MJM in his own words
Monday, Apr 28, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* On making the tax hike permanent…
“We have previous governors who weren’t so courageous,” said House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago), calling the governor “forthright,” adding, “it’s not going to be an easy vote” for lawmakers.
Those who are worried about their re-election chances, Madigan said, should consider, “What kind of a budget do they wish to support? If they want a budget that is lower than the current one, why, they should vote no. If they want to maintain the current level of service for things such as education, mental health, and human services, they should vote yes for the extension of the income tax increase.”
* On the gubernatorial campaign…
“The people of Illinois will have a clear choice. Quinn is a Democrat, and as a Democrat he is a public official that wants to show progress. Progress for the state, progress for the people of the state, progress in improving the opportunities for the people of the state. Rauner’s a Republican. He represents reaction. He wants to go back, and he wants to go back to a day that’s long gone.”
* On Sen. Michael Noland’s vote against him for state party chairman…
“Wherever I’ve had opposition in the legislature or in the state Democratic Party, we’ve usually made converts of those people, because we want to work with people and we want to move in the right direction,” Madigan said.
“So I would expect that in due time you’ll find that Mr. Noland will want to be one of those seconding my nomination.”
* On redistricting reform…
“Over the last 50 years, five maps. Republicans have done one out of five. They’re angry, and this is part of their Republican politics. That’s all there is.”
* On that ridiculous vote by the Executive Committee to send a bill to the floor which would spend $100 million on an Obama presidential library…
A lesson in politics: Whichever party is in charge can often use the rules to its advantage. Like last week, when the Obama library proposal passed out of a Democratic-controlled House committee with nine votes … even though only five representatives were there. Republicans had skipped the hearing, and many say they’re opposed to spending the money given Illinois’ financial situation.
House Speaker Michael Madigan, a Democrat, calls it a “misunderstanding,” and says the committee will vote again, once the legislative session resumes next week.
“I would hope with the support of the Republican members of the committee, who I would think would want to support a son of Illinois, who rose to the Presidency,” Madigan says.
Madigan says he doesn’t understand the reluctance to spend taxpayer money on the project, pointing out that the state funded the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield. He says an Obama library in Chicago would likewise be an international tourist attraction.
* On his miserable poll ratings…
“Day in and day out, I’m always taking positions on controversial issues,” Madigan said. “I’m not surprised the poll ratings would be low.”
- Boone's is Back - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 10:29 am:
What’s with the Noland vote against MJM for party chair?
- AFSCME Steward - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 10:32 am:
“Day in and day out, I’m always taking positions on controversial issues,” Madigan said. “I’m not surprised the poll ratings would be low.”
A leader should be evaluated on exactly where he leads us. Madigan has been a primary Democratic leader for over 30 years. Where are we as a state. Are we in a good place ? The reason Madigan is so low in the polls isn’t because of controversial stands, it is because the people are not happy where they’ve ended up.
- Formerly Known As... - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 10:34 am:
It’s about much more than taking positions on controversial issues.
It’s also about 30+ years of leadership, at least one decade of control, and our current state of affairs.
- Wensicia - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 10:42 am:
“I’m always taking positions on controversial issues,”
It’s not the positions that he takes, it’s the fact he controls which positions get voted on and which do not. Too much power in one man’s hands.
- Upon Further Review - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 10:45 am:
It is not “courageous” to promote tax increases because the legislators do not have the will power to cut spending. There is government waste and redundancy. Spending is popular and some politicians are addicted to it because it adds to their vote totals. Illinois has a spending problem.
For example, several neighboring states have no tolls on their highways, but they have better roads. Why is that? The City Colleges of Chicago has seen fit to replace two college campuses that were brand new less than forty-two years ago. How can major multimillion dollar public buildings wear out so quickly?
I am not opposed to responsible government spending, but I hesitate to send more cash to the same politicians who failed to reduce unpaid state bills after the last “temporary” income tax hike.
- wordslinger - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 10:50 am:
–For example, several neighboring states have no tolls on their highways, but they have better roads.–
If you can find a state legislator south of I-80 willing to get rid of the Tollway Authority, let me know.
- Langhorne - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 10:54 am:
re budget and spending level–no one mentions our backlog of bills anymore. buy my argument and make it permanent, or the kid gets it.
re gov election–good guy who wants to give you things, versus the bad guy who wants to take them away
re redistricting–we rigged it fair and square. even the judges we financed said so (thats why we havent redrawn their districts in decades). maps and money are the key to my success. we aint messing w success.
re taking controversial positions–yep, thats part of the job of speaker. i get to decide who pays and who benefits. who gets into the cookie jar and who gets screwed.you new around here?
mjm’s perspective is just as skewed as the barons, just from the opposite end of the spectrum.
- OneMan - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 10:57 am:
How that will go when the time comes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiq5tnzmLBM
- VanillaMan - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 10:58 am:
“We have previous governors who weren’t so courageous,” said House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago), calling the governor “forthright,” adding, “it’s not going to be an easy vote” for lawmakers.
Since when have we lowered the definition of courage to mean casting votes in a state legislative body? No one is going to lose their life. It is pretty pathetic to hear any politician claim they are courageous for doing what they were elected to do.
- Upon Further Review - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 10:59 am:
@Wordslinger:
I have often wondered if it would be fairer if all major Illinois roads were subject to tolls. There are some metro areas that have big roads and no toll plazas.
It is interesting that the Illinois State Supreme Court is considering a challenge to the automatic red light cameras, unlike other portions of the Vehicle Code, such devices are only authorized in selected counties.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 10:59 am:
===For example, several neighboring states have no tolls on their highways, but they have better roads. Why is that?===
“We don’t use it, why do we have to pay for it?”
Better roads? Take I-65 to Indianapolis. That “ain’t” better. So, what is “better”?
- A guy... - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 11:00 am:
First you rationalize your position so that the army that promotes it knows what to say. Can’t wait to hear these answers quoted and misquoted around the state by well meaning, but under-thinking partisans. In esse, he says, “by and large, they do what I tell them to do”. Being “them” must really be worth it.
- VanillaMan - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 11:02 am:
Madigan says he doesn’t understand the reluctance to spend taxpayer money on the project, pointing out that the state funded the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield.
Although it seems he has been in office since Lincoln’s time and ought to know that Mr. Lincoln died back in 1865 so he couldn’t fund raise for his library.
Mr. Obama is alive and well, spent $1,000,000,000 to get elected twice, and doesn’t need a damn dime of our money for his library, just like every president since Hoover.
- VanillaMan - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 11:06 am:
“Day in and day out, I’m always taking positions on controversial issues,” Madigan said. “I’m not surprised the poll ratings would be low.”
Mr. Speaker, you know why you are unpopular and it has little to do with your positions on issues. It is the fact that you are considered by many to rule over Illinois like the powerful politician that you are, and Illinois is struggling as a state in so many areas.
Being more powerful than any governor since 2000 will do that to you.
But then, you know the real reason.
- Sir Reel - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 11:06 am:
Once again we hear that the Obama Library will draw like the Lincoln Library and Museum. Sorry that dog won’t run.
Presidential libraries attract scholars more than tourists. Presidential museums attract tourists.
This is the level of analytic thought that goes into $100 million decisions?
- Upon Further Review - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 11:09 am:
@Oswego Willy:
It would take too long to list better maintained highways, but I will concede the point that the interstate road from Indianapolis to Danville is in bad condition.
It is difficult to envision Illinoisans who never have traveled on an Interstate highway. Pay as you go. If you do not go, don’t pay.
Maybe only the highways near major cities ought to be subject to tolls. Add Springfield, Champaign and Metro East.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 11:11 am:
Illinois has the fourth-lowest per capita spending in the nation, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Let me repeat:
We spend less per capita than any state except Texas, Florida or Nevada.
http://kff.org/other/state-indicator/per-capita-state-spending/
So, with all due respect, Upon Further Review, we are not going to dig our way out of this hole.
Or as my grandfather used to love to exclaim:
“I keep cutting’ this board and cuttin’ it, and it is still too short.”
- wordslinger - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 11:11 am:
–I have often wondered if it would be fairer if all major Illinois roads were subject to tolls. –
More fair to whom? I thought the “internal improvements” argument was finally settled by Ike (some called him a commie for pushing the interstate highway system).
What level of tolls would you have to charge to maintain 375 miles of I57 between Chicago and Cairo?
- Upon Further Review - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 11:13 am:
@Sir Reel:
The Lincoln Library makes more sense than does the proposed Obama Library. So much of regional tourism in Springfield is tied to Lincoln historic sites.
I do not see an Obama Library becoming a comparable attraction.
- wordslinger - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 11:14 am:
–Presidential libraries attract scholars more than tourists. Presidential museums attract tourists.–
Huh? What’s the difference? Which library is not a museum?
- Upon Further Review - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 11:15 am:
@Wordslinger:
Maybe something equivalent to the toll road to the Quad Cities.
- wordslinger - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 11:17 am:
–Maybe only the highways near major cities ought to be subject to tolls.–
I don’t understand what you’re trying to say. A few minutes ago you said all roads should be toll roads in the interest of “fairness.”
How is charging tolls near major cities more “fair.” Fair for whom?
- Upon Further Review - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 11:25 am:
The Springfield area and the outlying region are the home to multiple Lincoln sites: Lincoln Home, Lincoln Law Office, the former State Legislature, the Lincoln Tomb, the Railroad Depot, etc. There are other sites some distance away such as New Salem.
I do not envision a similar network of Obama sites acting as a draw for visitors, but time will tell.
Dixon and Galena have some visitors interested in Reagan and Grant, but these historic sites are modest compared to what is available for tourists interested in Lincoln.
Obama is not an Illinois native, so many of the places that may be of interest to tourists wanting to visit such places are not concentrated in a single city. They are scattered far and wide from Hawaii to Massachusetts. I do not see underwriting an Obama Library as a good investment for Illinois.
- Ahoy! - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 11:27 am:
I have a lot of respect for the Speaker, he’s one of the most brilliant politicians of all time… anywhere.
However, his low ratings aren’t necessarily due to his stance on controversial issues, it’s because of the poor situation our state is in and him being constant throughout it.
- Upon Further Review - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 11:29 am:
As for the toll roads, the argument that Oswego Willy repeated is that Downstate residents do not want to pay for roads that they do not use (presumably in the Greater Chicago metropolitan area).
Fine. Let’s balance the financing of road by raising highway construction revenues from all of the metropolitan areas of the state. Hey, we can even promise to make all of the roads free in the future after bonds are paid. LOL.
- frustrated GOP - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 11:32 am:
“So I would expect that in due time you’ll find that Mr. Noland will want to be one of those seconding my nomination.”
He’s going to get an offer, he can’t refuse.
- AFSCME Steward - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 11:34 am:
“As for the toll roads, the argument that Oswego Willy repeated is that Downstate residents do not want to pay for roads that they do not use”
So let’s create a system where the only people that use the roads pay for them. Hmm, I wonder how many roads will be left for all those downstaters.
- AFSCME Steward - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 11:35 am:
“He’s going to get an offer, he can’t refuse.”
Soon to be Jimmy Hoffa’s roommate ?
- Rich Miller - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 11:38 am:
===Soon to be Jimmy Hoffa’s roommate ? ===
Nah, more like this…
“Senator? You can have my answer now, if you like. My final offer is this: nothing. Not even the fee for the gaming license, which I would appreciate if you would put up personally.”
- OldSmoky2 - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 11:40 am:
These responses by Madigan show why he’s so good at maintaining his position. Reading them is like watching a grandmaster play chess games with 50 amateurs simultaneously. It’s no contest, really. Not saying it can’t be done, but if people want to beat him, they need to up their game considerably.
And while I don’t agree with him politically on a number of issues, he’s right about the library. It should be obvious that Obama’s election and re-election as the first African-American to serve as president was and is historic, regardless of what you think of his policies. That alone guarantees that his presidential library will attract large numbers of visitors long after we are all dead and gone. It will be a major asset wherever it’s built and a huge loss for Illinois if it’s not built here.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 11:40 am:
===So let’s create a system where the only people that use the roads pay for them. Hmm, I wonder how many roads will be left for all those downstaters.===
Exactly. The “cry” of downstate or others who rarely use Toll Roads miss the whole point, not everything is as ” simple” as make roads toll ways, while - wordslinger - reminds us of the Eisenhower vision.
Yikes, can you imaging tolls from Bloomington to Champaign, or Quincy to Springfield as the undisputed rule for ALL travel on roads not local?
Learn the arguments, when you learn them, you may learn why they don’t work too.
- Judgment Day - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 11:42 am:
Just a thought about using public funds for a Presidential Library.
Once of the primary rationales used by existing Presidential Libraries to keep items ‘off limits’ for extended periods of time is that the libraries were built using non-public funds.
Since we are talking about using State of Illinois public monies (a $100 mil) as a ‘kickstarter’ for funding an Obama Presidential Library, that pretty much blows a hole right through the Obama Presidential Library bring able to keep items/correspondence/documents ‘off limits’ for extended periods of time.
That would almost certainly be court litigation over that. Just a thought.
- Anon - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 11:49 am:
YDD No use confusing with the facts people who believe the mantra that “IL has a spending problem.”
Apparently VM has never read Profiles in Courage.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 12:01 pm:
===Nah, more like this…
“Senator? You can have my answer now, if you like. My final offer is this: nothing. Not even the fee for the gaming license, which I would appreciate if you would put up personally.”===
MJM is a “Corleone”. The Speaker will wait, watch, plan, and execute his plan to the T.
The list is “long and distinguished” of those who thought they figured out something different.
- Upon Further Review - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 12:03 pm:
Would an Obama library/museum have empty shelves or computers with blank screens? He has been an unusually secretive president in terms of disclosing a host of items relating to basic personal information. The jury is still out on how well is presidency will be ranked, but the media’s refusal to vet his credentials is beyond dispute. Some media personnel have admitted as much. I am not certain as to how popular a Obama library will be to out of state tourists. He is more popular in Illinois than he is nationally.
On another topic, I will concede that Madigan is powerful, but is it really due to his skills or is it due to his controlling the campaign funds? Most of his members are dependent upon the party to fund their candidacies to a large degree.
- Nearly Normal - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 12:05 pm:
Judgement Day — Presidential Libraries come under the rules and regulations of the National Archives. Access to presidential materials comes under federal law for the most recent presidents (Reagan to GW Bush.) The first presidential library was the Franklin Roosevelt Presidential Library that was dedicated on July 4, 1940.
Also, according to the webpage–
Succeeding libraries have been constructed with private and other non-Federal funds. A private, non-profit organization is formed to coordinate these efforts and provide support for library and museum programs. Once a library is constructed, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) assumes responsibility for its operation and maintenance in accordance with the Presidential Libraries Acts of 1955 and 1986.
http://www.archives.gov/presidential-libraries/faqs/#5
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 12:08 pm:
===… I will concede that Madigan is powerful, but is it really due to his skills or is it due to his controlling the campaign funds? Most of his members are dependent upon the party to fund their candidacies to a large degree.===
Ask those who run against MJM’s Crew in a Tier One race if its the “money” that put MJM’s Crew over the top.
You might here; Orgaization, Message, Ground Game, Response to attacks, Coalition building…
A complete package comes with an MJM run race. That is why they win consistently, not money as the primary reason driving the other factors.
- Upon Further Review - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 12:10 pm:
Toni Berrios?
- wordslinger - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 12:13 pm:
–He has been an unusually secretive president in terms of disclosing a host of items relating to basic personal information–
Here we go…. the Manchurian Candidate.
UFR, there’s a line between skeptic and crackpot.
If you’re wondering where that line is, look behind you.
- Earl Shumaker - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 12:14 pm:
I think one reason Madigan’s ratings have tanked is also due to the fact that he apparently had no respect for honoring his oath of office is supporting and defending the Illinois Constitution and contract law(Case in point: SB1 which would legitimize the stealing of legally owed pensions and COLAS),
- Sue - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 12:16 pm:
LOL- If they were to ever issue an update to Profiles in Courage- Madigan certainly would not be an entry- Perhaps he has forgotten that he routinely pushes off controversial issues and votes until after the primary date passes or that recent tax increase was delayed until after the November election. If we had leaders with any fortitude, Illinois wouldn’t be the laughing stock we are with the second highest unemployment rate and worst funded pensions in the USA
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 12:16 pm:
===Toni Berrios===
Is there a Point? I said that the Maria Berrios loss was the most significant loss MJM and Chairman Berrios had all Primary and shock waves would/could be felt for a long time.
Joe Berrios won re-election as County Chair by acclimation, MJM won State Chair with all voting for him, less one.
So, to your Point, or lack thereof, what are you trying to say, Will won’t vote for MJM for Speaker? Ok, wish him well on that. I will.
- WhoKnew - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 12:16 pm:
http://www.illinoispolicy.org/madigans-broken-pension-promise/?utm_source=outbrain
Fast and loose with the facts! That’s our Madigan!!
- 47th Ward - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 12:25 pm:
===a line between skeptic and crackpot===
LOL.
I hope the Obama library has a permanent exhibit on the Obama Derangement Syndrome. That should pack them in like King Tut.
You’d have the birth certificate of course. A re-creation of the madrassa he attended in Indonesia, the missing Occidental and Columbia transcripts, the Rev. Wright tapes, Bill Ayres’ couch, the secret executive order to confiscate all guns. It could be a remarkable museum guaranteed to generate revenue.
If that doesn’t justify a $100 million state grant, nothing does.
- The Prince - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 12:29 pm:
Madigan does not care about the library; he knows the GOP will not go along with it, and, when it fails, will blame said party for its failing in an effort to increase turnout this November for Quinn and his own candidates.
- Upon Further Review - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 12:31 pm:
@Wordslinger:
Not everyone who questions the president is a birth certificate conspirator.
Will a library or museum reference the multiple discrepancies that biographer David Maraniss found in Obama’s “Dreams From My Father” or not?
Will there be previously undisclosed law review articles or college transcripts? Why is the most intelligent person in the USA unwilling to show his report cards? Will there be real estate closing documents from the Rezkos? Will there be publications from the Trinity United Church of Christ which featured both Obama, Farrakhan and Wright?
Some of these things are not imaginary smears from opponents. They are matters of historical fact or points of public interest.
So what would you put in the library/museum? “Hope and Change” posters?
The truth is that we have far more information on almost all of Obama’s predecessors than we do about the current president. The fact that you are unwilling to acknowledge the same does not mean that it is not true.
- Upon Further Review - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 12:35 pm:
@Oswego Willy:
What made the Berrios defeat interesting is that the challenger had sufficient resources to make a race of it. I am not overly impressed when an organization that is the equal to the Ohio State University beats up on a community college. In many districts, Madigan wins by spending obscene amounts of money.
- Robert the Bruce - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 12:39 pm:
Brilliant idea, 47th ward. Design those exhibits to appeal to both the tea party and Colbert fans who understand sarcasm, and we could make good money.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 12:43 pm:
- URF -,
There was also a “rerun” of two years earlier. Can a big difference, but losing as Maria Berrios did, it can be like Michigan losing to Western Michigan; it’s interesting as a stand alone, but if UM loses 8 more game to teams like WMU, then you have mor of my attention.
I kinda get the point, but many factors, including a 2nd bite at the apple against a candidate you lost to by a handful of votes helps that cake bake too, versus a 1st time run against MJM’s Crew.
- Formerly Known As... - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 12:54 pm:
As to the library, Mr. Madigan needs to read the NARA report accompanying PL 110-404.
Even the most popular Presidential libraries operate on very thin margins. It would take an eternity for this museum to pay back a $100 million loan.
Besides, according to the NARA and the Libraries Act, the NARA can’t run the library if we do this. This puts us on the hook for a lot more than a massive one-time giveaway we cannot afford and that no one else is asking for in the first place.
- steve schnorf - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 12:59 pm:
UFR, you may not think of yourself as a birther, but your comments will get you into the class picture
- wordslinger - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 1:05 pm:
UFR, report cards? You might want to take a nap.
- A guy... - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 1:08 pm:
He lost more than the Berrios race. See Hyde Park and Urbana for two.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 1:12 pm:
=== See Hyde Park and Urbana for two. ===
He lost the Hyde Park race? That’s big news.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 1:35 pm:
=== See Hyde Park and Urbana for two. ===
You keep pushing all these “loses”, I though it was refuted, wasn’t it?
If you don’t understand MJM, he beats you before you know what hits you. Thinking you know is a Madigan staple, and misreading what has happened is a only helping the Speaker.
- A guy... - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 2:13 pm:
=== Rich Miller - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 1:12 pm:
=== See Hyde Park and Urbana for two. ===
He lost the Hyde Park race? That’s big news.===
I know it’s an unwieldy district and I know Christian Mitchell won, but wasn’t it a dent? I think I read here he lives in HP. It seems to me there’s been at least a small “piling up” of things lately threatening the ‘be all, end all’ status of MJM. Every day we read of another vote that doesn’t have the numbers. I can’t remember a time when the rumbling was this loud. Can anyone?
- wordslinger - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 2:17 pm:
– Every day we read of another vote that doesn’t have the numbers. I can’t remember a time when the rumbling was this loud. Can anyone?–
Your operating under the Tribbie/Kass delusion that Madigan is all-powerful and could get a majority vote on whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. That’s never been the case.
- Upon Further Review - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 2:20 pm:
The library could have golf scorecards, college basketball brackets, “selfies” taken at state funerals and so much more! Maybe we should pass a resolution to replace the entire Mount Rushmore line-up with an Obama memorial too.
Using the criteria provided above, the class picture would have to be a crowded one — about 47% of the USA voted against Obama last time out.
If you add in members of the General Assembly, who will tell you in private that their former colleague was not that impressive as a legislator… well.
For the record, I voted for Hillary in ‘08. Not because I liked her especially, but because I knew Obama’s actual record as a politician as opposed to his fictional memoirs.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 2:20 pm:
===I know it’s an unwieldy district and I know Christian Mitchell won, but wasn’t it a dent?===
“I know it’s an unwieldy state and I know Bruce Rauner won, but wasn’t it a dent?”
You want to answer that - A Guy… -.
Perspective is a funny thing.
- 47th Ward - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 2:22 pm:
===I think I read here he lives in HP.===
Umm, A guy, maybe I’m misreading your comment, but Madigan lives in the 13th Ward near Midway. Because if you really thought Madigan lived in Mitchell’s district, then your whole understanding of legislative politics is fundamentally wrong.
These aren’t mutually exclusive however.
- wordslinger - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 2:27 pm:
UFR, you’re not obsessed or anything, are you? For a guy who complains that we don’t know enough about Obama, you seem to have filled in a lot of blanks.
- A guy... - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 2:40 pm:
=== 47th Ward - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 2:22 pm:
===I think I read here he lives in HP.===
I was referring to Christian Mitchell, who I believe I read here resides in Hyde Park. I made no mention whatsoever about Madigan living in his district; only that it’s odd shaped (and runs a long way north and south- sort of the Chile shaped district according to the description) Mitchell took a tough vote on Pension Reform, was targeted heavily by the IEA, and survived, but required a LOT of money to win a race that would normally be a walk in the park. That’s what I referred to as a “dent”.
===Oswego Willy - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 2:20 pm:
===I know it’s an unwieldy district and I know Christian Mitchell won, but wasn’t it a dent?===
“I know it’s an unwieldy state and I know Bruce Rauner won, but wasn’t it a dent?”====
Uh, no Willie. Let’s go over our fruits again. Let’s start with apples and oranges.
- VanillaMan - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 2:42 pm:
Apparently VM has never read Profiles in Courage.
I’m a big fan of all the books Ted Sorensen wrote, so naturally I have.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 2:44 pm:
- A Guy… -,
You struggle with facts, now fruit too?
You keep with talking points, I guess some are Kass-like too now?
- Upon Further Review - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 2:46 pm:
@Wordslinger:
I have a library card and I use it. I like to read presidential biographies (Truman by McCullough, Lincoln, TR, working on the new Coolidge book by Shales now). To paraphrase Bill Clinton — the official version of BHO is one of “the biggest fairy tales” ever spun. “Dreams from My Father” reads like fiction because large portions of the book were and are imaginary.
Come to think of it, maybe MJM is just fooling us too with this library funding gimmick. I mean why would anyone seek out Monique Davis as a co-sponsor of a bill?
- Rich Miller - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 2:58 pm:
=== was targeted heavily by the IEA, and survived, but required a LOT of money to win a race that would normally be a walk in the park===
First, it was the CTU, not the IEA.
Second, he barely won his first primary race against another CTU candidate. He’s a moderate Democrat who represents a House district in which the CTU’s president also resides. He’ll never have it easy as long as Karen Lewis is around.
- wordslinger - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 3:01 pm:
So, A Guy, in your world, a win is a loss?
- Rich Miller - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 3:25 pm:
=== I mean why would anyone seek out Monique Davis as a co-sponsor of a bill? ===
I don’t think that was done deliberately.
- A guy... - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 3:32 pm:
Pardon the confusion between CTU and IEA. From your lips to God’s ears on Karen Lewis. I know at least one Democrat who wouldn’t be sorry to see her leave the neighborhood. (2 if you count Mitchell) Wordslinger, it was a very, very costly win. Could be a prelude to a loss elsewhere if the money doesn’t regenerate at the same rate. It probably will though. It’s a seat that will require defense for the life span of Karen Lewis I guess. It’s still resources not available somewhere else.
I’ve been reading for 4 years that Brady’s win was a loss for the GOP, because many are certain beyond any doubt that KD would have beaten PQ. I never bought that in that cycle. I read the same this time about KD having the better shot than BR. It’s all conjecture unless a race really occurs. But, in my world, a win is a win is a win. Expensive wins are the kind guys with money or access to money can afford to have I guess.
- steve schnorf - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 3:48 pm:
UFR, I’m one of the 47% who didn’t vote for President Obama. None of the issues you raised in your post I originally responded to (grades, being a muslim, etc, etc) had anything to do with my vote. You are denying your own instincts with your protests; you are a brother birther, and the reasons you raise are just plain silly. I will give you great credit though, for sticking to your guns, no matter how wrong you are.
- Upon Further Review - Monday, Apr 28, 14 @ 4:40 pm:
@Steve Schnorff:
I never referred to Obama’s religion per se.
I did mention that he was included in a church publication with Wright and Farrakhan (promoting some type of award or another), but I never mentioned his religious affiliation. Someone else may have done so, but I did not.
As being silly, of course, one of my comments was meant to be sarcasm. Bottom line: Illinois ought not waste time on subsidizing the presidential library and both major Chicago newspapers have said the same thing in editorials.
Concerning the Madigan Machine, I believe State Representative Bob Rita was not the endorsed candidate in his primary race years ago either, but he mended fences with Madigan after beating their candidate.
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