The Chicago way
Thursday, Jul 11, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* House Speaker Michael Madigan denied today that he pressured anybody at Metra and said he withdrew a pay raise recommendation…
House Speaker Michael Madigan is denying he pressured ousted Metra CEO Alex Clifford to give an employee a raise, according to a statement released this morning.
The speaker’s statement was released minutes before a House committee hearing on Clifford’s controversial severance package. Clifford received the parting deal after accusing the board of retaliating against him for pushing back against pressure to provide patronage jobs and contracts.
Madigan said he recommended in March 2012 that the employee, Patrick Ward, receive a merit adjustment based on his education level and job performance.
The speaker said the employee’s supervisor expressed concerns about such a request coming from Madigan’s office. “Upon learning of this, the recommendation was withdrawn,” the speaker said in a statement.
There are quite a few contributions from Ward to Madigan’s various political operations, but nothing huge.
* Meanwhile, retiring Chicago Ald. Dick Mell appears to be doing his best to grease the skids to appoint his daughter, Rep. Deb Mell, to his seat. The latest development is the decision by the chairman of the City Council’s Hispanic Caucus to not send a letter to Mayor Rahm Emanuel asking that he replace Mell with a Latino…
Ald. Danny Solis (25th) said the eight Hispanic aldermen who comprise the caucus’ executive committee are evenly divided on the issue of pressuring the mayor, given their respect for Dick Mell and their admiration for his daughter, State Rep. Deb Mell (D-Chicago), who remains the odds-on favorite to fill her father’s City Council seat.
“I’m one of the four who doesn’t think it’s a good idea, considering who Dick Mell is, the qualifications of Deb Mell, the fact the 33rd ward is 51 percent Hispanic and the fact we’ll be getting a Hispanic state representative to replace Deb Mell” if the mayor chooses her to replace her retiring father, Solis said.
Getting a Latino legislator would be a nice benefit. More…
After announcing his retirement last week, Richard Mell talked about installing his Hispanic aldermanic aide Jaime Andrade to replace Deb Mell in the Il. House. But, Solis said the retiring alderman mentioned no specific candidates during his meeting with the Hispanic Caucus.
* And Mayor Emanuel seems more than open to the appointment…
“State Rep. Deb Mell is not guaranteed the job because her last name is Deb Mell. And State Rep. Deb Mell is not excluded from the job because her last name is Mell,” the mayor said.
“State Rep. Deb Mell is not guaranteed a job in City Council because she would be the first [openly] lesbian [alderman] or because she had breast cancer. But, she’s not excluded because she would be the first lesbian and the first woman, as [far as] I know, that has breast cancer. I remind all of you [that] she was endorsed by both papers when she ran for state rep.”
- I don't want to live in Teabagistan - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 1:03 pm:
“There are quite a few contributions from Ward to Madigan’s various political operations, but nothing huge.”
That’s why he needed a raise
- VonKlutzenplatz - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 1:05 pm:
Great to see Deb Mell cares so much about equality that she will take a position in the family business rather than stick around to vote for it if it in the fall.
Nice work, Deb. The day you take that appointment is the day that you officially become just another hack.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 1:14 pm:
- VonKlutzenplatz -,
Um, Rep. Mell hopes that she will be replaced by a lesbian if she becomes Alderman …
http://www.sj-r.com/breaking/x946749515/Rep-Mell-hopes-fellow-lesbian-would-replace-her-in-Illinois-House
Further,
“Committeeman” Dick Mell, having the weighted vote, will have a say if that does happen, and if it doensn’t exactly happen, “Committeeman” Dick Mell can make sure the newly minted state Rep. votes for SSM…
I think the “vote for” SSM is safe if Deb Mell leaves…
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 1:16 pm:
Those contributions were significant from Ward’s perspective.
And I love the talk that Madigan “withdrew” the recommendation. Yeah, right.
- DanL60 - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 1:16 pm:
==“State Rep. Deb Mell is not guaranteed the job because her last name is Deb Mell.==
Technically he’s right. Her last name is not “Deb Mell”
- Red Ranger - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 1:24 pm:
Making $57,000 a year and giving $1650 contributions. Must love good government…yaaaa….thats it.
- Elo Kiddies - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 1:29 pm:
Just as a minor correction/friendly amendment to the general point, $2K of the money that Rich links to from Patrick Ward is from an apparently different Patrick Ward who lives in Peoria. So the total is only $15K, not $17K.
- Belle - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 1:35 pm:
“After announcing his retirement last week, Richard Mell talked about installing his Hispanic aldermanic aide Jaime Andrade to replace Deb Mell in the Il. House. But, Solis said the retiring alderman mentioned no specific candidates during his meeting with the Hispanic Caucus.”
Soooo repulsive that he is manipulating 2 offices with the only upside being that at least none of these offices are being filled by Patty.
- VonKlutzenplatz - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 1:39 pm:
Deb is very good at doing what she’s told. She will make an excellent alderman.
- VonKlutzenplatz - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 1:47 pm:
By the way Oswego, great to see you rushing to the defense of Chicago Dems.
Are you sure you are a Republican?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 1:53 pm:
Nope, Republican, thanks.
When I see Dopiness, especially generalizations, the textbook version of ignorance passed off as insight, I comment.
Also,
If Deb Mell were to win appointment to the City Council, do you not think her addition, to Tom Tunney, inhances the Chicago City Council?
Food for thought…
- VonKlutzenplatz - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 1:57 pm:
No Willy, I don’t believe she would be a valuable addition to the city counsel.
I think her district needs a creative and independent voice. They could use somebody who is conscious of budgets and has shown some sense of fiscal responsibility.
So no, I don’t think adding a person who bring the primary skill of following orders would be good for the district.
Of course, I’m not a Democrat so I don’t have your bias.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 2:00 pm:
===I think her district needs a creative and independent voice.===
Well, that ain’t Deb Mell …
Yikes!
===Of course, I’m not a Democrat so I don’t have your bias.===
Well, as two Republicans, we see something different. You stick with what you think, I will stick with the record and what I know.
- VonKlutzenplatz - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 2:03 pm:
Are you sure you are a Republican Willy? Because you sure seem to spend a lot of time praising Democrats.
Spending all that time praising Dems seems dopey to me, unless your goal is to elect Dems.
- Just Me - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 2:03 pm:
We all know the Speaker would never exert influence over one of the transit agencies regarding personnel decisions.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/4013028-418/rta-hires-mike-madigans-son-in-law-for-top-lobbying-job.html
- WilliamO - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 2:08 pm:
This all feels so….Blagojevichy.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 2:10 pm:
Nah, I am sure I am a Republican…
Usually I have to expalin to the uneducated Republicans why we lose, like saying “always” and “anything”… and looking at politics as it is, like the Dick Mell situation, and understanding what is going on, and not, I dunno, speaking to generalities and reminding those Republicans that “firing Madigan” is just ignorant, and not understanding that being diverse is helpful as a Party, and that we are Veto-Proofed because everyone needs to be pass litmus tests or blood oaths …
As a Republican, I am sure you are so upset Deb Mell is leaving, having voted for SSM.
If you are worred about the SSM vote, you should join me in asking Tom Cross to get more of the HGOP members on board.
- Robert the Bruce - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 2:13 pm:
“The speaker said the employee’s supervisor expressed concerns about such a request coming from Madigan’s office.“ - wow, that’s brave - I wonder if the supervisor still has a job.
- AFSCME Steward - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 2:18 pm:
Unfortunately, she is my state rep. Will be happy to see her go. The day she voted to acquit her brother in law Blago is the day she revealed herself as a hack.
“Nice work, Deb. The day you take that appointment is the day that you officially become just another hack.”
- Northsider - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 2:20 pm:
As a constituent, Deb Mell would make a fine alderman - she cares about the community, goes to the meetings, knows the residents, the schools, businesses, park staff, police officers. She’s got creative ideas for economic development in the area. If you don’t know her, don’t make assumptions.
- Steve - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 2:22 pm:
Yeah, we are for hereditary transmission of political office in Cook County! Yeah.
- Fred's Mustache - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 2:27 pm:
Lets be clear here… you got a 700k severance package and you are the victim? PLEAAAASE!
- wordslinger - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 2:32 pm:
Mell wouldn’t have resigned if it weren’t greased already.
- Frenchie Mendoza - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 2:34 pm:
You’re a victim if the so-called ’severance package’ is essentially hush money.
Not saying that’s what’s going on — but that’s what I’m assuming. Clifford threatened to go public, Metra said, okay, how about you keep it quiet — and here’s some encouragement.
However, I don’t know what’s worse at this point: Madigan’s recommending (and then rescinding the recommendation) or alleged hush money.
Whatever happens, though — Metra remains (IMHO) totally messed up. And if you’ve ever ridden Metra, you know they’re operating like they’re back in the 1980s. The only started taking credit cards because they were forced to. They can’t figure out wifi. Prior to taking a card, try writing a check for a ticket — the only thing they *didn’t* do is stand you against a backdrop and give you a mugshot. I mean, seriously: they’d spend five minutes *a person* checking your name against a master list of “known check beaters” (by hand — no computers), they insisted on a driver’s license number on the check (what the heck?), they insisted on seeing a driver’s license — and if your rickety driver’s license signature didn’t match your check signature, they’d ask for another signed photo ID — government issued. Like I carry around my passport everywhere I go?
Metra is totally, totally backwards. There’s nothing “forward thinking” about anything they’ve done — including the fare increases that Clifford himself instigated. Good god, Metra, hire someone who has a clue and isn’t gonna go weird on you.
- In 630 - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 2:38 pm:
So this ex-Metra guy was so concerned about this political pressure to hire people that he didn’t say a word about it until someone tells him he isn’t getting a contract extension, then says he’ll sue saying he was a whistleblower if he doesn’t get a big payday. And he’s who the media is on board with in this story?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 2:38 pm:
===Mell wouldn’t have resigned if it weren’t greased already.===
Agreed.
Being the Democratic Committeeman with the weighted vote for a possible “open” state house seat dangling out there, and while still being Committeeman, Rahm would be in a tough spot appointing someone not favored by Mell and the Regular 33rd Ward Organization.
The “ace in the hole” is the Committeeman role Dick Mell still holds, but some fine theatre just the same.
- What time is it - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 2:51 pm:
What’s usually the interesting thing about these dog and pony shows is who else actually applies. Then when they narrow them down to a couple of finalist, the other finalists, besides the anointed one, are 2nd tier candidates at best. Then its obvious that Deb Mell was the best candidate!!
- Jim - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 2:56 pm:
why is MM recommending pay raises for people who don’t work for him? How could it not be construed as pressure from the Speaker?
- Earl Shumaker - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 3:00 pm:
Chicago “democracy” in action
- East Central Illinois - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 3:04 pm:
=== . . .pressure from the Speaker?====
Are you kidding? MM never pressures anyone at anytime, right?
Buehler? Buehler? Buehler?
- Nieva - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 3:07 pm:
I think Dick Mell is more than qualified to pick people for these jobs. Just look what a great job he did picking our former now in federal prison governor.
- AFSCME Steward - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 3:10 pm:
What do you do when the politically connected preferred choice is also 2nd tier ?
“Then when they narrow them down to a couple of finalist, the other finalists, besides the anointed one, are 2nd tier candidates at best. Then its obvious that Deb Mell was the best candidate!!”
- Foxfire - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 3:11 pm:
==Madigan said he recommended in March 2012 that the employee, Patrick Ward, receive a merit adjustment based on his education level and job performance.==
How would the Speaker know enough about Ward’s job performance to make such a recommendation?
This is classic CYA.
- Foxfire - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 3:15 pm:
I was initially an opponent of the severance package. I still am, but am now starting to see why Metra Board members and other “powers that be” could have seen the merits of making the deal. I’m quite sure that some people are going to regret making an issue out of this and that it could go away quietly very soon.
- Javorica - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 3:41 pm:
After 4.5 hours of nearly unbearable repetition in the Bilandic Committee Room, A Mike Bost outburst would be appreciated…
- What time is it - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 3:46 pm:
===What do you do when the politically connected preferred choice is also 2nd tier ?===
I should have said 3rd or 4th tier. Whoever it is will be a notch below her. And some of the others who applied and would be considered 1st tier candidates won’t make the cut or will miraculously drop out after being talked to.
- What time is it - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 3:49 pm:
===I’m quite sure that some people are going to regret making an issue out of this===
And isn’t Louis Arroyo one of Mell’s guys? Why shine a light on this?
- Six Degrees of Separation - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 3:53 pm:
@Frenchie, I suspect Metra’s “backwardness” was primarily a function of former CEO Phil Pagano and his desire to keep everything possible out of the electronic age, so that the cash was more fungible than otherwise warranted for selfish reasons as well as “management flexibility”, LOL. It takes awhile to move an entrenched bureaucracy forward. My only criticism of the Cliford era was eliminating the discount on the 10-rides, which promptly resulted in Metra selling less tickets and not really helping the bottom line.
- Six Degrees of Separation - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 3:55 pm:
And I like the new ticket vending machines; beats waiting for 15 minutes for an open ticket booth at Union Station.
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 5:43 pm:
They bring a knife? You bring a gun. They put one of yours in the hospital? You put one of theirs in the morgue. That’s the Chicago way.
Politicians seeking favors from a public agency? That’s like being shocked to discover gambling inside a casino. Or as Steve Rhodes put it so well today: “In Illinois, admitting something is the same as a denial because everyone knows you did it and nobody cares.”
TII.
- walkinfool - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 6:23 pm:
VonK: Claiming that Deb Mell is “very good at doing what she’s told” reflects your profound ignorance. She is the opposite of what you describe, as everyone who watches closely and has dealt with her knows.
She thinks for herself, tends to vote for what she believes her district want and needs, and is often at odds with leadership in the House. They generally leave her alone, since she is not easily moved.
You might disagree with her, if you actually know anything about her, but an “order-follower” she’s not.
Why do I even read your comments?
- walkinfool - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 6:34 pm:
How does MJM or his staff even have the time for this penny-ante BS? This level of contribution ain’t near the top of the list of concerns by any stretch.
No way this drove the CEO’s severance package. That’s just habitual ridiculous management on govt boards. They’re trying to act like private business with their CEO perks, as if that’s anything to copy.
- VonKlutzenplatz - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 6:49 pm:
Walking, I note you don’t cite any actual examples of where she bucked the party.
The only one that comes to mind for me is impeachment. But that’s consistent for Deb — family comes first.
- Amalia - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 7:12 pm:
remember the news story when Mell got angry that Blago did not give a contract to a cousin? why does this story make me remember that other story?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 7:28 pm:
===The only one that comes to mind for me is impeachment. But that’s consistent for Deb — family comes first.===
Why do you care if she “bucks the party”, or votes lock step with them, you are a Republican …right?
- low level - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 8:05 pm:
and Von (whatever your name is). Thank you for your statement about Deb Mell “always doing what she’s told”
I now know I can avoid whatever you post, because you clearly do not know what on earth you are talking about. Many Republican legislators themselves would confirm that Deb is hardly one who simply takes marching orders- from anyone
- VonKlutzenplatz - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 8:17 pm:
Taking this personally, Low?
Interesting that people are claiming she’s bucked the party, but nobody has provided a single example.
Seems to confirm my argument.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 8:17 pm:
===Many Republican legislators themselves would confirm that Deb is hardly one who simply takes marching orders- from anyone===
- walkinfool -, and - low level-, are Spot-On.
Deb Mell is her own person, if you want her vote or support, you ask her …and her alone.
- VonKlutzenplatz - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 8:23 pm:
There you go again, Oswego.
Are their any Democrats you don’t like?
Any Republicans that you do like?
That’s one strange electoral strategy.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 8:25 pm:
===- VonKlutzenplatz - Wednesday, Jul 10, 13 @ 11:36 am: |Edit
Oswego,
You and I have discussed this matter before, but I admit I’m not clear on your position.===
Can you tell me when we had this discusssion so I can read it for myself?
I treid searching for it, do you remember what the subject was?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 8:28 pm:
- VonKlutzenplatz -,
I am sure I am a Republican … even at a 100 to 1 ratio …
- VonKlutzenplatz - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 8:31 pm:
I find that fascinating, Willy.
I can’t recall you ever praising a Republican and I can’t recall you ever criticizing a Democrat.
Whatever you say though. Have a good night.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 8:33 pm:
- VonKlutzenplatz -,
I will be around “campus”, when you think about that Post/discussion we had for me to read … you just point that out.
I will keep looking too, now …
- VonKlutzenplatz - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 8:38 pm:
When you see me, can you tell me another Plummer joke?
Because those are awesome! But in any case, I am calling it a night.
However, if you think of any examples of where you said bad things about a Dem or a good thing about a Republican, please post.
I’d love to be able to say “But, there was this one time that Oswego backed his own party.” That would be pretty cool.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 8:40 pm:
===- VonKlutzenplatz - Wednesday, Jul 10, 13 @ 11:36 am: |Edit
Oswego,
You and I have discussed this matter before, but I admit I’m not clear on your position.===
Yeah,
I think I will do some research …
- RNUG Fan - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 8:54 pm:
The Illinois ethics test tells us we shouldn’t do anything that appears to be unethical is unethical…….every student workers is supposed to abide by this….
And that was Blagos ethics test…which is now Quinns.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 9:41 pm:
- VonKlutzenplatz -,
Check this out …
https://capitolfax.com/2012/11/07/it-aint-just-the-map-and-it-aint-just-obama/
Now, check out my post at …
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Nov 7, 12 @ 8:47 pm -
Now, you keep poking bears, and that is up to you…If you still feel the need to … question …my motives and “credentials”, that is on you…
===- VonKlutzenplatz - Wednesday, Jul 10, 13 @ 11:36 am: |Edit
Oswego,
You and I have discussed this matter before, but I admit I’m not clear on your position.===
You your “search” engine, it’s your friend.
- dang - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 9:47 pm:
Great little tussle between some repubs (?). This Metra thing is fascinating though.talk about wild. I am going to sell ” where’s Clifford?” t shirts at next hearing. Speaker must be confident he did nothing wrong, why call hearing otherwise? Then the statement comes out moments before hearing, and then wouldn’t you know it, metra’s indefatigable outside council confirms what Madigan said in his statement. very, very wild. Then board member Shaffer(?) Gets up to testify, a character straight out of a movie depicting an ol school connected Republican living in suburbs. shaffer acts like he wants to tell the story as he knows it, but won’t. Jack franks trying to get him to talk was comical “you can tell the truth..” it’S ok to tell the truth. Bradley’s comments where telling”this was just a corporate divorce” maybe the media will start looking around airports like they are for Snowden. That would be sweet
- Oh, please.... - Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 10:58 pm:
Ok, everyone keeps talking about Rep. Mell and her father, the Alderman…and we hear a lot about AG Lisa Madigan, and her father the Speaker. Yet, in all the coverage of Bill Daley’s run for Governor of Illinois, I really haven’t much comment on the fact that either his brother or father have served as Mayor of the City of Chicago for 43 of the past 58 years. Hmmmm….wonder why that is????????
- Keyrock - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 12:41 am:
Speaking of the Chicago way and Ald. Mell, that’s quite a story on the Sun-Times website.
- low level - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 7:34 am:
Wow, Von - you’ve done a complete roll call analysis to back your view she is “good at taking orders” I’m sure.
Sorry it’s you who are making the argument it is up to you to provide the examples. So far, you have made baseless charges with no examples. But whatever.
- VonKlutzenplatz - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 8:05 am:
How about this, Low. Every single vote.
There. That’s my case.
Now show me one where’s she has shown independence. Since you are claiming I’m way off, it should be easy.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 8:11 am:
- VK -,
I am “progressive- ly” looking for our interactions. I would be disappointed if it turns out you had the discussion with me as a Democrat. then now became a Republican.
Your credibility might be on shaky ground, but I don’t like to label people, or myself. I truly believe that might ruin some credibility if that was the case…
I will keep looking for our discussion, do you remember when?
- wordslinger - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 8:16 am:
Von, you’ll have to forgive Willy.
He’s one of those crazy Republicans who doesn’t believe Rush and Rupert’s highly successful business model of appealing to the base instincts of fear and resentment are a way to govern or live.
Fortunately, the never-ending auto-da-fe of the Slytherin pure-bloods has reduced the Republican Party in Illinois from a national force to a local crank.
So don’t worry about Willy. He’s increasingly an anachronism. The old Midwestern GOP progressives (bad word) have been replaced by the old Southern Dixiecrats.
It sure is nice and cozy in that tiny tent.
- VonKlutzenplatz - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 8:18 am:
Word,
You need more than “big tent.”
You still need to have some message.
Willy’s message is:
1) Don’t claim Illinois is in bad shape;
2) Don’t be mean to Dems.
3) Whatever you don’t, don’t suggest Dems have ever done anything wrong.
I just don’t think that’s a winning strategy.
- Amalia - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 8:21 am:
Ald. Rugai….breast cancer, fyi, Mayor Emanuel.
- VonKlutzenplatz - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 8:21 am:
By the way, Willy, Word seems pretty open about his support of Dems.
Willy, Word likes your strategy.
That is pretty much all you need to know.
- Amalia - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 8:21 am:
Ald. Mary Ann Smith….breast cancer, fyi, Mayor Emanuel.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 8:22 am:
- VK -,
So you are a Republican. I just want to confirm that…
- wordslinger -,
I guess some refuse to understand that hating everyone and not recognizing what is real, and spreading that hate as blame works. Ask Speaker Cross…
- VonKlutzenplatz - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 8:29 am:
Oswego,
You make some interesting assumptions.
You tend to read words that are not there.
I never said I was a progressive.
I never said I was a Republican.
You are the one who was so desperate to apply labels that you tossed those labels at me and then became convinced they were true.
In contrast, I’ve asked why any progressive would support Madigan.
And I’ve asked why Republicans would refuse to run against Madigan.
From that, the first time you concluded that I must be a progressive.
The second time, you concluded that I must be a Republican.
In any case, great you had time to diligently search. Now if only you would spend as much time giving voters a reason to change their votes.
Face it, Oswego. You dislike me a heck of a lot more than you dislike repeatedly losing to Democrats. Your focus is on winning some debate on CapFax and not on winning elections.
No go back to ripping me and praising Dems, and then wondering why your side loses.
- wordslinger - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 8:31 am:
Von, I can’t help you.
You completely misrepresent Willie, for what reason, I have no clue.
The dude is a Happy Warrior, an optimist. He lights a candle rather than curse the darkness.
- VonKlutzenplatz - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 8:35 am:
Word,
Oswego repeatedly praises Dems and rips Republicans. Read his stuff. Show me any examples to the contrary.
Happy warrior?
He’s happy when ripping his side and defending the other. He seems happy with Democrats.
Lighting candles is nice and all, but it doesn’t change any votes.
You need to give people a reason.
Oswego does not give people a reason.
And then he wonders why he loses.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 8:37 am:
- wordslinger -,
I think - VK - is just confused, over the skis in thinking he/she knows things or both.
You can’t fix Dopey…
- VonKlutzenplatz - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 8:37 am:
Word,
I do love the phrase “Happy Warrior.”
Oswego may be happy, but he’s no warrior.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 8:41 am:
- wordslinger -,
All it is … is poking bears.
- Loop Lady - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 9:02 am:
Maybe this week wasn’t so bad after all…
Bad week for the Madigans…it’s all good!
- wordslinger - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 9:05 am:
Von, the next time you hold your caucus in the
Slytherin phone booth, ask yourself a question:
How is it that the Grand Old Party got beat three times in a row by Blago and Quinn? For crying out loud, that ain’t exactly the A-Team. Wha’ happened?
As a lifelong Illinois farm boy of a certain age, I would never have believed that was possible if I hadn’t experienced it.
- 47th Ward - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 9:05 am:
Does this mean “Anonymous” finally chose a nickname?
Vonputzenwalk, you’re way off base. You’re either new here or you work for Tom Cross and have an ax to grind.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 9:15 am:
- 47th Ward. - & - wordslinger -….
As always, you both have my Marker.
Much thanks.
- VonKlutzenplatz - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 9:19 am:
Willy,
Another Democrat rushed to your defense.
Are we sensing a trend?
Democrats sure love Willy.
And they should.
Nobody defends Democrats like Willy.
- VonKlutzenplatz - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 9:21 am:
Oswego, are you really referring yourself to a bear?
That’s as funny as your Plummer jokes.
And you sure can tell a Plummer joke.
Hey, can you tell us another one now? Please? Because we could all use another Plummer joke!
Come on, Willy. Tell us one!
- Fred's Mustache - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 9:21 am:
Once again my comments aren’t showing up.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 9:24 am:
Do. Not. Feed. Trolls.
Why anyone wants to ruin their credibility on a site like this is beyond me.
- VonKlutzenplatz - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 9:35 am:
Interesting, Willy.
Why a Republican would want to spend his days praising Democrats on a site like this is beyond me.
Certain things will have to remain mysteries.
- low level - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 9:38 am:
Love it, OW and wordslinger. It’s good there are folks like you who can deal with these tea types.
Von - Every single vote - now you’re really making a fool of yourself, but I’ll engage. So, since you’ve said that - just one vote where she’s voted the other way from the Speaker? Hmmmm?
- VonKlutzenplatz - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 9:40 am:
Tea types?
That’s an odd assumption Low.
No wonder you are Low.
- low level - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 9:43 am:
OW - don’t link the pages with votes. I’m curious if Von even can use the GA website. Increasingly he seems the Rush & Glenn Beck type - make allegations, based on a name or some connection to someone, but doesn’t even know how to use the tools to find the info.
- low level - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 9:45 am:
You didn’t answer my question
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Jul 12, 13 @ 9:47 am:
- low level -,
I am pretty sure - VK - is sailing under false colors. The question remains for how long.
I love patience.