* Shia Kapos…
Republican candidates running for the state assembly are fretting about campaign coffers that seem bare. They wonder if/when Gov. Bruce Rauner will give another infusion. He donated $50,000 to the state Republican Party last month. […]
Another lawmaker says Republicans are bracing for a possible Blue Wave and know the only thing that can save them is cash.
A source above the fray, however, tells me Rauner has every intention of donating to the legislators’ campaign fund.
“It’s only the beginning of July (for crying out loud). The governor is 100 percent committed.” Rauner apparently is working to get others to donate, too. […]
Lawmakers hope to see a cash infusion in the next 30 days or so. That’s a few weeks before campaign season really kicks in.
As far as cash to others is concerned, Gov. Rauner is known for two things: 1) He doesn’t relish writing big checks; and 2) He often waits to pump money into others’ campaigns (note the late cash to Comptroller Munger two years ago).
The House Republicans are, I’m told, running on fumes right now. I’m also hearing a half million is expected soonish.
- SammyG - Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:30 am:
Is Dick Uihlein going to step in and donate instead?
- Homer J. Quinn - Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:33 am:
if they’re sweating now, what’s their plan for after bruce says arrivederci?
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:38 am:
If they are sweating now, its a confirmation that they are docile, weak, and they are begging, then beholden to the ones that buy them. What a sorry lot. Both parties
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:39 am:
We let a stranger in our house.
Rauner owns you. You know that, right?
You vote against your districts, your constituents, your own beliefs… and still you wait… wait… and wait.
How many social services waited for you, Raunerites, to care about them?
You made them want. Some couldn’t wait. They’re gone now. Thanks to you… waiting… for Raunerbucks.
I believe the premise of caucuses that can help, be a partner, but autonomous from the arm of a controlling Executive.
This is, and was always why.
I’d say they deserved better, but what would I say to those closed social services, starved state universities… they deserved so much better… but… taking steps to reform Illinois was more important… because Raunerbucks.
- Nick Name - Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:41 am:
The poor dears. I feel their pain. I really do.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:42 am:
It’s heartbreaking to see able-bodied GOP legislators trapped in this cycle of entitlement and dependency, waiting for Big Daddy to provide that which they should be getting on their own.
Perhaps some tough love is in order from Rauner. Shut them down, and let them pull themselves up by their bootstraps and restore their pride.
If nothing else, require a drug test for any GOP lawmaker looking for a handout. I hear that’s a good idea, and not mean-spirited red meat, in some circles.
- City Zen - Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:54 am:
Shouldn’t Rauner bucks be called “Roner”?
- I don't have a job - Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:54 am:
How are they supposed to flip the House on fumes?
- Put the fun in unfunded - Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:56 am:
Wordslinger is quite right here. Go raise money. That goes for Leader Durkin as well. Whatever happened to FOLD?
- Phil King - Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:12 am:
Rauner bucks also come with all sorts of strings attached. If they’re close to your sole funder, they own you. And they will always put Rauner first, even if it means messaging that doesn’t work in your district.
GA candidates would be much better off creating their own donor lists, preferably in district.
Rauner bucks are a poison apple.
- Anon221 - Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:21 am:
When the heat is on, the well is dry, and you’re sweating maybe you should re-think the dry hole you’ve been digging down into. After Janus, the map and majorities may be small potatoes to Rauner and not worth his investment anymore. A half million is couch change, and won’t go far even if Rauner grumbly writes that check himself.
- Illinois Resident - Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:25 am:
Wordslinger is always spot on. How about raise money from ordinary people that believe in the issues you are fighting for?
- Illinois Resident - Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:27 am:
When all of your money is tied to large donors, you don’t work for the people anymore.
- Illinois Native - Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:31 am:
I wonder if the GA candidates are 1) not trying to find donors in their districts or 2) if the possible donors in their districts have been found but are giving them little or nothing? Over dependence on Rauner, Dick Uihlein and a handful of other mega donors could lead to big problems for many GA candidates this Fall.
- Happy Retiree - Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:38 am:
-Wordslinger is always spot on. How about raise money from ordinary people that believe in the issues you are fighting for?-
Better yet, how about asking your *constituents* in your districts what issues *they* believe in and fight for *them* instead of toeing the line for Rauner and his agenda?
After all, you were hired by the people to represent *them*.
- Just Sayin' - Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:53 am:
Serves them right. Republicans have gotten so lazy in IL just sitting around gorging on Rauner’s money. A nice Blue Wave would be the best thing that could happen to the GOP in Illinois.
Take out the do nothings. They are all a drag on the one Republican who is doing something, President Trump and his winning agenda.
- zatoichi - Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 11:00 am:
If you are a Repub nervous about Rauner funding, you dug that hole yourself.
- Retired Educator - Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 11:35 am:
The word Representative, has a definition. No where does it say bought and paid for by a rich guy. If you need his money, you are no longer a representative of the people. Find a new name to call yourself. Perhaps pariah would suffice.
- The Way I See It - Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 1:08 pm:
Hearing this makes me think of animals at the zoo who no longer know how to hunt after getting used to the zookeeper giving them dinner.
- Honeybadger - Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 3:00 pm:
So the ILGOP wants a bailout from Rauner?