* Gov. Pat Quinn has been getting a free ride lately because the Republican candidates are beating each other up. So, what stories about Quinn would you like to see here?
We haven’t seen any updates on Quinn’s new dog yet. How is the training going? Any accidents in the mansion? Does the First Pup travel on the state plane?
You made public comments criticising the board when your brother was let go as basketball coach at Fenwick. Did you ever use influence to impact admissions at Fenwick for the benefit of basketball players or your supporters?
I would like to know whether he supports a new capital program? Given that IJN! money is pretty much used up and defered mantience on state roads and facilities is still a major issue.
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 2:37 pm:
Is he concerned about Mr. Vallas choosing to work in Connecticut rather than returning and asking the people of Illinois for their vote?
I like Vallas, but come on. He won’t be here until March? Doesn’t Quinn worry about the message that sends?
And why did he pick a running mate who won’t even be in Illinois for 5 months, as opposed to someone in-state? Would no one else qualified run with him?
Where did Lincoln’s desk go after it showed up in Chicago for his historic bill signing ceremony.
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 2:39 pm:
What steps have you taken to follow up on the tragic story the BND covered regarding the failure to investigate the deaths of disabled Illinoisans?
Was anyone fired or suspended? Were any rules or policies changed to help ensure that never happens again?
- Commonsense in Illinois - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 2:41 pm:
Does the Governor plan to allow the temporary income tax hike to expire on time, and if so, what specific budget cuts are being considered to make up for billions in lost revenue?
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 2:45 pm:
What is your plan to deal with the corporate welfare we’ve been doling out while also complaining about our “fiscal crisis”, “pension crisis”, and so on?
Cut it off, and we lose out on jobs. Keep it going, and we lose precious revenue.
Don’t just pick one or the other, either. What is your actual plan as the leader of our state to guide us through this?
What interactions has he had with The Bruce that may have any impact on a potential race between them. Any tie ins with Rauners interests?
- Upon Further Review - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 2:54 pm:
Governor Quinn,
Why are you permitting the scandals at Chicago State University to go unchecked? How is it that those that you appointed to the university board of trustees have sat silent while blatantly unqualified persons with dubious credentials are being hired patronage style and money is being looted left and right?
#1 - This is true for all candidates including PQ. Do you favor the income tax extension? If not, SPECIFICALLY how do you propose to close the multi-billion dollar budget hole?
#2 - On what date did you sell your soul to the devil in exchange for no Dem primary opponent and this crop of mopes in the general? If you didn’t sell your soul, then what are you doing to create the run of good political luck?
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 3:14 pm:
It’s been 5 years.
Do you have any new ideas to help create more jobs? If not, how do you think a tax hike and increase in the minimum wage will stimulate job growth?
Will you increase rates of reimbursement for services and terminate delays in payments to community not-for-profits since you propose raising the minimum wage to $10.00 per hour?
Quinn is on record as supporting abolishing the gas tax. Does he still take that position? He said that IDOT and the Tollway Board is a playpen of political cronyism and corruption. Does he still take that position?
Quinn supports starting a new organization, modelled after CUB, called the “Financial Consumer Association”. This will be a watchdog group to monitor the banks and credit unions so they don’t gouge consumers. Where are we on that? Will Quinn be signing that into law anytime soon?
Why did you resume collecting your paychecks when more than 20,000 state employees still have not received more than $100 million owed them by the state?
What will it take for you to sign a gaming bill? The General Assembly has passed this legislation twice. You talk about
J O B S but this industry is dying in Illinois and so are the jobs that go with it.The state desperately needs revenue. Come on man!
- Just The Way It Is One - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 5:36 pm:
In what specific ways, beyond what’s in the Constitution, do you plan to fully utilize the skills of your Lt. Governor in terms of what specific projects and responsibilities (and there should be MANY for such a position), you intend to assign him to? And, while, we’re on it, do you ACtually think it’s just fine for him not to bother to actively campaign in Illinois for his post until there may only be DAYS left until the Primary Election? Is that fair to the People of Illinois for one who would only be a “heartbeat away” from becoming Governor? Also, do you favor making the Temp. Income Tax PERmanent, and, if so, where specifically do you intend to apply the revenue generated from it in coming years?
I’d like to see Quinn answer the same question I posed for the other candidates about what his fall-back plan is should pension reform be ruled unconstitutional?
I’d like him to list what a Governor’s objectives are for official trade trips overseas, using some of the trips he’s been on as examples. I’d also like him to tell us who he sees as key stakeholders in whatever negotiations are taking place and what he feels he needs to consider to make sure that all the stakeholders benefit from any deals that are made.
I’m not trying to trip him up. I’m truly interested in his perspective and believe that his helping voters to develop an understanding of his role can only help our State.
sorry so late just home from terrible drive, I would ask him what permanent employment increase’s for all the citizens of the state he thinks he has provided for every dollar from union donations? compared to the “windfalls” the union leaders have received for those members PAC funds !!
- Political Neophyte - Friday, Jan 24, 14 @ 10:13 am:
Wow… looking at these posts makes me realize why Quinn has already won. I’m not being snarky, by the way, there is just nothing to talk about on the Democratic side right now. It’s all about how insane the GOP race will be, which translates to Quinn walking away with the election.
- OneMan - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 2:21 pm:
Perhaps why the Illinois Pollution Control Board rejected his emergency pet coke rules….
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 2:25 pm:
We haven’t seen any updates on Quinn’s new dog yet. How is the training going? Any accidents in the mansion? Does the First Pup travel on the state plane?
- Mittuns - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 2:29 pm:
Any new developments on gaming or the ADW law? Do they still plan in running the extension bill next week?
- Meanderthal - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 2:31 pm:
You made public comments criticising the board when your brother was let go as basketball coach at Fenwick. Did you ever use influence to impact admissions at Fenwick for the benefit of basketball players or your supporters?
- abc123 - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 2:31 pm:
When will he address the $100 billion+ unfunded pension liability?
- La05 - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 2:35 pm:
I would like to know whether he supports a new capital program? Given that IJN! money is pretty much used up and defered mantience on state roads and facilities is still a major issue.
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 2:37 pm:
Is he concerned about Mr. Vallas choosing to work in Connecticut rather than returning and asking the people of Illinois for their vote?
I like Vallas, but come on. He won’t be here until March? Doesn’t Quinn worry about the message that sends?
And why did he pick a running mate who won’t even be in Illinois for 5 months, as opposed to someone in-state? Would no one else qualified run with him?
- Empty Suit - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 2:38 pm:
Where did Lincoln’s desk go after it showed up in Chicago for his historic bill signing ceremony.
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 2:39 pm:
What steps have you taken to follow up on the tragic story the BND covered regarding the failure to investigate the deaths of disabled Illinoisans?
Was anyone fired or suspended? Were any rules or policies changed to help ensure that never happens again?
- Commonsense in Illinois - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 2:41 pm:
Does the Governor plan to allow the temporary income tax hike to expire on time, and if so, what specific budget cuts are being considered to make up for billions in lost revenue?
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 2:45 pm:
What is your plan to deal with the corporate welfare we’ve been doling out while also complaining about our “fiscal crisis”, “pension crisis”, and so on?
Cut it off, and we lose out on jobs. Keep it going, and we lose precious revenue.
Don’t just pick one or the other, either. What is your actual plan as the leader of our state to guide us through this?
- bored now - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 2:47 pm:
video of his pet!
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 2:50 pm:
The governor promised us a 1% tax hike as an “education surcharge”. Instead, we got double that plus a number of the budget cuts he mocked Brady for.
If you want to extend the tax increase, what is your plan to convince people you are telling the truth behind your reasons this time around?
If you want to let the tax increase expire, what does your contingency budget look like? Or do you plan to just let the legislature sort it out?
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 2:54 pm:
What interactions has he had with The Bruce that may have any impact on a potential race between them. Any tie ins with Rauners interests?
- Upon Further Review - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 2:54 pm:
Governor Quinn,
Why are you permitting the scandals at Chicago State University to go unchecked? How is it that those that you appointed to the university board of trustees have sat silent while blatantly unqualified persons with dubious credentials are being hired patronage style and money is being looted left and right?
- A guy... - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 2:57 pm:
Not seeing or hearing anything seemed kinda refreshing actually.
- Chicago Cynic - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 3:14 pm:
#1 - This is true for all candidates including PQ. Do you favor the income tax extension? If not, SPECIFICALLY how do you propose to close the multi-billion dollar budget hole?
#2 - On what date did you sell your soul to the devil in exchange for no Dem primary opponent and this crop of mopes in the general? If you didn’t sell your soul, then what are you doing to create the run of good political luck?
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 3:14 pm:
It’s been 5 years.
Do you have any new ideas to help create more jobs? If not, how do you think a tax hike and increase in the minimum wage will stimulate job growth?
- Siriusly - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 3:18 pm:
What’s in his fridge?
- Just Me - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 3:20 pm:
How Pat Quinn is anti-cats. There are a lot of cat owners that are also voters.
- Jechislo - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 3:25 pm:
Why the frack is he dragging his feet on the new fracking rules/regulations? We need for the State to start getting some fracking tax revenue.
- Try-4Truth - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 3:31 pm:
Why can’t you step in and help the Cubs come to an agreement with the Roof-top owners?
- Jerome Horwitz - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 3:34 pm:
Will you increase rates of reimbursement for services and terminate delays in payments to community not-for-profits since you propose raising the minimum wage to $10.00 per hour?
- Try-4Truth - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 3:35 pm:
@ Jerome Horwitz — Excellent question.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 3:41 pm:
Seriously, dude, what were you thinking with Vallas?
On the plus side, when you see those anonymous quotes in the paper knocking your administration, you won’t have to guess where they came from.
- Rod - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 3:42 pm:
None Rich, keep up the free ride its all good.
- walker - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 4:11 pm:
He’ll get his turn in the bucket shortly, when he tries to produce a budget, while claiming that the tax increase will sunset.
- Fearless Freep - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 4:15 pm:
Quinn is on record as supporting abolishing the gas tax. Does he still take that position? He said that IDOT and the Tollway Board is a playpen of political cronyism and corruption. Does he still take that position?
- Fearless Freep - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 4:18 pm:
Quinn supports starting a new organization, modelled after CUB, called the “Financial Consumer Association”. This will be a watchdog group to monitor the banks and credit unions so they don’t gouge consumers. Where are we on that? Will Quinn be signing that into law anytime soon?
- Downstate - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 4:25 pm:
Governor Quinn,
You’ve supported the idea of term limits for nearly 20 years. What do you think of Rauner’s proposal?
- D.P.Gumby - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 4:34 pm:
Whether he agrees that his motto should be:
“It’s smarter to be lucky than it’s lucky to be smart!”
- Arthur Andersen - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 4:59 pm:
Whatever happened to Squeezy?
- Truthteller - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 5:14 pm:
Why did you resume collecting your paychecks when more than 20,000 state employees still have not received more than $100 million owed them by the state?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 5:26 pm:
How did you finally spend all those paychecks you were not cashing?
- Say again - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 5:32 pm:
What will it take for you to sign a gaming bill? The General Assembly has passed this legislation twice. You talk about
J O B S but this industry is dying in Illinois and so are the jobs that go with it.The state desperately needs revenue. Come on man!
- Just The Way It Is One - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 5:36 pm:
In what specific ways, beyond what’s in the Constitution, do you plan to fully utilize the skills of your Lt. Governor in terms of what specific projects and responsibilities (and there should be MANY for such a position), you intend to assign him to? And, while, we’re on it, do you ACtually think it’s just fine for him not to bother to actively campaign in Illinois for his post until there may only be DAYS left until the Primary Election? Is that fair to the People of Illinois for one who would only be a “heartbeat away” from becoming Governor? Also, do you favor making the Temp. Income Tax PERmanent, and, if so, where specifically do you intend to apply the revenue generated from it in coming years?
- Mama - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 5:50 pm:
What exactly do you plan to do if you are given another 4 years in office?
- RNUG - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 6:00 pm:
I’d like to see Quinn answer the same question I posed for the other candidates about what his fall-back plan is should pension reform be ruled unconstitutional?
- Anon - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 6:03 pm:
If Gov. Quinn favors the graduated income tax, does he have a plan to win any GOP votes in the House, without which it cannot get on the ballot?
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 6:17 pm:
I’d like him to list what a Governor’s objectives are for official trade trips overseas, using some of the trips he’s been on as examples. I’d also like him to tell us who he sees as key stakeholders in whatever negotiations are taking place and what he feels he needs to consider to make sure that all the stakeholders benefit from any deals that are made.
I’m not trying to trip him up. I’m truly interested in his perspective and believe that his helping voters to develop an understanding of his role can only help our State.
- railrat - Thursday, Jan 23, 14 @ 9:18 pm:
sorry so late just home from terrible drive, I would ask him what permanent employment increase’s for all the citizens of the state he thinks he has provided for every dollar from union donations? compared to the “windfalls” the union leaders have received for those members PAC funds !!
- Political Neophyte - Friday, Jan 24, 14 @ 10:13 am:
Wow… looking at these posts makes me realize why Quinn has already won. I’m not being snarky, by the way, there is just nothing to talk about on the Democratic side right now. It’s all about how insane the GOP race will be, which translates to Quinn walking away with the election.