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*** UPDATED x1 - Cassidy: Rauner “derailed” move *** A missed opportunity for bipartisan unity?

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* As you’ll recall from yesterday, Gov. Rauner made some pretty harsh, hyper-partisan remarks during his press conference yesterday in front of a backdrop of Republican legislators on the grand staircase

Rauner suggested the legislature’s majority party had orchestrated a “stunning failure” this spring and accused Madigan, his chief political nemesis, of holding the state and its services “hostage.”

“Speaker Madigan’s Democrats have controlled our Generally Assembly for more than 30 years. Speaker Madigan’s Democrats have controlled spending in our state government for more than 30 years. Under the Democrats’ control, we have the highest deficit, the highest debt, the highest unfunded pensions of any state in America,” Rauner said, flanked by GOP lawmakers along an ornate statehouse staircase.

“The Democrats have spent our state into the toilet for 30 years,” Rauner said. “We are like a banana republic. We can’t manage our money and employers don’t have any confidence in us. They won’t come here unless we can get our act together and balance our budgets. I will always veto unbalanced budgets. I will not sign one. And I will not sign a tax increase unless we have pro-growth, pro-investment reforms and we have property tax protection for our homeowners and our small business owners.”

* Senate President Cullerton reacted

That sort of talk isn’t particularly helpful, said Senate President John Cullerton.

“You know, I don’t see the advantage in criticizing someone you want to sit down with and negotiate with,” he said. “It’s kinda like, you know, starting a fight … insulting your wife before you negotiate with your wife over something that’s important. You know, ‘I don’t like your mother in law’. That’s not the way you start off with a negotiation.”

Meh. Look, the Democrats have been taking verbal potshots at this governor for a very long time. They’re big boys and girls. They should take what they dish.

* But there was apparently something else going on. Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) posted this on her Facebook page just before the press conference

This is why cooperation and compromise are in such short supply in Springfield.

Over the last few days, a group of rank and file members of both parties in both chambers came together to plan a show of unity calling for cooperation and civility after our anticipated adjournment without a budget tonight. This morning, nearly every member of the Republican caucus posted a meme using variations on the language from our yet to be released joint statement. Then, the Republican leader theatrically introduced new bills with stopgap budget language, declaring that we could stay until midnight and pass this compromise. Except under our constitution, a bill has to be read on 3 different days, so that’s not possible. Then, I encountered the bank of cameras pictured below and learned the plan is for the Governor and Republican leaders to denounce the Democrats for refusing to cooperate.

I’m ready to work together without gotcha games. It’s well past time.

* Here’s one of the memes she mentioned…


Last day of session. Still no budget. The solution is working together and compromising. I'm ready. pic.twitter.com/K8W6FlzJEs

— Avery Bourne (@AveryBourne) May 31, 2016

* And then after the presser, an obviously upset Rep. Chris Welch (D-Hillside) posted this on his Twitter feed…


This group stood together to make budget demands with Gov. Rauner. Does Illinois look like this photo? pic.twitter.com/UkZYCb5uMf

— Emanuel Chris Welch (@RepChrisWelch) June 1, 2016

Oof.

*** UPDATE ***  In an e-mail to constituents, Rep. Cassidy claimed the Rauner press conference “derailed” the bipartisan press conference…

Over the last week, my conversations with colleagues on both sides of the aisle suggested a growing belief that the solution lies with the rank and file and a willingness to stand up and say exactly that. A majority of both caucuses in both chambers planned a press conference immediately after adjournment to mutually declare a desire for continued negotiation, compromise and civility. Instead, the Governor introduced a stopgap budget plan that just a couple of days ago he ridiculed when a similar solution was suggested by the Senate President. The Governor and most of the members of the Republican caucuses in both chambers stood with him to have another “gotcha moment,” declaring that the Democrats weren’t willing to work with them on a bill that was introduced yesterday via press release. This action derailed the planned bipartisan press conference.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:12 am

Comments

  1. Optics, Rauner Crew, optics.

    Having more of “the same” sometimes is having less of a mandate.

    This was a Staff Error, and that’s being polite and “leaving it there”…

    Kinda like the ILGOP Party platform… but… I digress…

    ===Then, I encountered the bank of cameras pictured below and learned the plan is for the Governor and Republican leaders to denounce the Democrats for refusing to cooperate.

    I’m ready to work together without gotcha games. It’s well past time.===

    Trust.

    No one trusts nobody.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:18 am

  2. “No one trusts nobody.”

    Sometimes mocking the double-negative needs quotes. My bad.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:20 am

  3. Rauner has yet to make the mental transition from being equity investor lord to being a governor.
    Cullerton is right.
    You don’t try to intimidate, then say let’s negotiate. Not how politics works.

    Comment by IRLJ Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:24 am

  4. Has Kelly Cassidy ever heard of a vehicle bill?

    Comment by Chairman McBroom Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:25 am

  5. Even if the Democrats move to compromise, can they trust the governor not to move the goalposts? His actions have no history of matching up to what he is saying. I see the comments that we come down on Rauner heavily a high proportion of the time. I would agree with that. However, we have been able to observe behavior “over the past 30 years” in which House and Senate Democrats have been able to work with governors they disagree with to carry out their responsibilities. We have not seen such behavior form Rauner yet.

    Comment by Earnest Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:28 am

  6. Does Illinois look like this photo? Yeah, depressed.

    Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:28 am

  7. This stinks. There was an actual effort to forge a bipartisan agreement and the Republicans used it to make a nasty partisan statement. I am beyond words.

    Comment by Soccermom Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:31 am

  8. Stephen Colbert described George W. Bush this way: “The greatest thing about this man is that he’s steady. You know where he stands,” Colbert said about Bush. “He believes the same thing Wednesday that he believed on Monday — no matter what happened Tuesday.”

    This applies directly to Rauner. He learns nothing from experience.

    Comment by Aldyth Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:34 am

  9. So is it safe to assume the joint statement has been pulled? Do what I say, but ignore what I do?

    Comment by burbanite Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:34 am

  10. This is an example of why we have the political system we do. You start out by running for the school board. And then maybe city or county office. Then statewide.

    The key is you learn to compromise and build a coalition. This is learned from experience. There are people on both sides of the aisle who recognize this.

    When your previous experience is managing a nursing home, you dont have to worry about messy things like compromise.

    Comment by John Reynolds Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:34 am

  11. Disappointing tweet from Rep. Welch.

    Comment by Saluki Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:36 am

  12. I suspect there’s many years’ worth of pent up frustration, anger, envy, ect…built up on the R side of the isle and now that they have a huge chip in the game, namely the 2nd floor, anytime they can take a shot at the majority they won’t take a pass. We should all get used to it. #newnormal

    Comment by Dozer Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:37 am

  13. MJM has no desire to compromise. NONE!

    Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:38 am

  14. Cassidy + 1

    One of the most infuriating things about yesterday was the battle of hyperbolic press releases, tweets and Facebook posts. Posturing and positioning and spinning endlessly. I’m a lot happier with those folks who just tried to get the job done rather than blaming someone else for lack of progress. It’s just toxic right now. I’ll primarily blame two men - Rauner and Madigan, but Rauner is in the number one slot due to stunts like yesterday. I wish he’d shut up and learn to govern; but by now I’ve realized that won’t happen. He’s a campaigner, not a leader.

    Comment by Archiesmom Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:39 am

  15. - Saluki -

    Why is it a disappointing tweet?

    The Rauner Crew chose the staging…

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:39 am

  16. “No one trusts nobody.”

    Robert Greene, OODA and You:

    The proper mindset is to let go a little, to allow some of the chaos to become part of his mental system, and to use it to his advantage by simply creating more chaos and confusion for the opponent. He funnels the inevitable chaos of the battlefield in the direction of the enemy.

    The dishonesty and mistrust plaguing Springfield aren’t due to the mistakes of a political rookie. They are part of a deliberate strategy for creating “more chaos and confusion”.

    “No one trusts nobody.”

    All just part of the plan, my friends.

    – MrJM

    Comment by @MisterJayEm Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:41 am

  17. Welch’s post looks worse than the HGOP “memes” and the Governor’s press conference. Sometimes less is more and he is going off the deepend.

    Comment by Sad Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:42 am

  18. Just to be clear — a group of DEMOCRATS defied the great and powerful Madigan to create a compromise plan with their GOP counterparts, the Republicans pulled the rug out from under them and staged a media event, and Rauner says he’s disappointed in the lack of bipartisan leadership?

    Comment by Soccermom Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:42 am

  19. Rep Welch right on point..

    Comment by Not Rich Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:44 am

  20. So, the race card has been played. Not surprising.

    Comment by Cadillac Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:44 am

  21. Finally, they’re starting to talk at each other, so I’m sure their constituents are screaming at them…which means soon they will be looking each other in the eye toward resolve. It’s. About. Time.

    Comment by Captain Illini Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:45 am

  22. ==Speaker Madigan’s Democrats have controlled our Generally Assembly for more than 30 years.==

    Wrong. 19 years. Not 30.

    ==Speaker Madigan’s Democrats have controlled spending in our state government for more than 30 years.==

    I would bet every previous governor, republican or democrat would disagree with that statement.

    ==I will always veto unbalanced budgets. I will not sign one.==

    The governor just said that he would not sign the budget that he proposed! Ha. What a joke.

    Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:46 am

  23. What the Gov. says in attacking the Dems. is trying to win support for his position from the voters!

    Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:46 am

  24. If we’re concerned about “pretty harsh, hyper-partisan remarks” affecting bi-partisan cooperation now, just wait until after election. A lot of folks are going to be stinging from the millions of dollars of jump-the-shark attacks.

    Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:47 am

  25. Soccermom- +1

    Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:47 am

  26. “Speaker Madigan’s Democrats have controlled spending” Um, unless I’m wrong, it’s the Governor that ultimately controls spending.

    Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:48 am

  27. Was there ever to be a bipartisan compromise, it would have happened before Tuesday night. Where are the statesmen (or women)?

    Comment by Keyser Soze Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:49 am

  28. Really Chris Welch. Put together your own group shot and ask if it looks like that?

    Then put everyone together and you might have something.

    Little too sensitive for all the the screaming and moaning coming out of your own chamber. Heaven’s forbid anyone call you out on the crazy legislation you pass. Not just the budget, the entire variety show you run there. Ack!

    Comment by A guy Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:52 am

  29. Soccermom +2

    Comment by Archiesmom Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:52 am

  30. Grandstanding and posturing is more important than results. So, no budget until FY20 if Rauner loses reelection. If he wins, no budget until FY24. That’s just wonderful (heavy sarcasm).

    Comment by Steve Rogers Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:54 am

  31. ===Really Chris Welch. Put together your own group shot and ask if it looks like that?===

    What exactly are you saying? Seriously. I think you’re missing the point.

    - Soccermom -… +1

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:54 am

  32. === Soccermom - Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:42 am:

    Just to be clear — a group of DEMOCRATS defied the great and powerful Madigan to create a compromise plan with their GOP counterparts, the Republicans pulled the rug out from under them and staged a media event, and Rauner says he’s disappointed in the lack of bipartisan leadership?===

    Just to be even more clear….they had the deal in front of them they had all been pining for. The Governor spun 360 on the dime and removed the objectionable stuff for a stop gap measure they said they were interested in.

    And they let it go by. Because their feelings were hurt?? I guess it is bean bag after all.

    Comment by A guy Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:55 am

  33. Did AFL-CIO tell Welch to tweet that or was it Madigan? I’ve lost a lot of respect over the last few weeks for a man I used to think was a independent thinker. Clearly he just does what he is told and then falls back on the race card. Yuk.

    Comment by Big Muddy Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:57 am

  34. =The Governor spun 360 on the dime=

    If he did that, he would be back to exactly where he started.

    Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:58 am

  35. The next big development will be when the ILRB issues its impasse decision and Rauner implements the final offer. That’s what I will call reform

    Comment by Sue Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 12:01 pm

  36. One of many group shots on Rep. Welch Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/repchriswelch/photos/pb.333645746750753.-2207520000.1464800481./957237014391620/?type=3&theater

    Comment by frisbee Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 12:02 pm

  37. - JS Mill -

    You’ll have to excuse - A Guy -, when you’re spinning as much as he is, it’s hard to stop… on a dime.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 12:02 pm

  38. =You’ll have to excuse - A Guy -, when you’re spinning as much as he is, it’s hard to stop… on a dime.=

    LOL! It was hard to pass up.

    Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 12:06 pm

  39. @1138 “MJM has no desire to compromise. NONE!” You dont compromise with extortionists.

    Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 12:09 pm

  40. Sounds like Rich Miller’s “Delicate Flower Syndrome” from yesterday. Plenty of nasty words being thrown around by both sides. Grow some thicker skins. And do your jobs and stop crying about it.

    Anonymous @11:28 + 1.

    Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 12:09 pm

  41. Oh the race card comes up. Always a conservative favorite to play and complain about. If only conservatives didn’t pull the trigger first more often they may have an argument. Cognitive dissonance much?

    Comment by Jorge Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 12:10 pm

  42. The Cullerton quote is classic….start a fight with your wife by telling her you don’t like her mother in law….hmmmm…his mama’s gonna tan his hide.

    Comment by Lenny Bruce Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 12:14 pm

  43. To Rep Welch’s tweet. That is what Illinois looks like to those in the photo.

    Comment by LTSW Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 12:15 pm

  44. Big Muddy, it was obvious to everyone watching this that it was a bunch of angry white people who hadn’t thought this out. They couldn’t even accommodate Sen. McConchie. A sitting senate member wants to partake in the conference, a senate member who is in a wheel chair, and you hold the press conference on the stairs!!!?

    Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 12:17 pm

  45. When the Democrats play the partisanship card it falls on deaf ears because they play it all the time. Come on, remember the bills that Madigan kept calling and then sent out the pre-made mailing pieces blasting them on their votes? So the Democrats are saying that Madigan can use legislation to coordinate his political hit pieces but Republican’s can’t have press conferences to blast the Democrats?

    I think Illinois Democrats don’t like having competition and despite rigging the legislative maps they have a Republican Governor that they have not yet learned they have to compromise with.

    Comment by Ahoy! Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 12:17 pm

  46. All talk Ms Bourne. HB580. Wrote letter saying put an end to impass and negotiate then voted against

    Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 12:18 pm

  47. Rich -

    The Irony of The Day was Rep. Sandack posting his own variation of the Avery Bourne photo and stock quote.

    Sandack. Bipartisanship. Compromise.

    Hilarious.

    Comment by Juvenal Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 12:18 pm

  48. All theatrics by Rauner and the Raunerites! They were not really working toward a budget, they were just setting up the Democrats. This is equivalent to opposing armies sending groups to meet under white flags to discuss a cease-fire. Then when they turn their back to return to their group, the Rauner forces attack. Wow.

    Comment by DuPage Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 12:19 pm

  49. In answer to Rep. Welch: In many ways, yes.

    A bunch of wealthy white people seem to think they are in control, and nobody gives any thought to the impact of their decisions on the handicapped person, who is simply pushed off to the side.

    Comment by Gooner Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 12:19 pm

  50. Ohhh goody…throw some race baiting gas on the fire. Chris Welch spit in the face of bipartisan cooperation when he screamed out the names of GOP legislators yesterday in the ultimate show of a lack of respect for the people and the chamber. As far as I’m concerned he has 0 credibility on the issue of bipartisan cooperation…and then to insert race in to the issue is irresponsible and quite the over the top shame.

    Comment by hot chocolate Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 12:20 pm

  51. No one wants compromise, they want to win. Bipartisanship is all rhetoric. Rauner has faith his money can buy the power because that is all he knows. This will all continue until Rauner’s reelection.

    Comment by Liberty Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 12:22 pm

  52. If “The 7″ thought that letter helped with AFSCME or Labor they will find out sooner or later.

    Vote Accordingly, Labor.

    Letters need to match actions.

    Don’t. Be. Fooled.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 12:23 pm

  53. Blame everyone…. this has been nothing but a 2 year campaign by both sides. No one wants to make real decisions. The grown ups left the building many years ago.
    And to Welch’s tweet….he’s right whether people like it or not.

    Comment by DuPage Bard Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 12:29 pm

  54. == Does Illinois look like this photo? ==

    What is he saying? Rauner is racist?

    Also, I thought content of character was more important than color of ones skin.

    Comment by atsuishin Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 12:29 pm

  55. SoccerMom +4 or 5

    Comment by Belle Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 12:33 pm

  56. =Also, I thought content of character was more important than color of ones skin. =

    Yes. Yes it is. But that does not mean what you think it means about the governor.

    Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 12:45 pm

  57. == Meh. Look,… ==

    Well, similar to the take yesterday, happen to agree with Cullerton. IT JUST AIN’T SMART to sand (or a similar 4 letter word) on the group and person you want to strike SOME kind of deal with.

    Like yesterday. Pulls a rabbit out of his hat at the last moment; then complains that the other ’side’ is the worst.

    Again points out his ‘total failure’ of leadership and governing. And, apparently is proud of it, since it hasn’t changed.

    Comment by sal-says Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 12:47 pm

  58. Take a look at GTCR’s website…

    Comment by Triple fat Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 12:57 pm

  59. If say go to the Governor’s website and look at his staff, but I couldn’t find any staff member photos

    Comment by Triple fat Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 12:59 pm

  60. For what it’s worth, Illinois *does* look more like that photo than Rep. Welch.

    Illinois Demographics as of 2014:

    White alone, percent: 77.5%
    Hispanic or Latino: 16.7%
    Black or African American alone: 14.7%
    Asian alone: 5.3%
    American Indian and Alaska Native alone: 0.6%
    Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone: 0.1%
    Two or More Races: 1.8%

    Source U.S. Census Bureau (https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045215/17)

    Comment by Brendan Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 2:05 pm

  61. It seems Rauner’s crew are never ready to take action on legislation, but always ready for the presser.

    Comment by Chicago 20 Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 2:10 pm

  62. Rauner appears to be running the governor’s office like he runs the take over of a company.

    Comment by Mama Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 2:25 pm

  63. - Soccermom @ 11:31 am: and @ 11:42 am: -
    plus
    - @MisterJayEm - Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 11:41 am:

    Excellent points!

    Comment by Mama Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 2:42 pm

  64. - Earnest @ 11:28 am - Good one!

    What can be done to solve this problem?

    Comment by Mama Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 2:50 pm

  65. Are we better or worse than we were 4 years ago?

    Rauner needs to own the mess he created since he took office!

    Comment by Mama Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 2:52 pm

  66. ==Does Illinois look like this photo?==

    On the good days, state agencies resemble Chris Radogno’s jacket.

    Comment by crazybleedingheart Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 2:52 pm

  67. The bashing rhetoric has been much worse from Rauner than from Madigan or Cullerton.

    Cullerton is correct here.

    Comment by cdog Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 3:14 pm

  68. >In an e-mail to constituents, Rep. Cassidy

    Sadly, I find her credible. In some ways, the most amazing thing has been Rauner’s control over the Republican Senators and Representatives. It’s Illinois’ loss–we need their voices.

    Comment by Earnest Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 3:46 pm

  69. What is Rep. Welch saying? Make your point clear, sir. Maybe the silly responses that it engendered on this post aren’t the intent. Maybe some profound meaning was buried within.

    Or maybe it was just a boilerplate race card play, complete with the normal lack of substance.

    Comment by Liandro Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 3:47 pm

  70. A majority of both caucuses in both chambers planned a press conference immediately after adjournment to mutually declare a desire for continued negotiation, compromise and civility. Instead, the Governor introduced a stopgap budget plan that just a couple of days ago he ridiculed when a similar solution was suggested by the Senate President. The Governor and most of the members of the Republican caucuses in both chambers stood with him to have another “gotcha moment,” declaring that the Democrats weren’t willing to work with them on a bill that was introduced yesterday via press release. This action derailed the planned bipartisan press conference.

    Harry Hillaker describing OODA Loops: “The key is to obscure your intentions and make them unpredictable to your opponent while you simultaneously clarify his intentions. That is, operate at a faster tempo to generate rapidly changing conditions that inhibit your opponent from adapting or reacting to those changes and that suppress or destroy his awareness. Thus, a hodgepodge of confusion and disorder occur to cause him to over- or under-react to conditions or activities that appear to be uncertain, ambiguous, or incomprehensible. *** In very simple terms, be unpredictable.” http://www.codeonemagazine.com/article.html?item_id=156

    Rauner’s actions are not accidents or missteps. This rare opportunity for bipartisan unity wasn’t derailed due to miscommunication or misunderstanding. It was derailed by Bruce Rauner’s latest decision to “obscure his intentions and make them unpredictable”.

    The question now before us is how one negotiates with a man who views unpredictability/dishonesty as not merely a legitimate tool, but as the centerpiece of his tactics.

    – MrJM

    Comment by @MisterJayEm Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 3:54 pm

  71. == What can be done to solve this problem? ==

    Both sides finally have enough of being thrown under the bus and sign on to a recall …

    That may happen if the schools don’t open this fall.

    Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 3:58 pm

  72. >The question now before us is how one negotiates with a man who views unpredictability/dishonesty as not merely a legitimate tool, but as the centerpiece of his tactics.

    I have always thought the answer was that you can’t, and that it would take the House Republicans taking control. Doesn’t look like that will happen.

    Comment by Earnest Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 4:04 pm

  73. This proves why you can’t trust Rauner…on anything related to state government.

    Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 4:19 pm

  74. @MisterJayEm, rounding all the bases today.

    Not accidents or missteps of a neophyte political novice, but a deliberate, dedicated strategy. By cultivating confusion and chaos — indeed, generating *more* of it by his own actions and words — Governor Rauner anticipates that his non-negotiable Turnaround Agenda becomes the only beacon of light visible to lead out of the maelstrom.

    Comment by thunderspirit Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 4:24 pm

  75. The bipartisan press conference would have been better if it would have been held in January.

    Comment by Smelly Assidy Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 4:28 pm

  76. Who’s being more disingenuous here, Welch or Cassidy?

    Comment by Georg Sande Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 4:37 pm

  77. Retired merit comp guy has the answer. The dagger of that comment reminds me of an A-10 over Kirbala. To the point and overtly honest and accurate. Apologies for digressing.

    Comment by Jorge Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 4:55 pm

  78. Who is Avery Bourne? Mega hottie.

    Comment by IllinoisNick Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 4:57 pm

  79. = A majority of both chambers in both caucuses =

    Sounds like more than just a missed opportunity or a derailment Rich.

    Sounds like Rauner sabotaging bipartisan effort.

    Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 5:18 pm

  80. But for the GOP press conference, the bipartisan press conference would have taken place? Does this mean that Ms Cassidy is confirming that a bunch of Democratic mushrooms were supporting the governor all along? Did she just confirm this?

    It would have been nice to see the mushrooms of both parties do that press conference say no later than May 1st or so.

    Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 5:25 pm

  81. Illinois Nick - you are obviously one of those “low information voters” that Rush talks about.

    No one on this site should dignify your comment with a response - you are showing your total lack of understanding of state politics!

    Comment by illini Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 5:41 pm

  82. - Louis G Atsaves -

    Why would Gov. Rauner blow it up and be the untrustworthy partner?

    You kinda ignored that patting Rauner on the back.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 5:52 pm

  83. ==Does this mean that Ms Cassidy is confirming that a bunch of Democratic mushrooms were supporting the governor all along?==

    In your opinion, bipartisan means total support of the governor’s demands?

    Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 5:52 pm

  84. Another of my posts is missing.

    Comment by crazybleedingheart Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 5:55 pm

  85. MrJM writes, “It was derailed by Bruce Rauner’s latest decision to “obscure his intentions and make them unpredictable”. The question now before us is how one negotiates with a man who views unpredictability/dishonesty as not merely a legitimate tool, but as the centerpiece of his tactics.

    Nice stuff, dude.

    I think you have to do exactly what Madigan did yesterday. As the hyperbolic ooda-loop tries to warp up and spin faster than reality (as was planned today), you throw sand, old tires, wrenches, etc. into the loop.

    AKA the truth. That’s what the Dems did yesterday. Sorry, three days to pass according to statute.

    My hope is the truth about the prison vendors, baked goods to VA homes, toilet paper in psych facilities, hits the mainstream media VERY SOON.

    Mr. Ooda-Loop will then begin having a difficult time staying on his message to “obscure his intentions and make them unpredictable” when all that begins to fly.

    Don’t give him a band-aid! No stop-gap. Two-year balanced budget and put this state on a credible and stable path. I think he is almost ready to announce and sign anything.

    Comment by cdog Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 6:29 pm

  86. =No one on this site should dignify your comment with a response=

    illini-You just did. How daft are you?

    Comment by illini Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 7:01 pm

  87. Do not hijack names.

    Thanks.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 7:02 pm

  88. What can be done to solve this problem?

    Voting Bourne out would be a great start.

    Comment by PENSIONS ARE OFF LIMITS Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 7:03 pm

  89. ‘Do not hijack names.’

    Yet you are the author of this site. Come on Rich

    Comment by Oswego Jilly Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 7:04 pm

  90. Kelly Cassidy can thank Senator Steans for the knife in her back the next time she sees her.

    Comment by Juvenal Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 7:08 pm

  91. Ugh. There’s always one. Have “fun”…

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 7:10 pm

  92. =PENSIONS ARE OFF LIMITS =

    Watch your mouth. She gives us something to look at besides leprechauns from the south side.

    Comment by IllinoisNick Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 7:10 pm

  93. - IllinoisNick -

    Show some class.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 7:13 pm

  94. I’m sorry. I know how polite everyone is on this site.

    Comment by IllinoisNick Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 7:15 pm

  95. Hope you don’t daydream about Jiminez then, cuz she’s got to go too.

    Comment by PENSIONS ARE OFF LIMITS Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 7:44 pm

  96. Brendan women are 51% of the. population of Illinois

    Comment by burbanite Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 7:45 pm

  97. Not my type Pensions.

    Rich, was this ok? You let someone blame Latinos for the budget crisis yesterday. Hope I’m classy.

    Comment by Illinoidnick Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 7:52 pm

  98. Thank you, Willy - I’ve been away for a bit.

    Comment by illini Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 8:03 pm

  99. Illinois has a long history of playing the race card. Started with Abe Lincoln. Calling out a bunch of lily whites who are out of touch with mainstream Illinois is not playing cards.

    Comment by an independent Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 8:40 pm

  100. @Oswego Willy, for months you and others ridiculed Rauner’s claims that there were Democratic mushrooms that were supporting some of his proposed changes. The ridicule turned into a loud roar of derision when he declined to name any of them.

    Now Ms Cassiday confirms the Governors statements that were previously ridiculed and derided?

    Interesting that the rabid Rauner haters around here didn’t pick up on this.

    Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 8:50 pm

  101. - Louis G Atsaves -

    I was more fascinated how a governor, who won’t name all these Democrats are with “him” … these Dems are actually working around him, with Republicabs in working groups, and when the Governor CAN roll these Democrats and make a statement that I’ve asked him to do…

    … the governor decides to double-cross these Democrats to, you guessed it, bash Democrats, all the while the back story is… Rauner is trying to get Democrats and Republicans to work around all the Leaders.

    Once I get over all that preposterous political gymnastics I’ll turn to the premise of the trust broken. Then I’ll get to your ridiculous gloating that at the end was Rauner turning on people… again.

    “Questions?”

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 8:59 pm

  102. **But for the GOP press conference, the bipartisan press conference would have taken place? Does this mean that Ms Cassidy is confirming that a bunch of Democratic mushrooms were supporting the governor all along? Did she just confirm this?**

    Huh? Where, exactly, in Cassidy’s statement did you get that? Nowhere did she say that she supports the Turnaround Agenda. What she said was that there was a bipartisan commitment to civility and a desire to get a budget through compromise and real negotiation.

    If you think Cassidy is pro-Turnaround Agenda, you’re insane.

    Comment by AlabamaShake Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 10:01 pm

  103. Always trying Louis. There’s a difference between support and negotiations. Rich wrote about bipartisan negotiations months ago. He even included draft language. Guess who tanked that proposal? Yes, it was your guy.

    Why don’t you wait for this thing to play out before you welcome the Rauner parade of Dem allies singing kumbaya.

    Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 10:02 pm

  104. Oh cry me a river, Rep. Cassidy. “Except under our constitution, a bill has to be read on 3 different days, so that’s not possible.”

    You know perfectly well you can take the language from a newly filed bill and attach it to another bill already on 3rd Reading. You’re just pandering to constituents who don’t know better. You’re just as bad as the people you’re complaining about, you only care about your poll numbers.

    Comment by Just Me Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 10:06 pm

  105. It’s really sad when gender and/or sex is injected into anything. Rather than continue to hurt ALL Illinois, people want to divide Illinois. For what it’s worth, Illinois doesn’t look like the above photo. Combined 37% of Illinois is minority and 63% (not 77.5%) white, it doesn’t reflect in this photo. I can’t find the 37% Illinois Minority Population in the photo!!

    Comment by John Smith Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 10:19 pm

  106. == You know perfectly well you can take the language from a newly filed bill and attach it to another bill already on 3rd Reading. ==

    If you haven’t already burnt through all your shell bills …

    Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Jun 1, 16 @ 10:31 pm

  107. –Does this mean that Ms Cassidy is confirming that a bunch of Democratic mushrooms were supporting the governor all along? Did she just confirm this?–

    Not by standard definitions of the English language.

    You should invest in a dictionary. Perhaps you wouldn’t have so many questions and problems all the time understanding simple declarative sentences.

    Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jun 2, 16 @ 9:20 am

  108. Avery Bourne, yikes. Is she really the answer? Career politicos got us here.

    Comment by Blue dog dem Thursday, Jun 2, 16 @ 9:53 am

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