Chris Kennedy & 3 Others Added To BossMadigan.com
Kennedy Kissed Madigan’s Ring; Knows Madigan is the Real Boss
Madigan: “I told him that ‘you’d make a very good candidate for governor.’”
The Illinois Republican Party today added Chris Kennedy and three new legislators to BossMadigan.com.
Over the summer, Chris Kennedy earned a glowing endorsement from Mike Madigan after secretly meeting with him, but ran away when pressed by reporters.
“Mike Madigan endorsing a run for governor by Chris Kennedy tells you everything you need to know about Chris Kennedy,” said Illinois Republican Party spokesman Steven Yaffe. “Chris Kennedy secretly kissed Mike Madigan’s ring months ago because he knows Madigan is the real boss.”
Chris Kennedy
Before he can announce a run for governor, Chris Kennedy knew he first had to kiss the ring of Mike Madigan. That’s why Kennedy secretly met with Madigan, but so far he’s refused to talk about it.
In fact, instead of discussing his meeting with Madigan, his thoughts on the income tax or his opinion on reforms for state government, Kennedy lashed out at reporters. Learn more by watching this video.
Fred Crespo
Fred Crespo’s taken nearly $1 million in political funds from Mike Madigan and voted 5 times to make Madigan the Speaker of the House. While Madigan and Crespo look out for each other, they’ve also teamed on a phony budget that would have increased state debt by $8 billion or forced a massive tax hike on Illinois families. Worst of all, Crespo voted to make sure he gets paid even while he refuses to pass a balanced budget.
Deb Conroy
Mike Madigan funneled over $1.2 million into Deb Conroy’s campaign accounts, and she voted to make him Speaker every time she had the opportunity. That’s not all. Madigan and Conroy both voted to make sure they get paid even without a state budget.
It’s no wonder Madigan and Conroy are refusing to pass a balanced budget alongside good government reforms. They already made sure they get paid even if schools and social services suffer. Time for Conroy to break away from Madigan.
Jay Hoffman
Jay Hoffman is one of Mike Madigan’s most loyal lieutenants. Hoffman voted 11 times to make Mike Madigan the Speaker. He voted in favor of Madigan’s 67% income tax hike with no reforms. He voted for the Madigan-Blagojevich pension scheme that increased debt by up to $22 billion. He voted with Madigan to make sure politicians get paid before schools and social service providers. Last, but not least, Hoffman voted for Madigan’s $8 billion out-of-balance budget.
Jay Hoffman is the poster-child for what happens when politicians follow Mike Madigan’s commands. It’s time for Hoffman to finally show some independence and oppose Madigan’s next bid for Speaker.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:10 pm:
No chance at governing. Zero.
I was taught once a LONG time ago…
… if they lead with your appearance, you can win on the issues using their lacking to an advantage.
The picture? Oof!
The message? They’re lacking one.
- Norseman - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:13 pm:
=== Oof. ===
We say, “uff da.”
- Oof is right - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:15 pm:
Not a flattering photo.
- The Captain - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:15 pm:
Exuberance diluting effectiveness.
- Rogue Roni - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:16 pm:
We’re going to get to the point if you ever voted for an Illinois Democrat you’ll be put on the Boss Madigan list
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:17 pm:
At least it’s a stairwell and not an elevator…
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:26 pm:
Doesn’t matter what Democrats do: vote MJM for Speaker or not, vote with Rauner or not, negotiate a budget or not; the Republicans are coming after them, starting last month.
- Give Me A Break - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:26 pm:
Does the Illinois GOP have a plan for what happens when Bruce and his money decide to move on? They remind me of a little kid who is all mouth and threats as long a their big brother is on the playground with them.
- AlfondoGonz - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:28 pm:
Do any Rauner supporters ever feel embarrassed by the childish way his propaganda branch conducts its business?
And for the record, I’ve got no use for Chris Kennedy. Rauner himself insults everyone’s intelligence and his people act like high schoolers.
- anonymous - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:31 pm:
There are only two places where Bossmadigan.com is getting play. One Illinois GOP’s email blasts and two, this blog. Hmm…..
- Annonin - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:32 pm:
Wonderin’ if this makes everyone forget the BigBrain just stuffed a fatter electric bill down your pants?
- Anony - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:32 pm:
Kind of a waste of time to promote the Illinois GOP’s new website. Is this advertorial?
- Amalia - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:33 pm:
I can get upset at Mike Madigan with the best of them, but this is getting ridiculous. It’s to the point where “I am Mike Madigan” a la Spartacus might be yelled, by me included.
- Henry Francis - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:34 pm:
The Dems should just keep leaking potential candidates for 2018. Every couple of days leak a new one. Provide this barking dog with as many cars to chase as possible.
While I think it would be impossible to exhaust this dog (given how inexhaustible Rauner’s $s are), perhaps eveyone will get so used to the incessant barking and stop paying it attention.
- Nick Name - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:36 pm:
“Before he can announce a run for governor, Chris Kennedy knew he first had to kiss the ring of Mike Madigan.”
Good golly who writes this drivel? And this fabled Ring of Mike Madigan: is it gold? Does it have secret writing that you can see only when the Ring is heated? Does it make its wearer invisible?
Most important, does Rauner covet this Ring? Does he growl, under his breath, “My…preciousss…” when it sees it on Madigan’s hand in leaders’ meetings?
“One Ring for the Dark Boss on his dark swivel chair, in the Land of Springfield, where the horseshoe lies…”
- Rufus - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:38 pm:
What goes around - comes around. If I were the IGOP, I’d be watching my back.
- hisgirlfriday - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:39 pm:
@Anony - It’s Rich’s site and he can cover this how he wants.
But agree on the repetition of these posted press releases starting to feel advertorial. Maybe the Dems should figure out a response or counter-strategy.
- GA Watcher - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:40 pm:
“Heated rhetoric doesn’t help. Getting emotional doesn’t help. Pointing fingers doesn’t help. Let’s stay mature. Let’s stay thoughtful. Let’s stay positive.” - Governor Bruce Rauner, December 2, 2016.
It’s a shame the Chairman and staff of the Illinois Republican Party are ignoring the head of the Party’s plea.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:43 pm:
===There are only two places where Bossmadigan.com is getting play===
Um, no. Every major media outlet has covered the site. So, bite me.
===Maybe the Dems should figure out a response or counter-strategy. ===
Yep. They need to stop whining like spoiled children in comments and start producing actual content.
- Deft Wing - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:52 pm:
House Dems who tell their constituents, in private and off-of-the-record conversations at voters’ door-steps, that they are against Madigan and do not support his ways are on now “on the record” and will be held accountable for their support of Madigan and the status quo.
- Cheeky - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:52 pm:
Pro-tip: Simply because CapitolFax refuses to prominently hot-link the site made me even more curious about it.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:55 pm:
===refuses to prominently hot-link the site made===
Huh? It’s clearly linked. Plus, how difficult is it to type “bossmadigan.com” into your browser?
People are so touchy these days. You can bite me too.
- Fuzzy Memory - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:58 pm:
Is this a case of possible motion picture copyright infringement? Isn’t that a projector slide of one of the prospective pledges for the Delta Tau Chi fraternity in “Animal House” that caused the frat boys to hurl beer cans at the screen?
- Honeybear - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 1:00 pm:
I have a new aspiration. I want to see Honeybear on the bossmadigan.com website. They can put a Guy Fawkes mask for my picture. God would that be great. Rich I’m surprised that you’re not on the perp wall having worked for Madigan.
- Grand Avenue - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 1:01 pm:
Are they backing this up with any local mail, because the Madigan web is getting way too busy and confusing now. The only way this works is if mailers or robocalls are dropping in the districts.
- Give Me A Break - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 1:12 pm:
Agree with Rich that the Dems. need to stop complaining about this launch a counter strike. There are plenty of young Dems who could design and implement a media/tech war with the Rauner forces but that would require someone in the Dem. leadership to understand this “net thing” just might be around for a little bit.
- A Jack - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 1:12 pm:
My dream team would be some sort of Pritzker / Kennedy team up. Money and name recognition could certainly be a winning combination in a clash of the titans.
- DHSBob - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 1:17 pm:
I am not a DEM… but I sure hope that MJM wins a landslide vote just to prove a point to the GOP about their tactics. How on earth can the GOP possibly think that all this is going to help in their efforts to get a budget come January 1.
- Stumpy's bunker - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 1:42 pm:
Honeybear @ 1:00
Shades of Nixon’s White House enemies list. I remember folks doing their creative best to get on that list. They wore buttons: “I’m on Nixon’s S&%# List”‘ When the dust settled and Nixon flashed his victory sign and took off on that helicopter, those on the list became Movement royalty.
This BossMadigan thingie seems to be Illinois’ version of the White House Enemies List.
- A guy - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 1:43 pm:
I think we’re going to see more of this particular picture. Yikes.
- Curious - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 1:44 pm:
This only helps Kennedy in the primary
- walker - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 1:56 pm:
Jay Hoffman is Madigan’s guy? He was the symbol for years, of what can happen if you cross the Speaker. This is really getting sadly laughable.
Maybe an occultist child abduction ring in a local pizzeria is next?
- Rocky Rosi - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 1:57 pm:
$$$ resources to paint a picture that can make anyone look unqualified.
- DuPage Bard - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 2:12 pm:
Crickets from the Dems…. Social media from the Party who’s leader doesn’t have a cell phone or email? Yeah that’ll work.
- Big Muddy - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 2:14 pm:
===People are so touchy these days. You can bite me too.===
Best thing I’ve read on the interwebs today.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 2:16 pm:
Just wait until the Illinois Dems carrier pigeons are hatched.
Then you’ll really see some widespread messaging, flapping their wings hither and yon.
It’s not like the Rauner crew is very good at this. They’re just the only ones doing anything.
In The Land of The Blind, The One-Eyed Man is King.
- Team Sleep - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 2:20 pm:
Caption contest:
“The jerk store called. They’re running out of you!”
- A - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 2:20 pm:
Could someone please explain the elevator reference? I gather there was a funny incident involving Kennedy and an elevator that happened before I started paying attention the way I am now.
- hisgirlfriday - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 2:36 pm:
So when does Pritzker get added to the list? Or is he spared because of his Ounce bailout?
Also, once again, why have they not co-opted “Blame Canada” from South Park with “Blame Madigan” lyrics?
- Chucktownian - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 2:45 pm:
Zero ideas. Nothing of substance.
Shut it down Mendoza and show them who’s really boss.
- ILPundit - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 2:50 pm:
Painting the son of Robert F. Kennedy as a tool of Mike Madigan seems like jumping the shark. That is, if they hadn’t jumped the shark already.
- pool boy - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 3:40 pm:
Great story. What does Jerry Mathers have to do with it?
- B.C. - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 3:43 pm:
Kennedy should take advantage of this. Rauner often has the airwaves all to himself with no Democrat countering anything he says. I would try to fill that vacuum if I was Kennedy. Stand outside the Thompson Center after Rauner has a press availability and hold a news conference of your own, and take that opportunity to criticize Madigan too. If Rauner wants to designate you as part of the loyal opposition, seize the moment.
- Cubs in '16 - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 3:45 pm:
===People are so touchy these days. You can bite me too.===
Just don’t tell Chris Kennedy to bite you. Those are some serious choppers. Yikes! That ring Madigan wears must be enormous…
- Loop Lady - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 3:47 pm:
I’d prefer JB to Chris…
As a venture capalist, JB has the resume I prefer to go up against Bruce…
- Angry Chicagoan - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 3:48 pm:
B.C. has it. The Democrats need to learn the art of noise. The Republicans have long since mastered it.
- Loop Lady - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 3:48 pm:
Sorry capitalist…spell check!
- Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 3:55 pm:
–Could someone please explain the elevator reference? I gather there was a funny incident involving Kennedy and an elevator that happened before I started paying attention the way I am now–
Search back to the Democratic National Convention where he spoke before the Illinois delegation. A number of reporters were there including Mike Flannery, and they tried to ask him questions about his floating his name for governor this time and for other offices before. He wasn’t having it, wouldn’t answer questions and basically made a mad dash for the elevator, including responding: “I don’t have to address you. Please leave the elevator and let me go to my meeting. Please do that. Have some decency,” Kennedy responded. “What have you become? Please, please.” Really bad look right out of the gate.
- Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:03 pm:
I should add I believe that picture was taken after he left the elevator because the reporters got in with him, and he tried to duck down a stairwell. I believe that’s a media photo.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:10 pm:
People that live in glass houses…
- siriusly - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 9:57 pm:
Better Call Saul!
- WizzardOfOzzie - Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 10:45 pm:
Loop Lady… Huh? The Pritzker Group is also a private equity firm.