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Brady votes “Present” on gaming bill, sparks interest

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Illinois

* The speculation that Bill Brady is probably running for reelection is no surprise at all. He’s almost definitely in for a third straight try. The fact that he’s paying closer attention to his voting record this time around is what might be the bigger surprise…

When the gambling expansion bill was approved by the Illinois Senate last week, state Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, was a “present” vote.

When he ran for governor in 2010, Brady said he was beat up for approving an easement in Champaign close to a subdivision owned by his family’s development company, Brady Homes.

“In this case, I have an equity interest in a hotel in Danville, Illinois. And, when Danville was thrown into the bill, my ethics officer advised me that I should declare a conflict by voting present,” Brady said.

The gambling expansion bill includes five new casino licenses, including ones in Danville and Chicago, as well as slot machines at racetracks.

Brady’s answer made it seem as though he’s considering another run for governor.

“At frustrating times like the end of the session sure lead me to realize there’s a lack of leadership in Springfield, and there’s certainly a lot I think I can do. But, I think I’m going to reserve that answer until probably after the election in November,” Brady said.

* In other gaming news, Senate President John Cullerton says he expects Gov. Quinn to veto the gaming expansion bill…

Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, flatly predicted Quinn will veto the bill. He said senators would then pass another version of the measure.

* The governor won’t say what he’ll do…

Quinn refused to say whether he would sign, veto or use his powers to rewrite the gambling bill. The governor also would not directly answer whether he continues to oppose slot machines at horse racing tracks — the reason he gave for opposing last year’s casino legislation.

The governor said he is focused on whether the latest bill has tough ethics standards.

“We must have integrity, strong no-nonsense ethics standards, and if we apply that over and over again, we’ll be a better state,” Quinn said.

* And yet another trailer bill has been prepared…

Gambling expansion sponsor Sen. Terry Link, D-Waukegan, has said he’ll push a bill this fall with more oversight of the Chicago casino and a ban on political contributions from gambling licensees. Such changes could allow Quinn to more easily pivot and go along with the gambling measure if he’s inclined to do so.

* More on the trailer…

Additionally, Sen. Terry Link, a Waukegan Democrat and sponsor of the bill, filed additional legislation Thursday that would add more ethics provisions, including a ban on campaign donations from some gambling interests.

“We answered every request that (Quinn) could have,” Link said. “I don’t know what more I can do for him.”

Link’s additional legislation could be key to luring Quinn’s support.

“I have a great deal of hope we can do it. We probably just don’t have the language yet,” Duchossois said. “I think that will come through. I think that’s what we’re trying to put together.”

* A look ahead at the veto session…

Lame duck lawmakers could also play a role if an override vote is needed this fall. Already there are 12 suburban lawmakers among other lame ducks across the state. And that number will grow after the Nov. 6 election. Lawmakers relieved from the political pressures of facing re-election could be more willing to vote for a controversial plan.

* Related…

* Park City casino could add 1,000 jobs, mayor says

* Arlington would keep slots, grandstand separate

* Danville mayor expects governor to veto casino bill

* New Gaming Bill ‘Disappointing,’ Says Des Plaines Mayor

* Gambling expansion goes to Illinois governor

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jun 4, 12 @ 10:11 am

Comments

Please Bill - don’t run again.

Comment by Team Sleep Monday, Jun 4, 12 @ 10:17 am
So we’re supposed to think more highly of a guy Illinois voters already rejected because he’s showing LESS of a backbone now?

Kirk Dillard voted “Present” on the gambling bill also as you know.

With cowards like this the GOP really doesn’t deserve to get power back.

Comment by just sayin' Monday, Jun 4, 12 @ 10:22 am
There’s no party interest in a future Brady, Dillard, Rutherford or any other Springfield GOP’er run for Governor. Brady’s campaign was horrible and I am sure all those Republicans who get to be represented by Schakowsky, Jesse Jackson, Quigley and Duckworth next year are going to be just thrilled to vote for Brady considering his defeat made them their congressmen.

Comment by Shore Monday, Jun 4, 12 @ 10:27 am
—cowards—

I guess if Brady, Dillard, et al voted Present 90+ times they would be supremely qualified to be President of the United States of America, eh Say?

Comment by Joe from Joliet Monday, Jun 4, 12 @ 10:40 am
Smart move by Brady. No reason to give opponents in either party a hammer to beat you with.

Are there any GOP senators not contemplating a run for higher office?

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jun 4, 12 @ 10:44 am
“Brady’s answer made it seem as though he’s considering another run for governor.”

We think NoTaxBill’s vote means he thinks he is in line to pick up a big bag of moolah in Danville.

Comment by CircularFiringSquad Monday, Jun 4, 12 @ 10:45 am
“I guess if Brady, Dillard, et al voted Present 90+ times they would be supremely qualified to be President of the United States of America, eh Say?”

Well that makes no sense Joe. But you do remind us all of how Republicans were constantly trashing Obama during the 2008 campaign on the issue of his many “present” votes as a state senator.

I’m no Obama fan by a longshot, but I dislike blatant hypocrisy even more.

Of course Dillard did a tv commercial for Obama so I suppose he wasn’t one of the ones beating Obama up over present votes.

Comment by just sayin' Monday, Jun 4, 12 @ 10:58 am
Waiting for the quotes where Dillard constantly trashed Obama, Say. Waiting for your quotes where you trashed ANY Dem for a Present vote. Blatant hypocrisy? I agree.

Comment by Joe from Joliet Monday, Jun 4, 12 @ 11:32 am
Brady’s logic appears sound. He has an interest in a property that could benefit from the legislation. His ethics advisor pointed out at least an appearance of a conflict of interest.

How is it cowardice to not create an appearance of impropriety?

Comment by Plutocrat03 Monday, Jun 4, 12 @ 11:50 am
Dems hope Brady runs, and gets the nomination over at least six better Republican state-wide candidates that come to mind. It’s doubtful.

Comment by mark walker Monday, Jun 4, 12 @ 12:13 pm
Brady is also a part owner of the Bloomington indoor football team. Please tell me someone already has a photo of him wearing an Extreme jersey. That would be awesome.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Jun 4, 12 @ 12:34 pm
brady pulled a four-year senate term, so he can take another run for governor in ‘14 and not worry about losing his seat if he falls short. Dillard, on the other hand, pulled a two-year term, as did Murphy.

Comment by reformer Monday, Jun 4, 12 @ 12:48 pm
Quinn and Brady 2 shining examples of profiles in courge.

Comment by mokenavince Monday, Jun 4, 12 @ 1:13 pm
Run Bill Run!

As a Democrat nothing would make me happier, than knowing in 2014 we don’t have to worry about the Gubernatorial race.

Comment by J Monday, Jun 4, 12 @ 2:02 pm
“In this case, I have an equity interest in a hotel in Danville, Illinois. And, when Danville was thrown into the bill, my ethics officer advised me that I should declare a conflict by voting present,” Brady said.

So the voters are denied a yes or no vote because their elected official has a vested interest. How crazy is that?

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jun 4, 12 @ 2:27 pm
Heaven forbid Brady would have voted no like most of his gop senate colleagues did, in compliance with his own party’s platform, and against his own self interest.

The fact Brady has to consult an “ethics advisor” and still doesn’t do the right thing says a lot.

Comment by too obvious Monday, Jun 4, 12 @ 3:52 pm
What color is the sky in Bill Brady’s world that he thinks he should run for Governor for a third time? When the stars were in alignment with an historic Republican year, scandal-tarred Democrats running a horrible campaign, and all the money you could spend, Bill Brady couldn’t get the job done. Say goodnight, Bill. Your ceiling is the Illinois Senate.

Comment by LincolnLounger Monday, Jun 4, 12 @ 4:58 pm