This just in… 2
Thursday, Jun 14, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller 2:42 pm - It turns out that Senate President Jones scheduled todays meeting with the utility bigshots, so all that dumping on Madigan by Blagojevich & Co was misplaced. Also, the House Dems who were at the guvs office earlier today were just told that the meeting has been canceled. No condirmation yet from the guvs people. 3:20 pm - Speaker Madigan is on his way tothe wake for Wyvetter Younges husband, so there will be no leaders meeting. Also, the utility issue seems to be very close to resolution. 3:35 pm - So, were the guvs people telling the truth when they claimed that Madigan insisted on a 10:30 leaders meeting? The Speakers people say that it was Frank Watson who asked for an early meeting. 4:00 pm - Ouch. The new line from the Speaker’s office is that the refusal to allow Majority Leader Currie to represent Speaker Madigan at this morning’s meeting was “insulting” and “sexist.” It just gets worse by the minute. 4:20 pm - The Senate Dem leadership appears to have settled down a bit. Real movement on electric utilities and now the AT&T cable TV bill has zoomed out of committee.
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Caption Contest!
Thursday, Jun 14, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller Come up with captions for each of these two cartoons. Winning entries will each receive a t-shirt bearing the slogan. You can also choose to put one image on the front of the t-shirt and the other on the back, with related slogans. Have at it. Let’s raise some more money for charity… “Frown”
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This just in…
Thursday, Jun 14, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller [Bumped up and title changed to accomodate today’s other events.] * 8:52 am - The governor has a 10:30 leaders meeting scheduled this morning. His state plane was supposed to take off at 8:22, but according to our new best friends at FlightAware, it’s still on the ground. I tried to bet one of his people $20 last night that he wouldn’t make it on time. No takers.
* 9:01 am - The original Springfield arrival time was supposed to be 9:01 am, but that deadline has obviously been blown. * 9:17 am - Wheels up at 9:08. They should’ve taken the bet. * 9:23 am - From the Pantagraph…
* 10:05 am - Wheels down at 9:48. Even though they wouldn’t take the bet last night, I’ll donate the cash to the blog’s new charity. By the way, don’t forget to buy a t-shirt, mug, button or other paraphenalia. * 10:05 am - From Paul: “Less than 100 House members present today for the first time in a long time. 99 here. One guy said it was the first time that had happened in 5 years.” Also, there are persistent but totally unconfirmed rumors of a special session tomorrow. * 10:33 am - A gubernatorial spokesperson just replied to my text message by saying it isn’t their plan to call a special session. * 10:43 am - The House just adjourned until next Tuesday at 3 pm. * 11:17 am - Speaker Madigan might be a no-show at the leaders meeting, according to the governor’s office. They think he could be sending a surrogate. The reason the meeting started earlier than normal today was at Madigan’s request, according to the guv’s spokesperson, who added that Madigan’s demand that other voices besides Cook County Assessor Jim Houlihan be heard at the meeting on the “7 percent solution” was accommodated. They’re not starting the meeting until Madigan arrives, the spokesperson said. Also, Senate President Emil Jones is not there yet, either, but a spokesperson said he will be at the meeting eventually. * 11:19 am - Cross, Watson and other legislators who had shown up for the meeting have left. Senate GOP Leader Frank Watson said the meeting broke up because neither Madigan nor Jones was there. He said the governor “pouted” about their absence. * 11:32 am - According to a good source who was inside the room, the governor showed up 25 minutes late, looked around the room and noticed that Madigan wasn’t there. House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie told the governor that Madigan might not be there and said that she was empowered to speak for him. Currie has been a point person on the assessment freeze, so she knows the issue well. According to this source, the governor then got miffed, said this was supposed to be a leaders meeting and announced that he was going back to his office to do some work and that everyone was free to leave. He also indicated that the meeting could reconvene if Madigan ever showed up. * 11:41 am - Turns out, Madigan and Jones are reportedly meeting with Exelon CEO John Rowe about the electric rate issue and that’s why neither man was at the leaders meeting. So, the initial spin from the guv’s office is probably gonna backfire. Why should either leader show up for a mostly pointless meeting when they are working on closing the final deal on electric rates? * 11:59 am - It just gets worse for the governor. Also at the meeting with Madigan and Jones are ComEd Chairman and CEO Frank Clark, Ameren Chairman and CEO Gary Rainwater and Ameren Illinois President Scott Cisel. According to sources, the meeting started at 10:30 and it’s still going on as I write this. It’s a hugely important sitdown - far more important than the governor’s little dog and pony show about the assessment freeze stuff. The guv’s reaction to Madigan’s absence was, in my opinion, extremely childish. Instead of stomping out of the room in a snit, he should have high-tailed it over to Emil Jones’ office and participated in some substantive discussions for a change. * 2:11 pm - Speaker Madigan just emerged from the utility negotiations and told reporters “Substantial progress has been made.” No details are yet available. Check back later for further updates.
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Question of the day
Thursday, Jun 14, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller Yesterday I asked about your favorite political memories. Today, let’s talk about your least favorite political memories. And if you’re tempted to just write “The day (fill in the blank) was elected” or something like that, try to restrain yourself and instead come up with an actual story. Thanks.
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Obamarama - Rezko and DeLeo
Thursday, Jun 14, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller * The New York Times has taken major notice of Tony Rezko. There isn’t a whole lot new in the story, but it’s significant because the DC/NY media pack usually follows the NYT’s lead on such things. Here’s part of the story…
* I usually try not to criticize opinion pieces because everyone has a right to their own opinion. However, this segment from today’s John Kass column on Obama just makes no sense…
First, if DeLeo was indeed the “real” governor, we wouldn’t be in overtime session right now. The guy knows how to cut a deal and gets along with pretty much everyone. Second, Emil Jones doesn’t snap to attention for DeLeo. Jones kicked DeLeo out of SDem leadership years ago for disloyalty (DeLeo was accused of plotting a coup), and only brought him back in after DeLeo made repeated amends and proved he could and would be loyal. If there’s any snapping to attention going on, it’s being done by DeLeo. Jones and Jones alone runs that caucus, and it’s obvious that he doesn’t listen to much advice. And why wouldn’t DeLeo know Obama? The two served in the Senate together. I don’t see the point there. Creating your own mythical political world for literary purposes can be a lot of fun and genuinely entertaining. But that was a little much.
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More twists and turns
Thursday, Jun 14, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller * Is the governor trying to strong-arm not-for-profits that receive state funding to get in line behind his budget negotiating stance? Gatehouse media has the scoop, buried way down in its story about how the gaming bill died in a House committee…
The governor’s budget office denied there was any undue pressure to get involved in the legislative process, but House Speaker Madigan’s spokesman had this to say…
It’s felt like 2004 for weeks. Remember that awful overtime session? If it hadn’t been for the Democratic National Convention, they might’ve stayed in Springfield all year. * Meanwhile…
* And…
That’s such a phony proposal. The governor knew the idea of working on Father’s Day would be rejected, which is exactly why he proposed it. * The State Journal-Register editorial board curses all sides today…
* More budget-related stuff, compiled by Paul…
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Jack Franks slams the guv
Thursday, Jun 14, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller Rep. Jack Franks (D-Woodstock) is definitely no Rod Blagojevich fan. He’s also more than a bit of a press hound. That being said, the suburban Democrat did make some good points during a long rant on the House floor yesterday. Here’s a setup from the AP…
You can download the text of the full speech here. Franks also claimed to have called every state agency, ostensibly to talk to the directors about the budget. Franks said he discovered that only eight out of 29 directors were in Springfield…
Franks then went off on the governor’s demand that legislators put in five day weeks in Springfield…
And then he really let him have it…
Thoughts?
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Morning Shorts
Thursday, Jun 14, 2007 - Posted by Paul Richardson * Firm that lost state contract takes case to capitol * IIS: Teen drinking, sex offenders * Last horse slaughterer waging legal battle to stay open
* Countries where horse meat consumed follow Illinois case * Constable: We don’t eat horses, but we will slaughter them? * Opinion: A tougher line on first-time DUIs * Poshard’s privacy subject of battle
* Sun-Times Editorial: Kids spray, parents pay * Troutman indicted on bribery count; more here and here * Council delays vote on police standards reform; more here * Sweeney: Rockford mayor mobilizes residents to get sales-tax bill signed
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This just in…
Wednesday, Jun 13, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller * 11:16 am - At last check, the leaders meeting was scheduled to begin around 2 o’clock today. * 11:19 am - You may remember that Supreme Court Chief Justice Bob Thomas won a defamation lawsuit in state court. That was a little odd since he runs the court system and many of his fellow Justices testified on his behalf. Anyway, the defendant in the case has now counter-sued in federal court. Mike Miner has the scoop. * 11:22 am - The House Gaming Committee will take up the Senate-approved casino bill today at 3 pm. You can listen live to the committee by clicking here. I’m told they’re gonna kill it in committee, but we’ll have to wait and see what happens. It’s certainly dead if it ever makes it to the floor. * 11:27 am - You may know that CTA officials have been invited to present their case for more funding before the four tops and the governor at today’s leaders meeting. Crain’s has this extra tidbit…
* 11:48 am - A blogger named Seth posted this on his LiveJournal page yesterday [h/t: Curry]…
I’ve sent Seth an e-mail asking what time of day that was. * 12:36 pm - Looks like the governor’s plane is about on time getting into O’Hare Airport. But that sure is an optimistic turnaround. * 1:39 pm - While waiting for the govenor’s plane to take off (it appears to be still on the ground as I write), I thought I’d tell you that I’ve added a few more items to the “Overtime in Hell” fundraiser which benefits the Sojourn domestic violence shelter and its affiliated programs. The infant/toddler t-shirt has been generating interest, believe it or not, so I added a kids t-shirt. And the official Capitol Fax masthead is now emblazoned on a golf shirt, a mousepad and a coffee mug. Get over there. More on Sojourn from a faithful reader…
* 1:47 pm - Wheels up at 1:41 pm, almost an hour behind schedule. Looks like the leaders meeting could be a tad late. * 2:37 pm - OK, this is pretty funny. An eagle-eyed blog reader was tracking the guv’s plane with the rest of us and noticed it made an odd maneuver right before it got to Springfield… Think he was having second thoughts about coming back? lol * 3:27 pm - The guv was spotted in the building around 3 pm. Paul is there now and says that Madigan just walked in. He said he’s not sure that Jones will make it today because, he said, the word is he isn’t feeling well. So let’s be kind in comments, OK? Thanks. Oh, and this indicates that the governor is scheduled to fly home again at 4:30. Sheesh. * 6:05 pm - Audio clips from after today’s leaders meeting: Speaker Madigan: Minority Leader Watson: Deputy Gov. Nix: Minority Leader Cross:
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Question of the day
Wednesday, Jun 13, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller What is your favorite political memory? Try to keep it state-focused if possible.
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Obamarama - Sun-Times unearths Rezko letters
Wednesday, Jun 13, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller * Almost nine years ago, state Sen. Barack Obama wrote a couple of perfunctory letters to the Department of Housing and the Illinois Housing Development Authority supporting a Tony Rezko project in his district. The Sun-Times fills us in…
Rezko’s spokesperson denied to the Sun-Times that the indicted man had reached out to Obama about the project. A few things before you start whaling on the guy. First, according to the letters Obama sent, the company was seeking a second mortgage. That little factoid was never spelled out in the piece. The company wasn’t asking for cash money. Second, as the article notes, Obama wasn’t the only politician to send a letter. Ald. Preckwinkle and Rep. Lou Jones also offered their support of the project, which, according to Obama’s letters, included a home health care service, adult day care and a wellness center. The place is still open and functioning. Third, buried down deep in the article is the revelation that the law firm Obama worked for did not represent the company in question, although the company was co-founded by the guy who hired Obama. Lastly, take a look at the letters. This is basic stuff. The letters are identical, down to the same typos and grammatical errors in both. (”I hope the Department of Housing will provide a second mortgage financing this valuable project requires.”) Also, as noted parenthetically above, Obama’s letter to IHDA expresses his hope that the city’s Department of Housing “will provide a second mortgage” for the project. IHDA has nothing to do with the city department. Conclusions? Legislators write letters like these all the time. It doesn’t look to me like he went overboard for Rezko and his former boss, and considering the obvious errors in both letters, he probably didn’t even proof-read them. But, any Rezko taint can’t help “Mr. Clean’s” claim that he is above all that dirty political stuff.
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Now Yous Can’t Leave *** Updated x1 ***
Wednesday, Jun 13, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller * That should have been the headline of today’s Capitol Fax, but I sent it out before I came up with the idea. [Reference here.] Oh, well. Such is life. What I mean by that is the lottery lease and pension bond deal could have freed up a bunch of budet cash, as I told my readers this morning. It could have been an escape route for budget writers. But now yous can’t leave…
* More…
* And…
In fact, Nix flat-out said that the Madigan budget would lead to education funding cuts. The budget, she said, “will actually results in cuts to education.” She repeated that line several times. Here’s the audio… * This e-mail came from inside the administration yesterday when I asked for an explanation of why the governor would cut education funding instead of other areas of the budget…
* Meanwhile, this AP story looks at the overtime session squabbling…
Um, OK, then what’s Emil Jones’ reason for taking a week off? More…
Gee, I wonder who distracted everyone with that topic? *** UPDATE *** In case you missed it yesterday, here are my notes from what the leaders told the media as they walked out of the guv’s office…
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Sojourn will benefit from merchandise sales
Wednesday, Jun 13, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller The vote yesterday was overwhelming. The Sojourn domestic violence shelter will receive all profits from our “Overtime in Hell” merchandise sales. Sales have been pretty good, but the markup isn’t very much, so get on over there and buy something, for crying out loud. I’ve added a couple of different coffee mugs, an infant/toddler t-shirt and even a trucker’s hat. To refresh your memory, here are a few of the other items…. Here’s the image on the front of the shirts, taken from the mousepad, which is also available… And there’s a small image on the back… Here’s a smallish photo of one of the several t-shirts available… There’s also a button, sure to become an instant classic… As suggested by some friends, these products have been added. A golf shirt with just the cartoon Capitol Fax logo on it, as well as one of those “baby doll” t-shirts (another special request)… And a new button with a different logo…
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Morning Shorts
Wednesday, Jun 13, 2007 - Posted by Paul Richardson * Blagojevich move may doom region’s planning group * CTA bailout may threaten suburban transit * ComEd rates worst on the Southwest Side * Cook Co. picks connected city official as budget director * Reward raised for fugitive with ties to ex-Ald. Troutman * City might close ‘why are they driving?’ loophole * Judge says foie gras ban just ducky * Kadner: Legislature OKs towing safety law * Illinois farmland value continues to increase * Latest survey of Illinois farmland value * Editorial: New tool to battle child pornography
* Opinion: Rural cell phone network needs a boost
* IIS: State fruit, cell phone drivers * Cockfighting bill awaits Blagojevich’s signature * Theme park proposal brings hope to Pickneyville * Former colleagues among crowd at Walker book signing * Republican to seek nod to unseat Bean * Animal Farm: GOP finds Bean foe * Daley OK with small cut in graffiti fine * Sun-Times Editorial: Compromise on vandal law * Crains: Hospital gets OK for heart transplant program * State OKs surgery for Waukegan hospital
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