I commented as anon in the original Dan post. He needs to withdraw for the good of the party. He cannot win at this point, he can only harm the brand. The honorable thing to do would be to exit the primary.
I voted yes, not because I believe he is necessary guilty of anything but some bad judgement, but because he is just a distraction now to the race with no of winning the nomination.
Not even a close call anymore. Not releasing the report is a death blow and admission of wrongdoing of some kind. Withdraw and figure out how, if possible, to restore his reputation.
I kinda felt like he was getting a raw deal through this whole episode…but that changed when he announced he wasn’t gonna release the report. It’s over for him. He should save his campaign $ to pay his legal bills.
He can’t win, he can only take votes away from other candidates. Not sure what his endorsement is worth, but it probably wouldn’t go to Dillard after that debate question last week.
He should drop out as gracefully as possible and as quickly as possible.
Mr. Rutherford has suffered a blow that cannot be overcome. He needs to withdraw from the race, release the results of the investigation and focus on turning the page. It would also allow this campaign to turn back to the issues that face Illinois voters, and away from the soap opera.
No of course not. He would be admitting the allegations are true.
He could have handled this much better though. He’s done in politics. Kinda sad. But while he’s definitely been slimed by over the top methods, Dan himself is not wholly blameless. He should have been more honest about some things long ago. He compromised himself and some slimy characters took advantage.
If he isn’t going to release the internal investigation results then he cannot continue in the governor’s race. You can’t claim to be guilt free while hiding the facts of the case. It is also unfair to the voters to expect them to choose without the facts. Regardless, he can’t win. Probably not even if he released the results, but holding them back, he’s toast. It is just embarrassing at this point for him to continue. Surely he’s not deluded enough to believe he can still win…
- A Modest Proposal - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:48 am:
My answer is due to this polling. It proves that there has been irreversible damage done to Rutherford. The polling this time around has been much more consistent than 4 years ago. As the Rutherford allegation reach voters we have seen Rutherford go from lose 50% of his vote share. Plus his refusal to release the report says that he is hiding something.
Yes: It’s too much to handle and too late to recover. Retreat and live to fight another day.
This story also plays into the worst stereotype of hypocritical conservative Republicans, who lean one way and vote the other on gay issues. That just hurts the party, unfair or not.
He can’t win, and he’s only hurting himself and the other candidates behind Rauner by staying in the primary. Drop out and take the scandal and investigation you now say you can’t talk about with you.
He needs to do his best now to try to salvage his reputation and focus on being the best treasurer he can. Perhaps a different office lies in his future, but his career path will never take him to the governor’s mansion now. In Illinois, a Democrat might have a chance to recover from something like this. But a Republican? In a statewide race? No way.
Voted yes. Lawsuit is one thing but conducting an investigation, with tax dollars, and then not releasing it because of the lawsuit shows a propensity to cover up bad info. He cannot overcome this.
You have served Illinois faithfully for many years. You have been an advocate for her, and in the Illinois Senate, tried to be someone who kept the best interest of the state at the forefront of many votes, and spoke eloquently about you love for Illinois, and those things will never be able to bd taken from you.
Treasurer, your political journey is now at an end. You may recover 4 years from now, even 2 years from now is possible, but difficult. Today, however, your journey must end. The “Friday Fiasco” sealed your fate, and every decision after that reflects how poorly you have handled adversity, and your crisis management of blaming others, and now becoming silent in the report to exonerate you is not a red flag, but should be now a white flag of surrender.
Hiding the report speaks more than what might even be in the report and what might bd hidden.
It’s over. Please understand. Nothing is gained now, except for the campaign you allege is involved, with no proof, but what is “in your heart”, and now you need to listen to those who see how you now are hurting, even more than yourself.
No one can make you drop out, but the longer you are in, the more damage you will inflict on yourself, supporters, and your beloved Illinois.
Probably doesn’t matter. Rauner is 12 points ahead of all three other candidates combined. For his own good, of course he should get himself out of the race, which would dial down the heat at least a little.
I voted no because we don’t know all the facts and I don’t think we should be setting a precedent for people to be hurt by oddly timed allegations. If Rutherford is found innocent this looks an awful lot like extortion.
Where are the 43 people who voted no? I thought your vote needs to be accompanied by an explanation. To those supporting Dan’s continued candidacy, speak up!
with a broken heart I voted Yes. this has not been handled well since his news conference two (?) weeks ago. not releasing the report after promising to do so is the straw that broke this camel’s back.
I voted yes. That is despite that I am a supporter of DR and had really hoped to vote for him. However, as Oswego Willy so ably laid out above, it is time to stop the race.
- Grandson of Man - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:02 am:
Great post, Willy.
I voted yes, because there’s probably nowhere for him to go but down (if he’s not there already), and the scandal obscures the issues.
Sadly I voted yes. Dan needs to end this by withdrawing and focusing on finishing his term with dignity and addressing legal matters. He has been a good public servant, but risks being forever remembered as a joke, and that is sad. He wasn’t able to help turn the page through releasing the report, and now must face cold hard reality. Don’t think he should endorse anyone either…don’t be spiteful or self important in exiting, just dignified.
As a former Rutherford backer, I am disappointed in everything that has happened over past 2 weeks. For the good of the party he needs to withdraw. He will not win the nomination. His own reactions to the charges leave the impression that he is hiding something.
I’m of the opinion that the best person for the party is not Rauner, which means I need one of the other guys to emerge. To mean, Dan is no longer viable so he ought to drop out and give Brady or Dillard a chance.
But I really think it’s over and Rauner is the nominee
This walkback is a slap in the face to everyone who gave him the benefit of the doubt and were standing up for him in the wake of all the pervy reporting, read: his last potential supporters.
Trust is part of leading others, and it’s something an elected official should have with the public.
Rutherford used public money for an investigation of his personal conduct, then refuses to let the public see the report… and now we’re supposed to trust him with the highest job in our state?
Even if the Treasurer is Ivory-Clean, not releasing the investigation results makes him look dirty. Only thing he can hope to accomplish by staying in is to try to tarnish Rauner. However, any slings and arrows he sends at Rauner can be dismissed as coming from bitter, washed-up, cover-up guy.
Harm the Brand? Retreat to fight another day? Perhaps a different office lies in his future?
What world are you people living in? He has left the taxpayers with the bills for his misconduct in office which will result in more lawsuits, bills for his ex-FBI investigator fees, for lawyer fees for his defense and numerous costs we will bear because of his actions. His refusal to reveal the report we taxpayers are paying for is the last straw.
Dan needs to talk to 4-5 people in his inner circle and ask their advice. If they are true friends, they wil all advise him to drop out. He has no chance of winning now. I was a DR backer and thought he had a real shot at winning the primary. He has absolutely NO chance now. Up until this announcement, I still planned to vote for him. My vote will go to someone else now.
He has to step aside especially after having said the results of the investigation would be release and then back tracking. This will continue to be a huge distraction for him - win or lose the primary.
I voted yes. I think we are beyond the Governor’s race. I think we are quickly entering territory that casts doubt on his ability to even remain Treasurer.
Rutherford has seemingly put himself in a terrible web of lies. I didn’t want to believe that, but clearly there is a level of culpability that extends deep within in the organization. One person who works there said there is an attitude that you do anything and everything to avoid a DR temper tantrum. I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, but it appears what the employees who had to give a statement were told going in and what they were told after the fact are not the same thing. And I like how Dan can’t speak to anything, but they have no problem releasing emails from staff that pertain to the same investigation.
Dan, check your ego at the door and realize that the campaign is over for you. Give your campaign a nice severance and thank them for their support. Then return to the Treasurer’s Office and focus on doing your job for the remaining months and fighting the lawsuit.
This will leave you with some campaign funds to make a comeback in the future.
- Arthur Andersen - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:15 am:
Yes vote here. At this point, a win is impossible. Any residual support he may have at the polls will help Rauner more than the other “2.”
voted “no”, because I can’t support any of the other Repubs. Voted “no” before I learned (here in comments) that he wasn’t releasing his own, state-paid, report. At this point, I would have to vote “yes”. He is done.
I voted yes because Rauner has not won this race, yet and Brady or Dillard still have a long shot. Not revealing the investigation kind of answers the debate question as yes.
For a guy that has always had to deal with allegations, to add kerosene to the fire by not releasing the report…..
- Phineas J. Whoopee - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:26 am:
If he’s not going to release the report, he needs to get out. I agree with Jimbo that it is unfair to the voters to make a this choice without the report that HE commissioned.
I voted yes because Dan’s attempt to seem above board failed when he didn’t like what he saw in the report. My prediction: he drops out and doesn’t endorse.
Up to now my vote was it is all smoke and politics who cares, but I have this exact sentiment:
- Frank - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:42 am:
I kinda felt like he was getting a raw deal through this whole episode…but that changed when he announced he wasn’t gonna release the report. It’s over for him. ==
What Rutherford CAN do now is make a play at kingmaker. Pick one, Dillard or Brady, and pitch in to make sure his supporters turn out for that guy.
And be realistic, he could be back in two years with this all behind him.
Hmm, I’m not sure why this happened. Why marginalize Rutherford if he was already in third/fourth place with the polls? Who has the most to gain with former Rutherford supporters? So who will the GLBT community vote for in the primary since there is only one democratic candidate?
If Dan’s courtroom defense takes priority over his public defense, or the two are somehow inconsistent, he needs to step out of the race.
If he truly believes that Rauner was behind efforts to destroy his reputation through personal innuendo, he probably ought to not only step aside, but offer his assistance to Dillard.
This is definitely his punching the baby moment. He needs to take lessons from Elliot Spitzer and not from Anthony Weiner. Close the term with integrity, retreat from the public eye for at least 4 or 5 years, and make a come back when the time is right.
I said NO, not enough is known yet about the investigation. And I sure hope Dan doesn’t take many of the posters serious. A bunch of left leaning thinkers telling him to get out as soon as possible. Right now, to me that is an endorsement of concern by the other party.
OW… You tried to urge the other 3 for months… You laid out a sincere way to move forward…I only hope at least this time DR takes this just as good advice you have given. I am sad as well…Thank you for expressing my thoughts.
He can’t win. I am convinced, like he is, that Rauner is behind this, as he was behind the Schock attacks and the mysterious PAC from Ohio that attacks only the “other 3″ candidates. That being the case - he helps Rauner by staying in the race and almost ensures that Rauner wins. If Dan falls on his sword for the good of the party - to save the party - it tightens things up.
I’ve been preaching patience for awhile on this story, but I now think that Rutherford has NO chance and he’s DONE. If he really thinks what he said–that Rauner is somehow behind these revelations and Rauner is so bad for the GOP and Illinois–then he needs to withdraw and throw his support behind Dillard or Brady ASAP (although perhaps they may not want Dan’s endorsement at this point). Staying in just delivers the GOP nomination to Rauner with a bow on it and delivers another sure–but very expensive and bloody–GOP loss in November.
Maybe DR wins in the court case, but that win is months if not years away. In the meantime, he’s lost BIG in the court of opinion which is the one that counts in this election.
I’m not sure how much litigation experience you have but it is pretty safe to assume that even a mundane case against a company takes time.
In contrast, when you are the target? And the allegations go to the core of how you do business? And there is the potential for criminal allegations?
It is pretty tough to do the job and also respond to those allegations.
The fact that the investigative report was bad enough that Dan doesn’t want to release it shows that there is something there. There is more than just a disgruntled and/or politically motivated former employee. The investigation must have uncovered something significant.
In the alternative, if Dan can do both his job and respond to the allegations, perhaps we should look again at combining the office with the comptroller.
If he’s got enough time on the side, do we really need to pay a treasurer for full time work?
Dan, you’re a friend, (okay longtime acquaintance) and I’ve given you money for years, going back to the state house campaigns. But it’s time to quit. Your strategy for winning, so well articulated many months ago, is in tatters. You had a plan for winning and it may have been realistic and achievable six months ago. It is no longer.
Bill Brady, who I’ve supported financially for years,take this opportunity to be a statesman and recognize that you’re not going to win.
Gentlemen, have a news conference in which you acknowledge the electoral realities and, for the good of the party, jointly get behind Kirk Dillard, making a clear statement that he now represents the best chance to capture the mansion.
Both the Treasurer’s office and the Rutherford campaign are in complete chaos. He should withdraw from the campaign and strongly consider resigning as Treasurer.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:54 am:
I voted yes. I thought (and really, still think) the way this played out smells fishy. I didn’t think he had a snowball’s chance but was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Not releasing the report, however, is troubling on many levels and I have to say, the time has come, Dan. Retire and go scuba diving with whomever you wish.
Rutherford would not be resigning from a corporate, Rutherford would be resigning from a constitutional office, elected statewide.
If you are an attorney, sounds like you advocate chasing ambulances, and everyone is guilty, so lets just save everyone from being “blind on paperwork because a Signalman, second class smoked a dime bag of Oregano”
He can’t win at this point, it’s taking time away from a real debate. If he did’t think this was going to be an issue, he and those around him are delusional. Dan, you had a great public career, you did good work, it’s time to decide what’s next, because Gov. isn’t going to be it. Move to Dillard and maybe there is still a chance to win. We know Brady isn’t going to win in Nov. and does anyone really think a guy that makes $50 million a year can win a statewide race for gov in Illinois?
Regarding releasing the details of the investigation… Dan, in the words of that former first lady with thick ankles “WHAT DIFFERENCE AT THIS POINT DOES IT MAKE?”
Assuming the details aren’t favorable, keep it hidden, and you finish in 4th place with 10% of the vote. You release the report, and at worst, you finish in 4th place with 5% of the vote.
Last place is last place, no matter how you slice it Dan. Good night.
- Upon Further Review - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:05 am:
He has been mortally wounded in terms of this primary. It does not matter is he is fully exonerated in the court case because the date of the primary election is not going to be postponed.
I hate the tactics that have been used against Rutherford and I suspect that the disgruntled former employee is less than trustworthy, but the damage has been done. Rutherford simply cannot win in March of 2014.
Before Rutherford withheld the report, I was hoping he’d win the GOP nomination. I wouldn’t vote for him but I wouldn’t work that hard against him.
Brady I’d laugh at.
Rauner is the face of the 1% wrecking the country and expecting to be thanked for it. He and his kind (including Rahm Emanuel) are a disease on our society. Or maybe the Neoliberal capitalism is the disease and Rahm and Rauner are the festering sores that are the manifestation of the disease.
No, because he has not been proven guilty of anything that would be an absolute disqualifier, and who knows what might come out about his opponents. When you have come this far, and you have not actually been photographed in bed with a live man or a dead woman, you might as well go the rest of the way just in case lightning strikes somebody else, no matter how unlikely that might be.
Let me stress — I still think a lot of this stinks to high heaven. The timing is particularly troubling. But it doesn’t matter any more. There’s no way to recover from this. Whether Rauner played a role, whether another candidate is waging a successful dirty trick — they won, you lost. At this point, the best you can do is bow out to focus on resolving the issues facing the office you already hold, and live to fight another day.
I voted yes. I was going to vote for Rutherford because I thought he was the best of the four. Even when the allegations initially came out, I was still okay with voting for him. After the lawsuit was filed and I read it, I started changing my mind, not because I believed the allegations, but because I knew then he had no chance to beat Rauner. The decision to not release this report seals the deal and I will not vote for Rutherford. Hiding behind his lawyer today “because of the lawsuit” when Rutherford was in front of the cameras on the day the lawsuit was filed is, at least, inconsistent. Whatever the report may contain, the refusal to release it strongly implies it is unfavorable. I will never vote for Rauner and I do not want to see him as the Republican candidate. But now I am left with Dillard or Brady. Not exactly optimal choices, but Dillard is my likely next choice. Either way, I will be holding my nose while casting the ballot.
no one is talking about the policy issues in this primary. certainly, talk of the character of a candidate is important, but this talk has blocked out everything else. it’s unhelpful to the public dialogue and to the voters in the Republican primary. what do they hear? Rauner commercials and allegations about Rutherford. not a good way to try and elect a governor. it can only move on without the Treasurer.
Yes. I’ve been inside two campaigns where the plug had to be pulled. When the negatives - or the mere perception of negatives - become the main story, you’re done, unless you have monumental piles of money to attack back. Your message is lost. People, especially the press, just keep at that one issue, and you are constantly on the defensive. And that applies even if the charges, allegations or rumors are completely baseless. Plus, it takes an enormous personal toll on a candidate, staff, friends and family. Time to pull the plug and try to salvage his current job.
I like Dan and think he would have probably made a good governor. However, the Genie is out of the bottle and Dan is now damaged goods. Even if Dan is as straight as an arrow and he was always fair as a boss, there no longer is enough time left on the clock to set the record and the voters straight as to the truth of the matter. Dan should gracefully bow out, not waste what campaign cash he has left, and throw his support behind whichever GOP gubernatorial candidate he feels is in the best interests of Illinois.
Dan will politically survive this in his home district and he can always run later for a state legislative position.
I guess it is fitting for Valentine’s Day that this house divided just became one. I have to withdraw my support for Rutherford. If he won this battle, he would never win the war. My vote is too important to waste.
- Upon Further Review - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:21 am:
Dan Rutherford could emulate Charlie Crist and race through a wedding ceremony and still not be nominated in the primary. He needs to withdraw and clean house in the Treasurer’s office for the remainder of his term. Perhaps, he will be able to revive his career later, but it is not going to happen now.
There is no doubt about the outcome of this - 2 ways to go, Mr Rutherford. You either withdraw and try to rebuild what is left of your career, or you don’t withdraw, lose the primary, and then try to rebuild your career. Easy peasy.
Call Dillard and Brady immediately. Conference call if possible. Get one of them to agree to drop out. Hold a joint press conference before the close of business on 2/19/14. You and the other withdrawer declare you are leaving the race for the primary. Both of you heartily endorse the remaining opponent to Rauner.
Disappear from public view for at least a year. Maybe, just maybe, you can salvage something of your public career. Hang on and you risk immolating it permanently.
Seems to me from a political stand point that if Dan stays in and Rauner wins primary. Then goes on to a humiliating defeat by Pat Quinn which is almost guaranteed. Who does Dan think will get blamed? To me Dan will bear the brunt of that blame in his party right or wrong.
Right now, he’s helping Bruce Rauner - that may be a smart move on Dan’s part. Bruce is socially liberal so a reconciliation with DR in the general - unless there’s a criminal charge for campaigning on govt time (or something else) may be turn out to be a great move for all parties.
- Dan from Springfield - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:36 am:
I voted no in the poll but it looks like Mr Rutherford is guilty until proven innocent. Rauner wins this battle, only 2 more for him to run thru the mud.
I think that if a corporate exec was facing charges like this, with potential criminal implications, and an internal report that likely substantiated the allegations, there would be extremely strong pressure to resign.
And I’m not sure how you take my comments as advocating chasing ambulances.
I’ve pretty consistently expressed major doubts here as to the veracity of the allegations, until today.
Failing to release that report is huge.
It changed my mind as to whether the plaintiff is credible.
This did play out. There was an “independent” investigation and it sure seems like that independent investigation found problems.
In a courtroom? In a court of law? Rutherford is not entitled to that? Yikes!
You and Bruce Rauner, the business world and the public sector are two different animals. Politically, he needs to withdraw, there is nothing to say Rutherford can’t have his day in court, unless chasing ambulances, and then getting an outcome without a chance to go to court seems quite appropriate.
If you are a lawyer, and you don’t believed in allowing Rutherford his day, then why gave an assumption of innocence…ever?
smoggie, you’re right that something illegal would likely cause a resignation in the corp world. But there’s also a corollary to that in that many things could show up in a corporate report that would not cause a resignation but in the political world would be hidden.
So we’re a long way from knowing whether Rutherford is guilty of anything that impairs his ability to do his job.
And I have no idea where the bizarre ambulance chaser thing came from.
He’s done for. He had to know what not releasing the report would do. He should withdraw. He just made it easy.
- Charlie Wilkins - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:56 am:
Rutherford needs to withdraw from the race, he is damaged goods and by staying in will guarantee a Rauner win. Everyone says Rauner is bad but he has a message that is resonating with people - term limits, shake things up, the voters are embracing people that talk that way due to the lack of government trust. Not saying he is right or supporting him but merely calling it like I see it.
Oswego,
I’m not advocating locking him up.
I’m advocating a resignation.
If you can’t do your job — for whatever reason — you need to step away.
There is a report that we should all agree likely casts serious doubts as to how that office is being run.
There is a lawsuit pending. Do you really think Dan’s primary focus is on where our money is going? Or is it on the defense of these allegations, which his own independent investigator apparently finds have some merit?
We need a Treasurer who is focused on his job.
- Dan from Springfield - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:58 am:
while i tend to believe olivia pope *could* fix this — she is a fictional character after all with magical abilities to fix everything but her own life — this isn’t t.v. i voted yes, because there is no longer any point in his staying in the race, regardless of what happened. sex sells, and that’s what people will be paying attention to…
Spritzer in New York, McGreevy in NJ, Nevada’s Governor was letting his soon-to-be ex-wife have the mansion as get residence, and Rudy Guliani, and his wife living in Gracie Mansion while dating a staffer.
He shouldn’t drop out because he’s gay, but he needs to figure his stuff out before he perpetuates the impression of Illinois politics. Knowing that his intention of ST was simply to gain statewide recognition in order to run for Gov shows that he’s more interested in power than providing value to an office he has experience for.
Rutherford’s political career was on life support. Withholding the report was the pulling of the plug.
Unfortunately, his ego will not allow him to walk away from the campaign or the office, both of which are train wrecks.
===If you can’t do your job — for whatever reason — you need to step away.===
He can’t go his job? How do you know? Seems to be doing the job, where can you point he is not right now, and not speculation.
===There is a report that we should all agree likely casts serious doubts as to how that office is being run.===
The report is based on alleged Sexual Harassment and political being done of state time.
Alleged. As an attorney, you know alleged I hope.
===There is a lawsuit pending. Do you really think Dan’s primary focus is on where our money is going? Or is it on the defense of these allegations, which his own independent investigator apparently finds have some merit?===
lol, I don’t know what Treasurer Rutherford’s main focus, and neither do you.
===apparently have some merit===
Based on what? No one has seen the report. The political is horrible in optics, but unless you, personally KNOW, ===apparently have some merit=== is ambulance chaser talk for, “cut your losses, here is how”
Lots of speculation. How about the governmental play itself out a bit farther.
Because I’ve spent some time defending sexual harassment claims.
Actually, I’ve been retained both by corporations doing internal investigations of their own people and I’ve defended people accused of it.
The defendant spends a ton of time in my office rather than in his own.
That’s particularly true when you have reason to believe the allegations are true and as such, you need to work on strategy to discredit any witness against the target.
On top of this, there is the whole “political work on state time.” I’ve never had to defend one of those, but I suspect that takes time too.
So that’s how I know.
- Formerly Known As... - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 12:24 pm:
Yes.
Withdraw as a candidate for governor. Focus on the lawsuit.
Continue serving as treasurer. Hope the case goes your way.
Yes.
I think that there is back story to this tall tale. I assume he is not guilty since this whole mess seems so odd. And, I could care less if he is gay.
Exiting the race would make life easier on everyone but especially on him and the rest of his staff. I haven’t read all 127 comments and assume many others have expressed similar thoughts.
I voted no, but I don’t want this version of the Republican Party to win anything. I miss Willie’s GOP–sure, I didn’t agree with them on most things, but they were reasonable and civil and I could deal with them.
Oswego,
I get paid to defend these cases.
You apparently have zero first hand experience with the process.
I’m comfortable with my own analysis of the time and effort involved in the defense.
If you want to trust your experience rather than mine, be my guest.
I could care less if Rutherford is or isn’t. Most Republicans I’ve run across the past two weeks seem to agree with me. But promising full disclosure that would absolve him of any wrongdoing?
The investigative report, on taxpayer’s dime, was supposed to confront the abuse allegations including campaigning on state time. There was a promise to disclose.
First he was going to disclose. Then suddenly disclosure will come some day after/during litigation?
I voted no for the simple reason that every time in my long life that I gave up, no matter the circumstances and no matter who was telling me to give up, later on I realized I should have stayed in the fight. Stay in the fight….you might win, you might lose. Quit….it’s over for sure. It’s that simple. Nobody really knows the future. It’s all guesswork.
He’s got bigger fish to fry now that could make this election look like very small potatoes. Defend yourself full time Dan. If you’re being completely honest, get your good name back. If not, atone.
“So I guess every case, every one of them, the first thing you do is tell them to quit?”
Heck no.
Most of my clients need the paycheck.
If the employer is OK with the person spending more time in my office than his own, I’m not going to tell the person to quit.
But I’m not Dan’s lawyer.
I’m a person who lives in Illinois who thinks we could use a full time Treasurer.
And realistically, we are not going to have one for a while.
Yes drop out Dan . Your only hurting Bill Brady win so drop out endorse him and then transfer over your campaign funds to him so he can run ads against Rauner
I voted no because I would like to see it play out over the weekend and see if Dan changes his mind and releases the report. But it clearly appears that the report is full of damaging information.
Such a bright star to fade so fast.
- Formerly Known As... - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 1:17 pm:
I can’t tell if @Nathan 1:07 is joking or serious.
Folks, if he resigns as Treasurer, Gov Quinn appoints his successor, who can then run as an incumbent, and I’m guessing he won’t appoint a Republican
- Pot calling kettle - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 1:41 pm:
Voted yes. I like Dan, I used to respect him, but not releasing a report he promised to release speaks volumes.
All the world’s a stage and it’s time for you to exit from this act.
=====
RUTHERFORD: A clean report! a clean report! my office for a clean report!
AIDE: Withdraw, my lord; I’ll help you to a quiet exit.
RUTHERFORD: Aide, I have set my life upon a cast, And I will stand the hazard of the die: I think there be six Rauners in the field; Five have I slain to-day instead of him. A clean report! a clean report! my office for a clean report!
===Dan is quoting Teddy Roosevelt on his Facebook page. He’s not gonna drop out.===
Dan Rutherford and Twitter and Facebook
That will be his legacy, and the start of the downfall.
As - Steve Schnorf - pointed out, Quinn appoints, dan us going nowhere. His race for governor is destroyed, Dan will not resign, yet, or even until someone can show that in office something criminal occurred. That is months away, maybe, bug not today.
I think Rich has license on anything Rich wants here. I borrowed from Rich, not my own device.
To ALL that,
Nixonian indeed. From the time of the first indictments to Nixon getting on “Special Marine Mission”, formerly got Nixon “Marine One”, months passed. Rutherford is not doing anything governmentally anytime soon.
The political, whole ‘nother ball game.
The key is the internal report.
Those questioned should have “lawyered-up” and given no “fear” (allegedly) of being fired, that should have been pushed for safety. They were talking to a former FBI agent with unlimited/unknown powers. Going in there alone, yikes.
You couldn’t show cause as to why Rutherford needed to resign. Or did you, and I missed it?
- Joe Bidenopolous - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 2:26 pm:
==Dillard can win with cross-over dem votes.==
Don’t bet on that, man. People ain’t crossin’ for the primary and even if he made the general (he won’t), Dems ain’t voting for the guy who said the offensive stuff about marriage equality who’s also the ALEC state chair
Joe,
I think the question as to whether Dillard can get Dem votes in a GOP primary, when there aren’t many contested Dem races, as opposed to a general are very different.
I suspect that more than a few Dems would prefer to stop Rauner right now. He’s a bigger threat in November than Dillard.
But no, I don’t think that would translate to Dillard support in November.
When you have defended an elected statewide official, with same situation, with both Sexual Harassment, AND doing political work on state time…
When you do that, let me know.
Do you know the job, as described Constitutionally, and if his Constitutional duties would not be met?
You don’t. The fact you refuse to understand the governmental is your downfall in the arguement. True Believers think there is so much required to be in compliance with the duties of elected office, but Mr. Rutherford can continue, easily, with the Constitutionally requirements of his office.
You said you don’t “require” those you represent to quit, so, you get on your high horse now? You have no experience representing the Treasurer of Illinois in a sexual harassment and political work case, so to speak to it as its a garden variety case is very lazy.
No reason at this point for Rutherford to resign. Today. Nothing. It took Nixon months to get “there”, how about taking pause, and presume innocence in court, until a case brought before a court show otherwise. Put away the pitchforks, extinguish the torches…
- Formerly Known As... - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 3:04 pm:
My comments have been sharply critical of Rutherford at certain points, but any notion of resignation is asinine.
The trial could wind up justifying him for all we know at this point. Let the process run its course, which it will. Sheesh.
===Or maybe the difference, Oswego, is that I expect government officials to work, and you do not.
You seem to think that part time, at best, work from them is acceptable. I don’t. That may be the core of our disagreement.===
What is Constitutionally Required of the Illinois Treasurer?
That is what the people elected Rutherford to do; the constitutional requirements.
SECTION 18. TREASURER - DUTIES
The Treasurer, in accordance with law, shall be
responsible for the safekeeping and investment of monies and
securities deposited with him, and for their disbursement
upon order of the Comptroller.
(Source: Illinois Constitution.)
Yeah, Rutherford can comply, unless you have a different constitution I haven’t seem making this moot…
I’m so glad we had this time together just to have a laugh or sing a song. Seems we just get started and before you know it, comes the time we have to say so long… So long Dan, (the Fat Lady has sung).
To answer someone else’s post:
‘I voted no because we don’t know all the facts and I don’t think we should be setting a precedent for people to be hurt by oddly timed allegations. If Rutherford is found innocent this looks an awful lot like extortion.’
But will there be enough time for him to save his campaign for governor? No. It’s a little more than a month away. I like Dan a lot. But I feel this stuff about workers doing campaign work on government time and the hotel stuff will not resolve itself quickly. He knows it and we do too.
…comes the time he has to say, so long. Much Love Dan and good night.
Of course Rutherford can meet those constitutional requirements. And if that is the bar for your elected officials, have at it. Some people have a higher bar. obviously not enough to make a difference in Illinois, because we routinely put into office people who barely get over the bar.
But feel free to have whatever standards you want for your elected officials. But spare us the criticism of those who think that something more than constitutional requirements is preferred.
I voted no because there are two many unanswered questions. If Rauner is behind this it must be brought out. The damage is done but I don’t want Rauner to get away with dirty politics.
So Dan,
The longer you stay in, the less this election becomes about the real issues facing Illinois. Because of you, we can’t focus on how lousy Illinois has become under Democratic One-Party Rule. We can’t discuss any reforms. We can’t discuss what an amateur Quinn is. We can’t get anyone elected who isn’t a Democrat, and that’s bad.
If you lose, the GOP looks like it can’t handle supporting proven leaders when the press smears them with rumors about being in the closet. If you stay in this campaign you will lose and so will the GOP. If you really want to see Quinn reelected and watch Illinois continue to tank, then I guess you can allow yourself to remain fodder for Democratic attacks.
But bottom line - you are NOT in control. You don’t control your fate right now. You don’t set the tune. You cannot campaign like that. You can’t claim to be any kind of leader and go through that.
I voted “burnt toast” before he refused to release the report. If there is a possible positive spin to keeping the report secret, I don’t see it. At this point, all he does by remaining in the race is suck votes away from the other non-Rauner candidates.
Regardless of his protestations, and regardless of whether he broke laws, it is clear at the very least that Rutherford has behaved in ways that make more than one or two of his employees uncomfortable. Perhaps he never realized he was doing it, or he believed that his personal charm and charisma would ensure that those employees would go to bat for him in his hour of need. It seems that was his great gamble, and now he knows that he has lost. He knows, in his heart, that his life’s greatest ambition, towards which he has worked for over 20 years, is lost as well.
Rutherford is a smart man, but he is in the heat of a statewide campaign. It doesn’t appear that he has anyone close to him who, to paraphrase Don Vito Corleone, will tell the candidate what everybody seems to know. Rutherford is in deep denial about the state of his campaign, among other things, and immersing himself in a demanding and busy schedule is the only way he is able to cope right now.
I worry about what March 19 will look like for Dan Rutherford, the human being. Today he can cloak himself in the beautiful delusion that his supporters, half of whom have abandoned him according to the polls, will suddenly rise up and nominate him… and that he will then survive an eight-month campaign and defeat an incumbent Governor. On March 19, the bustle of the campaign behind him, Dan will be forced to wake up and look at the wreckage. His campaign over, the hated Mr. Rauner triumphant and his days as Treasurer numbered– all while facing a federal lawsuit filed by a former friend. These truly are the times that try men’s souls, and I hope for his sake that Dan is strong enough to recover from all of this. His health needs to come first, but I fear that his ambition and pride could blind him to that consideration. Those factors could also fuel the shame that he will feel and lead him to a truly tragic end. I urge him to do what he needs to do for the next month, and then seriously consider seeking psychiatric treatment. I also urge his real friends and family to encourage him to do so.
- Formerly Known As... - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 4:12 pm:
I voted yes.
Regardless, we have to remember where the bar is currently set in Illinois.
We have Al Sanchez (federal fraud conviction) and Ike Carothers (bribery and tax fraud convictions) running for the Cook County Board.
We also have Derrick Smith running for the State House. He’s even been endorsed by party leadership.
I no longer think Rutherford can win, and it appears his staying in the race would now help Rauner. Regardless, Rutherford certainly has every right to stay in the race if he so chooses.
I’ve just realized how stupid my earlier comment was. Of course a replacement couldn’t run for Treasurer, there are already candidates on the ballot for both parties nominations: don’t see how you could add one at this late date. Sorry, willie
- anon - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:40 am:
I commented as anon in the original Dan post. He needs to withdraw for the good of the party. He cannot win at this point, he can only harm the brand. The honorable thing to do would be to exit the primary.
- downstate hack - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:41 am:
I voted yes, not because I believe he is necessary guilty of anything but some bad judgement, but because he is just a distraction now to the race with no of winning the nomination.
- Chicago Cynic - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:42 am:
Not even a close call anymore. Not releasing the report is a death blow and admission of wrongdoing of some kind. Withdraw and figure out how, if possible, to restore his reputation.
- Frank - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:42 am:
Voted “yes.”
I kinda felt like he was getting a raw deal through this whole episode…but that changed when he announced he wasn’t gonna release the report. It’s over for him. He should save his campaign $ to pay his legal bills.
- 47th Ward - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:42 am:
He can’t win, he can only take votes away from other candidates. Not sure what his endorsement is worth, but it probably wouldn’t go to Dillard after that debate question last week.
He should drop out as gracefully as possible and as quickly as possible.
- Northern Will - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:43 am:
If Rutherford wants to keep Bruce Rauner from winning the nomination he needs to drop out. It is that simple.
- John A Logan - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:44 am:
Mr. Rutherford has suffered a blow that cannot be overcome. He needs to withdraw from the race, release the results of the investigation and focus on turning the page. It would also allow this campaign to turn back to the issues that face Illinois voters, and away from the soap opera.
- too obvious - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:44 am:
No of course not. He would be admitting the allegations are true.
He could have handled this much better though. He’s done in politics. Kinda sad. But while he’s definitely been slimed by over the top methods, Dan himself is not wholly blameless. He should have been more honest about some things long ago. He compromised himself and some slimy characters took advantage.
- doofus - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:45 am:
Unless he releases the investigation report, AND the report exonerates him, he should drop out.
- Jimbo - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:47 am:
If he isn’t going to release the internal investigation results then he cannot continue in the governor’s race. You can’t claim to be guilt free while hiding the facts of the case. It is also unfair to the voters to expect them to choose without the facts. Regardless, he can’t win. Probably not even if he released the results, but holding them back, he’s toast. It is just embarrassing at this point for him to continue. Surely he’s not deluded enough to believe he can still win…
- A Modest Proposal - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:48 am:
My answer is due to this polling. It proves that there has been irreversible damage done to Rutherford. The polling this time around has been much more consistent than 4 years ago. As the Rutherford allegation reach voters we have seen Rutherford go from lose 50% of his vote share. Plus his refusal to release the report says that he is hiding something.
- walker - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:48 am:
Yes: It’s too much to handle and too late to recover. Retreat and live to fight another day.
This story also plays into the worst stereotype of hypocritical conservative Republicans, who lean one way and vote the other on gay issues. That just hurts the party, unfair or not.
It certainly would be unfair to Dan Rutherford.
- Chicago Cynic - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:48 am:
Northern Will,
I think it’s too late to stop Rauner from winning the nomination. But who do you think will be the not-Bruce candidate - Dillard or Brady?
- Mason born - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:48 am:
Voted Yes for all the reasons listed before me. Better a withdrawl and fight again if your cleared than the 4th place concession speech.
- Wensicia - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:48 am:
He can’t win, and he’s only hurting himself and the other candidates behind Rauner by staying in the primary. Drop out and take the scandal and investigation you now say you can’t talk about with you.
- JB13 - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:48 am:
He needs to do his best now to try to salvage his reputation and focus on being the best treasurer he can. Perhaps a different office lies in his future, but his career path will never take him to the governor’s mansion now. In Illinois, a Democrat might have a chance to recover from something like this. But a Republican? In a statewide race? No way.
- BDuty6 - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:49 am:
I voted ‘No’ because its his choice.
But the politically smart answer is ‘Yes’.
- Big Muddy - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:49 am:
Voted yes. Lawsuit is one thing but conducting an investigation, with tax dollars, and then not releasing it because of the lawsuit shows a propensity to cover up bad info. He cannot overcome this.
- Stones - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:50 am:
An obvious yes. He has lost credibility with the voters.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:50 am:
Dear Treasurer Rutherford,
You have served Illinois faithfully for many years. You have been an advocate for her, and in the Illinois Senate, tried to be someone who kept the best interest of the state at the forefront of many votes, and spoke eloquently about you love for Illinois, and those things will never be able to bd taken from you.
Treasurer, your political journey is now at an end. You may recover 4 years from now, even 2 years from now is possible, but difficult. Today, however, your journey must end. The “Friday Fiasco” sealed your fate, and every decision after that reflects how poorly you have handled adversity, and your crisis management of blaming others, and now becoming silent in the report to exonerate you is not a red flag, but should be now a white flag of surrender.
Hiding the report speaks more than what might even be in the report and what might bd hidden.
It’s over. Please understand. Nothing is gained now, except for the campaign you allege is involved, with no proof, but what is “in your heart”, and now you need to listen to those who see how you now are hurting, even more than yourself.
No one can make you drop out, but the longer you are in, the more damage you will inflict on yourself, supporters, and your beloved Illinois.
Walk away.
Sincerely,
Oswego Willy
- Snucka - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:52 am:
Probably doesn’t matter. Rauner is 12 points ahead of all three other candidates combined. For his own good, of course he should get himself out of the race, which would dial down the heat at least a little.
- Ahoy! - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:52 am:
I voted no because we don’t know all the facts and I don’t think we should be setting a precedent for people to be hurt by oddly timed allegations. If Rutherford is found innocent this looks an awful lot like extortion.
- wordslinger - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:52 am:
Yes. You can’t really expect GOP voters to take a chance when the “independent” investigation remains under wraps at the direction of Rutherford.
- Buster - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:53 am:
Well said, Willy!
- Gator - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:53 am:
I voted NO. He shouldn’t be bullied out of the race like this. However, I don’t think he has any chance of winning.
- downstate hack - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:53 am:
Well written Oswego Willy.
- Darienite - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:56 am:
Know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em. Voted ‘yes’.
- Chicago Cynic - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:57 am:
Bravo Willy - very well put.
- anon - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:57 am:
Where are the 43 people who voted no? I thought your vote needs to be accompanied by an explanation. To those supporting Dan’s continued candidacy, speak up!
- dunno - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:58 am:
Time to go Dan. It might not be fair, it might not be right, but it’s time.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:01 am:
===Where are the 43 people who voted no?===
Mostly at 601 S LaSalle St., ground floor.
Just kidding.
- Susiejones - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:01 am:
with a broken heart I voted Yes. this has not been handled well since his news conference two (?) weeks ago. not releasing the report after promising to do so is the straw that broke this camel’s back.
- Ray del Camino - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:02 am:
When the boxer can no longer defend himself, the ref steps in and stops it. Time to throw in the towel.
- Bird Dog - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:02 am:
I voted yes. That is despite that I am a supporter of DR and had really hoped to vote for him. However, as Oswego Willy so ably laid out above, it is time to stop the race.
- Grandson of Man - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:02 am:
Great post, Willy.
I voted yes, because there’s probably nowhere for him to go but down (if he’s not there already), and the scandal obscures the issues.
- Sunshine - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:02 am:
Rutherford is now a distraction. He needs to withdraw from the race and move on.
- Anon - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:03 am:
Sadly I voted yes. Dan needs to end this by withdrawing and focusing on finishing his term with dignity and addressing legal matters. He has been a good public servant, but risks being forever remembered as a joke, and that is sad. He wasn’t able to help turn the page through releasing the report, and now must face cold hard reality. Don’t think he should endorse anyone either…don’t be spiteful or self important in exiting, just dignified.
- AFSCME Steward - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:04 am:
As a former Rutherford backer, I am disappointed in everything that has happened over past 2 weeks. For the good of the party he needs to withdraw. He will not win the nomination. His own reactions to the charges leave the impression that he is hiding something.
- Jorge - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:06 am:
His campaign just took a figurative body shot like it was from Golovkin himself. Just stay down.
- So Sorry - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:06 am:
I’m of the opinion that the best person for the party is not Rauner, which means I need one of the other guys to emerge. To mean, Dan is no longer viable so he ought to drop out and give Brady or Dillard a chance.
But I really think it’s over and Rauner is the nominee
- haverford - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:07 am:
What Willy said.
This walkback is a slap in the face to everyone who gave him the benefit of the doubt and were standing up for him in the wake of all the pervy reporting, read: his last potential supporters.
- In the Middle - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:07 am:
Trust is part of leading others, and it’s something an elected official should have with the public.
Rutherford used public money for an investigation of his personal conduct, then refuses to let the public see the report… and now we’re supposed to trust him with the highest job in our state?
- Tough Guy - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:07 am:
Yes. Hopefully Dillard could still pull this out. Rauner or Brady are toast come this fall.
- So Sorry - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:08 am:
Just out of curiousity, were the statements made to the investigator sworn?
I’m wondering if Dan thought people would fall on a sword for him and then learned differently.
- SAP - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:08 am:
Even if the Treasurer is Ivory-Clean, not releasing the investigation results makes him look dirty. Only thing he can hope to accomplish by staying in is to try to tarnish Rauner. However, any slings and arrows he sends at Rauner can be dismissed as coming from bitter, washed-up, cover-up guy.
- Tom Joad - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:10 am:
Harm the Brand? Retreat to fight another day? Perhaps a different office lies in his future?
What world are you people living in? He has left the taxpayers with the bills for his misconduct in office which will result in more lawsuits, bills for his ex-FBI investigator fees, for lawyer fees for his defense and numerous costs we will bear because of his actions. His refusal to reveal the report we taxpayers are paying for is the last straw.
- Wally - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:12 am:
Dan needs to talk to 4-5 people in his inner circle and ask their advice. If they are true friends, they wil all advise him to drop out. He has no chance of winning now. I was a DR backer and thought he had a real shot at winning the primary. He has absolutely NO chance now. Up until this announcement, I still planned to vote for him. My vote will go to someone else now.
- Kerfuffle - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:14 am:
He has to step aside especially after having said the results of the investigation would be release and then back tracking. This will continue to be a huge distraction for him - win or lose the primary.
- Demoralized - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:14 am:
I voted yes. I think we are beyond the Governor’s race. I think we are quickly entering territory that casts doubt on his ability to even remain Treasurer.
- Downstate GOP Faithless - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:15 am:
Rutherford has seemingly put himself in a terrible web of lies. I didn’t want to believe that, but clearly there is a level of culpability that extends deep within in the organization. One person who works there said there is an attitude that you do anything and everything to avoid a DR temper tantrum. I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, but it appears what the employees who had to give a statement were told going in and what they were told after the fact are not the same thing. And I like how Dan can’t speak to anything, but they have no problem releasing emails from staff that pertain to the same investigation.
- Norseman - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:15 am:
Dan, check your ego at the door and realize that the campaign is over for you. Give your campaign a nice severance and thank them for their support. Then return to the Treasurer’s Office and focus on doing your job for the remaining months and fighting the lawsuit.
This will leave you with some campaign funds to make a comeback in the future.
- Arthur Andersen - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:15 am:
Yes vote here. At this point, a win is impossible. Any residual support he may have at the polls will help Rauner more than the other “2.”
- Nearly Normal - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:17 am:
Willy has my response. I voted yes.
- downstate commissioner - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:19 am:
voted “no”, because I can’t support any of the other Repubs. Voted “no” before I learned (here in comments) that he wasn’t releasing his own, state-paid, report. At this point, I would have to vote “yes”. He is done.
- overcooked - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:19 am:
I voted yes because Rauner has not won this race, yet and Brady or Dillard still have a long shot. Not revealing the investigation kind of answers the debate question as yes.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:22 am:
Thanks to all who commented on my comment.
Appreciate the support, still sad I felt the need to express it.
No pleasure in this implosion.
(Tips cap to all those kind responses)
- Nonplussed - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:24 am:
For a guy that has always had to deal with allegations, to add kerosene to the fire by not releasing the report…..
- Phineas J. Whoopee - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:26 am:
If he’s not going to release the report, he needs to get out. I agree with Jimbo that it is unfair to the voters to make a this choice without the report that HE commissioned.
- Lunchbox - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:26 am:
I voted yes because Dan’s attempt to seem above board failed when he didn’t like what he saw in the report. My prediction: he drops out and doesn’t endorse.
- Toure's Latte - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:26 am:
Up to now my vote was it is all smoke and politics who cares, but I have this exact sentiment:
- Frank - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 9:42 am:
I kinda felt like he was getting a raw deal through this whole episode…but that changed when he announced he wasn’t gonna release the report. It’s over for him. ==
What Rutherford CAN do now is make a play at kingmaker. Pick one, Dillard or Brady, and pitch in to make sure his supporters turn out for that guy.
And be realistic, he could be back in two years with this all behind him.
- lakecounty - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:27 am:
Hmm, I’m not sure why this happened. Why marginalize Rutherford if he was already in third/fourth place with the polls? Who has the most to gain with former Rutherford supporters? So who will the GLBT community vote for in the primary since there is only one democratic candidate?
- Sir Reel - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:27 am:
Withdraw.
This is so predictable.
- Logic not emotion - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:29 am:
Despite having been a strong Rutherford supporter, I voted yes. No good and only bad will come from staying in.
- Carl Nyberg - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:29 am:
It’s over.
The nitwits in the media can’t help but discuss sex allegations.
However, there are other things that should be discussed.
Rutherford can’t win at this point.
Ideally, the media could discuss real issues and ignore Rutherford.
But the people in the media can’t help themselves. They have the maturity of junior high students.
- Smoggie - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:30 am:
Yes, and I would go further to say it is time for him to step down as Treasurer.
The failure to release the report is really important. At the very least, the report must raise serious questions.
We need a Treasurer focused on the office and not on defending himself against civil and potentially criminal allegations.
It is time for Dan to step away from it all.
- Juvenal - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:33 am:
If Dan’s courtroom defense takes priority over his public defense, or the two are somehow inconsistent, he needs to step out of the race.
If he truly believes that Rauner was behind efforts to destroy his reputation through personal innuendo, he probably ought to not only step aside, but offer his assistance to Dillard.
- DuPage - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:34 am:
You have been hit by “dirty tricks” and it has blown off a wing. Your going into a tailspin.
EJECT! NOW! Live to come back and fight another day.
- Plutocrat03 - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:34 am:
Time to withdraw. If he can clear things up he has a political future there is zero chance for him to win this nomination.
- Cincinnatus - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:34 am:
Who gets the Steve Kim vote?
- Langhorne - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:34 am:
He cant win the primary. Cant win the general. Facts.
Wdraw, defend yourself, and close out your term w dignity.
- Mittuns - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:34 am:
Dan,
I am disappoint.
http://bit.ly/1c1xa8d
- Carl Nyberg - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:35 am:
With the allegations against Rutherford, there’s no discussion of Rauner’s issues and problems.
Rutherford staying in the race is worth millions to Rauner at this point.
- IbendahlLuvsJBT - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:36 am:
$20 says the report gets leaked real soon.
- Cam Brady - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:37 am:
This is definitely his punching the baby moment. He needs to take lessons from Elliot Spitzer and not from Anthony Weiner. Close the term with integrity, retreat from the public eye for at least 4 or 5 years, and make a come back when the time is right.
- BigBob - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:38 am:
Willy is wise. Dan is toast and can only help Rauner by remaining in the race. Time to fo the right thing and withdraw.
- Fan - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:39 am:
I said NO, not enough is known yet about the investigation. And I sure hope Dan doesn’t take many of the posters serious. A bunch of left leaning thinkers telling him to get out as soon as possible. Right now, to me that is an endorsement of concern by the other party.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:40 am:
- Smoggie -,
Take a breath. You are as bad as those with pitchforks and torches requiring purity.
If it gets “there”, it will get there on its own.
- Soccermom - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:40 am:
Carl Nyberg is absolutely right. This thing drains all the air out of the GOP race for the next month, leaving Rauner to buy up more and more voters.
Geez.
- Soccermom - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:41 am:
Let me put it this way: Olivia Pope herself couldn’t fix this.
- Walter Mitty - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:43 am:
OW… You tried to urge the other 3 for months… You laid out a sincere way to move forward…I only hope at least this time DR takes this just as good advice you have given. I am sad as well…Thank you for expressing my thoughts.
- Goonhammer - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:44 am:
Yes, drop out already: DR isn’t just burnt toast anymore…he’s disintegrated…
- How do you spell - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:46 am:
DISTRACTION. I VOTED YES
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:46 am:
- Fan -,
Don’t drink the kool-aid anymore. It will taste funny and you might not wake up.
- dog days - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:46 am:
the only chance he has of recovering in the party is to drop out and helpdefeat Rauner by endorsing
- veritas - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:47 am:
He can’t win. I am convinced, like he is, that Rauner is behind this, as he was behind the Schock attacks and the mysterious PAC from Ohio that attacks only the “other 3″ candidates. That being the case - he helps Rauner by staying in the race and almost ensures that Rauner wins. If Dan falls on his sword for the good of the party - to save the party - it tightens things up.
- Hey There - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:47 am:
I’ve been preaching patience for awhile on this story, but I now think that Rutherford has NO chance and he’s DONE. If he really thinks what he said–that Rauner is somehow behind these revelations and Rauner is so bad for the GOP and Illinois–then he needs to withdraw and throw his support behind Dillard or Brady ASAP (although perhaps they may not want Dan’s endorsement at this point). Staying in just delivers the GOP nomination to Rauner with a bow on it and delivers another sure–but very expensive and bloody–GOP loss in November.
Maybe DR wins in the court case, but that win is months if not years away. In the meantime, he’s lost BIG in the court of opinion which is the one that counts in this election.
- Smoggie - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:48 am:
Oswego,
I’m not sure how much litigation experience you have but it is pretty safe to assume that even a mundane case against a company takes time.
In contrast, when you are the target? And the allegations go to the core of how you do business? And there is the potential for criminal allegations?
It is pretty tough to do the job and also respond to those allegations.
The fact that the investigative report was bad enough that Dan doesn’t want to release it shows that there is something there. There is more than just a disgruntled and/or politically motivated former employee. The investigation must have uncovered something significant.
In the alternative, if Dan can do both his job and respond to the allegations, perhaps we should look again at combining the office with the comptroller.
If he’s got enough time on the side, do we really need to pay a treasurer for full time work?
- Decaturguy - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:48 am:
Exit. I’m a former Rutherford guy. For the good of party withdraw.
- Misterwhipple - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:52 am:
Dan, you’re a friend, (okay longtime acquaintance) and I’ve given you money for years, going back to the state house campaigns. But it’s time to quit. Your strategy for winning, so well articulated many months ago, is in tatters. You had a plan for winning and it may have been realistic and achievable six months ago. It is no longer.
Bill Brady, who I’ve supported financially for years,take this opportunity to be a statesman and recognize that you’re not going to win.
Gentlemen, have a news conference in which you acknowledge the electoral realities and, for the good of the party, jointly get behind Kirk Dillard, making a clear statement that he now represents the best chance to capture the mansion.
- One ofthe 35 - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:53 am:
Both the Treasurer’s office and the Rutherford campaign are in complete chaos. He should withdraw from the campaign and strongly consider resigning as Treasurer.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:54 am:
I voted yes. I thought (and really, still think) the way this played out smells fishy. I didn’t think he had a snowball’s chance but was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Not releasing the report, however, is troubling on many levels and I have to say, the time has come, Dan. Retire and go scuba diving with whomever you wish.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 10:56 am:
- Smoggie -,
Rutherford would not be resigning from a corporate, Rutherford would be resigning from a constitutional office, elected statewide.
If you are an attorney, sounds like you advocate chasing ambulances, and everyone is guilty, so lets just save everyone from being “blind on paperwork because a Signalman, second class smoked a dime bag of Oregano”
The governmental needs to play out much farther.
- frustrated GOP - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:01 am:
He can’t win at this point, it’s taking time away from a real debate. If he did’t think this was going to be an issue, he and those around him are delusional. Dan, you had a great public career, you did good work, it’s time to decide what’s next, because Gov. isn’t going to be it. Move to Dillard and maybe there is still a chance to win. We know Brady isn’t going to win in Nov. and does anyone really think a guy that makes $50 million a year can win a statewide race for gov in Illinois?
- Jerry Hubbard - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:01 am:
Regarding releasing the details of the investigation… Dan, in the words of that former first lady with thick ankles “WHAT DIFFERENCE AT THIS POINT DOES IT MAKE?”
Assuming the details aren’t favorable, keep it hidden, and you finish in 4th place with 10% of the vote. You release the report, and at worst, you finish in 4th place with 5% of the vote.
Last place is last place, no matter how you slice it Dan. Good night.
- Upon Further Review - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:05 am:
He has been mortally wounded in terms of this primary. It does not matter is he is fully exonerated in the court case because the date of the primary election is not going to be postponed.
I hate the tactics that have been used against Rutherford and I suspect that the disgruntled former employee is less than trustworthy, but the damage has been done. Rutherford simply cannot win in March of 2014.
- Carl Nyberg - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:08 am:
Before Rutherford withheld the report, I was hoping he’d win the GOP nomination. I wouldn’t vote for him but I wouldn’t work that hard against him.
Brady I’d laugh at.
Rauner is the face of the 1% wrecking the country and expecting to be thanked for it. He and his kind (including Rahm Emanuel) are a disease on our society. Or maybe the Neoliberal capitalism is the disease and Rahm and Rauner are the festering sores that are the manifestation of the disease.
- jake - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:09 am:
No, because he has not been proven guilty of anything that would be an absolute disqualifier, and who knows what might come out about his opponents. When you have come this far, and you have not actually been photographed in bed with a live man or a dead woman, you might as well go the rest of the way just in case lightning strikes somebody else, no matter how unlikely that might be.
- Westward - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:09 am:
I said “yes” because you don’t say “no” to the Treasurer.
- Soccermom - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:09 am:
Let me stress — I still think a lot of this stinks to high heaven. The timing is particularly troubling. But it doesn’t matter any more. There’s no way to recover from this. Whether Rauner played a role, whether another candidate is waging a successful dirty trick — they won, you lost. At this point, the best you can do is bow out to focus on resolving the issues facing the office you already hold, and live to fight another day.
- DeKalb Guy - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:11 am:
I voted yes. I was going to vote for Rutherford because I thought he was the best of the four. Even when the allegations initially came out, I was still okay with voting for him. After the lawsuit was filed and I read it, I started changing my mind, not because I believed the allegations, but because I knew then he had no chance to beat Rauner. The decision to not release this report seals the deal and I will not vote for Rutherford. Hiding behind his lawyer today “because of the lawsuit” when Rutherford was in front of the cameras on the day the lawsuit was filed is, at least, inconsistent. Whatever the report may contain, the refusal to release it strongly implies it is unfavorable. I will never vote for Rauner and I do not want to see him as the Republican candidate. But now I am left with Dillard or Brady. Not exactly optimal choices, but Dillard is my likely next choice. Either way, I will be holding my nose while casting the ballot.
- corvax - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:12 am:
who are the 25% voting no? Flip Rauner trolls?
- Amalia - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:13 am:
no one is talking about the policy issues in this primary. certainly, talk of the character of a candidate is important, but this talk has blocked out everything else. it’s unhelpful to the public dialogue and to the voters in the Republican primary. what do they hear? Rauner commercials and allegations about Rutherford. not a good way to try and elect a governor. it can only move on without the Treasurer.
- Archiesmom - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:16 am:
Yes. I’ve been inside two campaigns where the plug had to be pulled. When the negatives - or the mere perception of negatives - become the main story, you’re done, unless you have monumental piles of money to attack back. Your message is lost. People, especially the press, just keep at that one issue, and you are constantly on the defensive. And that applies even if the charges, allegations or rumors are completely baseless. Plus, it takes an enormous personal toll on a candidate, staff, friends and family. Time to pull the plug and try to salvage his current job.
- Frosty-The Snowman - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:17 am:
I like Dan and think he would have probably made a good governor. However, the Genie is out of the bottle and Dan is now damaged goods. Even if Dan is as straight as an arrow and he was always fair as a boss, there no longer is enough time left on the clock to set the record and the voters straight as to the truth of the matter. Dan should gracefully bow out, not waste what campaign cash he has left, and throw his support behind whichever GOP gubernatorial candidate he feels is in the best interests of Illinois.
Dan will politically survive this in his home district and he can always run later for a state legislative position.
- VictorNorth - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:19 am:
Rutherford sure handled this poorly, including bunking all over the world with a subordinate. I “know in my heart” that he should withdraw.
- Dear Abby - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:19 am:
I guess it is fitting for Valentine’s Day that this house divided just became one. I have to withdraw my support for Rutherford. If he won this battle, he would never win the war. My vote is too important to waste.
- Upon Further Review - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:21 am:
Dan Rutherford could emulate Charlie Crist and race through a wedding ceremony and still not be nominated in the primary. He needs to withdraw and clean house in the Treasurer’s office for the remainder of his term. Perhaps, he will be able to revive his career later, but it is not going to happen now.
- wordslinger - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:23 am:
Meanwhile, Rauner banks another $100K plus day in reports to ISBE.
His fundraising network is relentless. It was a brilliant move to break the cap early. People all over the country are writing him powerful checks.
Quinn better get on his bicycle.
- dupage dan - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:23 am:
There is no doubt about the outcome of this - 2 ways to go, Mr Rutherford. You either withdraw and try to rebuild what is left of your career, or you don’t withdraw, lose the primary, and then try to rebuild your career. Easy peasy.
Call Dillard and Brady immediately. Conference call if possible. Get one of them to agree to drop out. Hold a joint press conference before the close of business on 2/19/14. You and the other withdrawer declare you are leaving the race for the primary. Both of you heartily endorse the remaining opponent to Rauner.
Disappear from public view for at least a year. Maybe, just maybe, you can salvage something of your public career. Hang on and you risk immolating it permanently.
- Mason born - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:24 am:
Seems to me from a political stand point that if Dan stays in and Rauner wins primary. Then goes on to a humiliating defeat by Pat Quinn which is almost guaranteed. Who does Dan think will get blamed? To me Dan will bear the brunt of that blame in his party right or wrong.
- BOB - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:33 am:
Resign and cut some deals!
- Jason - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:35 am:
Right now, he’s helping Bruce Rauner - that may be a smart move on Dan’s part. Bruce is socially liberal so a reconciliation with DR in the general - unless there’s a criminal charge for campaigning on govt time (or something else) may be turn out to be a great move for all parties.
- Dan from Springfield - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:36 am:
I voted no in the poll but it looks like Mr Rutherford is guilty until proven innocent. Rauner wins this battle, only 2 more for him to run thru the mud.
- too obvious - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:37 am:
Go the distance. None of the 4 are going to beat Quinn in any case. The IL GOP is a rolling clown car.
- Tommydanger - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:39 am:
He’s gone from posing as Superman to the Boy Blunder.
I full expect Rauner to say something like, “Dan is entitled to his day in court and should not have to withdraw(read: keep dividing the vote baby).”
- Smoggie - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:42 am:
Oswego,
I think that if a corporate exec was facing charges like this, with potential criminal implications, and an internal report that likely substantiated the allegations, there would be extremely strong pressure to resign.
And I’m not sure how you take my comments as advocating chasing ambulances.
I’ve pretty consistently expressed major doubts here as to the veracity of the allegations, until today.
Failing to release that report is huge.
It changed my mind as to whether the plaintiff is credible.
This did play out. There was an “independent” investigation and it sure seems like that independent investigation found problems.
This isn’t going away.
- Anonymous - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:44 am:
- Westward - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:09 am:
I said “yes” because you don’t say “no” to the Treasurer.
LOL.
- INDEPENDENT - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:44 am:
He needs to call it quits and pick one of the other candidates to throw his support to.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:49 am:
- Smoggie -,
===This did play out.===
In a courtroom? In a court of law? Rutherford is not entitled to that? Yikes!
You and Bruce Rauner, the business world and the public sector are two different animals. Politically, he needs to withdraw, there is nothing to say Rutherford can’t have his day in court, unless chasing ambulances, and then getting an outcome without a chance to go to court seems quite appropriate.
If you are a lawyer, and you don’t believed in allowing Rutherford his day, then why gave an assumption of innocence…ever?
- So Sorry - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:49 am:
smoggie, you’re right that something illegal would likely cause a resignation in the corp world. But there’s also a corollary to that in that many things could show up in a corporate report that would not cause a resignation but in the political world would be hidden.
So we’re a long way from knowing whether Rutherford is guilty of anything that impairs his ability to do his job.
And I have no idea where the bizarre ambulance chaser thing came from.
- Mouthy - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:50 am:
He’s done for. He had to know what not releasing the report would do. He should withdraw. He just made it easy.
- Charlie Wilkins - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:56 am:
Rutherford needs to withdraw from the race, he is damaged goods and by staying in will guarantee a Rauner win. Everyone says Rauner is bad but he has a message that is resonating with people - term limits, shake things up, the voters are embracing people that talk that way due to the lack of government trust. Not saying he is right or supporting him but merely calling it like I see it.
- Smoggie - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:58 am:
Oswego,
I’m not advocating locking him up.
I’m advocating a resignation.
If you can’t do your job — for whatever reason — you need to step away.
There is a report that we should all agree likely casts serious doubts as to how that office is being run.
There is a lawsuit pending. Do you really think Dan’s primary focus is on where our money is going? Or is it on the defense of these allegations, which his own independent investigator apparently finds have some merit?
We need a Treasurer who is focused on his job.
- Dan from Springfield - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:58 am:
Only in Illinois
- bored now - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 11:59 am:
while i tend to believe olivia pope *could* fix this — she is a fictional character after all with magical abilities to fix everything but her own life — this isn’t t.v. i voted yes, because there is no longer any point in his staying in the race, regardless of what happened. sex sells, and that’s what people will be paying attention to…
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 12:05 pm:
- Dan in Springfield -,
What does that mean?
Spritzer in New York, McGreevy in NJ, Nevada’s Governor was letting his soon-to-be ex-wife have the mansion as get residence, and Rudy Guliani, and his wife living in Gracie Mansion while dating a staffer.
So what does, ” Only in Illinois” mean?
- hindsight - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 12:06 pm:
He shouldn’t drop out because he’s gay, but he needs to figure his stuff out before he perpetuates the impression of Illinois politics. Knowing that his intention of ST was simply to gain statewide recognition in order to run for Gov shows that he’s more interested in power than providing value to an office he has experience for.
- John Wood - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 12:12 pm:
Rutherford’s political career was on life support. Withholding the report was the pulling of the plug.
Unfortunately, his ego will not allow him to walk away from the campaign or the office, both of which are train wrecks.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 12:15 pm:
===If you can’t do your job — for whatever reason — you need to step away.===
He can’t go his job? How do you know? Seems to be doing the job, where can you point he is not right now, and not speculation.
===There is a report that we should all agree likely casts serious doubts as to how that office is being run.===
The report is based on alleged Sexual Harassment and political being done of state time.
Alleged. As an attorney, you know alleged I hope.
===There is a lawsuit pending. Do you really think Dan’s primary focus is on where our money is going? Or is it on the defense of these allegations, which his own independent investigator apparently finds have some merit?===
lol, I don’t know what Treasurer Rutherford’s main focus, and neither do you.
===apparently have some merit===
Based on what? No one has seen the report. The political is horrible in optics, but unless you, personally KNOW, ===apparently have some merit=== is ambulance chaser talk for, “cut your losses, here is how”
Lots of speculation. How about the governmental play itself out a bit farther.
=apparently have some merit===
Please share with us…lol
- Smoggie - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 12:22 pm:
“He can’t go his job? How do you know?”
Because I’ve spent some time defending sexual harassment claims.
Actually, I’ve been retained both by corporations doing internal investigations of their own people and I’ve defended people accused of it.
The defendant spends a ton of time in my office rather than in his own.
That’s particularly true when you have reason to believe the allegations are true and as such, you need to work on strategy to discredit any witness against the target.
On top of this, there is the whole “political work on state time.” I’ve never had to defend one of those, but I suspect that takes time too.
So that’s how I know.
- Formerly Known As... - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 12:24 pm:
Yes.
Withdraw as a candidate for governor. Focus on the lawsuit.
Continue serving as treasurer. Hope the case goes your way.
Make a come back in a few years.
- Belle - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 12:24 pm:
Yes.
I think that there is back story to this tall tale. I assume he is not guilty since this whole mess seems so odd. And, I could care less if he is gay.
Exiting the race would make life easier on everyone but especially on him and the rest of his staff. I haven’t read all 127 comments and assume many others have expressed similar thoughts.
- Chavez-respecting Obamist - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 12:26 pm:
I voted no, but I don’t want this version of the Republican Party to win anything. I miss Willie’s GOP–sure, I didn’t agree with them on most things, but they were reasonable and civil and I could deal with them.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 12:26 pm:
===Because I’ve spent some time defending sexual harassment claims.===
Every case has the Illinois state Treasurer as the defendant? Every one?
So every case is the same, all of them? Same accusers? Same witnesses? Same facts!
Yikes!!!
Please stop. My sides hurt.
- Smoggie - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 12:30 pm:
Oswego,
I get paid to defend these cases.
You apparently have zero first hand experience with the process.
I’m comfortable with my own analysis of the time and effort involved in the defense.
If you want to trust your experience rather than mine, be my guest.
- Anonymous - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 12:32 pm:
=I said “yes” because you don’t say “no” to the Treasurer.=
Anonymous 11:44, I believe I may know to what you are referring, and if so, it’s not very nice.
- Anon - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 12:33 pm:
He’s toast. His credibility is in the toilet as a result of the internal investigation that he said he would release, but now won’t.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 12:36 pm:
- Smoggie -,
So I guess every case, every one of them, the first thing you do is tell them to quit?
- Louis G. Atsaves - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 12:36 pm:
I could care less if Rutherford is or isn’t. Most Republicans I’ve run across the past two weeks seem to agree with me. But promising full disclosure that would absolve him of any wrongdoing?
The investigative report, on taxpayer’s dime, was supposed to confront the abuse allegations including campaigning on state time. There was a promise to disclose.
First he was going to disclose. Then suddenly disclosure will come some day after/during litigation?
Sorry. My vote is now a yes.
- Levois - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 12:39 pm:
“I voted no because we don’t know all the facts and I don’t think we should be setting a precedent for people to be hurt by oddly timed allegations.”
Wasn’t this exactly what happened with Jack Ryan?
- redleg - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 12:39 pm:
I voted no for the simple reason that every time in my long life that I gave up, no matter the circumstances and no matter who was telling me to give up, later on I realized I should have stayed in the fight. Stay in the fight….you might win, you might lose. Quit….it’s over for sure. It’s that simple. Nobody really knows the future. It’s all guesswork.
- A guy... - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 12:50 pm:
He’s got bigger fish to fry now that could make this election look like very small potatoes. Defend yourself full time Dan. If you’re being completely honest, get your good name back. If not, atone.
- Amuzing Myself - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 12:55 pm:
Yes. Just a distraction from the real race now.
- Smoggie - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 1:05 pm:
“So I guess every case, every one of them, the first thing you do is tell them to quit?”
Heck no.
Most of my clients need the paycheck.
If the employer is OK with the person spending more time in my office than his own, I’m not going to tell the person to quit.
But I’m not Dan’s lawyer.
I’m a person who lives in Illinois who thinks we could use a full time Treasurer.
And realistically, we are not going to have one for a while.
- Nathan - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 1:07 pm:
Yes drop out Dan . Your only hurting Bill Brady win so drop out endorse him and then transfer over your campaign funds to him so he can run ads against Rauner
- Just Me - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 1:14 pm:
I voted no because I would like to see it play out over the weekend and see if Dan changes his mind and releases the report. But it clearly appears that the report is full of damaging information.
Such a bright star to fade so fast.
- Formerly Known As... - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 1:17 pm:
I can’t tell if @Nathan 1:07 is joking or serious.
- steve schnorf - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 1:37 pm:
Folks, if he resigns as Treasurer, Gov Quinn appoints his successor, who can then run as an incumbent, and I’m guessing he won’t appoint a Republican
- Pot calling kettle - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 1:41 pm:
Voted yes. I like Dan, I used to respect him, but not releasing a report he promised to release speaks volumes.
All the world’s a stage and it’s time for you to exit from this act.
=====
RUTHERFORD: A clean report! a clean report! my office for a clean report!
AIDE: Withdraw, my lord; I’ll help you to a quiet exit.
RUTHERFORD: Aide, I have set my life upon a cast, And I will stand the hazard of the die: I think there be six Rauners in the field; Five have I slain to-day instead of him. A clean report! a clean report! my office for a clean report!
- IbendahlLuvsJBT - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 1:44 pm:
Dan is quoting Teddy Roosevelt on his Facebook page. He’s not gonna drop out.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 1:51 pm:
===Dan is quoting Teddy Roosevelt on his Facebook page. He’s not gonna drop out.===
Dan Rutherford and Twitter and Facebook
That will be his legacy, and the start of the downfall.
As - Steve Schnorf - pointed out, Quinn appoints, dan us going nowhere. His race for governor is destroyed, Dan will not resign, yet, or even until someone can show that in office something criminal occurred. That is months away, maybe, bug not today.
- Nathan - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 1:55 pm:
I’m not joking
- Pot calling kettle - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 1:58 pm:
===Dan is quoting Teddy Roosevelt on his Facebook page. He’s not gonna drop out.===
He should be quoting Shakespeare. I’ve provided a couple of options.
- Anonymous - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 2:06 pm:
=Dan Rutherford and Twitter and Facebook =
And Shakespeare, though clever, probably isn’t a good idea either. What next? Titus Andronicus?
- Rich Miller - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 2:06 pm:
===What next? Titus Andronicus? ===
Nixon
- What if... - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 2:06 pm:
What if you were Steve Kim. Would you still be in this race?
- Johnnie F. - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 2:07 pm:
Yes…and take Brady with you. Dillard can win with cross-over dem votes.
- Anonymous - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 2:08 pm:
=Nixon=
;)
- Jake From Elwood - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 2:13 pm:
Withdraw from race, stay on as Treasurer.
Enjoyed the OW and Snoggie debate. This one went ten rounds but OW for the knockout.
But OW, only our host gets to tell someone to “take a breath”, no? Or does Rich just have editorial license on “bite me”?
- Swing Vote - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 2:20 pm:
WOW!….Yes. What would staying in the race do for Dan? What does it do for his staff? They are all at risk and need to focus on protecting themselves.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 2:20 pm:
I think Rich has license on anything Rich wants here. I borrowed from Rich, not my own device.
To ALL that,
Nixonian indeed. From the time of the first indictments to Nixon getting on “Special Marine Mission”, formerly got Nixon “Marine One”, months passed. Rutherford is not doing anything governmentally anytime soon.
The political, whole ‘nother ball game.
The key is the internal report.
Those questioned should have “lawyered-up” and given no “fear” (allegedly) of being fired, that should have been pushed for safety. They were talking to a former FBI agent with unlimited/unknown powers. Going in there alone, yikes.
- Smoggie - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 2:21 pm:
“Enjoyed the OW and Snoggie debate. This one went ten rounds but OW for the knockout.”
A knockout?
Actually, I think we were debating two different things.
Oswego was focused on “What’s good for Dan.”
I was focused on “What’s good for Illinois.”
As such, we arrived at different conclusions.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 2:22 pm:
- Smoggie -,
You couldn’t show cause as to why Rutherford needed to resign. Or did you, and I missed it?
- Joe Bidenopolous - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 2:26 pm:
==Dillard can win with cross-over dem votes.==
Don’t bet on that, man. People ain’t crossin’ for the primary and even if he made the general (he won’t), Dems ain’t voting for the guy who said the offensive stuff about marriage equality who’s also the ALEC state chair
- Smoggie - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 2:30 pm:
Joe,
I think the question as to whether Dillard can get Dem votes in a GOP primary, when there aren’t many contested Dem races, as opposed to a general are very different.
I suspect that more than a few Dems would prefer to stop Rauner right now. He’s a bigger threat in November than Dillard.
But no, I don’t think that would translate to Dillard support in November.
- Smoggie - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 2:38 pm:
Oswego,
Dan needs to resign if he cares about Illinois and if he takes the job of Treasurer seriously.
You can’t focus both on the defense of this sort of thing and on running the Treasurer’s office.
It just can’t be done. The defense takes too much time and effort.
If Dan is a person who puts himself first, he will continue taking his paycheck as he devotes a substantial amount of his time to the defense.
If he cares about IL, he will resign.
Oswego, defense of stuff like this (among other kinds of defense)is what I do. I know how much time is devoted to the defense.
On top of that, realize that this is not your typical sexual harassment claim since there is also the part about campaign work on state time.
In addition to meeting with a defense lawyer in the civil matter, he should be conferring with a criminal lawyer too.
There are serious allegations being made. Dan needs to take them seriously. That requires a major amount of time.
- John Boch - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 2:38 pm:
Yes. Refusing to release the investigation cinched it.
Try next time, Dan.
Now’s not good.
John
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 2:54 pm:
- Smoggie -,
When you have defended an elected statewide official, with same situation, with both Sexual Harassment, AND doing political work on state time…
When you do that, let me know.
Do you know the job, as described Constitutionally, and if his Constitutional duties would not be met?
You don’t. The fact you refuse to understand the governmental is your downfall in the arguement. True Believers think there is so much required to be in compliance with the duties of elected office, but Mr. Rutherford can continue, easily, with the Constitutionally requirements of his office.
You said you don’t “require” those you represent to quit, so, you get on your high horse now? You have no experience representing the Treasurer of Illinois in a sexual harassment and political work case, so to speak to it as its a garden variety case is very lazy.
No reason at this point for Rutherford to resign. Today. Nothing. It took Nixon months to get “there”, how about taking pause, and presume innocence in court, until a case brought before a court show otherwise. Put away the pitchforks, extinguish the torches…
- Formerly Known As... - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 3:04 pm:
My comments have been sharply critical of Rutherford at certain points, but any notion of resignation is asinine.
The trial could wind up justifying him for all we know at this point. Let the process run its course, which it will. Sheesh.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 3:08 pm:
The question is about the campaign only. Keep your comments confined to the question, please. Move along. Thanks.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 3:11 pm:
===Or maybe the difference, Oswego, is that I expect government officials to work, and you do not.
You seem to think that part time, at best, work from them is acceptable. I don’t. That may be the core of our disagreement.===
What is Constitutionally Required of the Illinois Treasurer?
That is what the people elected Rutherford to do; the constitutional requirements.
SECTION 18. TREASURER - DUTIES
The Treasurer, in accordance with law, shall be
responsible for the safekeeping and investment of monies and
securities deposited with him, and for their disbursement
upon order of the Comptroller.
(Source: Illinois Constitution.)
Yeah, Rutherford can comply, unless you have a different constitution I haven’t seem making this moot…
- The Fat Lady - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 3:27 pm:
I’m so glad we had this time together just to have a laugh or sing a song. Seems we just get started and before you know it, comes the time we have to say so long… So long Dan, (the Fat Lady has sung).
To answer someone else’s post:
‘I voted no because we don’t know all the facts and I don’t think we should be setting a precedent for people to be hurt by oddly timed allegations. If Rutherford is found innocent this looks an awful lot like extortion.’
But will there be enough time for him to save his campaign for governor? No. It’s a little more than a month away. I like Dan a lot. But I feel this stuff about workers doing campaign work on government time and the hotel stuff will not resolve itself quickly. He knows it and we do too.
…comes the time he has to say, so long. Much Love Dan and good night.
- So Sorry - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 3:38 pm:
OW,
Of course Rutherford can meet those constitutional requirements. And if that is the bar for your elected officials, have at it. Some people have a higher bar. obviously not enough to make a difference in Illinois, because we routinely put into office people who barely get over the bar.
But feel free to have whatever standards you want for your elected officials. But spare us the criticism of those who think that something more than constitutional requirements is preferred.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 3:41 pm:
1) Rich asked us to move along. I read your comment. I stand by mine.
2) See, “1)”
- Waydownstate - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 3:43 pm:
I voted no because there are two many unanswered questions. If Rauner is behind this it must be brought out. The damage is done but I don’t want Rauner to get away with dirty politics.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 3:46 pm:
=== If Rauner is behind this it must be brought out.===
Get over it, already.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 3:52 pm:
=== If Rauner is behind this it must be brought out.===
If Rutherford is validated by the report, it must be brought out.
Better.
- Dave - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 3:53 pm:
=What if you were Steve Kim. Would you still be in this race?=
I’d make sure I had my own hotel room.
- VanillaMan - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 3:56 pm:
So Dan,
The longer you stay in, the less this election becomes about the real issues facing Illinois. Because of you, we can’t focus on how lousy Illinois has become under Democratic One-Party Rule. We can’t discuss any reforms. We can’t discuss what an amateur Quinn is. We can’t get anyone elected who isn’t a Democrat, and that’s bad.
If you lose, the GOP looks like it can’t handle supporting proven leaders when the press smears them with rumors about being in the closet. If you stay in this campaign you will lose and so will the GOP. If you really want to see Quinn reelected and watch Illinois continue to tank, then I guess you can allow yourself to remain fodder for Democratic attacks.
But bottom line - you are NOT in control. You don’t control your fate right now. You don’t set the tune. You cannot campaign like that. You can’t claim to be any kind of leader and go through that.
Get out.
Please.
- Draznnl - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 4:04 pm:
I voted “burnt toast” before he refused to release the report. If there is a possible positive spin to keeping the report secret, I don’t see it. At this point, all he does by remaining in the race is suck votes away from the other non-Rauner candidates.
- Snucka - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 4:09 pm:
Regardless of his protestations, and regardless of whether he broke laws, it is clear at the very least that Rutherford has behaved in ways that make more than one or two of his employees uncomfortable. Perhaps he never realized he was doing it, or he believed that his personal charm and charisma would ensure that those employees would go to bat for him in his hour of need. It seems that was his great gamble, and now he knows that he has lost. He knows, in his heart, that his life’s greatest ambition, towards which he has worked for over 20 years, is lost as well.
Rutherford is a smart man, but he is in the heat of a statewide campaign. It doesn’t appear that he has anyone close to him who, to paraphrase Don Vito Corleone, will tell the candidate what everybody seems to know. Rutherford is in deep denial about the state of his campaign, among other things, and immersing himself in a demanding and busy schedule is the only way he is able to cope right now.
I worry about what March 19 will look like for Dan Rutherford, the human being. Today he can cloak himself in the beautiful delusion that his supporters, half of whom have abandoned him according to the polls, will suddenly rise up and nominate him… and that he will then survive an eight-month campaign and defeat an incumbent Governor. On March 19, the bustle of the campaign behind him, Dan will be forced to wake up and look at the wreckage. His campaign over, the hated Mr. Rauner triumphant and his days as Treasurer numbered– all while facing a federal lawsuit filed by a former friend. These truly are the times that try men’s souls, and I hope for his sake that Dan is strong enough to recover from all of this. His health needs to come first, but I fear that his ambition and pride could blind him to that consideration. Those factors could also fuel the shame that he will feel and lead him to a truly tragic end. I urge him to do what he needs to do for the next month, and then seriously consider seeking psychiatric treatment. I also urge his real friends and family to encourage him to do so.
- Formerly Known As... - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 4:12 pm:
I voted yes.
Regardless, we have to remember where the bar is currently set in Illinois.
We have Al Sanchez (federal fraud conviction) and Ike Carothers (bribery and tax fraud convictions) running for the Cook County Board.
We also have Derrick Smith running for the State House. He’s even been endorsed by party leadership.
I no longer think Rutherford can win, and it appears his staying in the race would now help Rauner. Regardless, Rutherford certainly has every right to stay in the race if he so chooses.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 4:19 pm:
===We have Al Sanchez===
Off the ballot.
- steve schnorf - Friday, Feb 14, 14 @ 4:22 pm:
I’ve just realized how stupid my earlier comment was. Of course a replacement couldn’t run for Treasurer, there are already candidates on the ballot for both parties nominations: don’t see how you could add one at this late date. Sorry, willie