*** UPDATED x1 *** Question of the day
Friday, Nov 4, 2011 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Onetime Republican gubernatorial candidate Adam Andrzejewski is claiming there’s a secret Democratic plan to raise taxes again…
“The first tax hike was to pay the pensions. The second is to pay the bills.”
Last January, the Democrats hiked your income taxes from 3-5%, a 67% increase. No Republicans voted for it. Democrats owned it.
They called the income tax hike… temporary.
Here’s what my Chicago Democrat friends are telling me now: after the November 2012 elections, in the lame duck session, they’re going to increase the income tax from 5-7%, a 40% increase.
Every dime of the January tax hike when to pay the pensions. This left Illinois with $8 billion of unpaid bills. Did they cut spending? No. Last spring, the legislature spent a $1 billion more.
They’re spending more now because they’re actually making the pension payments. But, whatever. And I find it hard to believe he has “Chicago Democrat friends” if he refers to them as “Chicago Democrat friends.”
* So, what’s Andrzejewski’s plan to stop this nefarious Democrat plot? Hold a fundraiser, of course…
We must do something about it!
On Saturday, November 12 at the Hilton Garden Inn- Champaign, we host our For The Good of Illinois VIP Banquet: Gather at 6pm and Dinner at 6:30pm. Tickets are $35
I’ve asked Andrzejewski who told him of this top secret Democratic plot that’s so secret even the Democrats don’t know about it. I’ll let you know what he says.
* And if all that wasn’t enough, he’s also promising newsworthiness…
During my keynote address, I’ll break statewide news.
* The Question: What do you think this “breaking statewide news” item will be?
Snark is heavily encouraged, of course.
*** UPDATE *** Here’s his response to my question…
Hi Rich,
In June, I was in the same room with a good friend of mine who travels in the highest democratic circles. He is an extremely well connected Bridgeport man. I was witness to the conversation. It is factual. I don’t believe that I can reveal more without compromising my friend and the conversation. This is Illinois.
Since that conversation, I’ve challenged elected democrats around the state. They may shrug their shoulders but none of them have disputed it. I’ve dropped it on Decatur radio, Champaign radio and in editorial board interviews. No one disputes the suggestion.
Why don’t you try to get a “no tax” pledge out of democratic leadership and legislators? If they took that pledge, they would have to cut spending. On the contrary, they are INCREASING spending.
If there isn’t pension reform, real workers comp reform and deep spending cuts, the only other option is to hike taxes another 2 percent.
Democrats want to get this out of the way so Lisa Madigan can run on a tax cut for Governor.
- Apple - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 12:14 pm:
That he has finally given up his relentless campaign towards relevancy.
- soccermom - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 12:18 pm:
News Flash: Democrats are BAD!!!!
- Pot calling kettle - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 12:18 pm:
He will commit to supporting a Republican for President in 2012.
- train111 - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 12:19 pm:
He’s going to do a forensic audit of Pat Quinn’s refrigerator!!
- Lil' Enchilada - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 12:20 pm:
Quinn to announce Lt. Governor bid because being Governor is “just too hard”.
- Quinn T. Sential - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 12:23 pm:
{I find it hard to believe he has “Chicago Democrat friends” if he refers to them as “Chicago Democrat friends.”}
I don’t understand why you have a hard time believing this. I have many “Chicago Democrat friends.”, as a matter of fact some of my best friends are “Chicago Democrat friends.”
I think the breaking announcement will be that he is intiating the recall effort for Governor Quinn.
I also think many of my “Chicago Democrat friends” will wait in line to sign that petition.
No snark implied or intended.
- MikeP - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 12:25 pm:
He’ll be unveiling his new SEE (Street Entertainer Employment) initiative, by declaring his new motto: “Every mime. Online. In real time.” (for those readers who paid way too much attention to last year’s GOP Gov primary)
AA will then deliver the remainder of his remarks in silence as a mime.
- Small Town Liberal - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 12:27 pm:
Hopefully it’s a new and ultimately doomed initiative from his hero John Bambenek. Entertaining fellows, those two.
- Pot calling kettle - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 12:42 pm:
The breaking announcement will be that Adam Andrzejewski is still relevant in Illinois politics. Seriously. No, I mean it. Is this mic on? Hello? Hello?
- Anonymous - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 12:44 pm:
The “breaking statewide news” is that the “Chicago Democrats” aren’t actually capable of creating a secret plan and keeping it secret for over a year. In fact, it’s debatable if the Governor is capable of creating any plan in the first place.
- anonymice - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 12:51 pm:
Chicago is actually in Illinois! And Chicago is what makes this such a great state!
- Ahoy - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 12:53 pm:
Hopefully that he’s going to go see the wizard to get a brain.
- Not E! - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 12:54 pm:
He’s the REAL reason Kim got divorced.
- CircularFiringSquad - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 1:03 pm:
Just how many cooties do his “Chicago Democratic Friends” have? Do they count if they are just imaginary friends.
There are some questions you might ask
- k3_Spfld_Chi - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 1:28 pm:
It could be one of two things.
1. He has finally narrowed down how many Dems and Reps the Illinois Senate holds.
2. Rich Miller is the true father of the Beiber baby.
- mokenavince - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 1:31 pm:
Quinn will quote George H.W. Bush, read my lips no new taxes 3 days before he hikes them 20%.
- heet101 - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 1:33 pm:
He will admit that he realizes he was an “also-ran” in the GOP primary, and will also commit himself to stop annoying everyone.
- Mark - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 1:34 pm:
The State of IL places a higher value on $75,000 teacher pensions and $100,000 Superintendent pensions than paying its nursing home vendors. It’s irrelevant that high salary increases resulted in underfunded pensions because the IEA provides lots of campaign contributions and votes.
- Chris - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 1:41 pm:
“I also think many of my “Chicago Democrat friends” will wait in line to sign that petition.”
Count me in. And I hate waiting in a line for much of anything.
- MeAgain - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 1:43 pm:
“Psst…Injun Joe is Ticklish!”
- Capital View - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 1:51 pm:
My inscrutable source on Democratic policy making is Cal Skinner, who will be my OMB director when I win.
- Cincinnatus - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 1:53 pm:
Adam is running for Governor again and Jon Zahm will be his campaign manager.
- VanillaMan - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 1:54 pm:
He changed his name to Adam Oberbrady.
- VanillaMan - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 1:56 pm:
He will reveil himself as the guy who leaked the NRA news on Herman Cain.
- VanillaMan - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 1:57 pm:
He’s 100% Irish.
- VanillaMan - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 2:01 pm:
He occassionally blogs on CapitolFax as “ChicagoDemocraticFriend”.
and as “MrsGladysKravitz”.
- Give Me A Break - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 2:01 pm:
He changed is name to Adam Oberbradylauzen, CPA.
- VanillaMan - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 2:04 pm:
His closest Chicago Democratic friend is someone a lot of students don’t know.
George Glass.
Yeah, that’s it. Good old George Glass.
- David W. Aubrey - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 2:13 pm:
He’s looking for “Amanda Huggenkiss”?
- Don't Worry, Be Happy - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 2:17 pm:
He has a video of Rod Blagojevich burying Jimmy Hoffa’s body in Pat Quinn’s backyard.
- Judgment Day - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 2:19 pm:
He’s actually been ghost writing all Pat Quinn’s speeches.
- TwoFeetThick - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 2:20 pm:
“I’m making ?!#@!*# up as I go!”
Oh, wait a minute, that’s not really news. Maybe he’ll just break like the wind.
- John Galt - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 2:28 pm:
===
“He changed is name to Adam Oberbradylauzen, CPA.”
===
Winner.
- Secret Square - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 2:31 pm:
His Chicago Democrat friends must all be on double secret probation
- qcexaminer - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 2:36 pm:
The breaking news will be that the Democrats will finally put the taxpayers ahead of their Big Labor paymasters.
Hey, you asked for snark. lol
- Give Me A Break - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 2:38 pm:
Rich given the “breaking news” that will happen at the event, I think you should dispatch Barton to live blog it for your readers. It really is the least you can do.
- farmhand - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 2:40 pm:
Adam Ant announces “I have been named Manager of the Chicago Cubs and I am moving them out of state to Champaign.
- TwoFeetThick - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 2:45 pm:
“I have a plan to cut taxes and generate jobs. I’ll create so many jobs that everyone will need to take two or three of them.”
Oops, that’s not really news either. Plus, it’s already been done. I believe it was called “Reaganomics.”
- soccermom - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 2:48 pm:
I think the “highest” Democratic circles explains this. Legalize it…
- BlacknBlue - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 2:51 pm:
This “VIP Banquet” is essentially a cover to get his boy Bambenek some campaign funds. Bambenek couldn’t raise any of his own funds, so they dream up this “policy summit” to get him some campaign cash.
- 47th Ward - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 2:51 pm:
===an extremely well connected Bridgeport man===
Hmmm. Mike Tadin? Bruno Caruso? Minnie Minoso?
- Arthur Andersen - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 2:51 pm:
“Dinner” is really Diet-Rite and a Twinkie.
What did you expect for $35?
Oh, and BTW, Bambi and I made up most of the figures on that Website after I found out how much it would cost to get the real ones.
- Dirty Red - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 2:58 pm:
Breaking News: AA has more Democratic friends than Gov. Quinn
- Raising Kane - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 2:59 pm:
===an extremely well connected Bridgeport man===
Now we know what Rich Daley has been doing since his retirement. He and Adam are hanging out, spinning conspiracy theorys.
- Pot calling kettle - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 2:59 pm:
He will concede the 2010 Republican Primary.
- Pot calling kettle - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 3:03 pm:
It turns out his “Democrat Friends” are an improv group that acts out little scenarios in front of him in the hopes that AA will release one to the press as fact. (A fair amount of money changed hands when he made this most recent statement, but the losers have doubled down on the topic of the next announcement.)
- Small Town Liberal - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 3:03 pm:
- I was in the same room with a good friend of mine who travels in the highest democratic circles. He is an extremely well connected Bridgeport man. I was witness to the conversation. It is factual. I don’t believe that I can reveal more without compromising my friend and the conversation. -
Can we at least get the color of the room? This answer says one of three things to me:
1. This is a complete fabrication (my vote)
2. AA is actually a robot
3. The “friend” is Stu Levine and that’s why Adam is hesitant to describe the room further…
- Eilean left - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 3:05 pm:
HE is going to buy Oberwiese Dairy and run for gov.
- Anonymous - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 3:09 pm:
Wow– that is a lot of snark to swim through.
Question to all the posters here: is it really so inconceivable that Cullerton and/or Quinn (probably not together– that would require cooperation that Quinn is incapable to provide) would do this? I have no reason to believe or disbelieve Andrzejewski but the claim sure sounds credible to me.
Heck, even Blagoof was entirely correct about calling Quinn’s first massive tax hike.
- Michelle Flaherty - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 3:12 pm:
Is this guy for real. I mean, who talks like that?
- Rich Miller - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 3:13 pm:
===Heck, even Blagoof was entirely correct about calling Quinn’s first massive tax hike. ===
Um, Quinn admitted that a tax hike was needed almost from the very beginning.
And there is a much easier way to get rid of PQ and install Lisa (who, at the moment, doesn’t want the job) in the primary which also doesn’t entail endangering every incumbent Democrat in Illinois. Just run somebody and make it stick.
- Bill - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 3:15 pm:
He probably ran into Madigan at a John Boehner fundraiser and overheard Mike’s conversation with Rich Daley and Rahm.
Actually the tax increase idea is pretty good .As the republics always say no more borrowing. A couple more points on the income tax would probably do the trick.
- walkinfool - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 3:32 pm:
Everyone shrugs their shoulders when this guy speaks. They don’t want to encourage him to keep ranting nonsense.
Breaking news: I heard at a dinner table, from a guy who knows scientists, that scientists believe space is curved. That just proves that the Earth is flat, like I’ve been saying all along.
- King Louis XVI - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 3:32 pm:
Adam is going to announce a voice transplant?
- siriusly - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 3:44 pm:
As a low level democrat who doesn’t travel in elitist circles like Mr. A, I have to say that’s a brilliant plan. Thanks for writing out the road map for us.
- siriusly - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 3:52 pm:
Adam’s big announcement will be that he’s running for Congress against Jan Schakowsky because she is the one really behind the Quinn tax increase.
- Are Ya Kiddin' Me? - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 3:58 pm:
I seriously doubt that an individual who travels in the “highest democratic circles” would even be in the same room as AA?
Let alone discuss a “secret” tax plan?
- too obvious - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 4:43 pm:
Why shouldn’t we listen to Adam A., after all his last job was selling phone books.
Does he don the cape and outfit for this?
- Arthur Andersen - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 4:44 pm:
Could you guys call him something other than AA, please?
Sincerely, The Real AA
- Adam Andrzejewski - Friday, Nov 4, 11 @ 7:27 pm:
All the “snark” is pretty funny on a Friday afternoon. And, the state is still insolvent.
Snark is not a plan. If you’re not cutting spending, you’re hiking taxes. It’s time to get serious, folks.