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My syndicated newspaper column this week is about something that most outsiders won’t really care about, but which is still sending shockwaves through the Statehouse…
In state legislative politics, your word is supposed to be your bond, but that doesn’t always happen. Illinois legislators will often tell one person one thing and tell another something completely different. Rank and file legislators aren’t completely trustworthy.
Legislative leaders, on the other hand, are supposed to be different, particularly when it comes to promises they make to each other. The Senate President, House Speaker and the two minority leaders share an historic bond that is never breached.
By tradition, when the four leaders come to an agreement the pact is considered almost holy writ. They are all obligated to do everything they possibly can to implement their agreement. That trust is absolutely crucial to getting anything done at the Statehouse. When leaders make a bargain, it’s almost always about large, important and politically delicate matters. And nobody can remember a time when those vows have ever been broken.
Until last week, that is.
Go read the whole thing before commenting, please. And keep in mind that even with a 750-word column, there’s not always enough room to fully explain things. That happened this week with my piece as well.
It’s my opinion that the Senate Republicans did not break their agreement with Senate President Jones. They were asking for some additional time because their demands for memoranda of understanding on the capital bill arrived very late. Jones wasn’t willing to give them additional time, probably because he realized that he didn’t have the votes in his own caucus to pass the Chicago casino bill, which was supposed to fund the capital projects, so the SGOPS were a convenient scapegoat.
Also, I forgot to post this yesterday until very late in the day, so I figured I’d wait until this morning.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 9:10 am
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And will anyone be surprised if it becomes harder to do anything requiring 3/5ths vote?
CTA & PACE riders will be able to thank both Sen. Jones and Blaggo when they are hoofing it next month.
Comment by GettingJonesed Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 9:48 am
Good column Rich.
It seems clear that part of Jones’ decision was based on the ongoing inferiority complex between the two Democratic caucuses going back a very long time. In the days after Jones decision to break the budget deal, I actually had several Jones’ supporters go so far as to point to lack of cooperation between Senate and House Dems in past campaign cycles as justification for Jones’ knifing Madigan in the back. Which I find ridiculous.
The bottom line is that, while Madigan’s no saint, and a lot of people don’t like him; he is a person you can deal with.
We’ve known for some time that Blago can’t keep his word. Now we add Jones to that list.
Jones traded his career reputation for a days worth of personal satisfaction. What a shame.
Comment by MTP Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 9:49 am
Jones did not keep his word with his own Dem. members nor with the House members. As a result it will be extremely difficult for there to be any cooperation with the senate and house in the future.
I think Jones will be retiring soon and then will be appointed to some high paying job by the Gov. This will allow Jones to get a pension 2 or 3 times larger than the pension he would get as a legislature. Jones does not care about anybody but himself!
Comment by MOON Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 10:01 am
It’s been said that anything and everything can be bought for a price and Jones has proven that point. He has not stabbed MMadigan in the back without some “promise” from Blago. It may be jobs for the Jones family. It could be something more sinister. But Jones has bought into some kind of deal with Blago and I agree completely with “MTP”. Jones’ good reputation is forever gone, trust from his party is gone, and hopefully soon his position as Senate President will be gone as well. Personally and professionally, it’s time for the Senators to take back their own pride and reputation, as well as that of the Senate body as a whole, and elect a new Senate President next time around. I’m astouded at Jones’ lack of judgment. This whole thing with Blago and Jones quite simply doesn’t pass the smell test.
Comment by Just My Opinion Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 10:06 am
It made me sick to my stomach when the Guv made his announcement with Jones by his side. I am sickened because we are stuck with hese 2 clowns until at least the next election and, as ignorant/apathetic/numb/dumb as the electorate is, the goofiness could continue after that because of the ridiculous spending on campaign ads.
Investigations, subpoenas, breaking the rules…?
They choose to ignore/deny allegations and continue to do as they please because they are “self servants” not “public servants”. That is, They take care of themselves and their friends first. There will be no public outcry until someone dies or indictments are made. I pray the former doesn”t happen and I’m not holding my breath on the latter.
Comment by Diego Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 10:13 am
Good column Rich. The question is why? Why would Emil do that? For “revenge”? To prove himself as the top dog? What does he gain from standing by this veto? Nothing that I can see.
He already went against the governor by passing the budget, but then he double crossed his fellow leaders by standing by him with the line item veto. He ends up alone.
In the end, we are all alone I suppose.
Comment by Napoleon has left the building Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 10:17 am
Rich’s column suggests that he might agree with me.
I’ll repeat my mantra: Senate Democratic caucus -Senate President Emil Jones has got to go. He has disgraced himself and his office in a multitude of ways. His word is worthless.
Senator Jones - it’s reformism, not racism.
Although some have told me that the Senate caucus will not dump Senate President Jones, I believe the double-cross of Madigan and the other tops has sealed his fate. He will probably retire as Senate President to save face before he is dethroned by his caucus.That’s fine with me - he’s certainly had a long and distinguished career despite my personal reservations about his recent performance.
Comment by Captain America Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 10:18 am
Legislative leaders can be expected to keep their word, because they represent more than their own personal whims - they represent the legislative body that annointed them. Normally, they do the bidding of their group, but had first done enough persuading so that the group agrees with them.
There is no way that any Democratic senator should continue to support Mr. Jones. What Mr. Jones did was not just back-stabbing, it was a deliberate neglect of his job. He failed them.
Any Democratic senator would be better than Mr. Jones. Mr. Jones’ budgetary misbehaviour in addition to his highly publicized cavalcade of nepotistic opportunism has ensured that he has no effective future among his peers.
So, what IS Debbie Halvorson doing right now?
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 10:18 am
The “why” question is not always as easy to answer as it seems, which is why I sorta skirted it. There are some pundits who believe they can ascertain motivations of every politician. You should always stay away from them. They are either hyper-cynical hacks, or delusional about their own expertise.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 10:20 am
Or both.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 10:21 am
Hey Rich,
Looking back at the several weeks that preceeded the leaders’ budget, do you think President Jones may have been planning the move he announced with the Governor a week ago?
Remember how the leaders began their meetings sans Rod, and how Emil would keep close to the Gov throughout. In retrospect, did the nature of Emil’s participation in the leader effort to craft an acceptable budget seem like he may have had a different end game in mind all along?
Perhaps the President wanted to get the capital project money up as high as possible to develop a “pool” of funds for the Gov to cut and shift. Again in retrospect, maybe there was something both deliberate and sinister that led the President to treat Senate Dem project money differently than the way other caucuses treated their funds, with line item appropriations.
You follow the minute-by-minute stuff more closely than most. What do you think? Is it possible this was in the works for at least a little while? Could that be why Emil refused to give Watson time for his MOUs, to set up a purported reason to claim the “deal” dead?
Interested to read your thoughts.
Comment by Just Wondering Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 10:29 am
Those questions are not easily answered. And I’m not ready to speculate yet.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 10:32 am
Well, There It Is! Emil Jones is now known by everyone he must work with as not trustworthy. When will he formalize the resignation he has virtually given by his actions.
Comment by A Citizen Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 10:35 am
So we are about to set a record for the longest lame duck legislature pending Jones coming up for election.
Democrats are doing more to rebuild the republican party then the republicans. Finally there were opportunities to work from a position of control, but these have all now been squandered. Jones has not only lost credibility, has has breached his leadership obligations to fellow democrats. He needs gone, and his little family too.
Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 10:37 am
It’s also possible that there was no deal between Blago and Jones when Jones reniged. It could be that when Watson tried to stall for time and Jones heard of the phone calls between Madigan and Watson, Jones just flipped out. He and Blago feel that they’ve always been dumped on by Madigan anyway. He thought that the same was happening again and reacted without thinking that night. Jones isn’t the brightest bulb in the fixture.
Comment by Silent Majority Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 10:42 am
Jones actions this past year speaks for themselves, wife a big pay raise, step-son multi million dollar state contracts and his betrayal all point to his planned retirement and soon (I heard January for what it may be worth).
Comment by JW Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 10:56 am
“ids,” please back off the over the top rhetoric and inappropriate name-calling or face banishment. Thanks.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 11:11 am
I think the plan crafted by Blago and agreed upon by Emil worked out as planned sort of…towards the end of the marathon overtime, I couldn’t understand why Emil was participating in the budget talks with Madigan…the scenario of Emil saying he was double crossed by Watson on the capital bill was when the plan went awry…no bait and switch was posible capital plan=healthcare monies…Jones’ career is over…who’s next in line…Rich?
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 11:23 am
Rich, great column, and thanks for the insight on the collapse of the capital bill. I was wondering why Jones didn’t just simply delay the vote. Now, I know.
Your word is all you have in politics, its really that simple. All anyone can conclude from Jones’ behavior over the past year is that he doesn’t plan to be in politics much longer. Ultimately, that hurts Jones the most. Folks now know that they don’t have to deal with him much longer, they can just wait him out, and that really limits what he’s able to accomplish.
Meanwhile, a look at Senate checkbooks:
Emil Jones - $1,411,000
James Clayborne - $690,000
Jim DeLeo - $600,000
Lou Viverito - $335,000
Bill Haine - $270,000
John Cullerton - $250,000
Debbie Halvorson - $235,000
Don Harmon - $160,000
Carol Ronen - $130,000
Terry Link - $75,000
Clearly DeLeo and Clayborne are in the best position financially to succeed Jones, but I think they have other issues that would prevent them from making that run. DeLeo likes his current job, while Clayborne clearly has statewide ambitions.
I was surprised to find Viverito so close to the top of the list, and I think a Viverito bid for President would be great political theatre, but Viverito supposedly has his eyes on the pastures of retirement. Too bad, like I said, lots of fun to watch.
Unfortunately for Haine, the only time he’s really demonstrated leadership is by helping enact medical malpractice caps, and I think being a pro-life, pro-gun lawmaker from downstate Illinois makes it nearly impossible for him to become President. But, he could definitely move up into leadership.
Ronen is tainted by her allegiance to Blagojevich - and is also widely rumored to be job-hunting in the Blagojevich administration - so I think she’s probably out.
The big surprise is Link, who I always assumed would be a serious contender. But if he doesn’t start proving he can raise money, he’ll be out of this contest before it starts.
That leaves Cullerton and Halvorson, with Harmon as the dark horse. I really like Cullerton, and think he’s got alot more political courage than Halvorson. However, A little less testosterone in the Four Tops meetings would be a good think, and Halvorson certainly couldn’t do any worse than Jones has.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 11:31 am
YDD, you’re making the same mistake that the goo-goos make. Everything is not always about money.
In this instance, votes count more.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 11:33 am
Motivation for Sen. Jones. It could be that he’s always been Gov. Blagojevich’s guy. Or at least that’s the way it will seem.
Comment by Levois Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 11:51 am
Senator Jones wanted to be the Education President. When the final chapter is written, he may have just been the Emil Jones President.
Comment by Truth Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 12:29 pm
I’ve stayed away from commenting since I said that I was going to, but I just want to make it clear that I am NOT “ids”, whomever that may be. Still enjoy reading the comments.
Thanks i d… independent downstater
Comment by i d Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 12:40 pm
“Who steals my purse steals trash;
‘Tis something, nothing.
‘Twas mine, ’tis his, and has been slave to thousands,
But he that filches from me my good name
Robs me of that which not enriches him,
And makes me poor indeed.”
Who knew Senator Jones was prone to self-impoverishment? Did the senator offer a job to Iago?
Comment by Fan of the Game Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 12:49 pm
Goodbye and good riddance to Mr. Jones and the hateful bunch of people who support him. Can’t wait till they’re replaced and the work of the people can begin in earnest.
Comment by FAN of CAP FAX Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 1:10 pm
Rich, who do you think has the votes to succeed Jones? I honestly have no idea.
Comment by Captain America Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 1:22 pm
I’ll talk about it in the Fax soon. So, subscribe if you haven’t.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 1:24 pm
Political satire is as dead as democracy around here, both put to rest under the rubric of ‘decorum,’ otherwise known as Communism. One day, the people will rise-up.
Comment by ids Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 1:48 pm
ids, calling someone “evil” is not satire. It’s unacceptable. And if you don’t like the rules, perhaps you should just leave. Thanks.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 2:05 pm
I think Madigan did keep his word, and like the class act he is, hasn’t pounded on the table with his shoe and shouted to the world that he was falsely accused. It would appear that Jones knew well in advance that he couldn’t win the battle on the capital bill. He must have thought he could simply force it through on short notice and was brought up short by the many not voting to pass. It all eventually came down to trust and more people did not trust Jones than did. Madigan was simply an easy way for Jones to pass off his weakness and ultimate failure as a leader. And too, he may very well have been working in concert with the gov. That I believe. I believe also that this miscalculation will go down in Illinois political history as a first and as a low for our legislature. We are better than this and we can elect better representatives of this great state. I stand by Madigan on this one.
Comment by Justice Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 3:58 pm
Just speculating here Rich, like all of us are, about what motivated Jones to do what he did. I still feel Blago has promised Emil something. I’m surprised, however, that with Emil’s political experience, if this is the case that Emil would fall for it. The only thing that comes to mind is that in January Emil will bow out of politics and land some cushy job for the remainder of Rod’s 3 year term, and perhaps even stretching an appointment to 4 years. I understand the legislature has a pretty sweet pension, so would he gain much by going out of the legislative arena for 3-4 years? Emil Jones didn’t get where he is by being stupid but he may turn out to be the governor’s biggest casualty thus far. I’ve never thought he was the sharpest knife in the drawer, he certainly isn’t the caliber of MMadigan when it comes to playing chess, but this whole alliance with Blago is really befuddling. I’m beginning to believe Blago could charm a snake.
Comment by Little Egypt Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 4:17 pm
This talk of Jones getting an admin job is a bit off. He makes a decent buck as Senate Prez, which could be hard to top in an admin position.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 4:20 pm
yellow Dog.
YOur missing several other accounts for Senate Dems, your $ numbers are not even close, besides that has nothing to do with who would be in the running.
The obvious fact people are missing is that Jones has plenty of time before there will be any talk of replacement, and these continuing battles are not over. Emil may not have played his full hand yet. Speculation on replacement is uber over zelous at the moment, but lets play anyway.
Everyone in the senate Dem caucus (obviously not everyone, but a good number of people) would like to succeed Jones. Claybourne (where yellow dog got state wide asperation I have no idea) is one, followed by Hendon (who doesnt have a chance, but doesnt mean HE doenst think so), Link (who has two other accounts you missed Yellow dog), DeLeo, I would say is the front runner outside of the the nomonee of the BLack caucus, followed by cullerton. The problem is that the Black caucus would have to get behind one of their own, but I dont think they can at the moment. It all depends on who they back. It might not nececarily be a black, but I think it WILL be someone from the CHicago area.
I think the Dark horse is DeLeo at the moment, becasue of the Black caucus. IF the Black caucus is fractured, he has a good chance if he makes a deal with the hispanics (someone to put as majority leader) and with downstate members (also make someone Majority leader, a Sullivan or Haine). THese are total hypatheticals.
Comment by Moderate Repub Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 4:39 pm
what’s ironic here is that for a while, Jones was in control of this session. He had manuvered himself to be the swing position. Both the Speaker and the Guv were working to get him away from the other. He could have done any number of things with that position. I don’t like the man but for a couple weeks I really respected how he played his hand. And then he blew it all by going back on a deal. This will resonate for a long time. Few things sting like a double cross. PS - how lame does Jones’ fake anger at Watson over the capital bill look now. Bad acting to cover a poor decision.
Comment by L.S. Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 5:02 pm
Jones’s members should be furious. He’s gained nothing for them and made them look bad. When he’s in bed with Rod, they’re all in bed with Rod. Can’t trust any of them now.
Comment by Truth Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 6:34 pm
Senate Pres Jones will survive this. Deals will still need to be made, issues addressed, special interests greased. His only referendum is number of seats that the Senate Dems hold after Nov 2008. Great news for Sen. E. Jones.
Comment by Korn Fed Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 6:54 pm
The reality is that Jones has not YET doublecrossed the members or Madagin He still has the opportunity to redeem his honor and trustworthiness after the Gov signs the AV Bill. I would much rather doublecross a doublecrosser than the folks I depend on for my effectiveness and reputation. Come on Emil, You KNOW what the honorable and right thing is to do!
Comment by A Citizen Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 7:02 pm
What is really disturbing here is that being dishonest is becoming the norm. I have grown tired of people lying and going back on their word and then someone justifies it as “politics”. That isn’t politics, and we shouldn’t tolerate this behavior in our leaders (or the peope who should be leaders). I would also add that this quality seems to be common in the people surrounding this Governor. The people running Illinois’ government are very poor examples for our youth.
Comment by ChokingCub Tuesday, Aug 21, 07 @ 9:24 pm