* Gov. Bruce Rauner appeared on Steve Cochran’s show today…
Cochran: So, when you get into a second term, how’s it going to be different if Mike Madigan is still the Speaker? What can you move that you couldn’t move in the first four?
Rauner: Well, you know, our first focus is to try to elect as many reform-minded, Democrats as well as Republicans, and, again, I don’t believe this election’s about party politics. I don’t think it’s about Democrats and Republicans fighting. I think it’s about getting reformers in, in both parties. Because there are good people in both parties who know our system’s broken, who want to change it. And we are going to advocate, we are going to push to have every candidate for the General Assembly make a promise to the people of Illinois, make a promise to their constituents. Promise to vote to put term limits on the ballot so people of Illinois can vote up or down. Just put it on the ballot, please. The other is to sign a pledge to vote for anybody else. It doesn’t really matter who, because there are great Democrats and great Republicans who would love to be Speaker and could do a great job. Vote for anyone else other than Mike Madigan to be Speaker. You know, 30 years is too long. Even if you’re a loyal, hardcore Democrat. Terrific. Select one of your own, another one who could be a Speaker who will do the right things and change the system. That’s what we’re going to be advocating for.
No follow-up, of course.
- SaulGoodman - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 10:25 am:
** our first focus is to try to elect as many reform-minded, Democrats **
Hmmm… how is he doing that? Other than Ken Dunkin, what Dems is he talking about? And is he engaging in Dem primaries?
- Nick Name - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 10:25 am:
If Gov. Gaslight is so interested in the inner workings of the Democratic Party, he should just switch parties.
- Nick Name - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 10:26 am:
Anyway, TL/DR: “I won’t accomplish anythin’ if Mike Madigan is still around.”
- Roadrager - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 10:26 am:
So we’ve gone from “I’m gonna shake up Springfield” to “Maybe I can accomplish something if the Democrats voluntarily cede their power.” Inspiring stuff.
- Retired Educator - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 10:27 am:
Now he wants to tell the Democrats how to elect their Speaker. Will he allow the same thing for the Republican leader? Do the Democrats get to tell the Republicans how their leader should be elected? Just more silliness from a Governor without a clue.
- slow down - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 10:27 am:
Well that settles it. Everything will be different just because.
It’s incredibly depressing frankly to think about the damage done from two years without a budget and the total inability of the Governor to reflect at all about his role in that mess.
- Northsider - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 10:27 am:
So many words, so little substance.
- Not It - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 10:34 am:
So if Madigan is gone are all the Democrats in the house going to take a giant leap to the right?
I just don’t see the overall values changing drastically just with someone else at the helm.
Madigan makes an easy target but he’s not the only reason Rauner faces opposition.
- Thoughts Matter - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 10:39 am:
Those of us paying attention know the deception and lack substance in these words. I’m concerned that this disingenuous attempt at a positive message will be bought into by voters who don’t research beyond the surface. I think that’s the goal of the governors sudden interest in bipartisanship.
- Scott Cross for President - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 10:40 am:
Thanks for flagging this before March 20, Rich.
When Rauner states publicly that “our first focus is to try to elect as many reform-minded, Democrats,” then it puts Dems on notice that a fox is trying to slip in the hen house.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 10:40 am:
This dude has more problems with Republicans now than he does with Madigan or Democrats.
He’s lost his mojo on both ends of the GOP House spectrum.
The vote in the House yesterday to override that FUBAR education trailer bill veto was 90-18. That’s a lot of Republicans taking a walk.
- Jocko - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 10:45 am:
After listening to the segment, Rauner’s plan for a second term consists of his finding a genie that grants wishes.
- Chris Widger - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 10:46 am:
==No follow-up, of course.==
Whenever someone slams Cap Fax for its editorial choices, Rich (quite fairly and reasonably) says a version of “Get your own blog” or “Bite me,” and I’d suggest the same for this critique of someone else’s radio show.
- DuPage Saint - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 10:46 am:
Well that was one heck of an interview. Cochran must be auditioning for Charlie Rose’s old job. Beyond clueless.
- Blue dog dem - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 10:47 am:
Didnt we hear him proclaim,numerous times, that he had Dems that supported his ideas behind the scenes. And never once did he name them? Did I dream this? Now its ‘like minded’.
- PJ - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 10:52 am:
As we know, Mike Madigan is the only thing keeping liberal Chicago Democrats from going all in on Rauner’s libertarian fever dreams.
Does he earnestly believe that? Any alternative speaker Democrats today elected would surely be more personally liberal than Madigan.
- Stating the obvious - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 10:55 am:
With Cochran I also feel the frustration that as the host he is somewhat dishonest when he refuses to insist on getting an answer. Cochran is also a big Madigan basher so he always remains soft with the Gov on this.
- Roman - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 10:55 am:
Rauner seems to be easing his way into a General Election message in which he criticizes Republicans almost as much as Democrats. “They’re all the same, they conspired to raise your taxes and preserve their power. I’m fightin’ em no matter what party they’re from.”
Getting a budget veto overridden again this summer will help set that up. Maybe not a bad idea if it is a Democratic wave election.
- Lester Holt’s Mustache - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 11:01 am:
Agree with blue dog, these “democrats” have already been elected - if the governor has not been a lying liar who lies these past three year. Rauner has personally said on multiple occasions that House Dems already support his positions but they’re just scared to death of Speaker Madigan, remember?
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 11:08 am:
The phrase I find striking is “It doesn’t really matter who (is elected speaker)…”. It doesn’t matter who is speaker? I know of his hate for Madigan, but that is really an unusual statement.
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 11:08 am:
===…if Madigan is still around===
Rauner should have gone all Dennis Hopper - Rudyard Kipling on that question.
“Do you know that ‘if’ is the middle word in life? If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you, if you can trust yourself when all men doubt you. But make allowance for their doubting too; if you can wait but not be tired of waiting…”
- Jus' My Opinion - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 11:18 am:
==I’d suggest the same for this critique of someone else’s radio show==
I venture to say, the critique was not at the talk show (necessarily), but more that no one, any media, is willing to actually make Rauner answer questions, letting him slide-by with talking points around what was asked. A fair critique that Rich, as well as others, have been making for quite some time. He is never forced to answer the “tough stuff” after being asked. But hey, that was only my take.
- Langhorne - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 11:18 am:
This is nonsense. Does rauner really think he has the (secret) support of dems backing his reforms? And willing to oppose madigan for speaker? In interviews yesterday, cullerton explained each time they tried to reach agreement on one of rauners reforms, he would scuttle the deal at the last moment. He cant make a deal and stick to it.
- Demoralized - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 11:27 am:
I’m still baffled as to why he thinks his results would be any different if there were another Democrat in the Speaker’s chair. He seems to be totally disconnected from reality.
As for the question, he can’t answer it because he doesn’t have an answer. He knows nothing is going to be different.
- Baloneymous - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 11:28 am:
Rauner’s comments are a clear indication that his turnaround agenda for reforms have nothing to do with policy, jobs or economic growth and all about an electoral strategy. Even if he wins it will be about picking up more house and senate seats in 2020 and not about balanced budgets or education.
- PublicServant - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 11:38 am:
=== our first focus is to try to elect as many reform-minded, Democrats ===
Man, I thought he was going to announce that his wife was running as a Democrat.
- Annonin' - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 11:45 am:
Steve Cochrane (#1 in lazy/slob genere demo)really does not listen to guests anymore. Folo up not an element of this genere.
It is very perceptive of the Capt Fax audience to ask if these “Democrat reformers” will be anti worker/middle class family votes. Guessing GovJunk has not done the loop de loop on this aspect yet.
Speakin’ of lazy why did it take GovJunk all these months to issue his shiny new EO on sexual harassment? Man Kerry Lester wrote a whole book in time it took GovJunk to do the EO
- Grandson of Man - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 11:49 am:
“I think it’s about getting reformers in”
I agree—candidates to tax Bruce Rauner more (long overdue) and legalize marijuana.
- Jack Kemp - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 11:53 am:
You all should really pick one nickname for the Governor and stick with it. It’s not nearly as effective when you all call him something different.
Or maybe it’s not effective because they’re all really terrible nicknames. Do better.
- anon2 - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 12:08 pm:
Does that mean that Rauner will support Democratic House candidates who pledge support for term limits and not to vote for the Speaker’s re-election.
As far as Ken Dunkin, was he best known as a reformer?
- Anon221 - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 12:09 pm:
The “please” and “try” pleas are weak, and was the eye rolling and hand flinging during the Trib Ed Birad with Ives. Even with all of Rauner’s animus toward Madigan, I think he’s playing a bit of a squirrel game lately. The US Supreme Court cases are much more his focus now. He just wants to hang out in the Governor’s office without having to actually govern until those are resolved. If he prevails in one or both, he’ll either jump ship for something else more lucrative, or roll out the real money and negativity for the primary and (possibly) the general. Then he’ll have a national win in his trophy cabinet, and a Madigan medal won’t have the same “shine”.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 12:26 pm:
Wasn’t ILGO about trying to unseat Madigan too?
Once people found out it was Rauner money… how’d that go?
Rauner has no plan for a second term…
It’s Janus, RTW-Zones, Af-Scammy…. or holding Illinois hostage “until”…
The map issue?
Who wants more Raunerites?
Rauner will hold the state hostage for more Raunerites… not Republicans.
Know the difference.
Rauner is a sad, failed governor.
Read his words here.
He has nothing.
- Last Bull Moose - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 12:29 pm:
Listened to the segment. More lies and laughter from Rauner.
He is like the dog in the manger. Can’t govern and won’t let others try.
- Lucky Pierre - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 12:41 pm:
Of course it would be different if someone else was Speaker
Look at the Senate as a model of professionalism and bipartisan cooperation
It would be great if Steve Cochran could ask the Speaker the same exact question but he is too afraid to be interviewed by WGN radio.
Great question for every Democrat running for the House
Why do you support the most unpopular politician in Illinois for Speaker?
- Mouthy - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 12:41 pm:
Wow. Bet he’s been giving oodles and oodles of campaign cash to all those Democrats who wants to join Rauner’s raiders.
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 12:47 pm:
===Look at the Senate as a model of professionalism and bipartisan cooperation===
Lol. How did that turn out for Leader Radogno?
- wordslinger - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 12:47 pm:
–Well, you know, our first focus is to try to elect as many reform-minded, Democrats..–
Um, how is he going about exercising his “first forcus” (whatever that means?
Is he kicking in money to Dem candidates?
What is he talking about?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 12:48 pm:
(Sigh)
===Look at the Senate as a model of professionalism and bipartisan cooperation===
The budget override has far more Republicans turn on the failed Rauner. Much more bipartisan, LOL.
===Great question for every Democrat running for the House
Why do you support the most unpopular politician in Illinois for Speaker?===
Meh.
The question that is a head scratcher is….
“Bruce, did you think you could buy both former Republican caucuses for $20 million?”
How that ILGO work out “Lucky Pierre”?
Will Rauner be supporting Ken Dunkin this time too?
Rauner’s Raunerite policies are not what Democrats see as helpful to Illinois and whomever was Speaker, that wouldn’t change.
Rauner is the worst Republican governor in America, 25 points under water, no signed budgets, no accomplishments, and Rauner wants to think it would be different… “if”…
Failures always have excuses.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 12:50 pm:
–Look at the Senate as a model of professionalism and bipartisan cooperation–
Yeah, Rauner was a model professional back-stabber to Sen. Radogno when she tried to cut a bipartisan deal.
Geez, where do you post from? Island of Misfit Bots?
- Demoralized - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 12:50 pm:
==Of course it would be different if someone else was Speaker==
How so? You think a new Democratic Speaker would all of a sudden be ok with term limits or union busting?
==Why do you support the most unpopular politician in Illinois for Speaker?==
Why do you support an extremely unpopular Governor? You seem to have this odd disconnect with regard to opinion polls. The Governor’s approval ratings seem to slip your mind. It’s quite laughable.
- Rabid - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 12:56 pm:
“elect as many reform-minded, democrats ” like any democrat running for govenor
- Steve Rogers - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 12:58 pm:
System broken, Madigan bad, term limits. Second verse, same as the first.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 12:59 pm:
===Well, you know, our first focus is to try to elect as many reform-minded, Democrats as well as Republicans, and, again, I don’t believe this election’s about party politics. I don’t think it’s about Democrats and Republicans fighting.===
‘Nember when Rauner tried to have a Raunerite Caucus, supporting the likes of Ken Dunkin, and really ignoring the idea of a party that wasn’t the Raunerite Party.
Yeah, me too.
- Lucky Pierre - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 1:42 pm:
The weather Is great here on the island of mis fit bots where 70 percent of Democratic primary voters don’t support the Madigan candidate for Governor.
Are 70 percent of Democratic primary voters Raunerbots?
Nothing to see here folks move along, the Speaker is just misunderstood.
Hereally has the best interests of middle class families in mind, not his favored special interest groups.
- Montrose - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 3:05 pm:
Rauner wouldn’t know anymore what to do with himself if he got rid of Madigan than if Coyote caught the Road Runner.
- walker - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 4:27 pm:
‘”’Well, you know, our first focus is to try to elect as many reform-minded, Democrats as well as Republicans,”'’
Really Governor? Call me.
I have a plan to drastically reform your Turnaround Agenda.
(Your implementation style might be unfixable.)
Hate to have to repeat it, but Madigan’s caucus is frequently to the left of its Leader. His eventual replacement might be even farther away from Rauner’s positions.
- anon2 - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 5:19 pm:
A question for GOP legislative candidates who back Rauner: Why do you support the worst Republican governor in America?
- wordslinger - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 5:45 pm:
LP, you’re confused. I was referring to your statement about “the Senate as a model of professionalism and bipartisan cooperation”
Apparently, news didn’t get to the Island of Misfit Bots that Rauner stabbed Radogno in the back and sabotaged her attempt at bipartisan professionalism.
Or is that the model you’re going for, the one that should be aspired to.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 5:52 pm:
===Democratic primary voters don’t support the Madigan candidate for Governor.===
Rauner… 31/55 - approval/disapproval.
Controller Mendoza… former Comptroller Munger.
There’s no proxy this time, people get to decide Rauner’s fate, and it won’t be Madigan running against him
That’s 25 points under water, 5th most unpopular governor, (Christie and Brownnback are no longer governors)…
… maybe former Comptroller Munger can explain how toxic Rauner is to… Rauner, lol