* 11:17 am - I’ve confirmed that the governor’s office has informed the Secretary of State that a special session proclamation will be filed at noon today.
Not sure yet, but I think we could be seeing a special election for comptroller and a minimum wage hike as topics. Likely date is January 8th.
* 11:26 am - I reached out to House Speaker Michael Madigan’s spokesman for comment. Regarding the comptroller issue, he had “Nothing new” to add. It’s “still an executive department matter,” he said, saying that Speaker Madigan remains “hopeful” the governor and governor-elect “can reach a sensible solution.”
* 12:05 pm - Press release…
Governor Pat Quinn today called legislators back to Springfield on Jan. 8, 2015, to consider legislation that would allow voters to fill the elected position of Illinois Comptroller. A special election will give voters the opportunity to choose their Comptroller in the next statewide election on Nov. 8, 2016. The primary election is scheduled for March 15, 2016. Governor Quinn issued the following statement:
“Judy Baar Topinka’s passing has not only left us heartbroken – the people of Illinois have been left without their elected representative in the Comptroller’s Office.
“Nobody but Judy Baar Topinka was elected to do this job. That’s why it’s so important that voters have the soonest possible opportunity to elect their Comptroller. Holding a special election is the right thing to do.
“Members of the legislature should set up a special election for 2016 so that voters can exercise their democratic right to decide who will serve as their Comptroller.”
The official proclamation is here.
- walker - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 11:23 am:
Quinn’s throwing 50 mile-per-hour fastballs.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 11:28 am:
with a dem governor, it is ok to entertain the idea that an appointment to fill a vacancy can be for an entire four year term. with a repub governor, no way.
as a matter of policy, it makes sense to run to fill half or more of a vacant term. but how much lead time will be allowed to file, campaign, etc?
- langhorne - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 11:30 am:
anon 1128a is langhorne
- Rhino Slider - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 11:35 am:
So Quinn’s appointment to Comptroller goes from January 8th to the 12th, sweet pension booster.
- Mason born - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 11:36 am:
This should be interesting. Hopefully this can end all the bickering and start acting like adults.
Now i’ll get back on my pig and fly out of here.
- Siriusly - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 11:37 am:
Makes sense to me that the Democrats would try to pass and sign a law that calls for a special election if the office is vacant prior to inauguration. So that way Rauner’s appointment will only be for 2 years. It’s the only logical thing they can do - they can’t really expect Quinn’s appointment to holdover that’s just odd.
- Norseman - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 11:39 am:
So it begins.
- Just Saying - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 11:47 am:
Quinn and his staff continue to be an embarrassment to this state. Time to move on folks.
- Secret Square - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 11:48 am:
I don’t think Quinn can wait until Jan. 8 to appoint a comptroller given that there are paychecks and what not that have to go out before then. The special must be simply to pass a bill requiring a special election in 2016 before Rauner has a chance to make a four-year appointment.
- I'm Strapped - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 11:54 am:
I don’t know Pat, bald head and all….maybe time to grow up and face reality?
- DuPage Moderate - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:02 pm:
At each and every turn, when faced with two options, Pat Quinn always picks the wrong option. It’s truly remarkable.
The Democratic party should be ashamed that it has allowed him to remain relevant for so long.
He deserves all the scorn he will get.
- Todd - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:02 pm:
Quinn continues to look small and petty opn his way out the door. He came in as the clen up government guy and goes out the temper tossing hack.
The people spoke Pat, you’re out. Now why don’t you go out like an adult.
- Out Front - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:07 pm:
Did you watch the live feed yesterday? He surely didn’t look like a guy who was growing up or facing reality….
- D.P.Gumby - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:07 pm:
Given that Brucie wants an appt for 4 years and AG Madigan says should be a special election in 2016, what is so bad about Quinn calling special session to have legislation for a special election? Don’t see that as embarrassing.
- Lunchbox - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:12 pm:
“What is so bad about Quinn calling special session?”
Rauner is inaugurated January 12th!!! Lordy…just go away, Pat Quinn, please. This last month and a half has been bad.
- Urbs In Horto - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:13 pm:
Out of curiosity, does the fact that “The Proclamation” mentions only the comptroller issue mean that there’s no chance the House votes on the minimum wage bill? It’s still within the realm of possibility, right?
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:14 pm:
“I’m just going to hope it looks like I am doing something useful” is not much of a plan for a special session.
These things usually require at least some sort of clear plan or a consensus with majority leadership in advance. In this case, we have at least one leader who has already said “no” from the start to the ILGA intervening through a special session, as well as a minimum wage issue that will clearly be addressed in next session. More games and distractions, without a realistic goal.
- Ron Burgundy - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:17 pm:
Special session is limited to the topic:
“The Governor may convene the General Assembly or the Senate alone in special session by a proclamation stating the purpose of the session; and only business encompassed by such
purpose, together with any impeachments or confirmation of appointments shall be transacted. Special sessions of the
General Assembly may also be convened by joint proclamation of the presiding officers of both houses, issued as provided by law.”
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:17 pm:
On a wing and a prayer, to special session we go.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:19 pm:
===“The Proclamation” mentions only the comptroller issue===
He can always issue another one. And I think that’s probably the plan.
- Del Clinkton - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:20 pm:
Bruce continues to act like he is entitled and arrogantly, like the rest of us are just the hired help at the mansion in Willmettistan.
FYI, You hit the nail on the head DP. And if the situation were reversed… Bruce was the outgoing Governor calling for a special session…Conservatives (NOT REPUBLICANS) would be applauding and Sarah Palin would even bless us with a visit.
- Wordslinger - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:23 pm:
I’m all for a special election in 2016.
What’s the reason to be against it, again?
- Gooner - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:25 pm:
Ok, I’ve been outraged by a lot of stuff that Quinn has done but I don’t get the outrage over this.
It is another line on the 2016 ballots. It is not like it is going to cost anything significant.
The position, for whatever reason, is an elected this. This puts an elected person in the office.
While Bruce surely would oppose it since he wants a four year appointment, this is consistent with the intent of those who believe the position should be elected.
For those of you outraged — there remains many outlets for your outrage. Go yell about one of them instead.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:26 pm:
Its very interesting. The law allows Governor Quinn to call a special session — complain about something he has no authority to do –
- Precinct Captain - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:26 pm:
You Quinn haters are absolutely out of your minds. Why do hate the idea of voters choosing who finishes out the last half of what would have been JBT’s next term? Is there any reason other than your rabid, vile partisanship?
- Wensicia - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:27 pm:
Perhaps this is kind of an acknowledgment of the AG’s opinion on the succession concerning the comptroller position? I’d say it’s not surprising considering Rauner’s response about his appointment, that it should last the entire four year term.
- phocion - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:27 pm:
If the legislature enactred a bill that gave us a special election in 2016, is Quinn thinking that he could then appoint a person to serve until 2016? No other explanation seems to be there for this not to be able to wait until the Spring session.
- nadia - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:29 pm:
Quinn ought to call Rauner and ask who he would appoint, then Quinn should appoint that same person. As other posters have said pigs just started flying from my rear end.
- Adam Smith - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:31 pm:
Just cuz he “can,” doesn’t mean he “should.” And those who say “if the shoe were on the other foot,” are as petty, small and hyperpolitical as Quinn is. Why can’t anyone, of either party just do the sensible, descent thing and not make everything a political death match?
I wish Quinn had cared this much about real problems.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:32 pm:
From Monday, Rich Miller;
“…I checked in again with the House Speaker’s office this afternoon and received the same reply about a special session that they provided last week. The Speaker wants the executive branch to work this problem out.”
Has anything changed from the Speaker?
Is this a “gavel in - gavel out” rhetorically from the House’s viewpoint?
I’d like to think that if everyone isn’t on board, even setting a date three weeks hence has a roadmap besides “we’ll get together and then, well, it’ll just work out.”
Not the best way to run a railroad…
…and bad form because of a lack of cooperation.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:34 pm:
===Why do hate the idea of voters choosing who finishes out the last half of what would have been JBT’s next term? Is there any reason other than your rabid, vile partisanship? ===
1) MJM has called for a bipartisan agreement, and there is none, so the proclamation is meaningless until then;
2) A 2016 election clearly favors the Democratic candidate, and you should know that.
- The new and/or old William j Kelly - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:35 pm:
As I tried to say in 2010 we need BOTH a comptroller and a treasurer in Illinois to be a check on the system. http://youtu.be/BbsqidPAO_Q
- Ron Burgundy - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:36 pm:
OW: The Speaker has put the onus on the executive so far, but come 1/8/15 without progress, he could very well move a bill on this as he’s left himself room to do that. Or he could do a gavel in and out if he thinks it’s not worth the trouble or the cost/benefit analysis in his mind doesn’t work out.
- Just Saying - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:37 pm:
To put things in perspective, what if a Constitutional officer passes away or leaves office on January 16th? The Constitution states the Governor gets to appoint the replacement for the rest of the term. Period.
It’s only because this unfortunate situation occurred between the election and the inaugural (and the fact the Dems have control until Jan 12th)that we are even having this debate. If the writers wanted a special election to occur after a appointment they would have written it into the Constitution like they did for State Senators.
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:38 pm:
@Oswego Willy - nails it.
Speaker Madigan was very clear in his words. Governor Quinn is putting the cart before the horse for some reason.
- OneMan - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:38 pm:
Then this is going to sound silly, why isn’t a special election specifically part of the state constitution?
Not even disagreeing there should be a special election (not sure why this general assembly has to deal with it and not the next one) but if the ‘intent’ is it for be elected in this case, why not have that in there specifically
If the office becomes vacant X number of days before the next statewide election (or however you would describe it) the office shall be subject to election…
It isn’t there and legislating when and if an office should be filled via special election (because I bet they don’t pass a generic law on this) seems a bit risky to me…
- Jaded - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:38 pm:
Madigan will likely gavel in and gavel out, but he could also have some fun at the expense of both Governor’s. He can give Quinn his House vote on the Special Election, but do it after noon on Monday the 12. Then he can force Rauner to veto a special election bill as his first official action as Governor. Just some fun scenarios to consider.
- Give Me A Break - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:39 pm:
Bar and restaurant owners in Springfield rejoice.
- Anonymoiis - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:40 pm:
So Quinn felt this was important to get out there and done today….but is he going to do his actual duty and appoint someone, or wait and bury it as a weekend story?
- Sir Reel - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:40 pm:
While Quinn can call a special session I don’t get why he doesn’t appoint a replacement.
The longer this dance goes on the less I trust his motivations.
- Ron Burgundy - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:43 pm:
Again, the concern with getting this done before 1/12/15 is that once someone is installed to fill Topinka’s new term, it becomes legally harder to remove them as they have acquired an interest in the office, the law on the books says they get to fill the entire term, and shortening a Constitutional Officer’s term while they are in the midst of serving it is Constitutionally suspect. A court could very well find they are entitled to serve the entire four years even if a special election law is passed after 1/12/15 for 2016.
- Bill White - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:43 pm:
This issue will be the first public test of Bruce Rauner’s ability to work with Speaker Madigan and President Cullerton.
If Rauner, Madigan and Cullerton get on the same page, what Pat Quinn wants is irrelevant.
If Rauner seeks to bully Madigan and Cullerton, this issue will be the first of many on a long and rocky road.
- Ron Burgundy - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:47 pm:
Jaded: The timing on that would be very interesting, as the new GA would convene on Wednesday the 14th.
- Scooby - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:48 pm:
Guess Quinn didn’t get the message yesterday.
- Enviro - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:51 pm:
This is a smart move toward damage control if the appointed comptroller does not do a good job.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:52 pm:
- Ron Burgundy -,
I hear ya.
It’s just me, but looking like you are forcing the Speaker’s hand, by not having a bi-partisan supported plan, but having a date to meet…that’s not planning ahead, that’s ignoring the plea by the Speaker, today, by doing this as it appears Quinn is going about his business.
I’m just posing the question(s) - “If the Speaker’s criteria isn’t met, isn’t this a bit premature, given everyone’s status of interpretations?”
- Cassiopeia - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:54 pm:
State retirees are supposed to be paid tomorrow. Wonder if that will happen?
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:59 pm:
OneMan, “as may be provided by law” means they can do it.
- Wumpus - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:59 pm:
Just name Judy’s son as he was in the job market.
- Ron Burgundy - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 1:00 pm:
OW: I think we all know the Speaker is going to do, or not do, whatever he wants on this in the end, regardless of Quinn calling them back. Another case where Quinn thinks he’s driving the ship of state, but the steering wheel isn’t really attached.
- The Colossus of Roads - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 1:01 pm:
In 2013 it was reported that a special session costs taxpayers $40,000 a day. If they want a special election, why not let the new governor and legislature tackle this issue on a scheduled session day, like 1/15/15? This is another poor choice by Quinn.
- Bill White - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 1:02 pm:
@Oswego Willy
Quinn’s move strengthens Speaker Madigan’s hand.
As more people stake out their “position” on this, eventually MJM will become only key player not to have taken a position.
Then, he can take whatever position he deems most prudent at that time.
- Rahm's Parking Meter - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 1:03 pm:
Hey Governor, how about an interim appointment so state employees get paid?
I voted for him but this last month and a half is embarassing. No class on the way out the door from Pat.
- Anon III - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 1:03 pm:
Proclamation reads like he wrote it himself.
- Mason born - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 1:05 pm:
Rich,
I believe you had made remarks last week that the time when we HAVE to have a comptroller was shortly after JBT’s memorial. At this point we have to be rubbing up on it. With a pay roll period ending on Monday how much time is left?
I really hope this isn’t Quinns thinking.
A. appoint new political hack comptroller.
B. Get a special election bill signed after the 8th before the 12th.
C. New hack comptroller argues his appointment good till ‘18 goes to court when Rauner attempts to appoint.
D. Hack Comptroller argues special election bill doesn’t apply to Him/Her because it was passed after his appointment.
Let’s Quinn make his prefered 4+ yrs appointment and if he loses in court caps BR to a two year appointment. Win win for PQ.
- anon - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 1:06 pm:
Glad Quinn is sticking it to the man!
- Mason born - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 1:07 pm:
Sorry payroll period ending last Monday (15th)
- Secret Square - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 1:08 pm:
“why not let the new governor and legislature tackle this issue on a scheduled session day, like 1/15/15?”
Is it because a special election date has to be set BEFORE someone is appointed? If Rauner made a 4-year appointment on Jan. 12 would that person then have to be allowed to stay in office the full 4 years, if the GA had not yet set a 2017 ending date for his/her term?
- Mandy - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 1:10 pm:
RM: “2) A 2016 election clearly favors the Democratic candidate, and you should know that.”
Not if Rauner spends $50 million on the Presidential election.
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 1:11 pm:
== While Quinn can call a special session I don’t get why he doesn’t appoint a replacement ==
According to another frequent commenter I may not always agree with but always offers adds value to the conversation, the Comptroller’s office should have run out of pre-authorized checks yesterday https://capitolfax.com/2014/12/12/question-of-the-day-1943/#comment-11737354
- Keyser Soze - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 1:11 pm:
How much does an election cost?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 1:12 pm:
- Ron Burgundy -,
Yep. It’s not that Quinn is right or wrong in doing this;
It is about understanding how the levers work, and Quinn again shows he is lacking in understanding,
- Bill White -,
Of course it strengthens the Speaker’s position. That’s also kinda my point. If Quinn thinks having a date forces MJM to do anything in this very specific matter, all Quinn did in actuality is start a clock on himself to get a bi-partisan agreement.
Ok, Governor Quinn, you have the ball, squarely in your court…accidentally.
- OneMan - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 1:15 pm:
Assuming they do it as part of the legislative race in 2 years, not much in terms of government direct costs…
However in lost time and campaign spending…
Real money.
- Ranger54 - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 1:19 pm:
The Governor has the authority to call a special session as outlined in the state Constitution. Rauner already stated he was not going to fo by what the AG requested and he isn’t even Governor yet. Checks are already scheduled to go out for the rest of the month. What I also don’t understand is having a Governor’s mansion. Rent or buy property like the rest of us…
- Bill White - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 1:26 pm:
= = Of course it strengthens the Speaker’s position. That’s also kinda my point. = =
Okay. So what’s your beef?
Why wouldn’t Governor Quinn want to strengthen the Speaker’s position?
In other words, why would Governor Quinn do anything that might strengthen Bruce Rauner’s position as we head into 2015?
- Sue - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 1:27 pm:
Quinn just assured he will be remembered as an ineffectual baffoon.. He and tombstone should start a law firm together
- Anonymoiis - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 1:29 pm:
==Checks are already scheduled to go out for the rest of the month.==
If that’s true, which I don’t believe could be true, who exactly was it that signed the checks for the pay period that didn’t end until after Judy’s passing?
- Wordslinger - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 1:33 pm:
Geez, Sue, if you’re going to call someone a name, at least spell it right.
Otherwise you look like a …….
- Ranger54 - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 1:37 pm:
The scheduled paydate is already listed. More than likely Quinn will announce the Comptroller choice here shortly.
- Mouthy - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 1:37 pm:
==Checks are already scheduled to go out for the rest of the month.==
“If that’s true, which I don’t believe could be true, who exactly was it that signed the checks for the pay period that didn’t end until after Judy’s passing?”
Checks or warrants, paper or direct deposit are scheduled every day, not in advance. There’s only so much money and somebody has to decide “daily” who and what gets paid. The office just doesn’t run itself. So tell me, if a bad check is issued who’s head is on the platter?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 1:41 pm:
- Bill White -,
With respect,
For your premise to work;
Quinn believes MJM is right.
Quinn believes a bi-partisan resolution by the executive is also needed.
Quinn believes putting pressure on himself to agree…with himself and MJM…is needed to pressure…himself.
Quinn is willing to look, again, like a Dope by calling a Special Session where his idea fails, because he wants to help MJM.
I dunno. That doesn’t sound like Quinn, even on accident.
- Millie K. - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 1:41 pm:
Ridiculous……Pat Quinn should act like an adult….not a pouting child….
- A guy... - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 1:51 pm:
Biggest winner might be the Minister who can say an opening prayer in less than a minute.
- Empty Suit - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 1:54 pm:
Breaking News - Quinn appoints Quinn
- dupage dan - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 1:59 pm:
=== - Wordslinger - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:23 pm:
I’m all for a special election in 2016.
What’s the reason to be against it, again? ===
=== - Rich Miller - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:34 pm:
A 2016 election clearly favors the Democratic candidate… ===
- Tom Joad - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 2:04 pm:
About 35 years ago John Keith agreed to fill a vacant State Rep seat and not take any salary or pension money. That would be a good way for Quinn to find someone to fill the office temporarily on the same terms and not take any salary or perks.
- Wordslinger - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 2:16 pm:
DD, voters sure can be pesky, can’t they? Thanks for sharing the partisan hack rationale.
- Mandy - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 2:16 pm:
One Man: ” How much does an election cost? Assuming they do it as part of the legislative race in 2 years, not much in terms of government direct costs…However in lost time and campaign spending…Real money.”
A tiny price to promote democracy.
- liandro - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 2:17 pm:
Rich, is there any reason a special election can’t be during the municipal elections? I haven’t heard it mentioned at all. Is it only because Dem’s have a better environment in 2016, or are there other concerns?
- Anonymoiis - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 2:19 pm:
==About 35 years ago John Keith agreed to fill a vacant State Rep seat and not take any salary or pension money. That would be a good way for Quinn to find someone to fill the office temporarily on the same terms and not take any salary or perks.==
Since it would only last about three weeks, I’d consider that about as much a sacrifice as Rauner saying he won’t take any salary or pension.
- Black Ivy - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 2:19 pm:
Will wonders ever cease? I knew Governor Pat Quinn was an ineffective, warm milk kind of leader, but the pettiness and ugliness he has displayed since that fateful day in November has been beyond embarrassing. The Governor’s Office will be occupied by another man in less than three weeks. By calling a Special Session and pushing for a Special Election (which will take place when you are gone and long forgotten), Governor Quinn has sunken to new lows. If you can’t go away quietly, can you just go away?
- Ron Burgundy - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 2:20 pm:
Because not everywhere in the state has municipal elections, or elections at the same time except in 2016. The cost of making such an election a statewide one would be very significant.
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 2:22 pm:
We could have had a minimum wage increase months ago. Governor Quinn and crew instead postponed a vote for the sake of his own benefit. Fortunately, people saw through his tactic of delaying action in order to make it a campaign issue and try gaining a few more ballots for himself in November.
Let someone else, anyone else, get the ==credit== for this. Share the credit among all members for this vote, or give the credit to some junior member of either party if you want. Just not Governor Quinn after the games he played on this.
A minimum wage increase already has enough support to pass after January 12 regardless.
- Amalia - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 2:27 pm:
great piece of the proclamation, the bit about the AG thinking there should be a special election. perfect. don’t get why all the fuss about Special Session being called. the will of the people gave us Rauner. why are you afraid of the will of the people on this one?
- sparky791 - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 2:34 pm:
UPDATE*** THIS JUST IN!
Pat Quinn says he was put on this earth to name a new comptroller.
- Rowdy Yates - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 2:42 pm:
Pat Quinn and Bruce Rauner need to go out and have a beer together and talk. They are both good guys who simply need to talk “one on one” with each other without having the media or members of their own parties sitting next to them.
I know these two guys can get along (actually, I think these two guys can become good friends and can help the state of Illinois through it’s current difficulties). I am waiting to see which of these two good guys will be the first one to say, “How about you and me meeting for a beer next week?”
- railrat - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 3:07 pm:
Hey PQ ! Mr. hissy fit, did your day at 150 and Sweeneys PAC money come up with this strategy, man up !! go with some sort of dignity !! nah Sweeney wouldn’t either…
- Anonymoiis - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 3:07 pm:
==need to talk “one on one” with each other without having the media or members of their own parties sitting next to them.==
A one on one meeting over beer without media? I like to dream impossible scenarios too.,,
- Tom Joad - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 3:09 pm:
Anoneymoiis:Since it would only last about three weeks, I’d consider that about as much a sacrifice as Rauner saying he won’t take any salary or pension.: If a person who has been a state employee is appointed he/she would boost their pension by a large amount. So get someone who will decline any pay.
- Todd - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 3:11 pm:
Special elcetion so Quinn can run for it? ? ?
- Grandson of Man - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 3:12 pm:
I’m not understanding the minimum wage increase part of the special session, if that’s what’s to happen. I thought a state minimum wage increase doesn’t have the votes, because of Chicago legislators and Chicago’s minimum wage increase.
- Nick Name - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 3:13 pm:
- Wordslinger - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 2:16 pm:
DD, voters sure can be pesky, can’t they? Thanks for sharing the partisan hack rationale. -
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 12:34 pm:
===Why do hate the idea of voters choosing who finishes out the last half of what would have been JBT’s next term? Is there any reason other than your rabid, vile partisanship? ===
1) MJM has called for a bipartisan agreement, and there is none, so the proclamation is meaningless until then;
2) A 2016 election clearly favors the Democratic candidate, and you should know that. -
Wordslinger, since Rich Miller made the original comment that “a 2016 election clearly favors the Democrats”, are you saying that Rich Miller is a partisan hack?
- Amalia - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 3:16 pm:
special election so the people can make the decision. all are welcome!
- Anonymous - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 3:24 pm:
Rich, I think you may be wrong about MJM and LM — they father/daughter duo will not do anything so public to hurt the Democratic Party.
This is has become very partisan and if the ambiguity in the law benefits the Democrats - then the top Democrats will follow Pat Quinn….
I can’t see any other alternative…
This was always going to be a partisan fight — the REpublicans want the jobs and contracts related to the appointment and so do the Democrats
But, I enjoy reading comments from the sideliners…
- Wordslinger - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 3:25 pm:
Nick, try reading for comprehension next time.
Reporting a fact does not necessarily make someone an advocate of a particular position.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 3:28 pm:
To people who say Governor Quinn will be remembered as a “baffoon” or some other unflattering adjective — incumbents that lose elections are always considered “losers” and Rauner has already started rewriting history ….
“Budget worse than thought…” Directors told to overstate budget requests…. etc
Don’t get me wrong — to the victors go the spoils — and can rewrite history ….
- Nick Name - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 4:18 pm:
- Wordslinger - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 3:25 pm:
Nick, try reading for comprehension next time.
Reporting a fact does not necessarily make someone an advocate of a particular position. -
So, Wordslinger, would you be comfortable saying to Rich Miller, “Thanks for sharing the partisan hack rationale”? Or, did it only become “partisan hack rationale” when Dupage Dan repeated the original quote?
- liandro - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 5:00 pm:
Makes sense Ron, thanks.
- Enviro - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 5:17 pm:
IMO Quinn will be remembered by most Democrats and independents as the most honest and decent Illinois governor in recent history.
- Norseman - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 5:22 pm:
=== IMO Quinn will be remembered by most Democrats and independents as the most honest and decent Illinois governor IN RECENT HISTORY. ===
Recent History being 2009 to 2014.
- Enviro - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 5:56 pm:
Recent History: Very funny @5:22.
However, I was thinking more like since January 12, 1953 when Stevenson left office. I understand that Stevenson was a decent and honest man…not sure about the others who came before or after him.
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Dec 18, 14 @ 8:34 pm:
== honest and decent Illinois governor ==
Might want to wait and see what happens with the IDOT patronage abuses, NRI and others before we judge his legacy.
- VPlena - Friday, Dec 19, 14 @ 12:57 am:
I would bet that 99% of the voters in Illinois could care less if the Comptroller is appointed to a 4 year term; or just 2 years with a special election. What the voters are concerned with is taxes, jobs, infrastructure, corruption, pension reform, etc.