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I may have more in a bit but that has to be the biggest ever. ADDING: It is the biggest ever in Illinois. Click here for the top ten. All ten are Rauner-related, by the way.
*** UPDATE 1 *** I’m told we should consider this a “first installment.” He raised $40 million on top of what he contributed himself in 2014, and gave most of his top donors a break in this recent cycle. His top contributor, Ken Griffin, just gave Chicago $12 million for a bike path, so they’ve got the money to go all in. And early money means they can start the race at the date of their choosing.
The Rauner folks say they have had a plan for potential Democratic opponents and any early hits against them. Part of that plan was leaving their 2016 “campaign infrastructure” in place for 2018. It’s still out there today.
So, opponents beware, is essentially the message here.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Tina Sfondeles at the Sun-Times…
Steve Brown, spokesman for Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, on Thursday said the contributions show Rauner can’t run on his accomplishments alone.
“Looks like he’s running scared to me,” Brown said. “If you had the accomplishments, why would you have to spend that kind of money?”
Brown said the money won’t scare other candidates away.
“Everyone knows he’s got wealth so I assume he’s just running scared,” Brown said.
*** UPDATE 3 *** Greg Hinz…
“This race begins in earnest,” said one top Rauner hand, speaking on a not-for-attribution basis. “We can start tomorrow, next week (or) next year. … It gives us tactical flexibility.” […]
“Consider this a first installment,” says my background Rauner source. “Our early definition of possible opponents with opposition (material) any second-grader can get off the internet is part one of our standard playbook. We haven’t even reached into the good stuff yet.”
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:32 pm
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We need Pritzker!
Comment by Old Timer Dem Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:35 pm
So much for me thinking he was on the “naughty” list.
#SelfSanta
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:36 pm
Hope he hires in-state consultants for re-elect. Then he could contribute to some Illinois job growth.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:37 pm
Dear Kennedy and Pritzker…
Put up or…
I’m tired of the tip-toeing.
Either get in, or get out.
You Both. Are Wasting. Our Time.
That’s 5-0… $50 million.
This ain’t no game no more, not that Rauner ever thought it was.
Enough.
If either of you aren’t going to be “in”, then get “out”, so we can all move on with the “Rauner Occupation”
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:38 pm
It’s never been about what he says. It’s about what he does.
Comment by Earnest Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:38 pm
How much does that breakdown per vote?
Comment by ? Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:38 pm
The Billion Dollar Man always gets his way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sse8xtssk6Q
Comment by Jc19pd2 Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:38 pm
Loading up for a continuing campaign to support Rauner Inc. and trash opposition. Add this incessant propaganda effort as another reason to leave the state.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:39 pm
Wouldn’t that have kept that homeless shelter up in Chicago open for about 50 more years?
Comment by A Jack Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:39 pm
“It’s gonna be a hard year.”
Comment by Reality Check Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:40 pm
Occupying Forces cost the conquerors lots of many.
This is no different.
If this wasn’t an occupation of the state of Illinois, there would be NO need for $50 million to discourage the “occupied”
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:41 pm
Ugh!
Occupying Forces cost the conquerors lots of money.
This is no different.
If this wasn’t an occupation of the state of Illinois, there would be NO need for $50 million to discourage the “occupied”
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:42 pm
Let me put on my Raunerbot hat:
“Just another sign our Dear Leader is more committed to governing than ever! If Democrats don’t negotiate after this, it shows they’re all about campaigning!”
Comment by Precinct Captain Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:42 pm
Really Willy? I mean Kennedy has floated his name for years and years but Pritzker didn’t even have his name appear until about six weeks ago. You’re already impatient at him too?
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:43 pm
No, my math is wrong. With a $100k deficit, it would have kept it open another 500 years.
Comment by A Jack Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:44 pm
With his approval ratings he’ll need every penny.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:44 pm
Note to any Democrat:
I dare you to run against me.
But I’m not really thinkin’ about politics.
I’m focused on the budget.
Bruce
Comment by Winnin' Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:45 pm
Perspective?
That’s allowing $1 million to be spent…
… Per. Week!…
… until petitions are finalized in December of 2017.
We are occupied… Learn this or face this next year with false hope. Up to you.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:45 pm
Well I’m not sure JBP whats to stand up and be prowd of what the Dem party has done the past 14 years under Blogo etal.
Comment by scott aster Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:46 pm
The GOP figured out a long time ago that the REAL money is at the state level, where you can buy control for relatively cheap. Trump grafted a few mil onto his celebrity and did it at the national level, where he’ll become a legitimate billionaire many times over from the graft he’ll reap within just the first year alone. FOX, Breitbart, WSJ editorial, talk radio and his Twitter army will cover for him if he gets flak from MSM. And now we’re a kleptocracy. We need a new anthem.
Comment by Pangloss Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:46 pm
Dems want a self funder but criticize Rauner for doing the same thing. Rauner campaign is something Madigan or IL Dems have ever seen. Campaigns are marathons each mile is equally important. Rauner has a good first couple miles past him.
Comment by Almost the Weekend Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:46 pm
I saw this and blurted out a word I am unable to retype on this sight. Yikes. Willy is right: the two wealthy, name contenders we have been discussing on this site either need to do something or go back into the woodwork. Manar? Biss? Sorry guys - your hearts may be in the “right place” but with the FOUNDATION of $50 million plus whatever cash he raised there is no shot for someone without personal wealth to compete. Sorry for being cynical but that is just the truth.
Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:47 pm
Maybe if your interested in running for governor the best thing to do is not say a word about it until the day you file you petitions. Why let Rauner slam you for the next 11 and a half months?
Comment by Roman Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:47 pm
Someone, anyone, write an article with front page headlines on this! Do an autopsy of what Rauner’s money has purchased. Then do an autopsy of what Rauner’s investments have done.
He.Is.Not.Going.To.Govern.
These are 50 Million new reasons not have to. After all, what does he have to lose???
Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:49 pm
===I mean Kennedy has floated his name for years and years but Pritzker didn’t even have his name appear until about six weeks ago. You’re already impatient at him too?===
In “Texas Hold’em” when your opponent goes “All-In” (this will pay for 24/7/365 attacks all the way until petitions next year at a $1 million a week clip) you don’t sit and wait and wait and wait and wait and…
Enough. In or Out.
The “call” is $50 million…
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:49 pm
2:43 - you must have missed Willy’s point. The general consensus around here is that “dumps” like this happen and should be expected. For a name person like Chris Kennedy or J.B. Pritzker to be taken seriously a $50 million dollar hole before New Year’s and 22+ months before the next general elections means that those two are already behind the 8 ball. Just being honest.
Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:50 pm
Hillary Clinton raised boatloads of money but lost because people thought they knew her.
I suspect the same will be true for Rauner. When he needed name recognition, all that cash was great.
Now? I don’t see it helping all that much and voter fatigue over what appears to be a never ending campaign from him might hurt.
After all is done, “Not Rauner” may be all a Democrat needs.
Comment by Gooner Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:51 pm
Time to put a spotlight on the representatives holding Illinois back.
Comment by Goforit Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:52 pm
If you don’t want a dufus at the Black Jack table, up the ante…
Pink chips or go home now.
Comment by A guy Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:52 pm
===Maybe if your interested in running for governor the best thing to do is not say a word about it until the day you file you petitions. Why let Rauner slam you for the next 11 and a half months?===
Um, who ISN’T Rauner slamming right now?
Rauner can spend $1 million a week… that’s in a week, every week until petitions.
Either “call” or go away.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:53 pm
I wonder what the full-time Republican GA members who haven’t been paid in six months think about this kind of money being thrown around?
Comment by Telly Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:54 pm
Just ponying up to that munger bet
Comment by Rabid Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:57 pm
The cost of democracy is risin’ while I stand here.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:58 pm
== Um, who ISN’T Rauner slamming right now? ==
He’s not slamming the “one” you have your eye on, Willy.
Or is he?
Comment by Roman Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 2:59 pm
Whomever does run against Rauner, take this advice…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6wPTyUlKAE
Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:00 pm
==Hillary Clinton raised boatloads of money but lost because people thought they knew her.==
She lost because she didn’t think people knew her and campaigned accordingly. Problem is; they did know her too well. And, she lost.
Comment by A guy Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:01 pm
Sigh. While it seems like it’d be easy, it’s actually hard to complain about this. If “my side” (reasonable people who understand and appreciate compromise) had the access to this kind of cash from one, single individual, I suspect we’d have few complaints.
It is kinda spooky though. One single man is essentially able to purchase the political (and governmental) system of one of the largest state’s in the union. If not the “system,” certainly the major topics of dialogue.
He dispises organized labor and has only the interest of destroying it…I suppose through the destruction of the House Speaker. We all get it.
But $50 million seems to be more than just a hobby. It’s an obsession, I guess.
It strikes me as pathetic lunacy. But, he has the coin to play in any sandbox he wants to I guess. And, he gets something out of it in the end…ego, more personal profit, or perhaps a high five from the “western shirt” Manufacturer’s of America.
Illinois isn’t better for being the playpen where oligarchs get to explore their hobbies. I wish, frankly, the guy was fascinated with Lionel’s.
Comment by Carhartt Union Negotiating Team Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:01 pm
Just crazy. Makes me sick. This is the sort of thing that keeps people out of politics. With the system we have now, citizens are not allowed in the political arena anymore - they simply can’t compete. So the public gets to pick from rich versus rich until the system changes. Not good for just about everyone. Happy holidays!
Comment by DDR Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:03 pm
Hold your horses Willy. Rauner doesn’t determine the time.
Comment by Ok Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:03 pm
I’ll bet Bruce didn’t think anyone could outspend him. Go, Pritzker!
Comment by Anon Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:04 pm
So Rauner spent 65 mil (per the Trib) and beat an unpopular governor. Wonder how much it will much he’ll have to spend to keep an unpopular governor in office?
Comment by Rogue Roni Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:04 pm
2 thoughts:
Rauner always reminded me of former New Jersey governor Jon Corrine, a one-term governor. Still does. But he’s put more money in.
And thanks a lot, Citizens United.
Comment by Keyrock Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:04 pm
Did his money beat Mendoza?
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:05 pm
Merry Christmas. Are limits off now?
I disagree with the idea asserted above that any other candidate must publicly declare now. Rauner likes public markers even as he disavows them when asked. But the calendar is the calendar and anyone can think about throwing their hat in the ring until petitions are due next fall. Rauner’s tipped his hand; no one else has to.
Now, to his public demand for term limits, will he say that his next race will be his last one? Or does he think it’s ok for him to run for multiple terms?
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:06 pm
JB will NOT be able to out raise BR.
Comment by Rocky Rosi Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:06 pm
I’ll give you one guess what the main obstacle keeping more “regular people” from running for office is, and it ain’t gerrymandering.
Comment by One hand //ing Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:06 pm
===Hold your horses Willy. Rauner doesn’t determine the time===
Nope.
Rauner went “All-In”
It’s time to “Call” or walk.
Enough.
Perspective?
The 73 Raunerite seats starting in January now have $684,931.50 each in reserve.
Today.
And you think it’s time to wait…
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:07 pm
Odd thought. Do you think two uber wealthy individuals slugging it out with millions might cancel each other out for a trusted independent to come in. I don’t know who it would be but I just wonder if the public will tune out both Rauner and JB.
Comment by Honeybear Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:09 pm
===Did his money beat Mendoza?===
Different voter universe and it made up 13+ points over the top of the ticket.
Those foolish enough to not see this as funding the occupational forces, and feel the need to “wait”…
… will wait too long.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:10 pm
OW- “The 73 Raunerite seats starting in January now have $684,931.50 each in reserve.”
Unless Rauner feels his re-election is more important than some of those legislators, and he decides to cut some of the true Republicans out and insert a Raunerite candidate instead, AND spends on himself. Some of those candidates could easily be RINOs or DINOs. I’ve seen it happen in my own county with a lot less campaign dollars.
Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:12 pm
The ultimate irony is that Rauner is using the money he made off of collectivism–the unionized government employee pensions–to fund his attacks on unionized government employees and collectivism.
Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:14 pm
We just heard the sound of the Illinois GOP gubernatorial primary being dispatched by Raunerbucks, at least during the reign of BVR.
Comment by Stumpy's bunker Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:19 pm
I don’t know, but seems to me that a balanced budget and labor peace probably would have saved him most of that $50M, but whatever.
Comment by Skeptic Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:20 pm
===Unless Rauner feels his re-election is more important than some of those legislators, and he decides to cut some of the true Republicans out and insert a Raunerite candidate instead, AND spends on himself. Some of those candidates could easily be RINOs or DINOs. I’ve seen it happen in my own county with a lot less campaign dollars.===
With respect,
Read the update.
This is just a beginning, not an end.
It’s $684,931.50 per seat.
Rauner will go $80-100 million on his own race.
This isn’t chip in, this is a call to all saying “I’m all-in, what say you?”
Waiting is foolish.
The hits will be coming now. Hard. Often. Continual.
Like occupational forces do… to quell the freedom fighters.
This isn’t a game, the game is over, the new game is now, “who’s in?”
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:21 pm
As to “show your hand now”, that was my gut reaction. However, if someone does, then the 2018 campaign season goes into full swing, and Rauner has his ultimate excuse for not even trying to govern. He’ll be runnin’ around the state and at the mouth until we all are hearing his TA list in our nightmares. He needs to be held to the fire to uphold the oath of office he took, and that can be done with dollars and sense now. Filings can come at a later date.
Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:23 pm
Is this some kind of a tax dodging move?
Comment by gdubya Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:24 pm
it must be nice to have 50 million to contribute to yourself and to try and buy the state of Illinois again while social services and schools remain unfunded and we have no balanced budget and labor unrest - a great example for the young people in our state.
Comment by TiredOfIt Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:26 pm
===The ultimate irony is that Rauner is using the money he made off of collectivism–the unionized government employee pensions–to fund his attacks on unionized government employees and collectivism===
Well said. Irony indeed.
The $50 million all but makes clear…
Vertical Integration of the Occupying Forces will make sure that the Leader Rauner is the only Leader of the occupied lands.
It’s THAT scary. It’s THAT real.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:26 pm
Tired - it’s his money. Who cares how he spends it?! It’s none of my business or yours or anyone else’s.
Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:32 pm
Expensive hobby. Me, I’d build an island fortress in the Gulf of Thailand and be a pirate king.
The word for months is that he’s in for at least $100 million, correct? So this is the start, but it’s not a game-changing surprise.
And he could put in $100 billion, but he doesn’t yet have the content to produce a 15-second positive spot for himself.
–She lost because she didn’t think people knew her and campaigned accordingly. Problem is; they did know her too well. And, she lost.–
She did great in DuPage County. Won Illinois by 850,000 votes, and plus 3 million nationally. So, many more people liked her over the other guy.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:34 pm
Groundhog day last year president Jeb bush had spent over $5,000 a vote
Comment by Rabid Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:35 pm
=== Dems want a self funder … ===
It’s not a want. To effectively compete against the GOP wealth, it’s an imperative!
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:37 pm
Brownie - He’s got to answer to a lot more voters than your boss does in his tiny little district with bogus propped up opposition.
Comment by Hey Brownie Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:38 pm
What’s cheaper in 2018? A tier 1 congressional race or a tier 1 state rep race?
Comment by stan Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:39 pm
Why did both the Sun-Times and Crain’s print anonymous quotes from a Rauner operative? What’s so secret here that the source needs to be protected? This isn’t whistleblower stuff, they did this all fall too, if you’re so enamored with your smart political strategy someone should put their name on it and at a minimum the papers should’t print their breathless anonymous quotes.
Comment by The Captain Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:39 pm
===He’s not slamming the “one” you have your eye on, Willy.
Or is he?===
After the reality of today, I’m not saying anything.
Occupation means understanding the occupiers hear and see everything.
Plus, Rauner’s Crew don’t pay me mind. I’m not even on their microwave radar range, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:39 pm
“We haven’t even reached into the good stuff yet.”
You mean showing a funny picture of Chris Kennedy and pointing out tangential ties to Mike Madigan isn’t the best they’ve got?
Comment by AlfondoGonz Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:40 pm
===Why did both the Sun-Times and Crain’s print anonymous quotes from a Rauner operative?===
Because when someone dumps $50 million in a campaign account, any quote attached to it is a good quote.
With respect.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:43 pm
How To Save Illinois:
1) Rauner runs
2) Pritzker runs
3) 50% tax on political advertising
It’s our biggest growth industry and the only one that by definition can’t be moved overseas or to Indiana….
Comment by whetstone Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:44 pm
To the update:
Steve, get some rest. Your mojo is low. That’s a response you come up with at 3 in the morning, not 3 in the afternoon….even this time of the year.
Comment by A guy Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:49 pm
Looks like Steve Brown and I have the same frame of mind.
Comment by Skeptic Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:50 pm
Rauner’s out to prove if you’re this rich you don’t have to govern, just campaign non-stop for four years. We will not see a completed and signed budget in this state before the 2018 elections.
Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:52 pm
Guess performance bonuses at TV, radio, newspapers, robos, pollsters, and printers will get to very nice levels. Glad I DVR most shows I watch so I can blow through the ads.
Comment by zatoichi Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:52 pm
===She did great in DuPage County. Won Illinois by 850,000 votes, and plus 3 million nationally. So, many more people liked her over the other guy.==
And the Indians scored more runs, yet the Cubs have the trophy.
Comment by A guy Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:53 pm
At the risk of disagreeing slightly with OW, who is often on the money, I would suggest that it is not imperative for Pritzker to drop $50M today. He can do it any time, with the stroke of a pen. I agree for Kennedy; he needs to start getting big numbers, so time’s a wastin’ for him.
What Pritzker (and K) need is to start messaging. What alternatives there are to the current situation, what reforms make sense given Democratic values, etc. Social media, paid media, all media, all the time. Funds needed? Sure, but not $50M all at once. P can fund as needed, but he is not the only player. Every prominent Dem needs to be involved in making and spreading the message, all day. Hoping that the endless campaigning is tiring and angering to Illinois citizens, and Rauner gets tuned out.
Rainer giving $50M says he is happy with the current situation. Follow the money and make it clear who benefits and who hurts from the current stalemate. That is key to the message.
Comment by Jibba Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:57 pm
“It gives us tactical flexibility.” […]
What a stupid statement. You already had the money. It gives you nothing you didn’t have other than an ability to frighten other potential candidates. It’s a PR play pure and simple.
“We haven’t even reached into the good stuff yet.”
Umm, neither has Pritzker or Kennedy.
Why are you trying to bloody the state for two solid years? NOBODY WANTS TO SEE YOU GUYS IN PERPETUAL NEGATIVE CAMPAIGN MODE. STOP. JUST STOP.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:58 pm
“This race begins in earnest,”
Most Illinoisans probably thing this is the stupidest thing ever said, only 6 weeks past the last election. Tone deaf to the extreme. Governing is gone, with endless campaigning left in the ruins.
Comment by Jibba Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 3:59 pm
Yes, Guy, we’re all aware of the quirks of the Electoral College. But you were yammering on as to why people didn’t vote for Clinton, when in fact, she got millions of more votes than the guy you stumped for.
39% for the GOP presidential candidate in DuPage. Some ground game.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 4:00 pm
===And the Indians scored more runs, yet the Cubs have the trophy.===
And… James Comey was the 10th inning rain delay. Stopping momentum from both “teams”.
Comment by gdubya Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 4:03 pm
they have had a plan for potential Democratic opponents…
It primarily involves hiring thousands of field workers to scream MADIGAN! at people on the street throughout 2017
Comment by Signal and Noise Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 4:03 pm
Merry Christmas to Dan Proft and every other Republican consultant!
Nice timing, almost like a Friday afternoon news dump.
Comment by The Way I See It Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 4:05 pm
“Please no one run against us. Please. Pretty please. This is purely an attempt to scare away everyone in the state from running because we know with a few million, anyone would beat us,” said another Ruaner official.
Comment by From the 'Dale to HP Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 4:06 pm
Translating the Rauner “source” tough guy talk in the Hinz piece:
“Our favoribility numbers are horribly upside down and we don’t expect that to change much. So we are going to have to spend an ungodly amount of money to ensure our opponent is as equally disliked and distrusted as Bruce Rauner. That’s our only shot.”
Comment by Toots Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 4:08 pm
If the Dems can’t run someone to match Rainer’s billions, then maybe they should run someone on the opposite end of the wealth spectrum and let the disparity itself be a weapon. The GOP has always been a party for the super wealthy anyway, and the Dems have been for the workers, maybe the Dems should have a candidate that looks and sounds like the people they portend to represent, instead of a self-funding billionaire that happens to have liberal values.
Yes, I’m aware of the importance of campaign cash, but after a certain point, cash ceases to be effective, e.g., Hillary (she had a ton), Jeb (he had a ton), Trump (he did not) etc.
Look at it like this: if you want to buy a new car, and you bring a million bucks to the Cadillac dealership, you will certainly get yourself a fully loaded, top of the line car, with every add on, but after a certain point, the money becomes kinda pointless. Campaigns are the same way, you can hire a top of the line analytics team, digital, media, field, fundraising, consultants, etc, but at some point the cash become useless. The overwhelming majority of campaigns will never experience this problem(!), but just like in Hillary’s case, Rauner’s I think will have the same issue. People just don’t like him, and each successive infusion of $50 million increments won’t change that.
I do applaud him for returning that much cash into the economy though!
Comment by The Uninitiated Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 4:11 pm
While most people are living paycheck to paycheck, Rep. Hammond is fighting to keep the water on in her district, the state owes the healthcare industry millions AND Governor Rauner deposits one of his December dividend checks into his campaign fund as a first installment.
Merry Christmas. Oh, By the way my friend Donald is going to make America great again. Did you hear that he thinks the price of prescription drugs are too high? When I was on the Apprentice, I told him that I fought hard to provide prescription drug relief to those living in Illinois. I hope to talk to Donald in a few days and will let you know if he can be of any help in Illinois. Maybe I can talk the President elect into appointing Bruce to some position. Wouldn’t that be F#%$ing golden?
Comment by Collect Call from Rod Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 4:14 pm
==…she got millions of more votes than the guy you stumped for.
39% for the GOP presidential candidate in DuPage. Some ground game.===
Well, you’ve proven you weren’t following me! I stumped a lot, but not for the President Elect. Barack Obama did very well in DuPage as well.
Our ground game won nearly all of our races Sling. Narrowly lost a really close one. DuPage was a rough track for Trump. As was the entire metro area of Chicago.
I made the case for why she lost Sling. Too many people did know her and they didn’t like her. Game over.
Comment by A guy Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 4:19 pm
===And… James Comey was the 10th inning rain delay. Stopping momentum from both “teams”.===
BS. It was the Russians. Don’t you read. Keep up. /s
Comment by A guy Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 4:21 pm
I agree with a couple of the above posters. There comes a point of diminishing return on the money spent.
This is Rauner’s Merry Christmas to the political consultants and media outlets.
Comment by RNUG Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 4:21 pm
Good for him ! Nothing wrong with being rich and notwithstanding the comments here I’m glad he made the contribution. Think of all the Illinois based consultants, media buys,and signs it will pay for !!
Comment by Lech W Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 4:21 pm
Brown: If politicians don’t need money to campaign, and instead should run on their record, then how do you explain all those decades the Speaker outspent the Republicans 2 to 1?
Comment by Not It Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 4:22 pm
The GOP has always been a party for the super wealthy anyway, and the Dems have been for the workers, maybe the Dems should have a candidate that looks and sounds like the people they portend to represent, instead of a self-funding billionaire that happens to have liberal values.
Not exactly
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/07/opinion/how-did-the-democrats-become-favorites-of-the-rich.html
Democrats are losing working class voters. Wall Street donates heavily to Democrats, not so much to Trump
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 4:30 pm
Dear Gov Rauner:
Just to let you know what $50 million gets you. In 2014 old Blue got you 8 votes. If the election were today, i would review your budget proposal to see your blend of spending cuts vs revenue increases. As it stands today, i would vote for an incarcerated Blago over you. So right now, thats $12.5 mil/vote against you. Keep up the good work. The economies of Illinois need that cash infusion.
Sincerely,
BlueDogDem
Comment by Blue dog dem Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 4:37 pm
My math is about as bad as yours.
Comment by Blue dog dem Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 4:38 pm
==She lost because she didn’t think people knew her and campaigned accordingly. Problem is; they did know her too well. And, she lost.==
That’s a pretty tortured distinction, and I think it still ends up being one without a difference.
If 2016 is in anyway a precedent for 2018 (and it will only be a limited one), it’s bad news for Bruce Rauner.
And of course, he knows it. That’s why he just dumped $50 million into his account.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 4:55 pm
As any Dem waits and holds their powder, even from showing the strength of fundraising, Rauner will start hammering daily all whom he feels needs to be browbeat, and these 50 millions are there as that daily hammer to do it.
Hold the powder?
If you want to get pummeled mercilessly, sure.
The time for waiting ended when $50 million became available to begin the scorched earth that was your reputation and career highlights.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 22, 16 @ 4:59 pm