Question of the day
Wednesday, Oct 22, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* We’ve surpassed the 100 comment mark on the Dave McKinney resignation story, so it’s time for a fresh thread.
* The Question: What do you think happens next?
…Adding… The AP story is predictably “he said, she said”…
An Illinois political reporter says he’s resigned after being put on temporary leave when Republican governor candidate Bruce Rauner’s campaign accused him of having a conflict of interest.
Oy.
…Adding More… From Jim Kirk, Sun-Times Publisher/Editor In Chief…
It is with reluctance that I accept Dave McKinney’s resignation. As recently as this Monday on our Op/Ed page, I stated that Dave is among the best in our profession. I meant it then and I mean it now. The pause we took last week was to ensure there were no conflicts of interest and was taken simply to protect Dave McKinney, the Sun Times and its readers as we were under attack in a heated political campaign. We came to the right result, found the political attacks against us to be false and we stand by our reporting, our journalists and this great newspaper.
I disagree with Dave’s questioning the integrity of this newspaper and my role as editor and publisher. I call the shots. While I’ve been here, our ownership and management have never quashed a story and they have always respected the journalistic integrity of this paper.
Yeah, he’s in charge. Rightio, pal.
- in the know - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 3:46 pm:
Rauner hires him………. bwa ha ha ha
- Anonymiss - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 3:46 pm:
Upon poking holes in the 1st Amendment, Rauner looks for others to destroy. Passes on 2nd, eyes 19th.
- Peoria Guy - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 3:48 pm:
Nothing happens next. Dave looks for a new job and the firestorm as it is dies out.
- Knome Sane - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 3:48 pm:
What happens next? I think William j. Kelly will spout something stupid on this blog in a bid to get someone to look at him.
- East Central Illinois - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 3:48 pm:
Now we have two problems: 1) An election on November 4th with absolutely no qualified “good for Illinois” candidates running for governor, and 2) an issue with a reporter and a news publication that goes far beyond the governor election - - I realize this happens a lot, but power, ethics, integrity - - all big issues that neither Quinn nor Rauner know anything dealing with those three words in a positive manner.
- Team Sleep - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 3:49 pm:
This insider baseball ends before the World Series.
- in the know - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 3:50 pm:
sadly, I agree with Peoria Guy and Team Sleep
- Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 3:51 pm:
Other columnists in town will write about it in solidarity, Quinn camp will make hay of it if they haven’t already, not sure if legal action will be an option since he resigned but I don’t expect Mr. Collins to remain silent about this. Ultimately, I don’t know if it moves the needle much with the general public but it could turn coverage against Rauner even further than it already is. Journalists are human and have feelings after all (though you might doubt that if you see them eat — kidding!).
- OldSmoky2 - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 3:53 pm:
I was going to say it becomes a national story but that seems to happening already. It’s the top of the page at poynter.org’s MediaWire as of a few minutes ago, so media folks all over the country are reading about it. It will be interesting to see how the Chicago AP office and the Illinois papers that endorsed Rauner react now.
- anon - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 3:56 pm:
The bosses at the Sun-Times will exhibit no shame, though they should.
Dave McKinney has solidified his reputation for journalistic integrity, something his bosses no longer care much about.
- Anonymoiis - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 3:56 pm:
Nothing really happens next. For all the outrage expressed by some journalists, their best chance to highlight it for it to have any impact, if it would have had any, would’ve been Monday night…but I don’t recall even Charles Thomas making much of it (except on his twitter), no?
- Joe Bidenopolous - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 3:58 pm:
With the McKinney story? Not much. Aside from Crain’s and the teevee, who’s gonna report it? If the Trib hasn’t yet taken the opportunity to whack the ST, which they typically delight in doing, they’re not going to do so now.
Dave’s awesome and he’ll be fine, I’m sure. Godspeed Dave.
As for the rest, I’ll say this. I’ve been on a lot of campaigns, both sides. Even if you’re winning the final weeks are never that much fun. I also had the privilege of being on a ridiculously well funded campaign that we knew was a dog more than 30 days out - it’s no fun going to work knowing you’re going to lose.
And I’ve seen some more complete, instantaneous campaign implosions - Blair Hull and Jack Ryan come to mind. But I’ve never seen a campaign go thoroughly and so completely down the tubes when it didn’t have to. It’s like watching one of those slow-motion punches on youtube. I just can’t imagine being on the Rauner staff for two more weeks. I’m sure it’s more toxic in those rooms than lindane.
- The Fridge - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 3:58 pm:
It becomes a small national story and those outside IL will just figure it’s classic IL/Chicago politics. Not much will happen after that jump to conclusion. A lot happened in the news today, sorry Canada.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 3:58 pm:
What do I…THINK…will happen?
McKinney can get his story told on a larger stage than Chicago, and folks like @StatehouseChick will pretend they are all upset, but will stand by their endorsements in utter silence locally, and Rauner will do something Blago wanted to do, but never did;
Control the Chicago News Narrative.
What I would LOVE to see?
ABC7 Chicago’s Charles Thomas do an interview with McKinney.
- Wensicia - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 3:59 pm:
I’ve become so cynical about the lack of objective commentary on Rauner’s intimidation tactics, so nothing. This works for him, both past and present.
- Bill White - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 3:59 pm:
Here is a pro-Rauner point of view with an (AP) label attached
http://www.wgem.com/story/26866805/reporter-resigns-following-rauner-complaint
- Whatever - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 3:59 pm:
Sadly, nothing.
- anon - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:00 pm:
Knome Sane - What happens next? I think Knome Sane will spout something stupid on this blog in a bid to get someone to look at him.
- Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:01 pm:
I agree with a lot of what Joe Bidenopolous says above, and the funny(?) thing is despite all this Rauner clownshow he can still win this thing.
- anon - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:02 pm:
What happens next? The haters like Joe Walsh or Dan Proft will say something stupid on this blog in a bid to get someone to look at them.
- Obamas Puppy - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:02 pm:
Adds to the pile of Rauner trying to buy/bully his way to the office regardless of the implications. He is a power hungry elitist who will not let anything stand in his way. If that Rauner endorsement ad comes down then you know they view this story as to big to ignore. That is the real gauge.
- IrishPirate - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:02 pm:
1.Kass had to decide whether his journalistic tough guy persona is real or just a schtick.
2.Editorial boards that endorsed Rauner need to reexamine their position. I can understand the criticism of Quinn, but if you don’t think it could get any worse you’re not remembering the Ryan to Blago transition. It can get worse. Rauner is not emotionally suited to be a politician.
- Knome Sane - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:02 pm:
@ anon 4:00
Thanks for looking, I needed that.
- Snucka - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:02 pm:
I agree with Bidenopolous that nothing will happen. I don’t agree that the Rauner camp is depressed and go to work thinking they’re going to lose every day. In fact, I think this race is very close and Rauner rightly believes he has a shot at winning.
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I’d be interested to see a poll focused on the Cook burbs. That is where the race will be decided.
- Concerned Observer - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:02 pm:
I ask again - where is the commercial from the Quinn camp tacking this onto the list of “bullying” incidents that are now defining Rauner’s business experience?
- anon - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:03 pm:
See? How easy genius can be. LOL. These dumb personal attacks against people on the thread serve no purpose. They only make you look petty and silly.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:04 pm:
The weird will turn pro.
- Norseman - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:05 pm:
P.S. Best of luck to McKinney. I hope he lands in a good spot.
- William j Kelly - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:06 pm:
If the liberal media pushes this story it will start a pro rauner backlash, please stick to why rauner is bad for Illinois and not your buds.
- Knome Sane - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:06 pm:
OW, can you clarify something? I may have missed it but both the Sun Times and Tribune endorsed Rauner, no? Why are you calling out @StatehouseChick? She works for the Tribune and not the Sun Times. I don’t see the connection, other than the fact they both work in journalism. Please expand or expain, kind sir.
- Cassidy - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:07 pm:
Nothing will happen. Media people are only slightly above Congressmen in public approval.
- WOW - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:08 pm:
Quinn comes out and has a Chuck Percy moment…he says he is not perfect but his agenda is OUR agenda not the agenda of Bruce Rauner. The campaign needs to gain some votes off of this story…hope they can get it done!
- Roscoe Tom - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:09 pm:
At least he doesn’t work for Capons anymore.
- One to the Dome - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:09 pm:
Wasn’t Blago heard on tape complaining about the Trib and Sam Zell about editorials when Zell was asking for support? political pressure and money verses journalist freedom.
- Cheryl44 - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:09 pm:
In honor of John Waters, my take
What I want to happen: We wake up tomorrow, the Sun Times is gone and Bruce Rauner says something so completely egregious that even his supporters can’t defend him.
The worst thing that can happen: Nothing. No one outside of IL covers it, no one in the IL GOP cares they are voting for a bully who hasn’t a clue how to govern.
What probably will happen–something in between those extremes.
- Buster - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:09 pm:
Could this be the moment when the image of “Governor Sluggo” crystallizes?
- Casual Observer - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:10 pm:
Sadly, any future writings by McKinney that are negative against Rauner will be perceived as vengeful by some instead of journalistic integrity. That’s sad.
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:10 pm:
Somebody will connect this to the Payton Prep clouting scandal and voters will see an ugly pattern of behavior by this guy and his pals.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:10 pm:
=The weird will turn pro.=
C’mon Rich, all the pros in this business are already weird and won’t countenance any Johnny-come-lately weirdos.
- John A Logan - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:10 pm:
In a perfect world…the Sun Times Issues a public apology and Rauner drops out of the race.
In reality…..probably very little…
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:12 pm:
I really can’t wait to read what Kass has to say about his buddy Bruce. Either he condemns him, he retracts everything he ever said about Blago or we all know he’s the biggest hack in the history of Chicago journalism
- P. - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:14 pm:
This is a company whose owner looted it to the tune of $600m… I know the leadership is ‘different’ but there isn’t really a precedent for these types of people being ashamed of their actions. Also, the reporter resigned, he wasn’t axed to the executives have an out there.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:16 pm:
- Knome Sane -
No worries, glad to clarify.
With respect.
You can’t tweet Dopey things about this specific situation, and as a Edit Board member, you endorse a guy, twice, with a history like this, and then…tweet… your support of McKinney.
So, @StatehouseChick blindly ignores Rauner and her Board endorses Rauner, tweeting both times, touting it…
Or @StatehouseChick willingly accepts Rauner, and this “standing” with McKinney is utter baloney, to still seem “kool” to reporters.
You can’t tout your endorsement on a board you serve on, and support McKinney and seem credible.
Sorry. She had her chance to stand and be counted.
You can’t …tweet…
@StatehouseChick: Bruce Rauner, to revive Illinois. Our just-posted endorsement in the governor’s race
“Revive”?
…And then tweet support of McKinney? Seriously?
- Knome Sane - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:16 pm:
What I wish happened was that Dave McKinney went out in a blaze of glory, like Howard Beale in “Network”. If you watch the clip attached, you see just how similar the mood is in 2014 as to 1976 when it was made!
“I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_qgVn-Op7Q
- Raymond - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:16 pm:
That AP lede pretty much guarantees nobody will read the story. Talk about clunky.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:16 pm:
Mr. Integrity can kiss his wife at bedtime. And watch how he became the story and the candidate. Not his alleged target the sun times. Very heroic indeed. Because with his years of experience he never saw this coming… Try for a moment and inject your candidate a democrat and prove this wrong. I hopes real journalist picks up that part of the story. My guess is it will be about Rauner and not the times. And wow this is so much bigger than our governor needing federal oversight.
- Jake From Elwood - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:17 pm:
==What do you think happens next?==
1. 99.5% of the electorate yawns at this story.
2. The other 0.5% pay attention, but most continue to sling mud based on preexisting political leanings.
3. D. McKinney is talented and will find work quick (maybe at the Tribune).
4. The Sun-Times will not be around in five years.
5. OW (with due respect) will probably continue picking on K. McQueary, even though I think his take is unfair.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:17 pm:
Where in the world is Andy Shaw and the Better Government Association?
What happens next is the Sun-times folds.
No one is going to be your source if they can’t trust the integrity of the newsroom.
People put their careers on the line at times to expose government misdeeds.
- Lunchbox - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:18 pm:
If the Sun Times had fired McKinney, it would be a big story. Since he resigned on his own, I do not see this grabbing mainstream media attention.
- Earnest - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:18 pm:
Rich and Jeff Bezos will partner to hire him, effectively monetize good quality reporting on a world-wide scale, and build a large, quality media organization. This goes great until Rick becomes a 0.1%er and leaves journalism to start running for various political offices.
- Norseman - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:20 pm:
Too bad the Raunerbots who are doing the master’s bidding here and in the previous post do not understand the concept of integrity. That’s what is missing from you and also missing from your candidate. McKinney and Rich do have it.
- Cheswick - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:20 pm:
Some reporter somewhere will ask Bruce Rauner about that which he has wrought, and he will be totally oblivious to it.
(Also, not sure if that’s the right way to use wrought. I googled it and all I could see was biblical. Sorry.)
- Dirty Red - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:21 pm:
McKinney’s now former colleagues will make a pile of “Get Well Soon” cards near his bleeding body, and then proceed to step over it.
- walker - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:22 pm:
God Bless Ben Bradley and all like him.
Any excess flak jackets to distribute to our honest reporter friends? Those who keep reporting some of these critical stories, on both sides.
I was going to name a couple of the remaining few, but don’t want their editors to get any calls.
- LizPhairTax - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:23 pm:
A bunch of empty tweets and Facebook status updates.
Much respect to Dave. You can’t write “left job on principle” on your bills when they come due. Leaving a job in an industry where another one is not likely to be forthcoming takes massive, uh, inkwells.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:24 pm:
===I disagree with Dave’s questioning the integrity of this newspaper and my role as editor and publisher. I call the shots. While I’ve been here, our ownership and management have never quashed a story and they have always respected the journalistic integrity of this paper.===
Hmm.
Do I believe that…or…do I wait to see if that paragraph is …true.
- quicknote - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:26 pm:
Sun-Times will hire someone to replace McKinney, and Rauner can finally say one of his businesses was a job creator.
- Demoralized - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:26 pm:
==While I’ve been here, our ownership and management have never quashed a story and they have always respected the journalistic integrity of this paper.==
Nah, just sidelined a reporter when Dad got mad about what he wrote and we were told to ground him.
- Knome Sane - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:26 pm:
OW, thank you for clarifying. I understand what you mean. I wasn’t aware of her supportive tweets for Dave McK.
- Mcleaniac - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:27 pm:
Biggest and Best thing that could have happened to Mckinney’s career ! After Rauner wins he will either join Gov. Rauner’s communications team or gets a beat covering the Governors office and a raise. Either way this whole thing is a lucky break for Mckinney. He would have slugged along in obscurity if not for BR.
- Walter Mitty - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:27 pm:
Enough with the integrity bit… What the times did stinks. I was raised two wrongs don’t make a right. He knew he would be the story and a side of revenge to knock rauner. Exihibit A. All the comments about Rauner and not what the resident journalist pointed out. This is on the Times. Not Rauner. He has tried to create his swift boat moment .. Look at it in its totality… He’s not gone out on top. No matter what his brothers in arms say…
- LizPhairTax - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:28 pm:
YDD,
Waiting for Andy Shaw to come to the rescue illustrates how bad the situation is
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:30 pm:
- Walter Mitty -,
With respect, what started this chain of events?
Not the Sun-Times on their own…what prompted them?
- Empty Suit - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:30 pm:
The other 101 counties yawn and say “Dave who?”
- my two cents - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:30 pm:
HuffPoChicago picked up the story and so will other online news. Already informed people will notice and will read it through partisan lens. The undecideds, if they see the story will ask, Dave McKinney, who’s that? What election? Who’s running again?
- Joe Bidenopolous - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:32 pm:
You know how you know the Rauner campaign is swirling before it’s last gasp down the drain? Just look at the comments and compare them to the comments (here and elsewhere) from supporters in the spring, summer and early fall. Defensive and snippy is no way go through life.
Speaking of….where’s a guy? Rauner sideline him too?
- PoolGuy - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:32 pm:
Rauner controls the Sun Times not you pal. long respected political reporter up and resigns, paper doesn’t endorse candidates for years, they suddenly endorse you, a company you owned used to own a piece of the Sun Times. Rauner is the Remo Gaggi of the Sun Times.
- Filmmaker Professor - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:35 pm:
Will definitely hurt Rauner some. We’ll see how much.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:35 pm:
Oh, and what else happens? An ad already in the can on price gouging the families of premature children with heart defects by charging $1,500 for a treatment that previously cost $78 rolls out in about 3…2…1…
And I think all of these things pile up on the Baron. He won’t withstand it, he can’t. And it’s almost too bad there isn’t another forum, because I wouldn’t be surprised if a meltdown is in the offing. I’m just a little sad it might not be public. He’s a snake-oil salesman. And I retract what I’ve said earlier about him being sexist in attacking others. Clearly he just has no moral compass and merely bows at the shrine of the dollar.
As someone with journalism in their blood, the McKinney story disturbs me. As a parent, the price gouging story invokes outrage and hatred.
- Knome Sane - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:35 pm:
I guess it answers an age-old question, to paraphrase: “If the Sun Times leadership can’t be bought, can they be rented?”
What’s the sense of purchasing a newspaper if they won’t stay bought? I guess Rauner’s ten percent stake that he sold was more like “renting” than outright owning.
- lake county democrat - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:36 pm:
A weak attempt by Quinn to make it an issue, which fails. McKinney lands on his feet because there’s always room at the top. The Sun-Times continues on because it’s always been a tool under Ferro to give Rahm and his anointed favorable coverage (sure it’s critical at times, but that’s to maintain it’s cred - the criticism is never super-deep or long-lasting). And the Giants take it in 6.
- Phenomynous - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:37 pm:
OW - The Trib endorsed Rauner, not the Sun-Times. Do you expect them to pull and endorsement of a candidate for governor because a journalist voluntarily resigned from a newspaper?
C’mon man. It ain’t the Trib’s fault that McKinney resigned. I don’t even think you would be able to argue that it was Rauner’s fault. McKinney made a grown up decision to leave a place of business for integrity reasons, and that buck stops at the Sun-Times in regards to any stifling of speech or writing.
- Marian - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:40 pm:
This deeply disturbs me. Without a free press, we are in deep trouble.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:40 pm:
===OW - The Trib endorsed Rauner, not the Sun-Times.===
Hit the “Search” key; Rauner Sun-Times endorse.
Hit enter.
Get back to me
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:43 pm:
I don’t expect, nor would I even think any paper will withdraw it’s endorsement.
Nope. Not gonna happen.
However, a Dopey Edit Board member…tweeting… support for the reporter after touting, twice, the campaign that had the reporter sidelined.
It’s really pathetic.
- Walter Mitty - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:45 pm:
OW. The veteran political reporter married to a democratic strategist resigned. What’s it called again. Oh yes, an October surprise in media circles. With all due respect, it don’t pass the smell test. For all the accolades of integrity. Nobody can see the hypocrisy? Send a private letter of resignation like the rest of the population. Or did he have another motive? Yes. He did. some “brave” journalists will pick up this angle. Because if this is about Rauner. It’s as much about Dave.
- Wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:46 pm:
The only thing I know for sure is what did happen: I went and voted this afternoon.
I hated doing it. I love the ritual of election day, walking early to the field house on a cool fall morning, seeing the familiar faces and getting the baked good my poll workers bring in.
But I wanted to make sure that in case I get hit by a bus between now and Nov. 4 at least I will have voted against Rauner. That malignant phony has made my skin crawl from Day One. That was instinct, now it’s confirmed.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:46 pm:
I don’t think anything happens next, but maybe I’ll be surprised.
The Quinn campaign has a lot of material from which to choose for ads in the home stretch, an embarrassment of riches, if you will (no pun intended). Time is running out, though, but the campaign can focus on a strong close.
Plus, TV ads can help do what some news outlets won’t do, which is to keep this story out in public.
- Belle - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:46 pm:
Just 2 or 3 hours, so many people were ready to believe that Rauner was a living breathing person and now were are right back to where were just 24 hrs ago…questioning if he has a moral compass.
I hoped for a business person to take over the city or state and bring us to a place where things were less sleazy…in retrospect I was hoping for a Jimmy Stewart character or Atticus Finch.
- Jeepster - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:47 pm:
Jim Kirk, if he had any integrity, should resign as well.
- Concerned - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:47 pm:
WM,
So when McKinney was bashing Quinn and the NRI program, was that because of his supposed “conflict?”
- LincolnLounger - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:47 pm:
Every minute that we’re talking about Dave McKinney, journalistic integrity, etc., is a minute we’re not talking about the economy, jobs, corruption, etc.
Is that really what the Rauner folks want?
- Harry - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:48 pm:
I guess I’m a minority of one, but to me, McKinney should have asked to be reassigned off the political beat when he married someone who does campaign ads and consulting. “Appearance of impropriety” and all. I work in govt and we’re always told to avoid not just things that are wrong, but things that might appear to be wrong or reflect questionably upon our employer.
Maybe he never did anything wrong, and maybe Rauner’s campaign is a bunch of SOBs, but McKinney staying on a political beat was just inviting something to eventually blow up.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:48 pm:
- Walter Mitty -,
McKinney’s boss was in on it too? Suspending him?
Jim Kirk is in on it too? Writing a glowing response…to then decide maybe time off was needed?
And Englander, with the email to Rich?
Lots of moving parts, moving away from your theory
- A guy... - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:50 pm:
When people of principle leave based upon that principle, they wind up someplace where they believe their principle will be agreed with, honored and rewarded. Look for Dave there.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:51 pm:
=== “Appearance of impropriety” and all===
Which is why I’ve always said that the phrase you used is just about the worst thing to ever happen to politics. It’s unbelievably lazy and it’s insanely conspiratorial. But the media loves it, and now…
Disturbing all around.
- PoolGuy - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:52 pm:
a reporter cannot marry who they choose? really? if McKinney married a Repub operative and didn’t write the story on the female exec, but trashed Quinn up and down for NRI then A OK? because he married someone who does campaign work he should have resigned or been reassigned? seriously we are actually talking about this?
- Michelle Flaherty - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:55 pm:
You’d think Rauner would be more understanding. He married a Democrat, too.
- Responsa - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:55 pm:
=What will happen next?==
A few CapFax commenters will create a link for people who want to donate money to buy the Sun Times outright and save it. When, after a month, the total amount pledged is less than $200. it is suggested that we all just meet at a watering hole and use it for the first round of beer– and celebrate that the 2014 election is finally over.
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:57 pm:
===Where in the world is Andy Shaw and the Better Government Association?===
Umm, giving the S-T and Mr. Ferro an award last week is where they are. They’re going to sit this one out I’m afraid. That boat is too big to rock.
“Free press,” my backside. Rauner paid a small fortune for that endorsement. Hope it was worth it.
And how does Ken Griffin feel about the influence of he and his buddies in politics now? He’s losing a wife but gaining a Governor.
- Anyone Remember - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:58 pm:
Harry - “I guess I’m a minority of one, but to me, McKinney should have asked to be reassigned off the political beat when he married someone who does campaign ads and consulting. “Appearance of impropriety” and all.”
Wasn’t their a Tribbie reporter married to a George Ryan employee during the 1998 campaign? He wasn’t reassigned.
- Juan Maclean - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:58 pm:
Read the Ferro piece in Chicago Magazine last year. It practically foreshadows this disaster he has created. The quotes are priceless.
- Wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 4:58 pm:
John Kass will type (not write) some incoherent, maudlin POS that makes it sound like he and McKinney have been best buddies in the same foxhole for years and pretend that he is a journalist and has integrity, too.
Then he will blame it on Madigan and Obama and remind everyone that Rauner is a “businessman” who will “save the Illinois economy.” Then he’ll flog his knuckle-dragged radio show.
- haverford - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:00 pm:
I do not understand the AP here at all. I’m becoming a little furious at reporters are not coming out of the woodwork to report this out and get to the bottom of it. Could have been your job, guys.
- Walter Mitty - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:00 pm:
Ow. He resigned publicly. He could have privately. If he’s the greatest political reporter ever. You don’t think he was oblivious of the calendar and the damage it would cause Rauner? And not just the times. You’re smarter than that. And I voted too. I left governor blank. I’m glad I did.
- Perry Noya - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:01 pm:
On the “appearance of impropriety” issue, I recommend this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Appearance-Impropriety-Undermined-American-Government/dp/0684827646/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1414015105&sr=1-1&keywords=appearance+of+impropriety
As to what happens next: McKinney walks across the street, joins the Trib, and finds that it is just as politically biased, but less crude about it.
- Wensicia - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:01 pm:
On WGN, Eric Zorn and McQuery comment on the McKinney resignation:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/zorn/chi-the-common-sense-caucus-on-todays-big-news-in-the-race-for-governor-20141022-story.html
- ArchPundit - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:01 pm:
====hile I’ve been here, our ownership and management have never quashed a story and they have always respected the journalistic integrity of this paper.
Technically true. The let the story go forward and then made it clear he could never write another story like it. Utterly pointless, but technically true.
- Jake From Elwood - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:02 pm:
Thank god for Tivo so I can fast forward through all the political ads. I am actually looking forward to seeing an Empire Carpets ad again.
- Biker - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:03 pm:
Dave McKinney writes for Cap Fax Blog
- PoolGuy - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:05 pm:
yes Walter Mitty, he resigned this close to election so that Rauner would lose. makes perfect sense. good grief.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:05 pm:
- Walter Mitty -,
I hear ya, but the timing was the Rauner Crews, not McKinney, and going public, when your integrity is questioned as you’re sidelined, you answer that loudly.
Much respect, I hear ya, but the timetable and public response was warranted, since Kirk and Englander both went public too.
- Juan Maclean - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:07 pm:
@ArchPundit - very good point. It’s also not about what you stop, it’s also about what you encourage. If management greenlights a storyline - it’s going to show up early and often.
- Rod - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:07 pm:
Responding to Harry: McKinney and every reporter at the Sun Times has to cover numerous areas because the Sun Times news room really no longer exists. There is no way he could be reassigned off the political beat, was the Sun Times going to move over Rick Morrissey from sports?
The Sun Times is the land of the walking dead, stick a fork in them they are done.
- The Captain - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:08 pm:
Prediction:
Around the water cooler and on Twitter/Facebook reporters will talk/write about almost nothing other than this.
On their news shows and in their newspapers reporters will talk/write about almost anything other than this.
- MrJM - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:10 pm:
Those who see no ethical issues threatening a woman’s family or in squeezing every possible cent out from nursing home residents and the families of sick kids will continue to bleat “conflict of interest” and “appearance of impropriety”.
– MrJM
- Sangamo Sam - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:10 pm:
This episode again shows why the skill set that works well for business doesn’t always work well in politics. Rauner appears to lack the political skills that are needed in a governor’s office. Intimidation like we we see here probably won’t get much legislation through GA.
- ArchPundit - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:12 pm:
===This episode again shows why the skill set that works well for business doesn’t always work well in politics. Rauner appears to lack the political skills that are needed in a governor’s office. Intimidation like we we see here probably won’t get much legislation through GA.
I’m sure Mike Madigan will wilt under the tough as nails Bruce Rauner.
Even as sarcasm that’s pretty ridiculous sounding.
- Anyone Remember - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:13 pm:
Trib, at least Zorn and McQuery, jumping all over Sun Times. Hmm …
- Gooner - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:14 pm:
What’s next?
1. Dave ends up at Crains, the one publication in Illinois that consistently deserves respect;
2. Left wing press goes haywire, leading to Limbaugh calling Dave a Commie.
3. People like me shake our heads and wonder how it is possible that after the terrible Brady campaign, Rauner manages to run one that is even worse.
Also, we think it is too bad that the story broke today, when Gooners everywhere were distracted by the Champions League and as such, missed most of the early responses.
- Wensicia - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:16 pm:
==Trib, at least Zorn and McQuery, jumping all over Sun Times. Hmm …==
I hope to see a follow up editorial by tomorrow.
- NewWestSuburbanGOP'er - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:16 pm:
Channel 2 leads off with CTA trains tagged in Wilmette.
Channel 7 leads with DesPlaines River search in North Riverside and synagogue vandalized in Lombard.
Channel 5 leads with Archbishop and where he plans on living in Chicago.
Great reporting Chicago!
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:20 pm:
@StatehouseChick was comically strident.
The Board you sit on Endorsed Rauner, she sees what we all see, but steers clear of the Trib not reading reports of Rauner issues before these types of tactics and the tactics being unacceptable for THEIR endorsement.
Mind boggling.
- Wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:23 pm:
Rauner will say he:
– had nothing to do with it.
– is a passive investor in his campaign.
– has never seen the Sun-Times.
– has never heard of Michael Ferro.
– has never talked to Dave McKinney, but thinks he’s a superstar and wants to hire him for his cabinet if he’s a black woman.
– wants Pat Quinn to stop telling lies about him.
- Toure's Latte - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:25 pm:
==What do you think happens next?==
He starts looking for another job and the case quickly fades. Just trying to be realistic.
- Anyone Remember - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:26 pm:
Wordslinger 5:23 -
You win the comment prize!
- Lunchbox - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:29 pm:
CLTV has covered it. I predict the only place this will be covered on a network news program is Chicago Tonight.
- Walter Mitty - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:29 pm:
Ow. Rauner asked. The sun times sacked him. Not Rauner. The outrage by zorn is where it’s deserved. The times. Dave wanted the bonus of rauner revenge. .. Sorry. I’m okay in the minority. It’s October. if he was married to a republican strategist and it was about Quinn. The world would end.
- circularfiringsquad - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:30 pm:
What’s next?
1. Editors around the state start to recant Mitt endorsements
2. Dave should take a few deep breaths, maybe out the notebook in some Capt. Fax Guest Columns
3. Dave should avoid any temptations from Rauner-fianced HandOutAndy or the nation’s only zero depth think tank — the IPI.
Don’t expect much the Tribbies they have yet to explain why they never went to the G when Blagoof offered $100 million to quiet the edit board
Maybe Mark Brown could whack Mitt a few more times too
- Anyone Remember - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:37 pm:
Walter Mitty -
The world did not end when a Tribbie covered an election campaign with George Ryan whilst the Tribbie’s wife worked for George Ryan.
- wndycty - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:38 pm:
Well lets be honest here, while logic would place the blame squarely at the feet of the Sun-Times because they should have ignored Rauner’s pushback on the story it should be pointed he is not just some politician. Rauner had a stake in the paper and he sold it to the current chairman of the board. That is a lot different than say, Mark Kirk or Dick Durbin pushing back.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:40 pm:
- Walter Mitty -,
I hear you. I think - Wordslinger - has the Rauner response, if they are even asked, which seems less likely by the minute, but you never know.
We are at 12 days till the eve of actual Election Day. We’ll see if it gets noisy.
- reader - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:41 pm:
If Carol Marin resigned as news anchor from Channel 5 in 1997 because the station bosses gave Jerry Springer a commentary platform on the newscast, then how does she continue as a writer for the Sun-Times if what Dave McKinney is saying is correct about the ownership trying to meddle in the news reporting of the paper?
- WootBaseball - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:41 pm:
Bye bye Brucie-poo!
- Wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:43 pm:
Really, A Guy, you’re making predictions?
You made plenty of predictions on this subject yesterday. How are they looking now?
- Buster - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:46 pm:
Mr Kirk, excuse me, but your pants seem to be on fire.
- Jeepster - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:48 pm:
Looks like the Sun Times is just a wing of the Rauner Campaign.
- Joe - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:48 pm:
Dave McKinney: “I appreciate the recent, public statements of support by Kirk…but I don’t believe he called the shots here.”
Jim Kirk: “I call the shots.”
- IrishPirate - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 5:53 pm:
One question that needs to be asked is how did the Rauner campaign contact the Sun Times. Did Bruce whip out his cellphone and call Ferro directly?
Was an editor contacted first? There is something rotten in Raunermark………..
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 6:03 pm:
=== Did Bruce whip out his cellphone and call Ferro directly?===
Oh, c’mon. Does MJM actually threaten anyone? People know if they do something bad they’ll be crushed by him. Ferro or whomever didn’t need any orders or any contact. It is what it is.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 6:05 pm:
Buffers
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 6:06 pm:
word, go easy on “a guy.” That free shampoo he got from Rauner HQ may have leached through to his brain.
- Formerpol - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 6:07 pm:
Nothing happens next. No one except geeks and journalists care about this brouhaha. The reporter did have an undisclosed conflict. That is bad. Hiring Pat Collins looks like a stunt; since McKinney resigned, he has no legal claim against the paper. Journalists must think that the paper is the villain here; not the Rauner campaign. All the campaign did was complain about a clear conflict.
- IrishPirate - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 6:08 pm:
Rich,
Rauner aint MJM and I don’t think the world “velvet” is in his vocabulary. He is not an experienced politician and since winning the primary nearly his entire campaign bares that out.
As silly as it sounds he may have made the call. He may not have. Who knows what the Shadow knows?
For whom the bell tolls?
Ok, time for me to step away from the computer…
before I say something sillier.
- Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 6:13 pm:
PS., A note to Captain Kirk, who clearly hasn’t learned the ways of the powerful: People who actually call the shots don’t say, “I call the shots.”
- Carl Nyberg - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 6:16 pm:
If Corporate Media is PR wing of the Elites, what are we going to do about it?
- Wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 6:16 pm:
Formerpol, either you can’t read or you choose not to understand.
There is no basis in fact for your assertion of an”undisclosed conflict.”
- low level - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 6:16 pm:
IrishPirate is onto something. We now know how much influence Rauner has there & it’s pretty troubling. So if he’s elected will he be able to generate a story on demand?
As for MJM, I don’t know. It seems when running a legislative chamber you’d rather try and work with people whenever possible. That’s the contrast for me. It seems Rauner’s first response is to issue threats, whereas with Madigan - or any of the legislative leaders for that matter - only go the threat route when absolutely necessary. That’s the contrast.
That is also why the prospect of a Gov. Rauner should give us pause. It’s why I voted for the Green guy in 2006 instead of Blago. It was clear he just wasn’t intersted in any sort of compromise, only getting his way.
- Carl Nyberg - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 6:17 pm:
If you need orders to do the boss’ dirty work, you can be replaced by someone who doesn’t need explicit orders.
- Just Me - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 6:24 pm:
I feel bad for Dave, because his reporting was one of the best. Unlike a lot of reporters who seemed to be calling it in the past few years, he knew his stuff.
However, I have a hypothetical: If a Member of the GA had a spouse who was a lobbyist, and the Member voted on a controversial bill that was supported by the spouse, would Dave had included that in his story?
- my two cents - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 6:31 pm:
Formerpol, the “conflict” when McKinney married was not undisclosed, on the contrary, it was very openly discussed and the went to great lengths to create a firewall. Rauner’s group never protested impropriety until Dave wrote a story unfavorable to him.The impropriety here is that the Sun Times never admitted any conflict of interest on its part, when they acted as stenographers for a former part owner.
- Downstate GOP Faithless - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 6:33 pm:
I am certain he does not care, but I just googled DM and his older stories for fun…I am curious if he now knows what it feels like to be totally railroaded by someone seeking a position of power, much like in the stories he did about the Rutherford whistleblowers being fired and the Quinn Patronage firings/resignations
- Goethe - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 6:40 pm:
Rauner holds a press conference to address the issue. He can’t control himself and Rauner’s head splits open and a multi-tenacled creature emerges from the human shell and says,”Behold mere earth mortals! You have defeated me this time but I’ll be back. I’ll be back! For I am Krylock and you will eventually bow down to your master! Grrrrraaaaaaawwwwwwww”.
Then he threatens a female CEO, drinks a cup of infant blood and slithers into Lake Michigan.
- Wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 6:47 pm:
Kirk calls the shots.
So it was his decision to plant that big wet sloppy kiss of Rauner as Messiah of an endorsement.
After, in his words, the Rauner campaign went after a Sun-Times story and reporter with an “assault,” that was “spurious,” sexist,” “bordered on defamation” and a “new low.”
After all that, you just went gaga for dreamboat Bruce?
Interesting call, chief.
Stop embarrassing yourself. Say nothing.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 6:54 pm:
Goethe, good story, but you need a strip club reference.
Just sayin…
lol
- allknowingmasterofracoondom - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 7:00 pm:
The Sun Times editors are the bad guys here, but they are not running for office.
What the Rauner campaign did or did not do, is just politics. Every high profile campaign complains about oppo stories in the media. The bigger the office, the bigger the media….and the whining.
Think Obama and Fox News six years ago. Same thing.
- OldSmoky2 - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 7:01 pm:
If you are in Chicago area, story on this coming up now on Chicago Tonight WTTW-11.
- Anon - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 7:04 pm:
Rich, loved the HST reference. Would love a Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail - 2014.
- guss - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 7:10 pm:
Bruce Rauner doesn’t know what he is doing . by wanting right to work state.He would cripple Illinois economically and walk away.By weakening every pension in Illinois sending every retired union worker to welfare office.Because the pension checks would be cut to one third and not have enough money to survive.
- NewWestSuburbanGOP'er - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 7:16 pm:
Still waiting to hear from Andy Shaw and the BGA….
- Wensicia - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 7:21 pm:
WTTW - lots of other editors, but not from the Sun-Times.
They blew this big time…
- Connect the dots - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 7:21 pm:
journalists have become activists instead of reporters when the financial pressure from the internet drove them to increase profits.
It’s karmic. The MSM has shifted to the left so it should be no surprise the uppity right pushes back.
Journalism has devolved into a strange game of “gotcha” politics. They demand yes or no answers to complicated questions. They should be asking political policy questions. I don’t consider today’s “journalists” impartial reporters, but more entertainers. Real policy detail is boring, but that is what is relevant.
- No Longer A Lurker - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 7:29 pm:
Editors from the Trib, Crains, and the Daily Hearld on Chicago Tonight discussing the Sun Times and Dave. Will be interesting to see if this story appears in their papers tomorrow.
- allknowingmasterofracoondom - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 7:34 pm:
- my two cents - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 6:31 pm:
Formerpol, the “conflict” when McKinney married was not undisclosed, on the contrary, it was very openly discussed and the went to great lengths to create a firewall.
Come on Formerpol? What was the firewall? What great lengths? Are you saying McKinney went around handing out disclosure statements? I’m with Walter Mitty on this one. This was a political grand slam by the oppo.
- allknowingmasterofracoondom - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 7:38 pm:
I meant -my two cents- not Formerpol in my last post. Crap.
- Connect the dots - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 7:55 pm:
There are no “firewalls” in marriages.
Why is this is a big issue, it was Dave McKinney who resigned. He wasn’t fired. Don’t most of us want to quit our jobs in a dramatic way everyday?
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 8:01 pm:
I keep coming back to this line today:
“GTCR would buy mom-and-pop funeral homes, for example, and then scoop up ancillary businesses: flower shops, coffin makers, cemeteries…”
http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/October-2014/Bruce-Rauner/
More than anything, that is what I see going on. The governor’s mansion is fine, and sure, you need the Republican Party including the county chairman to get there. You’ve got to buy off some conservative groups. And, you need a group like the Illinois Policy Institute in your portfolio. Now, the BGA will never go to bat for you, but, you do what you did when you wanted to pass charter school reform: you pay Andy Shaw to be quiet.
But still, it helps to have a newspaper.
We know from reporting that Rauner decided to run for governor almost immediately after Brady lost in 2010. He was part of an investment group that bought the Sun-Times a year later, and to me, that seems too much of a coincidence.
- Casual Observer - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 8:39 pm:
That’s a clever scheme YDD. So what’s the plan after election? Borrow off of the State’s assets, sell the assets then run………for President?
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 8:39 pm:
YDD, he’s just being a good businessman. First, horizontal integration, then vertical. Just like in the case studies at HBS.
- low level - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 8:56 pm:
What happens next? If Rauner wins, Madigan gives him the stare…then the smile.
- Michael Westen - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 9:49 pm:
First, does anyone believe that Rauner and Ferro haven’t continued to communicate regularly. There was no need to “reach out” specifically on this issue. Personally, I believe Rauner’s investment in the was part of a quid pro quo-he has been talking about running for Governor for years.
Secondly, there was no “undisclosed” conflict of interest. McKinney disclosed his marriage to his boss. How they handled it was up to them.
Finally, I’m surprised Quinn hasn’t lumped this incident in as another example of Rauner bullying a woman, which by insinuating that Dave’s wife can’t possibly have a career independent of her husband is what he is actually doing.
- Norseman - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 10:33 pm:
=== Finally, I’m surprised Quinn hasn’t lumped this incident in as another example of Rauner bullying a woman, which by insinuating that Dave’s wife can’t possibly have a career independent of her husband is what he is actually doing. ===
If the Quinn folks were smart, they’d keep their mouths shut and let folks make their own connection to Raunervich. Quinn involvement could be falsely used to infer there was some bias on McKinneys part.
- Norseman - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 10:33 pm:
=== Finally, I’m surprised Quinn hasn’t lumped this incident in as another example of Rauner bullying a woman, which by insinuating that Dave’s wife can’t possibly have a career independent of her husband is what he is actually doing. ===
If the Quinn folks were smart, they’d keep their mouths shut and let folks make their own connection to Raunervich. Quinn involvement could be falsely used to infer there was some bias on McKinneys part.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 10:40 pm:
===If the Quinn folks were smart, they’d keep their mouths shut and let folks make their own connection to Raunervich. Quinn involvement could be falsely used to infer there was some bias on McKinneys part.===
Bingo. Exactly.
- George Washington Plunket - Wednesday, Oct 22, 14 @ 11:09 pm:
Back at T H we would already have a piece out with Rauner and Schultzie– “I KNOW NOTTHING!”
- PublicServant - Friday, Oct 24, 14 @ 7:57 am:
Kirk…Ben Bradlee he ain’t.