119 Comments - phocion - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 12:55 pm: Cool! Just popped some popcorn. What time is the vote? - Anonin' - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 12:56 pm: Guessin’ the rental checks weren’t enough. I guess this is called transparent extortion - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 12:56 pm: Leader Durkin and the legislators he… controls… ? - Anonymous - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 12:57 pm: Which Superstar is set to pull the fire alarm? Or maybe a Dem will be “accidently” locked in the restroom or their own office? - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 12:58 pm: “I don’t care about your district, you vote your governor… or else…”… … ? - Allen D - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 12:58 pm: house just came to order …so anytime now it could pop. no pun intended phocion - Anonymous - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 12:58 pm: A leader controlling legislators is only corrupt when done by the other party. - Anonin' - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 12:58 pm: ICYMI GOPie uturns may leads to multiple cases of whiplash … line up the ambulances. - GaelicDream - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:00 pm: Wow did any one feel that wind….anyone have a pin!!! - hisgirlfriday - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:00 pm: if you have to threaten your caucus in the press, you’re a weak caucus leader. - Michelle Flaherty - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:00 pm: Who died and made him Lee Daniels? - illinifan - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:01 pm: love the independence and lack of an iron fist that is being exerted by Rauner….can someone tell me what is the difference between Rauner and Madigan other than Madigan has more class and does not air the dirty laundry in public. - Amalia - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:01 pm: oooh, watching what will happen with a few state reps. questions for some if they want to switch to the Dem side! - Gruntled University Employee - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:01 pm: Get used to it RGA members, this is how “Benevolent Uncle Brucie” plans to handle things for the rest of his term. - Archiesmom - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:02 pm: @Michelle - well played! - Stones - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:02 pm: Sounds more like a shakedown than a showdown. Threats are not the proper way to govern. - Commonsense in Illinois - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:02 pm: Quite a gauntlet there, Leader. If House Republicans had the wherewithal to recruit high quality candidates, they wouldn’t be in the laughable minority they find themselves in today (yesterday and yes, tomorrow!). - Archiesmom - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:03 pm: Pot. Kettle. Black. - ??? - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:03 pm: Can’t wait to see how Poe votes. I’d hate to be him right now. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:03 pm: ===“There will be consequences for any of our members who vote against our caucus today,” Durkin said Wednesday. He said “consequences” does not automatically mean expulsion, but they will be discussed among Republican leadership.=== Kinda makes Speaker Madigan and the legislators he controls seem more like guidelines instead of rules… I still say Rauner overpaid for the GOP Caucuses. “This” is what you get for $20 million? You get “Leader Durkin and the Legislators he controls” being unified… by fear… and retribution… and punishment? The HGOP Press Shop failed Leader Durkin today; The message your boss face was; ‘Nember all that “Speaker Madigan and the legislators he controls…” Your boss doubled-down on your anti-Madigan talking point by owning the premise in practice. Mercy. - One to the Dome - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:03 pm: Durkin has been known to be very thoughtful and even tempered. This appears to indicate a sign of pressure on him…. big pressure. - Flynn's Mom - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:03 pm: WOW just WOW. That’s such a blatant threat. So much for democracy. - Cassiopeia - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:04 pm: Wonder if there will be any GOP “profiles in courage”? - A Jack - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:05 pm: Just remember that your constituents are watching and Rauner doesn’t have nearly enough money to buy our votes. We will reelect you if you do right by us, while Rauner will be gone in a few years. - Flynn's Mom - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:05 pm: @ Michelle Flaherty….I can’t stop laughing. - Formerly Known As... - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:05 pm: As Madigan is passing out hugs over in his caucus. /s - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:05 pm: - Michelle Flaherty - wins. - Quiet Sage - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:05 pm: Historically, Madigan has required only two votes from his members–the vote for Speaker and the vote for House rules. - Fedralist - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:06 pm: “He’s the BOSS” or he thinks he is. No Bruce, this is not a business where the lackies have to do as you say. - Theo's Houseboy - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:07 pm: I’d find this so much more entertaining if this didn’t affect my professional future in such a massive way. - Bill White - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:07 pm: @ Michelle Flaherty Gotta find a way to expand that thought to include a second Daniels, as in Jack - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:08 pm: ===Durkin has been known to be very thoughtful and even tempered. This appears to indicate a sign of pressure on him…. big pressure.=== This. This is the only reason I’ve held back here. Man, if I knew a way to help Leader Durkin, I’d share it. - illinoised - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:10 pm: “Yes, Commandant Klink, I understand!” - Kathryn - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:11 pm: Poe needs to stand up and vote for the override. His constituents want the override. They will work to get him re-elected. Show Rauner he wasn’t elected King - Casual observer - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:11 pm: I think Durkin is telling his members to all flip a big finger in unison to the Governor and vote to override. The post wasn’t clear. /s - From the 'Dale to HP - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:12 pm: Man, I would not want to be Leader Durkin opening up the Trib editorial page tomorrow. - cdog - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:12 pm: “I believe this will be cataclysmic if passed.” OMG!!! WTH!!!!! LET’S TALK ABOUT CATACLYSMIC!!! HOW ABOUT SOME SOCIETAL CHAOS! Homeless shelters are borrowing money! The Raunerbots have most likely assimilated and have no FREE WILL. They must now follow Mr Big Money. - Tournaround Agenda - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:12 pm: Maybe the Democrats will welcome any dissenting legislator with open arms…lol - illini - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:13 pm: This should be very interesting - let’s see how many R’s break ranks. - Truthteller - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:14 pm: What about the consequences for downstaters who stick with the Governor? They’ll have the wrath of their constituents to deal with.Rauner is as popular south of I-80 as Legionnaire’s disease. If they are smart, they will say no to the suburban bosses - walker - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:14 pm: Never saw or heard Madigan do this so definitively. His first directive, after voting for him for Speaker, is to vote your district or your best judgment for the state. Maybe that was mostly for “targets.” - PublicServant - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:15 pm: To all non-Raunerite Republicans: I’d go independent. Your voters will respect you for it, and you’ll feel better about it after telling Durkin to take a hike. Don’t go down with the sinking Illinois Republican ship. - Pacman - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:15 pm: Poe is damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t! - Triple fat - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:15 pm: me - worried? - LBJ - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:16 pm: Hisgirlfriday is absolutely right. Durkin needs to decide who runs their caucus, Durkin or Rauner. Now we know. - Anon - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:16 pm: I’m not sure how I would respond to being publicly threatened by my legislative leadership. Privately threatened is fine — but to do so publicly and make it possible for folks to legitimately accuse me of cowardice? It might cause me to vote against my leadership out of spite. How dare they publicly assault the dignity of their own members in a last ditch effort to maintain loyalty they clearly don’t deserve. - Former State Employee - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:17 pm: Talk about over the top….I’d prefer to save words like ‘cataclysmic’ for earthquakes and alien invasions. - Frenchie Mendoza - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:17 pm: What about the constituents in all this? Aren’t these folks there because of the people they serve? Or am I to understand in actuality they do whatever Rauner — some dude with no political experience up until 8 months ago — wants them to do? Pathetic. - Mason born - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:17 pm: Willy I’m guessing we are ballpark the same age. My father taught me there was only one way to deal with a bully. I just can’t think of the political action that would be the corollary. Always figured it’s better to stand up for yourself and lose than be the continuos victim. - Anon - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:18 pm: Bourne doesn’t have the guts to vote w her constituents and district she represents. - Phenomynous - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:18 pm: Looks like Durkin is taking the position and giving members someone else to blame or point the finger at for a tough vote. When the Governor and the Minorty Leader are against something, then it’s difficult to break rank. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:19 pm: Any word yet on whether Madigan has ever done such a thing? - Allen D - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:19 pm: I would love to see Madigan’s face when if he see’s one Dem vote present or “Madigan Forbid”…. against the override…. That would be priceless. - rural observer - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:20 pm: Looks like the Republican caucus needs to come up with some consequences for Durkin. Dumping Durkin for this would be the best way to handle Rauner. If they tolerate these tactics it is at their peril, Rauner will become more brazen, if that is possible. - Stuff Happens - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:22 pm: I guess Madigan doesn’t seem as much of a control freak any more. At least, comparitively. - Austin Blvd - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:22 pm: This is from me. Not some guy named Rauner. Pay no attention to that mean man behind the curtain. Who gets the heart, the badge of courage and the brain? - cdog - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:23 pm: Get out of the GOP Caucus! Start your own. The power gained by the forming of an INDEPENDENT GOP CAUCUS, which could negotiate swing votes, would be astounding. Get on the side of Right and Real! - Jorge - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:23 pm: Rauner should have just bought an island to rename Raunerstan. Not Illinois. - The Colossus of Roads - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:24 pm: As I have said before, two strong willed individuals battle it out while Illinois crashes and burns. If Rauner will threaten people he has no control over, just think what he will do to the people he has control over. This is a lose-lose situation. - Almost the Weekend - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:24 pm: If this passes with the help of a GOP legislator, That individual should start cleaning out their office now. I’m sure AFSCME is promising help with petitions, money and volunteers, but I would take that with a grain of salt. The past eight months they have done nothing to successfully mobilize and promote their cause. They are lucky that the Speaker and themselves have a common enemy. Not to mention very different reasons why they have a mutual enemy who goes by the name of Bruce Rauner. - Thoughts Matter - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:24 pm: If you are so scared that you cower in fear from this ultimatum- then resign your seat . Or at least fess up to your district - so they can vote you out. You aren’t elected by caucus leadership. This year is a very poor display of what we supposedly believe in for our state and country. - Huh? - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:24 pm: Reminds me of a movie I saw recently. It was a Jude Law movie about the battle for Stalingrad in which any retreating soldiers were shot by the officers. Vote the caucus or be shot. - Fed up with Rauner - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:25 pm: Public threats usually backfire. Another gaffe by neophyte politician Bully Bruce. He just does not get it. - CharlieKratos - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:25 pm: There must be quite a bit of rebellion stirring in the GOP for Durkin to have to resort to this blatant of a stance. Good. - Wordslinger - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:27 pm: –”This is my decision, and my decision alone.” Right. And Edgar Bergen didnt have his arm rammed up Charlie McCarthy’s…… back. Rauner’s the bank and the boss. Any questions? There’s a lesson you learn in the school yard, if you’re paying attention. You can react to crude, disrespectful, bullying ultimatums in one of two ways. Only one of them makes you feel good later. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:27 pm: ===There must be quite a bit of rebellion stirring in the GOP for Durkin to have to resort to this blatant of a stance. Good.=== “Good” Good rebellion? Good on Durkin? - Tell me again - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:29 pm: I’m sure this has been posted before, but how many votes are needed to override the veto, and how does it break down (Dem/Repub)? - Austin Blvd - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:30 pm: By the way, if Durkin were to expel someone, what would he expel them from? - CharlieKratos - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:30 pm: Good rebellion. Sad for Durkin. - Proat - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:30 pm: If the voters looked at Rauner and asked themselves the question: “What does Rauner think of ME?” They may not see someone with common interests. They would see the enemy of our values. People do matter. - Michelle Flaherty - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:31 pm: Looks like all the downstate GOPers are somewhere else today. Probably over at the Farm Progress Show admiring, of all things, a combine. - Strangerthings - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:31 pm: Come one come all to fight night here In the dome. We have a wonderful show lined up for you tonight featuring Republican leader Durkin in an imitation contest with Madigan for who can do the best imitation of Theodore Roosevelt. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:32 pm: Openly threatening representatives on how to vote seems more like a dictatorship than a democracy. What happened to we the people instead of dictatorship of governor Rauner. This is nothing less than dirty politics of the worst kind. I’m ashamed to call myself a Republican - The Captain - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:33 pm: Looks like Durkin is employing the Ozzie strategy of giving angry people someone to blame (him) and giving cover to his members. I don’t favor what he’s doing but I see the wisdom in it. - D.P.Gumby - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:35 pm: Seems Poe will have greater chance of re-election by voting against Brucie than w/ him. His constituents will carry him on their shoulders and no one will challenge him for the Dem’s, so the cross-over in the primary, where the battle will be has great potential to trash any puppet opponent. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:36 pm: Thanks for clarification. Leader Durkin lacks the stand alone monetary independence to make such threats. I feel awful for Durkin, that he feels the need to “own”… … what Rauner blames others of being. - ihpsdm - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:37 pm: SB 1229 will not be overriden. Only 70 Democrats voting. - VanillaMan - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:37 pm: This statement reflects upon Durkin poorly. He is fireproofing himself if the override passes. - Skeptic - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:39 pm: So those of you who are concerned about SB1229 taking power away from the Governor are ok with the Governor telling the legislature what to do? - Strangerthings - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:41 pm: If he is Fire proofing anyone it’s his caucus members not himself. This statement makes him the target for anger - ihpsdm - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:42 pm: SB 1229 vote may be delayed until tomorrow in order to make sure all Democrats are present. - Casual observer - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:42 pm: Stranger things, I thought the Governor was willing to take the arrows. - DecaturGuy - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:43 pm: there’s really nothing wrong with what Durkin said, he’s the leader. He just probably shouldn’t have said it to the press. You can’t complain about leaks out of caucus when you announce sensitive internal stuff like that. - Anon - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:47 pm: Where the hell is the 71st Dem - One to the Dome - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:47 pm: Lets not forget the option of not voting for Downstate House Repub. - Michelle Flaherty - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:49 pm: One to the Dome, Oh, I think a lot of people will remember the option of not voting for a downstate House Republican. - Linus - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:49 pm: Ken Dunkin spotted, riding in Rauner’s sidecar, motorcycling away from capitol building. And quickly. - Chicagonk - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:50 pm: I guess Madigan didn’t have all the votes he needed. - JoanP - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:50 pm: @Fedralist: ““He’s the BOSS” or he thinks he is. No Bruce, this is not a business where the lackies have to do as you say. ” Perhaps he’s confusing himself with another Bruce, who IS “the Boss”! - First Amendment Advocate - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:52 pm: The members of the Republican caucus need to ask themselves if they were elected to represent the people of their districts or were they elected to represent the political wishes of Rep. Durkin and the Governor. If the latter is the case, then I as an independent will seriously consider no longer voting Republican - Anonymous - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:52 pm: Decatur Guy Nothing wrong… Maybe except this is what they are trying to use to demonize Madigan. Truth is if Poe, based on who he represents, caves then anyone who can’t see the irony and two faced approach is beyond hope. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:56 pm: Who died and made him Lee Daniels? Michelle, Who died and made him Mike Madigan? - A guy - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:58 pm: Durkin has repeatedly stated that an override is a bad vote. That didn’t just come up today. Perhaps stating it as clearly (brazenly?) to the media on the record is more unusual. As for the Dem side and caucus votes…they have a well oiled system for dispensing advice and discipline and have for years. It doesn’t reflect as directly back on the Speaker, but no one is confused where the official word comes from and how to proceed. To think otherwise is to be willfully compliant in ignorance. Leader Durkin isn’t carrying the water for anyone with his position on the override. He may be carrying the water on strongly encouraging his caucus to remain united on this vote. Does anyone get credit for being courageous on the Heroin bill override? - Slippin' Jimmy - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:58 pm: And in conclusion, let me just remind all of you, my fellow Republicans, “The beatings will continue until your morale improves”-Got it? - The Dude Abides - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:58 pm: For a long time I’ve heard GOP guys on here complaining about Madigan being heavy fisted but I’ve never heard anything as bad as what Durkin is doing. Democracy in action, if you vote with your constituents you are in trouble, you vote how I tell you too. Poe said yesterday that he’s received by far more phone calls on this bill than any bill since he’s been there. The calls were running 75-80% in favor of the override. Will Poe go with his constituents or the Governor? As someone previously mentioned, there must be a few GOP members considering voting for the override for Durkin to make such a threat. This is obviously a moment of desperation for Durkin, and the man who controls him, the Governor. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 2:00 pm: Do we need to form a search party for Dunkin? A rescue party perhaps? - thunderspirit - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 2:03 pm: Appears that Senator Durkin will vote override Governor Rauner’s amendatory veto on the heroin bill. (Which is good.) Likely an offered carrot for holding the line on SB1229. - Allen D - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 2:05 pm: “COLD FEET maybe???” He was there this morning. While Madigan has said he has the votes necessary, one key Democrat, Rep. Ken Dunkin, is “unavailable,” according to his office. Dunkin “has been spotted in more places than Elvis,” one source in Springfield told NBC Chicago, but the representative’s staff say they “are not at liberty to discuss” where he is. They did confirm that he is not in Springfield, however. - DuPage - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 2:05 pm: High noon at the OK corral of the state representatives. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 2:05 pm: ===As for the Dem side and caucus votes…they have a well oiled system for dispensing advice and discipline and have for years. It doesn’t reflect as directly back on the Speaker, but no one is confused where the official word comes from and how to proceed. To think otherwise is to be willfully compliant in ignorance.=== I thought Bruce Rauner wanted to end… Business. As. Usual. ===Leader Durkin isn’t carrying the water for anyone with his position on the override.=== I am seriously embarrassed for you. The override, is about Rauner. The monies promised to the Caucus, are from Rauner. The discipline, it’s from Rauner. Riddle me this; If a GOP member votes against Durkin’s wishes, but for the Governor, should that member be worried? If a GOP member votes against Rauner’s wishes, but is voting for the district, should that member be worried? Rauner owns the GOP GA Caucuses. The stress on Durkin isn’t from his own beliefs, but what Rauner demands. Period. - thunderspirit - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 2:07 pm: Whoops, sorry — that’s Representative Durkin, obviously. Sigh. - Pacman - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 2:09 pm: Will there be any profiles in courage today? - walker - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 2:10 pm: Michelle Kass? - JoeNitro - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 2:12 pm: I’m just glad Rauner isn’t the one leading a super majority. Can anyone make cheese? - Austin Blvd - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 2:22 pm: A guy, are you suggesting that Madigan gives secret hand signals and such to his members? - CrazyHorse - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 2:23 pm: Dunkin may have been kidnapped by the frat boys. He’s probably tied up in a janitor’s closet somewhere. LOL. It would be hilarious if they get 70 Dem votes and Poe makes 71. - Mouthy - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 2:24 pm: So if Dunkin doesn’t show up this week do you think it’s because the Speaker told him not, Rauner bought him off, or there’s a legitimate reason that can’t be told? - burbanite - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 2:25 pm: So Durkin can have his own decisions (like I believe it was his decision..) but members of his caucus can’t??? - Stones - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 2:27 pm: I noticed from Rep. Dunkin’s website that he rode his bike to the Capitol in July. Perhaps he’s riding his bike down? Seriously, this guy needs to man up and vote. - A guy - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 2:29 pm: Answers: If a GOP member votes against Durkin’s wishes, but for the Governor, should that member be worried? YES If a GOP member votes against Rauner’s wishes, but is voting for the district, should that member be worried? SUBJECTIVE, DEPENDING ON THE DISTRICT AND HOW MUCH WE KNOW. IS THERE A SINGLE DISTRICT WHERE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES COMPRISE THE MAJORITY OF VOTERS IN THE DISTRICT? AND… ARE YOU WILLING TO SUGGEST THE SAME TO ALL OF THOSE COURAGEOUS DEMOCRATS WHO ARE VOTING OUT OF STEP WITH THEIR DISTRICT? WILL WE BE SEEING 68,69, 70 OR 71 DEMOCRATIC VOTES ON THIS BILL? DOES THAT NOT DEMONSTRATE SOME PARTY DISCIPLINE? OR ARE THEY JUST ALL OF ONE MIND ON THIS? THE 2 OR 3 WHO MAY VOTE THEIR DISTRICTS, OR THEIR OWN CONSCIENCE, OR NOT VOTE, DO THEY LACK COURAGE? DON’T THESE APPLICATIONS GO BOTH WAYS? Rauner owns the GOP GA Caucuses. The stress on Durkin isn’t from his own beliefs, but what Rauner demands. THEN LEADER DURKIN (WHO YOU ADMIRE, AT LEAST YOU’VE SAID SO) IS NOT TELLING THE TRUTH? I THINK THE LEADER UNDERSTANDS THE IMPORTANCE OF NOT REMOVING A TOOL FROM THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH. HE IS ACTING AS THE LOYAL OPPOSITION, THANK HEAVENS. SORRY FOR THE CAPS. Just want to take responsibility for my own remarks. ag - burbanite - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 2:33 pm: Apparently Dunkin has said he will be out all week? Seriously? Wow. - A guy - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 2:34 pm: === Austin Blvd - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 2:22 pm: A guy, are you suggesting that Madigan gives secret hand signals and such to his members?=== No Austin. I’m suggesting he’s very clear with his chain of command and they’re very clear with members. No hand signals necessary. He wouldn’t need hand signals anyway. His eyes are decisive enough. lol. - CrazyHorse - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 2:39 pm: Why even have a representative if they aren’t going to vote on behalf of their constituents? How are their voices being heard? That goes for any piece of legislation that affects them, not just SB 1229. If you’re healthy and not showing up to vote you should be banned from the job. It defeats the purpose of having an elected representative. Can we all just not show up for a week because some awful job assignments await? This is a travesty. Of course I want a Y but I would respect a N. Leaving to avoid voting? This man is a disgrace to public office. - JS Mill - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 3:00 pm: Rauner’s hypocrisy is only eclipsed by his ego. For anyone that believes this guy is better than any of our previous governors is completely delusional. Corrupt. Business. As. Usual. - Liberty - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 3:18 pm: Poe just lost my vote. - One of Three Puppets - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 3:27 pm: Liberty-Poe didn’t need your vote. - Team Sleep - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 3:39 pm: Even if Rep. Poe changed his mind, voted yes and garnered a Rauner-backed primary challenge, the local party would bust rear to get him through. They take care of their own and react to “threats”. I also think people here just assume a candidate can be “found”. Not easy. Look at who is running against “Spend More, No More Taxes” Sherer. - cailleach - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 4:00 pm: Serious question: how is this threat of “consequences” (and Rauner’s threats) different from the stereotypical mafia guy walking into a store and telling the owner, “Nice bidness you got here. Be a shame if sometin’ was to happen to it . . .” - Democracy? - Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 4:24 pm: Is this what they mean by democracy? Who does Durkin think he is? This guy is not only “out of control” but he has to go. Oh, before you complain, I am a Republican from downstate and am fed up with the “holier than God” attitude of the Governor and the ENTIRE General Assembly. You are one hell of a man, Durkin, and I bet your friends and family are certainly PROUD of you. Oh, I forgot……you don’t care. I hope your voters care more than your usual SELF. Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.