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* Press release…
IOP Invests $500,000 in State Representative Race
February 1, 2016 - The Illinois Opportunity Project (IOP) announced today that it is making a $500,000 donation to the campaign of State Representative Ken Dunkin, a Chicago Democrat.
IOP promotes public policy solutions rooted in economic liberty and the leaders who advance such solutions. We are policy-focused and thus post-partisan.
As such, IOP decided that a substantial financial commitment is warranted to support State Rep. Ken Dunkin against the onslaught he is facing from House Speaker Mike Madigan and his public sector union allies in the March primary election.
Rep. Dunkin has consistently shown independent thinking and provided support in policy areas of critical importance including: (1) protecting honest, adversarial collective bargaining between the governor and public sector unions representing state employees, and (2) ending the discrimination against children based on their household income and address when it comes to the primary and secondary schools they may attend. Dunkin’s support for certain structural reforms well predate the election of Gov. Bruce Rauner. For example, in 2010, Dunkin voted for the school choice legislation (SB 2494) sponsored by then State Sen. James Meeks.
We hope Rep. Dunkin’s example of acting in furtherance of his constituents rather than toeing the party line established by Speaker Madigan will be followed by more of his colleagues in the House.
The group’s leaders are Matthew Besler, Dan Proft and Pat Hughes.
With IllinoisGO’s independent expenditures (which blew the caps), that race is already approaching a million dollars.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:35 pm
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Somebody educate me. WHere are they considering building the Obama library?
Comment by Blue dog dem Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:38 pm
The “conservative” Dan Proft is going $500K with Ken Dunkin.
This is Rod Blagojevich’s playbook to get the Raunerite Caucuses.
Raunerites are not Republicans.
Know the difference.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:38 pm
Wonder how many of the voters in his district are those nasty “public sector union allies” a/k/a Raunerite enemies.
Comment by burbanite Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:42 pm
Dunkin and Meeks had the guts to vote for school choice legislation (SB 2494), to bad all republicans could put their money where their mouths are.
Comment by Groucho Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:42 pm
Plenty more to come, on both sides.
The winner will be purchased and owned by Rauner and his allies or Madigan and his allies.
Either way, the winner will be a subsidiary of their parent company and owner.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:43 pm
So essentially the only real spend from Proft or IllinoisGo has been on Dunkin? Well this should get interesting. Gives new meaning to the word “independent.”
Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:46 pm
I agree with you completely austin.
Comment by sosilly Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:47 pm
Dear Ken,
Just a quick reminder that as a bought politicians are expected to stay bought.
Thanks,
1.4%
Comment by Huh? Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:47 pm
All the money in the world can’t protect you from the “Closed” sign on social service agencies. It’s a simple process.
1) Send an SIEU/AFSCME volunteer to resident door.
2) Point to “Closed” sign.
3) Dunkin and Rauner did that.
simple
Comment by Honeybear Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:48 pm
Dunkin’s polling must not be very good in his district. I’ve heard his name recognition isn’t good there.
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:48 pm
How many of those terrible “public sector union allies” are constituents in his district?
Comment by burbanite Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:48 pm
Do these “superstars” actually think that people read these flyers? The last race I would curse when I got one and throw it in the recycle bin. AND I’M ACTUALLY INTERESTED IN POLITICS!
All the money won’t protect you from the “Closed” sign.
Comment by Honeybear Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:50 pm
– We are policy-focused and thus post-partisan.–
LOL.
Why even bother to say that? Who’s supposed to be dumb enough to buy it?
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:50 pm
Too many legislators are just empty suits who do what Madigan’s people tell him to do. Dunkin is refreshing and deserves re-election, if he wants it.
I’m waiting for the Dem rank-and-filers to come up with their own budget.
Comment by Formerpol Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:52 pm
==Too many legislators are just empty suits who do what Madigan’s people tell him to do.==
I get that argument. I really do. But I gotta tell you, I find it laughable if you think that Madigan has the market cornered on giving marching orders. It seems like a lot of people are being given marching orders lately and most of them are following along like good little soldiers.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:54 pm
That was me above.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:55 pm
It will be interesting to see if Mr. Dunkin uses the money for the campaign…$1 million for a State Rep. seat in the city? And like Rich says, this is only the primary season. Shall we say $3 million for both primary and general elections?
Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:55 pm
Formerpol, the dems sent their budget to Rauner, and it was vetoed.
To Dunkin - Beware the wrath of AFSCAMMY!
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:56 pm
Siding with the Governor pays well.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:56 pm
IOP is also John Tillman’s group. That is important for people to know.
Comment by anonymous Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:58 pm
Any good bookie will tell you that you want equal action on both sides. Well, we’ve got it here.
This will be one to watch.
Comment by A guy Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:59 pm
Rauner runs on Dunkin.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:01 pm
– Any good bookie will tell you that you want equal action on both sides. Well, we’ve got it here.–
Every bookie ensures equal action on both sides of a bet by setting odds, then takes a percentage of every bet, so they can’t lose.
That analogy is absolutely and weirdly meaningless in this context.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:04 pm
The Titanic hits an iceberg. Rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic. Now throw money at the sinking ship.
Comment by Rollo Tamasi Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:05 pm
At least his loyalty aint cheap.
Comment by Anon Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:06 pm
The odds got even. That’s the point you’re so painfully not willing to see. But, predictable.
Comment by A guy Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:14 pm
Nothing says Independence like $1M in special interest money.
Comment by Gruntled University Employee Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:16 pm
I think dunkin is in big trouble.
Comment by sosilly Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:18 pm
–The odds got even.–
LOL, was the incumbent Dunkin ever the underdog? Did he not already have substantial funding from the Rauner network?
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:20 pm
===I think dunkin is in big trouble. ===
$900K and counting can solve a lot of troubles.
Just sayin…
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:20 pm
Please tell me someone in the US Attorney’s office is paying attention here. Every GOP member is told to skip a vote - all but one does it, and they get $8-10K. The one who doesn’t gets a primary. Dunkin is told to skip a vote, and he gets $500K. How is this not a front page story?
Comment by UH OH Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:20 pm
The message in all of this is that ‘the past is the past’.
In the past, the unstated threat was that if the Speaker wanted you out, he’d slate a candidate, and fund the campaign against you. You’d lose. He controlled the most money.
The message here is that others will fund you if you stand up to the Speaker. It’s loud and clear. This ‘epic’ struggle just got very expensive for the Speaker. And it’s not a threat, it’s actually happening.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:25 pm
The odds have evened up, the action will be about even, and the equal action on both sides comparison to what a bookie aims for is apt.
Except to the most pedantic and pointlessly argumentative here.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:27 pm
–The odds have evened up, the action will be about even, and the equal action on both sides comparison to what a bookie aims for is apt.–
Guy, I’ll agree with you as to the “pointless” of the posting.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:33 pm
===Any good bookie will tell you that you want equal action on both sides. Well, we’ve got it here.===
Raunerites are not both sides.
Raunerites are one side…
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:36 pm
LINCOLN
Madigan will not spend a dime trying to defeat Dunkin.
Comment by MOON Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:37 pm
- A Guy -
An alleged Republican governor is spending high nine-figures in a Democratic Primary.
Bruce Rauner is now Rod Blagojevich, running the Blagojevich playbook.
It’s not theory now.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:39 pm
=== wordslinger - Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:33 pm:
–The odds have evened up, the action will be about even, and the equal action on both sides comparison to what a bookie aims for is apt.–
Guy, I’ll agree with you as to the “pointless” of the posting.====
Kind of you to be agreeable, but it wasn’t my post.
Comment by A guy Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:41 pm
The notion that Dunkin is “bought” seems pretty nonsensical. He could have done as he was expected by Madigan and he would not have an opponent. The only reason the money is being spent on Dunkin’s behalf is because the Speaker is spending money against him. If he didn’t have an election GO and Proft wouldn’t b supporting him.
Comment by Huh Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:42 pm
===An alleged Republican governor is spending high nine-figures in a Democratic Primary.====
The Speaker has never, ever tilted the pinballs in primaries before? I’ll grant you the price of admission has gone up considerably, but this is hardly new.
C’mon man, you’re better than that. (poke teasing you buddy)
Comment by A guy Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:43 pm
- MOON -
The unions will, as will other MJM friends. But of course, that won’t be the Speaker, nor occur at his urging. Of course it won’t.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:44 pm
His not voting on the childcare bill will cost him the election no matter on much money he receives.
Comment by Buzzie Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:45 pm
- A Guy -
Rauner said he’d do this, setting up PACs to have Raunerite Caucuses.
I think the Madigan is in the legislature, Rauner is not,
So, not the same.
This isn’t even in the ball park of the same.
The Executive wants a executive caucus, no party, loyal to the other branch.
Bad news
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:47 pm
Isn’t it amazing what you can try to do when you are a Billionaire?
?
Comment by illini Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:52 pm
“- Huh - Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:42 pm:
The notion that Dunkin is “bought” seems pretty nonsensical. He could have done as he was expected by Madigan and he would not have an opponent. The only reason the money is being spent on Dunkin’s behalf is because the Speaker is spending money against him. If he didn’t have an election GO and Proft wouldn’t b supporting him.”
Dude, seriously? Try to keep up here. Rauner bought Ken to stick it in the face of Madigan. Ken sat next to Rauner at Esther Golar’s funeral. Ken held a presser on behalf of Rauner. Ken is claiming he’s “independent” now but if you’ve paid any attention whatsoever, you know that Ken has never been about anything other than Ken. And his absence and refusal to support restoring child care funding is seriously hurting many of his own constituents. This is not about bucking Madigan to be independent. It’s about finding a sugar daddy with a really really really big checkbook ($900k and counting).
Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:57 pm
Does anyone else picture Jason Gonzales waiting eagerly by the phone?
Comment by Century Club Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:57 pm
“Either way, the winner will be a subsidiary of their parent company and owner.” truer words never spoken.
Comment by Nick Danger Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:58 pm
In my book Dunkin might fare better if he loses the primary. Rauner will have to keep him happy the rest of the year until he gets the administration job payoff. If he wins the primary and assuming he wins the general then he’s got to hope that the Democratic seats in the house falls at 71 again. Anything less then he is expendable as a tool. Anything more and Rauner has to buy off more Reps if he can find another Democrat or two as weak. If he can’t then Dunkin’s value drops severely…
Comment by Mouthy Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:59 pm
3:27 was not “A guy”. Please, do try to keep up if you insist on being condescending.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 5:12 pm
“An alleged Republican governor is spending high nine-figures in a Democratic Primary.”
Just as the “Republicans” running against Jason Gonzalez are “an alleged Democratic speaker spending unknown amounts in a Republican primary.” His organization even recruited the “candidates”
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 5:18 pm
Ken does NOT like to be debated on his Facebook page…point out a few things to him and it’s block city…
Comment by morty Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 5:31 pm
I’m not addressing any ” - Anonymous - “, but… lol…
Rauner is in the Executive, an alleged Republican, fiddling in the Democratic primary at a tune of high 6 figures.
Madigan, in the legislative, is in a Primary and in his own primary, a legislative primary too, more the merrier for the incumbent, and both sides know that
Gonzo is a Raunerite, which is “fun” too, considering he’s rubning in the Democratic primary.
Questions?
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 5:41 pm
That’s a lot of money for walkers. More than the minimum wage if I had to guess too with that donation. Dunkin has been the favorite from the start and I think this only bolsters his chances. Afscme is irrelevant in this district, SEIU is a big wild card, if they bus people in they can make a difference.
Comment by Almost the Weekend Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 5:51 pm
Doesn’t Dunkin vote for a pay raise every year?
https://illinoisopportunity.org/issues/#Legislator-Pay
Comment by McGonicle Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 7:56 pm
I guess he won’t be voting for Madigan for speaker if Dunkin wins.
Comment by One to the Dome Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 8:17 pm
One million for a State Rep primary is a new ball game. Please don’t embarrass yourselves with false equivalencies.
Might actually be overspending on just one seat. And Dunkin might not stay loyal.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 8:29 pm
Anon 8;29 Let me correct you…One million in a Chicago Area democratic primary is a new ball game…. The downstate contested general election races have been spending this amount for years..
Comment by One to the Dome Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 8:52 pm
Anyone who knows Dunkin knows he loves being bought. It makes him feel important, and “status” is all that matters to Ken. In a business known for big egos, Ken takes the cake.
Comment by low level Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 7:12 am