* Subscribers already knew about this…
No word yet on what they spoke about.
Guesses?
*** UPDATE 1 *** Tribune…
“I think we had a very productive meeting this morning,” Madigan said after a two-hour get-together at the private Chicago Club downtown. “I pledged to the governor that we’re going to work with him professionally.
“I think there’s a general agreement among the three of us that in light of the expiration of the tax increase in January, the biggest problem facing the state right now is the budget, and the budget deficit,” Madigan said. “And Gov. Rauner understands that and he’s working with his people to try and get a better understanding of precisely where the finances are on this current budget.”
Madigan said the Democratic leaders stressed the most pressing challenge is the $4 billion-a-year budget hole that will be created on Jan. 1 when portions of a temporary income tax increase are set to expire. Rauner, who takes over for defeated Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn on Jan. 12, campaigned to fully phase out the tax increase over four years.
Cullerton said Rauner offered no specific budget plans, saying the meeting was “more of a get-to-know-you” following a bruising campaign season. He added, “he was very nice.”
Go read the whole thing. There’s lots more.
*** UPDATE 2 *** I looks like the Tribune was tipped off about the meeting’s location, while the Sun-Times was shut out, but the CS-T does have some useful react…
“He repeated his request for no major action and on the issue of the minimum wage. The Senate President is going to be meeting with other members of the Senate Caucus to decide what kind of strategy for what we do and when. From our standpoint, we’ve got to talk to the caucus and see what they want to do,” he said. “This was a pretty cordial meeting, it went on for two hours. Our hope is that there will be a lot of room to work together. The fact that the meeting went on for two hours and we all came out OK, is probably a good step forward.”
Madigan spokesman Steve Brown said the Speaker was with Rauner from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. –2 1/2 hours.
“The Speaker described it as a productive meeting and one where there was general consensus that the state budget will be one of the biggest challenges, given that the tax rate will be going down at the first of the year,” Brown said. “It was described as a productive, professional meeting.”
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 11:45 am:
Rauner, “I think, maybe, we got off on the wrong foot..”
- Frenchie Mendoza - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 11:47 am:
“Just kidding. It’s all politics, you know.”
Silence.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 11:48 am:
Rauner, “I may have gone too far lumping you in all those ads. The dozens of ads. Ad after ad. There were a lot of ads. I just want to say, I may haze over cooked that. But, I’m passed it, hope you fellas are too…”
- Sidewinder - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 11:48 am:
Uhm, you know, Rahm’s asking me to jack taxes and all. What do you insider, machine guys think about doing it soon? Think of it as a Xmas present for the State.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 11:51 am:
“Governor Rauner, if you think you can easily peel off members, you’d be surprised how many watched what you did to Mautino. Members forgive politics. Members never forget the personal.”
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 11:53 am:
“Governor, bring a pad of paper, pencils a calculator and your plan. It’s real now. Show us your math.”
- Sidewinder - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 11:53 am:
“Is it true that your job application asks applicants to list the names, addresses and social security numbers of any and all living relatives?”
- Anonymous - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 11:54 am:
“hiya, fella’s. Thought I’d bring a peace offering - couple Carharts. Look in the pocket, and couple watches, too”.
Dead Silence and Stony Stares.
“Whew, little chilly in here. Mind if take back one of these jackets. Thanks John.
- Not OW - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 11:55 am:
I’m going to be optimistic and say that they talked about priorities and what they hope to accomplish between now and June, particularly when it comes to fiscal matters.
It was an ugly, divisive campaign, with plenty of mud also thrown in Rauner’s direction. It is also over. I think Madigan and Cullerton have been around long enough to understand that.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 11:55 am:
“I’m sure I would back that increase, Mr. Rauner, but after the RoboCalls in my senate district, personally targeting me, I may have to think twice…”
- Ravenswood Right Winger - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 11:55 am:
Legislation to force the McCaskeys to sell Da Bears to a private equity firm?
- foster brooks - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 11:58 am:
How many millions will you spend in 2016 to gain majority in the house bruce?
- WhoKnew - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:01 pm:
So you think you’re Top Dog!
Let’s Thumb-Wrestle!!
- Roscoe Tom - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:02 pm:
Who kissed who’s ring in what order and for how long?
- Anthony - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:03 pm:
They didn’t speak. It was a stare-down with a no-smile rule.
- OneMan - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:04 pm:
They told Pat Quinn jokes for at least an hour.
The second hour is when they showed him the Governor’s book of horrible secrets and hair care tips (Rod added the hair care tip chapter)
- How Ironic - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:06 pm:
Rauner, hoping to ’sweeten the pot’ if you will brought a full bag of granny smith. Only later did he learn the speaker only eats red delicious, therby dooming his entire term.
- SO. ILL - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:07 pm:
“I think we agree, Pat Quinn is the worst Governor in America,” said one attendee.
- Illannoyed - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:07 pm:
“You guys don’t look a day over 55.”
- How Ironic - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:08 pm:
@ Roscoe “Who kissed who’s ring in what order and for how long?”
If you even thought for 1 second that Madigan kisses anybody’s ring…you’ve not been in Illinois for long.
- Norseman - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:09 pm:
MJM: “Here’s my phone number.”
Rauner: “I didn’t know you could have an area code with all 0’s.”
MJM: “It’s a special area code for opinionated leaders.”
Rauner: “You mean opinion leaders.”
MJM: “Whatever!”
- Wensicia - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:10 pm:
Rauner: “Can we all get along?”
- Wordslinger - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:12 pm:
BR: “You know, in person, you don’t look a day over 75 years of corruption.”
- Gooner - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:13 pm:
“Sure, we will extend the income tax rate before you take office. No problem. Happy to work with you.”
- Aldyth - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:16 pm:
Who brought the plate of cannoli?
- VanillaMan - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:19 pm:
Rauner walked in all smiles and gave one of his big hearty laughs. He showed both Democrats all his big white teeth.
MJM sat silently and tilted left with his right eyebrow frozen up over an unblinking gaze. He rubbed his thumb and index finger slowly. Whenever Rauner said anything and waited for his response, MJM would remain silent, but would slowly give Bruce one of his pained eye squints.
Cullerton would get Rauner’s attention by whispering silently to stop looking at Mr. Speaker and to look at him because he was really his new friend and the only person interested in hearing what the Governor-Elect had to say.
Cullerton then showed Rauner some of the stuff they have on him that they didn’t use during the campaign, just in case he ended up beating Quinn and needed leverage during his administration.
Rauner stopped smiling. MJM stood up and silently walked out. Cullerton smirked and followed Mr. Speaker. Then Rauner threw up in a wastepaper basket.
- A guy... - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:20 pm:
Everyone take a pad and pencil. Write down anything you’d be willing to work on. Let’s agree to despise one another and get on with the business of the people who despise their government. That relationship can actually be fixed. Voters are the only ones who have short memories and the ability to forgive.
Start writing.
- admin - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:22 pm:
RAUNER: There’s enough money for everyone - for you and for me, Mikey ole’ pal.
- Wumpus - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:24 pm:
Wow, you look better in a leotard and leg warmers than I thought you would, Speaker.
- Cheryl44 - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:27 pm:
So have you swung by Wrigley lately?
- How Ironic - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:28 pm:
@VM, that’s a masterpiece. Perhaps you could write a country song about it! BR Blues. or BR “Take the Cannoli”
- Anon - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:28 pm:
Two hours plus…couldn’t have been too chilly.
- Jaded - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:34 pm:
None of these guys intimidate the other (well Madigan might still intimidate Cullerton a little). Madigan and Cullerton can work with or without a Governor. They’ve both proven that.
I can tell you that if they met for 2 hours, they discussed something real because Madigan does not waste his time talking family and baseball for two hours. Rauner is doing the right thing by reaching out and trying to build a relationship. There are a lot of things leaders can agree on even if they don’t like each other. None of the four leaders liked Edgar, but they got together and got things done. It’s the grown up thing to do. They’ll have plenty of time to act like kids over the next four years.
- Stan in Ascent - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:37 pm:
“So how are the Sox gonna be this year?”
- T.P. - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:43 pm:
“Here’s what I’d like to do with taxes and the budget….”
“Let me know when you and Leader Durkin have 30 votes in the House.”
“Let me know when you and Leader Radogno have 15 votes in the Senate.”
- crazybleedingheart - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:47 pm:
Wordslinger wins.
- Bigtwich - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:50 pm:
“Tell Mike it was only business. I always liked him.”
- Dirty Red - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:56 pm:
“I’M THE GOVERN….Just kidding.”
- ZC - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:58 pm:
If Rauner seriously tried to tie together an increase in the state minimum wage to say workmen’s comp reform, that would be … kind of interesting. Not holding my hopes up that was a primary topic, however.
- Joe Blow - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:59 pm:
Madigan “We’re not going to wear the jacket for any tax increases Mr.Governo-Elect. Jokingly Cullerton pipes in with “you mean the carhart right speaker”?
- too obvious - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 12:59 pm:
Wow public officials talked with each other about doing their jobs.
The press in this state gets lazier by the day.
- VanillaMan - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 1:01 pm:
Do You Want to Run a Government?
From “Frozen”
Cullerton:
Do you want to run our government?
You won, so what do you say?
Before today, we only cashed your checks
Got elected then went our separate way
We don’t feel the least bit shaken
All of us got reelected,
except for Governor Pat -
Do you want to run our government?
Time to settle our public spat
Rauner:
Why is the Speaker looking like a snowman?
He doesn’t have to act like a snowman
What’s with the frozen stare, does he care
That I’m his newest fan?
I spent millions to be here
I won, so its clear
That I’m the new big man
So why is he looking like a snowman?
He looks like something has hit a fan!
Cullerton:
We think some revenue is overdue…
And our crew, is extending every tax
Since Tuesday we’re talking to
Floridian nursing home investigator friends
So you’ll be a little lonely
In the Mansion’s empty rooms
Just watching the hours tick by
Tick, tock, tick, tock, tick, tock
Rauner:
Why is the Speaker looking like a snowman?
He doesn’t have to act like a snowman
Will he speak to me, can’t he see
That I’ll let him use my beat-up van?
Please, I know he’s listening
People will ask me what he said
Do you want to run a government?
Mr. Speaker’s acting like he’s dead
Cullerton:
We only have each other
It’s just you and me
What are we gonna do?
Do you want to run a government?
- Gooner - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 1:02 pm:
ZC,
No way minimum wage gets to Rauner. That will be taken care of before he take office.
However, along the lines you raised, it would make sense for him to tie an income tax increase to worker’s comp reforms in order to get Republicans to sign on.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 1:03 pm:
Sounds like it went well for all parties.
They’re going to all have to work together in the short term, and hopefully that builds trust for the very heavy lifting soon to follow.
- liberty - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 1:03 pm:
I suspect nothing really happened and foreshadows the next four years.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 1:31 pm:
Man, such optics. “Billionaire Bruce” meets with 78 of the “100 Years Is Enough” crew at the Chicago Club.
lol
- RNUG - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 1:31 pm:
Sounds like Rauner got the education on budget realities that he should have received from his campaign staff a year ago.
- garlic bread - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 1:40 pm:
“Seriously though guys, I don’t really have to hang out in Springfield, right?”
- Taller- - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 1:42 pm:
===- liberty - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 1:03 pm:
I suspect nothing really happened and foreshadows the next four years.===
we can only hope.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 1:43 pm:
When is the meeting with Radogno and Durkin?
- How Ironic - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 1:43 pm:
BR “Ok guys, nice to meet you glad you could attend. I’d like for you to just jot a few ideas down on where I can find all of the fraud and abuse, as well as any waste.”
MJM, Cullerton say nothing.
BR “Well, once we get that figured out I guess we can just use all of the extra cash we have to spend on education and other stuff”
MJM, Cullerton “Thanks Bruce. Good luck and godspeed, and sure we’ll just sideline minimum wage as a favor for you”.
- garlic bread - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 1:44 pm:
The climactic stare down scene from “The Good the Bad and the Ugly” is what comes to mind.
- How Ironic - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 1:49 pm:
Read the article and loved this quote in the Trib:
“And Gov. Rauner understands that and he’s working with his people to try and get a better understanding of precisely where the finances are on this current budget.”
BR “WTH, I thought Quinn was just bluffing. Say, do you boys think you can just go ahead and push through that tax increase after all?”
- Buzzie - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 1:51 pm:
“Governor-elect Rauner, please accept this bottle of Boone’s Farm.”
- ??? - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 1:56 pm:
Madigan is quoted as saying “I think there’s a general agreement among the three of us….and Gov. Rauner understands that and he’s working with his people to try and get a better understanding of precisely where the finances are on this current budget.”
He is already referring to Rauner as “Governor Rauner,” although Rauner won’t take office until January. Poor Quinn; that’s gotta feel like salt in the wound.
- Dirty Red - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 2:09 pm:
“…he’s working with his people to try and get a better understanding of precisely where the finances are on this current budget.”
You could have Figure Skate commentators in the press box for this one.
“And here comes the ‘Double Thompson.’ Let’s see how he lands..”
- AC - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 2:09 pm:
Optics indeed, nothing says outsider or man of the people like holding meetings at the Chicago Club. I’ll bet the Carhartt and the trash can van stayed at home today.
- UIC Guy - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 2:27 pm:
==Who brought the plate of cannoli?==
there must be a Godfather joke in the offing here. (the same person who left the gun?)
- Original Rambler - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 2:30 pm:
“The state plane is on a schedule? You gotta be kidding me!”
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 2:40 pm:
For now, it helps that Rauner had worked with Madigan and Cullerton on school reform issues prior to running for Governor. Successful past experience working together usually lends itself to warmer future conversations than those with a total stranger. Bloody election or not, their past exchanges may help ease the current ones.
How far that gets them is anyone’s guess.
- A guy... - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 3:20 pm:
To the updates: Good.
Maybe they just all recognized the reality of what was in front of them and they started working on it. Maybe.
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 3:34 pm:
Was this the hammer or the shake?
- A guy... - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 3:36 pm:
Neither. The sieve.
- Del Clinkton - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 4:13 pm:
Rauner: [trying to read a grave that is marked “Unknown”] Un-k… un-k… there’s no name on it.
Madigan: [showing him a stone] There’s no name here, either. See, that’s what Bill Carson told me. It was the grave marked “Unknown”, right beside Arch Stanton.
- anon - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 4:23 pm:
I hope the Senate Dems push the minimum wage. What do they get for doing Rauner’s bidding before he’s even sworn in?
- garlic bread - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 4:29 pm:
Del Clinkton @ 4:13- lol!
“In the grave next to Bill Carson, that’s where you’ll find the Waste and Inefficiency.”
- Wordslinger - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 5:02 pm:
To the updates, with all the serious budget stuff out there, Rauner is sweating the minimum wage.
In other words, he wants to sign an increase, likely in the Quads, which coincendentally border Iowa.
He’ll make some noise out there, and drink up the national attention. Trip that ego a little more.
The dude has been positioning himself for Midwest veep wannabe from Day One, a generic, empty-vessel brand for whoever gets the GOP nod. No responsibility, a lot of perks.
I could be wrong. Maybe he will be living in the mansion and driving that POS van to the Dome every day.
But I doubt it.
He and Rahm have a lot to talk about. What’s the best path to a do-nothing, ego-tripper DC gig? Becuse neither one of them are ever going to get anything better than what they got
- Enviro - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 5:13 pm:
Illinois Governor-elect explains why accepting campaign donations from executives affiliated with firms in which Illinois pension systems have investments is not really pay to play.
- Downstate Greg - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 5:43 pm:
Rauner is going to shake up Springfield??
How about doing it IN Springfield??? Not Chicago!
Springfield is still the Capitol isn’t it??
- One to the Dome - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 6:17 pm:
Madigan: I can handle the Ads but you didn’t even bring me a apple? It’s gonna be a long session.
- Abe the Babe - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 7:43 pm:
Man, such optics. “Billionaire Bruce” meets with 78 of the “100 Years Is Enough” crew at the Chicago Club.
lol
So wait, was BR counting PQ’s 4 years as treasurer in the 100 years total? I mean that argument was a stretch to begin with but wow…thats a real stretch
- Harry - Thursday, Nov 13, 14 @ 10:45 pm:
What did they talk about? easy–how to get their hands on our wallets. That’s all they EVER talk about.