[Comments have now been opened.]
* First Jim Edgar, and now the governor’s very own hand-picked comptroller…
Gov. Bruce Rauner should give up his attacks on unions to help agree on a budget with Democratic lawmakers and end the spiraling crisis in Springfield, Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger said Friday. […]
Asked if Gov. Rauner should stop targeting unions during a news conference in Moline Friday, Ms. Munger, said, “I don’t think it’s productive, I think we’ve got to work together, personally.
“I don’t think it helps to pit people against one another, to be completely honest,” she said. “I believe we need to be all working together to solve the problems in Illinois.” […]
She said the solution to the crisis was to cut spending and raise revenue. Both sides need to compromise, although there’s no sign of that happening at the moment, Ms. Munger said.
Although Ms. Munger said Gov. Rauner should stop attacking unions, she voiced support for the governor’s proposed reforms to tort laws and workers compensation. The goal in both areas is to reduce costs for businesses, she said.
* And speaking of Jim Edgar, Bernie caught up with him late yesterday…
The lack of a budget four months into the fiscal year has destabilized state government, and Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner should quit holding a state spending plan hostage to a list of demands because permanent damage is being done, former Gov. Jim Edgar said Friday.
“State government’s probably in the worst state it’s been in the 47 years that I’ve been around (it),” Edgar, a fellow Republican, told The State Journal-Register in an interview from his Springfield home. “You’ve got dozens and dozens of programs that aren’t being funded, agencies that are having trouble doing their mission, and I just think it’s very unfortunate.”
“We need a budget,” he added. “These other issues, they’re important, some of them I think more important than others, but you don’t hold the budget hostage to get those. … It has been very destabilizing for state government. I think a lot of people have suffered.” […]
“An unstable state government — and that’s what we have right now, very unstable — is a detriment to economic growth,” he said. “I mean, folks aren’t going to come to this state and make an investment if they think state government’s dysfunctional.” […]
“One of the strengths this state’s had for years is … a great higher education system,” he said. “I think that is in jeopardy now.”
There’s lots more, so go read the whole thing.
- PublicServant - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:13 am:
Drip. Drip. Governor
- Try-4-Truth - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:20 am:
Rich,
You know more than I do. You know more than anyone does about Illinois government and politics. Our world is crazy right now. Is this the beginning of the end of this mess, or just another chapter.
It appears to me that all of the external pressures are on Gov. Rauner. Do those pressures matter anymore?
Your best guess is better than most people’s factual analysis. What do you think?
- Norseman - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:21 am:
The “wingman” must be seeing a lot of problems coming her way and has decided to maneuver a little to protect her six.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:23 am:
To the Post,
Let’s look at what Edgar is “saying”, starting here;
From the article cited above…
===”He does not come from government,” Edgar said of the governor, who was a venture capitalist. “He doesn’t even really come from mainstream business. He comes from (being an) entrepreneur where you buy a business, you tear it apart and you sell it. … I don’t think you’re going to tear apart the state and sell it. He might want to, but you can’t do that.===
“He doesn’t even come from mainstream business”. Wow. That’s a shot at Rauner. That’s taking to task that Rauner is a man who made money destroying things, and selling the assets. Gov. Edgar said so. Gov. Edgar is calling out Bruce Rauner as being less than a businessman, a mainstream businessman, and more of a bust-out specialist, liking to make, no, squeeze every dime out of a business, creating ZERO.
It’s a slam, it’s “throwing shade”… on Rauner’s perceived business acumen and success, undercutting the man in the Big Chair as no better than a Venture Capitalist, looking to milk the state the best he (Rauner) can.
Jim Edgar, make no mistake, is calling out a man’s career of destruction, and saying no one should be surprised Rauner is destroying Illinois for his own Agenda, instead of mega-bucks, at the cost of people and things Rauner himself thinks are not worthy of him, or deserve a governor’s attention.
Of all the quotes and remarks, this quote above, man, that’s condeming Rauner for his past and present, with little or no respect for the monies Rauner made by destroying all he “owned”. Wow.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:25 am:
===Your best guess is better than most people’s factual analysis. What do you think? ===
LOL. I dunno about that, but…
Subscribe.
- veritas - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:31 am:
I’m not sure Edgar’s proposal is viable for BR? Can he accept some concessions now and work on other changes later, or has he painted himself into an ideological corner?
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:32 am:
===
“State government’s probably in the worst state it’s been in the 47 years that I’ve been around (it),” Edgar, a fellow Republican, told The State Journal-Register in an interview from his Springfield home. “You’ve got dozens and dozens of programs that aren’t being funded, agencies that are having trouble doing their mission, and I just think it’s very unfortunate.”===
I’ve stated numerous times during this budget impasse, that governors own, Edgar already knows that. Rauner doesn’t. The agency heads? Your governor thinks so little of your job, your mission, his own policies, Gov. Rauner thinks so little about Government, that Rauner is holding HIS own agencies hostage, and their missions hostage too.
That’s real. That’s where I’m with Edgar, a Republican, not a Raunerite, all day. I asked two things of Governor Rauner; Get a budget, labor peace. Neither is close. The “90 Days”, that’s not close. At all.
Rauner refuses to own the Executive Branch. Agencies, if you don’t know it or not, you are only useful to damage people, not helpful by fulfilling your missions. That should be scary to anyone paying attention.
Rauner cares less about a functioning government.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:41 am:
===“We need a budget,” he added. “These other issues, they’re important, some of them I think more important than others, but you don’t hold the budget hostage to get those. … It has been very destabilizing for state government. I think a lot of people have suffered.” […]===
Let’s look at The Owl;
@RonSandack: I’m frustrated 2, but taking steps towards reforming IL more important than short term budget stalemate.
That’s 9/28.
Now read The Owl;
@RonSandack: Big fan of Fmr Gov, but he’s just dead wrong on this. “Deals” from his day don’t work now; we need reform. #ReformIL.
Boy, when The Owl is owned. He’s owned.
Rep. Sandack, it IS about the “deal”, the hostsges being held are so Gov. Rauner can leverage “a deal” to dismantle collective bargaining and prevailing wage, but, you already knew that. A pathetic slight of hand aimed at complimenting a former governor, while refusing to respond to what that former governor is saying, so Sandack himself can be seen as a good Raunerite and deflect the pointed criticism of Rauner, by referring to a non-equated Rauner talking point.
That’s why The Owl… is The Owl.
- Downstate - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:41 am:
Munger mentioned a compromise should include spending cuts, as well.
In all sincerity, what spending cuts have been proposed, by either side, at this stage?
- Matt - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:42 am:
News like this makes me wonder about the degree of support Rauner has within his own political party. He seems to be losing some support from past governors and now members of his administration. Is he losing allies within the Generally Assembly Republicans? At this point does anyone support him outside of the Governor’s Office?
- AnonymousOne - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:43 am:
But, isn’t ripping everything apart his thing? Why is government any different than the way he’s “done business” in the past? When he talked about shaking things up, it wasn’t too hard to foresee what that meant.
- chi - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:44 am:
For anyone still on the fence, and who tries to rationalize Munger’s statement as prep for her upcoming election… Edgar is sounding the alarm. Edgar is not a Democrat. Edgar is saying that the worst accusations Dems make about Rauner- that [He might want to] “tear the state apart and sell it”, are real dangers, are real concerns, and that the State is suffering “permanent” damage because of it.
So for those still on the fence, are you Republicans or Raunerites? The lines are drawn.
- Jack Stephens - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:45 am:
Maybe The Owl needs to retake a Basic Civics Class with “his friend” Bruce.
The Government of the United States of America was founded on the very notion of Compromise.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:48 am:
===In all sincerity, what spending cuts have been proposed, by either side, at this stage? ===
BVR proposed slashing the child care assistance program back in February, he’s closed the state museum and etc.
The Democrats say they reduced Medicaid spending by $450 million in their budget proposal, which was vetoed.
- Big Joe - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:49 am:
This feeling of hopelessness and disgust has been building up among us since Rauner took office. It is no surprise that some actual Republicans in IL have now started to call out Brucie $54 Million about what he is doing to the State that he supposedly loves. Edgar had flaws, but it seems like he is one of the only Republicans to have the stones to tell it like it is. I hope others follow.
- Grandson of Man - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:50 am:
It’s great to see a former governor, and a Republican at that, support the need to focus on and fix the budget rather than insist on non-budget items.
Certain people want to shut things down so they can break and remake the state (and country) in their own image. One even said she wished for a hurricane to wipe away people so we could start over.
It’s like a spanking that will we will hate but will make us better.
If I had a hat, it would have jumped off my head, spun around and landed back on my head, when I read what Edgar said about Rauner’s business experience–buying up businesses, breaking them apart and selling them.
Rauner can maybe get a few items, workers comp reform and a property tax freeze (along with spending cuts). Too bad for all of us that he won’t seize the opportunity.
- present - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:51 am:
AnonymousOne. What Rauner may have realized is to most voters shaking things up meant replace the salt shaker and maybe move it to a different place on the table. Isolation and ignorance doesn’t comprehend what’s happening.Maybe this needed to happen. People are asking up.
- present - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:52 am:
Waking
- PublicServant - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:52 am:
Wait until the news conference today where a business exec, a private sector union leader, and a social services provider come together to get the governor to negotiate on the budget without any pre-conditions…drip, drip.
- Jack Stephens - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:53 am:
@anonymouseone:
No problem. Let’s sell off the Fire Department in your neighborhood. If your house catches fire and you haven’t paid “Bruce’s Housing Safety Inc”……
Oh well!
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:55 am:
===So for those still on the fence, are you Republicans or Raunerites? The lines are drawn.===
- Chi -, well done. That’s exactly one of the takes Gov. Edgar wants Republicans to consider.
Between Ken Dunkin, IllinoisGO, the $20 million “hostage money” to own the two Caucuses, the Turnaround Agenda PAC, it’s about Rod Blagojevich’s dream, but Rauner creating Raunerites under the cloak of a brand Rauner bought, ILGOP.
I am a Republican. I am with Jim Edgar. These follow ups, Edgar is fumigating the taint Rauner sprayed on Edgar, and trying to help the GOP and the GOP GA to see fumigating is now needed. The lines are getting deeper, darker, and less gray exists. The cost? Illinois government. Well done - Chi -.
- Anonymous - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:56 am:
The Edgar Ramp and Jim Edgar… The gift that continues giving.
- VanillaMan - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:59 am:
Edgar is no Rauner. He doesn’t show up trying to shift attention to himself wherever he goes. He doesn’t walk around blurting out whatever pops into his head and he doesn’t stand around loudly laughing, and entertaining folks. I’ve seen both governors and their personalities couldn’t be more different.
This weekend Governor Edgar was himself. You’d never would have guessed that the guy who carefully dissected Bruce Rauner in front of Bernie was this guy. He was what I’ve always seen him to be - a measured fellow who sits ram-rod straight with perfect hair.
So enough with this, “there goes his ego”, stuff. Jim and Brenda are enjoying their privacy and really keep to themselves. They care about our state and he is very measured with his comments regarding current affairs.
If Jim Edgar felt it was needed for him to say these things, then he has to be truly concerned. What surprised me was his choice of words. He is not pleased with the priorities made by the new administration. He questioned Rauner’s professional experiences and how they could be effecting his approach to the Office. He didn’t endorse Rauner and felt a need to defend his choice to support him last year.
These are bigger than any political spin.
Just as giant are the comments made by Leslie Munger. We can spin that as campaign fodder and political positioning, but the fact is - Munger announced that she was filing for separation from her mentor and benefactor. She wants to be the new Topinka. She has her old office and Leslie sees a chance to walk in her Judy’s flea market flats into a respectable political career.
If the Administration is taking Edgar’s and Munger’s statements, released for maximum new coverage, lightly. If the Administration thinks it can just back over Jim and Leslie, then the Administration is not very bright.
Voters recognize a serious seasoned voice of reason. What Edgar and Munger did was stand into the political mine field, and demand a new approach from a venture capitalist seemingly disconnected from the importance of his new job.
- Norseman - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:00 am:
=== but it seems like he is one of the only Republicans to have the stones to tell it like it is. I hope others follow. ===
The Republicans speaking out don’t depend on campaign cash, with the exception of Munger with her mild dissent. Munger sees that she will bear the brunt of the ire out there against Rauner’s scorched Illinois policy.
- VanillaMan - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:02 am:
The Edgar Ramp and Jim Edgar… The gift that continues giving.
Take a name or shut up.
- Southern Illinois Hoopdee - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:04 am:
Rauner’s private equity background makes him the perfect scapegoat, yet he doesn’t even realize it.
- Anonymous - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:06 am:
“I am a Republican”
You spent a lot of time here telling everyone how Bill Brady was too conservative for “my party”. Then when a social moderate runs, before he is even the nominee, you spend a lot of time telling us how he isn’t an acceptable choice either.
The only Republican who voted for Pat Quinn twice in a row?
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:06 am:
===The Edgar Ramp===
Governors own, don’t they?
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:12 am:
===The only Republican who voted for Pat Quinn twice in a row?===
lol, use the Search Key;
I voted for Brady, I voted for Brady over Quinn and I voted for Brady so, Brady as Governor would have a say in the Legislative Map. When Brady lost, I didn’t blame Brady at all. How do I know I didn’t? I called it the “Jerry Clarke Map”, not the “Bill Brady Map”
Further,
I left the Governor’s race “open”. I didn’t vote for Quinn or Rauner. Again, use the “Search Key”.
If attacking me is your only point ” - Anonymous - “, you have no point, which explains no handle too.
- Wensicia - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:23 am:
The only way to get Rauner to listen is if his friends in the busines world abandon him.
- Roamin' Numeral - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:26 am:
==Munger announced that she was filing for separation from her mentor and benefactor. She wants to be the new Topinka.==
Well said, VMan. This is good news for Illinois.
- Jocko - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:32 am:
Props to OW for posting Sandack’s latest tweet. Ron reminds me of John McCain after South Carolina.
I’d love to see a YouTube clip with Mayor Sandack debating Representative Sandack about the stalemate.
- Arthur Andersen - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:34 am:
VM at 9:00, lol!
Anonymous, the Edgar ramp, or Netsch ramp as I call it to give credit where credit is due, was working as designed until Blago and Filan got to it. Along with two years of partial pension holidays, the ramp was extended another five years, creating untold additional billions in unfunded liability.
- Arsenal - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:38 am:
==We can spin that as campaign fodder and political positioning, but the fact is - Munger announced that she was filing for separation from her mentor and benefactor. ==
More to the point- if we *do* accept this as just political posturing, that actually gives us *less* reason to dismiss it. Munger is running a campaign, and has concluded that the political will to smack unions around whilst ignoring the budget just isn’t there. That tells us something important.
- ILPundit - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:44 am:
I don’t think the Governor or his current team currently have the capacity to see how badly this debate/standoff is turning against him.
The Edgar and Munger comments are significant not just because they drive a change in media tone, but because they both provide cover AND place pressure on GOP legislators to cut a deal.
It becomes much harder to punish members of your own party in a primary if you can respond with ads featuring Jim Edgar. It also becomes much harder to defend you position supporting Rauner back home when the most popular and respected former Governor in the state is saying you are contributing to an effort to tear the state apart.
It only takes a small handful of House GOP members to completely turn this thing and get a resolution. I wonder if Rauner even sees the danger?
- Arthur Andersen - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:45 am:
I think Maverick Munger either wasn’t prepared for and/or felt so burnt by the blowback on the pension stiffing announcement that she left Iceman Rauner alone in the dogfight.
- Lincoln Lad - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:51 am:
Can’t wait to see Rauner’s response to Munger and Edgar. Probably will distance from Munger, and likely put a for sale sign on the Tollway.
- Relocated - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:52 am:
Many of us here have been frustrated by the tone of the past reporting onnthe “budget impasse” which has been poorly described. Perhaps Edgar and Munger’s comments will give reporters cover to do their jobs and expose the true nature of the dispute.
- X-prof - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:55 am:
To the Illinois press: In addition to this news, the governor just released his 2014 tax returns. This would be an opportune time to do a calculation of Rauner’s total state and local tax rate (individual income, sales tax (have to estimate), and property tax. Then compare it to the burden carried by middle and lower-income tax payers. The governor’s burden should be 2 to 3 times lower, even before you account for his federal deductions for state taxes. The headline should be: Fixing the IL deficit does not require a tax increase for most tax payers. And this does not mean “soak the rich”. So press, please get on it.
For that matter, IL Dems, you need to get on this, too.
- The Muse - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:57 am:
“There are a lot of things I muttered in private” as governor, Edgar said. “I always thought I had to watch what I said or my staff said. … We always tried to be extremely careful … not to get involved in personalities.”
Bingo! It’s one thing to disagree, it’s a whole other beast when you’re also being disrespectful.
- X-prof - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:57 am:
The governor’s burden should be 2 to 3 times lower …
Make that, The governor’s *rate* should be 2 to 3 times lower …
- walker - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:03 am:
==The Edgar and Munger comments are significant not just because they drive a change in media tone, but because they both provide cover AND place pressure on GOP legislators to cut a deal.==
Could be.
My first reaction was that GOP legislators who are desperate for a deal, know that Rauner Team are deaf to them, and they have been trying to get to him thru Munger and Edgar.
Of course the achievable deal will be something like Munger sketched it. Heard the same in casual conversations with two GOP reps months ago.
- Chicago Cynic - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:04 am:
“- VanillaMan - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:02 am:
The Edgar Ramp and Jim Edgar… The gift that continues giving.
Take a name or shut up.”
This is probably the same yutz from Friday who wants to be a regular commenter but refuses to take a name. At this point his style and talking points are crystal clear.
- Union GOP'er - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:04 am:
@ Anon 9:06.
No there are a lot of us Republicans who voted for Quinn twice. The GOP needs its RINOs to return to the party and minimize the conservatives. Conservatives are @Chi’s (8:44) “Raunerites.”
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:11 am:
- Union GOP’er -
Well said, yep, well said…
If you ignore that conservatives arent at all embracing many of the Raunerite ideals…
If you ignore ALL that, gosh, well said.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:40 am:
Thanks - Jocko -,
It just seems like the narrative from 9/28 till Friday/Saturday, The Owl is refusing, via Twitter to see reality, but Hoot his approved Rauner spinning, in hopes Rauner won’t own, and that Edgar is “wrong” about being Spot On.
It’s important to see how The Owl wants things seen, because in reality, his opinions have been hijacked by Rauner’s feckless narrative.
- Robert the 1st - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:48 am:
“No there are a lot of us Republicans who voted for Quinn twice.” Yep, you hate government overspending except when it comes to your wages, benefits, and pensions. Let the poor stave, but I better get another raise for my bloated salary. Strong values you and OW have.
It’s true Rauner isn’t a standard IL GOP member. He’s much more moderate on social issues and isn’t an AFSCME steward.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:52 am:
- Robert the 1st -,
If I’m choosin’ Gov. Edgar or Gov. Rauner as a GOP Governor, it’s Edgar. It’s only Edgar.
Rauner is a Raunerite.
You’re welcome.
- Facts are Stubborn Things - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:54 am:
More and more Republicans are starting to sound like MJM. The budget is the number one problem facing Illinois and it will only be solved in moderation and not in the extreme. To the extent that non budget items get in the way of the budget it makes things very difficult. MJM was saying this in May and has said it almost every day since.
- Facts are Stubborn Things - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:57 am:
The best way to improve Illinois business climate is to get a real budget to eliminate the structural deficit and get a fair but tough labor contract with AFSCME. As Gov. Edgar has pointed out, a well run state is a very important part of attracting and retaining business.
- Facts are Stubborn Things - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:58 am:
The cracks in the Republicans has begun, and the only thing holding it from breaking wide open is the money that Rauner has….gosh he has really changed the way things are done. snark
- Ghost - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 11:07 am:
i still say the govenor is mot actually interested in the state of the state or his performance as a govenor. he is here t seek bloody vengenace on the unions, and wont consider anything less. he has his fiddle a d his matches and is ready to g, because he doesnt actually live in rome or care what happens to it.
- Skeptic - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 11:58 am:
“get a fair but tough labor contract with AFSCME” Ok, I’ll bite. How does a contract with a public labor union affect the private business climate?
- Federalist - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 12:16 pm:
The reality is that only Democrats pay any attention to Edgar and then only if it suits their purpose.
He has had very little clout in the Republican Party for a very long time.
- UIC Guy - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 12:16 pm:
People (on this thread and others) are speaking of BVR as ‘a Venture Capitalist’. That’s wrong, and unfair to venture capitalists, who are investors who invest in new first (usually high-tech) in the early stages of their development.
BVR never did anything that constructive. He’s what used to be called a corporate raider, buying companies cheap, firing a lot of people to make the companies look more profitable, breaking them up into parts, and selling them. ‘Vulture Capitalist’ perhaps comes closest.
- Honeybear - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 12:27 pm:
I don’t think Mungers pleading will work to sooth union anger at Rauner. I know folks on this blog will not be “afraid” or “worried” but I was super heartened this weekend by the MASSIVE preparations, organizing, and multi union coordination underway to take down those who are attacking labor in this state. “War footing” does not do it justice. I’m feeling a lot better now.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 12:43 pm:
- Honeybear -
With great respect,
My take on the Labor Movement and it’s potential to be influential or a driving force in the electoral process, is based solely on a snapshot of the Dillard tardiness, and on the Quinn “lesson teaching”
To be honest, if I didn’t think the Labor Movement could be that force, I’d be ignoring them altogether.
My reality? From the day Rauner raised his hand and swore his oath, to today, and going forward, the Labor Movement needs to speak to two things; Stopping Raunerite candidates, and making a priority that the “Labor Movement” is willing to dole out its own form of electoral punishment, with ONE voice, not parsed among different unions depending how threatened they feel, or even are.
That’s the ball game.
Rauner isn’t scared. That’s not a slam, that’s an assessment. An assessment. Please, respectfully, understand the difference.
OW
- Me - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 1:10 pm:
“Rauner cares less about a functioning government.”
If he cares less about a functioning government, then he cares less about the working class and their families. I’m afraid more job cuts are just around the corner.
- Anonymous - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 1:50 pm:
I can’t tell if munger is going rouge,cagny&lacey playing good cop bad cop or just Charlie’s angels vegas style
- Arsenal - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 2:00 pm:
==The reality is that only Democrats pay any attention to Edgar and then only if it suits their purpose.
He has had very little clout in the Republican Party for a very long time.==
Man, Rauner shouldn’t have spent so much time courting him, then!
Please. Yeah, Edgar was never all he’s cracked up to be, but after spending a decade selling him as the patron saint of Illinois Government, it’s pretty rich for Republicans to act like they never heard of the guy.
- Honeybear - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 2:29 pm:
Thanks OW, I do get it and I wasn’t aiming at all at you. I was trying to give an update from Springfield this weekend about the preparations I witnessed underway. Only one name I heard over and over to be saved, McCann. I don’t know that there will be a distinction between Republican and Raunerite. Actually no distinction. The workshop on 2016 elections was packed and overseen by the Great Mother herself. Targets have been chosen. The anger and hatred was visceral. Rauner does not fear labor. Who cares. Certain GOP Reps and Senators, with the exception of McCann, are going to really feel it. Labor might not have the money, but we’ve got really really really pissed off motivated and dedicated people. As to Dunkin, when his name was mentioned it illicited the immediate response of “Judas” from the guy sitting next to me. I’m not kidding, blood was in the water.
- Union GOP'er - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 2:49 pm:
The ones, besides Rauner, who want to diminish unions are the conservatives or the followers of the poorly thought-out Libertarians.
@Robert the 1st. 10:48. Not sure what made you make that imagined LEAP about the poor starving. It wasn’t rational, let alone polite.
- Old Sarge - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 3:13 pm:
Skeptic@11:58
A labor contract guarantees stability for the term of the contract, unless someone (contractor)tries to break it.
- Buzzie - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 3:14 pm:
Why doesn’t the Tribune ask Edgar to write a guest editorial;, they would probably run it in the Sunday auto section.
- Honeybear - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 3:19 pm:
Union GOP’er- unfortunately my brother my union is going to go after every one with an R by their name that we can. (except McCann) No exceptions, no distinctions. ILGOP made their choice. As far as Republican union members, the Friedricks decision will separate the wheat from the chaff. The issue of sisters and brothers voting against the interests of the union will no be much of an issue. They will be free to go. I embrace the change that is going to bring, wheat from the chaff brother, wheat from the chaff.
- Arsenal - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 3:42 pm:
==The workshop on 2016 elections was packed and overseen by the Great Mother herself.==
Wut?
- Honeybear - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 3:56 pm:
Arsenal-Roberta was hovering in the back.
- Ben Franklin - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 4:50 pm:
Looks like Rauner is being fired at internally as well as from the non profits
- millikin - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 5:37 pm:
This budget will get passed not because of Chicago but because of the vendors stopping service to the state. One big vendor has stated they will no longer supply/accept state gas cards. No gas for state cars including state police cars! Now we have gas at the DOT garages but they are few and far between and most only have diesel. We’ve heard the gas cards are shut off Jan. 1.
- Hokey Horner - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 8:58 pm:
For anyone who’s interested, this is Scott Reeder’s opinion of Edgar, and it ain’t exactly glowing.
http://ilnews.org/6040/column-the-edgar-ramp-to-nowhere/
I always thought Edgar was the best Gov. Il had in modern times, but from a historical standpoint, it does look like the ramp really was just kicking the can down the road, Edgar took the easy way out.
- Norseman - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:19 pm:
You presume we care what Scott Reeder has to say!
- Arthur Andersen - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:45 pm:
Second that, Norseman!
- Ben Franklin - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:53 pm:
Hokey, Scott Reeder is bought and paid for… He’s a spokesman for Rauner, not Illinois.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 9:53 pm:
- Norseman -, well said.
- Anon - Monday, Oct 19, 15 @ 10:12 pm:
==State government’s probably in the worst state it’s been in the 47 years that I’ve been around (it)==
Well Jim, maybe the huge pension raises that happened on your watch have something to do with it?
Anyway, if Edgar/Munger speed the budget process, so much the better. But Rauner likes to remind us how competitive he is, so maybe there’s a better chance of flipping a legislator or two.
- the old man - Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 6:53 am:
Republicans listen up. We will not be the minority party after Rauner, we will be remembered like the Whigs and No Nothing parties are today–a used to be party.