McCann now says he won’t run
Tuesday, Jun 10, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From a press release…
Senator Sam McCann issued the following statement today:
“I am humbled and honored. However, despite rumors to the contrary, I am not an independent party candidate for governor.
As we focus on the 2014 elections, I look forward to continue working with my party leadership and Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno to make the party bigger and better with the ultimate goal of making our state better and stronger. I will continue to be a voice for my constituents and a voice for all those who want and deserve to be heard as we seek new leadership in Illinois.
Illinois needs and deserves better representation at the top. We must close the chapter on the state government regime that has led Illinois to record high unemployment, record high taxes and record high debt.”
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Where does he really live?
Tuesday, Jun 10, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Oy…
State Sen. Napoleon Harris owns a house befitting a former NFL linebacker and successful businessman: a $400,000 residence in an upscale subdivision in south suburban Flossmoor.
But Harris says he lives and votes from 10 miles away in blighted Harvey, residing in a town house on the pothole-pitted stretch of road that runs behind a strip mall that houses his district office and one of his Beggar’s Pizza franchises. […]
Recent visits to the town house showed the shades drawn shut or blocked by newspapers and campaign signs taped to the glass. The city Water Department said water service had been activated in April but would not say whose name was on the account or how long the building had been without water previously. A building permit for “patching holes,” which expired in May, was posted in the front window. […]
When it comes to his upcoming election, barring a lawsuit, Harris’ residency may not even matter. He is running unopposed for his second term. Any challenge to the residency of a candidate must take place during the run-up to the primary election, and Harris’ address has not been challenged in either of his runs for the 15th District seat, said Ken Menzel, deputy general counsel for the state Board of Elections.
On a recent afternoon, a woman answered the door of Harris’ Flossmoor house, but declined to give her name. The woman, who strongly resembled photos posted online of the senator’s wife, Nicole, said the senator was not home.
Oops.
* Look, residency is a tricky thing here. It’s all about intent, as we learned during the Rahm Emanuel ordeal. But according to the Tribune, Harris’ drivers license still lists his outside the district address. And he’s still getting a homestead exemption on that same out of district house.
And there’s also the issue of his statement of candidacy. Candidates must swear an oath that their residency information is true and that they are a “qualified voter” in the district. Get caught blatantly violating that oath and you can go to prison.
Remember this story?…
A state lawmaker who didn’t live in the district she represents was found guilty of using fake addresses on re-election paperwork and voter registration cards, and must resign.
Rep. Patricia Bailey was found guilty Tuesday of election fraud and perjury after a one-day trial.
“You never had a heat, electric, a telephone, a cable bill,” Cook County Judge Diane Gordon-Cannon told the Chicago Democrat. “You never lived for 30 minutes inside your district.”
Bailey, 52, first elected in 2002, faces up to five years in prison when sentenced Dec. 21. She wouldn’t comment as she left the courtroom.
Bailey’s downfall came when it was revealed that there wasn’t even a liveable residence at the address she used on her statement of candidacy.
Many moons ago, former state Rep. Ellis Levin faced accusations that he didn’t live in his district. The apartment where he supposedly lived was pretty much empty. He eventually survived the residency challenge (if memory serves, he lost the first round, because I ran the headline “Levin gets the hook”), but he lost his primary to Sara Feigenholtz.
So, again, it’s about intent and state law is pretty darned lenient. Bailey couldn’t actually intend to live in a place that didn’t actually exist. You gotta go pretty far to violate that particular law here. It doesn’t look like Harris has gone that far.
But, still, Sen. Harris really should, um, “address” this issue. And soon.
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Another promise
Tuesday, Jun 10, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* After over a year of promises, Bruce Rauner told Chuck Sweeney that he’ll have a budget and tax plan in two months’ time…
Asked for specific details, Rauner said he would roll out his plan in the next 60 days.
“The first 18 to 24 months will feature a lot of restructuring, less spending and lower taxes. It will be very different from Gov. Quinn’s plan” of more spending, Rauner said.
* Then again, he said he was a couple to a few weeks away from releasing his tax plan way back on April 2nd…
Rauner also said, during a brief stop at the Scott Bidner farm northwest of Champaign, that he soon will unveil “a comprehensive tax review and tax overhaul” plan.
He said his campaign is “in the mid-stage of that and we hope that in the coming few weeks we come with a comprehensive plan recommending how we should overhaul the tax code.
“We’re a couple, a few weeks away from that. Early on in our campaign we want to set an agenda that’s for economic growth, tax overhaul, spending overhaul, bureaucracy reduction and investment in education and all will be part of our plan that we will be rolling out in the coming weeks.”
* The Quinn campaign has compiled a list of some of Rauner’s promises to unveil his plans since March 21st of last year…
“I am going to be releasing detailed plans in the coming months, but in the meantime I’ll share with you a few priorities.” (Bruce Rauner via Facebook post dated 3/21/13) https://www.facebook.com/BruceRauner/posts/222811084528639?stream_ref=5)
“Rauner says now is not the time to talk about specifics and what he would do to bring fiscal discipline to the state.” (WTAX Radio. 6/19/13.) http://wtax.com/local/rauner-says-his-experience-is-needed-to-control-state-expenses/)
“Asked by a reporter if he was saying government unions should be eliminated in Illinois, Rauner said, “We need to modify their power.” Asked how, he said, “I won’t go into it today. We’ve got a detailed plan.” (State Journal-Register, 6/20/13 http://www.sj-r.com/article/20130620/News/306209895#ixzz2xtcISz9q)
“He didn’t say, when asked, if such vouchers would be allowed to pay for education at parochial schools. We’ll get to that plan later,” he said.”(State Journal-Register, 6/20/13 http://www.sj-r.com/article/20130620/News/306209895#ixzz2xtcISz9q)
“Later, though, while talking to reporters, Rauner declined to offer specifics, saying “we don’t have details on it yet,” but that an announcement was forthcoming.” (Champaign News-Gazette, 7/16/13 http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2013-07-16/rauner-wants-term-limits.html)
“Our focus is on the campaign,” Rauner said Friday. “I’d like to have some specifics as part of the general election, but we’ll see where we are in the process. The critical thing is that we win the race, and that’s going to take a lot of attention.” (Quad City Times, 10/11/13 http://qctimes.com/news/local/government-and-politics/elections/rauner-won-t-promise-tax-details-before-election/article_6bedcf7d-7f51-5621-afee-321047dda516.html)
“We are working on a plan now and that will be developed in the coming months.” (Reboot Illinois. 1/17/14. http://www.rebootillinois.com/2014/01/18/uncategorized/mattdietrich/rauner-illinois-needs-political-outsider-get-working/4232/)
“Bernard Schoenburg: Still waiting for some ‘detailed plans’ from Rauner” (http://www.sj-r.com/article/20140227/OPINION/140229413/2011/OPINION?template=printart)
“He said his campaign is ‘in the mid-stage of that and we hope that in the coming few weeks we come with a comprehensive plan recommending how we should overhaul the tax code.” (Champaign News-Gazette, 4/2/14) http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2014-04-02/rauner-reduce-number-governments-illinois.html
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Smith verdict riffs
Tuesday, Jun 10, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Today’s Derrick Smith guilty verdicts were followed by press conferences from both sides. Rep. Smith…
Dude, I’m pretty sure that God saw you counting out $7k in “cheddar” and wasn’t amused.
Man, that’s so insulting.
Even political morons know they shouldn’t take cash. Only criminals take cash in this business. Period. And everybody understands this, for crying out loud. If you take cash, you deserve whatever you get.
* Smith again…
Well, good. I’m glad you did what you thought was right. Trust me, you will soon be “rewarded” for your behavior.
* A possible appeal?…
I don’t know about you, counselor, but I do know where your client is going…
* The prosecution…
Um, actually, y’all had a guy on your payroll who told you he could probably convince Smith to take a bribe. No evidence emerged that you knew beforehand that Smith had been taking bribes. So, perhaps the above quote should be changed to: “Public officials need to understand, if we have a paid informant who thinks he can convince a politician to take some cheddar, we’re going to pull out all the stops for three months to convince him to do it, by gosh.”
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McCann pushing petitions
Tuesday, Jun 10, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Subscribers have known about this possible development since early Friday morning…
Although no official statement has come from State Senator Sam McCann, rumors persist that the Carlinville Republican is seriously considering a third-party run for governor of Illinois.
While still possible to get on the ballot, McCann would need to gather at least 25,000 petition signatures by June 23rd - the last day independents or new party candidates can turn in petitions to the Illinois State Board of Elections (ISBE).
* I also told subscribers about this today…
Petitions to get State Senator Sam McCann (R-Carlinville) on the November 2014 ballot as an Independent candidate are circulating, as shown below.
Senator McCann refused to comment on the petition to Illinois Review, other than to convey through staff that “He will be making an official statement in the near future.” […]
The petitions are to be circulated and returned to J.Gooch and Associates of Springfield, IL by June 20th, only 11 days from today.
* React has been varied so far…
Some are outraged that the buzz about McCann is even out there. Americans for Prosperity Illinois’ executive director David From is unhappy about McCann’s reported openness to a 5 percent tax hike during the last days of the session.
* And…
Some Republicans are expressing concern that the entry of another candidate into the race could dilute Rauner’s neck-in-neck run against Quinn.
“Speaking as someone who is a Pat Quinn supporter, I’d love it if McCann got in the race,” Blue Downstate political blog author Aaron Camp told readers. “McCann would probably get anywhere from 7-15 percent of the vote in the general election, which would, more than likely, give Democratic incumbent Pat Quinn a second full term in the governor’s mansion.
Meh.
It really all depends if the pro-life, anti-gay marriage, pro-public employee union McCann can raise serious money. Do the folks behind him have money? That’s not certain because the actual identities of his supporters are still murky.
Third party candidate Scott Lee Cohen spent a bunch of cash and ended up helping elect Pat Quinn in 2010 (polls showed he took more votes away from Bill Brady than Quinn). But the almost totally unfunded Green Party, Libertarian, etc. candidates have never really had much of any impact here in the past.
So, money is key and McCann, unlike Cohen, is not personally wealthy.
Plus, we don’t even know if he can gather enough signatures to get on the ballot.
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* From the US Attorney…
A verdict in the trial of State Rep. Derrick Smith is expected to be announced at 12:15 p.m. today in Courtroom 1425 (Judge Coleman) in the Dirksen United States Courthouse, 219 South Dearborn St.
I’ll post a ScribbleLive feed soon.
* As promised…
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Something I’d really like to see
Tuesday, Jun 10, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* After mugging for the cameras in the Metro East with the cupcake girl, the governor is heading to a much different venue further inland…
MARION – Governor Pat Quinn will sign legislation to support charitable events across the state.
WHEN: 3:15 p.m.
WHERE: Black Diamond Harley-Davidson
2400 Williamson County Pkwy
Marion, 62959
Unfortunately, my brother Devin the photographer (and musician, songwriter, etc.) will not be able to attend, but maybe we can still somehow get a photo for a caption contest. Just think of the possibilities. I sure hope they pre-screen the crowd for Confederate flag arm patches, though.
Heh.
* The Trib explains the bill…
Charitable “poker run” motorcycle rallies will be able to keep more of their proceeds under a bill Gov. Pat Quinn is set to sign today at a Downstate Harley-Davidson dealership.
In poker runs, riders typically pay an entry fee, then ride to a series of checkpoints throughout the day where they receive playing cards. The rider with the best poker hand at the end of the day receives a cash prize. The rest of the proceeds go to the person or organization the event is designed to help.
Senate bill 3312 places them under the jurisdiction of county governments and allows a fee of up to $25 to be charged. Poker runs have been run under the auspices of the Gaming Act, which is overseen by the state and carries fees of $400 to $600 per event.
Those Gaming Act fees were way out of line, as were their regulations.
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“Rauner to city: Drop dead”
Tuesday, Jun 10, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Not really. My headline is merely a bit of snark based on a May 29th Tribune editorial about the Chicago pension reform bill entitled “Quinn to city: Drop dead”…
Quinn, the self-described I-was-put-on-Earth-to-get-this-done pension reformer, should have signed the bill seven weeks ago. Instead, he’s been playing the role of fictional superhero, claiming to be protecting Chicago property taxpayers by sitting on the bill.
“I’m committed to property tax reform and property tax relief,” Quinn said recently of the bill on his desk. “We’re going to look at the bill and we’ll review it.”
But if Quinn vetoes the bill, and it appears he might, that action would come at the expense of Chicago taxpayers, not at their benefit. […]
The clock is running. Sign the bill. Quit fretting about the impact on your re-election chances. Let Chicago help itself.
Stop telling this City to Drop Dead.
If Quinn had listened to the Tribune and signed the city’s pension bill in April, would Mayor Rahm Emanuel have switched gears and passed a 911 service tax hike to cover the pension reform’s first-year costs? Heck no.
Politics 101: Never take political advice from editorial boards.
* Speaking of which, this is from a Sun-Times editorial last week urging Quinn to sign the bill…
Quinn’s Republican opponent in the race for governor, Bruce Rauner, opposes the pension bill and likely will blame Quinn if Chicago property taxes rise. Quinn easily can swat away such a disingenuous claim.
Um, no, it won’t be easy. At all. This was a big risk by Quinn.
* But let’s get back to the Tribune. Here is part of Rauner’s statement from yesterday…
Despite pledging to lower property taxes for homeowners, Gov. Quinn broke yet another promise by signing the Chicago pension bill into law, thereby forcing City Hall to raise property taxes on hardworking Chicagoans. Even if the city diverted $50 million in new 911 emergency phone tax revenue to pay for the pension bill, City Hall would still face a massive shortfall over the five-year phase-in, paving the way for a massive property tax hike.
Without that pension reform bill, the property tax hikes would’ve been much, much larger and Rauner knows it.
* Today’s Tribune editorial only briefly mentioned Rauner…
Sure enough, it took only minutes for his Republican opponent, Bruce Rauner to issue a statement accusing Quinn of “forcing City Hall to raise property taxes on hardworking Chicagoans.”
Quinn did nothing of the sort. As he pointed out in his signing statement, the original bill would have mandated a property increase. Quinn and others objected loudly, and that provision was scrapped.
What? No hyperbolic insanity about how Rauner wants to ruin Chicago? Funny how that page can be so reserved when it comes to their guy and so way, WAY over the top when it comes to Quinn.
* Mayor Emanuel wasn’t so reserved yesterday…
“Bruce Rauner needs to learn that there is a difference between running for office and actually serving. The economic future of the state’s largest city and the retirement of 60,000 workers is not a political football to be tossed around. Governor Quinn today stood up for Chicago. Bruce Rauner has merely confirmed his unwillingness to do so.”
* Anyway, despite the dismissiveness by the Trib, property taxes are gonna rise eventually. There’s just no way around it. Mark Brown…
There should be no doubt: This legislation is going to lead to a tax increase in Chicago, probably including property taxes, just maybe not this year if aldermen get their say in postponing it.
Emanuel’s plan would pay an additional $250 million a year in city revenue into these two pension funds by the fifth year—which adds up to an extra $750 million total over that period. That’s not chump change, and it has to come from somewhere. […]
In his own statement, Emanuel promised to “work with City Council in the coming months to find alternative options to replace property taxes as the source of the City’s first pension payment.”
Please note he said “first” pension payment. After that, all bets are off, including whether Emanuel will still be mayor when it comes time to identify the source of the second pension payment.
Discuss.
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Cupcake grandstanding
Tuesday, Jun 10, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* AP…
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn is expected to sign the so-called “cupcake bill” introduced after a young girl’s home baking operation was shut down by regulations.
Quinn’s office says he’ll sign the bill Tuesday in 12-year-old Chloe Stirling’s home in Troy as he salutes her “for making a difference.” […]
Madison County health officials shut down the $200-a-month operation in January after concluding her kitchen wasn’t a commercial one requiring such things as a permit and inspection. She also hadn’t taken a mandatory health safety course.
* Tribune…
“When all of this started, we didn’t know what to do,” Chloe Stirling said in a release from Quinn’s office. “In the end, we made it work so lots of home cooks can do what they love just like me.”
Quinn thanked Chloe for standing up for small entrepreneurs. “Democracy is for everyone and I salute Chloe Stirling for getting involved and making a difference for a cause she believes in,” he said. […]
Senate Republicans released a statement applauding Quinn for signing the bill, but contending his administration fought against it until a public outcry forced them to relent.
* From one of those statements…
Governor Pat Quinn is planning to sign legislation inspired by Chloe Stirling, better known as “Cupcake Girl”, at a ceremony at the girl’s house on Tuesday. State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) voted for the measure that passed the Senate.
“The bill that passed is good legislation and I applaud the Governor for planning to sign it,” said Barickman. “But the reality is that Quinn’s own agency fought this common-sense measure from the beginning. He shouldn’t be trying to taking credit for a process that his administration was on the wrong side of.” […]
The House passed legislation to exempt businesses earning less than $1000 per month from the onerous rules, but allowed health departments to investigate in the event of complaints or an outbreak. But when the measure reached the Senate, Quinn’s Department of Public Health pushed one of his allies to alter the bill.
“Quinn’s rules would have required every youngster like Chloe to have expensive and unnecessary training, permits, licensing and labelling,” said Barickman “This would have completely undone the common-sense reforms passed in the House. This was the opposite of good government at work.”
Luckily for Chloe and other young entrepreneurs everywhere, a public outcry led by Senate Republicans was able to kill the new version of the legislation in the Senate. The Governor’s ally was eventually pressured to call the original unchanged measure, which easily passed.
“What we ended up with is a good compromise that stops an unneeded government overreach,” said Barickman. “But Quinn shouldn’t be posing as a hero here when his agency’s actions put this whole process in jeopardy. I understand he wants to appear to be on the side of the public, but he really shouldn’t be using this legislation, or this wonderful young girl, in such a transparently political way.”
He’s right that IDPH darned near killed the bill, but Quinn is the one who stepped in and ordered the amendment withdrawn. Plus, he met with the cupcake girl on May 13th, long before the Senate vote.
Just about everybody in Springfield grandstanded on this bill. And nobody has yet spoken about the fact that municipalities can still ban these sales, including Madison County, where Chloe lives.
* But here’s some much needed perspective…
“I’m not endorsing giving business a free pass, but regulators should be focused on consumer issues that affect a broad swath of the public,” says Amit Narang, regulatory policy advocate for Public Citizen, a consumer organization.
Exactly right.
* There was so much grandstanding over a little girl and her cupcakes that I bet you didn’t even notice this story from May…
Morgan’s Meat Market in Mattoon, Ill., is recalling approximately 216 pounds of uninspected ground beef products.
Under state and federal regulations, meat products produced without the benefit of inspection are considered unfit for human consumption and are required to be recalled,
* Or this one from May…
Despite all these warnings in pharmaceutical ads, a lawsuit in federal court in East St. Louis alleges that the German manufacturer of a blood thinner called Pradaxa did not warn people enough. The suit claims the drug has killed 500 people and hurt 4,000 more.
The company tentatively settled the case this week, for $650 million. The deal still requires that 95 percent of the plaintiffs, whose suits were consolidated, join U.S. District Judge David Herndon in endorsing it.
In any event, this doesn’t mean the end of Pradaxa. The drug, available in the U.S. since 2010, remains approved for sale.
* Or even this one from February…
Some 8.7 million pounds of meat from a Northern California company have been recalled because they came from “diseased and unsound” animals that weren’t properly inspected, a federal agency announced Saturday. […]
The government agency noted there are no reported illnesses tied to these products, which went to distribution centers and retail establishments in California, Florida, Illinois and Texas. It was not immediately clear which companies got them, or whether they ended up being sold in some form at any markets or restaurants.
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Poll: Senger keeping it close
Tuesday, Jun 10, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Somebody leaked the results of a recent We Ask America poll to Greg Hinz. The survey covered the west suburban 11th Congressional District race between incumbent Democrat Bill Foster and Republican state Rep. Darlene Senger…
the new survey of 842 voters found Mr. Foster leading Ms. Senger 45.9 percent to 40.65 percent. A lead is a lead, but Ms. Senger, a state representative from Naperville, still isn’t very well-known in much of the district.
That’s not good news for Foster at all.
* Now, before we move on to the other result, keep in mind that Bruce Rauner has been running a bunch of positive TV ads in the Chicago media market for two months. Those ads will inflate his numbers considerably, and I’d like to see the crosstabs to see how he’s doing with Democrats. As we’ve discussed before, once the state’s partisanship tendencies kick in, numbers like these tend to vanish pretty quickly…
Mr. Rauner is up 18 points in what is supposed to be a marginal Democratic district, 51.59 percent to 33.59 percent for the incumbent. The margin is somewhat narrower among women but widens to a whopping 26 points among men.
* Meanwhile, from an NRCC press release…
- The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) announced today that 11 Republican candidates have reached ‘Young Gun’ status, the top tier of the Committee’s three-level recruitment program. These candidates have reached the third and final level by establishing a clear path to victory through their ability to build a formidable campaign structure and achieve important goals and benchmarks.
“Candidates that reach ‘Young Gun’ status have met a series of rigorous goals that will put them in position to win on Election Day,” said NRCC Chairman Greg Walden. “Our job as a committee is to help elect Republicans to office that will serve as a check and balance on the Obama administration. These 11 candidates will fight to stop the harmful consequences of ObamaCare, grow the economy, and get Washington’s spending under control. As the November Elections approach, I am confident that these candidates will continue to work hard for their communities and bring common-sense principles to Congress.” […]
The NRCC’s Second Round of ‘Young Gun’ Candidates [include]:
IL-11 Darlene Senger
IL-17 Bobby Schilling
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Rauner supports same day registration bill
Tuesday, Jun 10, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* This is smart statewide politics by Bruce Rauner, but it’ll surely make some Republican heads explode…
Governor candidate Bruce Rauner is deviating from the Republican Party line on a bill that passed in the Illinois Legislature.
The bill would allow same-day voter registration and more days for in-person early voting - which Republicans in the General Assembly say is a ploy to bring more Democratic voters to the polls.
Rauner said he’s not familiar with the finer points of the bill, but he’s OK with the idea. “I’m a believer that our democratic process is critical to our prosperity as a state and as a nation. I think having voters engaged and involved and everybody voting, all registered voters voting, is a great thing, and the more folks that vote, the better, and to the degree we help that process, I’m supportive of that,” he said.
Rauner said the fall-off in votes between a presidential election and a mid-term is unfortunate. In Illinois, 5.2 million people voted for president in 2012, whereas 3.7 million cast ballots for governor in 2010.
* Republican Rep. Jeanne Ives recently penned an op-ed blasting the idea…
The bill requires Illinois public universities to set up same day voter registration and voting through the close of the polls in “high traffic” areas of certain public universities. It is tempting to give in to the cynicism and suggest that the best high traffic area may just be on the sidewalk outside the bar. While students are in the que to enter, they can register and vote. If underage students just want to vote – no ID required, but of course, they will need one to enter the bar.
Um, I don’t know of many taverns that are physically located on university campuses. Also, I figure there’s a lot more kids at football games anyway.
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Quinn signs Chicago pension bill
Monday, Jun 9, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* As expected…
Gov. Pat Quinn today signed into law a pension measure backed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel that would cut benefits and raise the retirement age for workers in two of the city’s pension funds.
Today was the deadline for Quinn to act on the legislation, and he had been mulling it over since lawmakers sent it to him in April. The bill presented a bit of a political quandary for the re-election-seeking Quinn. That’s because it requires the city to make higher yearly pension contributions, which Emanuel has said he would seek to pay for through a property tax increase. Quinn has campaigned on reducing the property tax burden.
Quinn received cover in the form of a separate bill he signed last week that will allow the city to raise 911 fees on land lines and cellphones by up to $1.40 a month, to $3.90. If the City Council increases the fee by the full amount, it would generate an estimated $50 million a year – which could put off the need for a property tax increase until after next year’s city elections.
* Rauner’s response…
Gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner today criticized Gov. Pat Quinn for breaking his promise to Chicago homeowners by signing a law that will force City Hall to raise their property taxes.
“I would have vetoed this law – but Pat Quinn likes to raise taxes and left homeowners holding the bag again,” Rauner said. “This should have been a no-brainer – veto the bill, don’t squeeze Chicago families even more.”
Despite pledging to lower property taxes for homeowners, Gov. Quinn broke yet another promise by signing the Chicago pension bill into law, thereby forcing City Hall to raise property taxes on hardworking Chicagoans. Even if the city diverted $50 million in new 911 emergency phone tax revenue to pay for the pension bill, City Hall would still face a massive shortfall over the five-year phase-in, paving the way for a massive property tax hike.
It also should be noted that the 911 tax will only cover the first year of the pension reform legislation - because it’s just a $50 million tax and sunsets in a year.
* From the ILGOP…
Tim Schneider, the Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, released the following statement this afternoon following Gov. Pat Quinn’s signature of the Chicago pension legislation:
“Pat Quinn just signed the hardworking taxpayers up for five straight years of property tax hikes.
“He said he ‘read the fine print,’ said his ‘conscience’ guided his decision, and then he signed the bill anyway.
“It shouldn’t surprise anyone: Pat Quinn has spent the last five years putting government first and the taxpayers last in every decision he’s made. Illinois families already struggle with some of the highest property taxes in the country, forcing seniors out of their homes and doing real damage to our business climate. And despite all that, Pat Quinn just put them on the hook for hundreds of millions more.
“It’s clear that we need a major change in Illinois, starting with a governor who will finally stand up to tax hikes, not sign them.”
* Gov. Quinn’s signing statement…
* Mayor Rahm Emanuel…
Since day one, my administration has worked to strengthen the City’s finances by making the necessary cuts and reforms to spending, which have resulted in reducing the structural deficit by half. Finding a long-term solution to our pension crisis is a critical piece to securing Chicago’s economic future.
Working with 30 union leaders who were willing to compromise and be part of the solution, and with the General Assembly and Governor Quinn, we have taken a big step in addressing Chicago’s pension crisis. This pension reform and retirement security plan marks a significant step forward for Chicago. It ensures that we can continue to deliver the services that residents rely upon, safeguards the retirements that 61,000 workers and retirees expect, and respects our taxpayers.
This balanced plan relies on efficiencies and savings as part of a long-term funding solution, and I intend to work with City Council in the coming months to find alternative options to replace property taxes as the source of the City’s first pension payment.
Today’s action is another step toward correcting the series of financial challenges that have been building over the last few decades. I thank the Governor for his leadership, the General Assembly, and our partners in labor who worked with us to reach a responsible long-term solution that will allow us to chart a stronger future for Chicago.
* From the We Are One coalition…
“Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s pension-slashing plan, now signed by the Governor, is wrong for Chicago. This is no victory for the Mayor, but a huge, missed opportunity to find a truly fair, constitutional solution.
“Senate Bill 1922 would slash the value of pensions by one-third within twenty years of retirement. It inordinately hurts women, people of color, and low-income workers and retirees, disrupting and harming our city’s communities.
“Our coalition has presented numerous alternatives that would rebalance our tax code and ask those who can most afford it — the wealthiest among us — to pay their fair share. Unfortunately, some elected officials have chosen to ignore the constitution and these fairer revenue alternatives, opting instead to slash the retirement life savings of our city’s public health professionals, teachers’ aides, librarians, cafeteria workers, and other public employees and retirees.
“The Mayor’s plan is unfair and unconstitutional, and our unions intend to seek justice and will be preparing to file suit.”
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Plastic micro-beads to be phased out here
Monday, Jun 9, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* AP…
Gov. Pat Quinn has signed a law he says makes Illinois the first state nationwide to ban products containing so-called microbeads.
Synthetic plastic microbeads are found in soaps and cosmetics and billed as a way to exfoliate.
* The little beads were apparently on their way out anyway…
Johnson & Johnson, Unilever and L’Oreal already have information on their websites explaining their plans for gradually eliminating the scrub beads from their products and testing for natural alternatives, like ground seeds or nuts.
Unilever says on its website that it plans to complete its phaseout of microbeads globally by 2015.
Until the products are off the shelves, consumers who don’t wish to use products with the plastic bits should watch out for products that list polyethylene and polypropylene in their ingredient lists, according to the Alliance for the Great Lakes, an advocate for protection of the Great Lakes.
* The problems they cause…
These tiny plastic particles have been the focus of environmentalists who argue they pose long-term pollution problems because of their small size, particularly in the Great Lakes which contain 20 percent of the world’s freshwater. Microbeads are so small they can pass through water filtration systems and be mistaken as food by fish in the Great Lakes.
The ability of microbeads to soak up toxins in the water has scientists and environmentalists concerned those chemicals will eventually work their way up the food chain where they’ll be ingested by other animals and even humans. Sherri Mason, an associate professor of chemistry at State University in New York, told NPR Lake Ontario contains as much as 1.1 million plastic particles per square kilometer.
* Phase-out schedule…
The law would phase out the small plastic beads that are used in some exfoliating body scrubs and whitening toothpastes. Manufacturers will have to stop including the beads in products by 2017, and stores can no longer sell products with them after 2018. The use of the beads in prescription medicines, such as toothpastes or acne washes, will be eliminated in 2019. Consumers can identify products containing the plastic pieces by checking for polyethylene or polypropylene in the ingredients list.
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Question of the day
Monday, Jun 9, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The Democratic Party of Illinois is to _____ as the Illinois Republican Party is to _____?
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But for a bounced check…
Monday, Jun 9, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The Quinnsters have repeatedly said that “not one penny” was spent before the election on the governor’s anti-violence initiative. True. But only because they essentially bounced a check…
Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration has long said its troubled, $54 million anti-violence program didn’t spend a dime before the governor’s 2010 general election, despite opponents contending it was a rush-job, “political slush fund,” the governor used to drive critical voters to the polls.
New emails obtained by the Sun-Times, however, indicate the administration had attempted to move large amounts of tax dollars into the Neighborhood Recovery Initiative three weeks before the Nov. 2 election, a critical period when Quinn was in a tough contest against Republican challenger Bill Brady. Quinn eventually prevailed, winning by about 31,000 votes.
Attempts to move the money onto the streets early on failed, however, when there were “insufficient funds” ready to pay for the new initiative. […]
Records show the Illinois comptroller’s office issued a voucher, saying the money would be used for “Gov Neighborhood Recovery Initiative.” However, the attempts backfired, when there were “insufficient funds” to pay the request made by the then-head of the anti-violence program.
Oops.
* Meanwhile…
Bruce Rauner has been citing Gov. Pat Quinn’s troubled $54.5 million anti-violence initiative as an example of “corruption and patronage” in Quinn’s administration — even though a church led by a Rauner ally got some of the state anti-violence cash.
Rauner, the Republican candidate for governor, for years served with the Rev. Marshall Hatch on a charter-school board and has talked about his relationship with Hatch and other African-American leaders on the campaign trail.
A onetime failed 29th Ward aldermanic candidate, Hatch, 56, is senior pastor of New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 4301 W. Washington, which was awarded $192,000 in grant money through Quinn’s Neighborhood Recovery Initiative — the anti-violence program Rauner has blasted.
At his church, Hatch works with Benton Cook III, who has been a minister there for eight years. Cook, the husband of Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown, has become a lightning rod for criticism of the Quinn program because he was paid $146,401 in salary and benefits over 22 months to work for it despite having a felony conviction for writing bad checks.
There are two morals to this story…
1) The Sun-Times can creatively tie pretty much anyone to Dorothy Brown.
2) When you play in Chicago politics, as Rauner is doing, there are consequences, no matter how tenuous the ties.
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And speaking of the “shadow governor”…
Monday, Jun 9, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Greg Hinz reports that Bruce Rauner appears to be siding with Bob Schillerstrom for RTA Chairman over his vanquished GOP primary rival Kirk Dillard…
One source says Rauner staffers are making calls to RTA board members and those with influence on board members to urge backing for Mr. Schillerstrom. Another influential official says that Mr. Rauner himself has made it clear personally that Mr. Schillerstrom is his preferred candidate.
“There are issues there” between Messrs. Rauner and Dillard, said one official who regularly talks with Team Rauner. The nominee was upset when Mr. Dillard attended “a press conference” with Gov. Pat Quinn not too long after the primary, while failing to attend a post-primary GOP “unity breakfast” the day after the primary with the other three Republican gubernatorial candidates, the source said. […]
Mr. Dillard said talk about attending a “press conference” with Mr. Quinn apparently stems from the fact that both were at a recent groundbreaking for a building at Western Illinois University.
“There were 1,000 people there. I’m an alum. I sponsored the bill” appropriating funds for the building, Mr. Dillard said. “Am I not supposed to show up?”
Mess with the bull, get the horn, as they say. But could Rauner end up shoving Dillard even closer to Quinn?
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Quinn replies to Shakman’s lawsuit
Monday, Jun 9, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From the Associated Press…
Gov. Pat Quinn has asked a federal court to reject Michael Shakman’s challenge to state hiring, saying the Chicago anti-patronage attorney has no authority to raise questions and seeks resolution that would unnecessarily disrupt government and undermine gubernatorial authority.
The Democratic governor’s request, which blames the now-imprisoned ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich for any misconduct in hiring, was filed late Friday in U.S. District Court in Chicago.
Shakman, author of a landmark 1972 court decree prohibiting political hiring in Cook County government, renewed his suit against Quinn in April. It claims the administration violated the Shakman decree and another that regulates state hiring by improperly considering politics in employment and promotion at the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Shakman wants an investigation completed and a “special master” appointed to monitor and ensure proper hiring at all agencies under the governor’s control, a move Quinn’s lawyers reject as superfluous and threatening to duties — in this case, hiring — entrusted to government officials.
* The filing is here. One of the objections made by the Quinn administration is that some of this stuff is really old…
The allegations pertaining to the Blagojevich administration are based primarily on a Chicago Sun-Times article from October 16 and 17, 2009 which detailed violations from 2003-2005. As Blagojevich was removed from office on January 29, 2009, any claims pertaining to violations under his administration would have needed to have been brought by July 29, 2009 at the very latest.
* Timeliness is also an issue with the current administration…
Plaintiffs allege that the violations pertaining to the Quinn administration arise out conduct that ended in “early 2012.” … To timely recover for such conduct, Plaintiffs would have had to bring a claim by June 29, 2013 at the very latest. Plaintiffs did not file their motion until April 22, 2014. Even assuming Plaintiffs were unaware of such conduct until the BGA report came out on August 14, 2013, Plaintiffs had until February 10, 2014 to seek relief for such claims. Plaintiffs did not contact Defendant until March 13, 2014 and did not file the most recent motion until April 22, 2014. Thus, their request for relief as to the current administration is untimely and is barred.
* The Quinn response also claims that “Plaintiffs’ request for relief with respect to those allegations in the 2009 motion has been abandoned by Plaintiffs“…
Plaintiffs filed a strikingly similar motion in 2009 to which the Governor’s Office filed a response requesting the court dismiss such request for relief. Despite the Governor’s Office filing a response requesting dismissal, Plaintiffs failed to respond, either before or after the parties’ settlement discussions, but rather let the Governor’s response linger on the docket for more than four years without taking any action. Plaintiffs now attempt to resurrect those same claims. Because Plaintiffs never responded to the Office of the Governor’s response, to the extent Plaintiffs now seek relief based on the allegations contained in their 2009 motion, such relief must be denied.
* The plaintiffs don’t have the right to pursue relief concerning hiring practices, Quinn believes…
Plaintiffs have never secured a judgment against any Governor with respect to hiring practices… because no previous Governor was a signatory to any of the other Shakman decrees, Governor Quinn is not bound by any of their terms… In sum, Plaintiffs are not seeking to enforce an existing judgment between themselves and the Governor in their plea for injunctive relief with respect to allegations about hiring practices. Instead, they attempt to avoid ever litigating this issue by bootstrapping their claim to the terms of the 1972 Consent Decree via the Court’s decision in Rutan.
* Plaintiffs don’t have standing, Quinn argues…
There is no basis to conclude that Plaintiffs are suffering a “continuing, present” harm that is “sufficiently real and immediate” to justify the extraordinary injunctive relief they now seek… As the Supreme Court has made clear, “‘[p]ast exposure to illegal conduct does not in itself show a present case or controversy regarding injunctive relief . . . if unaccompanied by any continuing, present adverse effects.’”
* And there is no need for a special master…
Plaintiffs’ allegations, which are based on information and belief derived primarily from media sources, only allege violations pertaining to IDOT. Yet Plaintiffs seek a Special Master to cover all employment under the Governor within the Northern District of Illinois. The Governor oversees the vast majority of the State’s agencies and as a result, state employees. There is no basis for a Special Master to monitor all of the employment under the Governor when the allegations relate only to IDOT.
Further, as Plaintiffs allege, the OEIG commenced an investigation into the alleged wrongful practices. The OEIG has not issued its report and recommendations. To appoint a Special Master is unwarranted and, in advance of the OEIG concluding its investigation and issuing its report and recommendations, is premature.
* But the most immediate political issue is Shakman’s request for discovery. Quinn wants the court to rule on its objections before allowing discovery to proceed. The implications are obvious here. If Shakman goes nosing around the Quinn administration’s hiring practices, who knows what sort of targeted leaks could result?
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Today’s quotables
Monday, Jun 9, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Illinois Coal Association President Phil Gonet…
“I’m a global warming denier. I’ll be upfront about that,” Gonet said. “I think that this climate change issue is the greatest hoax that’s ever been perpetuated upon a human race.”
* Mayor Rahm Emanuel…
Chicago police Superintendent Garry McCarthy was “cracking jokes” not long after undergoing a medical procedure to unblock his arteries Thursday at a downtown hospital, his second-in command said, but the department disclosed scant details about what happened. […]
Asked if he had any concerns about McCarthy returning to his high-pressured job, Emanuel quipped, “I’m a spin doctor, not a medical doctor.”
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The “shadow governor”
Monday, Jun 9, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* My weekly syndicated newspaper column…
There were lots and of losers during the state legislative session which ended last month. But there were a few winners, so let’s take a look at them.
First up, Republican gubernatorial nominee Bruce Rauner.
Never before has a political party nominated a gubernatorial candidate who’s had more impact on legislative session than did Rauner. The gazillionaire’s unlimited supply of money and his constant threats to “Shake up Springfield” clearly put legislators of both parties on edge all spring - going back to even before he won the primary.
The Democrats surely know in their guts that much of what Rauner says about Springfield ain’t false. The long-entrenched powers that be stifle innovation and prevent actual compromise. Why wasn’t a scaled back income tax hike ever once debated? Because the top dogs didn’t want to talk about it. End of story.
House Speaker Michael Madigan introduced numerous pieces of legislation designed with Rauner in mind, including a tax surcharge on millionaires, which ended up as a non-binding question on the November ballot.
Rauner railed repeatedly against extending the income tax hike, and Democrats had to back off. Instead, they opted to punt the ball until after the election. If Rauner had lost the primary to a weaker Republican, odds are that the tax hike extension would’ve had a better chance of passage. Of course, if Rauner goes on to defeat Gov. Pat Quinn, the massive fiscal hole the General Assembly has created will be his problem - which ultimately makes him a loser as well.
Rauner’s hand was seen everywhere. Cook County pension reform failed, many say, because Rauner pushed against it. The $1.1 billion end of session road construction/repair bill was reportedly only agreed to by Republicans after Rauner OK’d it, hoping to please the GOP-leaning road builders.
Rauner became almost a shadow governor this spring.
Senate President John Cullerton was another winner.
The Senate President’s electoral prowess meant once again that he could do pretty much anything he wanted. His 40 Democratic votes out of 59 total Senate seats gave him enough cushion to sit back and watch while Speaker Madigan struggled all year to deal with his own, smaller super-majority.
Cullerton stood his ground on the budget when the income tax hike extension fell apart and made sure his members’ top interests were taken care of, particularly with a small Medicaid expansion. He pushed back when Madigan tried to muscle through a major change in the way the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum was administrated. He stood firm when pushed by Madigan to insert a requirement into the reauthorization of the court-stricken state eavesdropping law to require police to wear body cameras. He muscled through an innovative bill with his former chief of staff Sen. Andy Manar to fundamentally alter the way education is funded in Illinois. And out of all the Democrats under the dome, he appeared to be the least rattled by Rauner’s primary win. Cullerton may not have always made the best decisions (particularly when it came to ultimately killing the eavesdropping bill), but he appears to be coming into his own as a far more confident leader.
Legislative Republicans did pretty well too.
The weekend after the session ended, Kendall County Young Republican Chairman Brian Russell was busily scurrying to get himself onto the November ballot. He needed to collect 1,000 valid petition signatures in just three days to be appointed as the challenger to Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora). Russell said he hadn’t heard it, but word was that Team Rauner had pledged six figures to back Russell’s candidacy.
Holmes’ district is pretty solidly Democratic, but this does show you why legislative Republicans have strutted around with renewed confidence since the March primary. They finally have a candidate at the top of the ticket who will not only give the Democrats a run for their money, but who will ensure that their own candidates have enough cash to compete. Holmes wasn’t even on the Republicans’ radar. They simply didn’t have the resources to challenge her.
But if Rauner wins this November, Republican legislators will have to do something completely different - vote for some pretty distasteful things to support their GOP governor or risk his considerable ire. For over a decade, the Republicans often sat back and hit their red buttons when it came time to pass important bills. But they’ll finally have to help govern if Rauner is in the mansion. That spectacle right there would almost be worth seeing Rauner win.
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Question of the day
Friday, Jun 6, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The other day, we did a caption contest featuring Gov. Pat Quinn’s new government press secretary Grant Klinzman, who replaced Brooke Anderson on staff. Anderson has moved over to the campaign.
Here’s a recent pic of Brooke with Gov. Quinn…
* The Question: Caption?
And, please, keep it clean. Thanks.
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Quinn signs Chicago 911 tax hike into law
Friday, Jun 6, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From the Twitters…
So, now that Quinn has freed up about $50 million in Chicago general revenue cash, Rahm Emanuel could use that money to pay the increased pension costs associated with his pension reform bill instead of hiking property taxes, which Quinn opposes. So Quinn could now sign that pension bill into law (or just let it become law without his signature) and claim a property tax hike has been avoided.
Or, maybe I’m wrong. But this sure looks wired to my eyes. Yours?
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Another thwarted conspiracy theory
Friday, Jun 6, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From a Thursday Tribune editorial…
State election officials say the campaign to change how Illinois draws its legislative maps came up way short of the signatures needed to get its measure on the November ballot. Yes for Independent Maps says it can prove otherwise.
It’s a steep hill to climb. Why is the State Board of Elections determined to block the path?
Could it be because this is a campaign to take power from the politicians and give it to the people?
The conspiracy, according to the Tribune, revolves around a hearing officer’s ruling to extend a deadline for the proponents to come up with the evidence to challenge the tossed out signatures. Instead of extending the deadline a week, as the hearing officer ruled, the state board voted to extend it by only a single day. The Trib is outraged…
Campaign workers are scrambling to “rehabilitate” many of the rejected signatures. To do so, they have to get certified copies of voter registration documents from 70 local elections offices. They have to visit individual voters and obtain affidavits swearing that yes, that’s their signature.
It’s difficult, time-intensive work. […]
The board needs to extend the deadline. The people of Illinois deserve that much.
* But in a fundraising appeal today, the Yes for Independent Maps Coalition claims to have gathered all the evidence it needs…
We’re about to deliver evidence to the Illinois State Board of Elections, showing what you’ve known all along: That our bipartisan coalition collected enough signatures to earn a place on the ballot. Can you help us keep the momentum going by contributing $25 today?
The last few weeks of deadline fiascoes and political grandstanding have only confirmed our suspicions that those in power don’t want to see reform come to Illinois. That’s too bad, because the more than 500,000 people who signed our petition think otherwise.
Time and again, the doubters and cynics have written us off. But instead of wringing our hands, we’re fighting to build a better Illinois. Keep us on this path by contributing $25 right now!
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Another phony controversy
Friday, Jun 6, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The state’s medical marijuana law mandates just 22, enclosed, high-security, high-tech cultivation centers be built. They’re multimillion-dollar affairs. You can’t just start planting seeds on an open field. In my opinion, the law is way overly cautious, but whatever.
One of those facilities is being proposed in St. Clair County, on the outskirts of the tiny town of Marissa (population 2100 or so). If you click here and roam around, you’ll see that the only thing besides empty land close to the proposed site is a Masonic lodge. It’s out in the middle of nowhere.
The proposed facility would be owned by a man who also owns two “regular” greenhouses nearby. He’s not some fly by night guy.
* But, of course, the local paper went looking for an opponent…
One of the proposed center’s neighboring property owners, Jimmy Baker of Red Bud, said he is concerned the center will lower property values, cause traffic problems and create other problems.
“I’m worried about the kind of people you are going to attract to an area like that. There’s undoubtedly going to be some undesirables,” Baker said. […]
Members of the county’s Zoning Board will review the proposal during a meeting at 7 p.m. June 16. Baker said he believes the hearing is “just a formality” and the proposal will receive approval.
“I’m just thinking it’s a done deal whether people in the area like it or not,” Baker said. “These politicians are going to do what they want and it’s not going to be for the good of the people in the area.”
Mr. Baker most certainly has a right to express his opinion. And some folks just don’t like the idea of this new and “different” industry popping up in the cornfields.
But as I said above, this is not gonna be some thrown together weed joint. Employees will have to undergo background checks, so “undesirables” aren’t likely to be milling about. Yes, there will be traffic, but what does that mean? J-O-B-S. Marissa’s unemployment rate is 8.6 percent. How about we create some well-paying jobs and in the process ease the suffering of the sick? Maybe Mr. Baker, who lives 23 miles by car away from Marissa, can put some new service-related businesses on his adjacent land to take advantage of those new jobs. Maybe make some money for himself. Create some of his own new jobs.
Illinois is in desperate need of new jobs. Let’s not go backwards.
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Today’s number: $4 million
Friday, Jun 6, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Two legislator-approved constitutional amendments and maybe two constitutional amendments pushed by others means the state has some serious printing and mailing costs ahead…
Officials say Illinois will spend about $4 million to print and mail educational materials about several efforts to change the state constitution in the November election.
Secretary of State spokesman Dave Druker told The Associated Press on Friday that his agency is required to mail about 5.2 million pamphlets to Illinois households. They’re also required to advertise in newspapers in every county. The information will include the pros and cons of each proposal.
…Adding… As OneMan wryly notes in comments, it’ll be fascinating to see the officially sanctioned counter argument to the anti voter suppression amendment.
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Asked and kinda sorta answered
Friday, Jun 6, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* NFIB member Ken Jarosch penned a letter to the editor for the Daily Herald which was reprinted by Reboot…
In a published report last month, Michael Madigan clearly displays his disdain for businesses. “I’m not here for employers…” says Madigan, as he pushes for a minimum wage referendum to appear on the ballot.
I am an employer, Speaker Madigan. I take offense to your remarks. Evidently, you do not represent me in Springfield, even though I willingly paid an additional 67 percent tax on my income. As an employer, I also sent 67 percent more tax from each of my 60-plus employees. […]
We have given minimum wage jobs to immigrants with limited skills. We provided opportunities to gain skills and increase their wages. Several are now top-tier bakers, raising families, buying homes and putting kids through college. How ‘bout a high-five, Mike? […]
We have paid our bills. You have not. We have created jobs. You have not. We not misled the taxpayers (your employers), but you have, Michael Madigan. You’re “not here for employers.” Well, who are you here for?
* Madigan answered that question during the hearing…
“I’m not here for employers. I’m here for workers, for people [like the ones sitting before you] who are up against it, and they want the government to give them a little help in this United States of America,” Madigan said. “The simple question is do you want the government to help the people at the bottom or do you not. That’s it.”
That was some seriously white-hot populist rhetoric, but that’s pretty much all it was. Madigan didn’t really push all that hard for a minimum wage hike this year. He’s very close to the Illinois Retail Merchants Association and IRMA was dead set against it. So, he put the question on the ballot instead.
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The nightmare scenario may just be a dream
Friday, Jun 6, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* If you talk to Illinois Republican types about 2016, their nightmare scenario is Hillary Clinton at the top of the ticket and Michelle Obama running for US Senate. Greg Hinz…
As the effort to boost former first lady Hillary Clinton’s presidential prospects hits town, a Washington wag is suggesting that current first lady Michelle Obama has her eye set on another political post: the Illinois U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Mark Kirk.
Barring something totally unforeseen, it’s a pretty safe bet that Mrs. Clinton will be the Democratic nominee, which is gonna push a ton of women to the polls in the state where she grew up. Add Mrs. Obama into the mix, and, well, like I noted at the top, a nightmare scenario for the GOP.
* But the DC columnist mentioned in Greg’s piece had zero evidence of any movement toward a Senate bid. And another DC wag, Eleanor Clift, penned a recent column based on nothing but “buzz.”
* Back to Hinz…
A top Obama confidant who asks not to be named is knocking down the speculation. “She is more likely to play linebacker for the Bears than to run for office,” that source says.
And Clift…
“Without asking her, I would guess that the last thing Michelle would do after leaving the White House would be to run for public office,” former Obama senior strategist David Axelrod said in an email. “She has a lifelong commitment to service, but not to politics. I can’t see her going that route.”
Discuss without using DC talking points. Thanks.
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* The Tribune reports today that former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell put in a good word for Bruce Rauner’s investment company with state pension systems after Rauner contributed $300,000 to Rendell’s campaign…
“What happened is what I would do with anyone who gave me money,” said Rendell, who pointed out that he didn’t control pension officials. “I would say to the pension boards … I’d just say, ‘Listen, this is a company that I know is doing good things.’ I knew Bruce’s company was very successful. I said, ‘Take a look at them.’ And that was the best I could do.” […]
“I didn’t control the votes, but by opening up access it always helped. No question about it,” Rendell said. “But believe me, every hedge fund, every handler that invests money in the country has that same relationship.”
That’s not exactly pay to play, and Rendell didn’t ever say that Rauner asked for help or even mentioned it. But the Quinn campaign made the most of it today via press release…
Rauner Caught Red Handed Profiting From Pay-to-Play
Another Day, Another Pay-to-Play Scandal for Bruce Rauner
CHICAGO – The Chicago Tribune today confirmed a longstanding allegation: billionaire Bruce Rauner profited from pay-to-play when seeking business from the Pennsylvania State Employee Retirement System. Rauner - who was head of GTCR at the time - made massive campaign contributions of $300,000 to the future Governor of Pennsylvania’s 2002 campaign. Soon after, Rauner doubled his company’s business from the Pennsylvania pension system, amounting to a $4 million profit for his firm.
Senator Kirk Dillard had pushed for answers to the pay-to-play allegations in the Republican primary against Rauner. But it wasn’t until yesterday that the people of Illinois finally got an answer.
Up to now, Rauner had claimed that he never discussed pension business with Rendell, a point in direct contrast to what the former Governor of Pennsylvania told the Chicago Tribune in an interview yesterday.
“This is extremely disturbing,” said Quinn for Illinois Communications Director Brooke Anderson. “As Billionaire Bruce Rauner is running around Illinois railing against ‘Springfield’s pay-to-play culture,’ we have yet more proof of Rauner engaging in that exact behavior.
“One thing we know - this is how Bruce Rauner operates. When it comes to getting public pension business, it’s anything goes.
“This underlines why he and his firm GTCR should immediately refund all fees they collected from the Illinois Teachers’ Retirement System after deceiving the Board of Trustees.”
This is not the first time Rauner has been caught red handed engaging in pay-to-play to benefit himself.
In 2003, Rauner’s firm was awarded a deal worth $50 million from the Illinois Teachers’ Retirement System. Later, an investigation revealed that a company owned by Rauner’s firm was secretly paying $25,000 a month to a board member of that retirement system - Stuart Levine - who helped Rauner get the $50 million deal. And Rauner never disclosed that. That same board member, Levine, was later convicted for corruption.
Governor Quinn has called for Rauner to return the handsome fees his company was paid.
* The Rauner campaign’s response to the Tribune…
“After dining with Pat Quinn less than two months ago, Democrat Ed Rendell is now making wild accusations that fly in the face of reason and indisputable facts. Pennsylvania began investing in GTCR six years before he became governor and approved four separate investments prior to Rendell taking office,” Schrimpf said in an email.
“Bruce and Rendell never discussed pension business but did discuss Bruce’s passion for education reform in Chicago and the need for nationwide coordination of reform efforts,” Schrimpf said. “It’s clear that national Democrats are closing ranks around the worst governor in America and will say anything to try and save him. Pathetic.” […]
Asked whether Rauner had any idea when he made donations to Rendell that the Democrat would one day talk up GTCR to pension officials, Schrimpf said: “Let me be clear. Answer is no.”
Discuss.
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I’m back…
Friday, Jun 6, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Six of my late grandma’s grandchildren served as pallbearers at her funeral yesterday. I was honored to be one of those men.
Her service yesterday consisted solely of family members telling stories about Grandma. We didn’t want anybody speaking who didn’t know her. Our consolation came from each other.
It’s been a truly rough week for me, but I’m back in the saddle and ready to get on with life. The funeral home was directly across the street from House Republican candidate Glenn Nixon’s campaign office. After her burial, I was back at the funeral home waiting for people to gather and decided, ah, what the heck, and walked across the street. Nixon wasn’t there, but I was able to check out his office a bit and surprised the heck out of his staffer in the process. It was like therapy for me, and I know Grandma would’ve gotten a kick out of the shocked look on that kid’s face when I told him who I was.
Heh.
* Many thanks to all who sent flowers, came to the wake and/or the funeral and who donated to the Arc of Iroquois County in Grandma’s memory.
Here’s Gramma Cuz in happier days with my brother Denny, who was also a pallbearer yesterday…
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