Durkin on masks, Trump and Rauner
Thursday, Aug 27, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Rachel Hinton…
[House Republican Leader Jim Durkin] said “masks are the right thing to do,” and he hopes science “is able to prevail” over politics.
“Everything is politicized — every small thing, every large thing — and, unfortunately, that is the nature of the DNC and the RNC and, sadly, the pandemic has been politicized,” Durkin, who said he wears a mask whenever he’s out in public, said Wednesday. […]
As for whether Trump chooses to wear a mask, Durkin said “that’s a decision for him.”
“I think that’s an issue that, at the end of the day, I’m not sure voters are going to be too distracted with that,” Durkin said. “I’m sure they’ll put their focus on other things because this will come to an end.”
The election will end by November (hopefully), but not the virus.
* Ever the optimist…
Rauner has not made campaign donations in his own name to anyone in Illinois during the current two-year election cycle, state records show.
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin said he has spoken with Rauner several times about getting involved. And Durkin still seemed to be holding out hope the venture capitalist might help House GOP candidates.
“He’s aware of what we have at stake,” Durkin said.
- Anon E Moose - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 10:05 am:
Rauner never cared about IL and he certainly doesn’t care about now in Florida with his ill-gotten gains. Good riddance.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 10:15 am:
=== And Durkin still seemed to be holding out hope the venture capitalist might help House GOP candidates.
“He’s aware of what we have at stake,” Durkin said.===
… From Florida.
Diana is registered here, at one point, Diana Rauner, herself, was a “top 5” donor.
If you’re going to still be a Raunerite, call her.
- @misterjayem - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 10:17 am:
“House Republican Leader Jim Durkin said he has spoken with Rauner several times about getting involved.”
The political equivalent of the Bears turning to Marc Trestman for help.
– MrJM
- TheInvisibleMan - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 10:21 am:
Somewhat related, if you stretch far enough.
The Kankakee county sheriff and coroner are making fools of themselves over covid on the sheriffs facebook page.
The sheriff a few months ago was proudly announcing he was selectively not going to enforce pandemic laws, and is now using his facebook page to complain that facebook has erased the coroners facebook page over a deceptive post.
- Upon Further Review - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 10:22 am:
Jimmy bet the farm on Rauner. The farm just got sold in foreclosure. The check isn’t coming.
- Jocko - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 10:35 am:
==“He’s aware of what we have at stake,”==
I’m picturing Jim as Lloyd Dobler, holding a boom box over his head in front of Rauner’s Florida estate.
- Cheryl44 - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 10:36 am:
Perhaps staying out of it is more helpful.
- Frank talks - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 10:37 am:
He was aware what was at stake in 18 and bailed out. I wouldn’t cross your fingers.
Can we have a money line on the over/under he sends money? Do they have that at River’s?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 10:38 am:
The correct Durkin response;
“Bruce left Illinois, and in his wake, as he boats in Florida, he left a crumbling state and an imploded party. Did I talk to him? Yeah I talked to him. I told him don’t come back”
- Streator Curmudgeon - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 10:40 am:
I wonder if Rauner gets it now. He never seemed to when he was governor.
- Cool Papa Bell - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 10:51 am:
Aware of whats at stake?
Was that why he tried to find someone to take his place in the election?
- Pundent - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 10:52 am:
What Durkin fails to acknowledge in his remarks is the obligation that falls on leaders to lead. The fact that the President is unwilling to wear a mask in the midst of a pandemic is not a trivial thing. By the same token Durkin’s unwillingness to criticize Darren Bailey is not insignificant. Be it Democratic or Republican true leaders put the needs of the country or state before their party or their own self-interests. If you can’t do that, you are part of the very politicization you’re criticizing.
- Grandson of Man - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 10:57 am:
The ILGOP should steer clear of Rauner and other super-rich right wing funders if it wants to build back up. Anti-unionism is not the way to go in Illinois for political success. It’s not even the way to go in red Missouri, where voters overwhelmingly repealed RTWFL. Sen. McCann got lots of union support, standing up for workers against Rauner.
- Pundent - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 11:06 am:
Bruce Rauner wasn’t funding the party as much as he was funding an agenda which by extension required people to be bought. Now that his agenda has failed there’s no incentive for him to put money behind any of these candidates.
- Socially DIstant Watcher - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 11:10 am:
Jim Durkin is a decent man who has been a loyal soldier for many years. He does not deserve this fate.
- Tired Teacher - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 11:24 am:
“Jim Durkin is a loyal man…”
Durkin sold his soul and his party to Rauner who abandoned him and our state.
- Morty - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 11:29 am:
if he can’t own it lock, stock, and barrel, he’s not interested
- Red ghetto in a blue state - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 11:30 am:
Is there a town named florida in italy?
- Annoin' - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 11:32 am:
And Durkie’s Plan B…YouTube telethon. GovJunk unlikely to return before Grand Jury on vrts death cover up ends
- pool boy - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 11:48 am:
Bruce Rauner is history. Learn from it and move on.
- JoanP - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 11:50 am:
@ Red ghetto:
Yep: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italia,_Florida
- Father Ted - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 12:01 pm:
This is exactly the type of thing reminding me why the Illinois Republican Party can’t get out of its own way. Durkin had a smart, reasonable response on masks that moderate people will get behind… and then in another conversation he’s talking about how to keep Bruce Rauner (or at least his checkbook) involved.
- Dale - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 12:29 pm:
Anonymous comments attack the notion that Rauner might exercise his First Amendment rights and make contributions that would be fully disclosed.
Just another day in Illinois.
- Norseman - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 12:31 pm:
Durkin and most of his fellow ILGOP sold their souls for the money. Now the money is gone and so is their souls.
- Chatham Resident - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 12:34 pm:
==Is there a town named florida in italy?==
There is a town named Florida only 3 hours west of Springfield–Florida, Missouri. Where Mark Twain was born in 1835. About 40 miles southwest of Hannibal.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida,_Missouri
- Rich Hill - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 12:37 pm:
Waiting for Rauner.
A play in two acts.
Act I.
Two men, Durkin and Brady, have met near a leafless tree. It is the late summer of 2020. The two men discuss a variety of issues, and it is revealed that they are waiting for a man named Rauner. They are not certain if he or his money will arrive.
Act II.
It is November of 2020. As votes are counted, a fax from Florida informs the two men Rauner and his money are staying out of state. The two men contemplate changing, but ultimately continue to wait into the next cycle.
- Froganon - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 12:37 pm:
@ Father Ted
why the Illinois Republican Party can’t get out of its own way. Durkin had a smart, reasonable response on masks that moderate people will get behind…
Durkin’s support for stepping up and wearing masks has no credibility when he refuses to hold Trump and his fellow republicans to the same standard. He leads a political party consisting of people who appear to be committed to the collapse of the State and the social order.
- Skeptic - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 1:35 pm:
=Is there a town named florida in italy?== There is a Venice, FL, and Florida (estado) en Uruguay. Neither one is far enough away though.
- Mr. K - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 1:40 pm:
Rauner got what he wanted: Janus.
The fact that he was Governor was only a means to (fairly bizarre) end.
- zatoichi - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 2:05 pm:
The Reps bet their future on an self centered empty suit with a lot of money. Now they have neither. Get a plan together, develop a bench, and find some serious bipartisan work with the Dems. Do they really want Bailey to become their voice by default.
- Groundhog Day - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 2:20 pm:
OMG Laughed so hard at the play by Rich Hill “Waiting for Rauner”. Thank you, I needed that laugh.
- Dotnonymous - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 2:27 pm:
- Mr. K - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 1:40 pm:
Rauner got what he wanted: Janus.
No,he didn’t…he got what he deserved…kicked to the curb.
- Keyrock - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 3:11 pm:
Is it still too soon for the Dad’s Home State Zoom reunion?
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 3:14 pm:
===And Durkin still seemed to be holding out hope the venture capitalist might help House GOP candidates.===
I know how Durkin must feel. Years ago, Rich had a QOTD that Bruce Rauner agreed to read. We got to ask him anything, so I asked him for $1 million. So far, he hasn’t responded, but I too am hopeful the wealthy venture capitalist might help me out.
*fingers crossed*
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 3:23 pm:
=== Is it still too soon for the Dad’s Home State Zoom reunion?===
There’s talk of a 30 min Zoom special, but Bruce being in the eastern time zone has really shut things down.
It’s funny.
I’ve tried. I think Bruce changed his cell phone, email, and it’s like he wants no contact with me.
It’s almost purposeful.
Stay tuned. Maybe something will work.
Bruce and Diana, reach out. Thanks.
- BilboSwaggins - Thursday, Aug 27, 20 @ 4:18 pm:
Imagining what the state would look like right now if Rauner had been in charge during the pandemic. A truly frightening thought.