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* Things got ugly in the Senate yesterday…
A Senate panel unanimously approved a ban on “pay-to-play” for state contractors Thursday despite a last-minute threat from Senate President Emil Jones to add a provision proponents said would derail the legislation.
Jones (D-Chicago) wants to amend the bill to make it impossible for all statewide officials to get campaign cash from contractors that do at least $50,000 in business with any of the state’s six constitutional officers. Under Jones’ version, a company that gets a contract from the governor couldn’t give campaign cash to the treasurer, for example.
That would be a change from a bipartisan agreement lawmakers announced last week after more than a year of dickering. The lawmakers’ version would ban companies that hold or seek at least $50,000 in business from contributing to the campaigns of the office-holder who actually awards the contract.
* And a congressional candidate was put in the middle…
Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson (D- Crete), who helped negotiate the pay-to-play deal, said she has no intention of letting Jones tinker with the bill.
“He knows better,” said Halvorson, a congressional candidate whom Jones recently kicked off the powerful rules committee. “[The amendment] will not be put on there because that kills it over in the [House], and I wouldn’t vote for it over here.”
* Is this the explanation? Really?
Cindi Canary, director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, believes Jones is just making noise to ensure the Senate gets proper credit for its contributions to the legislation. The House adopted the idea more than a year ago but it has been intensely negotiated between the chambers since.
* And then things got a bit weirder…
Saying he’s tired of the House “pimping” the Senate, Sen. Rickey Hendon (D-Chicago) said he’ll try to change a bill so lawmakers who vote against raises won’t get the extra cash.
Hendon said it’s unfair for House members who vote against the raise to get the extra pay if the Senate allows raises to take effect.
He said he’s tired of the House ‘’pimping us.'’
* And weirder…
Hendon also took issue with state Sen. Susan Garrett, a Lake Forest Democrat who was leading the push to reject the raises.
“People should not miss out on the fact that she’s a millionaire. She don’t need it. Have you seen her house? Mind-boggling,” Hendon said. “So it just blows my mind how the filthy rich are always the ones saying, we don’t need the raise. No, she don’t.”
* And weirder…
In the middle of Garrett talking to reporters, Senate President Emil Jones Jr., a Chicago Democrat who supports the raises, walked past and loudly quipped that he needed to get some food stamps.
* Would you like some audio? You would? Well here you go. Click on the links if the audio player doesn’t work for you… UPDATE: Y’all were killing my server, so I’ve moved the files to a new server and deleted the audio player…
* Sen. Jones wants foodstamps…
[Thanks to the Daily Herald for the audio clips. The paper now has the audio files on its own site as well.]
Try to avoid just teeing off on individual legislators in comments. It gets boring after a while and we’ve all heard it before. Be a bit original, please. Thanks.
*** UPDATE *** Per a request by a commenter, I’ve trimmed Jones’ “foodstamps” comment and converted it into some ringtone files. Click to download…
* mp3
* WAV
* OGG
Enjoy.
*** UPDATE 2 *** These were cleaned up by John at AgriTalk…
* mp3
* WAV
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, May 9, 08 @ 9:36 am
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These are educated, elected public servants right? How embarassing.
Comment by Dan S, a Voter & Cubs Fan Friday, May 9, 08 @ 9:44 am
I don’t need an audio of just about anything in the Senate or the House for that matter. The chaois created in this state is worse than that of a three-legged race at a family reunion.
Comment by Little Egypt Friday, May 9, 08 @ 9:44 am
Guess I should spell check better.
Comment by Little Egypt Friday, May 9, 08 @ 9:45 am
On a brighter note, it’s International Compost Awareness Week. I see Rod and Emil are doing their part.
Comment by Status Quo Friday, May 9, 08 @ 9:49 am
DCFS is currently reviewing ‘food stamp’ (known as LINK for about 10 years now) eligibiilty for underpaid Senate presidents.
Comment by 10 Miles South of Richville Friday, May 9, 08 @ 9:50 am
Not really original but it seems that using the name Rickey Hendon and the words “weird” and “weirder” in the same context has become a common event. Picking on Susan and where she lives is a smart move - Hollywood.
And if Jones cannot make it in life on his current salary and now needs food stamps, then perhaps it’s time for him to find other, more enriching employment. Isn’t Chicago State University looking for a new president? I hear the job has plenty of perks.
Comment by Bluefish Friday, May 9, 08 @ 9:53 am
Given the economic downturn and housing crisis, it’s good to hear lawmakers complain about their needs and how little they think they make. Some legislators are showing their true stripes…and that’s caring more about their needs than those they pretend to serve.
If we’ve heard it all before, why is it still being posted? Interesting.
Comment by Will Clark Friday, May 9, 08 @ 9:53 am
Whatever. The lack of class of some of these legislators reflects poorly on those who voted them in.
Meanwhile, this bill needs to get passed. It is certainly imperfect and I am sure that there are still many ways that corruption can flourish…this is Illinois, Dem Illinois, after all, but it would be very unfortunate if it failed.
Comment by Cassandra Friday, May 9, 08 @ 9:56 am
So, we are waiting for the amended bill which stipulates that only the citizens from the districts represented by legislators who vote for state income tax increases have to pay them.
Comment by Balance Friday, May 9, 08 @ 10:02 am
Is there anyway to get President Jones’ audio made into a ringtone? I would buy it in a second. Hilarious, made my week.
Comment by ChiCountryGuy Friday, May 9, 08 @ 10:05 am
That’s a good idea.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 9, 08 @ 10:05 am
Looks like the Rickster did a nice growing the Madigan bloc in the Senate yesterday. Excellent work, dudes.
Comment by Dr. DumberThanYouThink Friday, May 9, 08 @ 10:10 am
Maybe buy the ringtone to raise money for a charity?
Comment by ChiCountryGuy Friday, May 9, 08 @ 10:12 am
President Jones and Senator Hendon are a public relations person’s nightmare. Perhaps someone should familiarize them with the term “soundbite”. They seem to be unaware of the existence of modern recording devices. The “I need foodstamps” comment is an excellent follow up to “I need a raise. I need a raise.” I thought that this previous verbal ejaculation on the part of the President couldn’t be topped, but I was proven wrong. Candor is in my opinion overrated in our society and it is becoming a lost virtue to actually think before one speaks. You would think politicians would be even more conservative with what they say, given the probability that it will not only be repeated, but also emblazoned in headlines the next day. But I guess when you are a Blagocrat, the rules don’t necessarily apply, and the rules that I’m talking about here are common civility. As a civil servant stuggling with loan payments and the rising cost of everything, I’m insulted by President Jones’ comment, I can’t even imagine how someone surviving on food payments actually feels.
Comment by Gentlemen, behold! Friday, May 9, 08 @ 10:13 am
I wonder how big a campaign contribution you have to make to get food stamps from this administration?
Comment by Anon Friday, May 9, 08 @ 10:13 am
It’s embarrassing, but they aren’t embarrased.
It is disgraceful.
That’s the truth.
Comment by Truth Friday, May 9, 08 @ 10:14 am
Just thinking what a waste of money it was to renovate the Senate chambers in a rather lavish manner in an attempt to provide some decorum for that body.
“Decorum, they don’t need no stinking decorum!” And truly, they don’t need redecorated chambers when members want to act like people in a back yard brawl.
It is so sad that the majority of our Senators are willing to accept and put up with leadership like this. Very very sad.
Comment by Lawman Friday, May 9, 08 @ 10:16 am
Forget WWII Germany, Illinois has the Great Hendonberg disaster of 2008.
Comment by Ghost Friday, May 9, 08 @ 10:18 am
ChiCountryGuy, your request is my command. Check the “update” for ringtones.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 9, 08 @ 10:18 am
Rude, arrogant. Obviously, they were not taught, nor have they learned, any manners. They should be embarrassed. I am.
Comment by anon Friday, May 9, 08 @ 10:22 am
Well, okay … what? I’m supposed to *like* Jones’s nutty comments?
Okay, then.
Jones and Hendon — two classy dudes. More, baby! More!
Why stop with just a single raise? You nutty kids, go ahead and get some more. You guys deserve it.
Bravo! Bravo!
Comment by Macbeth Friday, May 9, 08 @ 10:25 am
Here’s an idea my boss proposed to me the other day: Start a huge charity fund to pay off problematic politicians in exchange for them vacating their posts. Given how desperate Jones and Hendon are for the cash, this fund might not even need to be all that big to be effective. If you all could find a way to do this legally, I think I could raise some decent $$ around my company and others.
Comment by Greg Friday, May 9, 08 @ 10:25 am
Much better, I presume.
Comment by Macbeth Friday, May 9, 08 @ 10:26 am
I heard Sen. Garrett say something about not accepting a pay raise when ” . . . other state employees are suffering.” I interpret that to mean she considers herself also a state employee.
Comment by anon (not 10:22) Friday, May 9, 08 @ 10:28 am
Whatever. Legislators are not state employees. I despise that canard.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 9, 08 @ 10:31 am
What a proud moment for the State.
These guys are fantastic. They take what could be a legitimate argument (like the House passing the buck to get a pay raise) and then make themselves look incredibly stupid. My high school wasn’t this bad.
“I need a raise.” “I need food stamps.”
I need a con-con. Thanks for some sound bites that can be used in ads this fall.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Friday, May 9, 08 @ 10:33 am
Most of those guys also hold regular (usually local government) jobs. How many state legislators actually live solely on their rep or sen salary??? Hey, even then, those part time salaries are much more than the average Joe makes. Emil, can you share your food stamps with the rest of us?
Comment by Snidely Whiplash Friday, May 9, 08 @ 10:44 am
More “Capitol Blax Fog”
Comment by Anonymous Friday, May 9, 08 @ 10:56 am
I think it’s refreshing when lawmakers display their raw motivations rather than disguise them through Orwellian doublespeak. Gives citizens the chance to see how things really work and make decisions accordingly.
Where is the uprising of the Senate Dem goo-goos? They need to steel themselves with glass of fine chablis, don their battle Birkenstocks and ride their hybrids forth and take a low-carbon-footprint stand in the name of all that is Good Government.
Other than Garrett, has anyone made a peep of dissent? If they keep going along with this stuff, they’re just posers.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, May 9, 08 @ 10:57 am
OK Folks!
Quiet on the set!
Lights! Action! Camera!
“Whithering Hype - take 24!”
Narrator: “The scene - a faded antebellum settee with our crinolined heroine, Debbie Halvorson, draped over in a nervous heap, fanning herself as the impact of her situation becomes clearer…”
DH: “OH, Emil! Emil! Why did thou treatest me so? OH, the cruelty! The mis-TREAT-ment!”
Jones enters stage left wearing black cloak and top hat…
EJ: “Debbie, my sweet! It pains me so! I MUST HAVE A RAISE or I will perish in the poor house, or worst, find myself hospitalized at Stroger! I must from you for now partest…”
DH: “But Emil! We were a TEAM. You promised me…”
EJ: “Fate has locked it’s cruel jaws upon my delicate hand, my beloved. I can no longer use it to guide your political path without detection. They are on to us.”
DH: “But Emil! What about…REFORM…?”
EJ: “HUH?…Uh, yeah, uh…reform…it-it still burns within my bosom!”
CUT! CUT!
Listen up folks! This would be a lot more believable if you weren’t smirking and snickering Debbie!
DH: “I can’t help it! And you need a breath mint Emil!”
And Emil, you were screwed up that line. You tell her, “I will need food stamps!” - and act like you need it!
Geez people! You are supposed to be pros. President and Senate Majority Leader. You want to win that Congressional seat Debbie? LEARN YOUR LINES and rehearse!
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, May 9, 08 @ 11:02 am
I’ll take Emil’s household salary over mine right now, and my family will live very well. Further, I’d take his pension right now and live well for the rest of my life, even before he cashes in a top paying job with Blagojevich or Obama (whichever comes first).
No matter what Gordon Gekko said, or Ivan Boesky believes greed is not good or healthy.
By the way, Susan Garrett really needs to work on addressing the press. The message was fine, the delivery was pitiful.
Comment by Jaded Friday, May 9, 08 @ 11:08 am
Food Stamps should not be provided to those who use more than their fair share of gravity! Emil, need I say more?
Comment by A Citizen Friday, May 9, 08 @ 11:08 am
Oh, and not to leave out Ricky. He lists himself as a full time state legislator, but between his full time legislative gig and County gig, he also makes more money than I do. Where do I go to sign up for my LINK card?
Comment by Jaded Friday, May 9, 08 @ 11:15 am
Let’s try to tone it down a notch or two, please. Thanks.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 9, 08 @ 11:17 am
FOOD STAMPS?!
Senator Jones makes approx $90k a year in his position and his wife is a contractor with the State for approx $180k, right?
$270k a year? And he wants food stamps?!
A man of the people. I’m glad he’s helping the Governor run the State.
Comment by Downers Delight Friday, May 9, 08 @ 11:20 am
OK Folks!
Quiet on the set!
Lights! Action! Camera!
“Whithering Hype - take 29!”
Narrator: “The scene - a scene in the Canadian Rockies with our crinolined heroine, Debbie Halvorson, embraced by her political mentor, Emil Jones…”
Duet begins…
Oo-Oo-Oo-Oo, Oo-Oo-Oo-Oo
When I’m calling you
Oo-Oo-Oo-Oo, Oo-Oo-Oo-Oo
Will you answer too?
Oo-Oo-Oo-Oo, Oo-Oo-Oo-Oo
That means I offer my political life to you to be my own, If you refuse me I will be blue, waiting for Ozinga all alone,
But if when you hear my phone call ringing clear
Oo-Oo-Oo-Oo, Oo-Oo-Oo-Oo
And I hear your answering machine so dear
Oo-Oo-Oo-Oo, Oo-Oo-Oo-Oo
Then I will know our future will become true,
You’ll belong to me and I’ll be in DC,
Then I will know our fate will become true
You’ll belong to me and I’ll belong to you”
CUT! BEAUTIFUL!
Listen up folks! But it would be a lot more believable if you weren’t smirking and snickering Debbie!
DH: “I can’t help it! And you need another breath mint Emil!”
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, May 9, 08 @ 11:24 am
Is Emil one of Obama’s mentors. Maybe he ought to check with the campaign. I don’t think dissing distinguished older white ladies is what the campaign says it is planning as we all march together towards change in November. Nice bite for the McCain campaign, though.
Comment by Cassandra Friday, May 9, 08 @ 11:31 am
===distinguished older white ladies===
LOL. I really hope Garrett sees that.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 9, 08 @ 11:34 am
Emil Jones is an arrogant jerk.
Concern about real poor people?
Real poor people got hit hard on electric rates.
Emil Jones is neither poor nor does he use his position to protect the interests of poor people.
And if Hillary Rodham Clinton wanted to get traction with me she should have hit Obama on the electric rate increase pushed by his mentor. But instead she decided that she’d try to George Wallace her way to the Dem nomination.
Comment by Carl Nyberg Friday, May 9, 08 @ 12:02 pm
Again, let’s try to tone it down. It’s pretty clear that he was cracking a joke. Yes, his sense of humor leaves many dumbfounded, but that’s Emil Jones.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 9, 08 @ 12:05 pm
Embarrassing.
Comment by Speaking At Will Friday, May 9, 08 @ 12:10 pm
I find Emil Jones pleasantly refreshing.
He feels empowered to be himself.
And say what he wishes.
I guess it is the recognition that he can say whatever he wants and get away with it is what angers so many others.
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, May 9, 08 @ 12:19 pm
It’s worth noting that Susan Garrett gave her last pay raise to the special education organization in her district. I appreciate that she practices what she preaches — a rare action among legislators. As for President Jones and Senator Hendon, they need to tone it down. Too much theater, too little action.
Comment by Come on, now Friday, May 9, 08 @ 12:37 pm
From the first text block:
“That would be a change from a bipartisan agreement lawmakers announced last week after more than a year of dickering. ”
Did the Trib really mean “dickering”… I mean it’s probably accurate but still.
Comment by John Bambenek Friday, May 9, 08 @ 1:13 pm
I really hope that Jones’ close association with the gov takes him down, too.
Comment by Cranky Old Man Friday, May 9, 08 @ 1:34 pm
Canard? I don’t think so. Hyperbole, maybe.
Comment by anon Friday, May 9, 08 @ 1:35 pm
==I guess it is the recognition that he can say whatever he wants and get away with it is what angers so many others.==
Kinda like Pate Philips. Must be a job qualification.
Comment by anon Friday, May 9, 08 @ 1:38 pm
You know what they tell me, his name is spelled Pate Philip
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Friday, May 9, 08 @ 2:04 pm
I guess I can’t say whatever I want and get away with it. I know there were not more than one of him.
Comment by anon Friday, May 9, 08 @ 2:10 pm
Yeah, he’s singular, not plural, thank goodness. lol
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 9, 08 @ 2:13 pm
I think Sen. Garrett did a good job of not taking the bait and focusing the discussion on what is appropriate policy. She rightly pointed out that she did not accept the last raise and donated it.
Hendon’s attacks on the House may be legit, but attacking Garrett was totally inappropriate.
Jones has no business talking about the pay raise at all after what he’s done for his family members with our money.
I would like to see Garrett donate this raise to a family that is on food stamps, maybe one from Emil Jones Junior’s district even.
Comment by Napoleon has left the building Friday, May 9, 08 @ 2:40 pm
That said, I like Hendon’s idea of changing the law. If you vote against the raise you don’t get it. Why not make it automatic. Although, some would argue that there is some inherit conflict in making a vote on a policy that impacts your finances so directly, voting on the pay raise for legislators is one thing - but with Hendon’s idea you’re voting on your own personal pay raise. Seems not quite ethical to me.
Comment by Napoleon has left the building Friday, May 9, 08 @ 2:42 pm
How about Garrett and Hendon switch districts for two weeks.
Talk about must see reality TV!
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Friday, May 9, 08 @ 3:27 pm
How about no raise takes effect until after the next election. How about attaching the salaries of elected officials to a set of fiscal requirements like a balanced budget (certified by a non-partisan designee). How about daily deductions (for the gov and leg leaders) for each day after May 31?
I always hear talk of pay for performance, I’m sure we could figure something out.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Friday, May 9, 08 @ 4:02 pm
Senator Susan Garrett is a Democrat and I am Moraine Township GOP Chairman in her District. So we often line up on the opposite site of issues but always in a civil fashion. I have also worked with her in the past on one of her hundreds of Blue Ribbon Panels. She has always been straight, civil and courteous with me.
And I still campaign against her although she is unopposed this time. There are never any hard feelings.
I commended Susan Garrett for voting in favor of the failed recall provision last week. It was a pretty gutsy vote on her part in the face of the opposition by her party leadership in Lake County and in Springfield.
I also commend Susan Garrett for her position on legislative raises. They really haven’t earned them after the last legislative session and this one.
Who would have thought that I would have given Susan Garrett gold stars in back to back weeks? It boggles my mind!
So Senator Garrett. I have a proposition for you. If your party bosses continue to berate you and disrespect you they way they did yesterday over your positions and votes, give me a call. I’ll be more than pleased to help escort you across the aisle.
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Friday, May 9, 08 @ 5:06 pm
[…] Jones is a crusty, old-time pork barrel politician who also happens to be fairly liberal on social issues so most liberals look the other way because with all of the outrages in Illinois politics, he’s a rather benign figure in the sense he at least supports liberal causes more than many other party leaders. He’s particularly entertaining when he gets someone like Phylis Schlafley rambling about unisex bathrooms and the bit about needing food stamps if he didn’t get a pay raise was funny, just not appropriately so for the Senate President […]
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