it’s a distraction from the lack of Republican votes on those bills.
It’s great cover for Rauner when people are focusing on one Democrat breaking ranks, and not that Republicans are very much under his control.
Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:52 am
Here is what Madigan has compromised on:
FY15 Budget (followed by the Good Friday cuts by Rauner)
Unemployment Insurance (HB 1285 or SB 1941) - it hasn’t passed the House yet, but House staff involved.
Work Comp reform (HB 1287) is in the Senate.
One month budgets to keep Rauner’s agencies open (SB 2040)
Legislator pay reduction at gov insistence (HB 576).
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:52 am
I haven’t followed every detail of the budget saga–it’s too convoluted even for me. But I am left with the overriding impression that Rauner the hostage taker GUTS child care support, THEN restores some of it, but not all of it, and you have a Democrat claiming this is a big win?!?! Child care expense is one of the key reasons average Americans are losing ground economically. But the Republicans define the terms of debate by making huge cuts. It’s not a win if you still have lots of families struggling to pay for child care. NOT a win.
Comment by rdb66 Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:53 am
Ken is looking older these days. More grey hair. he must be under a lot of stress keeping track of all the lies.
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:54 am
@OswegoWilly, try answering my question for a change instead of creating a diversion. I also am a little tired of hearing from you that Rauner supporters are “untrustworthy.” Try backing it up with a few facts for a change.
My original question came from a Brown column quoting Dunkin: “““What is that [Madigan] has offered up or is willing to compromise immediately with this governor?” Dunkin said.”
I do find it interesting that Rauner, who became personally wealthy primarily through negotiation of business deals, suddenly is being criticized for moving from a few positions during negotiations. And in Illinois, there are no negotiations right now with the Speaker of the House. Who is being “unreasonable” now? Were those doomed votes really necessary on Tuesday?
Dunkin a Raunerite? Or Dunkin a free agent / opportunist? The latter seems more credible.
Comment by Louis G Atsaves Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:57 am
I know TV is difficult to do in Chicago and specifically target a district. But an internet ad with a child and mother describing their struggles because state assistance went away followed by Ken Dunkin saying “It’s a win-win, It’s a win-win, it’s a win-win” would be very powerful.
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:57 am
Madigan compromise?
“Work Comp reform (HB 1287) is in the Senate.”
As a Workers’ Comp attorney, all I can respond to this statement is LOL!
Comment by Louis G Atsaves Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:58 am
Rich, you forgot to excerpt the best line from any of the stories. From the trib:
“Dunkin, a supporter of imprisoned former Gov. Rod Blagojevich,…
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 10:02 am
Oh - Louis G Atsaves -, lol.
===try answering my question for a change instead of creating a diversion.===
It was asked;
“…”What is that [Madigan] has offered up or is willing to compromise immediately with this governor?” Dunkin said.”..,”
I responded, why retreat?
Wasn’t it you, the Tribune, Raunerites, Todd Maisch…
“Hang In There!”
I guess, no, I know, my answer is “if all the Raunerites are all concerned about Madigan, why ‘Hang in there’… or why now the hasty retreat?
I mean, “Hang in there”, right? Exactly right.
===I do find it interesting that Rauner, who became personally wealthy primarily through negotiation of business deals,..,===
lol, Gov. Jim Edgar is spot on…
===“He does not come from government,” Edgar said of the governor, who was a venture capitalist. “He doesn’t even really come from mainstream business. He comes from (being an) entrepreneur where you buy a business, you tear it apart and you sell it. … I don’t think you’re going to tear apart the state and sell it. He might want to, but you can’t do that.”===
So, there’s that, - Louis G Atsaves - on that “successful business thingy”.
===Dunkin a Raunerite?===
Not quite yet, when IllinoisGO writes that first check, then the transition will be complete.
The Raunerite Caucuses are beginning, with the Century Club president, the least trustworthy person in all Illinois government as Bruce Rauner’s charter member… Ken Dunkin.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 10:10 am
Dunkin got what Dunkin wanted. He is the toast of the talk shows. He is front and center on all the news. It used to be Jack Franks who got the statewide attention as sticking it to the Speaker. In less than a month Dunkin just became the ball game.
Comment by DuPage Bard Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 10:11 am
Watch the whirling plates.
Comment by walker Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 10:16 am
==- Louis G Atsaves - Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 9:57 am:==
Negotiations have been ongoing according to the Governor Lou.
https://capitolfax.com/2015/10/27/rauner-sticks-to-his-guns-downplays-november-meeting-blames-democrats-for-impasse/
Comment by Precinct Captain Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 10:18 am
@OswegoWilly, strike two on answering my question. You babbled on a great many other things in the meantime. The cheap shots from you I am used to, so can them in favor of just answering the question posed.
Comment by Louis G Atsaves Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 10:18 am
@Precinct Captain, the question isn’t “negotiations.” It is: ““What is that [Madigan] has offered up or is willing to compromise immediately with this governor?” Dunkin said.”
Comment by Louis G Atsaves Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 10:19 am
Kudos, Ken, for extending this mess another 4 or 5 months.
Comment by From the 'Dale to HP Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 10:21 am
Louis G Atsaves - since you posted your comment and LOL, I was trying to find Governor Rauner’s work comp proposal/compromise in bill format, what was that bill number?
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 10:21 am
- Louis G Atsaves -,
I answered the question, please read.
Making it about me doesn’t change the fact you don’t like the answer you got.
If you’d like to retort, please do. I’m not stopping you.
===I responded, why retreat?===
If Madigan hasn’t offered anything, why retreat.
Rauner is #Winning. Gov. Rauner said so, lol
Maybe you shouldn’t ask questions you don’t like the answer to?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 10:23 am
Madigan compromise?
Legislator pay reduction at gov insistence (HB 576).
LOLOL
Comment by Birdseed Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 10:24 am
-FKA-
The Speaker thinks he’s winning, interpreting Rauner’s efforts to demonstrate a willingness to compromise as a ‘result’ and a ‘weakening’ rather than as the tactic it is. He’s underestimated the Gov’s resolve in all of this multiple times. Look for a major negative turn, with MJM being portrayed as unwilling to put people ahead of politics if this doesn’t change.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 10:26 am
I just don’t see his logic. In exchange for making the change as an administrative rule, he agreed to prevent a more permanent change that would have done the same thing. He either doesn’t understand the concept of negotiation, or he got something out of this that he is unwilling to disclose.
Comment by Pelonski Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 10:28 am
Birdseed - you disagree with HB 576 statement? wasn’t it at the governor’s request?
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 10:29 am
Dunkin, if you had truthfully listened to your constituents, you would have voted for SB570. Plain and simple.
All of this circus, is you falsely justifying why you lost your soul.
Comment by sigh Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 10:36 am
A little stunned at how dumb Dunkin’s statements were on WTTW. Someone yesterday compared him to Jesse Jackson…JJ is a standard deviation smarter than this guy.
Dunkin is a pretty nice lever (tool) for Rauner to have. Dunkin wants to claim work and victories and Rauner needs a backdoor through which to retreat.
Comment by Chicago PR Guy Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 10:58 am
In German, Fremdscham is the feeling of being embarrassed for someone too clueless to realize they ought to be embarrassed for themselves.
Comment by Educated in the Suburbs Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 11:00 am
You guys aren’t even happy when you get what you asked for? What’s with that?
Comment by A guy Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 11:08 am
===You guys aren’t even happy when you get what you asked for?===
What was… “got”?
Use your words, please.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 11:13 am
Ow- 9:40am –It’s very Rod-like–
Spot on! We can only hope that the Feds will take a the same view regarding this political deal making as they did with Blagojevich.
Comment by Triple fat Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 11:20 am
Willy, use your reading skills up above. There’s a growing number of folks who are getting this, maybe including the Senate President. How ’bout you?
Comment by A guy Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 11:22 am
===Willy, use your reading skills up above. There’s a growing number of folks who are getting this, maybe including the Senate President. How ’bout you?===
What am I missing? Use your words, you aren’t saying anything…
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 11:41 am
@360, are you referring to HB4235, buried in the House rules committee since May?
Comment by Louis G Atsaves Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 12:03 pm
I saw about 10 minutes of Chicago Tonight, and watched Carol rip Dunkin up one side and down the other about his missed votes and his present vote this week. She asked whether he didn’t owe it to his constituents to take a position. Ken was bobbing and weaving like crazy, and she obviously wasn’t buying it. He did not look good.
Comment by Archiesmom Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 12:15 pm
- Louis G Atsaves -
If the premise is Madigan hasn’t compromised…
…why retreat?
What happened to “Hang In There?” Why surrender to the Surrender Caucus?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 12:15 pm
==- Louis G Atsaves - Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 10:19 am:==
Please read your own comment at 9:57 am, “And in Illinois, there are no negotiations right now.”
Comment by Precinct Captain Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 12:18 pm
Louis Atsaves - if this is in response to my request for a work comp bill, here is the ILGA Summary of HB 4235. Please find the words workers or compensation in this?:
Amends the State Budget Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Expands current continuing appropriations provisions to cover executive branch operations and all State universities (currently, the provisions cover only judges and the legislative branch). Defines “executive branch operations” to include all State agencies, the office of any constitutional officer, including any agency or entity reporting to a constitutional officer, and any agency, board, commission, or other entity of the executive branch. Effective immediately.
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 12:24 pm
@360, my typo. My apologies. Try HB4223.
Comment by Louis G Atsaves Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 12:39 pm
Dunkin made a sweet deal for himself, going from class clown to guv’s floor leader.
Who has delivered more for Rauner. Dunkin or Durkin? It’s not even close.
Illinois GO money to come, and a job, if need be, I’m sure, just like in the corrupt old days.
The governor’s “compromises” are a result of some GOP House members getting ready to walk. I’m glad they are finally asserting themselves.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 1:22 pm
Louis G Atsaves - Appreciate the bill number. Going back to original question I would still argue that there isn’t any “compromise” language in there for employees. This appears to be all for the employer.
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 2:19 pm
===just like in the corrupt old days.===
like yesterday and every day for most of the last couple decades?
Comment by A guy Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 2:30 pm
Yes, guy, that was precisely my point. The governor is an old-style politician like the rest of them, his pretensions of virtue notwithstanding.
Can’t slip the obvious past you.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 2:44 pm
@Lincoln Lad - you nailed it imho.
Every time Rauner and Madigan have squared off, Rauner has ==won== iirc.
Madigan only sees ==war== right now, so much that he turned a chance for ==peace== on Tuesday into more ==war==.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 3:29 pm
===Can’t slip the obvious past you.===
Sure you can. Just ask around. But…pick a name first, or “goofy” will have to do.
Comment by A guy Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 3:45 pm
Guy, forgive my gadget problems.
I think it’s wise of you to realize that anything but name-calling is over your head.
Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 6:09 pm
Yup. Rauner played Dunkin. What the governor did on child-care was only partially roll back the damage he’d done. Dunkin bought it.
Comment by Independent retiree/lawyer/journalist Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 6:27 pm