Poe to Ag
Wednesday, Nov 11, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* I’m pretty sure this is as close as you can get to a done deal…
State Rep. Raymond Poe said Tuesday he’s been approached by Rauner administration officials about becoming the state’s next agriculture director.
The Springfield Republican said, however, it appears he’s just one of several people who have met with administration officials about the job, and he isn’t aware that any final decision has been made.
Poe said he’s interested.
“I’ve met with all of them (Rauner officials), but there’s been several of us who met with all of them,” Poe said. […]
“We’re still passing (petitions),” he said. “If this thing doesn’t materialize, I guess we’re still running.”
The timing is tricky, however. Either they need to get somebody else on the ballot before the end of the month, or hope that nobody else files for the office and then appoint Poe after the filing period ends and then have the chairmen appoint a ballot replacement.
- haverford - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 9:29 am:
Not a *ton* of enthusiasm from the Representative about returning to the House.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 9:29 am:
You don’t confirm you’ve been “talked to” unless…
1) You are confirming you’ve been talked to and are turning it down.
2) You have been told to let it out you are taking it and you are the one to break the news.
3) You know you are taking it, and going this far you don’t worry it “won’t happen”
- DuPage Dave - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 9:41 am:
Voting against the administration, Poe? “Nevermore”
- Truthteller - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 9:55 am:
Obviously, if Poe gets the post it’s to help the guv with his political agenda. If Poe gets the post, won’t that mean a big bump in his pension? If so, couldn’t Rauner require Poe to agree not to claim the greater amount? Or does Rauner want the taxpayers to pick up the tab for his political moves?
- kitty - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 9:56 am:
Possible quid pro quo as a reward for Mr. Poe’s choosing not to vote yes to override the veto SB 1229 to the great detriment of a large portion of his constituency? Whether he is offered and or accepts the position, Mr. Poe’s vote was a testament to the intimidating influence of Mr. Rauner’s money and exemplifies why the Citizen’s United decision should be overturned.
- walker - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 10:09 am:
Cannot believe this public openness wouldn’t disqualify a potential nominee, unless the Gov’s staff were aware of it. Could be a reminder to others that the Governor can provide more than campaign funds.
- Anonymous238 - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 10:31 am:
Why would moderate Gov. Rauner appoint a right-wing rep who recruited a democrat to run against a moderate Republican in the 100th District a while ago? Poe doesn’t want anyone except 100% ultra conservatives in the party. He is trying to hide his background to get the appointment and up his pension.
- Norseman - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 10:54 am:
Rauner continues to buy his way out of impediments - albeit a minor impediment of late. Now Rauner gets to appoint a more pliable sycophant as rep. Poe gets to up his pension and Poe catering can continue to rake in the business at GOP fundraisers.
I’ve not been pleased by Poe’s acquiescence to Rauner’s money. I do want to thank him for his past service, especially his vote against pension reduction.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 12:21 pm:
anom 238
What are you talking about? #confused
- Anon221 - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 12:33 pm:
Ray’s retirement gig.
- MJG Citizen 4 - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 1:09 pm:
Does anybody know if the Democrats are going to put a candidate forward to finally run against Poe or his replacement in District 99 this election? Poe hasn’t had anyone run against him for his past 2 elections. It would look like he or a replacement is vulnerable this time. Any info or comments on District 99 state rep. campaign?
- Jake Leonard - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 3:55 pm:
Perhaps this could be another race where Libertarians could beat Republican “seat warmers” in this district, where Democrats don’t have a chance in hell.
Take a look at the 95th District - Wayne Rosenthal takes director job at IDNR, Republican chairmen choose Avery Bourne to keep his seat warm until election day.
One thing Poe and Bourne has in common: voting present.
- Wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 4:54 pm:
Walk, I’m sure Dunkin is aware governors can dish out plenty of sweet jobs if that Illinois GO money doesnt save his bacon in the primary.
- Me too - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 5:17 pm:
I’ll run. Contact my people.
- Magic Dragon - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 6:00 pm:
Yep, we sure are Shaking up Springfield here. Yet another unqualified legislator appointed to a posh Director gig. More of the same…
- internal angel - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 6:22 pm:
Legislators can be good directors but its alot more work than they realize and they often aren’t used to being good administrators. Its a full time every day show up job. Not a sometimes job like their old gig. Thats the issue. Will they go to work everyday and run the office? It matters. Really.
- Relocated - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 6:31 pm:
Magic Dragon. I’m not a fan of Rauner and I’ve never really liked Poe, but I wonder who you think is more qualified? The job of the director is to oversee administration policy shepherd the agencies budget and legislation through the GA, and advocate for farmers. As long as a former legislator is willing to do the work then who better?
- scott aster - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 8:42 pm:
Take the job Ray…you have been there long enough. the folks in Spf need some new blood.
- Late to the Party - Thursday, Nov 12, 15 @ 7:54 am:
The response from
kitty - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 9:56 am
nailed it.
” Possible quid pro quo as a reward for Mr. Poe’s choosing not to vote yes to override the veto SB 1229 to the great detriment of a large portion of his constituency? Whether he is offered and or accepts the position, Mr. Poe’s vote was a testament to the intimidating influence of Mr. Rauner’s money and exemplifies why the Citizen’s United decision should be overturned. “