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* From a January 12th press release…
The Illinois Republican Party today called on State Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-Northbrook) to identify which specific reforms proposed by the Governor she would support as part of a bipartisan agreement to balance the state budget.
In a news report by the Illinois News Network, Rep. Nekritz said “the fix must include several things: reforms, cuts and revenues,” but in the same breath “criticized the governor and Democratic leaders for digging in their heels” — as if she is somehow independent from “Democratic leaders” and not a part of the impasse.
“In Northbrook Rep. Nekritz pretends to be independent from Mike Madigan, but in Springfield she’s one his top lieutenants,” ILGOP Executive Director Nick Klitzing said. “She can’t have it both ways, claiming she supports non-specific reforms while blaming the abstract ‘Democratic leaders’ for digging in their heels. She votes to elect Mike Madigan speaker, so unless and until she publicly identifies the specific reforms she could support, she is equally responsible for gridlock and decline as Mike Madigan. If Elaine Nekritz is truly independent, now’s her chance to stand up to her ‘Democratic leaders’ and publicly outline which of the reforms proposed by the governor she believes are ‘the levers that have to be pulled in order to get out of this.’”
* Apparently, there’s been a change of heart at Message Control Central…
“The exciting thing is, Democrats in the General Assembly, in private, many of them — not all — many of them agree with the reforms,” Rauner said.
Asked to name one or two such Democrats, Rauner said most “are unwilling to say much publicly because they don’t want to get retribution.” But the governor did name Northbrook Democrat Elaine Nekritz, who he contends publicly declared support for his ideas months ago. […]
But now, Rauner is using the quote as evidence that Democrats are moving his way. Nekritz said that’s a leap.
“I’ve been saying this exact same thing since 2009, since the Great Recession, that the only way we’re going to get out of the depth of the problems is revenue, cuts and reforms,” Nekritz said. “My message has not changed in seven years. It’s not because I woke up and decided I needed to be in the governor’s camp.”
Yep. That was a truly dumb move to attack her in January. I mean, you got one person willing to stick her neck out and you chop it off? And now you praise her for heroics?
The learning curve has been steep at times.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 11:04 am
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Nekritz.
Ok, that’s “1″
I’ve said numerous times, unless Rauner actually names nameS or has multiple Democratic members behind him at a presser, it’s really just “baloney”
You can’t claim “people” that don’t “exist”.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 11:08 am
“The learning curve has been steep at times.”
Often parallel to the y-axis.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 11:09 am
=are unwilling to say much publicly because they don’t want to get retribution.=
Yeah, just ask Sen. McCann.
Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 11:10 am
It often gets overlooked because Quinn was so unpopular and Rauner is now disliked so people tend to not want to give him or his team credit but there were many times during their 2014 campaign where they did things that were either politically smart or politically impressive or both. That’s why I have been surprised by how many basic political mistakes they have made since inauguration (or even since election night if you remember the phone call thing), I was expecting a governing learning curve but they have unimpressed politically as well.
Comment by The Captain Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 11:16 am
>The learning curve has been steep at times.
I don’t think it has. They clearly and intelligently chose their hostages then very effectively embarked on a wide variety of distractions to focus people away from that fact.
Comment by Earnest Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 11:26 am
““The exciting thing is, Democrats in the General Assembly, in private, many of them — not all — many of them agree with the reforms,” Rauner said.”
Trump uses the same type of claim. That many of his friends call him and tell him this or that…, but he won’t say who they are because he’ll leave that up to them. I consider these statements lies that never get challenged. Do I think a lot Democrats are secretly telling Rauner that they agree with his reforms. Not a chance..
Comment by Mouthy Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 11:28 am
The bumbling political incompetence of Bruce Rauner is endless. This man has used his wealth to cover up more ham-handed misstatements and goofy utterances than even Rod Blagojevich. Blagojevich had his charm, and Bruce has his loot. Yet both of them have set themselves back two steps for every one they took.
Bruce can’t help himself. He believes that he has the gift of gab, but then repeatedly demonstrates a penchant of blab. He needs to really get over himself. He must work to earn the ears of Illinois citizens after losing his electoral mandate running his opposition down.
Rauner blew up his administration after only 15 days of his inaugural. He’s been digging that hole deeper ever since.
He is a man in desperate need of focus.
He could be correct on many issues, but his methods keep derailing him.
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 11:30 am
>The learning curve has been steep at times.
That’s a great turn of phrase Rich.
Comment by Bob Lafollette Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 11:35 am
Is Rauner really sabotaging himself to derail any possible deals in the works, or just delaying any tax increase for his own personal gain?
Comment by Chicago 20 Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 11:37 am
Wow
Every time this mopes open their mouths it is clear that $5 million payment was wasted
Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 11:42 am
==the only way we’re going to get out of the depth of the problems is revenue, cuts and reforms==
Reasonable members on both sides believe this.
The =war= and egos of Bruce and Mike continue delaying progress.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 11:46 am
There is a big difference in saying that reforms are necessary (most reasonable people would agree with that) and saying that you agree with Gov. Rauner’s specific reform proposals. The two are not one in the same.
Comment by Magic Dragon Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 11:52 am
FKA - egos? As in two of them? Trust me there is only one petulant ego involved in this fight. Anywhoo… Haven’t you heard? Egos aren’t involved. This is an epic battle for the soul of Illinois.
Comment by Triple fat Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 12:00 pm
It takes gall for the GOP to urge a Democrat to be independent from her party leaders. Rep. Nekritz once voted against Madigan’s rules, an act of courage and independence never been matched by any Republican.
Comment by anony Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 12:02 pm
Whatever.
Those north suburban Democrats really are the worst kind of hypocrites. Always with criticism against Rauner but never courageous enough to be critical of their own leadership or propose a Third Way.
Comment by Reed Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 12:05 pm
The learning curve isn’t just steep, it’s a 5+ pitch, and Rauner can’t even handle basic bouldering.
Comment by Sir Reel Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 12:07 pm
Absolutely mind numbing how most of you hold Rauner accountable for all that plagues us. Yea he created the deficits and lousy State finances that have bankrupted the State and many of its municipalities. Give me a break
Comment by Sue Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 12:17 pm
Even Mark Brown admits the Democrats need to identify reforms. Holding Representative Nekritz to account for advocating non specific reforms since 2009 is not a big ask
Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 12:17 pm
I can’t imagine why you’d even consider saying anything counter to the Speaker and his mission. It’s pretty clear that the outcome wouldn’t be good. Toe the line and speak when spoken to.
Comment by cgo75 Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 12:19 pm
===… how most of you hold Rauner accountable for all that plagues us. Yea he created the deficits and lousy State finances that have bankrupted the State and many of its municipalities. Give me a break===
Rauner has said Agenda first, budget second, it’s a purposeful choice to destroy social services and Higher Ed.
I’m frustrated. Representative?
@RonSandack: I’m frustrated 2, but taking steps towards reforming IL more important than short term budget stalemate. - Ron Sandack, 9/28/15
Yep. The reforns are more important than the damage to the state.
Got it, - Sue -?
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 12:23 pm
= identify reforms = Neither side even knows the definition of the word “reform”. Reform is generally associated with improving something, not trashing it.
Comment by Qui Tam Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 12:27 pm
The question that Illinois faces is whether or not a governor, any governor, should advance his or her agenda using the tactics this governor is using. If the answer is “yes”,than by all means compromise. If the answer is “no”, then compromise at at any level for any expediency is out of order. It does not matter whether a governor’s agenda is with or without merit, what matter’s is acceptance or nonacceptance of the precedent.
Comment by an independnt Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 12:35 pm
Madigan’s been in office a long time, but this is the first time we’ve been this long without a budget. Ask yourself, what’s different?
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 12:55 pm
==Absolutely mind numbing how most of you hold Rauner accountable for all that plagues us. ==
Not solely accountable. But he certainly can be one of the parties held accountable for the current situation.
==Holding Representative Nekritz to account for advocating non specific reforms since 2009 is not a big ask==
You gripe about people not wanting reform. The you gripe about people who acknowledge that reform needs to happen. Pick a lane already.
Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 12:59 pm
The problem with straw men (or women as the case may be) is that the live ones actually talk back. Rauner LOVES mischaracterizing Democrats (see, eg, Cullerton, John J, on pensions) and Elaine made him eat it.
And Reed, you clearly haven’t been paying attention if you think Elaine has never criticized her own leaders or advocated a third way. She and Biss in particular have done precisely that.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 1:15 pm
=The bumbling political incompetence of Bruce Rauner is endless.== “Bumbling”, only if his goal is to govern. Turnaround Agenda.
Comment by tobor Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 1:39 pm
Rauner rarely, if ever, has any conversations with anyone in the GA. At least not on the Democrat’s side of the aisle. Word is he rarely interacts with House Republicans, though of that I have no actual knowledge.
Comment by AlfondoGonz Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 2:12 pm
One thing can be said for rauner, he has good spin doctors. Remember when he went around to state agencies to talk to employees, he said he got a standing ovation. The only reason they were standing was because he met them in wide open places with no seating. Standing O my eye!
Comment by WETHEPEOPLE Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 2:23 pm
Actually, my personal experience is that every member of the GA I have talked to in the last year acknowledge that it is very desirable that we find ways to improve the state’s economic climate, granted some with more passion than others. But I don’t think the problem is selling that concept, it’s selling the actions that should be taken to accomplish that end. That’s a far different story.
Comment by steve schnorf Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 3:44 pm
Have talked with Nekritz several times. She is smart and frustrated that the stalemate exists. BUT she is really powerless other then advancing ideas. Everything- Everything starts and stops with the Speaker
Comment by Sue Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 3:51 pm
Anonymous- the difference is we have a truly independent Governor who doesn’t need to go along to get along. Rauner could care less about his poll numbers. He either accomplished something or he doesn’t. His life won’t be impacted by his popularity.
Comment by Sue Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 3:58 pm
Maybe he’s trying to create a new kind of government? So, he’s disrupting the current one in order to get with the GIG/Sharing economy. He’s trying to appeal to Millennials (sarcasm off).
Comment by Belle Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 4:08 pm
Sue:
I’d prefer we had a Governor who actually, you know, governed. We’re what, 17 months into his term. His record isn’t that great so far.
People can bellyache all they want about Madigan and they’d be right. But I really wish people would get off of this nonsense that the Governor is completely impotent.
Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 4:21 pm
I live in Nekritz’s ever moving district.
The bottom line is that in the last primary, she did not have any Dem. opposition, and a Rep. candidate was not on the ballot, it makes little difference what she says; about the same difference as Lisa Byrnes saying she is doing something for the consumer.
Comment by jack28 Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 4:25 pm
Sue,
The difference is we have a truly arrogant Governor who doesn’t believe he needs to work with a representative legislature. Rauner could care less about the citizens of Illinois. He either accomplished something or he doesn’t care that the lack of accomplishments is destroying thousands of lives. His income won’t be impacted by his popularity. There, fixed it for you.
Comment by Tucker Tuesday, May 24, 16 @ 6:35 pm