* Campaign quote of the day goes to Scott Lee Cohen’s running mate Baxter Swilly…
Q: You’ve got until June 21st to collect 25,000 signatures. How many have you collected so far?
A: We’re close.
No follow-up? That’s odd. Maybe Baxter could’ve addressed yet another story about how the campaign appears to be paying winos and junkies to pass petition sheets…
Just when Scott Lee Cohen’s push to get on the 2010 gubernatorial ballot seemed that it couldn’t get any weirder, it did.
The latest twist includes a curbside argument over money, an allegation that a woman paid someone to lie to a reporter, and an admission by that woman she gave an inebriated man money for signatures he had collected earlier.
Go read the whole thing. My favorite part…
Robert Garrett, 44, of Calumet City told me that not only was he only paid for 17 of the 75 signatures he collected – the rest were deemed illegible or invalid – but that Stephanie had just paid him to lie to me.
“While you were sitting up there talking to that man there, she paid me 20 more dollars,” said Garrett, who appeared to have alcohol on his breath. “Twenty dollars to talk to you to tell you they’re doing good, but they not.”
Yep. They’re close alright. They’ll have that wrapped up any day now. And NBC5’s blogger deserves all the credit for that bit of breaking news.
* Best ding of the day…
At a news conference after an appearance at a Chicago elementary school, the governor would not talk specifics about how he will address a state budget approved by lawmakers that left open a $13 billion shortfall.
“We are going to have to make cuts across the board,” Quinn said, before going on to say he hopes to avoid deep cuts to human services, health care, public safety and especially education, which make up the bulk of the state’s budget. […]
When asked where he would cut, Quinn talked about legislative salaries and government travel expenses — reductions that would amount to a tiny fraction of the massive budget gap.
Quinn has often criticized his Republican opponent, Sen. Bill Brady of Bloomington, for being vague about how he would balance the budget and for suggesting that across-the-board cuts would be necessary.
Good one.
* The runner-up award is for a piece on a new pro-Quinn website which attacks Bill Brady…
“There is a lot at stake in this election. The site will be a one-stop shop for voters to find out the truth about Bill Brady,” Quinn spokeswoman Mica Matsoff said in a statement.
But Brady fired back, saying what’s portrayed on the site can be misleading.
For example, the site takes Brady to task for opposing a specific campaign finance reform proposal, one that Quinn eventually himself vetoed.
“You can’t criticize your opponent when you vetoed the bill,” said Brady spokeswoman Patty Schuh.
Oops.
*** UPDATE *** From the governor’s campaign spokesperson…
I just wanted to be clear on Senator Brady’s comments that there was anything misleading on the site.
The Governor vetoed the campaign finance bill because it didn’t go far enough for ethics reforms (HB 7) - and then Senator Brady voted ‘no” on the updated iteration of the bill that the Governor eventually signed into law (SB 1466). So, that clears up that one, now what about the hundreds of other votes on the site…
I think the people of Illinois would be disturbed to hear Senator Brady call his positions on jobs, economy, public safety, education, women and families and ethics as a “distraction from the real issues.”
[ *** End of Update *** ]
* As subscribers know, the governor has his work cut out for him…
Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn [yesterday] predicted lawmakers will return to the Capitol by the end of June to vote on borrowing about $4 billion to make next year’s state worker pension payment, the final piece of a patchwork budget aimed at keeping state government operating until after the November election.
The Senate Dems aren’t so sure that Quinn can do it…
Cullerton spokeswoman Rikeesha Phelon said [yesterday] that it remains to be seen when the Senate will come back to Springfield.
“We need to see evidence that the governor is effectively making the case for pension borrowing - specific evidence being at least two Senate Republican votes,” Phelon said.
That would mean three recalcitrant Democrats. I think there’s really only two. But we’ll see.
The governor also couldn’t resist jabbing the GA…
“The bottom line is the legislators this year and last year I think disappointed me and I think disappointed the people of Illinois by their reluctance to squarely address the fiscal calamity that we’re in,” Quinn said. “This goes for both parties, both houses. I think they should have done a lot better. But having said that, we have to go forward and carry on for the people of Illinois.”
He could’ve done a lot better, too, but we probably won’t hear an admission of that. It would just be too far out of character.
* And the Peoria paper whacks Quinn for not staying more often at the governor’s mansion…
Alas, the only chief executive to truly call the beautiful residence home in the last quarter-century has been Gov. Jim Edgar.
Yeah, it was so “beautiful” that Mrs. Edgar demanded they move the heck outta there. Alas, nobody seems to remember that bit of history.
* Related…
* State budget crisis may impede groundbreaking preschool reform
* Illinois Applies for ‘’Race to the Top'’ Money Again
* Ex-lawmaker waives tuition for supporter’s family
* State documents damaged by heavy rains
* Quinn signs measure to delay foreclosures on military members
* Rutherford plans aggressive Chicago area campaign: During a stop Tuesday in Decatur, State Sen. Dan Rutherford said he plans to campaign aggressively in the Chicago area in his bid to be the state’s next treasurer.
- CircularFiringSquad - Wednesday, Jun 2, 10 @ 12:59 pm:
Capt Fax:
Let’s really fill in the history test blanks here
The Edgars moved into the mansion becuase:
a. they already lived in SPI full time
b. could unload their house
c. use the windfall to build a “log home”(their words)
d. use the security detail to mow the lawn because they liked it
e. all of the above.
Correct answer as soon as someone explains why the CommandoKirk Campaign email link on his latest military misspeak gets you to a post primary Ch5 interview where he talks about debates.
- VanillaMan - Wednesday, Jun 2, 10 @ 1:13 pm:
Spin, Spin, Spin - Pete Seeger, adapted from Biblical Book of Ecclesiastes - enhanced by VanillaMan
When you campaign, (Spin, Spin, Spin)
You’ll find a reason, (Spin, Spin, Spin)
Time to fight for fame in public office
A time to raise funds, a time to consult
A time to advertise, a time to canvass
A time to plot, a time to plan
A time to lie out your face, whenever you can
During interviews, (Spin, Spin, Spin)
For media friends, (Spin, Spin, Spin)
And a time to claim your opponent, is the Devil
A time to rip up,a time to talk down
A time for negative TV ads to abound
A time to throw stones, a time to name call
A time to make claims you know will enthrall
To voters you want, (Spin, Spin, Spin)
Demand a recount, (Spin, Spin, Spin)
And a time to sell your soul for an Election Day win
A time to win friends, a time of fate
A time of war, a time of hate
A time you hug, back-slap, and embrace
A time to do whatever you can to win this race
To Constituents, (Spin, Spin, Spin)
Finger pointing at others, (Spin, Spin, Spin)
And a time to have an excuse for all your failings
A time to raise funds, a time to cut deals
A time to mend, a time for free meals
A time for feathering, your fiefdom nest
A time for your staffers to do all the rest.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jun 2, 10 @ 1:44 pm:
Is it a goof or ignorance that the University of Illinois is spending $98,000 for a bas-relief portrait sculpture to honor President and Mrs. Ikenberry? Glad the tuition increase is going to good use.
- zatoichi - Wednesday, Jun 2, 10 @ 2:11 pm:
“before going on to say he hopes to avoid deep cuts to human services, health care, public safety and especially education, which make up the bulk of the state’s budget.” Translation: the cuts are coming because the General Assembly refused to put their names on the line. Quinn should cut 25% across the board and, as the screaming starts, tell the GA to get back to Springfield to actually do the job they were elected to do.
- Been There - Wednesday, Jun 2, 10 @ 2:17 pm:
===That would mean three recalcitrant Democrats. I think there’s really only two. But we’ll see.===
Maybe one of the 3 includes somebody not showing up, who previously was willing to come down just for the vote, but might not want to since a certain trial is ongoing.
Then again maybe he will give up the seat early. But the dem contender replacement might not want to take that vote either.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jun 2, 10 @ 2:18 pm:
BT, you couldn’t be more wrong.
- dupage dan - Wednesday, Jun 2, 10 @ 2:26 pm:
Across the board cuts or targeted cuts - much can be said for and against both. However, doing nothing or, worse, itty bitty bits (dropping legislative mileage reimbursement from $0.50 per mile to $0.38 per mile doesn’t even qualify as itty bitty) is breathtaking. C’mon, PQ, get on with it or get out of it. NEXT.
- Fed up - Wednesday, Jun 2, 10 @ 2:32 pm:
Update tribune finds more examples of the law not being followed in regards to legislators giving scholorships to campaign contributors. In related news Lisa Madigan states these blinds fit great I feel like sgt schultz I see nuttting
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Jun 2, 10 @ 2:41 pm:
–Alas, the only chief executive to truly call the beautiful residence home in the last quarter-century has been Gov. Jim Edgar.–
Alas? Who’s writing the editorials in Peoria, Margaret Mithchell?
The Mansion ain’t Tara. Here’s an idea: the Mansion is in pretty bad shape, will cost a boatload to repair and is rarely used. The ROI, on all levels, is poor.
But it’s a nice piece of real estate in a neighborhood that could use a bump. The 200th anniversary of Illinois joining the union is in 2018. Check out Nashville’s Bicentennial Park. Very well done, and it jazzed up a downtown neighborhood.
- Been There - Wednesday, Jun 2, 10 @ 2:43 pm:
===BT, you couldn’t be more wrong.===
Ok, I am just speculating based on nothing. But Cullerton knows how to count his votes and why would he say he needs 2 repubs?
And just to help me not be so wrong, how many of my speculations am I wrong on?
He shows up?
Doesn’t care if trial is going on?
He gives up his seat?
They appoint the dem nominee?
The dem nominee doesn’t mind taking that vote?
Or do they replace him with a placeholder who will take the vote?
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jun 2, 10 @ 2:46 pm:
If you subscribed, BT, you would know the answer to that question.
- Pot calling kettle - Wednesday, Jun 2, 10 @ 2:48 pm:
Quinn won’t make any cuts. He may announce a few to show how responsible he is, people will complain, then he’ll “find some money” and back off.
Quinn has enough money to make it to November and the authority to shuffle it around to keep people happy. After that, if Quinn wins we will see either a tax increase or real cuts by the end of the year. If Brady (or Whitney) wins, Quinn will spend through January and then the whole mess will be handed over: 1/2 a year to go and no money remaining.
- Pot calling kettle - Wednesday, Jun 2, 10 @ 2:55 pm:
Cullerton probably wants two Repubs because no one likes to go out there alone. Two provides cover and is a bit less traitorous. For example, on the House side, criticism of Biggens is mitigated because Black voted “for” as well (and so did Pritchard, the first time).
Cullerton probably has a “I’ll do it if someone else does it, too.”
It would be fun to see Rutherford take the lead and vote “yes” on the bonds because it is the fiscally responsible route (lower interest). I know that won’t happen, but it would be fun.
- ShadyBillBrady - Wednesday, Jun 2, 10 @ 10:33 pm:
Speaking of SLC and their 25,000 signatures …
Recently saw ths ad for a FT/PT campaign job on the chambana craigslist … from the looks of it, it has to be SLC’s campaign trying to find people to help them collect their signatures, at a buck-fifty a pop.(http://chambana.craigslist.org/npo/1752494462.html):
- haverford - Wednesday, Jun 2, 10 @ 10:51 pm:
===SLC’s campaign trying to find people to help them collect their signatures, at a buck-fifty a pop.===
Wow. Who’d have thought the prevailing wage would be higher in Chambana?
Speaking of the gov race - we gave points to Claypool’s team for pith the other day. I’d say the Quinn campaign wins that one today - that response made me laugh (and think Brady is shadier than ever).
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jun 3, 10 @ 12:32 pm:
Don’t count on Quinn or Brady to really address the debt our state is in. They both owe too many favors. Lex Green, the Libertarian Governor candiate has alredy put out a budget with $10 billion in cuts. You can see his budget cuts at:
http://www.electlex.com/issues.php. We need someone who is not not afraid to stand up and do what is right for this state!
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Jun 3, 10 @ 12:43 pm:
===You can see his budget cuts at===
It appears he cut federal funds from DCEO and left the state funding intact. Not exactly a cut.
- JM WI transplant - Thursday, Jun 3, 10 @ 4:27 pm:
Just heard someone on the CTA gathering signatures to “get a fourth party” on the ballot, while letting people know he would be getting the going rate of a dollar a signature. No mention of SLC and not drunk, and met with some success in getting folks to sign.