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* The post-meeting spinning was apparently fast and furious in Chicago yesterday. Mayor Daley left the meeting with the four leaders and the governor saying nothing but positive things. But his people told a different story to reporters later in the day. Here’s the Sun-Times’ take..
But City Hall sources said Daley departed angry and frustrated because he kept being stymied in his efforts to discuss bailing out the CTA well ahead of the agency’s latest deadline for fare increases and service cuts: Jan. 20.
The mayor walked out after a little more than an hour.
“It felt like a classic bait-and- switch,” one City Hall source said. Daley “was led there to believe they were talking about the CTA when the aim was to talk about gaming.”
* Tribune…
A frustrated Daley offered little after exiting the governor’s Chicago office, but his spokeswoman later said Daley left the bi-partisan meeting when the discussion turned to gambling expansion rather than fixing the mass transit crunch, with service cuts looming Jan. 20.
“Clearly the mayor understands that gaming is likely a part of the overall solution to the transit issue, but everybody knows it would take at least two years for that to happen,” Daley spokeswoman Jacquelyn Heard said. The mayor “kept trying to bring the conversation around to that this morning, but to no avail … I think he felt he said all he needed to say, and there apparently was little interest in talking about the immediate crisis.”
* And then there was this little problem…
The powerful house speaker stormed out of the meeting after a heated exchange with state Senator Rickey Hendon about how to guarantee that minority investors and communities benefit from an expansion of gambling in Illinois, which was also part of the discussion.
“There was just a lot of nonproductive shouting, threats and allegations,” Madigan said.
“I didn’t raise my voice. You guys know me. I talk loud just naturally. I come from the West Side. You have to talk loud to be heard. That’s all,” said State Senator Rickey Hendon, (D) Chicago.
The meeting was supposed to be for the principals and their top staff, but Jones brought Hendon with him and, well, Hendon is Hendon.
* As I told you yesterday, the governor couldn’t help but jump into the fray…
Speaker Madigan is the only one who doesn’t agree that African Americans ought to participate in the ownership of the [casino licenses],” Blagojevich said.
Madigan denied that through his spokesman, Steve Brown.
Madigan, Brown said, backs a proposal by the House black caucus that minority and women casino owners would be selected through lotteries. Those lotteries, Madigan says, would help prevent problems that plagued the failed Emerald Casino project in Rosemont. When asked whether he perceived Blagojevich as trying to accuse Madigan of being racist, Brown said, “He’s trying to, but it doesn’t wash.”
Abby Ottenhoff, the governor’s spokeswoman, said the governor simply was trying to explain what took place between Madigan and Hendon.
* This is a bit misleading…
Meanwhile, Cross and his Republican counterpart in the Senate, Minority Leader Frank Watson of Greenville, said transit riders should pay a modest fare increase as part of a funding solution. Democrats oppose a fare hike.
Listen to the raw audio and you’ll hear Senate President Jones dodge questions about whether he could support a fare hike.
* And this, from the same article, is a drastic understatement….
Cross continued to push an alternative idea to tap a share of state gasoline sales tax revenue for mass transit, but that would require filling a hole in the state budget. There are differences of opinion on how to offset that deficit.
There are not only “differences of opinion,” there is no real plan yet.
* And Jones gets the most overly optimistic quote of the day award…
Democratic Senate President Emil Jones was optimistic the governor and legislative leaders were close to a deal to bail out mass transit agencies and pay for construction projects around the state.
“I believe we can wrap this up in the next day or two, really, because the issues that are separating us are very, very minute,” he said.
* Mark Brown points to a particularly big failure by the governor yesterday…
The addition of Mayor Daley to the group was supposed to be a positive sign because it would bring all the major decision makers directly into the discussion of how to solve the public transit funding riddle — the ulterior reason for the meeting being to isolate Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan in his running dispute with Gov. Blagojevich.
But the big summit meeting apparently devolved into the same sort of failure to communicate that makes me think we’re going to need to bring in “Dr. Phil” to sort out all the ill feelings before there’s going to be any deal to fund the Chicago Transit Authority. And Daley continued to back Madigan’s play, anyway.
Splitting Daley from Madigan is not gonna be nearly as easy as Blagojevich has hoped.
* More session stuff, compiled by Paul…
* Lawmakers summit ends with angry words, no progress
* Officials discuss transit funding; still no deal
* Chicago Public Radio: Transit meeting breaks down with shouting
* Foes of casino expansion fade in Illinois
* Bethany Jaeger: Time for Plan C
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 9:14 am
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I can understand Hendon wanting to do something about wanting to help poor African Americans–in addition to poor members of others races. But how is guaranteeing that ownership of one or more casinos goes to African Americans going to help fight poverty? Anyone able to open one of these casinos is obviously going to be wealthy. Let them bid for a license just like anyone else. This is just welfare for the most wealthy in the African American community. But, alas, as Rich pointed out, Hendon is Hendon.
Comment by Andy Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 9:22 am
What made the governor think that he could isolate Madigan from Daley? Is he even deft enough to pull that off? Even if it was a long term thing?
Comment by Levois Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 9:30 am
Blago’s meeting showed Daley how inept the Gov. really is.The idea that this meeting would in some way isolate Madigan shows you how goofy Blago, Jones, Hendon,etc are.These guys will never isolate Madigan. Prior to any negotiations the Speaker always confers with his caucus. Madigan realizes without the backing of his house members he would be out on a limb to act contrary to their wishes.Jones on the other hand doesn’t care what his caucus wants, as proven thruout this situation.
Lets face the facts…Madigan is so much smarter than Blago, Jones , Hendon, etc.. These guys resort to name calling; they pull out the racist card, and will do whatever to cover up their stupidity.
Comment by MOON Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 9:31 am
Anything Rod Blagojevich and Emil Jones support or don’t support should be considered highly suspect.
Rod and Emil’s agendas have not served Illinois.
Comment by What a Tag Team Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 9:34 am
Given that Blago’s invitation was sent in apparent response to Daley’s Dec. 1 deadline demand, it seems the Gov’s goal was to bring Daley in to silence his whining from the outside.
If Daley gets any kind of ownership of the problem, then he has to deal with it more directly and can’t simply complain.
That, to me, explains more of why he left early. He doesn’t want any ownership. He found out almost 20 years when he took office that the CTA is the “third rail” of Chicago politics.
Only slightly less dangerous than the “black ice” of Chicago politics - snow removal.
Comment by GoBearsss Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 9:42 am
Sure, Moon,
That Madigan is a real genius. That’s why the state is in such great shape after three decades of his “leadership”.
“the Speaker always confers with his caucus.” That’s a laugh. He confers by telling them what to do and then by having his gen X minions tell them what will happen to them if they don’t do what he says. He is just so much smarter than everybody else, always playing chess. Well that hasn’t been the case since Governor Blagojevich took office and won’t ever be the case again.Ask Paul Mangeri. Mike and all the legions of minions should just give it up and start looking for real jobs.
The rumors of the governor’s demise have been greatly exagerated.
Comment by Bill Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 9:44 am
Speaker Madigan is the only one who doesn’t agree that African Americans ought to participate in the ownership of the [casino licenses],” Blagojevich said.
I know this is rhetorical, but why would the Gov. say something like that? It sounds so childish - so needlessly confrontational. How can you get an agreement if you’re going to insult the negotiating parties in the press every day?
Comment by Kuz Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 9:45 am
My favorite comment was Ricky talking about getting under the speakers bra.
Comment by Bill Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 9:46 am
Hendon is making sure the rich minorities get to continue to play with the rich whites. The title of a book by??? Why should White Guys Have all the Fun? Reginald something may have been his name.
Comment by Wumpus Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 9:56 am
……and so are the Days of our lives!!!
Comment by He makes Ryan Look like a Saint Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 10:09 am
Bill
You are so over the top…….In the future I will try to not response to your ridiculous statements and beliefs. Anybody with a brain knows your positions are unfounded in fact.Go eat some turkey you fool!!!!!
Comment by MOON Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 10:11 am
I think Jones and Blago are in for a rude awakening in January when Madigan promptly passes the Hamos plan in the house.
The public is not going to buy their argument that resolving the mass transit funding problem/avoiding Doomsday should be contingent upon resolution of all the thorny issues associated with expnansion of casino gambling - at least not when a readily avaliable alternative solution is on the table.
Jones wiill have to hop aboard the train and pass the Hamso bill or he will be run over by demands from his own caucus and his constituents to pass the Hamos bill or else. The public will blame the Senate/Jones and Blago for obstructing the Hamoa bill, not Madigan. I doubt that Senator Jones can survive as Senate President if Doomsday is implemented. His caucus and constituency will be furious and I think the press will make it clear who is responsible for the mass transit impasse. Everyone with any knowledge or understanding of the mass transit issue knows that the Hamos plan is the most reasonable and appropriate way to address the funding crisis.
After the House and the Senate pass the Hamos bill, the Governor can self-destruct by vetoing the bill or cave. Personally I doubt his testicular fortitude - he dare not veto the bill and precipitate Doomsday.
The “bait and switch” concerns voiced by the Mayor’s spokesman seem entirely valid - my impression was that the meeting was supposed to be about mass transit,not casinos.
All this being said, I hope they are able to compromise. Unfortunately, I think the Governor is stupid and/or irrational enough to actually self- destruct by vetoing the Hamso Bill when it reaches his desk. It will be the executive equivalent of a suicide bombing if/when he vetos.
Comment by Captain America Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 10:13 am
Sticks and stones, Moon, sticks and stones…
Now get back to work. The speaker wants his garbage cans emptied…and don’t forget his sandwich!
Comment by Bill Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 10:13 am
anyone have a link to the complete list of
electeds who were in the room? can’t figure
out the entire group. thanks.
Comment by Amy Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 10:17 am
Bill as everyday passes you remind me more and more of Joseph Goebbels the Minister for Public Enlightenment and Propaganda.
Happy THANksgiving DUDE!
Comment by Cracking Me Up Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 10:27 am
Y’all need to stop falling for Bill’s schtick. It gets you every time.
Move along.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 10:28 am
Lol
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 10:30 am
Rich
As I stated in my 10:11 am post I do not plan on responding to Bill anymore. I agree with your opinion on this matter. If Blago and his evil cabal need to rely on Bill to defend them they are in a world of hurt!!!!!!!!
Comment by MOON Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 10:40 am
lmfao
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 10:41 am
“Everyone with any knowledge or understanding of the mass transit issue knows that the Hamos plan is the most reasonable and appropriate way to address the funding crisis.”
That is not accurate. Transit advocates wouldn’t say a sales tax and a real estate transfer tax are the BEST WAYS EVER to fund transit. It is just what has been on the table all year, and not something they are against in principle.
Go read the Moving Beyond Congestion report. There are numerous revenue options.
And before you crow about all the other reforms, etc. in the Hamos bill, let me add that nobody would get rid of those things. Those would be a part of any transit deal.
The only thing in question is the revenue source. And the sales tax has no future.
Comment by GoBearsss Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 10:43 am
It wasn’t just Jones who brought another legislator, Cross brought Saviano too — you can see him in the TV pan. Of course, they have very different impacts on meetings.
Comment by jun-key Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 10:44 am
I’d like to see someone come in with a broad sales tax reform that widens the base, taxes services and lowers rates. Then the Hamos bill might actually have a long-term future instead of gradually turning into another 1983 short-term fix. Actually, if they did what I’ve suggested, you might not need to change local option rates at all in the case of the RTA and also several local authorities.
Comment by Angry Chicagoan Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 10:48 am
Let’s take a simple and fast survey.
Which of the below will happen first in the state?
1) Mass transit bail-out.
2) Capital spending bill passed.
3) Chicago Casino.
4) Conceal-Carry law passed.
Tough choice.
Comment by Healthcare Worker Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 10:53 am
Rich - the lyrics to the Dead’s Hear Comes Sunshine seem appropriate here:
Wake of the flood, laughing water, forty-nine,
Get out the pans, don’t just stand there dreamin’
Get out of the way, get out of the way,
Here comes sunshine, here comes sunshine.
Line up a long shot maybe try it two times, maybe more,
Good to know you got shoes to wear when you find the floor,
Why hold out for more?
Here comes sunshine, here comes sunshine.
Askin’ you nice, now, keep the mother rollin’
One more time, been down before,
You just don’t have to go no more, no more.
Here comes sunshine, here comes sunshine.
Comment by paddyrollingstone Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 10:57 am
I was thinking more along the lines of Stella Blue, from the Wake of the Flood album…
===When all the cards are down, there’s nothing left to see,
There’s just the pavement left and broken dreams.
In the end there’s still that song comes cryin’ like the wind.
Down every lonely street that’s ever been
Stella blue. Stella blue.===
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 11:02 am
I cannot decide which funnier Spin Sister SLim trying to explain the Blaggo’s botched attempt to play the race card on Madigan or Spin Sister Boy Toy Bill predicting the Madigan demise.
Two good chuckles.
Stick to the continued reannouncement of health care
Comment by Reddbyrd Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 11:08 am
For Rod, Emil and of course Bill
Your Time Is Gonna Come (Jones/Page)
Lyin’, cheatin’, hurtin, that’s all you seem to do.
Messin’ around with every guy in town,
Puttin’ me down for thinkin’ of someone new.
Always the same, playin’ your game,
Drive me insane, trouble is gonna come to you,
One of these days and it won’t be long,
You’ll look for me but baby, I’ll be gone.
This is all I gotta say to you woman:
Your Time Is Gonna Come
Made up my mind to break you this time,
Won’t be so fine, it’s my turn to cry.
Do want you want, I won’t take the brunt.
It’s fadin’ away, can’t feel you anymore.
Don’t care what you say ’cause I’m goin’ away to stay,
Gonna make you pay for that great big hole in my heart.
People talkin’ all around,
Watch out woman, no longer
Is the joke gonna be on my heart.
You been bad to me woman,
But it’s coming back home to you.
Comment by Northside Bunker Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 11:13 am
“…Spin Sister Boy Toy Bill…”
I wish!
Comment by Bill Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 11:21 am
So the anti new tax gov hands daley a little bribe, he lets Daley have his tax hikes unopposed. Apparently the gov thought this little gift would be enough to get Daley to depart from Madigan. Not only is the gov a poor leader, but he appears to beleive that since he operates by rewarding those who pay him, every other politico will as well. (lets not forget the whole fund senate projects but not house, even where house and senate officials were each pursuing half of the fundung for things like bridge repair). The gov has such a shockingly poor estimation of what will get politicians to support him, he tosses out true negotiation and deal making. He needs to stop hoping bribes will work on others and try to work with real solutions. I can;t imagine the nightmare the State would be in right now if we didnt have Madigan.
Comment by Ghost Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 11:22 am
OK SpinSister Gal Pal Bill — you pick the gender
or should we say SpinSister BiFly?
Comment by Reddbyrd Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 11:55 am
Bill says “The rumors of the governor’s demise have been greatly exagerated.” The same Governor that has a 23% approval rating? The same Governor who continues to sign bills into law that are declared unconstitutional? The same Governor whose tax plan and sneaky administrative rules idea was publicly shot down in humiliating fashion? The same Governor who displays juvenile timidity when it comes to actually signing or vetoing a bill? I would suggest the rumors of his demise are exaggerated but not in his favor.
I admire you loyalty to the Governor, Bill, just don’t understand it based on his less-than-stellar history of ending business as usual.
Comment by DC Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 11:59 am
“So the anti new tax gov hands daley a little bribe, he lets Daley have his tax hikes unopposed.”
What a crock! The governor deosn’t have anything to do with Chicago property taxes. It should be obvious to even the most obtuse of you that the Governor doesn’t care what politicians and other insiders think of him. He is working for the people not the powers that in their own mind be. Rod promised to change business as usual and he has and will continue to do so. It is not the Govenor, the President, or the two minority leaders that are holding up the capitol bill. The bill has passed the Senate. an RTA bailout plan has the support of 4 of the 5 “leaders” without raising taxes and it is not the so called Hamos bill that even the esteemed speaker couldn’t get through the House. The public will see through all the attempts at slander and all the misinformation and all the backstabbing and realize that it wasn’t the Gov who wanted to raise their taxes, stop their trains and busses and let the infrastructure of our once great state rot.
It was someone that they don’t even get to vote for.
Comment by Bill Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 12:02 pm
Well, Redd, you should know.
Comment by Bill Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 12:04 pm
Enough. Back to the topic at hand. Further ad hominem attacks will be deleted in this thread.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 12:05 pm
“Meanwhile, Cross and his Republican counterpart in the Senate, Minority Leader Frank Watson of Greenville, said transit riders should pay a modest fare increase as part of a funding solution. Democrats oppose a fare hike.”
I agree with this and am surprised no one else commented on it. Why shouldn’t the transit riders pay a modest increase as part of the funding solution? I’ve been paying more than a modest increase to fill my gas tank each week - so it would seem only right that a modest increase be included - everyone isn’t entitled to a ‘free’ ride so to speak.
Comment by Judy, Judy, Judy Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 12:36 pm
“ad hominem attacks” and arguments should always be deleted from this blog, as should baiting. Thanks.
Comment by anonymouse Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 12:37 pm
Judy
Don’t be surprised if Madigan and Daley go along with a modest fare increase coupled with the Hamos plan. Then the Rep. will be in step with the only feasible plan on the table. This would definitely put Blago and Jones in a box.
Comment by MOON Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 12:58 pm
Moon - Take a chill pill about Bill. Bill thinks that blago walks on water, heals the sick, feeds the multitudes and raises the dead. We tolerate him for the laughs.
Comment by Huh? Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 1:08 pm
Don’t assume what Bill thinks.
Now, for the last time, move along.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 1:09 pm
what was Hendon’s quote re. speaker & a bra????
You just can’t write stuff like this.
Who will write the book/play??
Comment by wow Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 2:11 pm
I knew this leadership meeting was going to fall apart. Madigan wants nothing to do with making Blago look like a governor. I just didn’t think he would be able to get the Mayor to be his ally.
Comment by Garp Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 2:19 pm
Garp
Madigan didn’t make Daley an ally of his.It was Blago,Jones, and Hendon’s lack of focus on the issue of transportation that got Daley’s ire, and made him realize that these guys were wasting his time.
Blago, Jones,and Hendon are only interested in assuring that their people get the casinos.These guys are in it for the money!!!!!!!
Comment by MOON Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 2:41 pm
what an incredibly inept collection of leaders, except for Richie…pathetic
Comment by Anonymous45 Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 4:12 pm
or from Cabaret..
“money makes the world go round the world go round, it makes the world go ROUND”…indeed
Comment by Anonymous45 Thursday, Nov 15, 07 @ 4:15 pm