Thanks for the advice, NYT!
Tuesday, Apr 26, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From a New York Times editorial…
A 10-month budget standoff in Illinois has reached the point where the state comptroller, Leslie Geissler Munger, says she plans to delay the monthly paychecks of lawmakers and state officials because other bills and services deserve to be paid first. The comptroller, a Republican running for re-election, seems to think this will force the Democratic General Assembly and Gov. Bruce Rauner, a Republican, to compromise.
The paycheck strategy would be politically amusing were it not for the fact that the budget impasse is having severe effects on Illinois citizens.
The extraordinary conclusion with its oh so helpful suggestion…
The people of Illinois and Kansas deserve far better from their lawmakers. Voters should unseat their worst representatives this November.
* Tom Corfman reacts…
Does the Times really think we haven’t thought of that?
We’re in Flyover Country, Tom. Of course they never considered it.
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Apr 26, 16 @ 12:32 pm:
Unseat the worst representatives? Wah? Why would we do that? Let me chew my straw for a while longer on that one.
- Thoughts Matter - Tuesday, Apr 26, 16 @ 12:34 pm:
Did they also decide who our worst Representatives were? Maybe offer suggestions as to how we vote out reps that are running unopposed?
How about they continue to worry about the size of their restaurant soft drinks and keep their advice to themselves?
- illini - Tuesday, Apr 26, 16 @ 12:45 pm:
Second attempt -
Defining “worst representative” could be a bit problematic. How many members of the GA, of either party, had to run in a contested Primary and how many of the incumbent members are running unopposed in the general?
Kind of reminds me of the US Congress which has an 11% approval rate nationally. And I might be generous there. Everyone hates the institution, but thinks their representatives are doing a good job.
Tip O’Neill was absolutely correct when he noted that “All politics is local.”
- Excessively Rabid - Tuesday, Apr 26, 16 @ 12:49 pm:
Maybe we could unseat our worst governor - oh, wait, we already did that too. Look where it got us. I assume everybody except the late highly respected Bill would still stipulate that Blago was our worst governor, but if this keeps up, his standing could come into question.
- Indochine - Tuesday, Apr 26, 16 @ 12:53 pm:
The terribly smart and smug Grey Lady should know that Munger is seeking retention, not re-election.
This means you, too, Lou Lang.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Apr 26, 16 @ 12:58 pm:
“The people of Illinois deserve far better from their governor.”
Fixed it for you.
- Huh? - Tuesday, Apr 26, 16 @ 12:59 pm:
12:58 was me.
- Beaner - Tuesday, Apr 26, 16 @ 1:01 pm:
At least Blagojevich had budgets.
- AlabamaShake - Tuesday, Apr 26, 16 @ 1:03 pm:
**The people of Illinois and Kansas deserve far better from their lawmakers. Voters should unseat their worst representatives this November.**
Didn’t Ken Dunkin already lose?
- Williamson County resident - Tuesday, Apr 26, 16 @ 1:32 pm:
“The people of Illinois and Kansas deserve far better from their lawmakers. Voters should unseat their worst representatives this November.”
Only one ’small’ problem, the real worst culprit, Governor Rauner, is not up for reelection.
- Excessively Rabid - Tuesday, Apr 26, 16 @ 1:40 pm:
==At least Blagojevich had budgets. ==
And a pension holiday. When it came to digging the hole we’re in, he shoveled pretty hard. But you’re right, and I wouldn’t say the current mess is an improvement over that time.
- anony - Tuesday, Apr 26, 16 @ 1:53 pm:
unseat our representatives? They pick their voters there is no choice.
- Ahoy! - Tuesday, Apr 26, 16 @ 1:59 pm:
The Times might not understand how rigged our legislative maps are. If we had more competitive elections that were not foreshadowed ahead of time, our legislators would be more scared of an angry electorate.
- ArchPundit - Tuesday, Apr 26, 16 @ 2:12 pm:
“At least Blagojevich had budgets.”
This just makes me want to cry.
- @MisterJayEm - Tuesday, Apr 26, 16 @ 2:28 pm:
“Well, people like that ‘re-form’ — maybe we should get us some.” — Junior O’Daniel O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
- A Modest Proposal - Tuesday, Apr 26, 16 @ 2:57 pm:
–Voters should unseat their worst representatives this November.—
too bad our legislative map makes everyones votes essentially worthless
- mokenavince - Tuesday, Apr 26, 16 @ 3:40 pm:
We must be in sad shape to be at the Kansas level.
Granted our legislative group reminds me of the old St. Louis Browns,effectively know as the rubbish boys. We have 2 leaders and the rest followers, sad. Sadder yet to think Rauner is as bad as Brownback.
- forwhatitsworth - Tuesday, Apr 26, 16 @ 4:09 pm:
How do we get rid of all of ‘em?
- Wensicia - Tuesday, Apr 26, 16 @ 4:16 pm:
==Voters should unseat their worst representatives this November.==
Since Rauner funded tools, um, candidates would be the likely replacements, I’m not sure this would help.
- NoGifts - Tuesday, Apr 26, 16 @ 5:56 pm:
Is this the answer to the question of the day? What happens when a non-local paper reports on local news?
- Mama - Tuesday, Apr 26, 16 @ 10:48 pm:
“Unseat the worst representatives?”
I would if someone would run against them.