95 Comments - pundent - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:08 am: I saw the piece when it aired last night. I don’t think that Martinez did herself or her constituents any favors. Obviously a change in administrations is going to bring a change in staffers. Martinez offered no explanation as to why these staffers should have been retained or why other Latinos should be hired other than “they’re Latinos”. Her comments seemed more geared towards creating a controversy and I’m not so sure that one exists here. - Precinct Captain - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:09 am: Just like the gtcr selection process, “They weren’t there.” - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:10 am: This is when the Rauner Crew carefully, very carefully, trot out Evelyn to smile, wave, and carefulky, oh so carefully, put her back where she talks to no one and can’t start litigation against the state. If you treat…the person who is a heartbeat away from running the 5th largest state in America is a minority “hire” prop, (”Bruce hired me”, remember?), then you should be mocked for carefully, gingerly, trot her out as that “crutch” for Gov. Rauner. Maybe Senator Martinez can ask Evelyn questions, or is that too much of an Evelyn, loose cannon, situation? - Walter Mitty - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:11 am: Precinct Captain….the second most powerful person in the state is Latino. - Ahoy! - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:11 am: Martinez is advocating for her constituency, that’s part of her job. The Rauner administration should hire the best people for the job, that’s their job. There is still a lot of hires to go, no big deal on either side right now. - PublicServant - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:12 am: Rich is hispanic? - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:12 am: “Precinct Captain….the second most powerful person in the state is a prop.” Better. - state worker - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:12 am: Maybe she should blame Sanguinetti, the head of the transition team? - Walter Mitty - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:15 am: OW … It’s been a week… Let’s wait a bit on calling someone in that position a prop. A bit of a low blow. - Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:15 am: The best qualified individuals should be serving. If they are Latino, Black, White, Asian, whatever. I am willing to give the newly elected governor the benefit of the doubt in hiring whomever he feels will help Illinois get better results than it has so far. One week in office is a bit early to begin trying to label someone as racially biased in their hiring practices. Unless, of course, you happen to be Sen Martinez. - AlabamaShake - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:16 am: **Precinct Captain….the second most powerful person in the state is Latino.** LOL - you think that the LG is the “second most powerful person in the state?” - state worker - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:16 am: Pundent: Martinez did indeed give a good reason. Not allowing Sanguinetti to speak in the campaign — or in public office — is most revealing about the governor’s relationship with Latinos. - Arizona Bob - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:16 am: Fine. Have her get Republican Latinos submit applications for the open spots in the exempt positions and all qualified, apolitical Latinos apply for the Civil service positions. If, by objective evaluation of education, skills and experience, Latinos deserve to be hired, God bless. If not, the best qualified applicants should be hired for the Civil Service spots, and the political applicants who can best serve the Governor through management skills AND political effectiveness in the positions should get the nod. Wasn’t that part of MLKs “Dream” that people be judged by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin? - Walter Mitty - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:18 am: Alabama…. Understand the constitution? God forbid if yesterday wasn’t a fender bender. - Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:18 am: The makeup of the government workforce should reflect the people they are serving. - walker - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:18 am: Just a little preemptive move while the getting’s good. Not much of a news story. - Namaste - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:18 am: If Walter Mitty is referring to the Lt. Gov as the second most powerful person in the state, he is delusional and has no understanding of the job or of Illinois politics. - Grandson of Man - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:18 am: **Martinez offered no explanation as to why these staffers should have been retained or why other Latinos should be hired other than “they’re Latinos”.** I don’t think she needs to do that. There are plenty of qualified Latinos out there. That’s a given. Rauner has to do much better with his top staff, in terms of diversity, than his firm did with top executives. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:18 am: - Walter Mitty -, With respect, The Rauner Crew won’t let her talk, or do anything that is not so scripted or puts her in a position to actually think it react… But… The second they need an example of minority considerations, they, carefully, gingerly, bring her name out. That’s prop characteristics. It is. With respect. - VanillaMan - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:18 am: The new Lt. Governor is a Latina. Case closed. - MrJM (@MisterJayEm) - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:18 am: “even the lieutenant governor, Evelyn Sanguinetti, is Hispanic.” Reminds me of a scene from “30 Rock”: Len: “You got a couple of things though that could get in the way of this promotion. Like you should probably give up your membership to that all white country club.” Jack: “That is not an all white club. What about Johnny Carlos? He’s ethnic.” Len: “He’s the king of Spain, Jack. I don’t think that counts.” – MrJM - econ prof - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:18 am: Here’s a concept: how about the Rauner administration hire based on qualifications, and not just race? - in the know - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:19 am: welcome to caucus politics 101. Rauner made some hay with the minority hiring EO, but the latino caucus is increasingly chaffing at their relative role (to the AA caucus) despite their increasing electoral importance. handled carefully, this could be a major GOP gain. - Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:22 am: A lot of people were let go in the last 6 weeks, a lot more will be let go as the new staffs start to enter state government. Rauner had a few latinos working for him if some of his press is in any way truthful, I assume they’ll all get jobs. - Snucka - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:22 am: ==Walter Mitty - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:11 am: Precinct Captain….the second most powerful person in the state is Latino.== Huh. You learn something new about John Cullerton every day. Evelyn is not in the team photo for “most powerful people in Illinois”. - shanks - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:25 am: In the world of common sense…hire the person most qualified for the job. It is 2015 and people are still throwing the race card around to get their way. - Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:26 am: == Not allowing Sanguinetti to speak in the campaign — or in public office — is most revealing about the governor’s relationship with Latinos. == Because Sheila Simon was encouraged by Gov Quinn to become such a tour de force? Please. This doesn’t reveal anything about Rauner’s relationship with Latinos any more than it did about Quinn’s relationship with Caucasians or women. The Lt Gov role can be something more than it has been lately, and it would be good to hear more from Lt Gov Sanguinetti than we have, but the position of Lt Gov is what it is at this point. - Responsa - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:26 am: There really is an opportunity here for Gov. Rauner. I hope he takes it and I think he will. But he does need to take the time to carefully vet and choose the right people for the right jobs in order to increase the actual impact of Latinos in IL government and policy making. There are great numbers of talented Latinos available in this state for him to recruit for government and administrative service. Everybody knows this. State Sen. Martinez looks like a cry baby and like someone who doesn’t understand what normally happens when administrations change over following elections. - Just 4 fun - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:29 am: The legislature should also be 51% Female, 71% white, 15 Latino, and 14 African American. (If we are to properly reflect the demographics of the state.) - Ducky LaMoore - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:30 am: I am a big fan of diversity. But the tunnel vision of specific numbers is just ridiculous and the lowest form of politics. I understand it, but I don’t like it. - Bill White - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:31 am: Walter Mitty, if the second most powerful person in the state is Latino, where does Bruce Rauner rank? I’d been thinking Bruce had that 2nd place slot all locked up. - Old Timer - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:31 am: Only hire qualified individuals for the job. Race, gender, sexual orientation, or religious views should not determine who gets the job. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:32 am: To the Post, The Rauner Administration should hire whomever they want, qualify them any way they want, and build an administration however they see fit. They won. I have no beef with any way they want to do this. My beef is responding as they did to a question as to how they are going about their business. Sorry, it’s so mockable that tuning to the magic of Evelyn makes a point. It deserves to be mocked. The office of Governor changed officeholders and party. Rauner and his Crew can pick their Administration, and they should be allowed to build as they see fit. - Wordslinger - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:33 am: What Walk said. Not much of a story at this point. - A reasonable person... - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:33 am: I agree with Sen. Martinez that state government needs to do a better job reflecting the people it serves. I also know a few individuals who were given the pink slip by the new administration. While I completely get that that can come with being an at-will employee, I also think it would have been fair to at least talk to/interview these employees before universally laying them off. There are a lot of good people who do tremendous work and it’s a shame to lose them. Plus, on the pink slip employees received it noted the administration was accepting applications for other positions. But I haven’t heard much happening on that front. I’m sure this is a very busy time for the new administration, I just think that it would only benefit them to really look at what everyone offers, especially individuals who want to continue doing work that makes a difference in state government. - Skeptic - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:37 am: To hear people here talk, the second most powerful person in Illinois is a redheaded white dude from south Chicago. Maybe I’m just confused. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:46 am: Heartbeats and health of the person who finally hired her makes Evelyn the 2nd most powerful. With heartbeats and health, Evelyn is a prop…not the 2nd most powerful in Illinoid Government…as the statement to counter Sen. Martinez highlights better than really anything else. - A guy - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:48 am: It’s too early to determine who’s where and doing what. That will take time. I understand the concerns of Sen. Martinez, but they’re premature. There’s a changeover. She might be better suited to fight for a few who she thinks should be hired back if she feels that strongly about this…you know, real people she knows rather than a demographic category. They’ll hire more Latinos because they need to. Taking the time to find the best qualified people who happen to be Latino will take a little time. Their connection to the community needs greater development. But; they will need their support, so they’ll work hard to get them there. It would be lovely to go a day without gratuitous insults to the Lt. Gov. She’s serving her Governor. That must be kind of new around there. - VanillaMan - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:48 am: I believe a government should reflect the community it governs, as well. Yet, we are seeing some groups argue that their definition of what that community is, trumping other’s definitions. Evelyn Sanguinetti doesn’t speak for Democrats who are Hispanic, but her position within the administration does indicate that being Hispanic is not a disqualifier within the new administration. Consequently, claims that the administration is insensitive or negative towards Hispanic citizens is not based on the clear evidence before us. We should not be discriminating based on ethnicity, and clearly this new administration has not discriminated based on ethnicity when it came to an office constitutionally designed to replace the State’s highest elected officer in its executive branch. Politicize it, or spin it all you want, but the fact that the new administration did not discriminate against the person chosen for the Lt. Governor’s office, means that claims such as the one being made by Senator Martinez appears to be without any merit, based on the evidence. - Federalist - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:50 am: The ole affirmative action and all of its kissin cousins will soon be expanded to Hispanics. Race/ethnicity as well as political connections will be a primary component in future hires. Those who do not have such advantages will be the ones hurt- but who cares about them. - Norseman - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:52 am: LOL Skeptic Not an issue, but Martinez wil continue to harangue on the topic. - Anonymoiis - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:53 am: ==To hear people here talk, the second most powerful person in Illinois is a redheaded white dude from south Chicago.== Bozo the Clown? - SAP - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:54 am: ==Precinct Captain….the second most powerful person in the state is Latino.== Not quite Walter. More like: The person who is a heartbeat away from being the most powerful person in the state is Latina. - Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:58 am: Not nearly as bad as Chapa La Via’s ==We have a half== comments last year, but still lame. - Arizona Bob - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:59 am: =The makeup of the government workforce should reflect the people they are serving.= I really am not comfortable hiring teenage single moms, high school dropouts or those graduating in the system with sixth grade skills, drug dealers, generational welfare recipients, public union members, and Dem precinct captains to run the government. After all, you did say the workforce should reflect those the government is SERVING, right? I think I’d prefer the government workforce reflect those PAYING FOR the government. I’d guess they’d be much better stewards of spending practice efficiency. Just a thought…. - Wordslinger - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 12:05 pm: Geez, AB, having some bad weather under your bridge today or what? - Nick Naylor - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 12:10 pm: =Precinct Captain….the second most powerful person in the state is Latino.= Tim Mapes is Latino? I wasn’t aware. - Bigtwich - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 12:13 pm: I think I’d prefer the commentators reflect those PAYING FOR the government. Just a thought…. - A reasonable person... - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 12:21 pm: Oh, right AB. Because a teenage mother or someone who has been on welfare can’t possibly be a positive force in state government. You couldn’t be more wrong. - VanillaMan - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 12:23 pm: I really am not comfortable hiring teenage single moms, high school dropouts or those graduating in the system with sixth grade skills, drug dealers, generational welfare recipients, public union members, and Dem precinct captains to run the government. Then let me do the hiring, because I would be perfectly comfortable. Depending upon the government is not a disqualifier to being a good citizen or public servant. We don’t run government like a country club where you have to be a paying member in order to be respected and listened to. You know what you posted is complete crap and totally undemocratic. The label you give people does not strip them of their talents. The decisions they have made in their lives, do not erase their humanity. Shame on you. - pundent - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 12:23 pm: State Worker: Watch the clip. She said no such thing. The reason we haven’t heard from Sanguinetti is the same reason we don’t hear from most Lt. Gov’s. - A Veteran - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 12:23 pm: Best qualified, filling quotas, or hiring his staff resemble the makeup of the state is all noble, but it would be nice to see the governor or his staff actually interview for some of the appointments.. - okgo - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 12:24 pm: Anyone who is married knows that Bruce Rauner is the second most powerful person in the State, and who the most powerful person is… - RNUG - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 12:25 pm: And I thought Rauner was now the “second most powerful person in the state” … - pundent - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 12:27 pm: OW - If Martinez’s position is that Latinos should be hired simply for being Latinos then holding up Sanguinetti as an example makes perfect sense. Using Martinez’s logic Sanguinetti shouldn’t be mocked she should be celebrated. - Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 12:39 pm: A new broom sweeps clean,there will be no Latinos brought over from former business at A new broom sweeps clean ,sunlight is the best disinfectant. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 12:40 pm: ===If Martinez’s position is that Latinos should be hired simply for being Latinos then holding up Sanguinetti as an example makes perfect sense. === I don’t think advocating prop hires is the intent of Sen. Martinez, but if the Rauner Crew enjoys carefully, gingerly, trotting out Evelyn as a prop, you use what you got. I guess thst IS one way to highlight that race shouldn’t trump actually being qualified for the job(?) - Jorge - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 12:44 pm: Meh. - pundent - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 12:44 pm: OW - I agree. I think that using Sanguinetti in this manner is the perfect response to Martinez’s comments. Having said that I will give her the benefit of the doubt and infer that she’s advocating for qualified Latino’s. If that was the context I’d be right there with you in mocking Rauner’s response. - A guy - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 12:52 pm: Willy, those are the words of an imbecile. You should commit to doing better because you are better. She helped her Governor win. She brought plenty of Latino support with her. She’s been nothing short of a team player. It’s not that hard to admire those traits. You instead continue your personal goofy narrative and in effect, call her stupid. Nothing could be further from the truth. - Juvenal - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 12:56 pm: To be fair, I think Rauner hired every single high-ranking Latino who was working for Mark Kirk. - Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 12:57 pm: ==I think I’d prefer the government workforce reflect those PAYING FOR the government. == Well, that would be EVERYBODY. People pay all kinds of taxes, even the “takers” (as dopes like you like to call them). Can you make a comment without using dumb political talking points? Please. - Demoralized - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 12:58 pm: That was me above - Demoralized - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 12:59 pm: I’m not a big fan of hiring people just because of their particular ethnicity or race. I understand the politics of it. I just disagree with it. Just because your black, brown, yellow, green or blue shouldn’t get you to the front of the line. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 1:02 pm: - A Guy… -, All admirable traits. They are. Evelyn Sanguinetti, now, is a heartbeat away from running the 5th largest state in America. It’s not theory anymore. It’s fact. Are you saying she’s capable and up to that task? Putting your hand on the Bible and taking an oath makes her qualified under the Constitution, but it doesn’t make her magically capable. Also, - A Guy… -, trotting her out to refute a diversity challenge rings very hollow when they won’t trot her out when she needs to speak, knowledgeably about governing. Can’t have it both ways and not expect to be called on it. Evelyn is good enough to be a prop in a statement, but can’t speak to governing on her own? - 1776 - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 1:04 pm: Martinez should be HAPPY that 10 of 29 political appointees have not been given their walking papers. These are political appointments who live and die by the sword. I’m curious what percent of President Cullerton’s staff are Latino? I know many of them and I don’t think that there are many, especially in top posts. Has she brought that to his attention? - Apocalypse Now - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 1:08 pm: As usual, OW has his knickers in a knot. Rauner has been in office for 11 days and OW is concerned about Evelyn Sanguinetti, lack of expose. She was with Rauner on his trip around the state, before the inauguration and spoke at each site. For goodness sakes Ow, she is still probably trying to find the bathroom and pencil and paper for her office. Man, we know you don’t like “your party”, but let’s give a month. You have absolutely no idea what she is doing behind the scenes on staffing issues. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 1:13 pm: ===Rauner has been in office for 11 days and OW is concerned about Evelyn Sanguinetti, lack of expose.=== There was a car “accident” yesterday. Thank goodness there weren’t any life-threaning injuries for ANYone… But it’s out there, the LG has ONE real job, and that is only realized like when LG Quinn, became Governor Quinn… ===Man, we know you don’t like “your party”, but let’s give a month=== After the oath is administered, the LG is now the Governor in Waiting…starting Day 1… - Sunshine - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 1:13 pm: Seems to me that hiring any American citizen would work just fine? Why all this ‘us against them’ positioning? Seems to me that when it came to fighting in our recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan no one was asking to be grouped or represented by their nationality. Why now? - A guy - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 1:18 pm: Willy, Lt. Govs don’t set policy, they follow and promote the policy of the Gov. They don’t speak unless there’s a compelling reason, like they’re being sworn in as Governor. Otherwise, it’s a pretty quiet office. It’s subjective to guess “who’s ready” or “who isn’t”. A lot of folks who won the office weren’t ready in my opinion and using hindsight. The good ones grow into it. You just happen to be sure that she “isn’t ready” if something happened. I don’t know how anyone could know that. He pointed out that she was Latina when a Senator said (paraphrasing) he’s discriminating against Latinos. No more. No less. That makes everyone of color or creed or persuasion a “prop” in your book? I guess everyone’s a prop somehow. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 1:27 pm: - A Guy… -, Here’s the hypocritical rub; You use Evelyn as a prop to show diversity, but she’s unavailable for an interview? Hmm. That is prop-like tendencies. There is no office to grow into; The duties of the office is to become Governor if the need arises, or the office of Governor is vacant. Her lack of credentials speak for thenselves, and that Evelyn is unavailable, as an elected official to the press screams that it’s damage control more than anything else. People voted for her. If you say they voted for Bruce, not her, than refrsin from calling her the highest ELECTED Latina in Illinois history. Again, can’t have THAT both ways too. ===He pointed out that she was Latina when a Senator said (paraphrasing) he’s discriminating against Latinos. No more. No less. That makes everyone of color or creed or persuasion a “prop” in your book?=== I explained very clearly why, specifically, Evelyn is a prop in the statement. Evelyn. Specifically. - Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 1:34 pm: ==Martinez says she wants Latinos in high-level positions == Four Latino cabinet members were let go== Since being ==Latino== in ==high-level positions== is apparently the most important qualification to Sen Martinez… how many Latino cabinet members is 1 Latino Lt Gov ==worth==? Is 1 Lt Gov for 4 cabinet members an ==even trade==? Should they cut another Latino cabinet member to make it ==even==? Add two? Cut three? What if they threw in a few deputies? Would that make the Senator happy? - Under Further Review - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 1:49 pm: “Hispanic” is an artificial category. I do not know why the US government uses it. I prefer to the term “Latino” which is more accurate. The people that I know prefer to be called Cuban, Mexican, Salvadoran, Spanish or whatever is appropriate to their origins. Senator Martinez’s quota approach is annoying. As for those staffers let go, did the Senator observe that there was an election and new hires and appointees will be replacing those persons associated with the former governor? - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 2:03 pm: - Apocalypse Now - Are you going to add to…anything, or just critique me? lol - Western Ave. Doug - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 2:22 pm: - Apocalypse Now - ==Are you going to add to…anything, or just critique me? lol== The real question Willy is when you are going to add anything other that campaign retreads of Rauner/Evelyn hate? Did you have any comments on Evelyn’s interview on WGN last week? How about her speech at the inaugural? Did all that Spanish she spoke from the dais seem to prop like? - Creative Nickname - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 2:25 pm: We all know Sen. Martinez is just staking the territory before all the appointments and hires are made. Heck, she probably is muscling for a couple specific people she is trying to advance. - A guy - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 2:27 pm: === A Guy… -, Here’s the hypocritical rub; You use Evelyn as a prop to show diversity, but she’s unavailable for an interview? Hmm. That is prop-like tendencies.=== And for what purpose do you or anyone else need to interview the LG for? It’s all so sudden and remarkably convenient. I’m in the communications business. If someone just wants to set someone up for a slanted “gotcha” interview, that would be “no sale”. That goes for the LG and the Gov. They are not here to simply…amuse you. - Pot calling kettle - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 2:30 pm: To those who are posting “hire the most qualified…” LOL, this almost never happens because the “most qualified” person for the job may not ever apply. (They are doing something else, the pay is too low, they don’t agree with the gov, etc.) That said, there are many people who are well qualified for each of the positions that are being filled. Given the number of well qualified people, a Governor should try to have a cabinet that reflects the lived experiences of the residents of the state. This helps to ensure that the needs of those people are represented when decisions are being made. A smart Governor does this so that they understand the implications of the policies they promote. A wait-and-see approach is OK, but if you wait too long, and all the top posts get filled, it might be too late to get the representation you feel your constituency deserves. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 2:33 pm: - Western Ave. Doug -, I only commented on Rauner’s Inaugural, and made a joke about Lisa Madigan’s Inaugral. I’m honored my critiques are requested, usually I read “no one cares or reads your comments”. lol As for WGN, I’m commenting here on what’s posted here. I’m pretty sure if Rich had a Post on it, I woukd probably comment. As to the campaign, it’s over. Evelyn’s credentials don’t magically get better with a hand on a Bible. The campaign point of her qualifications again became front and center with a car accident. If you think Evelyn is capable, magically after taking an oath, good luck with that. - bored now - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 2:39 pm: ==== Walter Mitty: the second most powerful person in the state is Latino. ==== try as you might, you are not going to convince us that bruce rauner is a latino. no way, no how… - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 2:41 pm: ===And for what purpose do you or anyone else need to interview the LG for?=== Lance Trover cited her. She can’t speak to this subject if asked, lol. ===It’s all so sudden and remarkably convenient.=== That Lance Trover used her name without prompting? You’re being a victim here, - A Guy… -. ===I’m in the communications business.=== Congrats! ===If someone just wants to set someone up for a slanted “gotcha” interview, that would be “no sale”.=== Is Evelyn only “ok” for fluff pieces? She is the elected LG, so I guess questioning her with questions is questionable from now on? ===That goes for the LG and the Gov. They are not here to simply…amuse you.=== The Press will dictate more how much is answered and asked, depending on the press shop and how they want the working relationship to…work. So the highest elected Latina in Illinois history is picking an choosing which press and media are slanted? Is there a list of “yes” reporters and a “no way” list of reporters too? - Amalia - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:02 pm: it’s too early to start complaining, wait until they do more, is code for shut up and go away. it’s way past time that the composition of staff better reflects the population makeup, so fine on her comments. maybe she took a lesson from Saturday Night Live. lots of screaming added African American comics to the staff, but Latinas/os? Nada. Speak up or get shut out. - A guy - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:06 pm: Willy, there is a lot of territory between Gotcha and Fluff. Occasionally something might come up. Traditionally, LGs are in attendance at what you would call “fluff” events around the state; i.e. turnip festivals, pig roasts in Kewaunee, funerals of some local dignitaries, etc. It comes with that territory. On your final question: ===Is there a list of “yes” reporters and a “no way” list of reporters too?=== I’ll answer this way. Absolutely, but I’ve never seen a written one. There is a long list of straight shooters. I have seen those on paper. They get press releases. - truthteller - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:09 pm: I am confident that Rauner will hire Latinos in high paying positions and that they will all be as well qualified as Sanguinetti is for hers. Don’t imagine it will take long to find folks who meet that high standard - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:11 pm: ===Kewaunee=== Kewanee, IL. - Hog Capitol. - Arthur Andersen - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:13 pm: Creative Nickname is likely spot on. If the good Sen.’s past efforts with investment managers, brokers, etc. are any indication, she definitely has some “names.” - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:14 pm: ===I’ll answer this way. Absolutely, but I’ve never seen a written one. There is a long list of straight shooters. I have seen those on paper. They get press releases.=== Right now, her list is really, really short. Has the Daily Herald been put on the “naughty list”? It’s not gotcha, even here, if you list Evelyn as a prop, and her exposure, even as you have described it, is protecting her. - Anyone Remember - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:17 pm: econ prof - =Here’s a concept: how about the Rauner administration hire based on qualifications, and not just race?= So you’re against Illinois tradition and will hire “Nobody who nobody sent.” ?? - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:37 pm: Keep this in mind with “protecting” and “gotcha” and using Evelyn to make a point, and curtailing her; If you tout Evelyn as the highest elected Latina in Illinois history and is capable of doing the duties of the job of being the Governor of Illinois…every time it’s apparent that her engagement in expressing herself to the media is stifled, the belief Evelyn Sanguinetti can be governor is refuted by the actions of her and the Administration, not by comments here. - A guy - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:58 pm: === Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:11 pm: ===Kewaunee=== Kewanee, IL. - Hog Capitol.=== Gimme some credit on this. Only ever had one client there and it was 25 years ago. The pig roast was memorable. - Arizona Bob - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 5:08 pm: @VanillaMan =We don’t run government like a country club where you have to be a paying member in order to be respected and listened to.= No, but I respect and listen to people who’ve made good choices with their lives, or recognize that they made a mistake and don’t repeat it. People who are income taxpayers have accomplished enough to show they put “skin in the game”. They DESERVE to be listened to and respected, while those who keep reproducing without forming a stable family for the kids and drop out and don’t put in effort DON’T, necessarily. Apparently with you VM, professional respect doesn’t have to be EARNED, it’s just given out like an entitlement. Is that the way you deal with people working for you in your business? If so, good luck surviving. =You know what you posted is complete crap and totally undemocratic. The label you give people does not strip them of their talents. The decisions they have made in their lives, do not erase their humanity.= VM, apparently you don’t know the difference in respecting someone as a person and empowering them in business and giving them responsibility. I’ve known many over the years who were teenage single moms who turned things around and became truly exceptional people and professionals, and others who just continued down the same dysfunctional path. I respect both as human beings, but I respect the former for their character and ambition, not so much the latter. =Shame on you.= If wanting achievers running the government I fund, and having those who’ve EARNED respect through accomplishment is cause for shame, then I’m guilty as charged. How has your empowering the undeserving while refusing to reward the accomplished worked for you, VM? - anon - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 5:45 pm: == the best qualified persons should be serving == Uhm, would that include the Lt Gov? She was “the best qualified” Republican to be a heartbeat away? Gimme a break. - state worker - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 6:45 pm: - Formerly Known As… - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 11:26 am: == Not allowing Sanguinetti to speak in the campaign — or in public office — is most revealing about the governor’s relationship with Latinos. == “Because Sheila Simon was encouraged by Gov Quinn to become such a tour de force? Please. This doesn’t reveal anything about Rauner’s relationship with Latinos any more than it did about Quinn’s relationship with Caucasians or women. The Lt Gov role can be something more than it has been lately, and it would be good to hear more from Lt Gov Sanguinetti than we have, but the position of Lt Gov is what it is at this point.” RESPONSE: Sheila Simon spoke her mind. Someday Tia fault. Same with Vallas. This has nothing to do with the LG position being “inherently quiet.” Sanguinetti is either a reflection of Rauner’s relationship with Latinos (he needed a token) or it’s a reflection of what he thinks about her personally (she needs to keep her mouth shut). - What's Up? - Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 8:32 pm: I’m not sure what Gov. Rauner has in mind, but have seen many of my colleagues pink-slipped simply for being Democrats. These employees never had their resumes reviewed, no interviews given, and no explanation for their termination. In some cases, the folks who were left in place do not have the expertise or knowledge to carry out the work that remains regardless of who is the Governor. So much for real change in Illinois. - Late to the Party - Friday, Jan 23, 15 @ 5:30 am: I do not care if someone’s ancestry is South American or African or European or Asian or Australian or North American or even Antarctican (is that a word?). I *do care* if that person is qualified for the job. Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.