* Frankly, I didn’t even know this group existed. A Google search produced precisely one result and there’s no contact information on the press release, which was sent by John Rednour of Du Quoin. But I heard about this vote last night (without a group’s actual name attached), so here’s the release…
On the 28th of February, 2017 a special meeting of the Southern Illinois Democratic County Chairman’s Association was called. The resulting proclamation of the Association follows:
The madness of politics in Illinois must stop. The middle class, those struggling to achieve the middle class, and the most in need are being held hostage. Instead of seeking compromise and progress, unfathomable resources are spent to win the daily news cycle. Rather than looking inward, politicians spend their energy creating bogeymen to blame. Now is a time for action—a time for new leadership. Now is a time for Chris Kennedy’s vision of every Illinois citizen having the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.
Too often in state-wide politics, the values of Southern Illinoisans are overlooked by both Democrats and Republicans. However, when Chris Kennedy was invited to Southern Illinois, he cleared his schedule and came. He listened. He asked questions. He came back.
The SIDCCA insists the number one priority for Southern Illinois should be increasing economic opportunity. Chris Kennedy’s commitment is to putting people back to work and he has a lifetime of experience upon which to draw. Southern Illinois needs a candidate committed to an “all of the above” approach to revitalizing the economy. In a time when the future of our economic engine, Southern Illinois University, seems uncertain, we need a resolve for increased investments in our universities. Southern Illinois needs a candidate that: understands the importance of agriculture and the livestock industry to the area; that refuses to throw his hands in the air and declare the death of coal, but rather, is committed to the promotion and marketing of Southern Illinois Coal; that knows the region’s location and labor force must be promoted to attract new industry; that is a friend of labor; that respects the state worker and the promises that have been made to them; and that sees the limitless potential of tourism and region specific industries in Southern Illinois. On these issues, we believe Chris Kennedy is the candidate for Southern Illinois.
Southern Illinois needs a candidate that knows educational and training opportunities are fundamental to increased economic opportunity; a candidate committed to ensuring John A. Logan College and Rend Lake college and their students thrive; a candidate who believes in parity of spending on k-12 throughout the state. On these issues, we believe Chris Kennedy is the candidate for Southern Illinois on these issues.
The Kennedy legacy of commitment to civil rights, social justice and public service is at the core of Chris Kennedy’s character. His message reminds us that at the foundation of the American dream is the God given dignity of work—that each person should have the opportunity for work; that each able-bodied person should seek work. We stand with the belief that service to community, state, and country is not a passive thought, but rather, something to which we should each strive. In short, Chris Kennedy reminds us why we joined the Democratic Party in the first place.
The Southern Illinois Democratic County Chairman’s Association hereby endorses Christopher G. Kennedy to be the next elected Governor of the State of Illinois.
Respectfully, Southern Illinois Democratic Chairman’s Association
*The Members of the Southern Illinois Democratic Chairman’s Association include the Chairmen of the following counties: Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Massac, Monroe, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, St. Clair, Union, Washington, White, and Williamson.
St. Clair is a good get for sure. The rest won’t hurt, either.
…Adding… I’m told that St. Clair County wasn’t represented at the meeting and will do its own separate endorsement.
*** UPDATE *** I’ve been told that the vote was 10-5 last night, which isn’t even a majority of the counties in the group. Odd.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 1:03 pm:
If Democratic gubernatorial primary history is any indicator…
This is a pretty good start to build upon.
- Generic Drone - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 1:07 pm:
Not sure Illinois can survive til the next election.
- Arsenal - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 1:11 pm:
Rednour’s group generates a lot more light than heat. They want to be big players, but I think it’s worth being suspicious if they can deliver many votes for a Chicagoan.
- Shytown - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 1:12 pm:
They’re endorsing before they have a full slate of candidates to choose from? More than a year out before the election? Seems…premature?
- Red Flags - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 1:16 pm:
Will be fun to see the environmental wing of party press for more info on his support for coal. Also, will Chicago voters need an explanation for his school funding stance?
- Piece of Work - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 1:16 pm:
Will be amusing to watch Kennedy try to explain his U of I BoT tenure performance.
- Anon - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 1:19 pm:
===Frankly, I didn’t even know this group existed.===
Oooh — I knew something Rich didn’t. They’re usually referred to as the “Southern 20.” I was not aware that they actually had a more formal name, but the reason why you haven’t heard of them is that party apparatuses within the Democratic Party in this state have been very, very, very slow to behave as modern parties — issuing press releases, supporting candidates, or even having conventions to create regular platforms to guide the party.
Whether the endorsement itself is meaningful completely and totally depends on whether or not those chairs actually represent organizations that are active and put the work in. The last several general elections indicate that they do not.
- Montrose - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 1:21 pm:
To Shytown’s comment, it seems off to endorse so early. It feels less like a vetting of the candidates and more like folks wanted to give Kennedy an early boost. Which is fine, just be honest about what you are doing as opposed to picking the candidate that best aligns with your platform.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 1:23 pm:
===Will be amusing to watch Kennedy try to explain his U of I BoT tenure performance===
“Will be amusing to watch Rauner try to explain his refusal to fund the U of I system by $800 million and growing durung his term”
Better. lol
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 1:27 pm:
And before you try…
I know - Piece of Work - you’ve visited all these counties more than me and… more than anyone in the history of “visits” or “counties” ever…
So…
- Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 1:28 pm:
–It feels less like a vetting of the candidates and more like folks wanted to give Kennedy an early boost.–
Being from that area, maybe they just want to keep The Juggernaut that is Sheila Simon out? /s
- The Captain - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 1:33 pm:
Hmm, I was told yesterday that Pritzker met with at least one of these chairmen over the weekend and that he made a good impression. Good for Kennedy I guess though that he’s building a downstate base.
- jw - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 1:33 pm:
I have talked with a few republicans who say that the only time they ever voted for a democrat was for Poshard Kennedy would be the second time.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 1:34 pm:
I’m guessing Southern Illinois Dem vote counters think a Kennedy at the top of the ballot pulls better than a Pritzker or a Pawar in their neighborhood.
- A guy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 1:43 pm:
Amazing what can happen in the area of the state with the fewest People Elevators.
- Arsenal - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 1:45 pm:
== I was told yesterday that Pritzker met with at least one of these chairmen over the weekend and that he made a good impression.==
Coulda still been true, but maybe they took a vote, maybe Rednour leaned on him, maybe that chairman would be happy with either, whatever. Lotsa ways that could play out.
- PoW - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 1:51 pm:
Willy just can’t resist. He is the kid who knows he shouldn’t look up at the sky when his buddies are doing it but, but, but he just can’t resist.
Record enrollment now in the U of I system. And, much smoother running operation.
- Downstate Dem - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 1:53 pm:
Big political win for Kennedy.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 1:57 pm:
- Piece of Work -
Capitol Fax
http://bit.ly/2ldnK77
===The [University of Illinois] has lost more than $750 million in state funding over the last two years, UI President Tim Killeen noted during his annual meeting with the faculty Monday.
“That’s three-quarters of a billion dollars. That’s a lot,” Killeen told a couple of faculty members lamenting cuts in their units. “We are under huge stress, and Rome is burning around us. These are not normal times.”===
“Huge Stress” isn’t humming.
Lowering admission standards aren’t the best way to keep status in the long run either.
You lose $750 million (this was in November of 2016, losses continue) you are hurt, you’re burning.
- Honeybear - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 1:57 pm:
So why is Madison county not in this? Anybody know?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:00 pm:
“Enrollment”?
Chicago Tribune
http://bit.ly/2lUBq5G
===After years of pursuing higher-paying international students and watching in-state enrollment fall, the University of Illinois’ flagship campus shifted course this year, increasing financial aid for students from Illinois but also taking the unusual step of accepting lower test scores.
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:01 pm:
Someone should tell them the election is next year, not this year. Talk about premature.
- Anon - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:05 pm:
===So why is Madison county not in this? Anybody know?===
Because then there’d be more than 20 counties and it wouldn’t be the Southern 20 anymore.
- Anon - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:06 pm:
===Someone should tell them the election is next year, not this year.===
Primary is in 12 months. What kind of lead time would you want to put together a multi-million dollar operation with dozens of staff and hundreds, maybe thousands, of volunteers? Not to mention relationships with dozens of other stake holder groups that could help or hurt.
- ArchPundit - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:07 pm:
Willy, generally with you, but a lot of schools are putting less emphasis on test scores. GPA has turned into a better predictor over the years. I also think UofI’s role as a state institution is important in that decision.
That said, enrollment for UofI isn’t the only indicator of whether it is holding its world class reputation. That comes as much from faculty hires and grants received. The type of funding losses are likely to hit those areas especially hard and have long term effects.
- Edward Coles - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:08 pm:
Madison County has never been included but Bob Daiber’s Favorite Son status would suggest which way that county would lean at this point.
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:11 pm:
@Anon 2:06
Umm… gee… What good is lead time when you don’t even know everyone who is running? This couldn’t wait until April or May? And those stakeholder groups you speak of might also like to know who all is running.
- Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:12 pm:
–Primary is in 12 months. What kind of lead time would you want to put together a multi-million dollar operation with dozens of staff and hundreds, maybe thousands, of volunteers? Not to mention relationships with dozens of other stake holder groups that could help or hurt.–
I don’t think I or anyone else questions why the candidate or his operation would push for such endorsements. The question is more why any party officials would endorse this early when the field isn’t established yet. This pretty much seals out anyone from these 20 counties emerging, for example. What if someone friendlier with a better shot to win jumps in?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:13 pm:
- ArchPundit -
With great respect, per usual…
From the Trib’s own lede…
===taking the unusual step of accepting lower test scores.===
“taking the unusual step”
You reduce your standards, that’s unusual.
You marry that with $750 million plus in funding never reaching the U of I system, logically, it can’t be said
===…much smoother running operation.===
And the President says…
===”We are under huge stress, and Rome is burning around us. These are not normal times.”===
Doesn’t add up.
- FYI - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:16 pm:
Any numbers folks out there care to enlighten us on how many D primary voters are comprised from these counties? My guess is less than the culmination of 2-3 wards like 8, 34, 21.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:18 pm:
- FYI -
How did Blagojevich win his first gubernatorial primary? Where was Rod strong?
- $$$$ - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:18 pm:
Why hasn’t he filed any A1’s yet? His committee is three weeks old and for someone like Kennedy I would have expected a big early money dump from all his rich buddies.
- Been There - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:22 pm:
===They’re endorsing before they have a full slate of candidates to choose from? More than a year out before the election? Seems…premature?===
Pretty sure Blagojevich wrapped up the statewide county chair group early and was a big reason for his primary win.
It will be interesting to see which way the whole group endorses, (if they do).If they don’t go for Kennedy it makes it tougher for messaging for him.
- Juice - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:28 pm:
Keep in mind, the County Chairmen (all counties, not just the Southern 20) are often looking for jobs for themselves or their people. And in their view, its easier to have sway with a Governor if they can say “look, we were one of the first people to be with you.” (In reality, Rutan makes this much more difficult than it used to be in the good ole days)
Not saying that explains the early timing of the endorsement, but something to consider.
- Is Anyone Listening? - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:30 pm:
So the biggest get of this lot, St. Clair County, says it wasn’t even at the endorsement meeting and didn’t vote? But this group sends out it’s “endorsement” announcement indicating St. Clair was part of it? I wonder how many other Southern 20 counties also weren’t at the meeting or didn’t vote or didn’t even know such a vote was coming?
This seems like Rednour and a few other usually ignored small-sized Democratic county organizations jumping out half informed and way too early hoping they can later take credit for backing the winning horse.
- LilLewbowskiUrbanAchiever - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:34 pm:
This is a pretty big deal that they were willing to endorse this early. Clearly Kennedy has been working hard downstate and has made inroads. I don’t see JB or Biss doing better than Kennedy in the African American and Latino communities. If Kennedy starts locking up support downstate, where are their votes coming from?
Pretty impressive he was able to get these guys to endorse so early.
- LilLewbowskiUrbanAchiever - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:37 pm:
$$$$- as has been stated previously, you only have report A-1s when you deposit them. It’s become common practice to hold those checks until the end of the filing period.
I’m guessing Kennedy raised more than enough online to fuel his campaign.
- Blue dog dem - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:39 pm:
Last night, southern Illinois was hammered by tornados. Much damage.
To the post. Heck. Shiela carried Jackson. By too small of margin.
A liberal Chicago Dem at the head of the ticket will doom Costello and if the GOP finds a viable candidate, Phelps will be gone too.
- Precinct Captain - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:39 pm:
==- $$$$ - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:18 pm:==
Recall from the controversy when Rauner donated a bunch to the GOP reps right before end of session votes in 2015. A donation by check is officially considered received only when it is deposited.
http://www.elections.il.gov/Downloads/CampaignDisclosure/PDF/CampDiscGuide.pdf (See “Date of Receipt”)
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:42 pm:
===I’m guessing Kennedy raised more than enough online to fuel his campaign.===
So $7-10 million, just for the Primary? Um, ok…
- Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:46 pm:
–How did Blagojevich win his first gubernatorial primary? Where was Rod strong?–
Very true. Doesn’t say much for their judgment, but that’s hindsight.
- $$$$ - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:47 pm:
Yea, I know you don’t file until you deposit. But Kennedy told a bunch of people he filed so early because he needed money for some real basics for the campaign. So I would have expected him to deposit some checks by now.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:48 pm:
To the Update…
It appears “sunshine” is melting this “announcement”…
- LilLewbowskiUrbanAchiever - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:51 pm:
OW- Sorry…. “To fuel his campaign” through the filing period.
- the old man - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:57 pm:
Now let me get this straight. These are the same democratic party chairmen who have lost every state legislator south of I-64. Not sure their endorsement is something I would brag about when they can’t keep great legislators like John Bradley and Gary Forby in office. If this is an indication of their power, a write-in could beat Chris Kennedy in the southern counties!
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 2:59 pm:
- LilLewbowskiUrbanAchiever -
No worries. Clarifications are just that.
- dr. reason a, goodwin - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 3:03 pm:
I would be more impressed if John Rednour Sr. were still around and part of this.
- jw - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 3:14 pm:
Kennedy could very well help refill all those lost democrat seats.
- Downstate Dem - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 3:25 pm:
These Southern Dem Chairs must know that Kennedy’s name at the top of the ticket would help them win back all those legislative seats they lost. Smart county chairs down there.
- ZC - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 3:26 pm:
Blago won heavily on the basis of his support Downstate, but that was when US Rep Jerry Costello still held the 12th. My impression was Costello was a major player in wrangling at least Madison County votes for Blago. 14 years later, how’s that organization holding up?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 3:27 pm:
===These Southern Dem Chairs must know that Kennedy’s name at the top of the ticket would help them win back all those legislative seats they lost. Smart county chairs down there===
Explain Blagojevich.
“No, I’ll wait, thanks.”
- jw - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 3:34 pm:
Different time different canidate
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 3:39 pm:
===Different time different canidate===
… but same asks(?)
“First to support, first to deliver, first to be rewarded”.
That’s what’s at play. It’s not that this Crew magically weighed Kennedy’s name over “X” or Rod’s name over “Y”…
It’s about jumping early for a return, if they can deliver.
That’s the ball game.
- Arsenal - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 3:47 pm:
==It appears “sunshine” is melting this “announcement”…==
Didn’t I say, “more light than heat”? LOL.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 3:51 pm:
===Didn’t I say, “more light than heat?”===
You did… Now we’ll see if Kennedy can salvage this before its just a puddle.
- Anon - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 4:01 pm:
===I’ve been told that the vote was 10-5 last night, which isn’t even a majority of the counties in the group. Odd.===
A quorum is a quorum, but this gets back to that idea that the endorsement is only as meaningful as the amount of work the group does.
Blago ran more than a decade ago in a different era for patronage which is now even more illegal thanks to him, and one of the things that isn’t much discussed is that there were some pretty hefty checks cut to county parties to “turn out the vote.”
- PoW - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 4:04 pm:
Willy, U of I and their top 10 ranking in public universities says hello.
You didn’t seem bothered by EIU losing out on $200 million because of extreme mismanagement, but that fact doesn’t fit your narrative.
Maybe you are just upset because Illinois rejected you. Maybe EIU and Chicago State did too.
- P'Burg - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 4:16 pm:
Having participated in many statewide campaigns over the last 40+ years anytime a Candidate/Campaign is able to secure an endorsement that has always been a positive step in my opinion. One thing that can be said about the Southern 20 they’re hard working Democrats that want their voices heard. The vote was 10 to 5 which was a majority of the Chair’s in attendance. This was the Association of the Chairs endorsement. It was never labeled as individual counties endorsement. Seriously don’t let anybody tell the tale that it’s to early for endorsements for the 2018 elections this race for Governor started in November 2014
- Piece of Work - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 4:21 pm:
U of I, top 10 public university per US News.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 4:22 pm:
U of I system, since Rauner…
… Lowered admission standards…
… refused to fund by $750+ million…
- PoW - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 4:31 pm:
And still top 10, a significant improvement from the Chris Kennedy days.
A MLB team can be a winner with a lower payroll, a good manager, even if the stands aren’t packed with fans. You can throw those things out there Willy but the bottom line is they are ranked in the top 10. Their lower standards are still higher than many Big Ten schools regular standards.
I would say more but some of my posts get deleted.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 4:35 pm:
When a Governor “zeroes out” funding to Higher Education, Rauner wants Eastern Illinois University closed.
It’s like you are embarrassingly clueless to how budgets work or what they mean, LOL.
You give no money to something, like Higher Education, you want it destroyed.
Saying otherwise? You are pathetic to any knowledge.
Again with where I went to College? Why the fascination?
I have advanced degrees in typewriter maintenance at the Rocco Cubbo School.
How’s that?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 4:37 pm:
Nah, - Piece of Work -
Rauner refuses, that’s vetoing all, to fund Higher Education.
That’s on Bruce Rauner all day.
Rauner isn’t helping Higher Education, Rauner is destroying Higher Education.
Can’t explain away “zero”
Zero is Zero, LOL
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 4:39 pm:
===Their lower standards… ===
… and no funding…
That’s Rauner destroying Higher Education.
You do understand “zero”
It’s four letters. You need me to pull up a definition for ya, or…
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 4:43 pm:
ze·ro
ˈzēˌrō/
number
1. no quantity or number; naught; the figure 0.
“figures from zero to nine”
synonyms: nothing, nothing at all, nil, none, naught/nought; informalzilch, nix, zip, nada, diddly-squat
“I rated my chances at zero”
That help?
- PoW - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 4:46 pm:
Destroying higher education and U of I is ranked in the top 10 in the nation. Yep, you keep riding that horse.
One more example that doesn’t back your narrative.
As far as EIU goes, I wonder how they would be doing with that $200 million they let slip through their hands. I wonder how the town of Charleston would be doing? Extreme mismanagement, such as not funding pensions properly for decades, has a rather negative impact, doesn’t it. I wonder what all of those former EIU administrators are doing these days.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 4:49 pm:
===Destroying higher education and U of I is ranked in the top 10 in the nation. Yep, you keep riding that horse.===
You don’t budget something at zero you wa to to keep
For your ignorance to make sense, that would have to be true.
It ain’t.
Rauner wants Eastern closed.
You fund something at Zero when you want it gone.
Have you been paying attention to this budget being held hostage?
Why are Social services closing? They’re getting zero.
According to your ignorance, you find things at zero you support most.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 5:05 pm:
===Maybe you are just upset because Illinois rejected you. Maybe EIU and Chicago State did too.===
… and yet, here I am advocating full funding for Higher Education, including the U of I System, including Eastern, Chicago State, Western, both SIUs…
Your snobbery isn’t helping you… intellectually.
- PoW - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 5:57 pm:
11/23/16 story— $17 million goes to EIU, Chicago State and WIU.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 6:09 pm:
- Piece of Work -
I know reading is difficult did you. Heck, you needed me to define zero, lol…
===When a Governor “zeroes out” funding to Higher Education, Rauner wants Eastern Illinois University closed===
Rauner has yet to sign a budget where he actually fully funds Higher Education.
His lone time getting a budget with Higher Ed? Full veto.
Now, before you decide “phony, out of balance” is your retort, all 3 of Rauner’s outline/budgets have been “status quo”… phony and out of balance.
$17 million isn’t fully funding Higher Ed.
“Good” try thou.
“You’re welcome….”
- PoW - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 6:33 pm:
You go from zero to fully funded. Money went to to those schools. You keep moving those goal posts. You keep redefining your narrative. Lowering standards at the U of I. What standards did they lower Willy. Care to tell us? This is too easy
- illini - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 6:37 pm:
@Willy - Thank You. I was not going to get into that discussion with PoW about my Alma Mater and all of Higher Ed. You made all the appropriate and pertinent points.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 6:44 pm:
(Tips cap to - illini -)
- Piece of Work -
===You go from zero to fully funded===
Budgets. The fund “things”. I’ll go slow for you.
Rauner has refused budgetarily to Fund Higher Ed
It’s not up for discussion. It’s not up for debate.
His lone chance? Full veto. Stopgaps don’t count, even Rauner says stopgap don’t work.
===You keep moving those goal posts. You keep redefining your narrative.===
Nope. Good try. Poor try, but… lol
===Lowering standards at the U of I. What standards did they lower===
Read the link, get back to us. It’s in there. What, do you want me to send a .wav for ya?
===This is too easy===
Mocking you? Yeah, it is, embarrassingly so!
- IllinoisInsider - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 7:44 pm:
I know it’s early but he’s shaping up to be my vote, at least in the primary. A Democrat who can stand apart from Madigan and Chicago–at least somewhat–can beat Rauner, whose support even in areas he won in 2014 is fast eroding.
- PoW - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 8:48 pm:
Willy, you may think cute little quips make them effective and true. MEMO– they don’t. You still have to be a really, really outstanding student to get into UIUC. High ACT and very high GPS along with strong activities involvement. You keep attempting to be a know it all about these universities, why I have no idea. I almost wonder if you have ever stepped on any of these campuses. The U of I is doing just fine. And, money went to those other universities,look it up. Figure it out. Too easy
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 8:58 pm:
===I almost wonder if you have ever stepped on any of these campuses.===
I know, you’ve been there more than any human has ever been on a campus ever. YOU know, you are “that person”, you jump higher, swim longer, throw farther, run faster, no ONE has your insight.
===The U of I is doing just fine.===
Hmm.
President Killeen?
“That’s three-quarters of a billion dollars. That’s a lot,” Killeen told a couple of faculty members lamenting cuts in their units. “We are under huge stress, and Rome is burning around us. These are not normal times.”===
The President… knows less… than you?
Your “that person”… YOU know.
===And, money went to those other universities,look it up. Figure it out.====
President Killeen?
===The [University of Illinois] has lost more than $750 million in state funding over the last two years, UI President Tim Killeen noted during his annual meeting with the faculty Monday.===
As to EIU, and others, NO budgetary monies. No funding.
===You still have to be a really, really outstanding student to get into UIUC. High ACT and very high GPS along…===
The standards are lowered. As you know realize, it’s true.
The standards are lowered, there’s a $750+ million funding hole already existing, Rauner has yet to fully fund, budgetarily, Higher Education.
===Too easy===
Yes, I know, mocking you abc making you look ridiculous is too easy…
- PoW - Wednesday, Mar 1, 17 @ 10:25 pm:
How about that Illini win tonite Willy?
- Stumpy's bunker - Thursday, Mar 2, 17 @ 6:46 am:
Southern Dem’s: Have you ever heard the expression “Keep your powder dry”? Look it up.
Plenty can happen between now and the primary, and you not only jumped in with both feet, but probably complicated the process as well.
Big Brain & superstars probably have their heads on their desks laughing.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Mar 2, 17 @ 6:53 am:
A nice win against Michigan Stata…
ILL-INI!
Nice win be NU too… Go Cats!
- PoW - Thursday, Mar 2, 17 @ 7:11 am:
Great win by the Cats, at the buzzer!!
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Mar 2, 17 @ 7:18 am:
One for the ages! It will be part of lore at NU for all time.
Cats will make the tourney.
- PoW - Thursday, Mar 2, 17 @ 7:40 am:
Good for Northwestern. The BTN said it was the first time they had a winning conference record sine 67-68. They could cause some problems in the tourney, they have a really good PG and other guys who can make plays.