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This just in… *** Updated x12 ***
Friday, Jun 1, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller *** The Sen. Mike Jacobs interview claiming that the governor threatened to run someone against him in the next election and made other threats is below. It’s a must-listen. *** OK, here it is. The file crashed my server. I used more bandwidth today than in all of May. They had to move it to another server because it was so popular. Thanks to the fine folks at Microchip Computer Solutions for taking the time to help… *** Download the Audio Here *** *** Raw video of CBS2’s interview can be found by clicking here. *** *** And Animal Farm has the transcript of the audio file above. *** * 11:17am - The most prevalent rumor at the Statehouse right now is that Gov. Rod Blagojevich will call the General Assembly back this weekend for a special session. Out-of-towners are especially concerned because hotel check-out time is at noon and they need to know what to do. I’m getting bombarded with e-mails, instant messages, text messages and calls asking what’s going on. Unfortunately, I can’t give you a definitive answer yet because no decision has reportedly been made at this moment. I can say that a trusted source says a weekend session is unlikely but not 100 percent out of the question. Sorry that I couldn’t be more helpful. I guess you could always check back into your rooms if a decision is made. Meanwhile, let’s all keep our fingers crossed, tap our heels together, close our eyes and say in unison: “There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home.” Hey, it can’t hurt. * 11:33am - I should also point out that last night Senate President Emil Jones said they would likely go home for the weekend unless the Republicans don’t cooperate. If the Republicans made trouble, he said, then he would keep everyone in. As usual, nobody knew whether he was completely joking or not. *** UPDATE 1 *** 11:50 am - The Senate has a new amendment to SB5, which takes out the effective date. SB5 is the governor’s health insurance program. Last night, an amendment with the substance of the package fell a vote short of 30, which was an embarrassment for the governor. *** UPDATE 2 *** 12:05pm - I guess I should add that this new amendment means the bill only requires 30 votes to pass instead of an extraordinary majority. If the bill becomes law, it won’t take effect until June 30 of next year. The guv’s people thought they had 30 votes to pass the amendment last night, but at least one SDem flipped very late and voted against the amendment. If that Senator is back on board, then they may very well have the 30 votes to send this to the House. *** UPDATE 3 *** 12:10pm - The House has adjourned until Tuesday. *** UPDATE 4 *** 12:30pm - The governor’s office has told Speaker Madigan’s office that no special session is planned. So that’s good news, but I get the impression that they’re not holding their breath. Trust is at a premium right now. *** UPDATE 5 *** 12:49pm - I’m hearing that the governor is putting extreme pressure on Sen. Mike Jacobs to get him to switch positions and vote for Blagojevich’s health insurance bill. Sources say that the governor was very intense during the “loud” meeting and threats were allegedly made to run someone against Jacobs in the next election. Oy. Jacobs initially agreed to vote for the health insurance bill yesterday, but reportedly changed his mind when he came to the conclusion that he couldn’t trust the governor to keep the promise he made. The governor reportedly offered to release $75 million for a college expansion in Jacobs’ district in exchange for his vote on SB5. Jacobs is expected to talk about the meetings either on the floor during debate or with reporters later. I don’t think from what I’ve heard that the gubernatorial pressure has worked so far. Now that the threat has been made to run someone against him, it would be difficult for Jacobs to go along. Stay tuned. If you’re listening to the Senate right now and can’t figure out why they aren’t moving anything, the Jacobs situation is the likely reason. *** UPDATE 6 *** 1:45pm - The Senate has adjourned. Looks like Jacobs withstood the pressure. *** UPDATE 7 *** 1:47pm - Jacobs is talking to reporters. Paul will have audio up as soon as he can. *** UPDATE 8 *** 1:58pm - Jacobs was pretty heated in his remarks. We’ll get the audio up as soon as we can. *** UPDATE 9 *** 2:28pm - Wow. Just wow. You really should listen to this audio… [The audio file is up at the top.] According to Jacobs, the governor said he would “wreck my political career.” Jacobs also claimed the governor’s office called his local university president to say he had just forfeited a $14 million state grant that Jacobs obtained for the school last year. “He acted like a spoiled child who wasn’t willing to compromise on anything.” “I’ll be darned if I’m going to let anyone run over me.” “If he wants to play this game, I’ll play it with him.” “This governor of Illinois has done a terrible job.” “I’ve been around long enough to know when someone is shaking me down.” “If this governor would have been in East Moline, Illinois in one of my local taverns I would have kicked his tail end.” “He blew up like a ten year old child.” “There was a lot of profanity involved.” “The governor [was] doubling his fist and acting like he wanted to punch me.” “If the governor of Illinois wants open warfare with me, that’s his goal? Come at it, son. Come at it.” “If he wants a fight, I’ll fight him.” “I’ve been around this game a long time, and I’ve never had anybody ever speak to me in that manner.” “A governor of Illinois should have higher ethical standards.” [I think his anger got the better of him when he got to this point.] “The governor told me that he’s going to run people against me, well I’ve got news for the governor of Illinois. This Senator is going to run against Gov. Rod Blagojevich.” *** UPDATE 10 *** 3:12pm - From Rebecca Rausch, the governor’s spokesperson…
*** UPDATE 11 *** 3:53pm - Small Newspapers has its story up…
*** UPDATE 12 *** 3:59pm - AP…
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- anon - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 11:31 am:
Saw a high level Senate staffer checking out of their hotel this morning. Don’t know if they know anymore than us.
- i d - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 11:33 am:
Until they pass a budget, they should kept in the senate and house chambers under lock down. And, if a pol that votes to fund their own salary increase and later gets reelected, the citizens that voted for them should be declared mentally incompetent.
- Wumpus - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 11:34 am:
What, is Rich now the Gov’s spokesman? Much credit to Rich Miller, but why are people going to him and not some government outlet?
- not me - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 11:37 am:
id, I nominate you to sit outside the chambers and make sure that happens. Let us know how it goes. I’ll be out on “Sweet Bloggy Goodness” with a beer. (The only people you need to lock in a room are the leaders and that stil might not do any good.) I’m buying a Rod vodoo doll if he calls special session this weekend.
- Ghost - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 11:38 am:
A break to let folsk take a step back and rethink may not be a bad idea. But then again I support keeping them locked in with a giant sunlamp overhead and a locked cabinet full of cold water, no other drinks. Reach a budget and yah get a drink
- Lincoln Log - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 11:56 am:
Way to go Emil! As if there isn’t enough acrimony he once again pulls the Republican boogeyman card. ‘If you don’t mind your manners I am going to take away your supper and send you back to work all weekend without’. What a pathetic excuse for a ‘leader’. Is this the best you’ve got Dems?
- i d - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 12:04 pm:
Maybe a better suggestion would be to put them in general population at the Cook County jail until they get their heads out …. You finish the sentence.
- Anon - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 12:26 pm:
Republicans what’s that?
If they voted for them in the first place, their already incompetent.
- Manw/ThePlan - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 12:27 pm:
Gov.’s officetold the House no SS is planned, but remember this is the dufus who vactioned with Chris Kelly in Mexico and lied about it.
Wonder how did run go?
- NRA Endowment Life Member - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 12:30 pm:
Does anyone know if the House released the procedural lock on their budget plan before adjourning until Tuesday? The last I heard the bill was still held up on a motion to reconsider and it could not even be transmitted to the Senate for consideration.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 12:37 pm:
The downstaters’ hold is still on the bill, according to the General Assembly’s website.
- NRA Endowment Life Member - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 12:47 pm:
Thanks Rich! I appreciate the update - keep up the good work!
- Manw/ThePlan - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 12:48 pm:
Who are those guys with the camera outside the Gov.’s office? One of the janitors said they were with the G
- Name/Nickname/Anon - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 1:06 pm:
“The governor reportedly offered to release $75 million for a college expansion in Jacobs’ district in exchange for his vote on SB5.”
Surely vote buying and bribery are still crimes in this state aren’t they? I understand that this is the way things work in politics but how much more public and blatant can you get? If a lobbyist engaged in the same activity this openly what would be the result?
The rest of this is laughable….I wouldn’t be too concerned about a threat from that pipsqueak. Democrats already run from him at election time. Running against Blago’s record is probably the best thing Jacobs could do.
- Justice - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 1:17 pm:
Sure hope Jacobs has the sense to not trust Blago. Surely they have all learned that much. Nice job on keeping us informed Rich.
- one of the 35 - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 1:20 pm:
If Senator Jacobs wants a reminder about how the Governor keeps promises to Senators, he need only ask Meeks or Bomke. (By the way , Larry, when will the Lincoln Development Center reopen?)
- Milorad - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 1:24 pm:
Bomke has been bamboozled more than once. He will not be getting my vote again. Besides, he never returns phone calls or e-mails.
- Lincoln Log - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 1:25 pm:
The list of Senators and Representatives that Blago hasn’t shafted is far shorter. As a matter of fact I think it only has one name left - Jones.
- fly on wall - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 1:29 pm:
OOT35, you took the words right out of my mouth. Jacobs should do a George Costanza, do the OPPOSITE of whatever Rod wants. heck, we all should. You absolutely cannot trust that guy, I don’t know hoe many more times it needs to be proven. Considering the low vote results Rod’s getting this week, he’s mostly irrelevant at this point anyhow.
- heet101 - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 1:35 pm:
Looks like Mrs. Blago will be bringing the Baby Blagos down for swimming lessons. One dip in the pool with the Springfield hillbillies and they’ll be out at the country club in no time at all!
- anon - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 1:44 pm:
Senate’s adjourning
- Bomber91 - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 1:49 pm:
Mike Boland must be giddy! GRod won’t be able to find anyone else (his threats are completely laughable), so the “torch” will pass to Boland. Boland versus little Denny. The upside to that snoozefest would be that Illinois could get rid of both of those chuckleheads at the same time.
- Concerned Citizen - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 1:52 pm:
Way to go Mikey!
- S. Illinois - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 1:56 pm:
Hey Rod, how many candidates were begging you to campaign for them in the last election? How many were afraid to even stand next to you at a podium? That ought to tell you how seriously they take your threats to “run someone against them.”
- Apple a day - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 1:59 pm:
Mike Jacobs has balls. Way to go.
- Concerned Citizen - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 2:01 pm:
Denny has to be laughing his *ss off, too,
- MIDSTATE - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 2:03 pm:
Feel the love
- Name/Nickname/Anon - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 2:12 pm:
Doesn’t anyone think it’s strange that Blago is willing to burn so much political capital (on credit it would seem) over a vote for an issue that doesn’t appear to have a prayer of passing the House? Is this guy really this delusional or just that much of a megalomaniac?
This guy is so inept that he can’t even THREATEN members of his own party, in a chamber with a friendly supermajority, to do his bidding.
The Democrats might want to consider passing recall legislation just to keep him from doing any more damage to his own party.
- Mr Brown - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 2:15 pm:
Mike Joacobs screwed the people of his district. You dont get offered the golden question of “what do you want” by the Governor very often. He screwed it up royally. Now the Quads will never see a Western IL campus. And for what? It was an easy vote on health care and his ego got in the way. He must have failed politics 101.
- Concerned Citizen - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 2:17 pm:
Mr. Brown: Me thinks prostituting yourself for an unpopular governor does not pay long-term dividends, no matter what.
- Lincoln Log - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 2:19 pm:
It could have been ego. Then again, maybe he just doesn’t like getting used as a fire hydrant by Gov. Dogovich.
- onlooker - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 2:22 pm:
It was a very heated argument with most senators watching from a distance. Meeks and Lightford tried stopping him.
- Just asking... - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 2:24 pm:
If they are amending SB 5 so that it meets a 30-vote requirement, that means it isn’t effective till June 2008.
Doesn’t that implictly take the health care issue off the table for this years budget, as health care becomes an FY 09 issue?
What they hell kind of strategy is that for keeping health care alive this year?
- OneMan - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 2:25 pm:
Assuming he would then actually do what he said.
- demgrrl - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 2:32 pm:
jacobs has balls? since when should health care for the people of this state be held up for a 75 million bribe? democrats should vote for health care because it’s the right thing to do. there’s a reason why dems are dems. maybe he’s in the wrong party.
- Team Sleep - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 2:37 pm:
Rock Island politics are so bizarre that it wouldn’t shock me to see some Blago-friendly operatives (i.e. the Gianulis family) push Boland to run against the 12th generation Jacobs.
In D.C., pork buyoffs are accepted. But $75 million for a cash-strapped state is a bit absurd. I know Mike J. is worried about the Quads not having a public institution, but Augustana is in town and WIU is not too far away.
- Leigh - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 2:37 pm:
One should not associate oneself to closely to someone whose pals all seem to being handed indictments.
- Gene Parmesan - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 2:39 pm:
Legislators from the northwest corner just need to look at Thomson Prison to remember how much Rod’s promises are worth.
- Poolside @ Hotel Ibiza - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 2:43 pm:
~ No Mr Brown
You’ve got it all ass-backwards. Milo has screwed the people of Illinois long enough. Did you ever consider if Milo failed politics and economics 101? It’s increasing obvious that Milo’s not the sharpest tool in the shed.
- Lincoln Log - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 2:48 pm:
Demgrrl:
You are correct. Showing backbone and an ounce of integrity does demonstrate he is in the wrong party.
By the way - it appears that he was the one REFUSING the bribe. I think we know who offered it.
- Skeeter - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 2:49 pm:
Just remember: As bad as Blago is, the alternative was JBT.
- Lula May - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 2:51 pm:
Is anyone else having problems with this audio ?
- The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 2:54 pm:
How did the guvs hair hold up through all this?
- Truthful James - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 2:54 pm:
It really doesn’t matter which side of the political fence you are on, or even if one of pickets is square against your bunghole, this is saddening and sickening. This is my state, this is your state. This is not Blago’s personal play pen. Does he really believe that this activity sets him up for the national ticket in 2008?
He has abused us.
- Name/Nickname/Anon - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 2:54 pm:
Nothing could be much worse than Super Rod - not even JBT. Hell, George Ryan is starting to look good by comparison to this guy.
Some choice we got, wasn’t it?
- steve schnorf - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 3:10 pm:
Oh my!
- M - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 3:11 pm:
“I’ve been around this game a long time…”
Mike Jacobs has been here two years. He’s a classic example of the saying ‘He was born on third base and thinks he hit a triple’. He was handed his position from his daddy and I’m sure last fall most people voting for him thought they were still voting for his daddy.
- Concerned Citizen - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 3:12 pm:
Where’s Bill?
- Downstate Dem - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 3:15 pm:
Couldn’t agree more . . . Ryan looks remarkably good when placed side by side with Count Blago.
- Bill - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 3:18 pm:
Jacobs is so full of it. He always has been a joke. Even his old man has to be embarrassed by him. I would love to see Rod fight that sissy. He’s toast!
- Napoleon has left the building - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 3:20 pm:
Rich (and Paul):
You guys are doing a great job. Perhaps your best end-of-session coverage and analyis ever Rich. I said so to my boss, who pays for my subscription.
To end on a sour note - the audio of the Jacobs avail. is not working it just says “BUFFERING” and then nothing happens.
- Still laughing - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 3:23 pm:
I just want to know who would win the fight!
- Rich Miller - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 3:28 pm:
We’re having some site problems at the moment. I’m cutting the audio up into smaller pieces, which should help. It’ll be a few minutes. Sorry.
- ???? - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 3:32 pm:
Anyone who thinks Boland would stand a chance against the Jacobs family is out of their mind. Boland has to be one of the least respected and most inefficient electeds in IL. 15 bills in 12 years. Enough said.
For those of you suggesting that Jacobs should have took the bribe, ask yourself whether or not you think the Gov would have fullfilled his end. I am guessing not especially since this bill is dead anyway.
- Ravenswood Right Winger - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 3:35 pm:
Skeeter-there was a better alternative than Rod or JBT. Rick Whitney, Green Party. Heck I voted for him.
- heet101 - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 3:42 pm:
Please, everyone, save your breath. Save your insults and your derisive language about the three tops and the Illinois Democratic Party. No matter what you the taxpayer might say, these men are not accountable to you, and they do not care about you. They do not care about your problems, or your grandmother’s problems. Illinois’ has become a cesspool provided with three very RICH Chicago Democrats as the lifeguards. Do you really think Emil Jones, a man whose wife just received a 70 thousand dollar RAISE cares about you? Do you think he’ll care any more when he receives his raise later this summer? He doesn’t, he never will. Speaker Madigan is a bit less obvious in his flaunting of ethics laws, but, be sure, he cares as little about you as “New Money Jones” does. The Governor doesn’t even deserve a mention. He literally doesn’t even try. I read the other day (as budget negotiations were stalled and it was obvious to everyone that we were headed for a vicious overtime battle) that his biggest disappointment for the day was that he didn’t get to watch the first pitch be thrown out at the corruption laden minor league baseball stadium a campaign contributor of his built for 4 million tax payer dollars. By the way, I work for state government, and earlier this year I literally hugged an old woman I had never met before that came into a district office in which I work while assuring her (knowing myself to be a liar) that “everything will be ok” as she cried holding an electric bill she couldn’t afford to pay.
- OneManBlog - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 3:43 pm:
I thought the comment about ‘using state resources’ was interesting.
- Mr. Rodgers - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 3:46 pm:
It is great to see Blago try and turn the tables. Jacobs was offered the whole 75 million from the Blago as reported on this blog before the story broke. It is refreshing to see Jacobs not being bought off with bad checks that the Governor has been passing out.
Great job Governor Jacobs!!
- Bill - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 3:47 pm:
There was no bride. Jacobs, who has repeatedly failed to come through for his district, tried his feeble attempt at extortion. He wanted to sell his vote for some promise of cash. The Governor was right to refuse. Quit trying to take shortcuts,Mikey, and try being a Senator for a change.
- Lincoln Log - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 3:47 pm:
Bill:
The only thing that is toast is the Dems in this state. All that pantywaist governor did this afternoon is send out Rebecca ‘Rose-Colored Glasses’ Rausch to lamely attempt to extricate him from the bribe is sounds like he offered to Jacobs. It sounds like there were several witnesses in the office - lets get the Capitol Police in there and get them separated before Rod can help them ‘get their stories straight’. Sure would like to hear the real story.
Based upon Blago’s truth-telling skills I think I know who the early bet is on. One call to a certain university president should also confirm whether that threat was leveled also. Blago’s childlike demeanor and buffoonery might have just done Fitzgerald’s work for him.
- He makes Ryan look like a saint - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 3:49 pm:
Was this one of those fights where Rod was being held back by security an acting like he was trying to get away while saying under his breath “Please don’t let me go!!!”
We need to see video (soon to be out on you tube!!!)
- This Guy - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 3:52 pm:
“… in exchange for his vote to provide healthcare for everyone….”
What a bunch of bullspin. As usual. Oy, indeed.
- Team Sleep - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 3:53 pm:
Skeeter!
AND HOW!
…would that have been worse?
- El Conquistador - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 3:53 pm:
The gov is a total joke.
- Ka Ching - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 3:56 pm:
WOW! Is that audio on video on any TV news channels or websites?
Now the governor’s spokesperson Rebecca Rausch is reversing the spin. UNBELIEVABLE!
Bully for Illinois Senator Mike Jacobs!
- Gene Parmesan - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 3:57 pm:
I just wish the voters of Illinois would pay attention to this stuff. We get the govt we deserve, and this sorry state of affairs is exactly what Illinois voters deserve.
- Name/Nickname/Anon - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 3:57 pm:
Oh please Bill….Jacobs might be a total hack and ineffective but the fact remains that Blago has a long history of this pay for play garbage. Does anyone here (besides you) NOT believe that Rod does this very thing all the time? He just allowed himself to become unhinged and forgot that too many people were apparently in earshot.
As far as the 14 million dollar retaliation goes; how sleazy is that? Do what I say or else. If Jacobs really is that big of a clown, would he even have been smart enough to come up with this?
No matter how you cut it, this makes Rod look like a chump. He didn’t get his vote and now has to defend himself against an allegation of bribery from a member of his own party. Please, go ahead and spin that.
- VanillaMan - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 3:57 pm:
Would this be happening if Mr. Blagojevich did his job? Wouldn’t it had been better if this governor acted like one? If Mr. Blagojevich’s dream has been health care, he hadn’t worked all that hard to attain it. Did he build any consensus before his State of the State on this dream of his? Did he discuss his health care plans with anyone other than his own staff? How did he think this would pass?
When Mr. Blagojevich publically screwed Mr. Madigan on his law covering loan shark mortgages, did he also consider how Mr. Madigan would impact any propsals coming from the governor’s office? If this health care program was so important to Mr. Blagojevich, why would he sabotage any realtionship with Illinois’ Speaker of the House?
There were so many ways for a governor to properly build a consensus on an important issue, regardless of merit. Mr. Blagojevich has the top political office in Illinois and he has a staff, a budget, and so many things at his disposal to get his wishes fulfilled. Why didn’t he do that?
My gut says that Mr. Blagojevich is charming, savvy and dreadfully lazy. I hate thinking that he is not very bright, because he is the governor; but his actions regarding this session forces one to really wonder just how intelligent he is.
The situation with Mr. Jacobs is inexcusable. As I had posted earlier this week, Mr. Blagojevich seems to be the kind of person that quickly turns to bullying, threats and fights when his charm or political fortune fails. Instead of considering various avenues to attain goals, Mr. Blagojevich goes mental when he finds himself in a dead end.
Mr. Blagojevich set the standard we see today. He was re-elected. The ball was in his court. He had everyone’s attention. His failure this week clearly demonstrates that after five years, he has yet to learn his job.
He forces us all to wonder how smart he is, and how hard he is willing to work for what he wants.
- Mr. Rodgers - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 3:59 pm:
Bill go back to before the fight and see that it was already reported that Jacobs was offered 75 million for his vote.
I like a Kennedy Democrat that is for paying for things rather than passing unfunded projects.
- Bill - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:00 pm:
Jacobs treats his district like the family business that the incompetent son inherits from his father and runs into the ground. It looks like he might have to find a real job soon.
- ids - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:01 pm:
Blago is realizing his pension is all but gone like sand through his hands and it’s causing him to not think straight.
- OneManBlog - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:04 pm:
Yeah Bill he is making all of this up, Rod was perfectly calm….
If he is making it up, it’s a heck of a story….
- heet101 - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:07 pm:
I think Bill IS Governor Blagojevich. Maybe the reason he hasn’t been able to get anything done is because he spends too much time reading and responding to comments on the CapitolFax blog.
Vanilla Man…BRAVO!
- washmyhands - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:07 pm:
…and for all those claiming JBT would have been a lousy governor…I think her appearance on Chicago Tonite with Dawn Clark Netsch was the perfect example of how either woman would have been a far better governor. Too late to wash the Blagojevich from OUR hands….
- Lincoln Log - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:08 pm:
Yes, and Rod treats General Assembly and, by extension, the voters of Illinois as his personal sandbox to take a dump on. Maybe Rod will one day find his true calling as well.
- Mr. Rodgers - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:09 pm:
Bill, I think that you and Jacobs may be onto something. The people are sick of this CRY BABY Gov. I am sure he has better hair than Jacobs, I haven’t seen Jacobs yet, but, from what I have heard from this guy. Jacobs might be a good solution for a replacement of Blago for Gov.
- Bill - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:10 pm:
I’m not saying he is making the fight up. Rod would probably be enraged that Mikey was trying to hold the proposal hostage. Maybe he could have tactfully refused Jacobs’ attempt to sell his vote. But Rod is a man of principle who is willing to fight for what he believes in. He makes sure he is right then goes ahead.
Jacobs is fortunate he got away.
- Mr. Rodgers - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:11 pm:
Bill, I think that you and Jacobs may be onto something. You seem to have a grudge against Jacobs. The people are sick of this CRY BABY Gov. I am sure he has better hair than Jacobs, I haven’t seen Jacobs yet, but, from what I have heard from this guy. Jacobs might be a good solution for a replacement of Blago for Gov.
- NimROD - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:12 pm:
“I think Bill IS Governor Blagojevich.”
I disagree. I think Bill is Sheila Nix. Come on Bill, admit it. You made that call to the university today didn’t you?
- BIGDOG! - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:13 pm:
Way to Go Big Mike Jacobs!!!!
Oh no Mr. Bill…… Where’s GUMBY???
- TickTockClock - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:14 pm:
Bets are on….Mike would have cleaned Blago’s clock!
- Bill - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:15 pm:
uh,demgrrl,
A little assistance here would be in order! It is a little lonely out here.
- values matter - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:16 pm:
Rebecca Rausch should be fired for lying. The Governor wasn’t getting his way and blew his cool. There is a blue moon out there (two full moons) and that may explain the strange behavior in Springfield. Bottom line, the Governor’s behavior has no place in the Statehouse. He should take a vacation from all of his hard work in Springfield. The State Senator must have been rattled and shocked at the Governor’s threats of running someone in a primary. That’s making this business way too personal, and is one reason this Governor just can’t seem to work effectively. What a shame.
- Crimefighter - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:16 pm:
Geez, with all the dumbassery that this governor has spewed I find it shocking so many people are siding with him over Jacobs here! Blagojevich CANNOT BE TRUSTED. Mike Jacobs STOOD UP to this screwball and people here think he should had just gone along with the snake oil Blago was selling? Gimme a break! Blago needed a major attitude adjustment, Mike Jacobs gave him one, you should all be thanking him for embarassing the heck out of the governor for his callous misconduct.
- Bill - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:17 pm:
Ticktock,
NO WAY!!!
Rod by TKO in about 20 seconds.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:18 pm:
OK everybody. Take a deep breath. Relax. And lay off Bill.
- ANTI-BILL - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:18 pm:
I don’t know why Bill is so angry. I have noticed numerous postings bashing Jacobs by this guy. Maybe Bill should quit being a HATER and be grateful we have a Senator amongst us that actually can’t be bought! Kudos to Senator Jacobs!
- Lincoln Log - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:20 pm:
You can hardly fault Rebecca Rausch for turning a talent into a vocation. Her skills were wasted on Channel 20. I guarantee she is doing exactly what she is paid to do - provide political cover for GRod by lying with gusto.
- Anti Bill the II - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:20 pm:
I agree with you Anti-Bill, he does seem to have a grudge of some kind. Have you ever seen Blago and Jacobs next to each other. Jacobs in five seconds.
- VanillaMan - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:22 pm:
Mr. Bill - your “logic” isn’t working.
If it is true that Mr. Jacobs is one of those guys who inherits a public office and doesn’t feel a need to work hard, then he would also be the kind of guy who wouldn’t feel a need to threaten any governor regarding on a legacy project like the WIU extension, would he? If what you say about Mr. Jacobs is even remotely true, then he would also assume the WIU extension project would just fall into his lap.
So, Mr. Bill, you can’t have it both ways. Obviously the Governor threatened Mr. Jacobs regarding this project, and Mr. Jacobs after having been raised in a political family, wasn’t prepared to be dealt with in such an unprofessional and unethical manner. It had to have been pretty bad if after being raised on backroom political stories by his family members, Mr. Blagojevich’s behavior stunned him. Mr. Jacobs has probably heard it all - until today.
No. Mr. Blagojevich’s folks are lying to save their boss. There are witnesses to back up Mr. Jacobs, and only paid mouthpieces for Mr. Blagojevich.
Do us all a favor and save your contempt for the man who had it all given to him by the electorate but still couldn’t figure out how to be governor - even after a four year dry run.
OK?
- OneManBlog - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:24 pm:
Defending Bill,
On one hand, if you agree with the gov on the healthcare thing and think it is the right thing to do, then yes then Sen. Jacobs is being difficult and calling the Gov out what he did in a private meeting does nothing but make you look cool for standing up to ‘big bad rod’.
It doesn’t move it forward.
Also me thinks Bill defends the gov the way he does in part because we all will bite. Makes it entertaining for sure.
- AlderTrack Fan - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:24 pm:
This would have been the Governor’s press release had Jacobs actully hit him:
“Just watch the hair. You know, I work on my hair a long time, and he hit it. He hits my hair.”
- Bill - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:27 pm:
Aldertrack fan,
Saturday Night Fever!
- The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:30 pm:
Value Matters said….>”Rebecca Rausch should be fired for lying.”
Are you kidding, she’s in line for a raise. Ms. Nix couldn’t have performed this any better.
- Bill - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:32 pm:
Broken Heart,
I don’t know about that. Sheila is awfully good.
- Jacobs WINS - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:33 pm:
two hits, Jacobs hitting Blago, 2nd hit BLAGO HITTIN THE FLOOR!!!
- Guy Montag - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:34 pm:
If audio still isn’t working, the Daily Herald has the transcript on Animal Farm. http://www.dailyherald.com/special/election/animalfarm.asp
- N20 Express - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:34 pm:
Sure hope United States Attorney’s Office and the FBI is paying attention to these fireworks.
Yesterday Indicted: Former Illinois Finance Authority, Ali D. Ata
Today: Illinois Senator Mike Jacobs
Bill, you are absolutely killing me this afternoon, your guy has lost it.
- A Citizen - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:36 pm:
Bill is philosophically consistent and can be trusted to speak favorably of the gov at all times. Heck, if the gov had shot jacobs Bill would have said that the guy probably just needed killin and gov should get a medal. You go Bill, oh and You go too Jacobs, you’re a breath of fresh air!
- U ROCK - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:38 pm:
Love it ALDERTRACK Fan
That is hilarious!!!!
- Arthur Andersen - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:38 pm:
Hang in there, Bill. They haven’t laid a glove on you yet. They’re just jealous they can’t spin with the best.
- values matter - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:41 pm:
The bottom line is that this is a very disappointing chapter in the history of this Governor. He snapped. That’s the story. Then he threatened a state senator with a primary opponent. Very un-governorlike behavior.
- Tina - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:42 pm:
Jacobs was handed his position by his father. He led a privilesged life and road his dads coat tails. Jacobs is screwed now. I dont like Blago, but Jacobs is just as bad. I hope they both go.
- Bill - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:42 pm:
Thank you A Citizen and Arthur,
This is a dirty job sometimes but someone has to do it. I don’t really have anything personal against Mikey. He is usually harmless but he should have stuck to doing what he does best…being seen and not heard.
Pingback The Ed Funding Circus « Open Board Blog - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:43 pm:
[…] Funding Circus June 1, 2007 Posted by openboardblog in Public Policy, Ed Funding, Politique. trackback Just as an update on the state of ed funding reform in our state capitol, it’s no wonder thelegislators and the governor can’t get much of anything accomplished down there. These bozos are too busy squabbling and posturing like schoolyard idiots: “[The Governor] acted like a spoiled child who wasn’t willing to compromise on anything.” “I’ll be darned if I’m going to let anyone run over me.” “If he wants to play this game, I’ll play it with him.” “This governor of Illinois has done a terrible job.” […]
- New Music - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:53 pm:
Then why on earth would Milo pick a fight with a guy wants to be seen and not heard. It doesn’t make sense or wash!
- What I heard - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:57 pm:
the gov didn’t call us into special since he is headed to Miami. Rich, you reported this morning the gov offered $75 million. Is that true? If so, the gov’s office isn’t telling the truth.
- NIEVA - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 5:01 pm:
Boy did I miss out by going to work today!! All I can say is it appears the Republicans will be ask to help pass a budget that takes us poor hillbillys into consideration,electric rates and all!
- Steamed Lobster - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 5:05 pm:
You all should take it easy on Rebecca Rausch. Shes simply doing her job and doing it well. Alot of people in the Capitol could learn something from her work ethic, honestly, and trustworthiness. Not to mention she’s pretty easy on the eyes…
- Lake Michigan Rapture - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 5:07 pm:
Elvis say the “f” word say it isn’t so……
- Moliner - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 5:10 pm:
Way to stay strong Senator Jacobs. It’s refreshing to see an honest politician stand up for what is right!
- Senator from Naboo - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 5:16 pm:
- Bill - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 4:00 pm:
Jacobs treats his district like the family business that the incompetent son inherits from his father and runs into the ground. It looks like he might have to find a real job soon.
_Bill, this sure sounds more like a description of Blago to me. Your guy blew the ony thing he had left: his cool. I really think he’s going to have a breakdown, maybe shave his head like Britney Spears or something.
As to Jacobs, his old man was an old-school hack, but I don’t think he raised a complete fool. As to a challenge from Boland, I know Boland, he’s a nice, pleasant fellow, but you wouldn’t want him left with sharp objects or heavy machinery without adult supervision. He’s no threat.
You guys that read here, based on everything you know or have read about Rod till now, ask yourselves, in your heart of hearts, who is most likely to have brought up the money for the university first. Yep. Uh-Huh.
Heck of a Job, Roddie. The state and the dem majority is in flames, time to jam some Elvis on your violin.
- Anonymous - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 6:07 pm:
Don’t blame me. I voted for Judy.
- one of the 35 - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 6:11 pm:
Any word on whether the Governor tried similar threats to other Senators who did not support his bill?
- Tom - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 6:29 pm:
The state is under the control of three Chicago Democrats, and they cannot work together. House and Senate rank and file are disgusted with the “leadership” on display.
House and Senate Republicans: Your opportunity has been handed to you on a silver platter. Now is the time to form a coalition with suburban/downstate Democrats who are sick of the childish attitudes of the Big Three. If you miss this opportunity you deserve to be irrelevant for an entire generation.
- Fed up - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 6:43 pm:
Mr Fitgerald please take Blago away now.
- fedup downstate dem - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 7:25 pm:
I don’t care much for the Governor. I don’t think Sen. Jacobs is much better. The pickings are pretty slim in Illinois when it comes to our current crop of political leaders. What a mess.
- Ignatius J. Reily - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 7:26 pm:
And yes— the Dunces are still in Confederacy.
- Jechislo - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 8:27 pm:
And everyone thought the Republicans needed replaced? By what? These jokers? Self-destruction is in the making.
- Anonymous - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 9:08 pm:
You gotta laugh when Bill says Jacobs was handed everything. Where do you think Rod came from ? Did you forget his father-in-law (Mell)? Rod was a joke as a boxer and my money is on Jacobs.This Gov. is a wimp. That’s why he hides behind the skirts.
- Reformed - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 9:31 pm:
When you are doing the will of God, is it OK to use the “F” word? I guess so……
- Squideshi - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 10:10 pm:
Do you really need any more evidence than this that the competitive, zero-sum, winner-take-all decision making process used in Springfield is violent in nature?
One of the Key Values of the Green Party is Nonviolence. The state party’s platform has this to say, “Greens reject violence as a way of settling disputes – it is shortsighted, morally wrong, and ultimately self-defeating.”
Another of the party’s Key Values is Feminism, about which the platform, in part, indicates, “The ethics of cooperation and understanding must replace the values of domination and control over others.”
These are some of the reasons that the Green Party uses an internal consensus decision making process. It would be great to see this in the state legislature; however, I will settle for multiparty democracy with proportional representation and instant runoff voting for single-seat elections.
Until that time, any true progressive that wants to run for office against anyone else is welcome to seek the nomination of the legally established Green Party, anywhere in the state and at any level. The doors are opening, my friends.
- home again home again - Friday, Jun 1, 07 @ 11:46 pm:
Tina - curious as to your definition of a ‘privilaged life’? My definition sure doesn’t apply to the Mike Jacobs that i know.
Bill - mucho sour grapes from you biggie! Could it be that you had your ass kicked by the Senator already?
- EBCDIC - Saturday, Jun 2, 07 @ 6:36 am:
Rods health plans totally stink. Look at the Vet Care program which we spent over 3 million just to cover 7 people. The numbers for his Kid care program are inflated. There is only 6,600 new people covered and he had to include the numbers from the other health programs to make it look plausible. Rod lies out his rump and is as crooked as they get.
- Concerned Voter - Saturday, Jun 2, 07 @ 8:49 am:
JACOBS FOR GOVERNOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Ray Charles - Saturday, Jun 2, 07 @ 10:36 am:
Steamed Lobster- I couldn’t agree more,Rebecca is indeed easy on the eyes!
- Papa Legba - Saturday, Jun 2, 07 @ 3:37 pm:
Wow. Rod makes threats of violence against Jacobs in the security of his office surrounded by his security detail. He sure is a stand up guy.
Although I have never met Sen. Jacobs, he does seem to be a rather large fellow. So I guess Rod hiding behind his security detail was probably the smartest thing he may have ever done.
- Sigmund Freud Jr. - Saturday, Jun 2, 07 @ 5:03 pm:
Rod has made life difficult for many of his allies whenever he doesnt get his way. Its not surprising that many Dems hate his guts for his notorious backstabbing. Not a smart move. Whoever his advisors are, they have no insight on how to interact and EFFECTIVELY communicate with fellow dems, perhaps its b/c they come from the east coast and are clueless to IL politics. Rod should take a step back and analyze whats going on by listening to whoever is advising him. Its obviously not working!!!
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Sunday, Jun 3, 07 @ 12:52 am:
This is not the first lawmaker threatened by this administration, or the first time this administration has offered inducements in exchange for votes from GA members.
- NoGiftsPlease - Sunday, Jun 3, 07 @ 10:23 am:
Wait a minute. Mr. Jacobs sounds a little too thin-skinned for the blood sport of politics. I think what we’re hearing here that they couldn’t reach concensus — i.e. everyone gets something they want and nobody’s ox is gored. that’s cooperation and concensus!