* Front pages of a couple of recent Bruce Rauner campaign mailers, with thanks to my mom…
* And while we’re at it, here’s Finke…
After Rauner said he’d be moving back to the mansion in May, a reporter asked about a discrepancy in fundraising efforts. Money was raised to repair the mansion, but efforts to raise private money to repair buildings on the state fairgrounds haven’t been as successful since Rauner created a fair foundation in 2016.
“What we have found is that because Madigan and his legislators have resisted it and have fought against a fair foundation, there’s some reluctance among some donors to fund it, because they’re worried Madigan will somehow end-run it or block it in the future,” Rauner said. “His resistance to a fair foundation has inhibited donors and it’s frankly terrible.”
Yeah, that’s the only possible explanation.
*** UPDATE *** With a hat tip to a commenter, if you go to the Illinois State Fairgrounds Foundation’s website, you’ll see this…
But if you click on either of the two “donate” buttons, you get this message…
A critical error has occurred. Please check the Event Viewer for further details.
“Mike Madigan and the fairgrounds foundation websites he controls!”
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 9:45 am:
With a 30% approval rating, over 20 points under water, regarded as the Worst Republican in America and running in a blue wave in a state Trump already lost by 16 points, and polling worse than Trump to boot…
I don’t think Rauner is booting anyone out anytime soon.
- Back to the Mountains - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 9:50 am:
My hope is that, at some point in my life, I believe something to the degree that Rauner believes Madigan is responsible for every bad (or inconvenient) thing that happens in Illinois.
- Henry Francis - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 9:54 am:
Well of course he is gonna go after the only politician in the entire state less popular than himself. Too bad he isn’t facing MJM in his race.
It’s like the Bulls trolling the Suns and saying how they could sweep them in the finals this year.
- Retired Educator - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 9:54 am:
Well; Madigan did sink the Titanic, and cause every major disaster over the last 40 years. Let’s be clear here, the Speaker is going nowhere until he chooses. Rauner has been out of his league since the beginning. Hopefully a new Governor will be sworn in who wants to do the job, not just covet the title.
- Chicago Cynic - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 10:03 am:
Ya gotta wonder if anyone that receives this piece believes it for even a second. Rich, what did your Mom think?
- Han's Solo Cup - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 10:04 am:
-Well; Madigan did sink the Titanic, and cause every major disaster over the last 40 years.-
Maybe so, but someone should tell Rauner you can’t raise the Titanic with depth charges.
- RNUG - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 10:06 am:
So …. after 3 1/2 years, he’s almost worn Madagin down? And just needs another 4 years to complete the job?
- Grandson of Man - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 10:12 am:
The idea that Rauner will roll back the tax hike without full control of the GA is ludicrous. He needed the hike and let it happen in a cowardly way, letting others take the heat. Someone should run dark money ads telling about Rauner’s caving on the tax hike.
- Annonin' - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 10:18 am:
Wonder why Madigan didn’t mess with the Mansion project. Knock GovJunk out of his crib for longer period. Seems like that would have been more fun.
The truth seems to be potential fair foundation donors have been unable to get a clear picture of how the $$$ will be used. Might have somethin’ to do with revolvin’ door.
- Northsider - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 10:18 am:
Mike Madigan turned me into a newt!
- Cool Papa Bell - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 10:23 am:
The followup that got kinda shouted over and not asked was if the Speaker had inhibited him from giving. He said the day the foundation was created that he and his wife would be making a big donation very soon.
- VanillaMan - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 10:25 am:
Pulp science fiction from the L.Rauner Hubbard of Illinois governors, that matches the pulp science fiction movie poster syle of his mailers.
- old time golfer - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 10:27 am:
-OW- Now that judgement day is soon upon us are you still staying with Ives at 37.5?
- VanillaMan - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 10:28 am:
North Korean government says Rauner campaign art plagerizes their best.
- Anon221 - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 10:29 am:
Just for giggles, would some of you try the State Fair Foundation links and see if the Donate button even works? Only the Home and About Pages worked when I went on it just now. The other pages came up with error messages. https://www.ilfairfoundation.com/
- m - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 10:30 am:
=The truth seems to be potential fair foundation donors have been unable to get a clear picture of how the $$$ will be used.=
Of all the things Rauner has said, there is a grain of truth to the fair issue. The businesses who wanted to donate didn’t get the bill they wanted. There was a big disagreement over prevailing wage and procurement, etc. The businesses believed the money could be spent more efficiently not going through state rules.
In the end they got something completely different with the foundation formed by the gov, but with the same issue of the money flowing through the state.
As for the blame, Manar inserted an amendment into his foundation bill to require the state bidding process. Madigan wouldn’t let any of the foundation bills be called for a vote. Those two took most of the blame from the would-be donors and ag groups.
- Skeptic - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 10:30 am:
Northsider: Looks like you got better though.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 10:33 am:
===Now that judgement day is soon upon us are you still staying with Ives at 37.5?===
I think the “closing” line will be 39.5… still at 37.5 thru today until 5, so get your ticket.
- wordslinger - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 10:33 am:
–North Korean government says Rauner campaign art plagerizes their best.–
There is a more than a hint of that, isnt’ there? It’s known as Heroic Realism or simply Totalitarianism Art.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 10:39 am:
===There was a big disagreement over prevailing wage and procurement, etc. The businesses believed the money could be spent more efficiently not going through state rules.===
“We’ll pay for it, but we won’t support the people actually doing the work to fix it.”
So “because unions”?
Hmm.
- Trapped in the ‘burbs - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 10:46 am:
Using the Rauner fantasy protocol, I expect to be the starting shortstop for the Cubs on my 58th Birthday.
- Nick Name - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 10:47 am:
He’s got Madigan right where Madigan wants him.
- Thoughts Matter - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 10:47 am:
==There was a big disagreement over prevailing wage and procurement, etc. The businesses believed the money could be spent more efficiently not going through state rules.==
I understand the grain of truth. However- state facility,state rules. Surely Rauner doesn’t mean to suggest that private donors should be allowed to hire expensive or substandard firms just because they want to? Maybe skip a few inspections too?
- Practical Politics - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 10:48 am:
@Hans Solo Cup:
Madigan was playing with matches and started the Great Chicago Fire. The O’Leary cow was a convenient scapegoat.
- Aldyth - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 10:50 am:
One day, when The Wit and Wisdom of Capitol Fax is published, this column and the comments section must be included.
Brilliant day before the primary banter!
- VanillaMan - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 10:50 am:
Rauners new Anti-Ives mailer
- wordslinger - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 10:54 am:
–Surely Rauner doesn’t mean to suggest that private donors should be allowed to hire expensive or substandard firms just because they want to? Maybe skip a few inspections too?–
What could go wrong? I hear some whiz kids in Miami built a pedestrian bridge in a matter of hours.
- bored now - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 10:56 am:
did rauner promise to send madigan packing last time?
- VanillaMan - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 10:58 am:
Rauner Supports Right to Work
- Demoralized - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 11:00 am:
Does the Governor have any responsibilities in state government whatsoever besides being the Victim in Chief?
- downstate commissioner - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 11:06 am:
Rauner still thinks the governor’s election is about Madigan. Maybe,after November, he will realize that the governor’s race was about the Governor’s (his) job. In the meantime, I guess we will have to listen to all of his anti-Madigan rants…
- Steve Rogers - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 11:06 am:
Give Rauner credit, he’s finally not lying about something. He IS giving 100% of his effort to run against Madigan. /s
- Lucky Pierre - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 11:24 am:
The Madigan endorsed candidate and the Head of the Cook County Democrats -Joe Berrios will lose
The Madigan endorsed candidat for Attorney General- Kwame Raoul will lose. Every single candidate for Attorney General has said he should step down as the Head of the State Party
The Madigan endorsed candidate for Governor has spent almost 70 million dollars to win a primary and he probably won’t do it
Tell me again how aligning with Mike Madigan is good politics
- m - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 11:52 am:
=So “because unions”?=
They looked at what something would cost them, such as a new roof for a building, vs what it would cost the state. There was a big difference. Not just unions, but the whole bidding and procurement process.
At the same time, big ag generally isn’t exactly pro union. They were particularly set on exempting prevailing wage.
They believed Rauner could get it done for them. I think a lot of them still believe it could get “fixed”.
=Surely Rauner doesn’t mean to suggest that private donors should be allowed to hire expensive or substandard firms just because they want to?=
They want their money to go as far as it can. They didn’t have a beef with quality or inspection, but they knew they could get the same thing for the same $ or less outside state rules. They believed people would accept it because it was private money.
- m - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 12:08 pm:
=So “because unions”?=
Here is how the backers of the idea saw it. Worth reading.
http://www.wallacesfarmer.com/blogs-lets-compare-iowa-illinois-fairgroundsand-foundations-11215
It also includes a very interesting farm-based metaphor for the Illinois budget.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 12:30 pm:
===Tell me again how aligning with Mike Madigan is good politics===
Even with ALL you think…
Rauner is polling at a 30% approval rating, over 20 points under water, regarded as the Worst Republican in America and running in a blue wave in a state Trump already lost by 16 points, and polling worse than Trump to boot…
…
That’s WITH Madigan, lol.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 12:32 pm:
Rauner and Raunerites think Labor makes too much money.
Good to know.
Vote accordingly.
- Sue - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 12:36 pm:
Maybe we could send both packing- the State wouldn’t miss either of them
- wordslinger - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 12:42 pm:
–Just for giggles, would some of you try the State Fair Foundation links and see if the Donate button even works?–
Doesn’t work.
I wonder if that impacts donations?
No worries. The IT pinstripe patronage army still gets paid first under Rauner.
- Demoralized - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 12:48 pm:
==Rauner and Raunerites think Labor makes too much money.==
I don’t think that was a secret. His anti-union beliefs are a religion to him.
- Lucky Pierre - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 12:49 pm:
I guess you think the voters in Illinois blame Governor Rauner for all of the state’s problems and think Mike Madigan and the Democratic party he runs have solutions to all of our problems.
When do you think they will tell us what those solutions are?
As the wallace farmer article states, the Speaker would rather the project not get done unless he can dictate the labor terms.
There are countless examples of this- Toyota etc. The Speaker is not interested in increasing the number of middle class jobs unless they are in a union that contributes to the Democratic party.
They are not interested in reforming our government or business environment, just higher taxes.
The National Review assessment will not hurt the Governor if in fact there is a blue wave coming. Upsetting a Republican publication will be a positive as will HB 40 in a general election.
Skyhook in Reverse
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 12:50 pm:
===I don’t think that was a secret. His anti-union beliefs are a religion to him.===
Aw, I was cutting to the quick, you know, trying to rationalize, weighing pros and cons, deciding or not deciding to support the plan.
It’s on me. My bad.
- Lucky Pierre - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 1:20 pm:
So how is Illinois better off with no projects at the state fairgrounds rather than ones that pay a decent wage but not the cadillac wages Madigan demands that can triple the cost of a project?
vote accordingly
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 1:24 pm:
===cadillac wages===
Define prevailing wages, and how they come about.
Thanks.
If Rauner hates labor so much, “cadillac wages”, why does he think he’s their friend?
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 1:36 pm:
===The National Review assessment will not hurt the Governor if in fact there is a blue wave coming. Upsetting a Republican publication will be a positive as will HB 40 in a general election.===
Then why run as a Republican at all?
Rauner should run as a Dem, with that thinking, and take on Madigan directly.
Rauner is a Raunerite, there is no doubt, but you’re saying he won’t run as a Republican at all if he wins?
Why nominate Rauner if Rauner is just another Dem?
===I guess you think the voters in Illinois blame Governor Rauner for all of the state’s problems and think Mike Madigan and the Democratic party he runs have solutions to all of our problems.===
With a 30% approval and double digits under water, your utter ignorance here refuses to see… Rauner has been running against Madigan for 5 years… Rauner has been weighed and measured, and is underwater and losing to Pritzker, who is also under water, by double digits… LOL
If this is the Rauner Campaign, this is a losing messsge, because really right now, this same message is sinking Rauner
- Lucky Pierre - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 2:17 pm:
“Why run as a Republican at all?”
Who would do better in Illinois- a conservative or moderate Republican?
“Why nominate Rauner if Rauner is just another Dem?”
Quite possibly the most unintentionally funny thing you have ever posted here OW.
Rauner is most certainly not a supporter of unions and trial lawyers but shares many social issue positions with Democrats in Illinois.
Many people would see that as a positive, centrist bipartisan positions .No surprise you do not.
You are certainly getting a lot of mileage out of the one poll commissioned by democrats. Remember its still Spring training, a lot of baseball left to be played
- Demoralized - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 2:59 pm:
==cadillac wages==
Exactly how do you define as a “cadillac wage?”
How about you take a gander at the Prevailing Rates in Illinois and give us all a lesson in what’s “decent” versus “cadillac”
https://www.illinois.gov/idol/Laws-Rules/CONMED/Pages/2017-Rates.aspx
- Demoralized - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 3:03 pm:
LP
You, like the Governor, cannot make a coherent argument telling us all why he should be re-elected beyond the whining “nothing is my fault” defense. I’m glad you expect so very little of your Governor.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 3:11 pm:
===but shares many social issue positions with Democrats in Illinois.===
Diana Rauner said Bruce has no social agenda
Bruce signed “sanctuary state” legislation and taxpayer funded abortions, according to Jeanne Ives.
Rauner isn’t a fiscal conservative either, running up billions of debt, not paying bills, and when Rauner got a tax increase, Rauber overspent by over a billion dollars, with no appropriations passed to pay them anyway.
Rauner IS a Raunerite
Rauner despises organized labor, wants state universities and social services closed, while supporting HB40, lying to a Catholic Cardinal…
Rauner isn’t even close to a Republican, which is why the National Review calls Rauner the Worst Republican Governor in America.
It’s as ridiculous Rauner running as a Republican or a Democrat.
Bruce and Diana Rauner are Raunerites.
Ives is a far right, far-far right conservative, but she can at least be linked to Trump in policies that make her a “Republican of Today”.
===You are certainly getting a lot of mileage out of the one poll …===
… and yet you can’t deny Rauner is under water, less popular than Trump in Illinois, and Trump lost Illinois by 16 points.
Rauner is anything but a Republican.
Rauner’s social agenda, signed legislation, should make conservatives think twice about Rauner.
You said yourself, Rauner isn’t a conservative, which is odd…
Ives wants to “Kirk” Rauner come November.
Conservatives know, Rauner isn’t a Republican.
- BlueDogDem - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 3:45 pm:
Bruce Rauner is not a moderate Republican. He is a free spending progressive who makes promises he can’t keep.
- RNUG - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 4:13 pm:
== He is a free spending progressive who makes promises he can’t keep. ==
In my book, that is the definition of a Democrat.
- wordslinger - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 4:53 pm:
== He is a free spending progressive who makes promises he can’t keep. ==
In my book, that is the definition of a Democrat.–
You like those fantasy yarns?
–US on track to double borrowing in Trump’s first full fiscal year: report–
That’s with a GOP House and Senate.
http://thehill.com/policy/finance/372235-us-on-track-to-double-borrowing-under-trumps-first-year-report
- blue dog dem - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 4:59 pm:
Yup. Exactly.
- walker - Monday, Mar 19, 18 @ 5:43 pm:
Mdigan’s ultimate trump card, if things get really bad for him and his candidates:
“I will only consider retiring from the Chairmanship of the Democratic Party, if Rauner is soundly defeated, and we get a solid veto-proof majority in the House. Then I will leave on a successful note.” “Vote accordingly.”
“I will leave the Speakership when the State has demonstrated it is on the road to fiscal recovery.”
[Night before an election: crazy thoughts abound.]
Seriously: What is often missed, is that the Dem House caucus is regularly to the left of MJM on everything of importance to Rauner.