* Team Tribune…
Rauner also ripped into Democratic Senate President John Cullerton, calling “corrupt” his tactics in pressing for a school funding formula change. Once again, Rauner referenced a January Cullerton speech to the City Club of Chicago in which the Democrat said “We got to change the school funding formula. … Before we appropriate money for education for next year that starts July 1, we have to fix this formula.”
Said Rauner on Tuesday: “(Cullerton) has said he doesn’t want schools to open, doesn’t want the schools to open, unless the formula changes and there’s a lot more money for Chicago. He said it. This is not, I mean I am not making it up,” Rauner said. “That is wrong. That is corrupt. That is a conflict of interest, using political leverage to damage other communities and we cannot let that happen.”
And this gets us to a budget… how?
…Adding… As a commenter points out, using “leverage” that could damage communities is something the governor himself proposed a bit over a year ago…
Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner kicked off a campaign-style statewide tour Monday by indicating he’ll try to “leverage” the state’s money woes into securing a series of pro-business changes from a General Assembly controlled by Democrats likely to fiercely oppose them. […]
The first stop was at Tribune Tower, where the governor sought to frame up the last seven scheduled weeks of the spring session during an appearance before the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board. The governor and legislative leaders will try to craft a new budget before the May 31 adjournment deadline against the backdrop of a projected deficit of $6 billion and Rauner calling for major cuts.
“Crisis creates opportunity. Crisis creates leverage to change … and we’ve got to use that leverage of the crisis to force structural change,” said Rauner […]
Pressed to explain, Rauner simply said: “Crisis. Crisis creates leverage.” [Emphasis added.]
He projects a lot.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Jim Edgar states the obvious…
“It’s critical that in public arenas that we treat our adversaries with civility because one of the things I also learned (in politics is that) today’s adversary is tomorrow’s ally because issues change. But if you just call somebody stupid or a crook, it’s going to be a little harder the next day for you to meet them as allies,” he said. […]
Still, Edgar added, “There’s nothing worse than an old governor telling a new governor what to do.”
*** UPDATE 2 *** From Senate President Cullerton’s spokesman John Patterson…
“For too long the state has failed to meet the needs of schoolchildren throughout Illinois. The Senate President remains hopeful that the governor is serious when he says education is his top priority. He also hopes that the governor understands his role is to advocate on behalf of all public school students in every community. We need to rise to confront the educational challenges together.”
Kept it classy.
* Related…
* Social services brace for more uncertainty as key deadline looms: Yet, as Rauner travels the state pushing his proposal, the spending plan that would get at least some money for this fiscal year to social service groups sits on his desk. “(Signing it) is just common sense and it just needs to be done,” said Marilyn Krolak, director of the DuPage Senior Citizen Council.
* July hearing set in social services lawsuit against Gov. Rauner: A coalition of 82 groups called Pay Now Illinois filed a lawsuit against Gov. Bruce Rauner and state agencies citing fallout from the state’s budget impasse. The group claims it’s owed more than $130 million for 11 months of unpaid work.
- illini97 - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:04 pm:
So does he have some plan to govern without ever needing anything from anyone else?
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:05 pm:
Come ON!!!!!
(Banned… words, phrases, directions, etc.!)
Stop it already.
Governor,
Cullerton can’t trust you with private conversations, now you rail on Cullerton… seemingly, “just because”?!
Enough. Seriously.
Enough. You need 71 and 36 for cripes sake.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:07 pm:
===”That is wrong. That is corrupt. That is a conflict of interest, using political leverage to damage other communities and we cannot let that happen.”===
An alarming lack of self-awareness.
- Ducky LaMoore - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:07 pm:
Four years without a budget. Yep. Gonna happen.
- Anon221 - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:08 pm:
To the IL General Assembly-
If you want a state left to even be able to be a legislator in, you WILL need to Go Around!!!!
Rauner is gleefully enjoying his retirement “hobby” too much. He wants to score points, and govern. And this places him in the exact same category as Trump.
- Anon221 - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:08 pm:
… Score points and NOT govern.
Typing too fast.
- Archiesmom - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:10 pm:
And if/when the working group comes up with a budget, whether it’s short- or long-term, who’ll be up front, grinnin’ and takin’ credit? The guy who least deserves the bounce. Darn, he’s good at campaignin’!
- Anon221 - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:11 pm:
Rich, just curious because I really don’t know… How is Rauner traveling the state? Copter and caravan? Just want to know how my tax money is paying for his campaignin’.
- DuPage - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:13 pm:
Corruption?! Oh, wait a minute, that’s just Rauner talking. He uses the word corrupt to describe teachers, retired teachers, unions, state employees, state retirees, politicians, and everyone else that does not agree with him.
- Thoughts Matter - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:13 pm:
Words matter- otherwise there wouldn’t be things such as libel and slander suits. You shouldn’t call someone corrupt because they disagree with you about something. Furthermore, you shouldn’t call someone corrupt for ‘using political leverage’ when you refuse to discuss a budget without votes on a Turnaround Agenda.
- Daniel Plainview - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:14 pm:
Crying, hysterical allegations, finger pointing, lying, absolving himself of any blame…
My niece went through that phase around 11-12, she grew out of it.
- Robert the Bruce - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:14 pm:
If he wants a deal, ripping Cullerton isn’t wise. If he wants a deal, praise Cullerton, the rank-and-file, and isolate Madigan.
Rauner either lacks self-discipline, has no strategy, or thinks he’s “winning”/doesn’t really want a deal.
I’m not sure which.
- Union Leader - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:16 pm:
Governor, think before you speak, will ya? Or didn’t they teach you that at Dartmouth? Let your brain filter what you are about to say and about whom before you let it fly out of your mouth. Geez!
- Huh? - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:18 pm:
When 1.4% says things like this, why do people wonder about people screaming and swearing at him?
He is going out of his way to sabotage the budget negotiations.
- Big Joe - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:20 pm:
Rauner was looking forward to a crisis for leverage. Last year MJM allowed the schools to open on time, but the gov never followed up with additional money for the rest of the budget and the very REAL crisis never happened. Well, MJM is not making the same mistake twice. If the gov wants the schools to open ON TIME this year, he is gonna have to pass a complete budget. Rauner is just angry that he is not in charge of THIS crisis, at least the way he wants to be in charge. Too bad. Fool us once shame on you, twice, shame on us. Rauner owns ALL of this mess!!
- Wensicia - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:23 pm:
Rauner threatens if the schools can’t open, it’s Cullerton’s fault. This works for him politically, so the attacks will be nonstop going forward. There is no end in sight for a budget. He doesn’t care if the schools open or not.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:23 pm:
The Cullerton Mistake, parlayed with “corruption”, throw in making public private conversations…
No semblance of governing by the governor, even pivoting off the Cullerton Mistske
- Magic Dragon - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:23 pm:
I am speechless. This is just flat out embarrassing!
- kimocat - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:23 pm:
He sounds more like Trump every day. And I fear he may actually enjoy the collateral damage he is creating.
- Big Joe - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:24 pm:
Bruce caused this crisis, but he needs to stop blasting MJM and Cullerton if he ever wants to solve it. By his continuous bad-mouthing the speaker and president, I don’t think he realizes that he is LOSING, not winning!
- Dome Gnome - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:24 pm:
Robert the Bruce @ 2:14 pm is exactly right (”If he wants a deal, ripping Cullerton isn’t wise”). Don’t kick the leader who could easily be voted Most Likely to Compromise, unless . . . unless compromise isn’t what you’re seeking, governor.
- Joe M - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:25 pm:
Mr. Rauner might want to buy the Dale Carnegie book, “How To Win Friends and Influence People” or better yet, take one of the Dale Carnegie 6-week courses based on the book.
- cdog - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:25 pm:
Could he be trumpeting so loudly to make sure the rating agencies have to downgrade on worsening outlook for compromise?
We know he is a serial market manipulator.
Of course. Its the old behind the scene win/win/win. Higher returns on the June 16 $550m offering, trigger $163m rate swap, and of course that much closer to creme de Rauner– default with cds swaps in place. (theory works for GO bonds or
CPS bonds)
- Dee Lay - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:33 pm:
I, for one, am not looking forward to the Rauner Shutdown.
- Amalia - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:35 pm:
corrupt?!? head…..desk…..
- Amalia - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:37 pm:
Rauner operating from the Trump school of if you say it, it will be true. rinse. repeat.
- Norseman - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:39 pm:
“Thanks for trying to be the adult in the room John. I’ll note your efforts by calling you corrupt.” Faux Bruce
“P.S. Call me any time if you have a secret you want divulged.”
- The Captain - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:39 pm:
Two years ago his opening position was that the entire legislature was corrupt. Glass half full and all, maybe this is actually progress.
Also, it’s kind of weird to see him go after Cullerton. Rauner’s current budget plan is the Cullerton plan. Rauner’s current pension plan is the Cullerton plan. It’s a mathematical certainty that Cullerton (or a Democratic successor) will be Senate President for the latter half of Rauner’s current term because the Republicans forfeited the Senate. Why throw inaccurate loaded words at the one guy you absolutely have to work with and so far have the most in policy agreement with?
- Ahoy! - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:41 pm:
The Governor needs to find a way to promote his agenda and ideas without being so hostile with people he needs to negotiate with. It’s one thing to blame Madigan for the lack of budget and stonewalling on reforms, but it’s another thing to go after people as corrupt, especially those who you need to help put pressure on Madigan.
I would have thought this guy was a quicker learner.
- Qui Tam - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:41 pm:
I think he is winning. He appears to be taking this as a protest / stepping stone. He’s been trashing the place and seems to be having a good time doing it.
He doesn’t seem to care about this job and he gets to dabble.
What fun! or What? Fun?
- Earnest - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:46 pm:
>This is not, I mean I am not making it up,
Finally, I get it! If he doesn’t say this when he’s talking about something, he actually is making it up! So many things make sense to me now.
- Cubs in '16 - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:48 pm:
===Why throw inaccurate loaded words at the one guy you absolutely have to work with and so far have the most in policy agreement with?===
Because Rauner doesn’t want policy agreement. He wants the constant chaos and crises so he can blame the dem de jour. He throws out his projective sound bytes to give the appearance he’s fighting for the very things he’s sabotaging. That’s his play.
- Stumpy's bunker - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 3:00 pm:
Well, the record will show that the governor lashed out at the mayor of Chicago, the speaker of the house, and the senate president, using powerful language, all in one day.
In the meantime, there’s smoke in the air and that fiddle keeps playing.
Governor, three words: Team Building Skills.
Three more: Art of Negotiation.
- @MisterJayEm - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 3:01 pm:
“He projects a lot.”
As one will when one never engages in introspection.
– MrJM
- illini - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 3:02 pm:
Even my many Republican friends are having a difficult time justifying the actions of “their” Governor.
They rightfully had high expectations that he would indeed “Shake up Springfield”. Many admit that they could never have expected the results even they are seeing and the incompetence and arrogance he is demonstrating.
- Just saying... - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 3:06 pm:
Me thinks the Guv is a bit “Shak’n Up by Springfield”!
He sounds like he’s desperately losin it!
- illinois Bob - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 3:09 pm:
Geez, what on earth is Rauner trying to accomplish by overtly stating what everyone knows? Is there any strategy or tactics at all goin’ on here?
- walker - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 3:13 pm:
“Corrupt” is too important an issue in Illinois, to be watered down by using the term for standard tradeoffs in politics, no matter how odious.
- Pundent - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 3:20 pm:
The governor doesn’t want a budget he wants “reforms”.
- Langhorne - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 3:21 pm:
Bombastic behavior by the governor. No control. He isnt used to losing, but doesnt know how to win. Doesnt help.
- Shemp - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 3:22 pm:
The sad part is a crisis should usher in change. We definitely have a crisis, yet there seems to be no urgency for change from anyone in an elected position.
- Jocko - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 3:22 pm:
If Bruce is Lt. Comm. Queeg, does that make Christine Lt. Maryk?
- Sue - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 3:26 pm:
Assuming the CTU agrees to A 3 year flat contract as Karen Lewis suggested- rather then 2.5 to 3 percent raises- CPS essentially achieves the benefit of the pick- up over three years- sounds like a deal that solves the Chicago piece and maybe it coaxes the legislature to move firward
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 3:29 pm:
Jim Edgar, solid and on point, with that entire comment.
- Joe M - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 3:39 pm:
So far Rauner has called the following corrupt. Did I miss any?
- Cullerton
- Madigan
- union bosses
- Illinois Supreme Court
- Norseman - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 3:42 pm:
Joe M, didn’t Rauner include 1/3 of the GA in that category?
- Springfieldish - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 3:43 pm:
Does anyone else find it ironic that Rauner graduated from DartMOUTH College? He has apparently evolved from darts to mortar rounds spewing from his mouth.
- Give Me A Break - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 3:43 pm:
Joe M, you left half the General Assembly.
- Cubs in '16 - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 3:47 pm:
===Still, Edgar added, “There’s nothing worse than an old governor telling a new governor what to do.”===
It’s not so much telling Rauner what to do but suggestions on how to do a specific and very important part of the job of being governor. I would think many rookie politicians/office holders would be eager to hear the wisdom of those who’d walked in those shoes. That fact that Rauner doesn’t speaks to his arrogance and disinterest in working cooperatively with members of the other party.
- Chicago 20 - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 3:56 pm:
Mike Madigan and the GOP ex-Governor’s that he controls.
- Formerly Known As... - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 4:01 pm:
Gov Edgar nails it.
His previous comments about the budget were inappropriate imho.
This is just right. Well said, governor.
- Skirmisher - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 4:13 pm:
The people of this state continue to get what’s coming to them for tolerating this awful political system. First the legislature, and now this governor: We deserve it, folks.
- BBG Watch - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 4:38 pm:
There is absolutely NO WAY this governor is looking to compromise on a budget with anyone! He alienates himself a little bit more every day by lashing out and blasting all the people who should be trying to talk civily with.
He says one thing - then does the complete opposite. He doesn’t want a 2016 budget, or a 6-month budget, or a 2017 budget. He is here to create mass chaos. What people are doing now - by cursing and screaming at him - is the only thing they can do. He came in to “shake things up” and he fully intends to do just that - no matter who he destroys.
- Anon - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 4:40 pm:
And the Edgar equivocation begins. Soon he’ll be on the trail with Rauner and all will be forgotten.
Nice.
- James - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 4:44 pm:
You shouldn’t always just say what you think. The Governor could learn something from the Speaker–there are times when you will be more successful if you say little or nothing, and keep your thoughts to yourself.
Last week, in June, Cullerton said he thought he could work with the Governor and wrap up a budget in a week. This was an incredibly positive olive branch that occurred after a long day full of disappointment. Why would the Governor reach all the way back to January to quote Cullerton, when last week’s statement makes it clear that Cullerton has evolved from his January position?
One explanation is the Governor gets in front of a crowd, gets all worked up and tends to go off script. However, if he scripted the “corruption” allegation against Cullerton in the first place, then I would have to conclude the Governor does not want a compromise. Another possibility is that his staff is wise enough to script him as a statesman and to urge him to say or avoid certain things, but that he thinks he is the boss who only has to listen to advice that he already agrees with.
He’s not going to drag an unwilling legislature into a compromise–like he used to do with his negotiating adversaries in business. And catching flies with honey is apparently not a tool he is accustomed to using.
You can successfully persuade with threats, sometimes. But you are more likely to persuade with a proposal where both sides win.
- Norseman - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 4:44 pm:
=== Kept it classy. ===
Yes they did. Something that Rauner and the frat boys need to learn. Never mind! Someone with his ego and sense of entitlement will never learn.
- Last Bull Moose - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 5:17 pm:
Is there a point where Cullerton decides there is no deal to be had with Rauner? The State Senate has confirmed appointees and allowed a reorganization that could have been blocked. Maybe time for hardball.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 5:22 pm:
Cullerton rarely disappoints when it comes to remarks to the public.
Well done by them
- Anon221 - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 5:38 pm:
On All Things Considered today, Mara Liasson had a comment about how Trump has been acting lately. She described him as a “sore winner”. Very applicable to how Rauner is acting.
- Formerly Known As... - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 5:45 pm:
Sen Cullerton must have liked the Governor’s quote. How else to explain his school funding position compared to last year
=We cannot have the state shut down. People maybe in the Chicago area don’t realize how important it is what the state does… We also have to make sure that the schools open. The schools literally could not open. Over a third of the money that comes to schools comes from Springfield. And so what’s at stake is critical.=
- PENSIONS ARE OFF LIMITS - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 5:46 pm:
A “sore winner”? What has been won in Rauner’s case?
- Anon221 - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 5:56 pm:
I couldn’t find an easy link for ATC’s story that just ran an hour or so ago. Ari had a follow up interview with Mara after her Trump piece. It’s worth a listen and a compare/contrast between Trump’s actions/words and Rauner’s tantrums of late.
- DuPage Dave - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 6:09 pm:
Rauner is such a gentleman. He’s called Cullerton and Madigan corrupt numerous times since he was elected. Today apparently he tried to soften things a bit calling Cullerton’s tactics corrupt, but there’s no real change there.
So my question is: Does Rauner not understand just how awful the term corrupt is to elected officials, or does he understand it exactly and fully intends to throw this extremely heavy insult?
I mean goodness gracious, to get a law passed you need the Speaker and the President as well as the Governor to be able to work together. This sort of rhetoric is designed to prevent that from happening.
Geez…
- PENSIONS ARE OFF LIMITS - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 6:12 pm:
So, he’s behaving like Trump, only with no notable victories? I find it offensive and childish that he denies any responsibility in all this. And then Goldy writes a nasty memo. Always the victim. The gentleman from Oswego tactfully uses the word “inept” in describing this governor. There is a much stronger term in the IL Constitution.
- Blue dog dem - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 6:33 pm:
I mostly like my state senator.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 7:24 pm:
–And I fear he may actually enjoy the collateral damage he is creating. –
It’s not collateral damage. It’s the plan in action.
Gov. Rauner knows what he’s doing. Please don’t confuse his rhetoric with his actions.
C’mon man.
- Enviro - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 7:53 pm:
“Crisis creates opportunity. Crisis creates leverage to change … ”
This may be true sometimes that crisis creates opportunity and leverage to change.
But it is not true that crisis creates leverage to change when you have so blatantly created the crisis yourself by refusing to pass a budget without damaging the unions.
- justacitizen - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 8:33 pm:
===Cullerton rarely disappoints when it comes to remarks to the public.
Well done by them===
Well said by our phony republican OW
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 8:36 pm:
Oh - justacitczen -,
If you can’t recognize the strengths and weaknesses of yourself or others, how do you expect to defeat your opponents, and strengthen you allies?
Or… you can be a blind partisan.
I’ll stand with Jim Edgar. I’m a Republican, not a Raunerite, and for sure not a zealot.
- Mama - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 9:25 pm:
“Of course. Its the old behind the scene win/win/win. Higher returns on the June 16 $550m offering, trigger $163m rate swap, and of course that much closer to creme de Rauner– default with cds swaps in place. (theory works for GO bonds or
CPS bonds)”
cdog +2
- RNUG - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:01 pm:
- Robert the Bruce - nailed it. If there is ever a deal to be made, Cullerton will be the driving force behind it.
- DGD - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 11:03 pm:
One must also have principles, otherwise you’re just an opportunist.
- Anon221 - Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 6:14 am:
Here’s the “sore winner” transcript-
http://www.npr.org/2016/06/07/481137315/gop-leaders-urge-donald-trump-to-back-off-criticism-of-federal-judge