* I’ve been talking with Senate GOP Leader Christine Radogno for weeks about the rumors that she’s going to resign. We chatted yesterday and I was promised a formal response today. Radogno just sent me a text message…
I’m out of here 7-1. End of business.
Let’s hope she helps finalize a budget deal by then. Personally, I’d like to see her go out on a high note.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Full statement…
Statement from Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno:
“It truly is an honor to represent the 41st Senate District and my Republican colleagues in the Illinois Senate.
I have done the job to the very best of my ability and always with the needs of the state and my constituents in mind. I am proud of my legislative accomplishments – none of which were achieved alone. I have always appreciated the support, advice and counsel of my colleagues in both parties, staff and family.
I have particularly enjoyed my friendship and working relationship with Senate President John Cullerton that began the day we were chosen as Leaders of our respective caucuses.
However, I believe it’s time for a new Senate Republican leader.
I have done everything I can do to resolve the state’s budget crisis. I will continue to do so for the coming days. But if the solution will not come on my watch, I hope and pray that the Governor, other legislative leaders, Democrats and Republicans in the Senate and House can find a path to solve the state’s problems.
Though I leave political office with a sense of sadness and some disappointment, I leave with no regrets. I did my best – that’s all I could do. It has been a privilege to serve. But now I am looking forward to returning to private life and spending time with my family, especially my five grandchildren.
Effective close of business on July 1, 2017 – the start of the new fiscal year – I intend to resign my position as Senate Leader and Senator from the 41st District.
The Caucus has already begun executing the plan for a smooth, orderly and expeditious transition.”
She’s a class act through and through.
*** UPDATE 2 *** I think it may wind up being a little narrower than this, but this is true at the moment…
From what I’ve been hearing, Brady has been working a roll call for the past couple of days.
*** UPDATE 3 *** Press release…
Governor Bruce Rauner today released the following statement regarding Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno’s resignation:
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to work alongside Leader Radogno these last two years as we continue to try to improve the lives of the people of Illinois. She is a consummate professional and public servant, who has championed fiscal responsibility and human services that help our most vulnerable residents. While she will be sorely missed, Diana and I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
*** UPDATE 4 *** From House GOP Leader Jim Durkin…
“Chris Radogno has been my Senator and Co-Republican Leader for many years. I am fortunate to call her a confidant and friend. Her contributions to her district and the State of Illinois are immeasurable. Chris always stayed above the fray in this very partisan environment. Her constituents and I will miss her valued leadership.”
*** UPDATE 5 *** From Mayor Rahm Emanuel…
“Leader Radogno has been a committed and courageous public servant who has put the needs of her constituents, and all Illinois residents, ahead of special interests, politics and partisanship. Throughout her five terms in office she has always proven willing to reach across the aisle to find solutions for Illinois’ most pressing challenges, and her reasonable, pragmatic, collaborative approach to policy stands as a model for other legislators to follow. As the first female leader of a party in the Illinois legislature, she has served as a role model and paved a path for future generations to follow. I join residents across the state of Illinois in thanking Leader Radogno for her service and wishing her well in her next chapter.”
*** UPDATE 6 *** Press release…
Illinois Senate President John J. Cullerton issued the following statement regarding the pending retirement of his colleague and friend Republican Leader Christine Radogno.
She and I began as Senate leaders on the same day. We started our relationship in those roles by voting for each other. We then turned our attention to the impeachment trial. We followed that up with a long-overdue, bipartisan agreement on investing in roads, bridges, schools and other infrastructure.
It has been nine years of cooperation and professionalism
It’s been my honor to have Leader Radogno as my legislative partner, and I have cherished the opportunity to work with her as a colleague and friend. She was the one who first reached out to me to start the Senate effort to show that we could balance the budget. Frankly, this week’s leaders meetings wouldn’t be occurring if it wasn’t for her.
I will miss her camaraderie and common sense. But I also hope that she has a few tricks left up her sleeve before July 1 to help us finally get out of this mess.
*** UPDATE 7 *** Sen. Bill Brady…
“Over the years, it has been a privilege and an honor to work alongside Leader Christine Radogno. Chris has a track record of being an incredibly hard working, principled and bipartisan leader who truly believes in working across the aisle to do what is best for the people of this state. I want to thank her for her years of service to the state of Illinois, and wish her and her family nothing but the best as she moves on into this next phase.”
- Passive Agressive - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:10 pm:
Whoa….not a good sign to end this mess.
- Blue dog dem - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:11 pm:
I would say this does not bode well.
- Curl of the Burl - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:12 pm:
What a huge loss.
- Linus - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:12 pm:
Nice work, Governor. (note: heavy snark)
Thank you, Leader Radogno, for your many years of service–and particularly for joining Pres. Cullerton as some of the very few “adults in the room” for large stretches of this past session, in particular.
- hisgirlfriday - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:12 pm:
Another Rauner victory?
- Sue - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:12 pm:
Any reaction from the second floor?
- Former Merit Comp - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:15 pm:
Yet another casualty. Really sorry to see her go, we need more like her
- Anon221 - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:15 pm:
hisgirlfriday- Yes. I would expect Bill Brady to take over. Rauner appears to have been grooming him a lot lately.
- Tommydanger - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:16 pm:
Wow. Just, wow.
- Michael Westen - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:16 pm:
I’m guessing this is not good news as it relates to passing a budget. Sad.
- Captain Ed Smith - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:17 pm:
Strong accessible minority leader that cares
- hisgirlfriday - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:17 pm:
On a non-snarky note, I doubt this state is better off without Radogno in the Senate and I wish her well in future endeavors. She hasn’t always made me happy as a liberal but I have felt like she comes from a place of wanting to do good as a public servant and believing that there are things that government can do to improve people’s lives. I hope her successor as leader comes from this same tradition rather than the Ayn Rand anarchist wing of today’s Republican Party.
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:18 pm:
Thanks for your service Senator Radogno, and for all you did to try to get a deal done this year. It was clearly a thankless job and you deserved much better.
- Tommydanger - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:18 pm:
When the adults leave the room and only the children remain, only trouble can follow.
- Toothpicks and Ice Cream - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:19 pm:
This is unfortunate. She was good to work with.
- Pawn - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:20 pm:
Nice words for Cullerton, no words for Rauner
- Because I Said So.... - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:22 pm:
She worked hard to compromise only to get run over by Rauner. She didn’t deserve that.
Thank you and best wishes Senator!
- Joe Biden Was Here - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:23 pm:
Her callous remarks about social service providers damaged by the budget impasse cannot be forgotten. That type of attitude will not be missed.
- ILPundit - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:23 pm:
Watch McConoughay as possible replacement
- NeverPoliticallyCorrect - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:23 pm:
Very disappointing. IF they don’t get a budget deal then I hope all the rest fall on their swords.
- Lt Guv - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:23 pm:
Tommydanger said it all.
- Montrose - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:23 pm:
While I have not always agreed with her, I’ve always respected Senator Radogno. She is strong legislator that listens to reason and can be trusted. It is a loss for the legislature.
[snark on] I’m just glad there are no additional distractions for the members in the waning hours of this fiscal year. [snark off]
- Archiesmom - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:24 pm:
A class act who tried her very best over the last six months till find a way out of this mess. She understands what the word bipartisan means. I think the good Senator will be missed.
- Anon221 - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:24 pm:
“I have done everything I can do to resolve the state’s budget crisis.”
And she did, and she did not deserve to be pushed around and bulldozed by Rauner. I only hope that some of the rest of the Senate and House Republicans will realize that Rauner is not their leader, he is their user. Radogono was, and is, a Leader.
- Shemp - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:24 pm:
Really not a fan of any legislator resigning mid-term unless there is an actual health issue or legal cloud of suspicion. I get leaving the party leadership post, but….
- Echo The Bunnyman - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:24 pm:
Geez.. I wonder if this because of the Governor? Or was this in the works way before and wanted to move on? Hopefully it’s not because the frustration we are all going to feel soon. Wish her the best.
- Dr. Bronners - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:25 pm:
This means there will be no deal. Rauner obviously doesnt consider her a wartime consigliere.
- Stratton Bro - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:26 pm:
Her legacy will forever be paraphrasing Wu-Tang on the Senate floor.
- Lt Guv - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:27 pm:
Rauner needs a nanny.
- Norseman - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:27 pm:
Your effort to develop a compromise with Cullerton is a major feather in your cap. Your effort was appreciated.
- Etown - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:28 pm:
Wouldn’t it be nice to see Speaker Madigan folllow her lead.
Oh that’s right he’s thinks he’s too important to this institution
- Fixer - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:28 pm:
Brady was my thought as well, which is a terrible decision. Again, as Linus said, she was one of the few trying to make things work.
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:29 pm:
Regarding the second update, as a Democrat, let me just say:
Please please please please elect Bill Brady your Senate Republican leader!!!
Pretty please?
- Mr. K. - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:29 pm:
This is all on Rauner. Mid-term resignation?
Not cool at all.
- Tommydanger - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:29 pm:
Public service is a calling; a call to serve. While some may characterize our elected representatives as entitled or privileged, I prefer to think they have a thankless position with enormous responsibilities.
I would consider Ms. Radogno to be cast in the traditional model of a true public servant. I cannot even begin to imagine how gosh awful things have become for a public servant such as herself to turn off the lights and say goodbye.
Perhaps to save her sanity and her dignity or perhaps to shock or shame her colleagues in to reaching a fair compromise. As a Democrat, I can say she is leaving with my respect and thanks for her service along with my best wishes for a fulfilling next chapter in her life.
- Anon221 - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:30 pm:
Brady’s been really workin’ it since the Capitol Compromise roll-out.
- Chicago Cynic - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:30 pm:
This. Is. Not. Good.
- Jocko - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:30 pm:
That’s too bad! What are the chances her replacement is under 25 and ready to spout Raunerite talking points.
- Dumbstruck - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:30 pm:
This development is beyond sad. Chalk this up to Gov. Junk and his complete lack of skill as a leader and a public servant. Christine Radogno was both. He should have learned from her instead of disrespecting her service, her expertise and her experience. Republican women take note.
- Anon221 - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:33 pm:
But…now Brady gets to deal with IPI…
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/illinois-republican-spending-plan-packed-with-millions-in-waste/
- Dick Butka - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:35 pm:
Oberweis for minority leader!!!!!!
- Cubs in '16 - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:37 pm:
Another beaten-down, well-meaning legislator lost to gamesmanship. Illinois is a lost cause.
- RNUG - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:37 pm:
== … can be trusted ==
About the best line you can use to describe someone in politics.
She will he missed.
- James Knell - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:37 pm:
I’m a Bernie Sanders loving Democratic Socialist, but I know she tried. She was winning my respect.
I’m really sorry to see her go.
Good job, Rauner.
- Hmmm - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:38 pm:
Maybe she will run for Gov.
- Lance Mannion - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:38 pm:
Rauner will soon learn what he’s lost with Radogno’s departure.
As to possible replacements; they are thin. But Connelly? Hilarious. McCarter has a better chance … yes, I know he’s retiring.
- Rocky Rosi - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:38 pm:
Kompromat or better options in the private sector? She was doing a good job. This means no budget until the 2018 election is over.
- Roman - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:40 pm:
Her successor, for all practical purposes, will be a Rauner appointee. He’s the real leader of that caucus.
- A guy - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:40 pm:
When there’s an impasse, timing is never easy. I have always liked her a lot, and I would take her statement at face value. She’s ready to enjoy private life and her grandchildren. Good for her.
Actually; great for her.
- Just Curious - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:41 pm:
Sen. Radogno was a pleasure to work with on issues. Brady is not a wise choice.
- One of Three Puppets - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:42 pm:
I bet the CW candidates don’t get it. I would say a dark horse. Rezin or a Righter.
- The Dude Abides - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:42 pm:
Interesting that she mentioned the pleasure she had working with the Democrat leader Cullerton but she didn’t mention Rauner or Durkin. I think she’s tired of herself and some of her colleagues making an effort to achieve a budget deal and time and time again having the rug pulled out from under her feet by a Governor who will only accept a budget deal if it is entirely on his terms. I think Radogno sees the hopelessness of the situation with the current Governor who has made lap dogs of the Party formerly known as the Illinois Republican party. I’m not as optimistic as I was a couple days ago.
- btowntruthfromforgottonia - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:43 pm:
Rauner ran her off.
Straight up.
- Ducky LaMoore - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:43 pm:
Good luck, Christine.
To the second update, it is going to be Bill Brady. It has to be. The modern republican party can only make the worst possible choice. So there could be no other.
- Realist - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:43 pm:
It’s time for Madigan and Rauner to retire and resign. Nothing more to say. Madigan owns the pension mess, and Rauner owns the budget mess. If they had any honor whatsoever, they would leave and allow the adults to fix it. No longer fixable as long as they stay. They are both failures, and they should both be remembered as such.
- btowntruthfromforgottonia - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:44 pm:
Roman called it.
Her replacement will be a Raunerbot.
- One of Three Puppets - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:44 pm:
Just for fun. McCann for Leader!
- Chucktownian - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:45 pm:
Rauner forced her out. There’s no other way to see this. She didn’t want to put up with Rauner anymore. I suspect now there will be no budget deal for at least weeks if not months.
- Guzzlepot - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:47 pm:
I am as blue as they come and I have never met her, but from what I read in the paper Sen. Radogno seems like she has alot of class.
After reading her tweet I can’t get the Animal’s song ‘We’ve Got to Get Out of This Place.’ out of my head.
- FDRDemocrat - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:48 pm:
A true stateswoman.
She has been through a lot personally.
Best wishes for life after the legislature
- Augie - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:48 pm:
Not good! I believe she really tried. Another Rauner hostage goes down.
- Truth Squad - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:49 pm:
I swear to God, if the Governor or his pack of goons pushed her out, it will officially be the decimation of the GOP’s chances to govern.
- Archiesmom - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:49 pm:
The Dude is pretty much spot on.
- Flynn's Mom - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:50 pm:
WOW!! My loyalties are on the other side of the aisle but I think this is a huge loss. It’s squarely on Rauner and his total lack of leadership. Good luck Senator Radogno!
- Winnin' - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:51 pm:
On July 1, Leader Radogno will pull Rauner’s knife out of her back and place it on Rauner’s desk so he can use it on the next leader.
What a way to run the GOP.
Next up, Careerfella Brady. He’s used to Rauner’s knife.
- Pangloss - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:51 pm:
This seems like it could potentially be the entry point to another even lower and hotter level of hell for the state.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:51 pm:
If MM was honorable, he would do the same.
- ThankYouforYourService - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:52 pm:
I hope they can get a budget passed before Christine Radogno leaves. Bill Brady will never be able to full her shoes. Senator Brady does not subscribe to bipartisan agreements.
- NSJ - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:53 pm:
This means there won’t be a budget.
- Lunchbox - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:53 pm:
Wow, this is a shock. Wish Senator Radogno all the best.
I was wondering why Mike Connelly was going on a “straight talk” town hall tour in the western burbs with Jeanne Ives. Sure, they represent some of the same towns, but she is a lot more Tea Party than he is. If he at least gets a few more conservative state senators and cleans up among the suburban ones, he’s got a chance.
- ThankYouforYourService - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:54 pm:
The person Christine Radogno did not mention in her farewell letter speaks volumes.
- lake county democrat - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:54 pm:
I’m the Mikey (of Life Cereal Ads) when it comes to legislators and I liked her. Hope she enjoys a well-earned retirement or whatever she plans for her next act.
- Passive Agressive - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:55 pm:
==If MM was honorable, he would do the same.==
What about BVR?
- ThankYouforYourService - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:57 pm:
Quick - send President Cullerton a bottle of wine. Lord knows he is going to need it.
- Captain Ed Smith - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:58 pm:
Bill Brady has run statewide twice and is strong with the right wing of the GOP something Rauner is not. Rauner will deny Brady a seat at the table.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:59 pm:
Sen. Murphy left, now Leader Radogno…
To the Post,
This is a tremendous loss to idea of the governing of Illinois. Leader Christine Radogno always has Illinois in her heart and tried as she might couldn’t do whatcshe was very capable of doing, compromise to find that governing.
The one thing I always did was respect that Leader Radogno had challenges working against her. Although these seen and unseen challenges existed, the last 6 months, working with President Cullerton, going to Editorial Boards with President Cullerton, and both she and “John” had each other’s backs, and saw where the light existed where others only wanted to embrace the darkness or division.
Leader Radogno was treated unfairly and unprofessionally to the governing by those who should of had her back, but chose to ruin the governing she wanted so badly for Illinois.
The legacy of Christine Radogno, I hope, will be these past months. The continual hard work and cooperation that highlighted a skilled legislator and leader, and how her skill and understanding could only be thwarted by actors who feel her work for a compromise was too dangerous. That’s her legacy. Exposing her own love and want for Illinois.
I hope she finds peace. I hope when she leaves it’s with a victory for her belief in working together is better than splintering apart.
Thank you, Leader Radogno.
I wish you well, I wish you the best. You will be sorely missed.
Oswego Willy
- Jake From Elwood - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 2:59 pm:
Sen. Radogno is skilled in the art of negotiation and is usually ready to compromise, to find middle ground. She has been through some personal tragedies in her years in the GA, and she will be missed.
With Rep. Nekritz also leaving and others rumored to follow–it is clear that it is no fun to be mired in this situation where rank and file legislators have little power and the process is being stonewalled by two equally stubborn and unyielding powermongers.
The brain drain in Springfield continues.
Ugh.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:00 pm:
–Any reaction from the second floor?–
“So who do we throw under the bus now?”
Some prominent names conspicuous by their absence in Radogno’s statement.
I think she gave it an honest, good-faith shot this year for the good of the people, only to be stabbed in the back by some of her conniving Senate GOP colleagues and Rauner.
She deserves thanks for the effort, and gratitude for revealing the strategy of squeeze the beast.
Everything made sense after that.
- Pundent - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:01 pm:
=I swear to God, if the Governor or his pack of goons pushed her out, it will officially be the decimation of the GOP’s chances to govern.=
I don’t know. This smacks of Madigan to me. I’m just waiting for Lucky Pierre to connect the dots.
- Concerned Mom - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:01 pm:
I had the privilege of meeting her and she is a class act. She will be sorely missed, and we all owe her a debt of gratitude for her tireless service, particularly this past year in her collaborative efforts to pass a balanced budget with structural reforms. Thank you, Senator Radogno!!!
- Huh? - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:02 pm:
Brady has ran 3 times. 2006, 2010, and 2014.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:02 pm:
–She is a consummate professional and public servant, who has championed fiscal responsibility and human services that help our most vulnerable residents.–
Strange.
Rauner says that like he thinks it’s a good thing.
Actions vs. words.
- Lunchbox - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:03 pm:
At the end of last quarter (3/31), Leader Radogno had $458k in her campaign account, and was still receiving $5k donations through this week. She kept this close to the vest…now what will she do with all that money?
- Smitty Irving - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:05 pm:
Et tu, Rauner? Et tu, Brady?
- Seventhson74 - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:07 pm:
I really hope there is a follow up to this. I wonder if she sells her home and/or becomes a permanent resident of Florida or Arizona where there is no state income tax (And no winter either).
- Liberty - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:07 pm:
So is there anything to infer other than Rauner continues to undercut any budget deal and she wouldn’t go along?
- Flyer - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:09 pm:
Half of the common sense team ( Cullerton - Rodogno ) gone.
- Eire17 - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:11 pm:
Just stopped to see my mother in Lemont this week. She asked about you and was always happy you were “her” Senator. All the best to you. Your district and your caucus will miss you. Thanks for all you did.
- Flippy - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:13 pm:
Whoa. All the more confirmation that Rauner does not want a budget. Ever.
- Huh? - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:15 pm:
She was elected before the change to campaign finance law that was implemented in 1998 (I think). So, whatever was her balance back then could be taken as cash. I don’t believe the balance would be huge.
A nice pension will now be enjoyed. The type of pension that was the focus of numerous attacks. 85% of the leader salary and a 3% compounded cola. Unless, she was one of the few back then that made the irrevocable election not to participate in GARS.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:18 pm:
Those concerned about after retirement life for Leader Radogno besides, today, wishing her well, is noted… whew
- Huh? - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:20 pm:
Wishing her well. It has been a tough few years and retirement should be enjoyed because life is too short to miss the things that matter like little ones growing up.
- props - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:21 pm:
Sorry to see her go, thank you for your service and your leadership Christine!
I also feel a little bit sad for Governor Bruce Rauner, he is reliving his childhood all over again and realizing that money does not buy friendship.
- Last Bull Moose - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:22 pm:
Huge loss for those who want thoughtful governance. Friday does look like our best chance for a deal. Not hopeful.
- Rod - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:23 pm:
Senator Christine Radogno was a Republican from the past, in the sense that she believed in conservative values and a cost contained social welfare state that had an objective of at least in theory moving poorer people to self-sufficiency. Illinois now goes forward to build a Republican Party in Illinois consistent with the Steve Bannon/Trump vision of destroying the administrative State, a vision which is shared by Governor Rauner.
- d.p.gumby - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:23 pm:
One less adult in the room!
- Shake - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:25 pm:
Goodbye Radogno. Your Vote Record For Working Class Illinoisans Was Terrible. Your Hate For State Employees Was Worse. Good Riddance..
- ChrisB - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:25 pm:
I had the pleasure of working with her daughter in DC. They both were incredibly proud of each other, which speaks volumes.
Have a happy retirement, Sen. Radogno.
- Honeybear - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:26 pm:
Such a bad sign. I’m really shocked and dismayed. But in another sense I should have seen it coming. The last of the Old Republican party is gone.
You might as well change the name now.
Raunerites
either that or the
Neoliberal Randians
nah….
Raunerites
Thank you for your service Leader Rodogno.
- Flapdoodle - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:28 pm:
Sincere thanks and best wishes to Sen. Radogno. As so many have said, she will be missed.
- Lech W - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:29 pm:
=Rod
Less government equals more freedom
- Wensicia - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:29 pm:
Radogno not only gave her best, she faithfully represented her constituents, her party and the state. Satisfying this governor with an acceptable budget deal is a no-win situation. She must feel it’s time to move on.
- Ginhouse Tommy - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:34 pm:
Another hostage to the budget crisis bites the dust. I guess she took as much as she could before she lost her mind.
- VanillaMan - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:34 pm:
BUT - BUT - BUT
How will Rauner take the arrows without Christine being his shield?
- Smitty Irving - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:34 pm:
Seventhson74 -
And if she does go to FL or TX … to be closer to her grandkids?
- Curious - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:37 pm:
Any names starting to float for her replacement in the District?
Anyone have any personal ideas to replace her as senator?
- wordslinger - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:39 pm:
–I guess she took as much as she could before she lost her mind.–
I’d say her decision exhibits a high degree of mental wellness and self-respect.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:42 pm:
Seventhson74 -
As of this writing, Illinois does not tax retirement income.
- GARS-COLA - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:44 pm:
What’s the point of retiring July 1st? If she doesn’t retire in June her 1st GARS pension COLA will be 1/1/19 vs 7/1/18. Is this a mistake or is there a different pot-o-gold we don’t know about? What am I missing?
- Triple fat - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:44 pm:
I’m sorry to see her go. Does Leslie Munger live in her District?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:46 pm:
===What am I missing?===
Class?
You’re worried about someone’s, other that your own, pension and effective date?
Seriously? That’s what pops in your mind?
- Juvenal - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:47 pm:
To The Update:
A friend would have had Christine Radogno’s back when the Governor was sticking a knife into it.
Don’t you think there is a reason Jim Durkin isn’t mentioned in the statement?
To the Post: Senator Radogno, I think about you and your family often, but especially around the time of Lisa’s tragic passing. How you have carried on, let alone led, these past three years is a testament to your strength and your love of the people of Illinois. That tragic day also briefly and starkly reminded everyone that Democrat, Republican, Senator, Representative, Chicagoan, Downstater, Conservative, Progressive are all the least important words that describe who we are, even if they are most common. Mother, father, friend, neighbor, colleague - the words that characterize our relationship to each other are most important, because those relationships are what is most important.
So as you shed the mantle of Senator and Leader, and assume the full time job of grandmother, let me be the first to congratulate you on your promotion, with much thanks and respect.
- Stones - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:47 pm:
Not my party but Sen. Radogno has always had my respect and admiration for her willingness to compromise. This is not just a Republican loss but rather a loss for the Senate chamber and the State as a whole. Sad that she has decided to move on but I can’t say that I blame her given the toxic atmosphere.
- Oops - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:47 pm:
The Senator has worked in a bipartisan fashion through many administration and has represented her dustrict well. Soon we will be left with only partisan politician looking at the next election instead of governing. The game has changed and it gets hard to swim up stream let’s elect statesmen and women and not politicians
- ArchPundit - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:50 pm:
This is bad news for the state, but probably good for her and so I hope she has a wonderful retirement. She will be missed not only during this mess, but later when Illinois is operating again when her moderating presence will be gone.
- Madiganistan - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:51 pm:
Don’t blame Rauner for throwing her under the budget bus. Madigan needs to resign for creating the pension and budget messes. But he thinks he’s indispensable.
- Travis Hays - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:56 pm:
Unfortunately it is in the best interests of many Illinois families to leave as well.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 4:02 pm:
–Don’t blame Rauner for throwing her under the budget bus.–
That could be read two ways: you understand why Rauner did it, or Rauner is not accountable for his own actions.
Which do you mean?
- Blue dog dem - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 4:09 pm:
I didnt know much about Sen Radogno. If most say she was upright, thats good enough for BlueDog.
If we can just somehow get rid of this monopoly,two party system, i think the world and the state would be better off. When do we get started?
- crazybleedingheart - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 4:10 pm:
Rahm commenting on anything Springfield like my mom on facebook photos.
- Dome Gnome - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 4:11 pm:
[low whistle] I want to say a swear, but I understand that it’s not allowed. Shoot.
- Shake - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 4:13 pm:
Enjoy Your Six Figure Retirement For Your Part Time Job Sen. Radogno?
- Smitty Irving - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 4:16 pm:
Madiganistan -
Is that you John Kass?
- @MisterJayEm - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 4:17 pm:
We feelin’ all hammered and shaken yet?
– MrJM
- Gruntled University Employee - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 4:23 pm:
I cant help but believe that this was very spur of the moment and not a planned event. Which leads me to believe that she was convinced that Rauner has no intention of ever signing a budget without RTWFL. The question now is, do Madigan and Cullerton stick to their guns on no temporary appropriation, even for K-12?
- A guy - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 4:26 pm:
==- Shake - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 4:13 pm:
Enjoy Your Six Figure Retirement For Your Part Time Job Sen. Radogno?===
You really think a Chamber Leader has a part time job?? That’s utterly hogwash. I don’t want to be deleted, but I’ve never been more tempted to break the rule than after such an incredibly foolish statement. You’re a poo poo.
- Al Grosboll - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 4:28 pm:
This is a sad development. Chris Radogno is a thoughtful, conscientious legislator - a public servant from the beginning to the end of her service. Although none of us can know with certainty her personal motivation, one consequence of dysfunctional government is that smart, caring people eventually conclude the games are not worth it. There is so much more in life and the personal sacrifices cannot be justified. Thank you Senator Radogno for your dedication, hard work and sense of fairness. Best wishes in whatever you choose to do in your future.
- Dan Bureaucrat - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 4:28 pm:
Senator Radogno,
As a Democrat bureaucrat, we didn’t always agree. That didn’t take anything away from my appreciation for your work, your efforts, and your vision. The whole state feels the loss. Best wishes.
- Skeptic - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 4:29 pm:
“This smacks of Madigan to me. I’m just waiting for Lucky Pierre to connect the dots.” I was trying to come up with some sort of snarky scenario but you know, I can’t even make up anything that could be nearly as logically tortured as what LP would come with.
- Anon - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 4:29 pm:
No matter how you look at this it looks bad.
In this day and moment in time we need the truth as to what is really going on. My bet is Rauner threw money her or threw money at someone to find dirt on her and force her to resign.
- Chicago_Downstater - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 4:34 pm:
I haven’t always agreed with Radogno’s ideology or policy, but I’ve always admired the way she worked. Her resignation is a loss. Still I hope she enjoys her retirement. She deserves it!
- Robert the Bruce - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 4:48 pm:
Good last line by Cullerton. I hope so too.
I’m disappointed that she isn’t committing to staying through a budget deal.
Perhaps she thinks she has done all she can, but there’s always more that can be done. Unencumbered by funders and the base since she’s leaving, she ought to be able to speak even more frankly than she already has.
- @MisterJayEm - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 4:54 pm:
“You’re a poo poo.”
a guy is correct.
– MrJM
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 5:12 pm:
===a guy is correct.===
Agreed.
- Buzz Fugazi - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 5:22 pm:
Madiganistan - I was never a huge fan of Speaker Madigan until Rauner came along. Baron Von Kochbot shows us the importance of having an entrenched career politiician who can tell the Feudal Lord to go fish.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 6:03 pm:
Well. I think she just gave us a peak behind the curtain, and there’s nothing but props. Well played, Senator. Bad news for anyone relying on a budget, but well played.
- Touré's Latte - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 6:32 pm:
==- wordslinger - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 3:00 pm:
Some prominent names conspicuous by their absence in Radogno’s statement.==
Like, say, any Republicans? Bizarre.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 6:33 pm:
–Bizarre.–
I was thinking “telling.”
- DuPage Dave - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 7:23 pm:
Rauner says it’s been an honor and privilege to work with Radogno, but she says nothing whatsoever about Rauner.
That’s all you need to know about Rauner.
- walker - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 7:23 pm:
A fine, fine person, who fought for a better Illinois, with respect for all.
Juvenal said it best.
First Nekritz, then Radogno. Heartrending for those who actually work for solutions.
- DuPage Saint - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 7:57 pm:
Shake you sound like such a nice guy no wonder good people leave politics
And as to the pension that 3% increase is NOT A COLA
Read the opinion before spouting off
- Sonny chiss - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 8:55 pm:
Rauner’s statement, after what he did to the grand bargain that the leader worked so diligently on, makes me sick and furious.
- Rabid - Thursday, Jun 29, 17 @ 11:56 pm:
Collateral damage, sorry Diana is sorely
- Rabid - Friday, Jun 30, 17 @ 8:38 am:
Goldie, does Diana have to sign the budget too