[Bumped up and subscriber protection removed because the story is getting out.]
* 10:01 am - Gov. Quinn is calling around telling people that he has picked Paul Vallas as his running mate.
Completely unexpected.
Stay tuned.
*** UPDATE 1 *** * 10:22 am - Vallas has been running school districts around the country for the past several years, facing controversy pretty much everywhere. But he is registered to vote in Palos Heights, where he voted requested a Republican absentee ballot in the 2010 primary, but did not return it, according to his voter file the Cook County Clerk’s office. He took a Democratic ballot in the 2012 primary from the same address.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Click here to read a story from earlier this week which illustrates the controversy this guy has caused. The CTU is not gonna like this choice, to say the least.
*** UPDATE 3 *** Quinn has quite often been about the past. The choice of Sheila Simon was as much or more about her late father’s last name than about her. He surrounds himself with trusted old friends from the treasurer’s office, the Walker administration, etc. Vallas hasn’t been involved in Illinois politics for years, although he did consider running as a Republican in 2010.
*** UPDATE 4 *** I’m assuming that the governor took a good long look at case histories regarding residency requirements. I doubt he’d want to get caught up in a long, drawn-out suit over this.
…Adding… I’ve turned comments on in case you’d like to talk about this totally unexpected development.
* Vallas pretty much beat himself in the 2002 Democratic gubernatorial primary. He had a fear of flying (from a near death experience) that kept him from campaigning, he blew a ton of money on consultants who didn’t perform, and he didn’t raise enough cash.
But he has very strong interpersonal skills. He can blow you away one on one. We’ll see what happens next.
*** UPDATE 5 *** Greg Hinz…
The surprise development first was reported by Capital Fax in a subscribers-only alert a few minutes ago, but is being confirmed by Dean Vallas, Paul Vallas’ brother and longtime top political aide.
“It is true. He’s going to do it,” Dan Vallas told me in a cell-phone call. “It’s a great opportunity, particularly if that position is going to be remade. . . .Paul’s all about service.”
Quinn aides did not immediately return calls.
Mr. Vallas is respected as a tight fiscal manager and would bring some credibility to Mr. Quinn on that count.
As I told subscribers in a special edition, I talked to potential picks who’d been called this morning by the governor himself.
*** UPDATE 6 *** From the governor’s campaign…
Governor Pat Quinn Names Running Mate
for 2014 Campaign
Announces Paul Vallas as Democratic Candidate for Lieutenant Governor
CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn today named Paul Vallas as his running mate in the 2014 election. A longtime reformer and nationally renowned fiscal and education expert, Vallas will serve as the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor.
“I’ve known Paul Vallas for 30 years and he’s never been shy about fighting for education, reform and opportunities for working people,” Governor Quinn said. “We have made great progress these last few years, but serious challenges remain and our mission is not yet accomplished. Paul is an independent problem solver with a proven record of reform. He will be a strong Lt. Governor for the common good.”
“I am honored to join forces with the strongest reform governor in the country,” Paul Vallas said. “Since taking the oath of office, Governor Pat Quinn has rescued the state of Illinois from the verge of fiscal and ethical disaster following decades of bipartisan corruption. This governor has been getting big things done since he got here. Unlike his predecessors, Governor Quinn tackled the hard issues and has made the right decisions to get Illinois back on track.”
“Together we will fight every day for working families and deliver the reform and change that Illinois deserves,” said Vallas.
Nationally known for his success in improving some of America’s most troubled school systems, Paul Vallas enters the campaign following nearly two years of service in Connecticut’s largest city as Superintendent of the Bridgeport Public Schools. During his tenure, he eliminated a $12 million dollar budget deficit without closing a single school or laying off a single teacher. He instituted major reforms, modernized the curriculum and put laptops and Smart boards in every high school classroom.
Prior to that he served as Superintendent of the Recovery School District in New Orleans where he was instrumental in rebuilding the school district from scratch after Hurricane Katrina. Vallas raised test scores in New Orleans every year, significantly reduced the percentage of schools failing to meet state performance standards and eliminated reliance on FEMA restart dollars.
Vallas also oversaw the School District of Philadelphia for six years, overhauling the district’s curriculum, dramatically raising reading and math scores and eliminating the district’s massive budget deficit.
As the CEO of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) for six years, he consistently raised test scores, launched the largest school construction program in CPS history, balanced six consecutive budgets which led to multiple bond rating upgrades, and left the school district with a $330 million surplus after inheriting a massive budget deficit. A suburban Chicago native, Vallas also ran in the Democratic primary for governor in 2002, narrowly losing by 25,000 votes.
When Governor Quinn took office, Illinois was suffering from decades of fiscal mismanagement and corruption, in addition to the worst recession since the Great Depression. Since then, he enacted tough, new ethics laws; landmark education reform; and the largest capital construction program in state history, which is supporting more than 400,000 jobs updating our roads, schools and bridges. The governor also led historic budget reforms, including reducing discretionary spending to historic lows, enacting pension reform for new employees and restructuring the Medicaid program to save the state billions of dollars.
A champion for everyday people, Governor Quinn has always put working families first as he continues to fight to move Illinois forward.
*** UPDATE 7 *** The react begins…
*** UPDATE 8 *** I just talked with Rupert Borgsmiller, who chairs the Illinois State Board of Elections.
I asked the chairman what could happen if somehow Vallas was kicked off the ballot due to a residency challenge. Would that “infect” Quinn’s legal viability as a candidate since state law requires them to run together?
Borgsmiller checked with his top lawyer and got back to me. Since this is a new law, he said, “There’s no way to determine an outcome of a scenario (like that).”
So, it’d be up to the courts.
However, Vallas has been voting at an Illinois residence for many years, and the failed challenge to Mayor Emanuel’s residency was probably stronger than this would be, so I really doubt this’ll be an issue once the dust clears.
*** UPDATE 9 *** There is one thing that Vallas brings to the table that the other LG choices do not: Executive experience. Quinn, more than any of his likely GOP opponents, can point to his choice as someone who could step up and run the government.
Also, Vallas’ previous statewide experience will be crucial. This is a very big state, man, and Vallas has already done that gig.
*** UPDATE 10 *** Vallas may have needed another job soon anyway. From the Hartford, CT Courant..
Vallas said at the time he was appointed that he expected it would take him about a year to turn Bridgeport around, but the city — thought a fraction of the size of the other districts where Vallas has worked — has proven a substantial challenge.
The school board that appointed Vallas was eventually ousted as a result of a state Supreme Court ruling and recently a new board was elected that is heavy on Vallas critics.
Vallas’ qualifications for the position have also been called into question by critics who say a University of Connecticut academic program did not provide the credentials he needs.
About six months ago, Vallas told the Courant that he planned to stay in Bridgeport “until I feel we have reached the point where we can safely say these reforms have been institutionalized.”
*** UPDATE 11 *** From the Illinois Radio Network…
Gov. Pat Quinn has selected Paul Vallas, who ran for governor in 2002 and lost in the Democratic primary. Vallas has talked about giving politics a try again on several occasions, and four years ago, he told host Jeff Berkowitz on the Public Affairs cable TV show that he’s now a Republican.
VALLAS: “I would take a Republican primary ballot.”
BERKOWITZ: “Do you think of yourself as a Republican?”
VALLAS: “I’m more of a Republican than a Democrat.”
BERKOWITZ: “If you run again for office you’d be running as a Republican?”
VALLAS: “I would, yes, yes.”
*** UPDATE 12 *** From the Rauner campaign…
Mike Schrimpf, communications director for Bruce Rauner’s gubernatorial campaign, issued the following statement regarding Pat Quinn’s lieutenant governor selection:
“Picking Paul Vallas confirms that Pat Quinn is running scared. Quinn understands that Bruce Rauner has a proven record on school reform and is the only candidate who will shake up the status quo in Springfield. Unfortunately for Quinn, no lieutenant governor candidate can cover up his record of skyrocketing unemployment, higher taxes and failing schools.”
*** UPDATE 13 *** Dillard…
Republican candidate for Governor Kirk Dillard issued the following statement regarding Gov. Quinn’s choice of former Chicago Schools CEO Paul Vallas for Lt. Governor.
“While I’m focused on winning the GOP Primary, clearly this is an all City Hall/Chicago ticket. Paul Vallas — like Pat Quinn — is a big spender. In a Kirk Dillard and Jil Tracy ticket, the collar counties and downstate will be represented too.”
*** UPDATE 14 *** Secretary of State Jesse White…
I applaud Gov. Pat Quinn for selecting Paul Vallas as his candidate for Lt. Governor. Paul has a proven track record of not only protecting our kids and ensuring that they have the opportunities to succeed in life, but also protecting our tax dollars. Paul’s budget and education experiences make him an outstanding choice and I am confident that he will be an outstanding Lt. Governor.
- Whatever - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 10:45 am:
Baffling.
- Montrose - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 10:46 am:
How does this help him? How?
- Chicago Cynic - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 10:46 am:
Holy crap. Did everyone else said no?
- Chicago Cynic - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 10:47 am:
Since we’re in uncharted territory with the new running mate law, can anyone tell me what the residency requirements are?
- Don't Worry, Be Happy - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 10:48 am:
Quinn couldn’t find anyone who actually lives in Illinois to run with him? Shades of Alan Keyes.
- 47th Ward - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 10:51 am:
Vallas? For real? No wonder they’re announcing this on a Friday.
- dave - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 10:51 am:
Very, very, baffling. I don’t see how this helps him. At all. Anywhere.
So odd…
- reformer - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 10:53 am:
Now there’s no doubt who has the most competent running mate.
- Ghost - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 10:54 am:
interesting mix. Quinn also decided to pick a running mate who is more conservative then himself.
I will go against the grain and say I think this may play out in his favor.
- Anon. - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 10:54 am:
==I’m assuming that the governor took a good long look at case histories regarding residency requirements.==
Past history notwithstanding?
- Snucka - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 10:55 am:
High risk, low reward. Don’t even really know what else to think yet.
- Jimmy - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 10:56 am:
He’s headed schools systems in Chicago, Louisiana, Philadelphia and Bridgeport, CT. I do believe that his resume qualifies him as an official “Opposition Researcher’s Wet Dream.” Now, if only Rauner were being advised by someone who knows how to turn a positive into a negative…
- Seems Crazy - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 10:57 am:
OK, could this possibly be Quinn’s thinking? Perhaps he’s convinced that Rauner will be his opponent. Since Rauner tries to make “education reform” one of his big issues does Quinn want someone he can claim is a real “education reformer” (and I am NOT arguing the merits of that position right now, BTW) on his ticket to try to neutralize the issue? Sure, the CTU dislikes Vallas, but will they hate Rauner more?
Just a shot in the dark which I thought I’d throw out there. Feel free to shoot it full of holes. It’s the only thing I could think of that even begins to make this selection rational.
- Sfld29 - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 10:57 am:
April Fools Day!
- Jaded - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 10:59 am:
Vallas is a smart dude who would have been Governor if he would have worked downstate Illinois at all in 2002. Then it would have been Vallas/Quinn. That ticket would have looked a whole lot better in 2002 than Quinn/Vallas does in 2014. Not sure what he brings to the ticket at this point other than he apparently said yes.
- OneMan - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 10:59 am:
Seems Crazy…
Had the exact same thought…
- 47th Ward - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 10:59 am:
I think a case can be made that Vallas brings a lot to the table, especially if it’s Rauner in the general. To believe that, however, one needs to believe that Quinn and Vallas have strong personal chemistry, are on the same page strategically, and are prepared to play their respective roles in a complementary way.
Right now, that’s hard to believe.
- steve schnorf - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:00 am:
A truly remarkable choice. I don’t believe I’ve ever met a person more passionate about his work (agree with him or not) than Paul Vallas is.
- Empty Chair - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:00 am:
Rauner rauner rauner. Does this move just have “I’m afraid of Rauner” written all over it?
- Bill White - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:02 am:
Q: === Rauner rauner rauner. Does this move just have “I’m afraid of Rauner” written all over it? ===
A: At first glance, Yes.
- Robo - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:02 am:
With LG slot it’s about not hurting the ticket. Helping would be gravy. We’ll see if this bites Quinn. Other than residency issues, I don’t think it will. He must have really had to dig for someone who wouldn’t demand a significant role in the Administration.
- anon - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:02 am:
Because PQ and PV are joined on the same nominating petition, if PV has residency issues, doesn’t that infect the entire nominating petition, leaving PQ off the ballot? And if that somehow happened, would DPI possibly fill the vacancy on the ballot with someone else?
- wordslinger - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:03 am:
Vallas understands that Quinn selected him as louie gov., right, and not for the top job?
I’m not convinced, at all, that Vallas will quietly play second banana to Quinn. There’s going to be some sparks between those two.
- 47th Ward - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:04 am:
===would DPI possibly fill the vacancy on the ballot with someone else===
No.
- Anonymous - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:07 am:
Paul Vallas!!!? I’m curious as to who turned him down previously. Just when you though this state couldn’t get more surreal.
- OneMan - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:07 am:
The ballot thing is an interesting quesiton… Assuming he kept some stuff here it may be a non-issue, but interesting question in general now that we have 2 for 1 candidates.
- Southwest Cook - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:10 am:
So who’s going to be the top of the ticket?
- Bogart - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:10 am:
Makes you wonder - did the African American candidates finally realize they were more important to him than he was to them and decided not to go along on the ride?
- wordslinger - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:11 am:
–“It is true. He’s going to do it,” Dan Vallas told me in a cell-phone call. “It’s a great opportunity, particularly if that position is going to be remade. . . .Paul’s all about service.”–
We’ll see. Just so they understand that any responsibilities Vallas would have would solely be at the discretion of Quinn. What is given, can be taken away.
- Snucka - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:12 am:
I had the same thought about residency. Vallas brings no voters to the table, and could conceivably get Quinn knocked off the ballot.
Quinn is the favorite against any of the GOP candidates. All he had to do was pick someone who could quietly join the ticket with no controversy. It just seems like an unnecessary risk.
- OneMan - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:14 am:
Makes you wonder - did the (insert name of everyone besides Paul Vallas here) candidates finally realize they were more important to him than he was to them and decided not to go along on the ride?
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:14 am:
Wow.
Whoever had Paul Vallas on the “Pool” just made a load of cash.
Positives? Chicago Schools, understands beurocracy of government, respected for passion of task, not afraid to go after those he disagrees with.
Negatives? Another Chicago white male, been “away” for some time, his lost to Rod was a downstate thrashing, so helping with downstate is not a plus.
Wow. Name is good, the politics, the jury is still out.
Running very large school districts, with the budget issues, unions, city and state government cooperation…
Vallas is qualified to be a “Governor in Waiting” - a Lt. Governor
- East Central Illinois - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:14 am:
So yesterday Quinn pushes all the legislators out the door and sends them home. Not less than 24 hours, he tabs Vallas as his Lt. pick??? What does tomorrow bring?
- Allen Skillicorn - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:15 am:
As a republican who sees the single party democratic rule as big reason for IL’s corruption and economic problems, I see Vallas as a strong pick.
Education and reform matter to suburban voters. Still not sure Quinn can pull off the same miracle as 2010 though.
- Interesting - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:15 am:
Don’t worry I am sure he has top election attorneys representing him.
- Anonimo - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:15 am:
Picking Paul Vallas is a slap in the face to every CPS student, parent, and employee that survived Vallas’ incompetence. Since leaving CPS, Vallas has taken his failing act on the road, and everywhere he has gone folks have not been happy. This HAS to be some kind of joke. I’m a solid Democratic vote, but I’m seriously leaning towards not voting at all in the Governor’s race if Vallas is on the ticket. I just cannot stomach voting for Paul Vallas.
- wndycty - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:16 am:
Congratulations Pat Quinn you have guaranteed that the whomever wins the GOP nomination would have more diversity that your ticket. A downstate white male would have at least given you regional diversity. Instead you chose a Chicagoan whose residency is in question.
- OneMan - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:16 am:
Interesting sentence that is….
- Empty Chair - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:17 am:
—”Vallas brings no voters to the table”—
Couldn’t disagree more. You forget that general elections are about suburban voters, mostly women, mostly white, mostly moderate. Picking a “competent CEO type” could undercut the message that Rauner is going to push, and could distance himself from the “Quinn’s beholden to the unions” message. CTU may not be happy, but are they going to vote for Rauner? I don’t think so.
It’s the 2010 Brady playbook all over again. Easy as 1, 2, choice.
- OneMan - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:17 am:
wdycty
Did you hear, Vallas is moving to Carbondale…
- East Central Illinois - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:18 am:
Vallas as his Lt pick is not gonna play well downstate at all and possibly not in Chicago either with Vallas’ history with CPS.
- John Bambenek - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:18 am:
Your move, Karen Lewis.
- DuPage Dave - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:19 am:
I think Quinn has come up with a new definition of “thinking outside of the box”. I voted for Vallas in 2002 and thought he would have made a very good governor. Say what you will about his campaign, but let’s not forget the Blagojevich deal with Burris to siphon off votes from Vallas. When did that loan get repaid??
Vallas’s roving career as a hired gun educator has not diminished my opinion of him, but this is a very odd choice for Quinn to make. I don’t think the residency issue will matter since he’s been here to vote in recent years. But Vallas has been so disconnected from Illinois politics in the last decade it strikes me that he has no real advantages to offer Quinn.
- OneMan - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:20 am:
Empty Chair, the only thing is Vallas is out of mind of most folks in the burbs’, been away too long. The last couple of stops in his running schools tour have not been real successful.
- And I Approved This Message - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:23 am:
I’m not sure where Paul Vallas is registered to vote but I have it on good authority that his wife’s wedding dress is stored in the crawl space at Rahm’s house.
- Dave Fako - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:23 am:
DuPage Dave — What deal? Burris was running no matter what and once he stayed in the race, that virtually assured only a small number of African American votes would in play to anybody who knew how to count. Blago actually got almost as much and in some cases more AA vote in the City AA Wards than Vallas, with about 1/50th of the effort.
- Norseman - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:24 am:
As touched on by Seems Crazy and One Man, Quinn will proclaim Vallas the education point for his administration.
Quinn the incompetent could actually use Vallas in a more effective role, but his ego won’t allow that.
- Levois - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:24 am:
This seems bit counter-intuitive!
- East Central Illinois - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:24 am:
Maybe this is the shell game Quinn is playing: Look at my Lt pick over here - - VALLAS while over here we “quietly” work on the pension fix. “Look at Vallas, pay no attention to the man behind the curtain” says Quinn.
- Siriusly - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:24 am:
I’m actually impressed by the choice. I really like Vallas and most of the other names in the mix were serious lightweights, except for Raoul.
Odd and surprising ? Yes, but that is classic Quinn.
- Anonymous - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:25 am:
The gadfly makes a gadfly choice that may well be a good move for his chances
- walkinfool - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:25 am:
Vallas is a take charge kind of guy. He won’t like playing second fiddle. He also might be the smartest person in the race on either side.
If they don’t work out a supportive relationship, Quinn will have to keep him on the road cutting ribbons, and cordon off his office — like Blago did to him.
Perhaps there is a way to direct his passion. If Quinn points him directly at the legislature and the press, sparks will fly.
- Been There - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:26 am:
So last week Rahm endorses Quinn. Then Quinn handed Rahm a loss at the capitol yesterday on the gun legislation. Then today he picks a Lt Gov running mate who endorsed Gary Chico. Interesting timing.
- Snucka - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:27 am:
So does Karen Lewis now have to run for Governor AND Mayor??
- Samurai - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:28 am:
@Reformer===Now there’s no doubt who has the most competent running mate===
So Jil Tracy is the most qualified LG Candidate.
- Norseman - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:28 am:
=== Governor Quinn has always put working families first ===
Unless your family’s bread winner is a public sector worker.
- Midstate Indy - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:28 am:
Vallas should also get Poshard solidly on board - not a bad thing in terms of regional support.
- reformer - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:31 am:
Rahm hadn’t lived in Chicago for a few years, but that didn’t keep him off the ballot.
There’s no question that Vallas is better prepared to administrate a big gov’t burocracy than any of the GOP running mates.
- OneMan - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:31 am:
== Vallas should also get Poshard solidly on board ==
Considering the board stuff as SIU I find that unlikely
- Robert the Bruce - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:32 am:
Outstanding choice for a general election. And one he couldn’t have made if he had primary opponents.
- Interesting - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:33 am:
Residency shouldn’t be an issue with Rahm case decided. Hard for Supreme Court to come to a different ruling. Court make-up is the same.
- Levi - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:36 am:
I’m excited. Seems like a pick for competence and proven ability over gimmicks.
- ZC - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:36 am:
This initially strikes me as not a bad pick
for the older independent woman living in the suburbs who as usual will probably decide this race. Though a lot of the younger ones will probably ask, “Who?”
- Rich Miller - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:39 am:
===Though a lot of the younger ones will probably ask, “Who?”===
That’s already happened to me.
- Popcorn Ready - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:39 am:
Hmmm…. Does this help Dillard? If the idea is/was Rauner Chicago schools won’t back him right? They won’t back Rauner does this negate that vote? And allow Dillard back in? It seems the teachers unions back himish… Perhaps they can mobilize and punish both Quinn and Rauner? To be fair maybe it’s Brady/Dillard/ Rutherford advantage? Maybe Rutherford and Brady the most, south of 80 just got slapped… Yes, I am confused, but the popcorn is ready! I am interested in the response from the regulars. I love the information and opinions that are expressed here. I am glad there is a place to view intelligent thoughtful comments.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:39 am:
Yep,
Paul Vallas …
Compared to “Dave Kim”, you know, ran against Lisa Madigan… Oh, Steve…,
Compared to Maria “8 Precinct” Rodriguez, and that Long Grove beurocracy…
Compared to Evelyn “Slip and Sue” Sanguetti, recently elected… Trustee…
Compared to Rep. Jil Tracy…
Yep, and Vallas was the CEO…
LG - to be Governor, if that need arises? Check
Vallas compared to opponents? Check… again.
- OneMan - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:41 am:
That all being said, he could be governor if it came to that…
- George Washington - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:41 am:
As a suburban voter, our schools are doing well. I’m more worried that Paul Vallas would look to “reform” our schools to give more to Chicago schools. “Particularly if that position is going to be remade”. Is his expertise is in schools, what else is he going to do.
- East Central Illinois - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:42 am:
I don’t see Vallas cuddling up to Quinn’s “Squeezy the Pension Python” though!
- Rod - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:43 am:
Mr. Vallas should never be considered to be incompetent and I don’t agree with the one poster who suggested that. We can totally disagree with the choices he made as CEO of CPS, but he was never incompetent. There is also no question he is an obsessive compulsive worker who understand public sector finance and municipal finance having been Mayor Daley’s budget director. Quinn will get work out of him he is a work horse,
But here is Paul’s great weakness, his temper is uncontrollable at times and he has difficulty showing deference to other power figures. If I was Chris Koch over at ISBE I would begin to pack my bags because there is little question that with Paul as the education Lt Governor he would play a big role in education policy.
While Mr. Vallas had his conflicts with the CTU he was able to negotiate with the union and there were no strikes when he was in power. I think he will have good relations with both the IFT and IEA. I have no idea what his relationship will be with Mayor Emanuel, some how I don’t see those two being good buddies.
Assuming Quinn wins his next administration will be very interesting to observe.
- Cassandra - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:44 am:
Sounds like this is a bid to pick up some moderate Republican votes, quite a few moderate Republican votes. This could be bad news for the Repubs–maybe Quinn is more worried about them than I thought he reasonably should be for the general, this being a one-party state and all.
- PaulWantsACracker - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:45 am:
Someone told me this a week ago and I told them to forget it that it was just misdirection. My apologies. I’m not sure on this one either. No one is voting FOR Paul Vallas, but you might give them some reason to vote AGAINST you. Even if Rauner’s the guy (does Quinn’s pollster know something we don’t?), I seriously doubt that Quinn’s dumping multi-millions into a “But I got Vallas” message. When the going gets weird, the weird come to Illinois.
- Bobbysox - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:46 am:
It will neither get him any votes nor lose him any. Voters really don’t care who the second fiddles are.
- Makandadawg - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:47 am:
“Did you hear, Vallas is moving to Carbondale…”
There are a lot of houses for sale and not moving in southern Illinois, especially big ones.
- Jonathan Pelto - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:53 am:
Thanks for taking him off our hands! Embattled faux superintendent of schools, thrown out by a Connecticut Superior Court judge who pointed out lacked the qualifications to be a superintendent of schools and then throw out last week by the voters of Bridgeport, Connecticut. You can track his ugly story here in Connecticut at: www.jonathanpelto.com - search on Vallas or http://jonathanpelto.com/?s=paul+vallas
- Snucka - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:56 am:
There are definitely positives to the pick. Vallas is clearly the most qualified of the LG candidates. He may, in fact, help with suburban moderates. My initial reaction was one of shock and confusion, but assuming he is eligible to run, this won’t hurt Quinn next November.
- Amalia - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 11:57 am:
unless there is some ballot issue, I think it is a great move on Quinn’s part. He picked a professional. something the Republicans did not do. they picked interest group representatives in the bet that pandering would move the arrow to the R side in a general. Vallas has a big ego, but he is from a different wing of the reform side of the Democratic party, so this is some interesting reform reunion. who knew a Dawn Clark Netsch person–she created the Paul Vallas we know— would side up with Quinn? CPS union folks may hate it. I’m betting the editorial boards love it. It is indicative that someone with serious fiscal policy talents will help steer the ship of Illinois. wow.
- OneMan - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:00 pm:
So seeing the Pelto post above…
It appears some people outside of Illinois have some issues with Vallas…. Anyone think this is a fundraising opportunity for a GOPer?
- PaulWantsACracker - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:02 pm:
Jonathon Pelto . . . just . . . wow . . . and Bobbysox . . . SEE . . . Jonathon Pelto . . .
- ZC - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:03 pm:
One reality check, though: if IL gubernatorial elections are at all like US presidentials, the choice of LG is going to matter very little, come next November. Just about everyone is going to choose based on the name at the top of the ticket.
- Obamas Puppy - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:05 pm:
Insiders hate it and it adds nothing to the ticket. This submarines his chances to get CTU’s endorsement. He is still just Pat Quinn. What this state would ever do with a good Governor we may never know again.
- Amalia - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:06 pm:
Hey Pelto, you are no Rich Miller!
- Conservative Republican - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:10 pm:
Strong pick, regardless of one’s philosophical outlook.
Obama’s puppy, if its Rauner vs Quinn, you really think CTU will shun Quinn? Doubt it. The unions will all flock to PQ when all’s said and done.
- MrJM - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:11 pm:
Once again, while everyone else is playing checkers, Pat Quinn is playing mumblety-peg.
– MrJM
- Bill Edley - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:11 pm:
Paul Vallas is a great choice. He brings Quinn something he desperately lacks, proven competence! I’ve known Vallas for over 25 years and campaigned downstate for him in 2002. In 2014, democrats must convince voters they are capable of running government. Vallas has a track record as a first rate public administrator.
- Bill - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:16 pm:
Vallas has been a failure and been fired everywhere he has worked. He blew his only attempt at electoral politics in 2002. This is a typical pick by Quinn, the worst governor in Illinois history.
- Cassandra - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:17 pm:
Given the present state of the Republican party in Illinois, I see no way Quinn could lose the general. He’ll have the money, the incumbency, the name recognition and the support of most if not all traditional Dem constituencies. The Repubs have three almost indistinguishable downstaters with middling to little name recognition, very little money, and some pesky extremists on social issues. And they have Bruce Rauner.
Maybe Quinn is hoping to outsource the governing part of the job to Vallas, who sounds like he has a lot of pep. Quinn can take foreign trips and bless the animals, or whatever monarchs do.
- NW Illinois Dem - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:17 pm:
I agree with David Axelrod — “surprising, strong choice.” Vallas brings a lot of credibility to a state government that has become synonymous with too many hacks. This is an adult choice. Editorial board choice. Choice that will appeal to independents.
- Just Me - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:18 pm:
Re: comparing Emanuel’s residency issue to Vallas — Emanuel’s residency issue was in the municipal code, Vallas issue will be be somewhere else (Constitution?, Election Code?). Not sure that is apples to apples.
- Ruby - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:20 pm:
Paul Vallas will appeal to independent voters and brings more experience in education than the opposition. This is an interesting choice.
- Jonathan Pelto - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:22 pm:
When the media turn their attention to what he has been doing in the last two years in Connecticut and his various business dealings in Illinois, Indianapolis and elsewhere they’ll have materials for weeks. I’m a former State Legislator in Connecticut and let me just say that if Connecticut’s governor picked Paul Vallas to be his running mate I’d be in the press predicting that he had just thrown the elections. Does the Governor of Illinois need teachers to get to 50% because there is not a teacher in the state that should vote for him after they learn what he has done in Connecticut.
- Anonymous - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:24 pm:
Worked for Vallas when he ran against The Hair. I found him to be intelligent and thoughtful. Somehow he is making me rethink my plans for sitting out the governor’s race in 2014.
- Union Man - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:24 pm:
No educator votes for this combination!!
- TooManyJens - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:25 pm:
==Once again, while everyone else is playing checkers, Pat Quinn is playing mumblety-peg. ==
FTW!
- Jonathan Pelto - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:25 pm:
As per the residency issue, Vallas said under oath in a Connecticut Court that he was a resident of Connecticut. It was only after aggressive cross-examination that he admitted that he only lives in Connecticut but has a house, a drivers license and votes in Illinois. But he did swear that he was a resident of CT and even got instate tuition for an independent study class that he took at the University of Connecticut.
- 47th Ward - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:25 pm:
Mr. Pelto, with due respect, this isn’t Connecticut.
- Amalia - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:26 pm:
there is no primary on the Democratic side. do we really think teachers are going en masse with any of those Republicans over Quinn?
- Siriusly - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:29 pm:
Wow, great contributions from a blogger and former state legislator from another state that is nothing like Illinois.
Can we assume this means that Vallas is now “more of a Democrat.”
- Amalia - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:32 pm:
Mr. Pelto, would you like to introduce yourself? so far I cannot find a link to your newspaper editorial “Bitter? You bet.” and a post on your blog says you brought Connecticut the income tax. please introduce yourself properly, or we will be left with bits like these.
- Try-4-Truth - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:38 pm:
I’ve lived in Connecticut, and let me say, they are children when it comes to the political game. Dannel Malloy is a light weight and people there actually voted for Linda McMahon (thank God she didn’t win). So, all of you from Connecticut coming on this blog trying to tell us what will or will not happen, please stop. This is big boy school.
- plutocrat03 - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:38 pm:
…. and after the election I, Pat Quinn will resign, making Paul Vallas the next Governor of Illinois…..
- OneMan - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:40 pm:
So any guesses how many people are looking up Mr. Pelto’s phone number….
Mr Pelto, you may want to google Bruce Raunner, one of his people is going to be calling soon…
- OneMan - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:43 pm:
If accurate, this might be a bit of an issue.
- IrishPirate - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:44 pm:
In a word Star Trek geeks and Paul Vallas fans will understand–Qapla!
That’s Klingon for success.
I like Vallas alot. Sure he’s had some serious problems running various troubled school districts, but that’s to be expected. It’s not like he was hired to run the New Trier District.
Being the head of schools in the places he has worked is like being Admiral Nimitz on December 8th 1941.
I salute Governor Quinn for a pick that is not only outside the box, but will annoy “Bill” to no end.
- Percival - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:46 pm:
Fully endorse both sides of this question. I walked away from a one-on-one with Paul Vallas a few years ago, when he was thinking of running for Cook County Board President as a Republican, thinking that he was one of the smartest men I had ever met. The obvious problem was that he knew it.
- The Captain - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:49 pm:
So who’s the Democratic Lt. Gov nominee? Illinois is a blue state and we only have Republican Lt. Gov’s to choose from?
- Johnny Q. Suburban - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:58 pm:
So, so bizarre.
He must have polling that makes him somewhat confident Rauner will be the GOP nominee. I would think teachers unions would much rather support Rutherford/Dillard than Vallas.
- Bill - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:59 pm:
Roland Burris would have been a better choice.
- Rollo Tomasi - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 1:00 pm:
Met the next mayor of the city of Chicago!
What a shame we have to vote for Quinn (Mr. Squeezy) to get Paul back into politics. Rahm can spend 100 million dollars of other peoples money to get re-elected but as soon as the tickets from the speed cameras start flying out of the machine Rahm’s toast. The CTU, CPD. CFD and the Municipal workers all will work for Rahm’s demise. Even those who hate politics. The We Are One Coalition of the afore mentioned unions have pledge the rule of ten - get every one to vote against Rahm and get ten people who voted fro Rahm to vote against him this time around.
Good political move. Quinn’s advisers must have finally gotten thru to him - you‘re a loser on your own and you need a winner to help you get to 50%.
If Paul does not run for Mayor he will be next Democratic Governor after Quinn.
- Hyperbolic Chamber - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 1:02 pm:
Pat Quinn’s biggest enemy (besides himself) is apathy. Not sure how picking a guy who’s been out of state for 10 years helps motivate his base, let alone one so polarizing.
- Rollo Tomasi - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 1:02 pm:
Bill - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 12:59 pm:
Roland Burris would have been a better choice.
____________________________________
Is he still alive? What 4 pensions are not enough?
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 1:05 pm:
to the x11 Update …
The Jeff B. questions and answers are, um, interesting…
Maybe, had Bruce Rauner hired “AWillyWord Con$ulting”, today would have been different and we whould have had …
Rauner/Vallas
The Democrats’ Repeublican chooses the Republicans’ Democrat to shake up everyone’s mind.
- Bill - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 1:05 pm:
Rollo,
At least he’s a democrat and lives in Illinois. How many pensions does Paul get?
- LTSW - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 1:10 pm:
Hopefully Mr. Vallas can give Jerry Stermer some lessons in public sector finance.
- East Central Illinois - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 1:10 pm:
From Update #11 . . . So does Quinn know that Vallas is a Republican? (full of sarcasm)
- hgf - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 1:12 pm:
my initial thoughts…
-For some reason “team of gadflies” a la McCain-Palin “team of mavericks” popped in my head at this news.
-Does Pat Quinn still support an elected Chicago Public Schools board? If not, why? If yes, isn’t that a knock on Vallas?
-What’s the current Daley-Vallas dynamic? If not good, was this a pick originally considered when he thought he had a primary with Bill Daley? If good, is this trying to mend fences with the Daley folks upset with him shutting down Bill so fast?
-What’s the current Rahm-Vallas dynamic? And any chance Vallas would use lite gov as a stepping stone to challenge Rahm for mayor?
-Interesting choice the same day POLITICO has that headline story about how toxic and vitriolic education reform has become within the Democratic Party nationwide
- concern1 - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 1:12 pm:
WOW once again the mighty Quinn has proven he is no smarter then a doughnut hole!!!!!
- Stones - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 1:19 pm:
Despite the fact that I dislike PQ I have to say that Vallas is a good choice. As an earlier poster indicated, the guy is passionate and intelligent. Also, he is not afraid to take a stand. I like the pick - but I still won’t vote for PQ.
- Charlatan Heston - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 1:21 pm:
Bingo @ wordslinger “I’m not convinced, at all, that Vallas will quietly play second banana to Quinn. There’s going to be some sparks between those two.”
- Eugene - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 1:24 pm:
Interesting downward trajectory for Paul Vallas’ career. Anybody else notice that he ended up running progressively smaller school districts, starting with Chicago and ending with Bridgeport CT? And now he’s being run out of Bridgeport on a rail, after an election that was essentially a rejection of his management. Doesn’t say much for his managerial or political skills. This is absolutely not someone who will be able to motivate base turnout or swing independents to Quinn. He may convince a bunch of teachers to vote for the Green Party, though.
- Wordslinger - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 1:24 pm:
So who would have guessed PQ would pick a Republican as running mate? Hilarious.
- Michelle Flaherty - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 1:32 pm:
Ummm … has anyone told Squeezy yet?
- East Central Illinois - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 1:39 pm:
I’m still waiting on Rich to say in some future update “Gotcha! Just kidding”.
- Phineas J. Whoopee - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 2:01 pm:
‘Vallas’ qualifications for the position have also been called into question by critics who say a University of Connecticut academic program did not provide the credentials he needs.”
The same critics also questioned Steve Jobs lack of college degree as the reason Apple wasn’t quite as successful as they think it should have been and Mike Royko’s lack of education as why he never met his potential as a journalist.
- Rahm'sMiddleFinger - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 2:05 pm:
Sheila Simon, Part Deux
Didn’t he learn?
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 2:11 pm:
Mike Schrimpf,
What a Dopey statement. what did that even mean, “running scared”?
@FakePatQuinn - hey Mike Schrimpf, I am only scared to invite “Slip and Sue” Sanguetti to the Mansion in fear she might sue the state for an “accidental fall” #YouReallyWantToCompareLtGovChoices
- OneMan - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 2:12 pm:
Umm Phineas…
The question appears to be if the program met the Legal requirement the state had for someone in that job. That would be why the courts are getting involved, not if he was competent to do the job.
It’s like saying someone thanks to years of work might make a hell of a doctor, but they didn’t go to medical school. For whatever reason the good folks there seems to require a specific certification. Not sure if Illinois requires it, but it too has a administrator certification…
- hgf - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 2:21 pm:
As recently as June, Rauner was claiming he talked to Paul Vallas all the time when he was CPS CEO.
http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/July-2013/Rauner-Interview/
If Vallas played the role of attack dog for Quinn about how unorthodox and unethical the clouting into Payton was, how would Rauner question him on that?
- Phineas J. Whoopee - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 2:26 pm:
Yeah OneMan,
I remember Uncle Mickey saying he couldn’t hire himself to be his own stringer because he wasn’t edumacated.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 2:27 pm:
Paul Vallas … Payton Prep … Bruce Rauner …
“The ‘Plot’ thickens …”
The unethical act of moving into and being a “resident” of Chicago to get a denied New Trier living daughter into Payton Prep through Rich Daley’s appointee … with Clout …it is just hanging there to be used to clearling define Bruce Rauner as an “insider” with Rich Daley and Rahm Emanuel … and if Paul Vallas can bring that home for Pat Quinn…
Yikes!
- South of 80 - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 2:35 pm:
“Quinn/Vallas a team for southern Illinois”
Southern Illinois being south of I-80
This dog won’t hunt!
- OneMan - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 2:35 pm:
Phineas ,
Not that I disagree with you, but it quote a famous former governor “The law is the law”
He could argue that educational and certification requirements are just to keep people out of the profession, the teachers unions would just love that…
- Cheswick - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 2:44 pm:
@FakeScottLeeCohen: What the!? #sadface
- zatoichi - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 2:45 pm:
Seems you either love the guy or hate him. I do not know Pelto but the articles mentioned in his blog are not exactly ringing endorsements for Vallas. This one on the ‘Vallas Hoax’ provides the Q/V competition with pages of ready made ads:
http://www.substancenews.net/articles.php?page=4370
An awful lot of negative stuff there.
- Phineas J. Whoopee - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 2:47 pm:
===“Picking Paul Vallas confirms that Pat Quinn is running scared. Quinn understands that Bruce Rauner has a proven record on school reform and is the only candidate who will shake up the status quo in Springfield. Unfortunately for Quinn, no lieutenant governor candidate can cover up his record of skyrocketing unemployment, higher taxes and failing schools.”===
My reading between the lines lends me to believe someone sure sounds scared of this pic.
- anonymous1 - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 3:05 pm:
It’s cringeworthy moves like this that lead me to suspect that Jack Lavin hasn’t actually left the governor’s office.
- Formerly Known As... - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 3:15 pm:
@Phineas J. Whoopee - agreed.
Vallas has the potential to lock down a lot of voters Rauner wants to peel off. Cook County suburbanites, moderates, independents, fiscal and good government types, etc.
It also punches directly back on the issue of teachers unions.
Whether any of that actually happens during the campaign is an entirely separate matter.
- dpgumby - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 3:31 pm:
Amazed at the negative reaction. Think it is a very clever populist choice that trumps the R choices and raises Quinn credibility that is severely strained w the base of Dems who regret voting Blago instead of vallas.
- Formerly Known As... - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 3:39 pm:
Of course, it could also backfire horribly.
This reinforces union anger with Quinn, the court battle over residency will distract horribly from messaging, does nothing to help him in central or southern Illinois, and so on.
It could wind up reinforcing the notion that Quinn is clueless and no one wanted to run with him, especially if Vallas is found to be a resident of Connecticut following his instate tuition and testimony under oath.
- Just The Way It Is One - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 3:52 pm:
Shocker here. And some might question it, particularly certain Paul Vallas statements–as REcently as 2010–that “I’m MORE OF A REPUBLICAN”…–HUH???!
Plus, no offense, but of all the possible solid choices the Governor could’ve made, somebody’s picked who BOLTed from Illinois as soon as he lost in the Primary over 11 years ago to at least 3 other Cities OUT-of-State and then stayed OUT of Illinois for the bulk of those years? That always kind of bothered me. After all, there are PLENTY of needy School Districts and kids in need of help right here in the good ‘ol Land of Lincoln…! Just makes one wonder how TRULY “committed” to Illinois Mr. Vallas HAS been over all of these many years…
Finally, what about all of those folks DOWNSTATE? What does this pick do for/to excite all of THOSE Residents? Hmmm…
- wordslinger - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 3:58 pm:
Just the Way is on the mark here. Vallas is a real blast from the past. I don’t see how his resume is anymore compelling in 2013 than Dillard’s tenure as Edgar’s chief of staff.
- Rahm'sMiddleFinger - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 4:05 pm:
“- hgf - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 2:21 pm:
As recently as June, Rauner was claiming he talked to Paul Vallas all the time when he was CPS CEO.
http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/July-2013/Rauner-Interview/
If Vallas played the role of attack dog for Quinn about how unorthodox and unethical the clouting into Payton was, how would Rauner question him on that?”
That presupposes that no one got clouted into magnet schools under Vallas’ watch. That seems highly unlikely.
More likely is that was plenty of clouting going on, and the selection of Vallas takes that away as a campaign issue.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 4:11 pm:
- Rahm’sMiddleFinger -,
Actually it becomes a game of “Chicken” more than the issue being taken away;
Vallas goes after Rauner, is Rauner willing to allow his Duahgter’s clout situation to become public to prove a point, or will Rauner let it be, call it “politcal baloney” and talk about “advocating” without … having to actually release anything about what really happened with his denied New Trier living daughter being Clouted into a Chicago school.
It heats it up, with the temperature being regulated by Vallas, and by PPC Rauner’s willingness to admit the Clouting.
- Eugene - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 4:13 pm:
@dpgumby: Vallas is a populist? As someone who saw him run school board meetings and treat parents with absolute contempt, I find that a very strange statement. I’ll never forget watching him talk on his cell phone - on stage - while parents were trying to raise issues about CPS policies. The guy is an arrogant elitist, not a populist. Or put another way: he’s about as much of a populist as Bruce Rauner.
- 47th Ward - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 4:14 pm:
===and the selection of Vallas takes that away as a campaign issue.===
If you’re right RMF, and they didn’t vet whether Vallas clouted kids into CPS magnet schools, then this is a colossal blunder on Quinn’s part.
- MrJM - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 4:18 pm:
“Quinn understands that Bruce Rauner has a proven record on school reform and is…” [record scratch]
“You mentioned schools, Mr. Schrimpf… Is Bruce Rauner ready to explain how he clouted his kid into Chicago’s elite Walter Payton Prep?”
– MrJM
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 4:22 pm:
- MrJM -,
Yes, and if PPC Bruce Rauner keeps up the “political baloney” strategy when talking about his New Trier living Denied Daughter, yeah, all it does is that it makes Rauner more about what is in it for PPC then what is in it for the … kids(?) … PPC is supposedly trying to help … while stepping over them for his own child.
No, it’s out there, until PPC decides to let it all out. A game of “Chicken” is what will happen.
- Just The Way It Is One - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 4:30 pm:
==arrogant, elitist, not a populist==
Doesn’t exactly sound like the kind of attractive, likable Candidate who’s going to be pulling in thousands of needed votes for you, now, does it???
Unless PQ IS looking for some “Good Cop/Bad Cop” Approach and will let Mr. Vallas be the one to bite people’s head off when they hear something they don’t like or are seriously attacked about some matter…even then, that kind of thing sometimes really turns OFF Voters, particularly Independents and Undecideds, who’ll be critical in this Contest…!
- sal-says - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 5:14 pm:
Haven’t read the commentary yet….but….
What is in this for Valas?
A nothing job having to work with / report to quinn?
Is this to better Valas’ pension in IL? Or the best Valas can do at this point?
- Percival - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 5:52 pm:
This initially strikes me as a very smart pick for the General Election, and smarter still if Rauner is the GOP nominee. But two caveats are that it could backfire badly on Quinn against Dan Rutherford, and Paul Vallas may not be a man cut out to play 2nd Fiddle very well.
- Soccermom - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 5:54 pm:
I am so upset. I had Rob Ford in the office pool. Dang.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 9:30 pm:
Bill -
It takes a lot of nerve for Rod’s cheerleader in chief to call Quinn the worst governor ever.
Reality Check: If the AFL-CIO hadn’t been so gung-ho to elect Rod, Vallas would have won the primary and the general. Illinois wouldn’t have had to suffer six years of Blagojevichian fiscal incompetence, and we wouldn’t even be talking about pension reform.
Too often, folks in politics have a hard time seeing past Election Day.
And there is little doubt that Quinn-Vallas is a strong ticket for Illinois’ 99 percent.
However, if your a 1-percenter, and your not really sure how you feel about equal rights and all that “stuff”, you should give Rauner a hard look.
- Mighty M. Mouse - Friday, Nov 8, 13 @ 9:42 pm:
===Amazed at the negative reaction. Think it is a very clever populist choice that trumps the R choices and raises Quinn credibility===
+1
===Just the Way is on the mark here. Vallas is a real blast from the past. I don’t see how his resume is anymore compelling in 2013 than Dillard’s tenure as Edgar’s chief of staff. ===
Equally compelling resumes maybe, but Vallas is only running to be Josh McCown, not Jay Cutler.