Question of the day
Thursday, Dec 19, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune…
Two decades after proposing that state elected officials be limited to eight years in office, Gov. Pat Quinn says he still supports term limits but won’t pledge to make his next term his last should he win re-election next year. […]
A hot topic during the 1990s, the term limits issue has been resurrected for the 2014 campaign for governor by wealthy Winnetka businessman Bruce Rauner, who is making it a major platform in his bid for the Republican nomination.
A new Rauner TV ad labels Quinn “a career politician who failed to deliver term limits.” Rauner also is chairing a political action committee that is working to put on the ballot a limit on state lawmakers’ time in office. In addition, Rauner has pledged not to serve more than eight years as governor if he wins.
“Quinn is acting like a typical politician, wanting one set of rules for himself and another for everyone else,” Rauner spokesman Mike Schrimpf said in a statement Wednesday.
Quinn has definitely flip-flopped on term limits, at least as far as he, himself is concerned.
But Rauner says in his new TV ad that term limits should apply to all state politicians: “Every politician in Springfield, eight years and you’re out. You’re done, you’re out.”
What Rauner doesn’t say in the ad is that his specific proposal only applies to legislators, not to the executive branch. Rauner says he’d term limit himself, but can a voluntary pledge like that be believed?
* The Question: Assuming he’s elected, do you trust Bruce Rauner’s word that he’ll limit himself to two terms? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.
web surveys
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Just a tad brighter
Thursday, Dec 19, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Illinois’ economy sucks just a little less right now. From a press release…
Illinois added +10,300 private sector jobs in November and the unemployment rate fell to 8.7 percent, according to preliminary data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). The September to November three-month gain of +36,900 in total jobs is the largest since October 2010.
Illinois has added +281,400 private sector jobs since January 2010 when job growth returned following nearly two years of consecutive monthly declines. Leading growth sectors are Professional and Business Services (+116,400); Education and Health Services (+61,000); and Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+58,700). Government has lost the most jobs since January 2010, down -28,600.
November growth leaders were Trade, Transportation and Utilities, (+6,700), Construction (+6,100) and Education and Health Care (+3,400). Although manufacturing jobs have grown since 2010, a temporary global slowdown in mining continues to impact manufacturing jobs in Illinois.
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Target warning
Thursday, Dec 19, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From a press release…
Attorney General Lisa Madigan today warned consumers to be on the lookout for unauthorized charges in the wake of a massive data breach at Target stores nationwide.
Madigan said her office is looking into the breach of customers’ personal financial information and has contacted Target representatives to learn how many Illinois consumers are affected and what the company is doing to assist those customers.
“With today’s announcement by Target that as many as 40 million Americans credit and debit card information has been compromised, it is critical that consumers be vigilant in checking their credit card and bank account statements for any unauthorized charges,” Madigan said. “If you discover an unauthorized charge, contact your bank immediately to dispute it. Consumers in need of assistance can visit my website or contact my Identity Theft hotline.”
Madigan offered tips for consumers who believe they were impacted by the data breach:
Monitor your credit card and bank statements for unauthorized charges, especially consumers who used a credit or debit card at Target between November 27 and December 15.
If you see an unauthorized charge on your account, contact your card issuer right away using the toll-free number on the card to dispute the charges. Some card issuers might require that you follow up with a written dispute in order to receive a refund.
Even if you do not detect an unauthorized charge, you can contact your card issuer using the toll-free number on the card and discuss whether it is appropriate to cancel your card and obtain a new account number and card.
Beware of callers who claim to be with your card issuing bank. These calls may be a scam. Consumers should contact their bank first at the toll-free number on the back of your card before you disclose any personal information.
Madigan is also urging consumers to contact her Identity Theft Hotline at 1 (866) 999-5630 for more information or to learn how to respond to the data breach.
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Casey Stengel redux
Thursday, Dec 19, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Can’t anybody here play this game?…
Just days after saying Illinois would accept only online applications for concealed carry permits, Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration has announced it will accept paper applications, but not until six months after the process begins. […]
It was clear that the Illinois State Police, the agency that will be taking the applications and anticipates 400,000 in the first year alone, was not close to being ready for the change; one official balked when Leach said he would like to see the paper applications ready to go in March.
“I cannot commit to March,” said Suzanne Bond, chief legal counsel for the state police, which is responsible for accepting applications, conducting background checks and offering firearm training for the flood of residents expected to apply to carry concealed weapons.
Bond’s comments underscore a concern that things might not go smoothly next month when the law goes into effect.
“I think they are going to be pushed to do something sooner,” said Todd Vandermyde, a lobbyist for the National Rifle Association, said of the delay until July 1. “But it shows how incompetent they are.”
* Again, can’t anybody here play this game?…
Illinois officials are emailing and calling thousands of people, advising them to start over on their health insurance applications if they believe the federal government mistakenly referred them to Medicaid.
The latest wrinkle in the troubled enrollment process for the nation’s new health insurance system was announced Wednesday, just days ahead of a key enrollment deadline.
The federal HealthCare.gov website received more than 30,000 applications from Illinoisans who may be eligible for Medicaid, the government health program for the poor. That federal site has been plagued by glitches that now are mostly fixed.
Those 30,000 applications are the ones in question. Some Illinois residents who were referred to Medicaid believe they were incorrectly denied private health coverage, said Illinois Department of Insurance spokesman Mike Claffey.
It’s called governing. Do it, already.
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The next bidding war?
Thursday, Dec 19, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Now that ADM has decided to open its new global headquarters in Chicago, the company is putting a new tech center up for bids. Mayor Rahm Emanuel wants that tech center and is trying to claim credit for the HQ decision as well…
“The mayor’s message this morning was, ‘OK, great, fantastic (about the ADM headquarters). Don’t celebrate too long. Let’s get really focused on winning the tech center,’” said Deputy Mayor Steve Koch, the mayor’s point man on attracting businesses to the city.
In fact, at one point while ADM was considering where to locate its global headquarters, Mayor Rahm Emanuel made a presentation to the company’s board of directors and responded to questions, a source familiar with the meeting said. The meeting took place Oct. 30 at the Modern Wing at the Art Institute.
I’m told by people close to the situation, however, that Gov. Pat Quinn made a strong, sustained personal effort to persuade ADM CEO Patricia Woertz to move the headquarters to Chicago without tax incentives.
* Quinn also wants the tech center, but within some limits…
Gov. Pat Quinn said the state will continue to pursue the technology center, saying ADM officials indicated that matter was “still open for competition.” The governor would not rule out some form of taxpayer-funded help to lure the center to Illinois but cautioned the state would not be handing out tax breaks “willy-nilly.”
“I don’t think that’s a good way to go,” Quinn said. “I think it’s better to be very precise with each and every company that comes to us.'’
“Our best way of helping the most companies is to invest in public works like roads, highways, railroads and water systems and to help them with their job training, with their educated, skilled workforce that we’ve got in abundance,” Quinn said.
* Sen. Andy Manar thinks the old way may be dead…
“The things that have been done in the past, long before I arrived in the state Senate, I would say have come to an end.”
Manar tried to shepherd legislation through the statehouse that would have given ADM nearly $30 million in tax breaks. The company, however, would have to hire 500 people in Decatur.
“I think the EDGE tax credit program needs some hefty reforms. I think we need to have that robust conversation, and I think (my legislation) is a good place to start,” Manar told Illinois Watchdog. […]
“If these things are going to come before the Legislature again, we should look at what the Senate passed for ADM,” Manar said. “That’s a good framework, in my mind, on how to achieve balance with (tax credits).”
* Not surprisingly, the Decatur newspaper isn’t happy…
Central Illinois should not, however, be upset with ADM. Moving the world headquarters is an understandable business decision and no one should forget that 4,400 jobs will remain in Decatur and that Decatur will remain as the North American headquarters.
But Central Illinois has every reason to feel slighted by its state government. After handing out tax incentives for years, Madigan and others suddenly decided it was time to change course. That decision came as the center of the state was finally going to benefit from a tax incentive package. It’s hard to believe that was a coincidence.
It’s good that ADM is keeping its world headquarters in Chicago. But it seems the state missed a chance for a bigger world headquarters, a technology center, and most importantly to add jobs in Central Illinois.
That doesn’t seem like a win.
* Meanwhile, in other corporate news…
Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s office says Chicago and state officials have reached a deal with an Indiana company that will require it to remove huge black piles of petroleum coke from the city’s Southeast Side.
Known as “petcoke,” the material is a powdery byproduct of oil refining that’s been accumulating along Midwest shipping channels and sparking health and environmental concerns.
Emanuel and Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan plan to announce the deal Thursday.
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* If Bruce Rauner wins the Republican nomination for governor, he’s gonna have a little trouble running to the center because he’s on tape saying things like he would’ve vetoed the gay marriage bill.
Rauner was asked about his position at a Quincy tea party event not long ago. He explained that he wanted a statewide referendum on gay marriage before a legislative vote, so he would’ve vetoed the bill. Of course, an ad could simply use his “If I were governor I would veto” line to make him look like a winger. Listen to the exchange…
Discuss.
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Today’s Golden Horseshoe Awards
Thursday, Dec 19, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Believe it or not, the 2013 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Statewide Officeholder goes to Gov. Pat Quinn…
Dragging Illinois out of the mess left by previous administrations and legislatures hasn’t been pretty, and it hasn’t made him the most popular leader, but he shrugs off the arrows and keeps dragging.
Say what you want about the man, but he’s not willing to sell out the state’s best interests, and he doesn’t get hustled by big city mayors or big time CEOs. He’s been instrumental on major issues like the tax increase, pension reform, SSM, etc., but he also doesn’t overlook the small stuff like the free museum days.
That’s the kind of leader I respect.
* A very close runner-up was Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka…
Judy, Judy, Judy: We can count on her to tell the simple truth, without the political messaging, massaging, and cheap shots. She has common sense. She works hard. She treats other people with respect. When we get confused on just where the state fiscal house stands, Judy sets us straight.
I noticed that Lisa Madigan received no nominations yesterday. Neither did Jesse White. I think that’s a first.
* Nominations for the 2013 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Congresscritter were kinda all over the place. But this nomination of Congressman Mike Quigley was the strongest…
For best congresscritter, I will second Mike Quigley, who so far looks like the rising star to beat in the next generation of IL’s Democratic House delegation. He started off 2013 with a bang by winning IL’s seat on Appropriations. Currently in the minority, he can work with both parties, particularly right now on ethics and fiscal restraint, while still being a strong voice for social progressivism and not shying away from calling out the Tea Party for its antics. He seems to have mastered the sweet spot of being a strong partisan and being politically effective, while not seeming overly partisan or political. There aren’t enough Reps in DC who can marry political smarts with just being really smart in general, but Quigley can walk and chew gum.
* Runner-up goes to freshman Rodney Davis…
This is a tough choice, and there really isn’t one in the Delegation where you find yourself sayting “They are Illinois!” Potomac Fever, Leadership positions, the wonky style of Washington has taken some of the charisma out, and added a great deal of partisan in, and that is not good at all.
That being said, my vote is for the member of the Delegation who has had the most to deal with since being sworn in, and has tried to handle the job, his district, national politics and local feuds the best of them all.
Congressman Rodney Davis has tried to do what he has felt was right, while dealing with the national scene that may not agree with those back home, making decisions and votes that have nothing to do with the local dust-up many in Congress do not have to face.
Rodney Davis continues to work hard to be the representative to Congress his district, this state and this country can be proud of, while walking a very fine line of partisanship and independence. Rodney Davis has served his district and this state well, while being a freshman and doing all this plate balancing.
Rodney Davis is a credit to his district and state, and will continue to be scrutinized in the short term. Illinois in the long term is being served well with Rodney Davis.
* OK, campers, we’re running outta time here, so let’s move on to our next categories…
* Best “Do-Gooder” Lobbyist
* Best Legislative Liaison
As always, make sure to explain your votes. Simple drive-by comments won’t be counted. Thanks!
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Caption contest!
Thursday, Dec 19, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Attendees of my City Club speech yesterday filled two very big boxes with toys for the kids in Lutheran Social Services of Illinois’ child-care program. It was so cool seeing all those folks walk into Maggiano’s carrying their toys.
I thought we’d also try to raise a little cash money yesterday, so I stationed two LSSI staffers at the back of the room and told the crowd that we were going to pass the hat.
A presentation had been given a few minutes before I spoke encouraging folks to participate in the Special Olympics’ Chicago Polar Plunge…
Think you’re fun? Take the test! Join 2,000 other “spirited” people at the 14th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge on Sunday, March 2 at North Avenue Beach. Whether you go knee high, waist high or take the full Plunge all are welcome to participate! This unique and memorable event benefits the programs enjoyed throughout the year by the nearly 5,000 athletes of Special Olympics Chicago. Grab your friends – the more the merrier!
The spirit of charity got the better of my brain, because I pledged to take that polar plunge if attendees contributed at least $1,000. We raised over $2,000 in cash. Anne Dias-Griffin (yes, that Anne Dias-Griffin) wrote a $1,000 check, saying she wanted to make sure I took that plunge. Mrs. Griffin’s generous donation brought our total to over $3,000.
I hope I survive.
* The LSSI folks asked me to pose for a photo holding the bowl of cash and standing between the toy boxes…
Have fun, and thanks so much to everyone who attended and contributed. Many thanks to Paul Green and the City Club for inviting me and helping with the toy and cash drive.
If you couldn’t be there, well, you can still donate to LSSI today by clicking here. Thanks!
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* From a press release…
Republican candidate for Governor Kirk Dillard issued the following statement regarding Gov. Quinn’s comments on raising the minimum wage in Illinois.
“I know families are struggling out there, and times are tough. But Governor Quinn is just trying to cover up the fact that since he’s been governor, our state’s business climate has sunk to historic lows. We need to bring good paying, real jobs back to Illinois — jobs that have a future — jobs that families can build a life on. Raising the minimum wage as an election-year stunt won’t do that.”
* Erickson…
But Dillard, who is running for governor in 2014, voted in favor of raising the minimum wage in 2006 when it was being pushed by now-imprisoned former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Dillard, a Hinsdale Republican, was among eight GOP senators who said “yes” in November 2006 to a plan to bump the minimum wage to $7.50 an hour in 2007. It topped out at $8.25 an hour in 2010.
Two of Dillard’s opponents in the GOP race for governor — state Sen. Bill Brady of Bloomington and state Treasurer Dan Rutherford of Chenoa, who then was a state senator — voted “no” on the 2006 minimum wage hike. […]
Dillard did not immediately respond to questions about his switch in positions Wednesday evening.
Sigh.
*** UPDATE *** The story has been updated with a react…
Dillard spokesman Wes Bleed said Dillard has been a consistent opponent of minimum wage increases, but was persuaded to support the 2006 boost because the economy was in better shape.
“For the most part, he has opposed increasing the minimum wage,” Bleed said.
Dillard also voted “Present” on a minimum wage bill in 2006…
State Sen. Kirk Dillard, R-Hinsdale, said he did not have a problem with increasing the minimum wage, but felt it should be handled at the federal level.
That’s quite a few positions over the years.
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Last reminder
Wednesday, Dec 18, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* I’m giving a speech today to the City Club, so blogging is gonna be light to nonexistent.
If you’re coming to the event, make sure to remember to bring a toy or gift card for a child ages 3-5 in Lutheran Social Services of Illinois’ early childhood program.
Thanks!
You can use this post as a very rare “open thread.” Also, if something happens and I can’t get to the ‘puter, it’ll be a good place for any breaking news comments.
Later, gators.
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Question of the day
Wednesday, Dec 18, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The 2013 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Illinois State Senator - Democrat wasn’t even close. Sen. Kwame Raoul…
The man ate crow on concealed carry and pension reform after his Leader spent all of his time trashing previous proposals, and he did it in order to get important pieces of legislation passed. And he did it with class. That’s a statesman.
* Runner-up is a popular freshman…
Senator Manar has a very diverse and geographically large district but manages to cover it from north to south and east to west with his town hall meetings. I have attended two of these meetings and still have not seen the Senator fail to answer a question thoroughly and responsibly. His depth of knowledge of issues (especially downstate) and how to get things done are true assets to his district. The new water line for Stonington and his hearings on equitable education funding are prime examples. Downstate is fortunate to have an experienced and strong voice.
* The 2013 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Illinois State Senator - Republican goes to Senate GOP Leader Christine Radogno. I don’t usually give this award to chamber leaders, but some of you pointed out that she was particularly deserving this year…
She leads that caucus in the right direction more often than not, and does it with more than her fair share of misfit toys. Pension reform doesn’t happen without her efforts. She beat back Madigan & Cullerton’s push for the pension cost shift, even while business interests and IPI supported it. She’s having more impact than she should be having under this map with 19 members. And like, Raoul, she does it with class.
Agreed. Some were skeptical that she could hold that caucus together on pension reform, particularly with Dillard jumping ship, but she did it.
* Runner-up goes to another popular freshman…
[Sen. Jason Barickman] voted for SSM because he believed it was the right thing to do. Despite the fact that he has a largely rural district. Despite the fact that he was Bill Brady’s attorney in 2010. He has also kept his head down and worked hard. He is clearly smart and a bright future ahead.
I also appreciate that he is willing to take risks. People forget that he was an appointed State Rep when he decided to challenge a sitting State Senator without a net. Granted it was Shane Cultra, but that takes a lot of guts. Something in short supply in Springfield.
* OK, instead of a question today, let’s move to the next category…
* Best Statewide Officeholder:
* Best Illinois Congresscritter
As always, make sure to explain your answers to both questions in comments, please. Drive-by and name-only votes won’t count. Thanks.
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War of words over Medicaid purge
Wednesday, Dec 18, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From a press release…
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) [yesterday] announced that an Arbitrator has issued a supplemental order impacting the State’s largest public employee union that will allow for a contract with an outside vendor that handles Medicaid eligibility screening to be amended instead of abruptly cancelled.
The arbitrator’s supplemental order allows the state to maintain the improved screening process put in place this year to verify that Medicaid clients remain eligible for benefits when they re-apply annually to remain in the program. The state was faced with the abrupt termination of the eligibility screening contract with Maximus, Inc., at the end of this year, under an arbitrator’s initial ruling - issued this summer- in response to a grievance by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31.
Under the supplemental order, the Maximus contract will be amended and the state will retain the ability to use Maximus to make preliminary electronic determinations through the end of June. In addition, the agencies will be able to retain the use of Maximus’s call center and mail room operations through June 30, 2015. The screening program, known as the Illinois Medicaid Redetermination Project, was authorized by the General Assembly as part of the “Save Medicaid Access and Resources Together Act” (SMART Act) of 2012. The amended contract will comply with State and federal law and the collective bargaining agreement.
* But that’s not entirely true. The arbitrator’s “supplemental order” came after some negotiations…
In order to bring down costs, the administration of Gov. Pat Quinn agreed to hire Maximus, a company with experience verifying eligibility for Medicaid in other states. But the AFSCME union objected, saying the job should be done by government employees.
An arbitrator agreed, and the Quinn administration, warned by its lawyers that an appeal might not succeed, cut a deal with the union.
* Two Republican legislators called the new agreement a “backroom deal” and defended Maximus…
But lawmakers say the private company, Maximus, was “a stunning success” and should have never been fired.
“As of the latest update, 216,000 people who were receiving Medicaid benefits were taken off the program because the third-party contractor was involved,” said state Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon, adding that Maximus only looked at about a half million Medicaid files.
State Rep. Patti Bellock, R-Hinsdale, said before Maximus took over the review, state workers did a terrible job of checking incomes and addresses.
“These people were not even living in Illinois,” Bellock said. “They were (in) Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan.”
* AFSCME disagrees that Maximus was so great…
The union, however, points to the same report to contend that Maximus has a roughly 30 percent error rate among those 127,000 cases. Union leaders also say Maximus was duplicating work being done by state employees and argue that the company “found favor with a small vocal minority of legislators and conservative lobbyists.”
“It’s time to end this failed experiment with outsourcing a critical public watchdog role to a private, for-profit corporation,” said Henry Bayer, executive director of AFSCME Council 31. “This order will bring oversight back to state government where it is directly accountable, and save money in the process.”
Actually, Maximus has some Democratic and regular Republican lobsters.
* Quinn defended the new arrangement…
Quinn denied any “backroom deal.”
“That isn’t the case,” Quinn told reporters in Chicago. “The fact of the matter is that I respect everyone. But I don’t want to spend the rest of my life in court.”
Mike Claffey, a spokesman for HFS, said there was “nothing secret” about the deal, noting that legislators were told about the “two-track strategy” in September and it was in the department’s quarterly report.
* Look, the problem before wasn’t with the state employees, it was with management. If competent management is determined to cleanse the Medicaid rolls, then the job will get done. The question is whether state management is competent enough to do that and has the will to go forward.
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ADM decides on Chicago
Wednesday, Dec 18, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Various news sources are reporting that Archer Daniels Midland has decided to open its new world headquarters office in Chicago without any state tax incentives.
ADM had asked for up to $30 million in tax breaks over 20 years. Gov. Pat Quinn said he opposed any such proposal until after pension reform was passed. The Senate overwhelming approved the incentive as part of a broader package earlier this month after passing a pension reform bill, but House Speaker Madigan refused to call it for a vote, later blasting unnamed corporations for trying to get a free ride on the taxpayers’ dime.
* In reality, everybody probably shoulda seen this one coming back in October when this report emerged…
D. Cameron Findlay, ADM’s recently hired senior vice president and general counsel, paid $2.619 million for a 21st-floor condominium unit in a newly built Lincoln Park tower in Chicago.
Findlay closed on the unit in early September, before the company went public with its announcement that it’s planning to move its headquarters. It has said Chicago is its preferred city, although it’s seeking $24 million in tax incentives and is entertaining offers from other states.
* Crain’s…
Sources said the new deal reportedly was struck after a series of conversations between Gov. Pat Quinn and ADM CEO Patricia Woertz.
If true, that’s yet another win for Quinn. He stood against the incentives while most everybody else jumped on board.
* In contrast, Bruce Rauner said Quinn was “avoiding responsibility” and “playing games” with ADM when Quinn tied the passage of pension reform to more corporate subsidies.
Sen. Kirk Dillard’s running mate Jil Tracy claimed Quinn had displayed a “terrible lack of leadership to link these two issues,” adding…
“We need to assess and analyze, and certainly not hinder or antagonize them in the public as the governor’s done,” said state Rep. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy)
* Both Dillard and Sen. Bill Brady voted for the ADM bill in the Senate this month. Brady demanded a special session to take up the issue after the House refused to act and Office Depot did what everybody expected and announced its new headquarters would be in Florida…
Hours after the Office Depot decision was aired, state Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, called on Gov. Pat Quinn to call the House back to town for a special session regarding ADM’s tax breaks.
“We have to do what we can to keep job creators in the state of Illinois,” said Brady, who is running for governor. “The leisurely, passive attitude of the governor and House sends a powerful message to all businesses in Illinois that they don’t really feel any urgency to protect jobs and assist employers.”
* The company won’t be creating new jobs, but, then again, it’s not getting any state money…
According to multiple sources with first-hand knowledge, ADM has reached an agreement with the state under which the headquarters and 60 to 75 top jobs will be moving from Decatur, where the agricultural giant now is based, to an as-yet-unidentified location in downtown Chicago.
That’s less than the 100 headquarters jobs the firm originally had mentioned when it announced in September that it was in search of a location with better international air connections and a wider talent pool than are available in Decatur.
Also not included are the 100 jobs at a technology center that the company said it would open in conjunction with its new headquarters. The fate of those positions is being left ambiguous, I’m told, with the company perhaps feeling that it has a better chance to get incentives for newly created positions rather than to just move jobs from one corner of the state to another.
* Mayor Rahm Emanuel is jumping on board today with a press release…
Mayor Emanuel today welcomed the announcement that Archer Daniels Midland has chosen to move its global headquarters to the city of Chicago.
“I am pleased to welcome ADM to Chicago and I look forward to the company’s continued success out of their new home,” said Mayor Emanuel. “As I said throughout this process, our goal was to put the city’s best foot forward and highlight Chicago’s strengths: an outstanding workforce, globally renowned transportation and infrastructure, and excellent quality of life. These strengths will help ADM as it continues its growth in the future just as they continue to drive our economy forward every day.”
The announcement comes a day after IBM released its annual “World’s Most Competitive Cities” report, which ranks 100 cities around the world in several key categories. In the category of International Headquarters, Chicago ranked 7th globally and second in North America, and the ADM headquarters move will only serve to solidify this ranking. Additionally, attracting corporate headquarters to the city is a key tenet of the Plan for Economic Growth and Jobs, the city’s economic development plan that is implemented by World Business Chicago.
Throughout the several month process, Mayor Emanuel marshaled all of the city’s economic development entities toward the goal of attracting ADM, including World Business Chicago, and the city’s Department of Housing and Economic Development (DHED). He was also directly involved in the recruiting process on a number of occasions.
Emanuel’s refusal to publicly support ADM’s bid for state incentives and/or add in his own city’s money was blamed in part on Speaker Madigan’s reluctance to move the ADM bill. So, I guess it’s a sorta win for Emanuel, too.
Mainly, though, Quinn winds up looking pretty good here and at least three of his Republican opponents don’t.
* Also too, maybe ADM’s decision will finally get people to realize that Illinois can compete and that Chicago is our jewel in the crown for attracting corporate headquarters and more jobs. The Republican candidates for governor (and lots of others, myself included at times) apparently believed that Illinois couldn’t pull this off without a government subsidy.
Constantly running down your own state may play well in a primary, but as it turns out, doing so can be a dangerous little political game.
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Question of the day
Tuesday, Dec 17, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune editorial…
Chicago will soon be blanketed with [speed cameras], in hopes of slowing drivers around schools and parks. No more cat-and-mouse between cops and speeders. If you’re speeding, you’ll get caught.
Why not deploy the cameras on the interstates, where motorists feel they can barrel along with impunity?
It’s not a perfect solution. Illinois already uses cameras to enforce speed limits in construction zones, but some of those tickets have been thrown out because the photos aren’t sharp enough. Also, the ticket goes to the owner of the car, who is not necessarily the driver. And cameras are a poor substitute for troopers, who can recognize drunken or distracted driving and other safety violations, such as failure to wear seat belts.
Still, a reliable camera system could be a backstop in areas that troopers say are largely unpatrolled. And yes, it would be a big moneymaker for the state, judging from the number of speeders. Too bad. Drivers who brazenly disregard the posted speed limit deserve to get a ticket. It’s not up to individual motorists to decide — or guess — how fast they can safely drive.
* The Question: Do you support speed cams on Interstates and Expressways? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.
free polls
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* Please, don’t forget that if you’re coming to the City Club’s “Christmas with Rich Miller 2013″ tomorrow, we’re asking that you bring a toy or a gift card for a child ages 3-5 in Lutheran Social Services of Illinois’ early childhood program.
Thanks!
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* Fox 32…
Illinoisans can begin applying next month for the state’s first-ever permits to carry concealed firearms. But the Cook County Sheriff complains to FOX 32 News that the system to screen those applicants is full of holes. Unless the system is fixed, Sheriff Tom Dart says he’s prepared to take extraordinary action to prevent permits from being granted to anyone with a serious arrest record.
FOX 32 has learned that Sheriff Dart sent a letter to the director of the Illinois State Police announcing his “blanket objection” to granting a concealed carry permit to anyone who’s been arrested even once in the last seven years for domestic violence, a gang-related crime or illegal gun possession. Even if they haven’t been convicted, Dart says, those charges are “red flags” that need to be pursued. […]
“I gotta imagine we’ll be objecting to hundreds, easily thousands of people,” Dart told FOX 32’s Mike Flannery. “What we’re gonna have is this massive influx of the applications. And they’re gonna be given out. And we’re just left holding the bag when the inevitable bad thing will happen. It happens in other states. And in other states they also have people who are armed who stop crimes. It happens both ways, I understand that. But when the inevitable bad thing happens, people will say, ‘Why wasn’t this person caught?’”
The law sets up a concealed carry board that is supposed to act on local police objections within 90 days. Dart will be jamming that system for sure.
The NRA’s Todd Vandermyde said that Dart’s intention to object to absolutely everyone with a prior gun arrest doesn’t make sense since the state’s public carry laws were declared unconstitutional.
Sheriff Dart’s letter to the State Police is here.
* Meanwhile…
Suburban police say it’s a frequent scenario: They’re called to respond to a tense situation at a house and don’t know if anyone inside is licensed to own a gun.
Bloomingdale Police Officer Levi McGhee warns a driver about speeding. McGhee, like many officers, believes having better access to FOID information would make police safer during such stops.
That information is held by the Illinois State Police, but the list of the state’s 1.6 million Firearm Owner Identification cardholders isn’t shared with local police.
Police often don’t have that clue to whether a gun might be in the house until the encounter is nearly over. Only after they’ve got a person’s name can they check it against the state’s list.
Some police officials say that’s a key shortcoming of the state law. They would prefer to have that information available ahead of traffic stops and calls to quell domestic disputes.
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* I disagree with this AP report…
When Illinois lawmakers considered a landmark vote on same-sex marriage, religious and conservative groups vowed to retaliate against those who voted in favor by grooming potential primary challengers in next year’s elections.
But now that gay marriage is Illinois law and legislative candidates have submitted candidate petitions to election officials, the threat seems to have evaporated.
* For instance…
Yet of the 14 black House Democrats who voted yes, only half have primary challengers. Of the nine total challengers — most of whom are seeking public office for the first time — seven spoke to The Associated Press, saying same-sex marriage wasn’t among their top campaign issues. One supported the vote outright. Another wasn’t aware of how the incumbent voted. Two didn’t return multiple messages.
Just because they’re saying they aren’t making it a major issue right out of the gate doesn’t mean that the candidates aren’t connected to the churches. I’ve already identified several for my subscribers. There may be more.
* Also…
[GOP Rep. Ed Sullivan’s] challenger, Bob Bednar, said he doesn’t support same-sex marriage, but the former treasurer of the Lake County Republican Party said it’s not why he jumped in. [GOP Rep. Ron Sandack’s] opponent, suburban school board member Keith Matune, declined to state his position or say how he would’ve voted on same-sex marriage.
Oh, c’mon. Bednar is running precisely because of the gay marriage issue, and Sandack was always gonna get a right-wing primary opponent.
* Look, for the most part, incumbents don’t want to bring attention to the issue because they don’t want to make waves with voters. The challengers will avoid the judgement of the “mainstream media” and save their fire for fliers, mailers and robocalls. And, trust me, that’s all coming if the money can be raised.
*** UPDATE *** And as if right on cue, Paul Caprio’s Family-Pac just did a robocall blasting Rep. Sandack for his votes for gay marriage and pension reform.
Click here to listen
Yeah, but no worries. The threat has “evaporated,” right?
…Adding… Rep. Sullivan also got hit with that Caprio robocall.
Yep. Nothing at all to see here, move along.
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Rauner’s money
Tuesday, Dec 17, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune…
If Chicago-area voters think they’ve seen a lot of Republican governor candidate Bruce Rauner on television lately, there’s a reason: He’s spent nearly $1.5 million on ads that began in mid-November and will wrap up before Christmas. […]
For Rauner, a wealthy equity investor from Winnetka, it’s a way for a first-time candidate to introduce himself to the public. His latest ad, which ran during Sunday’s Bears game, promotes his support for term limits. Though most voters won’t start to focus on the March 18 governor primary until well after the holidays, Rauner is spending nearly $300,000 a week during a five-week period. […]
The ad buy records also shed light on the audience Rauner is seeking. His campaign team is placing ads on programs in which audiences skew older — age 55 and above — rather than viewers ages 24 to 55 that traditional advertisers try to reach.
That strategy is in keeping with the demographic of Illinois Republican primary voters. In the 2012 GOP presidential primary in Illinois, nearly three-quarters of voters were 44 and older, network exit poll resulted showed, with a quarter of voters 65 and older.
He’s advertising a lot on Fox News.
One of the more interesting bits of feedback I’ve yet heard about Rauner’s new ad on this website is that it’s the clearest signal yet to Springfield “insiders” that the candidate has a ton of money to burn and will burn it at will. Candidates don’t advertise here because it’s too expensive and targeted for their purposes. Rauner just doesn’t care.
But because he may have wanted to send a message, it was money worth spending. We’ll see.
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Golden Horseshoe Awards
Tuesday, Dec 17, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The 2013 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Illinois State Representative - Democrat was almost unanimous. Rep. Greg Harris…
Have to go with Greg Harris. He not only passed landmark legislation like the marriage bill, but what is not so known is his work as an Appropriation Chair and the headaches and demands that go along with that.
He spent countless hours working with the state human services agencies crafting a budget that protected vital services at a time many were calling for more cuts. He also crafted legislation which made key changes in how abuse and neglect of those with disabilities is reported. When he was done crafting the bill, he moved it through the process quickly and without asking for any credit.
The work on human services issues is not flashy and is at times gut wrenching when dealing with issues that have profound impact on people’s lives yet Harris still does it, does it well and does it without drawing attention to his work.
Harris had a year many lawmakers can only dream about.
* Several folks also nominated Speaker Madigan, and not for the usual “he controls everything anyway” reasons, so he’s our runner-up…
Madigan is a closer. He made sure that SSM and pension reform passed. He voted for MMJ. He proved his worth as a leader. He took a stand against corporate welfare and has the quote of the year, to me. When he was told that ADM wants an answer on tax breaks by the end of the year, he said: “Okay, well that’s nice.” Brusque.
* The 2013 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Illinois State Representative - Republican is a tie…
Rep. Ed Sullivan. While most floor leaders historically just drone on, both sides of the aisle actually listen to Sullivan because he is to-the-point and has a thoughtful perspective. Furthermore, as seen with the death penalty, marriage equality, and pension reform, he is not afraid of a tough vote.
And…
For Republican, I vote for Ron Sandack, who stood against his party, which is falling out of favor with voters in many ways. Mr. Sandack has good sense enough to see that being on the losing side of issues risks harming the future of the party.
Congrats to all. You really deserved it in a way crazy year.
* OK, on to today’s category…
* Best Illinois State Senator - Democrat
* Best Illinois State Senator - Republican
Don Harmon and Matt Murphy won last year, in case you have trouble remembering these things.
Remember, it’s absolutely necessary to explain your vote. A simple name or a quick drive-by won’t be counted. Thanks!
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* I suggested months ago that there was something not quite right about the state’s first “medical marijuana clinic,” so I’m glad to see the state is taking some action…
Months before any Illinois residents can legally purchase pot, state regulators have filed a formal complaint against the doctor who opened Good Intentions LLC, the first medical marijuana clinic in Illinois.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which inspected the clinic shortly after it opened in August in Wicker Park, said today that Dr. Brian Murray charged for “pre-certification for medical cannabis without conducting physical examinations” or “establishing a legitimate physician-patient relationship.”
The clinic vigorously disagrees.
“That’s absolutely false,” said Daniel Reid, general manager and spokesman for Good Intentions, which he said has received about 25,000 inquiries from potential patients since August. “He didn’t pre-qualify or anything of the sort.”
* From earlier this year…
On Wednesday, the clinic charged some people a $99 fee for an individual care plan that would later be formulated. […]
Stuart Bander, 50, who said he’s been suffering from multiple sclerosis for 20 years, was disappointed with the staff’s answers to his questions about the law.
“I know more than they do,” he said. “They’re doing nothing.”
* Look, I don’t particularly love the state’s new medical marijuana law. It’s way too restrictive. Just legalize it and get it over with already. But we do have a law now and hinky practices need to be avoided. From an IDFPR press release…
“Unlike some states, Illinois law does not allow for ‘medical cannabis clinics’ or practices that exist solely to offer cannabis certifications,” IDFPR Acting Secretary Manuel Flores said. “We want to make sure that patients who would truly benefit from the relief of medical cannabis are not misled and physicians are not violating the law.”
The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act does not take effect until January 1, 2014 and rules for administration of the Act have yet to be finalized. The rules will not be adopted until the winter of 2014. Any entity or individuals touting their ability to help with compliance with the Act or offering services in furtherance of obtaining medical cannabis before rules are adopted should be treated with extreme caution.
The Act only permits a physician who has a bona fide physician-patient relationship and is treating the patient’s qualifying debilitating medical condition to certify them for use of medical cannabis. A physician may only accept payment from a patient for the fee associated with the required medical examination prior to certifying a patient for use of medical cannabis. Physicians cannot accept payment for the certification itself.
There is no specialty in medicine that treats all the various qualifying debilitating medical conditions listed in the Act. This means that one physician could not properly treat all patients eligible to use medical cannabis. Additionally, IDFPR would not consider a physician to be treating a patient for a condition if the only treatment being provided is a written authorization for the used of medical cannabis.
Any physician advertising as a “medical cannabis clinic” will immediately fall under the Department’s scrutiny. It may be appropriate for a specialist who treats one or more of the debilitating medical conditions to advertise that they are open to providing written authority. But, it is not appropriate for a physician to advertise that the purpose of the clinic is to provide such written authorization.
* Lou…
“We did that to avoid what happened in California,” where physician offices or even websites were created solely to provide ID cards for medical marijuana, said Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, a principal author of the law. “It’s a sham. We have no intention under our law to create a sham.”
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Brady actually has taxable income this time
Tuesday, Dec 17, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Perhaps the biggest story about Sen. Bill Brady releasing his 2012 tax returns yesterday was that he actually paid taxes.
You’ll recall that Brady only reluctantly released his returns in the 2010 campaign, and when he did we found out that he didn’t pay state or federal income taxes in 2008 and no federal income taxes in 2009, which was partly because his businesses were so hard hit by the recession. From a Pat Quinn 2010 TV ad…
“We pay millionaire Bill Brady over $76,000 a year as a state senator. And he didn’t pay any federal income taxes?”
* This time around, Brady actually has taxable income to tell us about…
Brady released his 2012 tax returns, showing he paid more than $37,000 in state and federal income tax on $200,529 in income that year. The joint returns with his wife, Nancy, showed $66,998 in wages and salary from his legislative pay and an additional $133,000 from other business and investment income. He did not provide schedules that would offer further details.
Brady paid $28,100 in federal income tax and $9,268 in state taxes, according to the documents. Part of Brady’s legislative salary is not taxable because he elects to place it in a deferred retirement account, his spokesman said.
If you’re keeping score, that’s a 14 percent federal tax rate. Bruce Rauner’s rate last year was 19 percent. Gov. Pat Quinn’s rate was just under 18 percent.
That’s somewhat important to note because of the uproar over presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s rate…
The news is out that Mitt Romney paid a 14.1% effective tax rate on an income of over $13.7 million in 2011, a number that will strike many people as high but that is actually artificially inflated. He didn’t fully deduct all his charitable contributions in order to make sure his effective rate stayed above 13 percent.
* Back to Brady…
“Like many, we are on a slow climb out of a deep hole, but we are not yet out of that hole,” Brady said in a prepared statement issued Monday. “We have worked through many challenges over the last six years. Like others, we have downsized, liquidated assets and retooled our strategies. These have been tough and sometimes painful decisions, but they were necessary.” […]
While Rauner said he would put his extensive business holdings in a blind trust, Brady on Monday said his businesses do not present any current or future conflict with the responsibilities of being governor.
Discuss.
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* A federal judge has issued a new ruling in the same sex marriage debate…
U.S. District Judge Thomas Durkin last month ordered Cook County Clerk David Orr to issue a marriage license to Patricia Ewert and Vernita Gray, who is battling terminal cancer. The couple’s lawyer argued that they deserved the license because Gray’s prognosis means she may not survive to marry when the law goes into effect. Orr, who supports same sex marriage, opted not to defend his office against the suit.
Today, U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman issued a ruling that will allow all same-sex couples facing life-threatening illness to apply for marriage licenses before the law kicks in on June 1, 2014. As part of the lawsuit, two couples — Elvie Jordan and Challis Gibbs, and Ronald Dorfman and Ken Ilio — were specifically granted license applications. Dorfman has been diagnosed with a heart condition, and Gibbs has cancer. The ruling creates a legal “subclass” of couples, who have an “urgent need” to marry before the effective date.
“Given the Illinois General Assembly’s enactment of Senate Bill 10, any erroneous decision here would only result in allowing a relatively few people to marry a short period of time sooner,” Johnson Coleman wrote in her ruling. “The harm to the putative subclass of medically critical plaintiffs, on the other hand, would be far weightier since a denial of relief could effectively deny them the right to marry at all if one member of the couple passes away before June 1, 2014.” Couples in the state seeking to marry immediately because one or both have a life-threatening illness must get a recommendation from a doctor. Couples must have a doctor complete this certification form, available on the Cook County clerk’s website. Once couples get a certification, they can continue through the standard process of obtaining a marriage license.
* From a press release…
“When you have a terminal illness, every day is significant. Even though we know the freedom to marry is coming to Illinois, the default implementation date of the new law is too far away for these couples,” said Camilla Taylor, Marriage Project Director for Lambda Legal. “While no one should be told that they cannot marry for a period of months, for couples who are dealing with a life-threatening medical condition, the delay in implementing Illinois’ marriage law could turn out to be an absolute bar to being married at all. We thank the Court and the clerk’s office for their swift response to ensure that Illinois couples who are struggling with the challenges of a life-threatening illness will have a chance to be married.”
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Rauner’s pension defense
Monday, Dec 16, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Kurt Erickson talks about Bruce Rauner’s attack on public employee pensions…
The ultra wealthy hedge fund manager who is running for the Republican nomination for governor wants to freeze state worker pensions at their current levels and switch everyone to a 401(k)-style retirement savings program.
This is ironic because Rauner became rich, in part, by investing and managing public pension funds, including the Illinois Teachers Retirement System.
While school teachers, prison guards, university employees and child welfare workers are staring at a revamped pension plan that will bite into their future earning power, Rauner is enjoying the fruits of his investments.
He reported earning over $100 million in the past three years alone. Reports indicate he has eight homes, including ranches out West, penthouses in New York and Chicago and a beach house in Florida.
Rauner’s handlers didn’t make him available to discuss the disconnect between Rauner’s riches and his position on ending pension plans for public servants.
But, Rauner’s campaign spokesman said Rauner’s investment firm GTCR delivered ample returns for the pension systems at a time when lawmakers and former governors were not sufficiently funding them.
“So on one side you had the politicians creating the problem and on the other you had GTCR and Bruce creating tremendous returns,” spokesman Mike Schrimpf said.
I suppose I can see the logic in that Schrimpf statement, but I’m not sure that it’s an easy argument to make, especially considering his great wealth.
I mean, $53 million a year is over a million dollars a week, which breaks down to over $200K a day for each work day. He’s making more in a day than most retirees will make in five, six or even more years.
And if you think pointing that out is “class warfare,” then what is Rauner doing?
Thoughts?
* By the way, Rauner disclosed another $100,000 in contributions this morning, including $25K from Contractors for Free Enterprise, which is the political arm of the anti-union Associated Builders & Contractors.
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A bit too much tinfoil, perhaps
Monday, Dec 16, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* As we’ve already discussed, the Tribune sharply criticized Republicans who voted against the pension reform bill. Rep. Jeanne Ives responds…
The Tribune may bend to the will of Mike Madigan and provide political cover to the same people who brought us the most unfunded pension systems in the country but I will not. Our party’s stance in the ILGA is to uphold fiscal responsibility and strong policy at every decision-point. Let’s not retreat from this mission.
…said the same state legislator who voted for Madigan’s very similar bill back in May.
Also, say what you want about the Chicago Tribune editorial page (and we all have), but its being in Mike Madigan’s back pocket is definitely not part of reality. I think we can all agree on that - at least, those of us who regularly inhabit this planet and not some alternate universe.
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* Good news…
The new budget agreement making its way through Congress should have “significant benefits” for the University of Illinois and its researchers, its chief federal lobbyist says.
The two-year deal struck by Republicans and Democrats last week, and approved Thursday by the House, would provide partial relief for the cuts imposed by the budget sequester last spring and give federal agencies some certainty in budget planning, said Jon Pyatt, UI director of federal relations.
“We really see this as a positive sign. We’ve been lurching from crisis to crisis for the last several years,” Pyatt said.
* Bad news…
University of Illinois Board Chair Chris Kennedy is sounding an alarm, worried a bid by the school and its partners for a $70 million federal Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute grant may be influenced by a senator’s clout — and end up in Huntsville, Ala.
Kennedy, noting the clout history of Illinois — harking back to the days when the late Rep. Dan Rostenkowki, D-Ill., could vastly influence decisions — told me Sunday, “there is a certain irony to the fact that we may lose a big federal grant to clout.”
More…
“The university has lots of supporters, elected officials, government workers, and that network is providing us with feedback, and that feedback is indicating perhaps a certain United States senator is so focused on bringing home this grant to his Southern state that we may not get it,” Kennedy said.
The senator in question is Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., is the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee Defense spending subcommittee, and this is a Defense Department project. Durbin has written two letters to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to bolster the U. of I. bid, on Aug. 8 and Nov. 8. Durbin’s Nov. 8 letter was signed by a total of 16 senators, including Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill.
If Durbin gets outmaneuvered by Shelby on this one, then what good is he? I mean, the Senate is majority Democratic, he’s chairman of a powerful subcommittee and is the number 2 guy in Senate leadership.
C’mon, man.
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* There’s little doubt that the US Attorney’s office did a really poor job at oral arguments last week in Rod Blagojevich’s appeal. Listen to the whole thing if you can…
That person just wasn’t prepared.
* AP…
During an hour-long hearing that was sometimes contentious, three judges of the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals frequently interrupted a prosecutor and pressed her to explain just how the 56-year-old Illinois Democrat’s actions had strayed into criminality. […]
Blagojevich’s attorneys want the court to toss his corruption convictions or at least agree to slash years off his 14-year prison term, which is one of the longest ever imposed for political corruption in a state where four of the last seven governors have ended up in prison.
In seeking a cabinet post - possibly as secretary of health and human services - in exchange for a Senate appointment, Blagojevich was merely seeking to further political causes he’d long championed, including health care, Blagojevich attorney Leonard Goodman told judges.
“Mr. Blagojevich’s defense is, ‘I thought this was (legal) political horse trading,’” said Goodman, adding that Blagojevich was an avid student of political history and was therefore conscious of not crossing that line. “This wasn’t some backroom deal.”
* OK, that’s total bunk. He knew that at least some of what he was doing could very well be illegal. How do we know that? The tapes.
From a December 4th conversation about appointing Jesse Jackson, Jr. to Obama’s Senate seat…
ROBERT BLAGOJEVICH: Yeah. Well I would think if you do appoint him and I don’t know who the money centers are in the black community, but you gotta get me focused on them or somebody focused on them…
BLAGOJEVICH: What, here’s, here’s what you’ve got to do. You gotta talk to Raghu. You gotta call him and say hey, look. You know, Jesse Jr. you know, I think a Ro-, Rod’s meeting with him at some point. Very much a real-, a realistic, and you should just let him know, you know, the Durbins and the others behind the scenes, they don’t want him. They’re afraid.
“Raghu” is Raghu Nayak, a major fundraiser for both Jackson, Jr. and Blagojevich…
Federal authorities alleged Nayak offered to raise up to $6 million in campaign cash for Blagojevich if he used his power to name Jackson as President Barack Obama’s replacement in the U.S. Senate after the 2008 election.
* Rod knew this deal could be a very big problem. From the same conversation with his brother…
BLAGOJEVICH: You understand? Now you gotta be careful how you express that. And assume everybody’s listening, the whole world’s listening.
ROBERT BLAGOJEVICH: Right.
BLAGOJEVICH: You hear me?
* From the very next morning, the same day the Tribune ran a story about how Blagojevich pal Wyma was cooperating with the feds…
ROBERT BLAGOJEVICH: I got a meeting today at one
BLAGOJEVICH: Raghu.
ROBERT BLAGOJEVICH: Yeah.
BLAGOJEVICH: Yeah. I don’t know if you should do it.
ROBERT BLAGOJEVICH: Right.
BLAGOJEVICH: Yeah.
ROBERT BLAGOJEVICH: So is that a definitive no?
BLAGOJEVICH: Probably, yeah. Give me a little while, but I’m sure it’s a no. Just, you know, just re-, say we’ll see you tomorrow and Harish Bhatt and all that stuff, you know what I’m sayin’?
ROBERT BLAGOJEVICH: Yeah. (PAUSE)
ROBERT BLAGOJEVICH: Okay.
BLAGOJEVICH: Okay.
ROBERT BLAGOJEVICH: Alright.
BLAGOJEVICH: Yeah and I’m sure it’s gonna be a no.
ROBERT BLAGOJEVICH: Okay. Very good.
BLAGOJEVICH: In fact, just do it. Go ahead just call him and say, well, it’s too obvious right now ’cause of this story.
* Later that morning…
ROBERT BLAGOJEVICH: Alright just to let you know what’s goin’ on today we got this Hispanic event.
BLAGOJEVICH: Yeah I know, I know all that. So, yeah, undo your Raghu thing.
ROBERT BLAGOJEVICH: Ah, done.
BLAGOJEVICH: Yeah.
ROBERT BLAGOJEVICH: Done.
* Back to Friday’s hearing…
With some passion behind his remarks, [former chief judge of the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, the conservative Frank Easterbrook] asked if there was “any criminal conviction in U.S. history” other than Blagojevich’s in which a politician was convicted for trying to trade one job for another.
“I’m aware of none,” responded the government’s Debra Bonamici.
Her answer seemed to hang in the air for a bit as courtroom observers took that in.
Easterbrook described how in the run-up to the 1952 presidential election, then-California Gov. Earl Warren offered to use his post to “deliver California” for Eisenhower in return for a seat on the Supreme Court. It was a deal that Eisenhower eventually honored.
“If I understand your position, Earl Warren should have gone to prison, Dwight Eisenhower should have gone to prison,” Easterbrook implored. “Can that possibly be right?”
Her eventual answer was nuanced, including explaining the allegations included Blagojevich’s attempt to have a 501c (4) set up for him to head if he appointed Valerie Jarrett to the U.S. Senate.
I happen to mostly agree with Easterbrook here. But the prosecutor should’ve focused on some of the more clear-cut issues, like the shakedown of a children’s hospital for a big campaign contribution. He ordered a beneficial state rule held up until he got his money. That’s clearly illegal.
*** UPDATE *** Wordslinger blasts Easterbrook’s comparison to the Eisenhower situation…
That’s nonsense. Show me, in any written history, that Warren made such an “offer” and that Eisenhower agreed to “honor” it.
As it was, 77 of the 90-member California delegation voted for Warren at the convention, so Warren hardly “delivered” the state to Ike.
How the U.S. attorney could let that fiction slide just shows how unprepared the office was.
The facts:
In 1952, Gov. Warren ran as a favorite son, and thought he had the 90-vote California delegation sewn up. In truth, Sen. Nixon spent the train ride from Sacramento to Chicago picking off a handful of Warren delegates for Ike.
Because of this, in part, Ike’s biggest backers, Gov. Dewey and Gen. Clay, recommended him for VP. Nixon was also considered an attractive VP candidate for his youth, war service and for being from the booming West. In addition, he served as a bridge between the right-wing isolationists (for the Hiss case) and the moderate East Coast internationalists (for his support of NATO).
After Ike was elected president, he nominated Warren for solicitor general, with the idea of appointing him to the next open Supreme Court seat, which he did.
But that was to keep Warren from being a primary rival in 1956 and to placate the liberal wing of the GOP, just as Lincoln did with Salmon Chase and the Radical Republicans in 1864.
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Rauner’s new TV ad focuses on term limits
Monday, Dec 16, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Rate it…
Mentioning George Washington and Ronald Reagan was a bit much, particularly since Reagan wanted to repeal the 22nd Amendment…
During his final days in office, President Ronald Reagan vows to continue speaking out on issues that concern him. Among other things, Reagan says he will push for repeal of the 22nd amendment that limits a president to just two terms in office.
But it’ll probably work very well with the tea party crowd.
* From the Rauner campaign…
Bruce Rauner’s campaign launched a new television ad focused on his push for term limits. Bruce is chairman of the Committee for Legislative Reform and Term Limits, which recently announced it has already collected more than half the signatures necessary to place a Constitutional amendment enacting term limits on the legislature on the November 2014 ballot.
Click the link to watch the ad: http://bit.ly/1bFYpl7
“Out-of-control spending, record tax hikes, terrible unemployment and a state government controlled by special interests - the career politicians are failing Illinois, and Pat Quinn is the worst of all,” said Bruce Rauner. “I’ll put an end to the self-dealing and drive results for taxpayers.”
“I’m running to create a booming economy, clean up state government, dramatically improve education and enact term limits,” Rauner said. “And unlike the career politicians running Springfield right now, I’ll make it happen.”
* I shouldn’t have to remind you, but support for term limits is almost off the charts in Illinois…
When asked if they’d be more or less likely to support a GOP gubernatorial candidate “who supports a constitutional amendment limiting the number of terms state legislators may serve,” 76 percent of Republicans said they’d be more likely, while a mere 13 percent said they’d be less likely and 12 percent said it made no difference [according to a Capitol Fax/We Ask America poll].
And…
The Paul Simon poll found 79 percent [of Illinoisans] favored term limits, a number consistent with previous polls.
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Ryan, Castro, Mandela and the death penalty
Monday, Dec 16, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The story…
Former Illinois Gov. George Ryan says Nelson Mandela was instrumental in his 2003 decision to empty death row. […]
Ryan and Mandela met in 2000 on a trade mission to South Africa.
Ryan said Sunday to hearty applause that Mandela called him ahead of his decision to empty death row and it inspired him. Ryan drew national attention for emptying death row, which led to Illinois abolishing the death penalty in 2011.
* The back story…
Back in 2000, staff members for then-Gov. Ryan tried to get a meeting with Mandela during the trip but were rebuffed, Ryan recalled.
“We were told that Nelson Mandela was a busy man and that he only met with heads of nations and world leaders,” Ryan told the mostly full church at 6430 S. Harvard in Englewood.
But then someone in the trade group had an epiphany. Ryan, who met with Cuban leader Fidel Castro the previous year, had maintained friendly enough relations with the communist dictator that his staffers were comfortable asking a favor of Castro, who was a close ally of Mandela’s.
“The staff I had called back to Cuba, to Fidel Castro, who had a long personal, affectionate relationship with Nelson Mandela over the years and asked if he could put in a good word,” Ryan said. “Don’t you know what happened? We had a meeting.”
* And then…
Several years later, after Ryan had imposed a moratorium on the executions in Illinois, Mandela called him while Ryan was contemplating commuting the sentences of inmates on Death Row.
“I hadn’t decided what my decision was going to be, and Nelson Mandela called me from South Africa and asked me to do what I [eventually] did and it had an impact on my actions,” Ryan said.
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Digital-only application process riles some
Monday, Dec 16, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* You’ll be able to begin the application process for a concealed carry permit with the Illinois State Police on January 5th, but only online. And that troubles some folks…
“We want the ability to have a choice,” said state Rep. Brandon Phelps, a Harrisburg Democrat. “You’ve got people in some rural areas who don’t have access to computers or who might not understand the technology.”
But Illinois State Police officials say they’re not set up to process paper applications.
* More…
Illinois State Police spokeswoman Monique Bond said there is no procedure in place for applicants to send in a paper application.
“At this time we will only be accepting applications online,” Bond said. “It is more efficient, cost-effective and easier for other agencies to communicate throughout the application process.”
While Phelps said he understands the state police reasoning and agrees a paper application could slow the approval process, he said the option should still be available for people who don’t have computers or Internet access.
“It’s a big deal that needs to be addressed,” Phelps said.
* More…
National Rifle Association lobbyist Todd Vandermyde says he’s anxious the concealed carry rollout will mirror the Affordable Care Act signup mess. He’s pressing the state police to accept paper, as well as online, applications.
“There are people in this state who don’t have the ability to scan documents, who are over 55 and don’t live on a computer every day like the tech generation does,” he says. “We’re trying to make this reasonably accessible for everybody. But the state police seem to be in a very narrow mindset about that, and are trying to force everything in a digital model, which they don’t even seem to be able to get right.”
The story above also claims that this page isn’t working on some browsers. It didn’t work on one of my browsers last week, but it is working today. Does it work for you?
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Durkin cuts off Caprio’s access to voter file
Monday, Dec 16, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Family-Pac’s Paul Caprio is upset that House Republican Leader Jim Durkin has barred Caprio’s group from using the Republican voter file to run candidates against Durkin’s incumbents in the Republican primary. That may sound like a no-brainer to you, but Caprio is furious and sent a letter to rank and file House Republicans last week…
December 12, 2013
Dear Representative,
For the past decade, Family-Pac has had a cordial working relationship with the HRO.
Although we haven’t always agreed on the best Republican candidates in the primaries, I think Tom Cross would tell you that Family-Pac has provided key assistance to pro-family GOP candidates in many general election contests.
In return, the House GOP leadership has always allowed us use of the Republican Party voter file.
Unfortunately, under the leadership of Jim Durkin this policy was changed without notice. Family-Pac’s ability to use OUR voter file has been terminated by Durkin.
I asked the reason for the change and was told by an HRO political operative it was because Family-Pac was opposing two GOP incumbents in the upcoming March 2014 Primary who had supported same sex marriage.
Forty-four of you opposed same sex marriage (SB10) in support of your national and state platforms. Now Family-Pac is discriminated against for supporting your position.
If Jim Durkin wants to focus his campaign efforts on supporting these two candidates instead of recruiting strong candidates in target districts against Democrats, that’s his prerogative. However, to use the vote on same sex marriage to determine HRO’s relationship with a long-time ally like Family-Pac, I believe, is extremely foolish.
We view this as another effort to marginalize the conservative base which is so important to the success of the pro-family candidates. These continued insults are one of the reasons that the GOP finds itself in such a weakened position in Illinois.
Thank you again for your support of our common values.
Sincerely,
Paul Caprio
* Caprio also forwarded the letter to his allies with this e-mail…
Coalition Members:
I’ve attached a copy of a letter I sent yesterday to all Illinois Republican House members.
As you can see this is yet another effort to further close the Party to social conservatives.
I can assure you that this reckless action by Jim Durkin will not hinder our efforts to defeat GOP candidates who were the deciding votes to pass same sex marriage. GOP Primary decisions should be decided by individual voters, not dictated by would-be political bosses like Jim Durkin.
Paul
To me, anyway, this looks very much like the same fight that Speaker Boehner is dealing with in DC.
31 Comments
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Kim backgrounder
Monday, Dec 16, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The Kankakee Daily Journal has a bio piece on Steve Kim, who is Treasurer Dan Rutherford’s running mate…
Kim is a successful businessman. An attorney, he advises companies on regulation and has offices around the world. He was a special assistant on international trade during the administration of Gov. Jim Edgar and sits on the advisory committee for trade set up by Sen. Mark Kirk.
Kim’s father, Kenneth, was a pharmacist in Seoul. He and his wife, Helen, might have settled elsewhere, but they ran out of bus fare in Illinois and remained here. His mother ran a dry cleaners in Skokie.
“Their dream was the American dream,” he said. “Work hard. Save. Own your own business. Send your children to college.”
Kim is a graduate of Loyola Law School. He and his wife, Misuk, live in Northbrook. They want a good life for their son, Lincoln, 19 months. “For Christmas we got him a stuffed elephant,” Kim said.
* A photo from his event…
Caption?
And, I know I don’t have to say this, but just in case some stupid yahoo stumbles in here, any attempt at racial humor will be met with a highly unpleasant response from me.
Thanks.
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* My weekly syndicated newspaper column…
House Speaker Michael Madigan’s spokesman said last week that his boss’ statement opposing further corporate “handouts” basically “speaks for itself.” But does it?
Madigan invoked the populist gods last week as he called for an end to the “case-by-case system of introducing and debating legislation whenever a corporation is looking for free money from Illinois taxpayers.” Companies requesting the tax breaks, Madigan said, “pay little to no corporate income tax to the state, contributing little or nothing to help fund the very services from which they benefit significantly.”
It would be much easier to believe Madigan had he not just last month pushed a bill over to the Illinois Senate which would give Univar a tax break to help the west coast corporation move its headquarters to Illinois. Not coincidentally, Univar has an existing facility just next door to Madigan’s House district.
The Senate refused to pass the stand-alone Univar bill, opting instead to include the Univar break in a wider package benefiting OfficeMax and ADM. That bill cruised through the Senate, but Madigan didn’t allow it to be called in the House after the pension reform proposal was approved.
So, Madigan’s infamous transactional nature and the traditional tension between the two chambers both appear to be playing into this.
Contrast Madigan’s statement about corporate “handouts” with Senate President John Cullerton’s staunch defense of his chamber’s passage of the tax breaks. “We’re not giving any money to corporations, we’re bringing jobs to Illinois,” Cullerton said. “These specific bills that we passed, they are new jobs that are being added. So we’re not taking any money away from anybody or giving money to corporations, we’re adding jobs that aren’t here now.”
But even Cullerton whittled down the list of companies seeking government assistance. Zurich North America wanted a tax break to help it with its already announced headquarters move from one part of Schaumburg into another, but it was left out of the final deal. Suburban video game developer High Voltage Software has asked for assistance dealing with overseas competition, but it was also removed from the Senate’s package.
Several other corporate execs have also quietly reached out to inquire about tax incentives, insiders say, so the relative trickle could become a raging flood very soon. Madigan appears to have wanted to stop this trend before it got out of hand.
There is also some continuing tension between Madigan and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who refused to publicly endorse a specific ADM tax break bill. Emanuel wants Decaturbased ADM’s new “world headquarters” to be located in Chicago, but hizzoner never publicly requested the subsidy the company wants, and Madigan didn’t want his members taking heat for “corporate welfare” while Chicago’s mayor benefitted without cost.
This move also has a macro side. Madigan has never really cared much about the publicity he gets, but after he was publicly singled out by gay marriage proponents as the main impediment to the bill’s passage, Madigan helped push the legislation over the top and then took credit in an unusual post-vote press conference with the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Greg Harris
Madigan then gave himself full credit for passage of the pension reform bill, claiming that the bill couldn’t have passed without his own leadership. His statement blatantly ignored the undeniable fact of Senate President Cullerton’s massive policy shift on pension reform, which was what really led to the bill’s success. More importantly, though, the Speaker’s statement signaled yet again that he wanted praise for his accomplishments - something he’s never asked for in the past.
And now this move designed to curry favor with the vast majority of voters.
After years of not caring, why does he care now? One obvious reason is the upcoming gubernatorial election.
“Dealing with Madigan” has already become the most important issue in the Republican primary, with Bruce Rauner regularly denouncing Madigan and all four candidates claiming they’re the right guy to bring the most powerful Democrat in Illinois’ history to heel.
It’s highly doubtful that Madigan’s PR ploy will work. The media and the Republican establishment have been blasting Madigan for over thirty years. A sustained attack like that simply cannot be effectively countered in a few months via media coverage alone.
Madigan, at the age of 71 with almost 43 years in the House and close to 29 years as Speaker, is also undoubtedly taking stock of his legacy and has apparently decided that he’d better get his, um, house in order. This state has suffered badly. And while he shouldn’t get all the blame, he has to know that he will anyway.
* Kurt Erickson believes it was all about the “optics”…
I prefer to think that Madigan was just trying to avoid the bad optics first floated in a story I wrote back in late September.
Here’s the first paragraph of the story:
“At the same time Illinois lawmakers are expected to debate a plan to strip retirement benefits from teachers, prison guards and university employees, they also may take up a proposal to deliver tax breaks to one of the state’s biggest corporations.”
Flash forward from September to December and that was exactly the scenario facing lawmakers in the House as they voted to approve a plan to reduce pension benefits for tens of thousands of workers and retirees.
What would it have said had they then turned around that same day and gave away millions of dollars in tax breaks to a successful company like ADM so its top brass could be closer to a large international airport?
Except the Senate did just that, overwhelmingly passing the bill with the support of Republicans like Sens. Bill Brady and Kirk Dillard. Just five Democrats voted “No.”
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Your chance to weigh in
Monday, Dec 16, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* I told you about this late Friday afternoon, but you didn’t get a chance to comment, so…
The governor collected more than $70,000 in uncashed paychecks held since last summer by Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka at his request in a move originally intended to show his commitment toward solving the state’s $100 billion pension crisis.
And in one other bit of end-of-the-week housekeeping, Quinn dropped his appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court in his dispute with House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, and Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, over whether he had the authority as governor to withhold legislators’ paychecks to drive a legislative bargain on pensions.
“We are moving forward. Illinois is moving forward,” Quinn spokeswoman Brooke Anderson said.
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