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* Your advice for Gov. Pat Quinn?

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 12:21 pm

Comments

If he wants to get anything done, beg Jim Rielly to be his CoS…and then listen and do what he says.

Comment by Are Ya Kiddin' Me? Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 12:26 pm
Retire.

Comment by Ready To Get Out Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 12:26 pm
Take what you can get. If you wait for what you want, it’s never going to happen.

Comment by iThink Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 12:32 pm
Don’t run again. There’s going to be a primary and even if you win, it’s going to be ugly and expensive and you run the risk of losing the executive branch to Republicans for a long long time. You know why? Because the R that beats you might actually do a good job. Better than you. Much better than you, maybe. So get something done this GA and resign yourself to that legacy and go teach law school. This election is going to be the one where you don’t pull off a miracle 1 week out. Don’t ruin this for the rest of us, sir.

Comment by Curious Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 12:35 pm
Before any pension reform legislation is introduced, arrange a meeting with Madigan, Cross,Radogno,Cullerton and attorneys from the various employee unions.

At this meeting have three highly respected retired judges. Allow the participants to present various pension solutions to the judges and have the judges rule on their constitutionality.

Why introduce a bill i.e.HB6258 that is so obviously unconstitutional only to be voided by the courts.

Comment by Tsavo Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 12:37 pm
He should start looking around for a state government job with an extremely high salary that he can occupy for a few days or minutes or whatever so to spike his pension to the sky after his term as governor. Then he and Sqeezy can move to Belize or wherever else high end government pensioners go.

Comment by Cook County Commoner Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 12:39 pm
President Cullerton gave you a gift by transmitting that casino bill to you yesterday. Use it. Resist the urge to get sanctimonious, above deal-making and resist the urge to be preachy. Get some deals done. Get a trailer bill passed to make it more palatable if you want, but make a deal. Get something done.

Comment by Siriusly Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 12:42 pm
I’m with Curious. The number 1 piece of advice is you’re not going to be lucky enough to be re-elected.

I also agree with Tsavo - have real pension meetings with everyone in the room (though you don’t really need retired judges).

I agree with everyone who says that Pat should hire a first rate chief of staff and then listen.

Finally, Pat should take some time off and go on vacation. This working night and day stuff hasn’t been working. Maybe he’ll come back recharged for the remainder of his time in office.

Comment by Anonymour Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 12:43 pm
Live up to your self-characterization as honest and ethical. If you do this you will do many thing right.
- Purge Blago operatives and your other hires that are hostile to an honest, ethical, and functioning government.
- Make amends for the wrongdoing your administration has perpetrated and seek justice for those you have wronged.
- Hold yourself and all in the executive branch to a standard of lawful and ethical conduct.
- Stop rewarding misconduct and attacking ethical employees.

There are many more detailed steps, but if follow the above steps you and your administration will get a thousand smaller things right each and every day. You will also be able to restore the reputation of the Illinois Governor’s Office and earn the trust of the other branches and the citizens of Illinois.

Comment by Crime Fighter Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 12:48 pm
Anything other than what he has been doing because its not working.

Comment by Vandalia Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 12:50 pm
Quinn is his own worse enemy. He simply can’t hire someone and then listen. Can’t. Do. It.

If Lisa Madigan runs in a primary, Quinn will lose. If Lisa becomes gov what will MJM do? Will people be OK with the 2 Madigans negotiating our future?

Frankly, I don’t see anyone in the body politic today who has the chops to tangle with the GA and elbow his/her way to a solution.

Hang tough, governor. You won’t be viewed well by posterity but you can hold your head up and truly be able to say you did your best.

Comment by dupage dan Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 12:51 pm
hire a point person on pensions–an experienced and trusted former legislator (ala hannig) and support him or her with an experienced and trusted legal counsel (experienced in state government, not a reformer/prosecutor). then do what they tell you to do. this will be your legacy.

i am afraid the executive branch is too far gone at this point, sorry folks, that will take a new administration.

Comment by langhorne Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 12:55 pm
Run in 2014, you’re doing a great job!

Comment by Cincinnatus Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 12:55 pm
and oh yeah, as others have said, resolve now not to run again.

Comment by langhorne Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 12:56 pm
Retire.

Comment by Cassidy Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 1:01 pm
Root for the cubs you’ll have better success

Comment by foster brooks Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 1:02 pm
Get yourself an extremely organized chief of staff that you will listen to and a well respected legislative liaison that can work with Cullerton and Madigan. Listen to those people, and head their advice. It doesn’t mean you report to them, but you need to try to surround yourself with extremely capable people and listen to them. Stop holding press conferences; nothing happens by negotiating through the media.

Also, learn to be a pragmatist and to make a deal. Or allow others to make the deal on your behalf.

Comment by Ahoy! Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 1:06 pm
Retire and promise never to run for any office where any sort of decision has to be made.
Enjoy life!

Comment by mokenavince Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 1:10 pm
Go back to some foundation or goo goo group that will allow you to chime in from the sidelines (your strength).

It’s certainly not all your fault, but this leadership thing just isn’t working out for anybody.

Comment by LincolnLounger Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 1:19 pm
You can do all that stuff Crime Fighter said

or

You can keep on doing what you’re doing, ’cause you’re a rock star.

OOOO & XXXX
The GOP

Comment by Pink E. Kent Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 1:20 pm
If some pension bill passes during the remainder of your term, history will give you credit. Campaign for a constitutional amendment for a graduated income tax, which requires voter approval. Then retire and let historians judge whether you did more good than harm.

Comment by reformer Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 1:23 pm
- langhorne - Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 12:55 pm:

“hire a point person on pensions–an experienced and trusted former legislator (ala hannig) and support him or her with an experienced and trusted legal counsel (experienced in state government, not a reformer/prosecutor). then do what they tell you to do. this will be your legacy.”

Uh, Gary Hannig is the Governor’s legislative point person.

Advice: Less press conferences. More plans. Work on organization. People want to help. Figure out how to use people’s strengths.

Comment by WizzardOfOzzie Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 1:30 pm
Take a class…either Decision making 101 or Leadership 100

Comment by average citizen Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 1:31 pm
If you get whacked, like yesterday, think about who agreed with your decision to go ahead. Stop listening to those people. Then think about those who advised caution. Listen to those people next time.

Also, take an online management course.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 1:39 pm
Tell Rahm Emanuel “You know, Mike Madigan isn’t his people to pass pension reform. Can you help push them? If I get a pension bill to sign, I’ll do whatever you want on casinos.”

Comment by Robert the Bruce Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 1:43 pm
1. Stop micromanaging

2. Hire good and competent staff

3. Use the bully pulpit and the power afforded the office.

4. Be willing to compromise - it’s not a dirty word.

5. Don’t outline the framework (pension, gaming, etc) - introduce legislation and let the General Assembly respond

6. If you’re running in 2014, jettison Sheila Simon (ok, “promote her” to another position) and find a competent Hispanic or African American from Chicago or the suburbs

Comment by Dazed & Confused Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 1:43 pm
Surround yourself with pragmatic, realistic, and 21st century minded advisors. Listen to them. Communicate regularly with Madigan/Cullerton. Bury the hatchet with Cullerton/Emmanuel. Stop biting the hand the feeds you due to your populist tendencies.

Comment by Dirt Diver Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 1:44 pm
Oh, and one more thing, hope and pray that Bill Brady wins the GOP nomination. Perhaps you could help by making a small contribution!

Comment by Dazed & Confused Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 1:44 pm
Announce you aren’t running again. Admit you weren’t good at working with the legislature to get pension reform passed. Stay committed to reform as leader of a thinktank/googoo group. Retire without a major scandal, an accomplishment for a governor of our state.

Comment by Robert the Bruce Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 1:47 pm
Continue to surround yourself with outdated cronies. Continue to undermine Cullerton/Emmanuel. Continue to flip flop on every major issue. Continue to backhanded the legislature. Continue to discredit yourself. Continue to embrace populism.

Pat Nadar = Ralph Quinn.

Comment by Paul Lyin Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 1:50 pm
===Your advice for Gov. Pat Quinn?===

As if he’d ever take advice. Pass.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 1:57 pm
Get Sheila Simon some banjo lessons. The next 2 years are going to be painful enough without listening to that.

Or lock the chamber doors and tell the legislature Sheile will quit playing when his pension bill is passed.

Comment by the Patriot Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 1:57 pm
Do what the Mayor wants.

Comment by Jorge Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 2:03 pm
Perhaps the best way to advise Gov. Quinn is to trick him by telling him to do the opposite of what you think he should do (”I wouldn’t call a former governor for advice on dealing with the legislature; they wouldn’t be helpful!”)

Comment by Robert the Bruce Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 2:03 pm
Find a double “aka the movie Dave” with integrity to actually do the Governor’s job and make the hard choices (cuts) that are a waste of taxpayer money to properly fund the pension systems. Then come back when your term is over and take all the credit.

Comment by Re-elect No One Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 2:07 pm
This guy is a lost cause when it comes to taking anyones advice so I humbly decline to give him any.

Comment by Eileen left Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 2:15 pm
You need a guy who is going to tell you no, who is going to say “Governor, this is a stupid idea”.

Ideally someone who does not collect a paycheck from the state or your campaign.

Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 2:21 pm
don’t even think about running for re-election. actually reduce the high level hangers-on, aka deputy directors, chiefs of staff, assistants to directors, in all of your agencies to at least seem like you mean it when you want to cut waste in government.

Comment by Susiejones Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 2:22 pm
==Take a class…either Decision making 101 or Leadership 100==

You expect him to make that decision himself?!?!

My advice is appoint yourself to the first empty seat available.

Comment by Anon. Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 2:25 pm
My advise to Quinn is to go drinking with retirees, moan and groan and then pick up the tab.

Comment by Liberty_First Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 2:25 pm
Resign now like Nixon did before the end of his term!

Comment by Meaningless Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 2:28 pm
Start pricing out Super 8 motel franchises now - and be sure to allow enough to hire a professional manager to run it for you.

Comment by Ken_in_Aurora Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 2:30 pm
Turn Tamms into a cushy country club style Pen and sell it to the feds. Might get a place to live close to home one he’s out of office.

Comment by the Patriot Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 2:31 pm
DO not take any pension money for yourself to set a good example. Pay every penny for your own health care. No COLA. Ever. Live the good life in retirement. You served the people. That alone should make you have warm fuzzies. Who needs money?

Comment by geronimo Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 2:33 pm
=== take an online management course ===

Oh, Pru……….cr@p, never mind.

Comment by dupage dan Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 2:35 pm
My advice to the governor: Don’t give up.

Comment by Mr. Grassroots Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 2:38 pm
Pink E. Kent - Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 1:20 pm:

You can do all that stuff Crime Fighter said

or

You can keep on doing what you’re doing, ’cause you’re a rock star.

OOOO & XXXX
The GOP

This one is the best !!!!

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 2:42 pm
Don’t let the door hit you in the ass on your way out.

Comment by Pale Rider Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 2:43 pm
Sign the gaming bill. It would make the Mayor of Chicago very happy and a bunch of people in Indiana very upset. Win-Win.

Comment by Roamin' Numeral Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 2:47 pm
Punt.

Comment by Fan of the Game Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 2:53 pm
Join a rock n roll band. Here would be a good theme song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1LwaXNi7n8

Mr. Soul by Neil Young
——–
Oh, hello Mr. Soul, I dropped by to pick up a reason
For the thought that I caught that my head is the event of the season
Why in crowds just a trace of my face could seem so pleasin’
I’ll cop out to the change, but a stranger is putting the tease on.

I was down on a frown when the messenger brought me a letter
I was raised by the praise of a fan who said I upset her
Any girl in the world could have easily known me better
She said, You’re strange, but don’t change, and I let her.

In a while will the smile on my face turn to plaster?
Stick around while the clown who is sick does the trick of disaster
For the race of my head and my face is moving much faster
Is it strange I should change? I don’t know, why don’t you ask her?

Comment by nobody Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 2:58 pm
Recruit effective floor leaders in the House and Senate to help you draft bills, introduce them on the floor, defend them in committee, and pass them. There are good legislators not in leadership roles who could be you advocates. If you do this, you will need to listen to them and work with them and use their ideas.

(As far as I know, Quinn does not have floor leaders.)

Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 3:03 pm
Fire Michelle Sadler.

Comment by Ravenswood Right Winger Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 3:07 pm
Don’t be afraid to surround yourself with some different people–people who are willing and able to lead. Pretend that Madigan and Cullerton are ComEd and Peoples’ Gas. Remember, Milquetoast is not the breakfast of champions.

Comment by Jake From Elwood Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 3:14 pm
Double taxes on casinos.

Comment by John Parnell Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 3:16 pm
I’d recommend a power tie….any power tie.

Dude, the purple just ain’t cuttin’ it.

Comment by Foxfire Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 3:16 pm
Reverse the dumbing down of State government by sending pink slips to all the politically connected know nothings hired by Blago and you that are entrenching themselves into agencies. Illinois has gone over a State government competence cliff and the bottom is near.

Comment by Sir Reel Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 3:19 pm
Shave your head completely bald so that you look tough! At least you can look like it…then RUN!!

Comment by Rusty618 Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 3:26 pm
Try to remember you are not an outsider anymore.

Comment by Cheryl44 Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 3:37 pm
Learn a trade, you won’t be feeding at the government trough after your term ends!

Comment by Steamer Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 3:44 pm
Ride the fluorescent python to victory!!!

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 3:46 pm
Watch some old Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney movies, and for that matter the Blues Brothers.

If discussions in a strategy session start sounding like, “Hey, lets put on a play!”, do not proceed further.

Comment by Bigtwich Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 3:46 pm
1. Decide what you want the outcome of pension reform to look like.
2. Meet with Madigan and Cullerton and get them to where you want them to be in terms of the outcome by giving them control of how you are to be perceived in the process, whether that’s as the bad guy, the useless guy, whatever they want.
3. Follow through thoroughly on the agreement in public and leakage.
4. When it’s done, let them feel they won. Don’t celebrate publicly or leakily the fact that you got what you want.
5. You will have earned some capital in working with these two. Use it wisely next time you decide something’s a high priority for you.

Comment by Earnest Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 3:47 pm
Appoint an 8 member commission to interview and recommend a new governor, who will automatically become the governor unless both the House and Senate reject the recommendation.

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 3:53 pm
Michelle Flaherty comes up with a great solution.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 3:56 pm
Very funny, Ms Flaherty. Very funny!

Comment by dupage dan Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 4:00 pm
Ok, I am wrong, but only if Michelle Flaherty is one of the 8. Then …I will move off my position.

Well done.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 4:03 pm
Get 5 signs to put over your mirror and on your fridge that read.

1. You are a Democrat.

2. You are Governor,…yes …BUT NOT THE KING!!!

3. Remember Abe lincoln’s famous words, ” It is better to remain silent and be thought the fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”

4. The last campaign is over and the next one has not started yet, DO THE JOB YOU WERE ELECTED TO DO.

5. There are Illinois citizens south of I -80.

Comment by Irish Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 4:10 pm
Michelle for the win.

Not even gonna try after that. At least on the snark side.

But seriously now:

Don’t declare your intentions for 2014 too early. Being viewed as a lame duck in particular is not going to help you get things done.
Get yourself a pension adviser who is not your budget chief and who knows something about pensions. No twenty something’s, either. Someone like Schnorf or Mike Mory.
Give a firm boot to anyone who even remotely thought Squeezy was a good idea.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 4:13 pm
Face up to the facts that:

1) You are not very good at your job;

2) With Dem supermajorities, even a good governor wouldn’t have much influence; and

3) In tough economic times, you have a job that pays well and that has few actual responsibilities.

It is not like you have to punch a clock.

Use this time to do things you enjoy and/or that would improve your life.

Get a hobby. Learn a foreign language. Travel, knowing that if you choose the right places and go to a meeting or two, your employer will pick up the tab.

Consider this a nice vacation until you need to find a real job.

Comment by Skeeter Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 4:17 pm
pack the extra pairs of underwear you left in Springfield and move to the Bahamas, the weather is much warmer and no one there will pick on you.

Comment by Huggybunny Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 4:20 pm
I’ll help you. You probably won’t get elected anyway and we could have a lot of fun.

Comment by Bill Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 4:34 pm
Stop working night and day. Get some sleep.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 4:41 pm
if your gonna get pantsed AND violated in a public forum like you did yesterday don’t have the only option of “punt”

Comment by railrat Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 4:44 pm
Whatever process you went through to hire Julie Hamos was a good one. Repeat that for other high-level positions.

Comment by Not It Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 4:45 pm
Bill, if you are the pension guy I will help just for fun.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 4:55 pm
Governor

stop listening to the little kids you continue to hire for your cabinet, Lavin has too much control. You need to bring in different people who know the process and how to deal with people and patronage

your current bunch lacks a great deal of knowledge

Comment by pats buddy Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 5:02 pm
Any interest, Pat, in becoming Ambassador to India? Secretary of Health and Human Services? Ambassador to the Court of St. James’s? Think about it. I know a guy . . .

Comment by The End Is Near Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 5:03 pm
Ask the President to appoint you to run the PBGC on the basis of your pension expertise

Comment by Sue Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 5:05 pm
Not It - Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 4:45 pm:

=”Whatever process you went through to hire Julie Hamos was a good one. Repeat that for other high-level positions.”=
Whatever process that was employed to keep Julie Hamos out of jail after the $7 billion in Health Insurance purchasing improprieties is incredible. Please don’t repeat for other positions.

Comment by Crime Fighter Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 5:13 pm
AA,

We could fix this baby in about 12 hours.

Comment by Bill Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 5:16 pm
Legalize Fireworks in the state of Illinois. New businesses will open up, jobs, growth. New tax for the state with new revenue. Cities purchase fireworks from neighboring states when they could purchase from businesses within the state of Illinois. How many cross state lines and purchase fireworks from neighboring states and set them off at there homes? Many. Legalize it and watch the growth of new businesses flourish with new tax revenue for the state !!

Comment by thunder Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 5:25 pm
Lead, follow or get the heck out of the way!

Comment by Just a Citizen Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 6:02 pm
==Legalize Fireworks in the state of Illinois.==

For the reasons listed by thunder, Illinois should also legalize: marijuana, all gambling (including sports books), prostitution, hunting asian carp in a boat with a shotgun, naked jello wrestling, and pretty much anything else. This could keep you busy for the rest of your term: each month pick something new and insist that the GA legalize it and use the revenue to fix the pension problem.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 6:08 pm
State of Illinois Platinum Coin!

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 6:14 pm
Many of the previous suggestions are “#@&*^!#/ golden” but the best I can suggest is to get (permanent) laryngitis…

Comment by LINK Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 6:28 pm
Bill, we sure could, and it would be constitutional.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 6:29 pm
Get a house with Gov. Walker in Wisconsin and talk about the good ole days

Comment by Pension is a promise Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 6:56 pm
I don’t understand why all you address is cut, cut, cut. Bring union people to the table. Listen to them. Read We Are One Illinois’ position paper. Implement the revenue ideas. Then we will be ready to compromise with you.

Comment by furmans Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 7:09 pm
Naked jello wrestling is illegal? We better bring that match inside!

Comment by Coach Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 7:41 pm
On your way out, fumigate.

Comment by JustaJoe Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 7:49 pm
Pay attention to the real needs of the state. Visit some state facilities that have leaking roofs, crumbling sidewalks and inadequate heating/air conditioning - maybe some of the IVH homes would be a good starting place.
Understand the real needs of the state - either do some maintenance or you might as well close everything!
Hire someone other than 20 somethings!

Comment by In the Sticks Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 9:00 pm
Don’t listen to anyone, you’re the man, everyone thinks so! Look how much your base is behind you! Keep rockin, you’re the man! Lead on! Kick ass! Roll tide! Oh wait.

Comment by Pardon Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 9:09 pm
Go back to CUB

Comment by Onw of the 35 Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 9:23 pm
Include all pension systems in your proposal( Judges too) and have input from representatives of each system. Everyone has to be have skin in the game. Give them a voice on reforming pensions since you want them to bare the blunt of paying for it with more of their money. The bargaining units seem ready to help solve the pension problems if you give them a opportunity….other wise they will continue to fight you. Cut some of those wasteful entitlement programs. ( Don’t pull anymore stunts like giving 55 million dollars to some ad hoc Violence program from Chgo just so you can get votes). Be a better steward of tax payer’s money and remember to compromise– it is not your way or none.

Comment by Stargate Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 9:25 pm
Sue
===Ask the President to appoint you to run the PBGC on the basis of your pension expertise===

Oh snap!

Comment by Smitty Irving Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 9:25 pm
Arrange to have Squeezy get his own reality show.

Comment by Leatherneck Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 9:37 pm
Resist any temptation or suggestion to have a cool pair of custom made shoes or a briefcase to replace Betsy crafted from Squeezy’s snaky skin once you decide to kill him off. It’s not a good color for you.

Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 9:56 pm
When Sen Durbin accepts an Obama cabinet position, appoint yourself the next day. It your best choice to win in 2014.

Comment by Forever young Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 10:21 pm
Pull a Mama Palin. More money and media face time.

Comment by Bemused Wednesday, Jan 9, 13 @ 10:52 pm
I give up. It’s hopeless. I thought hannig moved on. Haven’t heard from him in a while. If that is the case, that he is still present (but silent) Quinn is incapable of listening to any sensible adult.

Comment by Langhorne Thursday, Jan 10, 13 @ 12:17 am
Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.

Comment by Northern Light Thursday, Jan 10, 13 @ 3:17 am
Go back to chicago and hide!!!!1 thats when you can do the most good for this state

Comment by concern1 Thursday, Jan 10, 13 @ 6:43 am
Seek wisdom…watch several episodes of Duck Dynasty and you’ll be
Happy Happy Happy!

Comment by WazUp Thursday, Jan 10, 13 @ 7:16 am
Get Edger back in the Gov Mansion..

Comment by onceadeomocrat Thursday, Jan 10, 13 @ 8:03 am
See if the pawnbroker wants to run for governor again….

Comment by OneMan Thursday, Jan 10, 13 @ 8:42 am
Appoint yourself Chief Judge of the new Tax Tribunal - four year term, and pretty close on salary. Simon won’t do any better, but she can’t do any worse, and you avoid the certain loss in the primary, no matter who is running.

Comment by Alexander Cut the Knot Thursday, Jan 10, 13 @ 9:15 am
Put cameras on you and Mike Madigan 24/7 and sell sponsorships. It will be better than the Truman show. If people watch NASCAR for the wrecks, how would you ever turn the channel?

Comment by the Patriot Thursday, Jan 10, 13 @ 9:18 am
I know - Michelle Flaherty - had the BEST advice, but was mine so bad it got dropped?

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 10, 13 @ 9:24 am
You did your time in the barrel. Dance off of the stage while the audience is still smiling. Everybody still likes you but “just not as our governor”. Let somebody else take over that can actually “whip the boys” into taking action down in Springfield so we can fix our many problems. Thanks for “trying” to help.

Comment by Wilson Pickett Thursday, Jan 10, 13 @ 9:25 am
Acknowledge your own limitations in life. That is always hard for all of us to do because we all have egos (just different sizes). Even though we all have the “best of intentions”, we can’t all be good managers. It takes a special kind of person to be a “good manager”. A good ship’s “captain” has to sometimes be willing to flog an insubordinate or unruly shipmate in order to move the ship forward. Nobody likes to fire or dress down an employee who isn’t getting his job done in an efficient manner. We all hate to do be “the bad guy” but that is what it takes to be a good manager or CEO. The “ship” or “corporation” is the most important factor in any equation. It is what “wins” in any decision. None of the the parts of an engine is “sacred” but the the ability of the engine “to be able to run” is sacred.

Comment by Wilson Pickett Thursday, Jan 10, 13 @ 9:40 am
Raise taxes and fix the pension. Right now you are the aloof failure. Take the hit to save the state. People hated Edgar when he was in office, not he is considered one of our best governors ever. Reagan raised taxes in CA against his promise because it just had to be done and it only landed him in the White House for 2 terms.

You can either go down as the goofy footnote between Blago and whoever Mike Madigan chooses to screw us next, or turn the tables and fix what Madigan took 30 years to screw up. Go all in Pat.

Comment by the Patriot Thursday, Jan 10, 13 @ 9:42 am
Stay the course Gov. Quinn. Run again for Gov. please.

Comment by Bitterman Thursday, Jan 10, 13 @ 9:45 am
Like Clint Eastwood said… a man’s got to know his limitations….. and Quinns are as evident as the nose on his face.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Jan 10, 13 @ 9:58 am
Quoting one of REO Speedwagon’s more famous songs, Governor, “Keep PUSHin’ On…!”

Comment by Just The Way It Is One Thursday, Jan 10, 13 @ 3:18 pm