* Rep. Ken Dunkin is best known these days for skipping a crucial House vote to override Gov. Rauner’s veto of AFSCME’s “no strike” bill. Rep. Esther Golar succumbed to cancer just a few days after needlessly traveling to Springfield to vote to override that same veto.

Dunkin has taken tons of heat for missing that vote. But he sat next to Gov. Rauner at Golar’s funeral today.

Whew.

*** UPDATE *** Photo from a pal…

       

161 Comments - Not quite a majority - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:16 pm: There are no words. - Precinct Captain - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:18 pm: I’d get banned for saying what I really think. - huge Johnson - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:19 pm: i think dunkin is rauner’s love child or at least that’s what’s making the rounds in scuttlebutt from one end of this state to the other. - Norseman - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:20 pm: That will endear Dunkin to a lot of people. Too bad Rich doesn’t have a pix. Caption would read, “the coward and the destroyer at the funeral of a true legislative hero.” - Carhartt Representative - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:21 pm: “There is much power in the dark side, young Padawan. Embrace it.” - Mama - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:22 pm: Dunkin is a follow the money kind of guy, and Rauner has the money. - Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:22 pm: Was wondering if he would have the gall to show up. Guess that the Governor , who is always welcome of course, was his cover. - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:23 pm: Soulless - RD55 - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:25 pm: Well I would say that confirms we have our first Dem to crossover to the darkside. - thunderspirit - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:25 pm: Dunkin gonna Dunkin. - cdog - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:26 pm: I have hoped that her joyful heart was not too burdened by this in her last days. A dark situation just got darker. - anon - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:32 pm: thunderspirit FTW. Like button definitely needed! - take that - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:33 pm: I hope the money was good because the man has no credibility as anything left. - A guy - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:34 pm: These comments are so different than the tone Esther set. Inspiring her to leave a critical hospital bed to “prove” you had 71 when you know darn well you didn’t…how exactly is that not cruel? If a Rep agrees with you, he’s a hero. If he doesn’t, there’s no amount of shame or related shame that will be enough to dishonor that person. That’s not even close to how this beautiful and wonderful lady rolled. She epitomized graciousness. - take that - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:34 pm: And when Rauner doesn’t need him anymore - he’ll only what he was given. That’s it. - Way South of I-80 - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:35 pm: Too many members will now do anything for money or appointments. So sad they put themselves and their pocketbook before the people of Illinois. - Jaded - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:37 pm: “Soulless”? Really? I know you have a flair for the dramatic, but that is a bit over the top don’t you think? “Was wondering if he had the gall to show up” You all are acting like Ken Dunkin had something to do with Esther Golar contracting cancer and dying. Also I am pretty sure none of you have any idea what kind of relationship Ken Dunkin had with Esther Golar. Grow up will you. A great lady died and Ken Dunkin stuck it to AFSCME. The two thing have absolutely nothing to do with each other. - AC - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:37 pm: Stay classy Ken Dunkin. - Stones - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:38 pm: Ironic, he attended services for a legislator who spent one of her last few days to cast an important vote for her constituents while he didn’t have the courage to show up himself and be counted. Positively shameful on Dunkin’s part. - 47th Ward - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:38 pm: ===She epitomized graciousness.=== Agreed. She also believed it was right and proper for the state to pay for child care on behalf of parents who could not afford it. In fact, she believed in that so strongly, she jeopardized her health to travel to Springfield to vote for it when her vote truly mattered. But thanks for your concern. - Dome Gnome - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:40 pm: It’s a grass bowl convention! - Bluefish - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:40 pm: Why would anyone else would want to sit next to him? - illinoised - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:40 pm: He didn’t cause her death but he sure showed poor taste with his seating choice at the funeral. Unclassy move. - HangingOn - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:41 pm: ==Ken Dunkin stuck it to AFSCME== And working parents who needed help with childcare. He really stuck it to them and the children! You must be so proud! - Wordslinger - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:42 pm: Maze can chime in with a plantation comment anytime now. - Anon221 - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:42 pm: Hopefully a time of reflection for all. - Publius - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:42 pm: Rich Miller- Doubling Down on Fueling Unnecessary Hatred - Muscular - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:43 pm: Both Ken Duncan and Bruce Rauner deeply believe in black community empowerment. Bruce Rauner has consistently demonstrated this through his philanthropy over the years. It seems that Kehn Duncan is realizing that the entitlement class championed by most Democrats and the Springfield special interests are not what his district needs. - Team Sleep - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:44 pm: So, based on these comments, I supposed we should all follow the funeral rules from “Sopranos” and only sit with people just like us. Right?! - nadia - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:45 pm: Publius - obviously you do not know Rich. - Angry Chicagoan - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:46 pm: So when does Dunkin get primaried or switch parties? - Aldyth - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:46 pm: This is the second time today that saying what is in my heart would get me banned for life. What a special day this has been, indeed. - nadia - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:46 pm: Anonymous - - Louis G. Atsaves - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:48 pm: It was a funeral. A time to put aside worrying about who you sit next to and politics. May she rest in peace in the loving arms of her creator in a place where there is no pain or sorrow. - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:49 pm: Yeah. Soulless. Seems right. - nadia - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:49 pm: When thinking about the Gov I wonder who at the funeral was “just like us (him)”?? - Muscular - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:53 pm: Publius: This is not a fair characterization of Rich. He is highlighting an observation at a significant political event. He is offering news not a political argument. BTW: I meant to spell the representative’s name Dunkin. - John A Logan - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:54 pm: As mentioned earlier, maybe we have it backwards. Maybe Rauner was the only person willing to sit next to him. - Joe M - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:55 pm: Yes, follow the money. - sal-says - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:56 pm: I suppose that should make it all better. Nope. - Umm Hello? - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:57 pm: Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives. - Wow - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:58 pm: I guess Maze approved the move to the “Rauner plantation”? - From the 'Dale to HP - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 2:59 pm: Guess we finally know who is going to get that IllinoisGO money. - Mama - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:00 pm: ++“the coward and the destroyer at the funeral of a true legislative hero.” ++ Norseman wins the caption contest! - nadia - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:01 pm: Yes it was a funeral, and that’s all it should have been, not a political event, you have to be kidding me if you think that the two sitting together wasn’t planned by someone. Come on Man. They shouldn’t have sat together after all that has taken place, the perception of politics during a funeral should have been easily thought of in advance, if they want to sit together at a Bulls or Cubs game fine, but this was taking attention away from the real reason to be there. - Mama - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:02 pm: May Rep. Esther Golar, Illinois’s hero, rest in peace. - Lincoln Lad - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:04 pm: -jaded- @ 2:37 Agree with you 100%. I’m struck by some of the comments here. This is a woman’s funeral, neither Ken Dunkin nor Bruce Rauner harmed her in any way. This is a time to show respect, and I’ve not heard a thing that either Dunkin nor the Gov were doing just that. - Gumby - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:05 pm: …more evidence that Dunkin doesn’t “get it”. Lack of empathy (pertaining to the thousands of AFSCME family members about to be force-fed trash health insurance), and his disregard for his public image could be sins this is a very self-absorbed fellow. - Gumby - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:05 pm: —”signs— - Ghost - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:07 pm: Louis has never seen the Godfather…. - Honeybear - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:11 pm: I really really would not have sat by Rauner if I was him. I would have been discreetly in the back. - Pawn - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:13 pm: Dunkin if first, last, and always about Dunkin, and no one else even comes in second. The contrast between him and the late Rep. Golar could not be greater. The comments here are justified because his actions made her final sacrifice for her constituents less than the legacy she would have wished. Her courage was unparalleled and found its polar opposite in his cowardice. - Pawn - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:13 pm: Dunkin *IS* - Pawn - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:14 pm: I should add that I have known Dunkin for 24 years and he has been the same the entire time. - VanillaMan - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:14 pm: “You are fettered,” said Dunkin, trembling. “Tell me why?” “I wear the chain you forged for me in the House,” replied the Ghost. “You and the Governor made it link by link, and yard by yard; you girded it on against my free will, and after my final act in life.” Dunkin, quivering asks The Ghost what is under her robe. “They are Rauner’s and they cling to me, appealing from their governor. This demon is Arrogance and this one is Wealth. Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware of the one to whom you have sold your political soul. Your doom is nigh!”, the honest Ghost warned Dunkin. She continued, “There are some upon this state of ours who lay claim to know us, and who do their deeds of passion, pride, ill-will, hatred, envy, bigotry, and selfishness in our name; who are as strange to us and all our kith and kin, as if they had never lived. Remember that, and charge their doings on themselves, not us.” “You do not scare me!”, old Dunkin responded. “You may be an undigested bit of beef, a blot of mustard, a crumb of cheese, a fragment of underdone potato. There’s more of gravy than of grave about you, whatever you are!” “I embrace my rich new friend. You are only jealous!” - nadia - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:17 pm: IMO, it they wanted to show respect, which they should have, they shouldn’t have set together after all that has taken place, instead of peeps thinking only about Rep Golar and her family these two cause a distraction. - Politix - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:17 pm: Doubles down? Isn’t it tripling down at this point? Or quadrupling? - Grandson of Man - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:19 pm: I agree in a way that it is soulless for Dunkin to sit next to Rauner at the funeral of a public servant who was as dedicated to union rights as she was. Still, I believe that attention on Dunkin obscures the fact that not one House member of the IL GOP (a subsidiary of Rauner, Griffin and Uihlein) voted for her/his union supporters. - @MisterJayEm - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:21 pm: “It was a funeral. A time to put aside worrying about who you sit next to and politics.” If anyone “puts aside politics” at my funeral, they better expect themselves to be haunted. – MrJM - Just Saying .... - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:21 pm: I gotta believe that it wasn’t the AFSCME vote that upset Rep Golar as much as about the Childcare vote that was more troubling for Dunkin to miss. - Facts are Stubborn Things - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:21 pm: mjm will pick the time and the place of his choosing. - Flynn's Mom - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:22 pm: Shame on you Dunkin. I look at your choice of seating as a lack of respect toward Rep. Golar and your constituents. - My New Handle - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:22 pm: Methinks Dunkin will be part of the administration by January. - nadia - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:23 pm: Just Sayin - right on, the Childcare vote was more important, and missing it is unexplainable. - A guy - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:26 pm: Maybe in light of the circumstances, it should have impossible for Rep. Dunkin to be seated there because the Speaker occupied the seat next to the Governor. That would be something special, wouldn’t it? Everyone who attended should feel good about showing their respect. Many more couldn’t be there who truly wanted to be, but work or distance, or transportation may have prevented it. If your spirit was there; good enough for me. All this hero business, probably means so little to Esther. She’d prefer to be remembered as a serious legislator who took her job seriously. She loved her colleagues and her job. She was very, very ill and continued to care right upto the end. God Bless her. - Wordslinger - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:27 pm: TS, don’t get your “Sopranos” reference at all. Running through every “Sopranos” funeral scene….. dont get it. As far as the “confusion” among some: Rep. Golar got off her deathbed to do the right thing. Then, she died. Dunkin sold out to Rauner to stay away. He claimed it was a misunderstanding, but then both he and Maze gave the game away, immediately, in subsequent comments. What’s so hard to understand? Some of you have a hard time keeping your stories straight. Yesterday, it was all about best return on investments, then political paybacks, then governor knows best (although he said he wasn’t involved). Take your Ritalin or something before you pretend that you dont know what’s going on. - Republicrat - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:32 pm: Rauner runs on Dunkin! - Tec - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:34 pm: Somebody mentioned it earlier… Discretion is the better part of valor and real gentlemen understand what that means. - cdog - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:34 pm: @Pawn 3:13 Thank you for the context “judgment” is mentioned 158 times in the Bible (90 OT and 68 NT, NIV) It is tempting to indulge, but I think Someone else has this covered. - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:38 pm: IllinoisGO; Up, and running? - A guy - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:40 pm: Sling, lose the drama. She should not have been required to “get off her deathbed”. She was extraordinarily ill and while this trip probably accelerated her passing by a little time, the cause of death was not a “commute to Springfield to vote”. Irv Kupcinet once said “I want to be terminal at my terminal”. He wanted to pass away like he lived “doing the work that was important to him”. I suspect Rep. Golar felt very much the same day. She will always be remembered for her courageous effort and her diligence. It doesn’t honor her to besmirch someone else who disagreed for whatever reason. If you’re always right, and your opinion is the only one that matters, why even bother interacting with anyone else. Esther was one of the most gracious people on the face of the Earth. You aren’t. Quite the contrary. - Team Sleep - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:41 pm: Word - remember when the crew or Carmela or Rose Aprile would comment, “I can’t believe _____ is here?!” or “How dare ______ show up!”?! Or how the only time opposing sides sat by each other was to talk business or a truce or try to make headway on a disagreement - and not for the right reasons (i.e. let bygones be bygones)? That’s my reference. - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:42 pm: - A Guy -, Please, do not speak for Rep. Golar. Thanks. - Phenomynous - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:44 pm: No blame apportioned to the guy that made the decision to override every single bill the governor vetoed? The chess master all of sudden can’t count to 71? There was a way to prevent a person from leaving their deathbed and/or canceling a trip. The Speaker purposefully went into battle that day knowing full well that there could/would be no shows or no votes and it cost him a lot. If getting what you want costs this much then maybe you should modify your expectations. - Chicago Cynic - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 4:01 pm: “- Pawn - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:13 pm: Dunkin if first, last, and always about Dunkin, and no one else even comes in second. The contrast between him and the late Rep. Golar could not be greater. The comments here are justified because his actions made her final sacrifice for her constituents less than the legacy she would have wished. Her courage was unparalleled and found its polar opposite in his cowardice.” I’ve known Ken for decades and truer words were never spoken. The issue is was not about the AFSCME vote. Ken put his ego above the interests of his constituents, many of whom had their child care services cut. Showing up and doing the right thing would have restored those services. Rep. Golar did so at great personal cost and did so because she thought Ken would be there (there’s no point in going if you don’t believe you’ll have 71). Ken stayed in NY to prove that he was more important. It’s hard to fathom a more grotesque juxtaposition. The fact he sat with Rauner during this funeral of a great lady only shows his true lack of class and obtuseness. And again, it’s all about him. - ZC - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 4:11 pm: Given that we’re talking about questionable taste in Governors and big missed votes, it’s striking no one’s mentioned yet the cruise and Governor Blagojevich. - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 4:19 pm: To the Update. That picture is the epitome of why Dunkin is Soulless… and… a X3 member of the “Century Club” - Rich Miller - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 4:19 pm: ===Inspiring her to leave a critical hospital bed to “prove” you had 71 when you know darn well you didn’t=== If Dunkin had told the truth, then they would’ve known they didn’t. - The Captain - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 4:21 pm: Pictured (from left to right): Turnaround Agenda, IllinoisGO - Chicago Cynic - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 4:23 pm: Exactly my point Rich! Had Ken been honest with everyone, she would have stayed in her hospital bed where she belonged. - Demoralized - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 4:29 pm: This was a completely inappropriate thing to do at the funeral. - Anonin' - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 4:33 pm: Two words Stu Levine - Levois - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 4:33 pm: Rauner at Trinity Church just has to be a lil uncomfortable. - A guy - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 4:36 pm: === Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 3:42 pm: - A Guy -, Please, do not speak for Rep. Golar.==== Why, do you have that covered? I knew her a little bit. Worked on some things she was involved in. Observed her on a few dozen occasions. Shared nice words with her 5 or 6 times. Have a very close mutual friend. The judgement going on here is not so swell. She wouldn’t have cared for it. I knew her more than well enough to know that. How bout you? - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 4:38 pm: ===Why, do you have that covered?=== No. I know better than to speak out of turn. Speaking for someone when no one asked… is speaking out of turn. Please don’t speak for Rep. Golar. Thanks. - A guy - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 4:41 pm: +++ Rich Miller - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 4:19 pm: ===Inspiring her to leave a critical hospital bed to “prove” you had 71 when you know darn well you didn’t=== If Dunkin had told the truth, then they would’ve known they didn’t.++++ And the most cautious guy on the planet was caught by surprise and Rep. Drury wasn’t to be taken at his word either??? Far from certain to call a vote that he knew this particular ailing member would check out of a hospital to go cast. How is that such a heartful move? Funny thing about blame. You never run out of it. - Comment - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 4:43 pm: I am a fan of this blog but not a fan of this post. A person has died. Let’s have a little respect. I’m not sure if taking a tabloid type of photo at a funeral or posting it on a blog is worse, by the way. Both of you are above that. I am politically neutral in case you are wondering if this is in defense of anyone. It is not. This is just an observation. Rest in peace to the deceased and condolences to her family. - A guy - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 4:44 pm: Willy, whatever. I’m speaking for me. She was lovely. These comments aren’t. Do the math. - horse w/ no name - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 4:44 pm: Where is Maze Jackson to call us all racists?! - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 4:45 pm: Ugh. Drury, and more importantly Franks, was contingent on “71″ - A Guy -, If you want to defend the Soulless Rep. Dunkin, defend him. Making excuses as to why it’s ok that his word is no good, and its ok that’s it’s no good? Dunkin’s own personal history refutes your defense. - sal-says - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 4:49 pm: == Dunkin has taken tons of heat for missing that vote. But he sat next to Gov. Rauner at Golar’s funeral today. == Probly a coinceedint. Yup; probly. But probly won;t be forgotten either. - salvador dali - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 4:51 pm: The most disrespectful aspect of this is the guy who actually took the photo and thought it would be something good to post on a blog as fodder for the hyper partisans. - A guy - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 4:52 pm: Soulless? Guess it’s good to know you’re the arbiter on that one. Just when you were so above it all here. Not up to me to defend Dunkin. She passed away. He attended her funeral. Today, where he sat is big news. “I” don’t think she would have thought him or called him soulless for that. “I” think she would have politely appreciated him coming. Just like everyone else there. “I” think she’d be overwhelmed and pleased by the outpouring. Hell, I know she would. - Norseman - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 4:55 pm: A guy conveniently focuses on the AFSCME vote. He forgets that the override of the childcare veto failed by ONE vote. Golar was there for that one too. There’s no excuse that Franks wasn’t voting for it or Drury wasn’t opposed. Just ONE vote. And that vote was Dunkin. - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 4:56 pm: ===Soulless? Guess it’s good to know you’re the arbiter on that one.=== Dunkin’s actions throughout speak to it… - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 5:01 pm: Well said - Norseman - - Phenomynous - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 5:03 pm: Might as well just close this comment section, nothing good is coming of it. It’s turned into a conversation about who is the smartest or most clever commenter. Showing people up and flexing your intellectual prowess on comment boards is a really cool and awesome way to spend the day, but maybe we should take it to a different venue or post… Just my 2¢. - Nick - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 5:07 pm: It’s sad that someone would sell out his core values for individual gain. I hope his district takes notice. - Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 5:11 pm: Comment, read the title of the post. That’s what it is about. Dunkin knows that his seating choice would be noticed by many. Who is lacking respect to the deceased to get attention? Should he get a pass? - Wensicia - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 5:13 pm: Rauner turns his head and whispers: “Don’t forget, I’m a scorpion.” - DuPage Bard - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 5:17 pm: Again, rest in peace Representative Golar. You have proven you are a hero to the people you represent and the people of Illinois. You stood strong when needed and you perished doing what you believed in! Rep Dunkin no matter where you stand or how you do it your actions today speak volumes about the lack of respect you have for Representative Golar. You know how this looks, you know what people will say, you’re not an idiot. This was a show of contempt to the Speaker. In the meantime you disrespected the memory of Rep. Golar. Congratulations, you have proved once again that life is about Ken Dunkin and nothing else. - JS Mill - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 5:19 pm: I definitely get why they were both there. Rauner is the Governor and would expect him to show up at the funeral of a member of the ILGA, regardless of whether or not they were political adversaries (not sure that is exactly accurate, but certainly on different ends of the spectrum). Ken Dunkin didn’t cause her death, I think that is obvious. But, he had a hand in making her last days more difficult than they needed to be. Denying that is simply intellectually dishonest. BTW- What Norseman said is spot on. - JS Mill - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 5:20 pm: =It’s sad that someone would sell out his core values for individual gain. I hope his district takes notice.= If his core values are “me first” then he didn’t sell them out, he cashed in on them. - siriusly - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 5:25 pm: Dunkin is who we thought he was. No surprises to anyone who ever spoke to the guy. He’s mixed nuts. Rauner so desperate for some small win that he got in bed with the wrong Democrat. I wonder if some House Republicans are saying “really Governor? He’s your guy?” Good for Dunkin taking care of his family and his future like that. I am sure he will be rewarded by Rauner. Don’t blame him for that, I just hope he gets enough. - ? - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 5:27 pm: Haters going to hate. Tabloid like for sure. So will people pay to push their comments in this post? Both of these things make me rethink reading the comments. - TBone - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 5:30 pm: Really guys? Now we’re critiquing where people sit at funerals….lol - Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 5:35 pm: Nothing to laugh at here TBone. - Chicago Cynic - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 5:36 pm: “- Norseman - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 4:55 pm: A guy conveniently focuses on the AFSCME vote. He forgets that the override of the childcare veto failed by ONE vote. Golar was there for that one too. There’s no excuse that Franks wasn’t voting for it or Drury wasn’t opposed. Just ONE vote. And that vote was Dunkin.” Precisely. Everyone focuses on AFSCME when this was the override that mattered most to Ken Dunkin’s constituents and thousands of families all over the state. It lost not by three or two, but ONE vote - the vote of a guy who promised to be there but put his ego before his constituents. - Juvenal - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 5:37 pm: Jaded, Lincoln Lad: Dunkin lied, Golar died. It pretty much is that simple. As for Rauner, he forced Golar to choose between her own life and child care for tens of thousands of kids. Would he make the same choice all over again? You will have to ask him. - Truthteller - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 5:37 pm: Give Dunkin a break. Maybe Rauner told him he’d have to get the envelope from him at the funeral. Direct deposit is traceable.We don’t see what their hands are doing - Chicago Cynic - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 5:38 pm: And for an awful lot of us and of his colleagues in the ILGA, this isn’t remotely funny nor is it an attempt to be the most clever commenter. It was a disgusting abandonment of people in need by one guy. It’s weeks later and I am still hopping mad at Ken for this. - Andre Smith - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 5:41 pm: I TOLD YOU SO but I have a lot more on Dunkin , Pastor Brooks , in the one time Governor I will say this must I am a long time resident in the 5th District so maybe we should say SMITH FOR 5th andre.smith1968@gmail.com if I get the right help I will run. 773-668-9210 - Blue dog dem - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 5:41 pm: Rauner—-geez, I thought the pope was a lot older. Dunkin—-isn’t he the Polish fella from Avondale? Rauner—- what ya thinker bout my ConAgra idea? Dunkin—-when’s the vote? Rauner—- don’t need no stinking vote… - Wordslinger - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 5:44 pm: A Guy, you are such a horrible phony. Last week, when Rich posted Rep. Golar singing “We Shall Not Be Moved,” after she died, you were tne Sammy Maudlin Show, flopping around with “heaven” this , and “sweet lady” that. If you would care to check the archives, when Rich posted it when it actually happened, you were scornful, ignorant and rude. You are unprincipled. But you knew that already. - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 5:49 pm: - Andre Smith - You’re going about this all wrong. Mike Madigan Start there. - Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 5:54 pm: Any bets on the next Rauner/Dunkin sighting? - HaroldJones - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 6:02 pm: Everyone in the black community knows Master Bruce holds the finacial whip needed to met out a severe political beating to any worker who dares challenge his role as sole plantation owner. - Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 6:02 pm: Good for Rep. Dunkin. The Speaker went looking for a fight, chose the time and place, cherry-picked the issue, publicly bragged that he had the votes, and fell flat on his face. That’s not all Dunkin’s doing, or Franks, or Drury. Madigan “owns” that epic fail, and the rest is just making excuses. - Wordslinger - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 6:03 pm: TS, regarding “Tne Sopranos”, you’re misrembering wrong, I think. Rosalie was all strung out at at Jackie Jr.’s funeral, but all of the killers were there, She said something to Tony about the betting line, Seating arrangements weren’t an issue, Everyone knew who killed Jackie Jr. You had a point, it just didn’t have anything to do with The Sopranos. - Andre Smith - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 6:04 pm: No we will start with Dump Dunkin RECALL Governor Rauner and send pastor brooks to jail …. stay tune. - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 6:07 pm: Yeah, um, - Andre Smith -, You won’t recall Rauner. Not off to a good start… - Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 6:07 pm: HaroldJones, the irony of your comment while turning a blind eye to the long tenured whip-master of the Dem caucus… - Blue dog dem - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 6:17 pm: Next Raunet/Dunkin sighting. Cubs /pirates wildcard playoff game. One throws out the first pitch. The other catches it……? - Mouthy - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 6:49 pm: The message: “He’s mine”.. - PublicServant - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 6:54 pm: What a piece of **** - Blue dog dem - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 6:55 pm: True colors——-we have a big enough mess in this state. Let’s keep the race baiting out of it. - Mouthy - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 6:59 pm: ==- Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 5:54 pm: Any bets on the next Rauner/Dunkin sighting?== Turkish Bath.. - DuPage - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 7:13 pm: Dunkin enters, looks around, decides to sit next to his only friend. - sideline watcher - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 7:35 pm: A Guy and those who continue to give unacceptable behavior a pass…let me add some perspective. The environment that exists right now is that on that fateful day one democratic legislator did not show up in the Capitol when every single other one did. Those who were gravely ill still came to work. In the face of being called Madigan puppets and corrupt for standing on principles, the Governor repeatedly called any disagreement with his belief that his reforms are more necessary than our entire social safety network as personified by the child care crisis as corrupt legislators that Madigan controls. Forget conscience or their districts or the constituencies that elected them, if you believe that Rauner is holding poor people and children and the disabled hostage to an agenda that at best benefits a class of folks that benefit pretty handily from the status quo then it CAN’T be because you have a fundamental disagreement, it has to be because you are controlled by the evil and corrupt speaker. Then that one legislator and his friend Maze Jackson went on a spin spree trying to portray that one legislator as brave and every other, specifically black legislator as slaves on the Madigan plantation up to and during Representative Golar’s dying days. Then that one legislator showed up to the funeral and sat next to the Governor who has been calling all of them corrupt for disagreeing. Emotions are high and they are raw. And they are real. This is what scorched earth politics looks like. Arguing that Ken was brave enough to escape the Madigan plantation plays as a better sound bite then selling out to a Governor who essentially has said that killing unions is more important than all the hurt that is being caused by this stalemate. So save the platitudes about respect. They ring hollow. Especially now. - Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 7:48 pm: The only “unprincipled” or “soulless” commenters around here are those passing such ridiculous judgement on other commenters as they busy themselves “spinning” a funeral with partisan comments. And maybe the person who was so giddy over taking this pic they couldn’t wait until after the funeral to send it to RM. - Wordslinger - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 7:57 pm: If nothing else, Dunkin can bring some smarts to tne Rauner Crew. Because, here on Sept. 29′, 2015, the governor’s office is vancant. Except for that “I Love Brucie Show”, the sitcom with the derelict governor and his phony humanitarian wife. Bill and Melinda, you ain’t. Not even close. - Juvenal - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 8:03 pm: === so giddy over taking this pic === 1. Pretty sure that is a tripod for a camera in front of the governor, and the room was full of media; 2. Do you think they sat together because they didn’t want to be in the news cycle? 3. Again, the news coverage has been crystal clear that the trip to Springfield for veto session - the one precipitated by Rauner’s stonewalling, the one nullified by Dunkin’s deception - led to Golar’s death. Dunkin and Rauner seem to be okay with that, i am not sure why so many anonymous posters are putting up a fight. - Lincoln Lad - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 8:03 pm: Who would think that a funeral of a dedicated public servant could bring out the worst in people. But it certainly did here today. - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 8:10 pm: Oh ” - Anonymous - “… I can’t believe my own plan worked… the soulless Ken Dunkin… purposely sat… next to IllinoisGO’s leader, Governor Rauner… If you feel better blaming me or others for Dunkin lacking, have at it I guess… - Wordslinger - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 8:22 pm: Lincoln Lad, you take on a heavy load assuming, Lincoln’s greatness like that. How do you back that up, kid? You’re like Lincoln? At least explain the relationship among you (as Lincoln) Rauner and Kenny. Are you the smart one in the outfit….. ….. Lincoln? As youmpretend to be like Lincoln m - Wordslinger - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 8:31 pm: Weeping Jesus on the cross for big-brain “Lincoln Lad” How do we save this young Einstein? - btowntruth - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 8:59 pm: I…….just…….can’t……. They shouldn’t have let him in the door. - Soccertease - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 9:25 pm: It’s a freaking funeral people, why can’t you just s/t/f/u? - anon - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 9:28 pm: God Bless Rep. Golar and her family. She truly valued the importance of her duty in representing her constituents. - Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 9:29 pm: Soccertease. It’s politics at a funeral. That’s the problem. - NOTFUNNY - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 9:32 pm: Stay classy Rich Miller. A legislator died and you couldn’t help but figure out a way to use that for the entertainment of your subscribers. Say what you want about Dunkin and the Governor; unlike most of the commenters on this blog they were there to pay their respects. - Soccertease - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 9:34 pm: ==Soccertease. It’s politics at a funeral. That’s the problem.== Exactly, and for anyone with any morals or class, that’s unacceptable TrackBack URI - Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 9:38 pm: Soccertease. Agreed. Dunkin has no morals or class. - Marty Funkhouser - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 9:49 pm: NOTFUNNY: In case you haven’t noticed, nobody is entertained. - Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 9:57 pm: Not funny, you assume they were there to pay respects. Never assume. - Soccertease - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 10:08 pm: ==Soccertease. Agreed. Dunkin has no morals or class.= Don’t know Dunkin’s motive or relationship with Golar-don’t care. Only One should & will be judging that. - jls - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 10:09 pm: Rich, regardless of the wounded critics of this blog, Dunkin is a gift that keeps on giving. He’ll be back, times over. - anon - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 10:10 pm: Rauner: “After this I’m thinking Dorsia” - Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 10:16 pm: Soccertease, wake up, Golor was just the stage, the back drop. It’s Dunkin’s relationship with Rauner for all to see at the funeral. Getit? Gotit? Good. And good night. Also, voters judge now, God judges later. And You can’t fool God. - Soccertease - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 10:51 pm: =Soccertease, wake up, Golor was just the stage, the back drop. It’s Dunkin’s relationship with Rauner for all to see at the funeral. Getit? Gotit? Good. And good night. Also, voters judge now, God judges later. And You can’t fool God== My mother passed a couple of weeks ago and there were a few people that attended mom’s funeral that I absolutely despised politically. But that night, I respected them, thanked them, and truly appreciated their attendance. Obviously, you know better. - jake - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 10:55 pm: I did not know Esther Golar well, but I do know somebody who did. This person’s firxt comment to me on learning of Rep. Golar’s death was, “I hope Ken Dunkin has trouble sleeping at night”. - Property of IDOC - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 11:11 pm: Chicago cynic @ 4:01 …exactly. - Mouthy - Tuesday, Sep 29, 15 @ 11:48 pm: Money rules. Rauner was rubbing Madigan’s nose in it at a funeral. For any of you so naive as to say they were sitting together just to pay their respects isn’t respecting the intelligence of this board… - Anon - Wednesday, Sep 30, 15 @ 12:54 am: I drove up to Chicago to say my farewell to Representative Golar on Monday. I felt bad afterward for not staying over and attending the funeral as well. This post makes me happy I didn’t stay and instead visited with her family and friends in relative peace and quiet. There were plenty of family, politicians and community members there, but I didn’t have to see this. It would have taken away from the joy of hearing all of the wonderful things her family, friends, and colleagues had to say about her today in their remarks. Rep. Golar was a kind, genuine, and loving person. But she also seemed to me to be a political person to her core. I can’t imagine her not having an opinion about this if she were with us. Here’s hoping there’s true peace after death and she’s not having to witness any of this nonsense. - Chicago Cynic - Wednesday, Sep 30, 15 @ 2:50 am: Anon 1254a. Given her dedication to her constituents and what she sacrificed to be there for that vote, I’m pretty sure she’d agree with those of us calling Dunkin to account for his absence on the childcare vote. She put the kids first. Dunkin put himself first…again. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Sep 30, 15 @ 7:57 am: === It’s politics at a funeral. That’s the problem.=== Oh, please. Funerals of politicians are inherently political. There were political speeches at that funeral yesterday. And there was an obvious political move made by Dunkin. - pool boy - Wednesday, Sep 30, 15 @ 8:26 am: Esther,RIP. - Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Sep 30, 15 @ 8:28 am: “Bruce Rauner deeply believe in black community empowerment” He demonstrated it by having zero African-American executives in his firm. Another example was when he tried to economically blackmail African-Americans with local RTW, in essence telling them that jobs won’t come to their communities unless wages and benefits are pushed down, and workers’ rights and job security are eroded. Enriching corporate types even more at the expense of wage earners is pretty empowering. - Lt. Guv. - Wednesday, Sep 30, 15 @ 3:02 pm: Jaded, you’re just wrong here. They are VERY much connected. If you can’t see that, I pray for your soul. It’s not this issue, it’s the lie. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Sep 30, 15 @ 4:01 pm: ===they couldn’t wait until after the funeral to send it to RM=== He sent it after the funeral. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Sep 30, 15 @ 4:10 pm: ===I’m not sure if taking a tabloid type of photo at a funeral or posting it on a blog is worse, by the way=== As you can clearly see in the photo above, there were plenty of cameras in the room. Sorry to just be getting to this now, but I stopped monitoring comments early yesterday and didn’t have much time today. Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.