* Tribune…
Rep. Ron Sandack, a top ally of Gov. Bruce Rauner, said he made his decision to step down from the Illinois House after several fraudulent social media accounts were set up in his name in recent weeks. He also cited recent automated telephone calls accusing him of accosting a Democratic staff member.
“I wasn’t looking forward to an ugly general election as it were; this additional stuff added undue pressure,” said Sandack, who up for re-election in November. “It made my family uneasy and made me re-evaluate my priorities. Politics has gotten too ugly. I don’t need it, and my family doesn’t deserve it.”
Sandack would not say if he believed the social media shenanigans was politically motivated but said he filed a report with the Downers Grove Police Department. Downers Grove police did not immediately say whether they had any police reports involving Sandack, instead suggesting the Chicago Tribune file an open-records request. The Tribune did so, but police have five days to respond. […]
Last week, Sandack suddenly deleted his Facebook and Twitter accounts. Asked Monday if any compromising information was accessed before he deleted his social media accounts, Sandack said “no.”
The word coming out of the HGOP organization is that, from what they know (and it’s not much), the attacks didn’t appear politically motivated.
* Gov. Rauner was asked about Sandack’s resignation yesterday after his press conference, but he walked by without saying a word…
* The governor’s PR people are flat-out refusing to respond to all questions about Sandack. Part of the problem here is that Sandack left without consulting them and refused to reconsider, and they are really not happy. “What am I supposed to do, say it’s a sad day but we’re thankful for Capitol Fax telling us about it?” asked one top Rauner official yesterday.
It also doesn’t help that the rumor mill is still in hyper-drive on this one. If this thing completely blows up, they don’t want to be anywhere near it.
So, it’s no coincidence that Team Rauner is backing a replacement who threatened to run against Sandack last year and who is supported by Sandack’s top local foe, DuPage County Republican chairman Brian Krajewski, a former Downers Grove mayor who Sandack defeated in 2007. Krajewski is by far Sandack’s biggest local detractor.
* Back to Sandack…
The GOP floor leader in the House was rattled after finding several social media accounts set up in his name by unknown cyber-attackers.
Sandack was a prolific Twitter and Facebook user at the time, connecting with constituents during a regular flow of quips and chatter on social media.
In Downers Grove, where Sandack’s home office is, where he lives and where he was once the mayor, the fraudulent accounts prompted Sandack to take down his own pages and contact local police.
* And finally…
But for Democrats in Sandack’s district his resignation is a happy surprise. Sandack was up against Democratic Downers Grove Commissioner Greg Hose in the November Election.
“They are going to have to run a 12-month campaign in 3 months,” said Dupage County Democratic Party Chairman Bob Peickert. “We are optimistic that the democrat is going to benefit from this.”
The Republicans I’ve spoken with are confident that choosing Krajewski’s guy David Olsen will not increase the likelihood of a Democratic pickup, which, while not outside the realm of possibility, was kinda small to begin with.
- Man with a plan - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 10:06 am:
What do you know, Illinois Policy’s John Tillman walking about six inches behind the Gov.
- JS Mill - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 10:07 am:
=Politics has gotten too ugly.=
If you were honest with yourself, Rep. Sandack, you would realize that you played a significant role in that ugliness here in Illinois.
The sword cuts both ways my friend.
- First born of many - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 10:08 am:
I have a sneaky feeling this story is a long way from being over and Rauner by his actions knows it.If Rauner was good with this decision, no way then does Krajewski’s guy get the nod.
- Formerly Known as Frenchie M - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 10:09 am:
Regardless of what happened with Sandack — and I’m sorry to see him go — does not his refusal or unwillingness to at least give Rauner a heads-up seem strange?
If it is as Sandack says it is — ugly politics — then, wow, that’s some ugly.
Plus, it makes me wonder whether Sandack’s attack-dog loyalty to the Turnaround Agenda and the man behind it was … well, a show. I mean, that’s some snub — bolting without a “hey, like, I’m about to bolt, thanks for the memories” heads-up.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 10:11 am:
I said this yesterday…
===I take Sandack at his word.
I have no idea, and nothing factual has been put forward that would make me not take Sandack at his word so I’m leaving it with his statement and wishing him well.===
To the post,
I can understand the Administration’s frustration, but the Rauner Crew, no matter how furious they are, they did a complete disservice to Ron Sandack by not, at least acknowledging all that he did carrying water (and messaging) and even if they released a “thank you” at 3am, and it backfires if something factual arises, it’s a statement, not a quote.
It’s a disservice Rauner Crew, and you know it. Ugh.
- Saluki - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 10:11 am:
The top defender of the T.A.A just packs it in…over ugly politics….I don’t think so….I’m not in Denmark, but something is rotten.
- A guy - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 10:12 am:
David Olsen is extremely well known and extremely well liked in the area where DG is the dominant muni in the district. Far better known than the opponent. It’s likely that this move will cause this district election to be more anti=climatic.
- The_Equalizer - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 10:15 am:
More ugly? Is he really that oblivious, or does he really believe he is not a perpetrator of this ugliness?
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 10:15 am:
Oh - A Guy -…
You defending the Student Body President isn’t going to help…
@FakeDavidOlsen - once I get sworn in, what clubs can I join abc where do I buy my books? #StudentGovernmentItAint
- A guy - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 10:18 am:
Sorry Willy. It’s clear you really don’t know this very capable and qualified young man. He’s exceptional by any standard. He’s got a lot of resume for someone his age; that’s professional and political. Your comments are just inane. He’s ready.
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 10:20 am:
You know what. I might have given up a long time ago had I had other options. I hate what Rauner is putting us through. So I get it. He’s got options and he’s going to exercise them. I’ll take him at his word.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 10:20 am:
- A Guy -…
@FakeDavidOlsen - Being in government is swell, this could be my 3rd governmental spot since I took my last Final Exam! #ClimberNotLearner
Up to you…
- Thoughts Matter - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 10:22 am:
Co-equal branches of government - The official method of resignation for a legislator is submitting a letter of resignation to the House Leadership. The Govermor isn’t House leadership. Get over it - legislators are not your employees, and don’t owe you notice ahead of the official letter.
That being said - still unclear why Sandack resigned immediately rather than giving two weeks notice to his constituents.
- A guy - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 10:22 am:
Even more evidence you don’t know him. Not a surprise coming from you.
- Ms. SHEESH - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 10:23 am:
S the Livestream from June 9 Capitol Fax after ” Rep. Ron Sandack stepped in over Bernie’s objections and answered the question himself…” maybe some insight into all of this guessing. Sometimes Actions speak Volumes.
- Chris Nybo - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 10:29 am:
Oswego Willy, I would think that of all the commenters here, you would be among those willing to give Sandack’s replacement a fair chance before the snarkiness starts. But that’s up to you, and not me.
- Jocko - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 10:34 am:
A guy,
The fact that Jeanne Ives vouched for David joining the COD board (despite his not having applied) tells me all I need to know.
- DuPageanon - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 10:34 am:
Ah, coincidences…
Kathy Hamilton fights and fights and mysteriously drops out…and Olsen takes over
Sandack fights and fights and mysteriously drops out…and Olsen takes over.
More to come.
- DuPage - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 10:35 am:
No “compromising information” was accessed. I hope there was none to begin with.
- JS Mill - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 10:38 am:
= you would be among those willing to give Sandack’s replacement a fair chance before the snarkiness starts.=
OW does not need me to defend him here (he is the zen master) but seriously, Pot meet kettle.
Between the Governor calling everyone and anyone that disagrees with him corrupt and the prince of snarkiness’ vitriol, someone form the GOP basically asking anyone to “please, give him a break” seems a bit laughable.
- Apacolypse - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 10:38 am:
OW, you are so tiring, with the same old shtick.
- Albany Park Patriot - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 10:40 am:
Rauner couldn’t even muster a “thank you for your service?” Sends quite the message for the people who are doing his bidding.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 10:44 am:
Mister Nybo,
I read your comment.
- HangingOn - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 10:57 am:
So does this all mean Sandack will be able to sleep well during the week and not just the weekends?
- Last Bull Moose - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 11:05 am:
No problem with his age. Bill Clinton was only 30 when first elected governor of Arkansas. William Pitt was Prime Minister of England at 24.
He will have to make his case during the general election and, if elected, show his mettle in the legislature. For the good of the State, I hope he is smart, caring, and principled. He has been proven to be ambitious.
- RIJ - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 11:11 am:
I very much hope that Sandack realized not only how awful politics has become and his own contributions to the foulness. Perhaps something did happen that brought him up short. Hopefully he truly saw himself for what he had become, was appalled, and decided to immediately stop.
However, I would admire him more if he had seen what he’d become and changed, but remained in office in order to try to have a positive impact on the vile climate.
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 11:35 am:
Ah, coincidences…
Kathy Hamilton fights and fights and mysteriously drops out…and Olsen takes over
Sandack fights and fights and mysteriously drops out…and Olsen takes over.
More to come.
That’s very interesting. OW any thoughts on this?
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 11:43 am:
===OW any thoughts on this?===
Nah,
I stand by my thoughts on Sandack’s own statement and adding that the Administration is making clear their own feelings and if it also aligns with a past Sandack foe, it “works”.
You’d have to believe that Sandack’s foes, that also included Uihlein, were undercutting Sandack’s work for the Administrstion to get Sandack to resign so they can be close to the Administration?
Sandack walking with nary a word could be he had enough. He says so. I take him at that until actual 100% proof becomes public. There’s no real reason to think anything will come out, besides idle speculation.
- A guy - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 11:48 am:
JSM, it’s pretty easy to make you laugh. Your zen master apparently needs to brush up on his knowledge about a potential appointee. That didn’t prevent him from the very cute cynical criticism first…without any knowledge of the character he was assaulting.
But hey, like the movie says; “he’s here to amuse you”. And he does. How zen…
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 11:48 am:
Thanks OW, that’s why I asked. I know a legislator who is looking for a way out. He hates it.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 11:52 am:
===Between the Governor calling everyone and anyone that disagrees with him corrupt and the prince of snarkiness’ vitriol, someone form the GOP basically asking anyone to “please, give him a break” seems a bit laughable.===
(Tips cap to - JS Mill -)
- Courser - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 11:57 am:
“Politics has gotten too ugly.”
These words from Sandack?? Now, that’s the most over-the-top example of hypocrisy ever! There’s gotta be more to this and I hope it ALL comes out.
- A guy - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 11:58 am:
===(Tips cap to - JS Mill -)===
Thank you, thank you, I’ll be here all week. Don’t forget to tip your bar tenders and cynics.
- Norseman - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 12:04 pm:
=== Sandack left without consulting them and refused to reconsider, and they are really not happy ===
OMG, someone made a personal decision without getting permission or even checking with the frat boys. How dare he.
- cdog - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 12:08 pm:
Sandack has obviously had a life altering moment, kind of like Boehner.
Maybe that moment was arithmetic.
Maybe he has realized that by hangin’ with Rauner, he has participated in setting the stage for the largest income tax increase in the history of Illinois.
To be a lead cheerleader and encouraging a 250% increase in the bill backlog, going from less than $4B bill backlog to $10B in less than two years, has to make a person reevaluate things.
- Joe M - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 12:25 pm:
==his decision to step down from the Illinois House after several fraudulent social media accounts were set up in his name in recent weeks.==
Is it true that these fraudulent sites were actually putting out restrained, moderate comments attributed to Sandack - and he was afraid that would ruin his reputation? /s
- JS Mill - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 12:36 pm:
While not a fan of Sandack, I feel for him on a personal level with regard to the impact his role had on his family.
Many of us in public service have experienced some of the same things and it is unfortunate.
- DuPage Saint - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 12:41 pm:
Ron really is a nice guy I met him tears ago when I had issues in Downers Grove even before he was mayor and he helped out. I always thought he was the future of Republican Party a moderate. I could not believe when he went full on a Rauner. I never thought he believed it. Maybe he just got sick of it all. The comments in the Daily Herald are vicious. No politician of either party should have to deal with that kind of stuff and that is what was published I imagine stuff sent to him was even worse. I hope he comes back in a few years as the moderate he was
- The Future - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 12:45 pm:
These North Shore Republicans are prologue to the rightful home of the ILGOP base: DuPage County.
- Formerly Known as Frenchie M - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 12:53 pm:
—
Ah, coincidences…
Kathy Hamilton fights and fights and mysteriously drops out…and Olsen takes over
Sandack fights and fights and mysteriously drops out…and Olsen takes over.
More to come.
That’s very interesting. OW any thoughts on this?
—-
Yeah, Olsen’s a lucky guy for not having done much yet — and, yet, look here he is on the big stage. Boom.
I hope the Ds look hard at Olsen.
- Casper - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 1:07 pm:
Olsen doesn’t deserve it and he knows it. The administration treated Sandack bad and they know it. What has this process become…
- 2nd Generation Wannabe - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 2:00 pm:
Does anybody else see Dan Proft’s fingerprints on this? Especially if Uihlein didn’t want Sandack in the ILGA, then it would be Proft’s job to take Sandack out. After all, Proft’s Liberty Principles PAC (which is basically Uihlein’s money) spent heavily for Matune in Sandack’s last election.
- JoeMaddon - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 2:03 pm:
**Does anybody else see Dan Proft’s fingerprints on this? **
Yup - I thought the exact same thing.
- walker - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 3:22 pm:
Worth noting these are often family decisions.
- Chicago Barb - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 3:31 pm:
I was very surprised to see Ron Sandack retweet a #ChiefIlliniwek. I’m guessing that was part of this.
- Night Rider - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 3:47 pm:
Hmm…
https://twitter.com/ctoner/status/758035792388161536
- Been there, done that - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 4:00 pm:
Ah yes, Uihlein just gave Proft $1.5 million last month - BUT WAIT - Rauner gave him $2.5 million last month too. What a dilemma…….
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 6:06 pm:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-ron-sandack-police-report-met-20160726-story.html
- Arthur Andersen - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 6:39 pm:
I’m gonna go out on a limb, or up the grassy knoll, whatever, and say that whatever transpired has absolutely nothing to do with retweeting Chief Illiniwek. Jeez.
- The Fool On The Hill - Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 7:28 pm:
Where’s Paul Lisnek? He’ll get to the bottom of it.