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Videodrome
Wednesday, Jul 1, 2009 - Posted by Rich Miller * We had a lot of excellent videos yesterday. In fact, so many of you watched the videos that we were ranked 29th in the world on YouTube reporter sites…  That would be ahead of ABC network news, and ahead of the New York Times. I guess we need more vids. * Many of our best videos were posted after most of you stopped reading the blog last night. So, here’s a recap of the late ones… * Speaker Madigan held a rare press availability and got in a couple of subtle shots at Gov. Quinn… * Senate President John Cullerton was obviously furious at Gov. Pat Quinn last night after the pension note bill failed the second time. Watch it… * Sen. James Meeks said in an exclusive sit-down interview that the governor ought to veto the budget bills and allow the government to crash if necessary. He also had some harsh words about Speaker Madigan’s House and talked about why the pension note bill failed to pass the Senate… * House GOP Leader Tom Cross talked about how the appropriations numbers have jumped all over the place and how the governor wanted to base a 30-day budget extension on a projection which included the income tax hike, which hasn’t passed yet… * Senate GOP Leader Christine Radogno agreed that the governor was being disingenuous about asking for a budget extension based on revenue estimates that included a tax increase which never happened. She also talked about how the Democrats can’t even agree on the deficit estimate… * Senate Democratic “budgeteer” Donne Trotter said that the governor needs to sign the budget bills that are now on his desk. “To do anything less is irresponsible,” Trotter said… * More…
* And here’s one I never posted. My intern Mike Murray’s last full day was yesterday. He’ll still be doing Morning Shorts and he’ll try to be here for occasional summer session days, but he gone. Take care, Mike… 
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- Anonymous Coward - Wednesday, Jul 1, 09 @ 7:19 am:
You are 27th today!
- Quinn T. Sential - Wednesday, Jul 1, 09 @ 7:23 am:
Mike Murray Media Man (4M-Don’t forget to register this trademark for your website and other future endeavors in order to protect your brand),
Thanks for your valuable contributions to the cause; especially the introduction of the technological innovation of timely video presentations which have truly enhanced what was already a great site.
I believe your future is bright. Good luck and go forth and wreak your havoc elsewhere in ways that will continue to make a positive difference wherever you go.
- Heartless Libertarian - Wednesday, Jul 1, 09 @ 7:42 am:
All hale the new flesh!
- erstwhilesteve - Wednesday, Jul 1, 09 @ 9:03 am:
Rich and Mike - you guys have been great these last weeks. Mike - make sure Rich knows how to use the camera before you leave…. Rich - get some sleep; you’re going to need it.
- Union Guy - Wednesday, Jul 1, 09 @ 9:09 am:
Mike, Good luck and keep in touch with those Taylorville people.
- Secret Square - Wednesday, Jul 1, 09 @ 9:49 am:
You’re already up to #25 right now!
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Jul 1, 09 @ 10:08 am:
Great work, Mike. Best of luck. May you stay — forever young.
- Nick Adams - Wednesday, Jul 1, 09 @ 10:41 am:
Why is Cullerton so angry? He delighted in sticking it to Quinn on the high speed rail and the recall issues. Then he issued an ultimatum to Quinn to sign off on the phony reform of the campaign funding if he wants his projects. Now Quinn has turned the tables.
The best thing to happen yeserday is the failure of the Pension Note bill. No plan exists to pay this off, and the interest rate is unknown. The effect of this note would be to bond out ongoing day to day operations expenses. That is not only irresponsible, it is dumb.
It is obvious that Cullerton’s first term as President is a complete failure. He is making Jones’ Presidency look like the good old days.
- Mike Murray - Wednesday, Jul 1, 09 @ 10:49 am:
Thanks y’all for the kind words and well wishes.
Working for Rich was/is a BLAST.
True the hours can be brutal, but at least he always picks up the bar tab.
Most importantly, I learned more about politics in one session under his wing then I did throughout my entire educational career.
It’s been great, and though I won’t be around on a day to day basis anymore, I’ll still drop by the capitol from time to time. (Working for Rich is like being in the Mafia, once you are in there is no getting out. LOL)
I am extremely grateful to all the legislators, staffers, reporters, and lobbyists, that showed me the ropes and did not let a poor intern go thirsty. You all made these last 6 months unbelievable and without you Springfield would have bored me to death.
So stay classy Springfield and I’ll catch you on the flip side.
P.S. Union Guy - Will do. Those Taylorville people do have their moments. LOL
I’ll have to keep in touch with all you union guys (and gals) as well.
- Mike Murray - Wednesday, Jul 1, 09 @ 11:03 am:
And thanks to all the loyal blog readers as well. You all have been great.
And after that Rap. Lang floor speech video -*which was shot by Rich*- I will have to make sure Rich is up to speed so I don’t get blamed for the work product.
I had to retain an attorney just to fend off the numerous lawsuits from blog readers who claimed to have serious neck injury as a result of watching that video.
- Will County Woman - Wednesday, Jul 1, 09 @ 11:06 am:
Good Luck to Mike Murray. Hopefully he has no aspirations to run for elected office.
- Mike Murray - Wednesday, Jul 1, 09 @ 11:21 am:
===Hopefully he has no aspirations to run for elected office.===
WCW, was that a shot at me, at Rich, or both.
Rich might be more infamous then famous in certain circles, but I don’t think I’ll be black listed from politics as a result. LOL
- Six Degrees of Separation - Wednesday, Jul 1, 09 @ 11:58 am:
Mike-
Best wishes, and I think WCW has your best interests at heart…in the words of a somewhat famous “state senator who is also a CPA”, politics is sometimes a crappy business.
- John Patterson - Wednesday, Jul 1, 09 @ 12:24 pm:
As the “MSM” statehouse reporter who shares an office with Rich, which means Rich’s intern, I’ll share this little nugget on Mike and how far he’s come.
Around this time last year, Rich was saying goodbye to Kevin and Mike made his first trip over to Springfield and went out on the town with Kevin and Rich.
The next morning, Kevin came in and said of the new guy: “He’s going to have to pace himself.”
Of course by that point we’d documented at least 21 occasions in which Kevin had come in to the bureau and proclaimed: “I need to stop drinking.”
Good luck Mike and if nothing else, always remember the importance of fresh, and extra, batteries.
- Ghost - Wednesday, Jul 1, 09 @ 12:34 pm:
So Rich, are beards mandatory for your interns or just recommended?
- LG - Wednesday, Jul 1, 09 @ 12:56 pm:
Mike Murray — bringing Morning Shorts to a whole new level. best of luck to you, Mike!