Tillman returns to cheering Rauner
Tuesday, Oct 16, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Let’s circle back to the Tribune’s endorsement of Gov. Bruce Rauner…
Then ask whether a second-term Rauner would do exactly what he has tried to do in his first term: deprive those Democratic leaders of their wretched excesses in spending and taxing.
That answer to that is yes, as the Democrats know.
They loathe Rauner. He often stalemates them. Armed only with a veto pen and a bully pulpit, he blocks their exclusive dominion over lawmaking.
Which is precisely why we endorse Bruce Rauner, and urge you to re-elect him governor of Illinois.
* That message is about the same as this week’s Tribune op-ed by the Illinois Policy Institute’s John Tillman…
Yet, if Gov. Bruce Rauner wins re-election, it’s likely Illinois will have another four years of political rancor and disagreement over the state budget. That’s mostly because the governor was unwilling to back down when sent a deficit-spending budget forced through the General Assembly at the last minute.
Rauner’s most important policy position is a demonstrated commitment to blocking tax hikes and restraining spending rather than increasing it faster than taxpayer incomes.
* The Daily Herald editorial board is about as rib-rocked Republican as you can get, but they’ve had enough…
But the reality is, under Rauner, not only has progress not been made, but problems have gotten worse.
It’s not the desire or the will Rauner lacks, but the skill and the understanding of how to make government work.
A year ago, the conservative National Review put him on its cover with the headline, “The Worst Republican Governor in America.” Unfortunately, Rauner has shown no indication that he has learned from his first dismal term.
We can’t afford another four years of confrontation and stalemate.
* The National Review story referenced above was published in December of 2017 and it had Tillman’s fingerprints on it…
On June 20, the governor announced that he’d accept an increase to the state income tax, raising it from 3.75 percent to 4.95 percent. Madigan pounced. Democrats drew up a budget that raised taxes in precisely this way, offered none of Rauner’s proposed reforms, and passed it with the votes of impatient Republicans. Rauner vetoed the bill, but a bipartisan supermajority overrode him. Conservatives were flabbergasted. “The ‘Turnaround Agenda’ went from 44 reforms to none,” says John Tillman, the CEO of the Illinois Policy Institute. “Rauner once talked about reducing the income tax to 3 percent. Instead, he opened the door to the biggest income-tax hike in state history.”
I guess Rauner wasn’t so bad after all?
…Adding… From February…
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* Press release…
Grammy Award-winner and Chicago activist Chance the Rapper today endorsed Amara Enyia for Mayor of Chicago and announced plans to co-campaign with a new vision to empower all Chicagoans — from Rogers Park to Austin to Hegewisch — and lead with progressive values. During the City Hall event Enyia and Chance announced plans to:
Push for a more equitable public school funding formula that doesn’t punish low-population schools and reimagines a school system with more equitable programming, capital investments, and the restoration of arts, libraries and social / emotional learning initiatives.
Create bold economic reform that shores up city finances, creates a public bank as a vital part of our economy, invests in small business through cooperative ownership and explores community land trusts that promote local ownership and expands affordable housing.
Build on Enyia’s history in workforce development to expand high-value sectors of the economy such as advanced manufacturing, information technology, healthcare and other STEM fields with a focus on the South and West Side. (Enyia has been working on programs of this nature through Blue 1647 for several years.)
“Amara and I share values and a vision for Chicago that includes equitable education for our kids, reforming our criminal justice system, and bringing new kinds of economic opportunities to our communities without causing displacement. I am proud to stand with her as we work toward bringing new leadership to City Hall.'’
Chance donated $1 million dollars to Chicago Public Schools in 2016 and recently donated another million to local mental health services. He started the non-profit Socialworks helping elementary school students learn through music, has worked to reduce gun violence, and has been a tireless advocate of reform in his hometown.
“Chicago is in serious need of reform, but this election is about more than just Chicago. It holds national significance and we can lead the nation in new visions that work for the people,’’ Enyia said. “This belief and this movement represent the future of Chicago and we are both dedicated to building the Chicago we deserve.’’
Enyia and Chance will host a forum, “Creating the Growth Economy of the 21st Century’’ with economic development experts, labor groups — including former Treasure Island employees — on Oct. 22.
Enyia, a resident of Garfield Park, runs her own public policy business consulting governmental bodies around the world, serves as the executive director of the Austin Chamber of Commerce, has worked as a Chicago City Hall policy analyst, and founded the Institute for Cooperative Economics. She holds a master’s degree in education, a law degree, and a Ph.D in education policy.
…Adding… From Toni Preckwinkle…
When I decided to run for Mayor, one of my first calls was to Ken Bennett. Having known him since my days in City Council, I’ve seen first-hand his commitment to our city, his dedication to those he believes can make a difference and his drive to build the coalitions that turn ideas into reality.
I’m honored to have Ken as an advisor and chair of my campaign. Ken has served in the Harold Washington administration, helped elect Barack Obama as Senator and President, and served in the Obama White House. I’m grateful to be among those whom have benefitted from Ken’s incomparable experience and unfailing commitment.
Ken is a dedicated and loving husband and father who has clearly passed on his love for his city and his value in public service and advocacy. I respect his son’s commitment to our city, his eagerness to engage in the issues impacting our communities and his willingness to use his platform to express his opinion.
…Adding… Chance’s father Ken Bennett…
I’m immensely proud of my son Chance, not only for pursuing his success with a clear, individual point of view but for continuing to use his success to advocate for his City. We may have different views on this race, but we share an unshakable love for each other and this city.
I continue to support Toni Preckwinkle for Mayor of the City of Chicago. I first met her when she was representing the South Side in the City Council. I saw in her a humble, fearless, no-nonsense approach to service and leadership. I knew then that she would one day be our answer for reform. Reform that would challenge and change a system of government and politics that has perpetuated inequities throughout its history. I’m honored to serve as an advisor and chair of her campaign. There is no one else who has the experience, expertise and work ethic to bring real reform to our City.
I have had amazing opportunities to work with historic leaders, such as Harold Washington and Barack Obama, who have had vision, determination, drive and compassion. They have not only impacted me, but my family.
* Meanwhile, from Chicago City Treasurer Kurt Summers…
Serving as Treasurer of the City of Chicago over the last four years has been one of the great honors of my life. This experience has given me an opportunity to truly lead with the values that I hold dear - integrity, transparency, and a strong belief in equity for all Chicagoans. We’ve strengthened the financial position of our city, while still leading the charge on investing with impact, holding institutions accountable and creating opportunities for every neighborhood.
We are at a critical time in our city and in need of better leadership and a new direction from our future mayor, elected officials, and other leaders in our community. For the last several weeks, I’ve contemplated how I can best continue to serve the people of Chicago. I’ve connected with folks from across the 77 neighborhoods of our city and heard directly your views on what Chicago needs. I’ve spent time with family, friends, and supporters to determine how I could best contribute to shaping the future of Our Chicago.
After careful consideration with my family and loved ones, I have decided not to seek re-election as City Treasurer or to run for Mayor. I’ve had so many great examples of service in my life, starting with my grandfather. Over time I’ve learned from him and others that there are many ways to serve your community and often the greatest contributions come from those not holding public office. I believe the best opportunity for me to serve in this next chapter will be outside of elected office; however, my focus on serving Chicago and addressing issues of economic disinvestment and lack of capital access will continue to be at the forefront of my work. As I continue to serve as your City Treasurer over these next seven months, I look forward to driving more value and more investment for all Chicagoans and doing my part to shape the future of our city for the years to come.
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Raoul outspending Harold
Tuesday, Oct 16, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The danger of just looking at quarterly reports is that money is still coming in. So, while this chart makes it look like Erika Harold is running on fumes, she’s raised almost $2.5 million $542,000 this month, while Kwame Raoul has raised about $4.2 million $1.4 million [Ugh! I entered the wrong dates in the search]. From Reform for Illinois…
* More…
During the third fundraising quarter, Raoul gathered more than $2.8 million, much of which has come from unions, including the Illinois Federation of Teachers and the LiUNA Chicago Laborers’ District Council PAC, and other Democratic lawmakers. One of Raoul’s largest individual donors is Michael Sacks, CEO of global investment firm GCM Grosvenor and a former Emanuel donor. He made a $150,000 donation last month and has supplied Raoul with a total of $250,000 since June. But Raoul’s biggest financial supporter is Pritzker, who made two $500,000 transfers to Raoul’s campaign during the fundraising quarter. In total, Raoul has received nearly $1.9 million from Pritzker, which is 20 percent of the $7.5 million he has raised this election cycle.
Raoul’s campaign spent more than $2.8 million during the third fundraising quarter. Approximately 87 percent of his expenditures, $2.5 million, went to advertising paid to Adelstein & Associates’ Chicago office. He had $653,311 on hand on September 30.
Harold, a Champaign County-based attorney, raised about $1.9 million between July and September. Some of her largest donations include $200,000 from Ken Griffin; $100,000 from Patrick Ryan, CEO of insurance solutions provider Ryan Specialty Group; and $50,000 from Todd Ricketts, co-owner of the Chicago Cubs. Harold’s largest donor during the fundraising quarter, however, was Rauner, who made a $1 million contribution in August. In total, Rauner has supplied Harold with $1.8 million since March, which is 52 percent of the nearly $3.5 million she has raised this election cycle.
Harold spent $1.95 million between July and September, with $1.8 million, 94 percent of her campaign expenditures, going to advertising. She had $174,593 on hand on September 30.
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* Click that link and tell us what you find…
Today, Governor Rauner is releasing his 2017 tax information. Click here and see below for details. The governor is releasing his tax information this year as he has the past three years in office.
After JB Pritzker did not pay state income taxes in 2014 and used a “scheme to defraud” Illinois taxpayers, the Rauner campaign is now calling on Pritzker to release his tax information.
Below are details on Governor Rauner’s taxes:
Total Income on Federal Return: $52,983,842
Adjusted Gross Income on Federal Return: $52,681,342
Taxable Income on Federal Return: $40,872,748
Federal Income Taxes Paid: $13,946,017
Federal Effective Tax Rate on Adjusted Gross Income: 26.5%
Federal Effective Tax Rate on Taxable Income: 34.1%
Illinois Taxable Income on State Return: $54,162,372
Illinois Income Taxes Paid: $2,154,870
*** UPDATE *** Well, that was quick. From the Pritzker campaign…
Reporters – please see attached for JB Pritzker’s 2017 tax returns where he paid federal taxes at a rate of 36.2%.
Click here.
…Adding… Tina’s headline is priceless…
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Question of the day
Monday, Oct 15, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller
* It’s always somebody else’s fault. Always…
Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner has consistently maintained through his first term that he has the correct prescription for Illinois but hasn’t been able to deliver his message to voters.
On Monday, he continued that theme. Appearing on the Steve Cochran Show on WGN AM-720, Rauner said he needs to communicate better to voters if he wins a second term.
“I have two things that I would do differently. One is to focus very much on lots of baby-step improvements and announcing ‘em, playing ‘em up more than we’ve done. That would be No. 1,” Rauner said in response to a question about his biggest first-term mistakes. “No. 2, I would have been much more focused with my time on communications. I spent my time doing, not communicating. I would do far more communicating.”
“I spent my time doing, not communicating.”
Sigh.
…Adding… React from the governor’s former chief of staff…
That about sums it up.
* The Question: Can you help Gov. Rauner answer Cochran’s question about his biggest first-term mistakes?
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The governor’s tears
Monday, Oct 15, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Gov. Rauner said this during last week’s debate about the deaths at the Quincy veterans’ home…
“It’s heartbreaking and I’ve cried about it,” said Rauner.
* And then…
After the debate, Rauner told reporters he’s cried over the deaths at the Illinois Veterans Home and he does not believe he’s trailing by 20 points as a recent poll suggests.
While not wanting to make light of the people who lost their lives at Quincy, I have heard the governor talk about weeping several times, so I took a quick look at the history and asked around for some help.
* The earliest instance I could find on Google is from 2010, long before Rauner ran for governor…
“Waiting for Superman” — a documentary billed as the “Inconvenient Truth” of public education — will debut in New York and Los Angeles. But a select group of Chicagoans has already seen the film by Davis Guggenheim, who also directed “An Inconvenient Truth.” […]
“I’ve seen it twice, and I’ve cried both times,” Bruce Rauner said. “I think it’s very powerful.”
* April, 2015…
One of the most emotional times here in Springfield, two teachers came up to me at an event after I became governor. One of them started to cry. I gave her a hug and I said, ‘What’s wrong?’ and she said, ‘You are healing a wound in this community that you don’t fully appreciate.’ I said, ‘Really? Well, God bless you.’ We hugged and I was tearing up. I said, ‘Don’t make me cry. I’ve got to go give a talk here.’
* December, 2015, after watching the Laquan McDonald video…
“I watched the video when it came out last week. I cried,” Rauner said. “That video is shocking, terrifying. I cried for the young man who was brutally shot. I cried for the thousands of police officers who are honest and hardworking, who put themselves in harm’s way to serve and protect us and whose reputation gets damaged by the behavior of a few bad people. I cried for the violence that is tearing apart so many of our communities.”
* February 26, 2016 on Dan Proft’s radio show…
I took my Swedish grandfather back for his 90th birthday. I had never been to Sweden. He had been writing to his relatives his whole life from Wisconsin and he’d never been, or at least not since he was like two years old and I took him over and we spent a week. I cried every day.
* June 7, 2016…
And the governor defended his highly controversial description of some CPS schools as “crumbling prisons.”
“In too many of them, I cry. Tears come into my eyes.”
* August 19, 2016…
They came to my office in the Capitol a number of months back and we sat, a large group of youth and myself and Director Sheldon. And we just had a talk about their lives, what’s going on, what their issues are. And it was one of the most emotional but uplifting and inspirational discussions I’ve ever had in my life. Many of us cried.
* March 16, 2017…
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner visited two area communities left devastated from Tuesday night’s storms. […]
“It’s really hard. I mean I cried yesterday. I was crying this morning. It’s very emotional,” said Rauner.
* April 6, 2017…
I travel the state, seven days a week, and everywhere I go, people come up to me and say, ‘Governor, stay strong. You’re on the right track. Don’t give in, stay persistent.’ One woman came up to me with tears in her eyes, and I started to cry, too. She said, ‘You’re our last hope. Don’t give up.’ I said, ‘I’m not gonna give up. I’m the most persistent son of a gun on the planet. I’m very competitive.’
* June 15, 2018…
One of the most special times for me every year is going to Honor Flights to welcome our heroes home here in Springfield, and in Peoria, and in Chicago. I have to tell you, it brings tears of joy to my eyes when our heroes come through that airport door to be reunited with their children and their grandchildren and their great-grandchildren.
* September 18, 2018 at Crain’s Chicago Business…
Most emotional moment was last year, an elderly woman saw me shopping in Schnucks, the grocery store. She came up to me, grabbed me by both hands, looked up at me and she started to cry. I said, ‘What’s wrong?’ She said, ‘Governor, you’re our last hope. Please don’t give up.’ I kind of lost it. I started crying, I gave her a hug and I say, ‘I will never give up, I can’t. I’m doing this, this is a labor of love.’
…Adding… A sharp commenter reminded me of this during the October 9, 2018 Sun-Times editorial board meeting...
Back before being governor, I would love the classics, like for example I would always like to see “The Dick Van Dyke Show” or some other classic, family shows the 60s. I love that stuff, it’s kinda teary-eyed to me, and it’s a great way to relax.
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*** UPDATED x1 *** Oppo dump!
Monday, Oct 15, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Press release…
Today, the Chicago Tribune reported that JB Pritzker used non-union workers during the renovation of his mansion. This is just the latest in a long line of hypocritical actions from Pritzker following union busting at Seadog Cruises and turning on the heat lamps on striking union workers.
In response, Governor Bruce Rauner issued the following statement:
“This is not surprising. Pritzker’s support of union workers is all talk – he’s a hypocrite. Pritzker has made it seem like he’s looking out for working people, but between this and his scheme to defraud hardworking taxpayers of $330,000, it’s clear he’s only looking out for himself.”
* Trib…
Billionaire Democratic governor candidate J.B. Pritzker has portrayed himself as a champion of working families and received substantial support from organized labor, but he used nonunion workers to remodel his Gold Coast mansion.
Nonunion labor from three trades was hired to work on the yearslong, $25 million renovation of Pritzker’s 20,000-square-foot residence, according to a June 2007 email filed as part of a court dispute that arose between Pritzker and the general contractor.
“A note of caution,” wrote construction consultant Douglas Kaulas to Pritzker’s brother-in-law Thomas Muenster, who oversaw the renovation. “Now that the front yard is screened off and scaffold is going up, the jobsite has a much higher visibility. We’re perfectly legal with our permits, but we do have a non-union mason, demo contractor and roofer working. We are a little concerned that the union (business agents) may come to visit.” […]
“It’s important to finish the exterior work in the three months allotted by the scaffold contract so we can resume our lower profile,” wrote Kaulas, who also told Pritzker’s brother-in-law that “we’re putting a priority” on finishing the exterior work to both hold down scaffold rental costs and “to limit our visibility.”
As part of that renovation project, Kaulas occasionally met with Muenster and J.B. Pritzker to give updates.
…Adding… The governor is holding a press conference on this topic at 10:30 this morning. Stay tuned.
…Adding… “Hypocrisy” rarely works in campaigns, but you go with what you got I suppose…
*** UPDATE *** Greg Hinz says today’s press conference is a metaphor…
Rauner exposed himself to new attention on his own union record—and the fact that not one major labor group in the state is backing him for re-election.
He conceded under questioning that he, too, has used nonunion labor in construction jobs on his own property. And he suggested, with a straight face, that he is the real pro-labor candidate in the race for governor.
Yes, he really did that: charge straight ahead without consulting with advisers and associates who might have urged him to be a little less risky. While attention on this issue won’t help Pritzker any, Rauner’s handling of it isn’t likely to help him much, either. In fact, it might hurt.
Call it a metaphor for much of Rauner’s tenure.
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