practicing my skills as a clown just in case this political thing doesn’t work out…got the hand thing goin’ on, I just need the threads and wig…
HNY Rich…
State Treasurer Dan Rutherford moments before competing in Bozo’s Grand Prize Game in an attempt to secure funds for the state’s coffers.
- Third Reading - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 11:54 am:
Isn’t it rich?
Are we a pair?
Me here at last on the ground,
You in mid-air.
Where are the clowns? …
Send in the clowns
Don’t bother, they’re here.
–Stephen Sondheim, “Send in the Clowns”
I’m outta here.
- I don't want to live in Teabagistan - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 11:56 am:
OMG, if JBT could get pilliored for a video polka-ing, then what will the Dems do with THIS!. I love Dan’s youthful spirit, but this is either a sign of insanity or the kind of authenticity (can we say Pongee) which will crush the faux populism of Gov. Quinn. At this point I can not say with certainly which.
Over 40 years ago an arrow pointed at another little boy who got to go and play the Grand Prize Game… Since then Dan has been working to show that clown he made a mistake…
@FakeDanRutherford - Another day at the Pontiac Office, redecorating …
@FakeDanRutherford - Look what Romney gave me, the note read “Call me, Maybe…”
@FakeDanRutherford - “What, do I amuse you?”
@FakeDanRutherford - My governmental staff gave me the picture of Bozo. The not read, “Thanks for everything, enclosed is a picture of how we look to others.”
“This picture was taken 2 years ago. Like the last photo of Lincoln, showing how an office, and its responsibilites, affect the office holder, it came to no one’s surprise that Treasurer Rutherford has morphed into “Bozo” is such a short time.”
@FakeDanRutherford - Tweeting will only help my chances to be taken seriously. I took this pic after explaining Illinois’ Bond Rating. #CluelessToImageAndReality
So when I’m finished playing Illinois State Treasurer each day, I go to work at my second job. It seems that more people recognize me as Bozo than they do as the treasurer.
@fakeDanRutherford - ATTENTION! ATTENTION! Petitions for me & my running-mate will be available in September. Look to @FakeDanRutherford then for details #IfYouInsistOnBeingAClownRunWithOne
Thanks for the kind words for the GH. Appreciate them.
- AA -
My Friend, how are you? This picture is another example of something I would be banned for suggesting or photoshopping, but here we are! They write themselves, and if you like them, I appreciate it, as always.
===“Who is that behind Bozo?”===
Well played!
@FakeDanRutherford - That is me giving our Fraternal Handshake to Brother Bozo #LaffaClownaZeta
Treasurer Rutherford, proving once again, you don’t need a wig, makeup, or a silly costume … to be considered a clown.
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 4:24 pm:
“After breakfast of banana and yogurt, ran treadmill and finished Die Hard 2. Love Bruce Willis. Showered, dressed, and fired up Pongee, Chicago bound. Meetings with Chicago staff before heading over to WGN TV for interview on Fiscal Cliff with Lourdes Duarte. Staff said she was “hot.” Took a few pictures at WGN before heading back to apartment for late dinner and status check of plumbing fixtures.”
Rutherford…what was he thinking? Even for people who try hard to like Dan, he makes it impossible to support him for higher office. What strategic purpose is there to be gained by taking this photo and then posting it? We all know the negative. Dan’s juvenile incessant gimmicky emails and now these insane Facebook posts and tweets all reinforce a widespread and growing notion that Dan Rutherford is a clown who will do ANYTHING to get his name and mug out there. In politics, not all publicity is good publicity. The man needs a massive dose of self discipline and a staff who will stand up to him and tell him to his face when he is again acting over the top. Dan your staff cringes at your childish antics. Posts about how to launder socks, you fixing your toilet and now a pic with Bozo the clown??? Are you out of your mind? Stop drinking in public, stop yelling your speeches, stop the gimmicks and start acting and being serious. If you want to be governor then act like it. The man has worked so hard for so long but his head is out of control and none of his staffers will level with him and try to rein him in. Sad and pathetic. A successful grown man who has succeeded in being viewed more as a clown than as a competent public servant.
I know the reason I mock all this is because my hope is that Dan Rutherford will just stop. Just stop. Stop the Pongee, stop the tweeting, stop the “polls”. I want Treasurer Dan Rutherford to be Tresasurer, and if he does THAT well, then a move up is possible.
The more he makes foolish mistakes, the more I will remind him, in hopes that time will not run out on Dan Rutherford. Honestly, some of these are just too easy and too fun. How can Rich NOT have these up. For that, I thank Rich.
Rutherford will see these Tweets again …and the Facebook pictures, and the Pongee posts.
- Just The Way It Is One - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 6:50 pm:
“DANno’s CIRcus is ON THE AIR!!!”
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 7:58 pm:
“Dear Timmy”
Well done OW!
Seriously, at least as seriously as I can get in this post, Woodford and Willy are spot on here. Dan, as a guy who goes way back in the day with you and wants you to do well, grow up for God’s sake. Get off the Facebook and Twitter unless it’s either sober-minded business matters. Cut the crap. Take the words Pongee, treadmill, ate, and watched out of your online vocabulary. Listen to your staff.
- Boone Logan Square - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 11:05 am:
Two guys who know fiscal insolvency all too well.
- Dave Dahl - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 11:05 am:
State Treasurer Dan Rutherford (right)
- MontgomeryCo - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 11:05 am:
Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford is seen here kicking off the new year with a show of bipartisanship by posing with Governor Quinn.
- Just Observing - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 11:07 am:
Did the Treasurer just create his opposition mailing piece?
- RFR - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 11:09 am:
Man, these new truth in political advertising rules are gonna be a pain.
- Justbabs - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 11:09 am:
Man, I wish I had red hair.
- I just know - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 11:11 am:
the new GOP Dan & BOZO
- Loop Lady - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 11:15 am:
practicing my skills as a clown just in case this political thing doesn’t work out…got the hand thing goin’ on, I just need the threads and wig…
HNY Rich…
- Anon - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 11:16 am:
A well-known clown and Bozo too.
- LilLebowskiAchiever - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 11:18 am:
Another day executing the important functions of the Illinois State Treasurers office. Next stop… Treadmill!
- JustMe_JMO - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 11:21 am:
Modify the picture by adding this http://www.illinoissqueezy.com/images/squeezy.jpg
then go with - MontgomeryCo’s caption with this added at the end “and the Governor’s new pet SQUEEZY”.
- Woodford vet - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 11:26 am:
Two clowns.
- zatoichi - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 11:29 am:
Hey. hey, hey. I really was one of the finalists to replace Bob Bell. Life would sure be different.
- Stones - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 11:30 am:
Who’s idea was that to have Rutherford pose with Bozo? That one might come back to bite him!
- Cincinnatus - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 11:30 am:
One of these has a bulbous nose, a strange voice and wears funny clothes. The other is Bozo.
- John A Logan - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 11:34 am:
Dan Rutherford poses with one of the new logo’s under consideration to represent the Illinois Republican Party.
- Jerry101 - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 11:42 am:
The New Bozo Show…starring Dan Rutherford!!
- Montrose - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 11:46 am:
State Treasurer Dan Rutherford moments before competing in Bozo’s Grand Prize Game in an attempt to secure funds for the state’s coffers.
- Third Reading - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 11:54 am:
Isn’t it rich?
Are we a pair?
Me here at last on the ground,
You in mid-air.
Where are the clowns? …
Send in the clowns
Don’t bother, they’re here.
–Stephen Sondheim, “Send in the Clowns”
I’m outta here.
- I don't want to live in Teabagistan - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 11:56 am:
Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right…..
- anon sequitor - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 11:58 am:
Treasurer Dan really needs to distance himself from the Illinois Republican leadership (left above) if he hopes to become Governor Dan.
- Dan Shields - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 12:18 pm:
State Treasurer Dan Rutherford introduces the Illinois speaker of the house.
- Levois - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 12:20 pm:
lol i had no idea Bozo was back in production and the first guest on his program was Rutherford.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 12:21 pm:
Rutherford commits a Bozo No-no.
- MrJM - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 12:24 pm:
Early Republican Primary polling shows Dan Rutherford leading the Grand March of Bozos.
– MrJM
- LilLebowskiAchiever - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 12:28 pm:
Hey Rod, looks like you got a new haircut in Colorado.
- NIref - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 12:31 pm:
Alas, Rutherford’s trip to the Bozo Show ended in disappointment when he was tricked out of leading the Grand March.
- 3rd Generation Chicago Native - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 12:38 pm:
Dan Rutherford “If I loose the next election, I am already working on my next career”
- Pingu - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 12:39 pm:
Why is Bozo throwing gang signs?
- Das Man - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 12:45 pm:
Bozo Nec sorte nec fato
(Bozo Neither by chance nor by fate
…apologies to the Rutherford Coat of Arms
- in the know - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 12:50 pm:
OMG, if JBT could get pilliored for a video polka-ing, then what will the Dems do with THIS!. I love Dan’s youthful spirit, but this is either a sign of insanity or the kind of authenticity (can we say Pongee) which will crush the faux populism of Gov. Quinn. At this point I can not say with certainly which.
- Cincinnatus - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 1:00 pm:
After the Cash Dash, we’ll do Bozo’s Buckets! Get number 6 and you can be Governor.
- Quizzical - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 1:05 pm:
In 2013, while Illinois faced a historic budget crisis, Treasurer Dan Rutherford was flashing gang signs with well known clown Bozo.
What was he thinking?
- OneMan - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 1:07 pm:
Over 40 years ago an arrow pointed at another little boy who got to go and play the Grand Prize Game… Since then Dan has been working to show that clown he made a mistake…
That day has come…
- Wensicia - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 1:09 pm:
Rutherford: “Here’s the guy who will help me turn this into a Red State by supportig my run for governor!”
Bozo: “All I said is that I would help him turn his hair into the same color as mine. My comment was taken out of context!!”
- Captain Illini - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 1:09 pm:
Heh! I might look like a clown, but only the Governor wears this suit!
- Michelle Flaherty - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 1:11 pm:
I didn’t realize Topinka was that much taller than Rutherford.
- unclesam - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 1:12 pm:
Treasurer Rutherford helps unveil the latest gubernatorial portrait…it will forever remain untitled.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 1:31 pm:
@FakeDanRutherford - Another day at the Pontiac Office, redecorating …
@FakeDanRutherford - Look what Romney gave me, the note read “Call me, Maybe…”
@FakeDanRutherford - “What, do I amuse you?”
@FakeDanRutherford - My governmental staff gave me the picture of Bozo. The not read, “Thanks for everything, enclosed is a picture of how we look to others.”
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 1:34 pm:
@FakeDanRutherford - Pongee got to the 4th Bucket, the ball bounced out the of the 5th. A new bile would have been nice. #DopeyTweetsNeverGetMocked
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 1:37 pm:
“This picture was taken 2 years ago. Like the last photo of Lincoln, showing how an office, and its responsibilites, affect the office holder, it came to no one’s surprise that Treasurer Rutherford has morphed into “Bozo” is such a short time.”
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 1:40 pm:
@FakeDanRutherford - Tweeting will only help my chances to be taken seriously. I took this pic after explaining Illinois’ Bond Rating. #CluelessToImageAndReality
- 10th Indy - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 1:41 pm:
Michelle Flaherty - you owe me a new keyboard.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 1:44 pm:
@FakeDanRutherford - No real tweet, just “Look at Me! Look at Me” #SomeoneIsCatalogingTheseTweetsDannyBoy
@FakeJasonPlummer - Hey @FakeDanRutherford, I see you finally got that Self Portrait, Nice! #HaHaHaJasonMadeAFunny
- Kerfuffle - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 1:52 pm:
So when I’m finished playing Illinois State Treasurer each day, I go to work at my second job. It seems that more people recognize me as Bozo than they do as the treasurer.
- Irish - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 2:01 pm:
Dan Rutherford poses in front of the icon of what passes for governance in the State of Illinois.
And by the way today the circus comes back to town.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 2:11 pm:
@FakeDanRutherford - Proud to have Bozo’a support for my exploratory run for Governor. #JustClowningAround
@FakeDanRutherford - No, I am not saying any Clown can do the job like I do it, but I am saying Bozo could. #IsItTooLateToDelete
- mokenavince - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 2:14 pm:
A chip off the old block.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 2:14 pm:
“No, Treasurer, this tweet will Rcok!”
“Treasurer, pose JUST like Bozo … It will be funny, honest.”
“Ok, before we tweet this, is it really what you want to be seen as? Ok … Tweeted!”
“Hurry and take this picture, I have to get back to Pontiac, run on the treadmill, watch my 100th movie, and tweet about how hard I am working…”
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 2:18 pm:
@FakeDanRutherford - no @FakeJasonPlummer, I was posing with your Campaign Portrait! #HaHASoThere
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 2:49 pm:
@fakeDanRutherford - ATTENTION! ATTENTION! Petitions for me & my running-mate will be available in September. Look to @FakeDanRutherford then for details #IfYouInsistOnBeingAClownRunWithOne
- Statesman - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 2:59 pm:
Bozo was very popular North of I -80, unlike others that will run in the 2014 gubernatorial primary.
- Endangered Moderate Species - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 3:16 pm:
“Are any other gubernatorial candidates getting their picture on the Capitol Fax January 2nd Caption Contest? Whose laughing now?”
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 3:18 pm:
Happy New Year Willy.
Are you out of the gate en fuego or what?
Meanwhile, among the leftovers:
“Who is that behind Bozo?”
PS: Great photo choice, Captain.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 3:25 pm:
- Endangered Moderate Species -,
Thanks for the kind words for the GH. Appreciate them.
- AA -
My Friend, how are you? This picture is another example of something I would be banned for suggesting or photoshopping, but here we are! They write themselves, and if you like them, I appreciate it, as always.
===“Who is that behind Bozo?”===
Well played!
@FakeDanRutherford - That is me giving our Fraternal Handshake to Brother Bozo #LaffaClownaZeta
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 3:25 pm:
“I realized he was truly just a clown when he mentioned he only had 2 staffers in his scheduling department.”
- SAP - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 3:35 pm:
Bread and circuses? I’m halfway there.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 3:44 pm:
- Boone Logan Square -, - Cincinnatus, - OneMan -, - Wensicia -,
Thanks for the kind words, I just don’t want it to go unnoticed. I appreciate it.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 3:54 pm:
Treasurer Rutherford, proving once again, you don’t need a wig, makeup, or a silly costume … to be considered a clown.
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 4:24 pm:
“After breakfast of banana and yogurt, ran treadmill and finished Die Hard 2. Love Bruce Willis. Showered, dressed, and fired up Pongee, Chicago bound. Meetings with Chicago staff before heading over to WGN TV for interview on Fiscal Cliff with Lourdes Duarte. Staff said she was “hot.” Took a few pictures at WGN before heading back to apartment for late dinner and status check of plumbing fixtures.”
- Woodford vet - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 4:31 pm:
Rutherford…what was he thinking? Even for people who try hard to like Dan, he makes it impossible to support him for higher office. What strategic purpose is there to be gained by taking this photo and then posting it? We all know the negative. Dan’s juvenile incessant gimmicky emails and now these insane Facebook posts and tweets all reinforce a widespread and growing notion that Dan Rutherford is a clown who will do ANYTHING to get his name and mug out there. In politics, not all publicity is good publicity. The man needs a massive dose of self discipline and a staff who will stand up to him and tell him to his face when he is again acting over the top. Dan your staff cringes at your childish antics. Posts about how to launder socks, you fixing your toilet and now a pic with Bozo the clown??? Are you out of your mind? Stop drinking in public, stop yelling your speeches, stop the gimmicks and start acting and being serious. If you want to be governor then act like it. The man has worked so hard for so long but his head is out of control and none of his staffers will level with him and try to rein him in. Sad and pathetic. A successful grown man who has succeeded in being viewed more as a clown than as a competent public servant.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 4:32 pm:
- Arthur Andersen -,
Coffee went out my nose and on some papers, I now have to print again!
It’s so funny, becasue it’s so true.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 4:40 pm:
- Woodford vet -,
I know the reason I mock all this is because my hope is that Dan Rutherford will just stop. Just stop. Stop the Pongee, stop the tweeting, stop the “polls”. I want Treasurer Dan Rutherford to be Tresasurer, and if he does THAT well, then a move up is possible.
The more he makes foolish mistakes, the more I will remind him, in hopes that time will not run out on Dan Rutherford. Honestly, some of these are just too easy and too fun. How can Rich NOT have these up. For that, I thank Rich.
Rutherford will see these Tweets again …and the Facebook pictures, and the Pongee posts.
So, Dan … stop. Please.
- just sayin' - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 4:47 pm:
A clown who will do anything to get attention, pictured here with Bozo.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 4:47 pm:
“Dear Timmy,
Here is the signed picture you asked for on ‘The Facebook’.
Bozo and I want to wish you a Happy New Year and don’t forget to look for iCash for your parents in the newspaper real soon.
Have a ‘Bozo-rific’ 2013!
Just clowing ya!
Dan ‘Tray-sure-rer the Clown’ Rutherford
p.s. Pongee says ‘Hi’ too!”
- Wensicia - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 5:04 pm:
OW — Great stuff!
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 5:51 pm:
- Wensicia -,
Thanks!
@FakeDanRutherford - I don’t understand what all the fuss was about. Clown College was F-U-N, fun! #PieTossingForGradesRocks
@FakeDanRutherford - Being your Treasurer is like being on a reality show for the Citizens of Illinoiis - I think. #KardashiansHaveNothingOnPongee
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 6:23 pm:
“Next time on …’Running with Rutherford’…”
- Just The Way It Is One - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 6:50 pm:
“DANno’s CIRcus is ON THE AIR!!!”
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 7:58 pm:
“Dear Timmy”
Well done OW!
Seriously, at least as seriously as I can get in this post, Woodford and Willy are spot on here. Dan, as a guy who goes way back in the day with you and wants you to do well, grow up for God’s sake. Get off the Facebook and Twitter unless it’s either sober-minded business matters. Cut the crap. Take the words Pongee, treadmill, ate, and watched out of your online vocabulary. Listen to your staff.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 9:10 pm:
- AA -
You may need to do an intervention.
- Steel - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 10:07 pm:
Which clown would you vote for?
- IDPH - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 10:10 pm:
Hey everyone, meet my friend Pat “The Clown” Quinn!!!!
- Quinn T. Sential - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 11:17 pm:
State Treasurer introduces Governor Quinn in the Center Ring of the Capitol rotunda as the Veto Session kicks off
- Come on man! - Wednesday, Jan 2, 13 @ 11:32 pm:
Republican front runner for Governor and Dan Rutherford
- jak - Thursday, Jan 3, 13 @ 1:13 pm:
Citing yet another blatant display of questionable judgment, insiders are speculating that Bozo’s public image may be irreversibly tarnished.
- jak - Thursday, Jan 3, 13 @ 1:47 pm:
Dan Rutherford before and after his guest appearance on Extreme Makeover.