* As we discussed earlier this morning, Rep. Grant Wehrli (R-Naperville) tweeted that Deputy Gov. Christian Mitchell is the one who told him to “get a life” weeks ago…

Same Deputy Governor texted me to “Get a life” when I raised concerns about how IDES was handling unemployment claims. Anger management issues should never be on display when responding to a member of a co-equal branch of government @cljmitchell

I asked Wehrli for a screen cap of the exchange, but he declined.

* I also asked Mitchell and the governor’s press secretary and she sent it to me…

* From Jordan Abudayyeh…

Members of our staff are working long hours under a lot of stress. Lawmakers have continually asked for open lines of communication and members of our administration are always willing to discuss any issues that arise. But this crisis has made it clear there are two types of people: those who rise to the challenge putting aside ideology to help and those who snipe from the sidelines instead of offering constructive solutions.

Thoughts?

       

70 Comments - Mike - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:17 am: Thanks for providing context. Point Christian. - Metro East Transplant - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:18 am: It very clear why Wehrli declined to share. There’s always 2 sides to every story. And don’t forget boys and girls there’s always a screenshot. Always. - njt - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:21 am: “working around the clock” With 614 unread texts, this seems like a massive understated. Nothing wrong with that response. - Grandson of Man - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:22 am: Seems like mild stuff. Was expecting worse. People are angry and tense now and maybe they can just let this go. - Lester Holt’s Mustache - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:22 am: In any dispute between Grant and another person, always believe the other person. You’ll be amazed how often you end up on the right side - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:22 am: Mr. Wehrli is a snowflake. It’s embarrassing that Mr. Wehrli declines to share, but it is on brand for a phony who he, Grant Wehrli, himself, said he can’t get things done and ineffective as a legislator. Grant Wehrli is right about Grant Wehrli. - Anon E Moose - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:22 am: Rep Wehrli’s feelings are hurt because the Pritzker admin is criticizing the feds. What a snowflake. - Socially DIstant Watcher - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:22 am: Bottom line, Wherli lied about the ‘get a life” bit, and Mitchell talks like a sailor. Did I miss anything? - Come on... - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:23 am: “Members of our staff are working long hours under a lot of stress.” - Most staff members for most governors work long hours under a lot of stress. “Lawmakers have continually asked for open lines of communication and members of our administration are always willing to discuss any issues that arise.” - Clearly that’s not the case here. Based on what we’ve seen from Christian and others it has turned into a: unless you give us the solution the fix the problem (which isn’t their job, by the way), we don’t want to hear from you. “But this crisis has made it clear there are two types of people: those who rise to the challenge putting aside ideology to help and those who snipe from the sidelines instead of offering constructive solutions.” - Don’t you criticize us - clearly you’re only doing it for political purposes and not because there’s actually a real problem. - Just Me 2 - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:24 am: This is insane. Nobody cares about this. People care about protecting their health, their families, their jobs, their homes, their retirement. Is this nonsense really the biggest issue of the day? Do the job you were elected or hired to do and help the State and its citizens. Stop complaining about issues nobody cares about and get to work (banned punctuation). - LakeviewJ - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:24 am: “There are two types of people: those who rise to the challenge putting aside ideology to help and those who snipe from the sidelines instead of offering constructive solutions.” Which kind of person does the administration think Rep. Manley is? - Sufjan - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:26 am: Wehrli isn’t wrong. IDES is a mess and its failures are hurting people who need unemployment insurance. Mitchell offends easily and gets indignant quickly. Does manning a post mean tweeting incessantly? Beause if it does, give Mitchell a medal. I’ve dealt with a lot of state agencies and one thing remains constant through different Governors: IDES has the most apathetic, unproductive workforce of any of them. - Birdseed - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:28 am: Now do the Natalie Manley exchange. - Jocko - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:29 am: You’re part of the solution or part of the problem. Grant is the latter - Anyone Remember - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:30 am: “… Mitchell talks like a sailor.” I was going with over-worked under-resourced public servant, but the sailors of the modern Navy would say I’m being redundant … /s - Kippax Blue - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:31 am: Bravo Christian Mitchell–to be fair, its about time somebody talks to these snowflakes like they earned and deserved. - What Day Is It? - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:32 am: This sounded bad at first, but after seeing the entire change, Christian for the win. Maybe CM should just respond to everyone with the word “Noted”, like a former famous chief of staff? - The Ford Lawyer - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:32 am: Seeing it in context this now reads like a well-deserved smackdown. - Shytown - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:32 am: If you want to complain but don’t offer up either a solution or ideas around solving the issue, then you’re just part of the problem. I think Christian was actually pretty reserved given wehrli’s text. How about wehrli take the time to understand how the IDES process works and help communicate that to his constituents so they are armed with facts that can help guide them through this very difficult time? - thunderspirit - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:33 am: I mean, Wehrli didn’t fabricate the “get a life” part. He certainly left out all the context surrounding it, though. - Senator Blutarsky - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:34 am: My main takeaway? Misquoting A Few Good Men. Simply cannot have that kind of mistake from senior administration officials. - Just Me 2 - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:35 am: Aren’t these type of communications subject to FOIA? - NIU Grad - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:36 am: Conservatives get more worked up about someone criticizing the president than by thousands of Illinoisans dying due to lack of government preparation. I’ll never forget how they’ve reacted to this pandemic when I’m at the ballot box. - Leigh John-Ella - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:37 am: Everyone should know by now that Rep. Wehrli is very transparent. And by that I mean thin skinned. - LakeCo - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:38 am: Context is key. I like CM’s style. - Perrid - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:43 am: I still think it was imprudent, but at least in context he did actually engage a bit. It wasn’t just vitriol. And Wehrli’s initial text was also pretty hostile. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:44 am: Let’s keep in mind; Mr. Wehrli, his own words, says he’s an ineffective legislator who can’t get things done. === I serve in the minority party and I’ve been a vocal critic of the process around here. And in return for that, what has happened is I’ve had bills that just don’t go anywhere. I mean, there’s an abuse of the legislative process to silence those that dissent and have the integrity to call out what is going on around here. I take that as a form of overt bullying and it needs to stop. So when you talk about calling it out, yes, I 100 percent agree, but every legislator knows that if they do that there are certain repercussions that are going to happen. That is unacceptable, it’s unethical and that needs to stop.=== When you know you’re ineffective you tweet things to seem noteworthy. So… there’s that. - Nagidam - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:46 am: Pretty awesome response from Dep. Gov. Mitchell. Almost perfect. He was on track up until he told an elected Legislator to get a life. Unforced error. Even if said legislator deserved it. - essentially working - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:48 am: How old are these people? Both sound like teenagers in that exchange. - TNR - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:48 am: Wehrli is a troll who gives as good as he gets. Save the crocodile tears. But don’t let it obscure Mitchell’s exchange with Manley. We capitolfaxers lit up Rich Goldberg for his snarky and incredibly disrespectful exchanges with legislators during the Rauner years. Some called for him to be fired. What Mitchell said to Manley is much, much worse. - AD - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:51 am: I get the point CM is trying to make about the Fed Government doing its job, but he’s wrong on the ventilators. Certain governors were screaming for ventilators repeatedly and Pence told our own Governor that he was sending them based on the Fed projections as they had to distribute amongst all states. Certain Governors disagreed at the time, but Illinois never maxed out on ventilators and is in fact sending some back to other states. So Pence properly managed the distribution in my opinion (whether it was luck or not is a different question). That being said, Wehrli’s delivery is terrible. Neither side wins in this exchange or by releasing it. Makes both look incompetent. - Wire Tap - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:52 am: Wow, way to only tell half the story here…Manley is a leader on the Democratic side and Mitchell was obnoxious to her as well according to Politico. Mitchell has been a jerk for years. Let’s not make it sound like he was having a bad day, he’s had a lot of bad days and it came to light. Guy’s an ego maniac who is the President and CEO of the Christian Mitchell Fan Club. Granted, Wehrli can be difficult, but Mitchell’s photo is next to the definition of arrogant… - GetWreckedWehrli - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:55 am: I love this. Normally I would say you shouldn’t say this stuff to elected officials even if they are jerks but I’m cutting Mitchell slack since he’s overworked and because why waste civility on someone who might not be a rep this November? - Rich Miller - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:57 am: ===Wow, way to only tell half the story here=== That was covered earlier, doofus. - Boone's is Back - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 12:00 pm: Why is he texting Mitchell? If this wasn’t just some partisan cheap shot aimed to incite him why didn’t Rep. W email him or pick up the phone? “Get a life” seems a little appropriate for this circumstance. - Wire Tap - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 12:01 pm: You’re blinded by your man-crush on Mitchell. I look forward to being banned… - City Zen - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 12:02 pm: ==He was on track up until he told an elected Legislator to get a life.== In the first sentence. That’s some track. - Annonin - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 12:05 pm: Let;s be scared if Whirls got a life he wouldl probably come back as Randy Remmy. It might have been good if there had been an IDES announcement that: The extra $600 from the G was totally new and the UI for 1099 workers had never happened before an d folks should expect a delay to two. - Merica - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 12:09 pm: As Republican and Conservative Bill Kristol, son of Conservative writers Irving Kristol and Gertrude Himmelfarb, likes to say, “Donald Trump corrupts” This is the perfect example of how Donald Trump corrupts. Rep. Grant Wehrli puts Donald Trump’s pride and vanity above the lives and interests of his own constituents. - Agree2Disagee - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 12:13 pm: I actually think GW and CM are both arrogant. CM has this holier than thou attitude and GW is just insufferable. That said, can they both be right? IDES has been a failure and CM isn’t wrong about the work Team JB is doing. - Unboxed Boxer - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 12:14 pm: Christian and Grant: “If you or a loved one are struggling with stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic and need emotional support, text TALK to 552020 … This service is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” Use this Illinois Call4Calm Text Line instead of each other ! - Three Dimensional Checkers - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 12:16 pm: I’d stop making public records with swear words for both. You never know what could happen. - Father Ted - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 12:21 pm: Wehrli’s sanctimony notwithstanding, this squabble really shouldn’t be overshadowing what Mitchell said to Manley. As hard as JB has worked to take the high road and show leadership, Mitchell will quickly undermine the gov if he keeps letting his emotions get the best of him. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 12:22 pm: ===shouldn’t be overshadowing what Mitchell said to Manley=== ===Manley dismissed the exchange, saying “this is not a story… The focus needs to be on how hard people are working… Legislators are working very hard, as is the governor’s office and all his administration.”=== - Ike - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 12:24 pm: First thought. 614 unread texts? Whoa. - Naperville Resident - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 12:32 pm: Considering Grant blocks people on social media, including people he’s never interacted with but have said things that are remotely negative about GOP politicians and officials, him getting huffy about anything is pretty rich. - Centenial - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 12:39 pm: ===Manley dismissed the exchange=== If I am JB, his COS, or GC, I would grateful that the subject state representative chose to publicly take the high road, but that would not factor into how I handle any disclinary proceedings with a state employee. - Pundent - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 12:39 pm: Of all the things to learn from this exchange perhaps the most shocking is that Grant Wehrli has a friend. - Sonny - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 12:48 pm: At $350,000 a year he could afford to act a little more gracious. - Agree2Disagee - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 12:51 pm: “Of all the things to learn from this exchange perhaps the most shocking is that Grant Wehrli has a friend.” - Pundent L O L, well done. - City Zen - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 1:01 pm: ==At $350,000 a year he could afford to act a little more gracious.== Duality. - Sivad - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 1:03 pm: The frustration must be as unprecedented as the situation. Add to that that Gov. Pritzker, and Christian Mitchell, are working with a state government that the previous governor spent 4 years trying to dismantle. Damaged infrastructure to meet the greatest demand in a century at the least. - Fixer - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 1:05 pm: I think some of the newer commentators could benefit from the old thread that used to be stickied that had advice on how to act like adults on a forum like this. To the story: good on CM for putting GW in his place as nicely as possible. Grant is thin skinned enough that he blocks folks on his Twitter for asking him questions relating to his posts. - Been There - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 1:07 pm: Good one Pundent. And I agree with Agree2 that both can be arrogant. And I think Jordan’s statement is correct === and those who snipe from the sidelines instead of offering constructive solutions.==== I would think this applies to Christian also. - A State Employee Guy - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 1:25 pm: This one’s simple: Mitchell was in the wrong. - Tammy - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 1:30 pm: == I would grateful that the subject state representative chose to publicly take the high road == You’re not kidding. Mitchell is lucky Manley has a much thicker skin than he appears to. If she wanted to push the envelope, I don’t think he’s survive with his job. - BluegrassBoy - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 1:35 pm: Best advice I ever got from a former boss was Come to me with solutions not just a list of problems. Throwing haymakers from the gallery just adds to the stress and doesn’t help. Name calling and insults don’t help either… - JoanP - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 2:03 pm: I think Mitchell should have chosen a metaphor other than “pick up a gun”. - Mediapass - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 2:03 pm: JB frequently states that he has a no a@@hole rule in hiring. From JB’s perspective, none of these employees are a**holes to him. The reality is Christian has insulted and offended people since day 1. JB’s other senior employees in the office are no different and the campaign leadership was just as bad. They are nice to him and MK, but total jerks to everyone else. At least one very well regarded staff member likely left because of the treatment she endured. JB lives in a bubble in many ways, but this is one example. It is disappointing that the media has not covered this before. - Amalia - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 2:23 pm: I get what Mitchell thinks. and I’m in the Democratic party and supportive of the Governor. but Mitchell is no longer in the Legislature. he is a staffer for the Governor, and therefore representing him. I don’t think certain portions of the text are appropriate. you have to rise above it as a staffer. been there before and it’s difficult. - Moweaqua-ite - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 3:26 pm: This Christian Mitchell guy has to go. Using the “f word” has no place in texts to anyone, especially someone working for the citizens of the Great State of Illinois. Earlier today, Capitol Fax indicated he had also used the “f-word” in an e-mail to a female legislator. I don’t care how good he is, this kind of behavior is totally inappropriate and he needs to pay the consequences. - Elliott Ness - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 4:07 pm: Big boy pants Wehrli, you have heard and said worse I am sure. Clean it up a bit Dep Gov Mitchell , the position deserves a better response, on you - All This - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 4:50 pm: == This one’s simple: Mitchell was in the wrong.== So they’re not friends? - Phenomynous - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 6:17 pm: Not appropriate behavior or language from a state employee representing the Governor. Probably acceptable as an employee of East Jackson St LLC though. - Nick - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 7:03 pm: If you’re pearl clutching about language in texts, please stop following politics - Centennial - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 9:00 pm: Nick - This isn’t politics. It’s a state employee on state time texting elected officials regarding state business. It’s apparently governing. - Token Conservative - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 10:03 pm: Saying “you’re my friend” before being a jerk does not make one less of a jerk. - Lynn S. - Wednesday, May 6, 20 @ 11:37 pm: Is it too late to point out that the first person who cursed was Grant Wehrli? My parents always said: don’t dish it out if you can’t take it. (And Grant Wehrli and my dad are very distant cousins.) - Pundent - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 6:32 am: =It’s a state employee on state time texting elected officials regarding state business.= I see this like a comedian dealing with a heckler. Mitchell is trying to do his job and Wehrli is the guy in the crowd yelling get off the stage. - Centennial - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 8:34 am: You are entitled to justify actions however you wish. The facts remain we have: State employees inappropriately texting or tweeting at multiple elected officials regarding state buisness. In their defense, I probably would have wanted to do the same thing. But I wouldn’t have. Especially in writing. Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.