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* Gov. Pat Quinn was asked about the possibility of Lisa Madigan running for governor…
“You have to deal with the House, if you’re governor, every single day, and I think it’s important that no members have conflicts of interest, and those who are in executive office shouldn’t have conflicts of interest,” Quinn said. “Especially as we clean up from my two predecessors, who are still in jail right now at the same time, we want to clean up government.”
Suggesting that Lisa Madigan could wind up in prison because of conflicts of interest between herself and the Speaker ain’t gonna go down too well.
Just sayin…
* Expect to see more of this type of coverage as long as Lisa is considering a bid…
With the recent failures in the House to come up with comprehensive pension reform, some Springfield observers have suggested Speaker Madigan might be dragging his feet, and setting the stage for his daughter to ride in on a white horse and solve the state’s biggest problems.
“I work with the Speaker of the House, the President of Senate on all kinds of legislation. I presume that everything they do is for the people of Illinois, the common good,” Quinn said.
If this prison talk continues from Quinn, there will be problems during spring session. Guaranteed.
* Steve Brown’s response…
Asked if that would be a conflict of interest, Mike Madigan spokesman Steve Brown said, “That will be dealt with if and when it happens.”
“That was effectively dealt with 10 years ago when voters overwhelmingly elected Lisa to Attorney General. She has worked well with the Speaker,” Brown added. “There’s no conflict.”
*** UPDATE *** I just talked to Brown. Some of what he said will be saved for subscribers on Monday.
But he did claim that CBS2’s reported quote “That will be dealt with if and when it happens” was not in its proper context. Brown says that he wasn’t responding to a question about a conflict of interest, but about Speaker Madigan’s possible retirement if Lisa Madigan runs.
* Meanwhile, I am not yet convinced that Bill Daley will run for governor if Lisa Madigan does…
Bill Daley on Thursday essentially fired the opening shot against potential gubernatorial rival Lisa Madigan in what could be the “Clash of the Titans” of Illinois primaries.
Daley told the Chicago Sun-Times he didn’t want to come off as giving advice to the Madigans but said Lisa Madigan needs a “game plan” to answer questions about possible conflicts in running for the state’s top job while her father remains one of the most politically powerful men in Illinois.
Daley, a former White House chief of staff to President Barack Obama and Commerce Secretary under President Bill Clinton, said that his familial relationship with his brother, former Mayor Richard M. Daley, factored into his reasoning for not running for Illinois office in the past.
“It had to. The City of Chicago plays such a big part in the state, his persona as mayor for umpteen years would obviously be an issue, good or bad. I think the same thing applies to the [attorney] general,” Daley said. “I’m not giving them advice. I assume they would have to deal with that up front. She would be smart enough politically … She’d have to answer you guys when you say: ‘How does this work?’ Then the voters have to decide whether they buy it.”
* At the bottom of the story…
At the Democratic National Convention last year, Michael Madigan said he had no intention of retiring and, if his daughter were interested in a 2014 gubernatorial bid, nothing would stop her from aiming for the Executive Mansion while he is in control of the Illinois House.
“Why not?” he asked. “Why not?”
* And Fran Spielman looks at the Daley-Madigan history…
Bill Daley and Lisa Madigan both have a history of flirting with running for higher office, only to have it dissolve into a political tease.
But — if it’s real this time and two of the most powerful political families in Chicago and Illinois history actually do square off in the 2014 Democratic gubernatorial primary — it’ll be a dramatic crescendo to a decades-long family feud.
I think the relationship between Speaker Madigan and Mayor Daley is a complicated one. Like two brothers. Rod Blagojevich tried to get between the two men and peel off Daley when he was warring with Madigan. I told the governor it wouldn’t work. They fight each other like brothers, but get between them and they’ll turn together and fight you. And that’s what happened. Remember this?…
Mayor Richard Daley said Monday that Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s claim the mayor and the CTA are misleading the public about transit funding problems is “cuckoo.”
Daley quickly followed up his one-word response by saying he was “not getting into an argument” with Blagojevich.
“He’s arguing with everybody in America,” Daley said of the governor.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 9:48 am
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===“Especially as we clean up from my two predecessors, who are still in jail right now at the same time, we want to clean up government.”===
“Ok, Pat. You saying my daughter would likely go to prison? You really want to play … or it seems like you really want to PLAY …Ok, let’s play.”
Quinn is a bad as some here, at times, claiming the “G” is doing “this or that” against Quinn currently!
Some roads, you just don’t take, especially against MJM.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 9:56 am
I think that Bill Daley makes a valid point, and the Speaker and AG’s unwillingness to deal with it is unrealistic. We all know that that the level scrutiny one receives when running for governor is far greater than any other office in Illinois. The media will eat this up. If the Madigan family doesnt plan in a proactive way, they will lose control of the story. If the AG chooses to run, she will never be able to hold a pubilc event without being asked about how this relationship will work. Whatever message she wants to communicate will constantly be drowned out.
Comment by anon Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 9:56 am
This whole talk of Daley v. Madigan in an epic primary battle is just silly, and promoted by the media because - at least until session - there’s nothing else to report on. Constant badgering of the same questions day after day after day just to get a soundbite like this, just so that they can have something to report on in an otherwise slow news period.
Additionally, it’s important not to count Quinn out on this. Say what you want about poll numbers and approval rankings, but the man has been tough to beat in recent years. I think even Speaker Madigan recognizes that, as he has said to many of his members privately not to doubt the fact that a) Quinn has run as the underdog in many statewide elections and won, and b) Quinn is the incumbent, and that it is historically very hard to beat an (even unpopular) incumbent.
Comment by Empty Chair Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 9:58 am
So Quinn and Daley come out with guns a blazin and hit Lisa hard with….the fact that Lisa may have some possible conflict of interest because her father is the Speaker?
Oh boy.
Comment by Fred's Mustache Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 10:00 am
===If the AG chooses to run, she will never be able to hold a pubilc event without being asked about how this relationship will work. Whatever message she wants to communicate will constantly be drowned out.===
If constant media attention to this matter was a real problem, she never would’ve won the AG’s race to begin with. Advertising can counter bad press pretty well. Ask Rod, or just about any controversial winner about that.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 10:02 am
So much for the Governor’s legislative agenda in 2013. No, better make that the remainder of his term.
Comment by GA Watcher Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 10:03 am
===the fact that Lisa may have some possible conflict ===
The conflict stuff is expected and has been done before. Bringing prison into the equation has not.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 10:03 am
If this prison talk continues from Quinn, there will be problems during spring session. Guaranteed. …….well then, it would appear that the Springfield folks have a ready made excuse down the road of why nothing was accomplished on pension reform, unpaid bills, etc etc. The Speaker and the Gov are at war. I’ve seen this movie already
Comment by Hank Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 10:04 am
===So much for the Governor’s legislative agenda in 2013.===
He may have just killed off his spring session.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 10:04 am
What would a failed gov do if he didnt have MJM to blame for his failures?
Comment by western illinois Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 10:06 am
===“You have to deal with the House, if you’re governor, every single day===
Every single day? We could wish.
Comment by Been There Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 10:14 am
To imply Illinois government would not be “clean” with Madigan as governor is over the line, as was the prison reference. He should learn from the Republican attempts to trash Mike Madigan. This won’t work.
Comment by Wensicia Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 10:15 am
The answers here prove that there is a conflict, of course Quinn would play that card! Jack! and Jim Ryan had the same last name as George but were not related and got beat up for it; Lisa is the same family and everyone knows the Speaker will get retribution for this slight? Come on! The head of the Democrat party will now stop a sitting Democrat Governor from being mean to another Democrat? Would Quinn have to worry if he brings up Bill Daley and corruption? No.
And Steve 50.6% is overwhelmingly? Outspending Burkett 2-1? Slight embellishment?
Comment by Votecounter Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 10:15 am
–“I work with the Speaker of the House, the President of Senate on all kinds of legislation. I presume that everything they do is for the people of Illinois, the common good,” Quinn said.—
Are you kidding me? Who would consider the state of the State is because our legislative leaders have been working for the common good? Or that everything they do is for the people of Illinois? If this is the case they should all be fired for incompetence. Ahh, if only!
Comment by Caveman Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 10:16 am
“Speaker Madigan’s Office”
“Speaker please, it’s Pat”
“Pat..who?”
“This.. is Governor Quinn for the Speaker.”
“Who?”
“Put the Speaker on the phone …please”
“Can you hold?”
“Yes!”
(Puts call on hold)
“Ok, whose ready for lunch?”
THAT is what Pat Quinn just did to himself with the “prison bit”. How do you take that back, and further, if you want that out there, how do you expect to win against MJM, when you need to work with MJM…to… win?
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 10:22 am
I guess Quinn is getting worried. How will this affect us citizens? Maybe an extremely risk-averse governor’s office and not much movement on the pension/budget front. Too bad, because legislators are at the beginning of their terms, and can afford to take a few risky votes, but not for long. Is there a temporary budget solution that avoids the cost shift and doesn’t annoy public employee unions and state retirees too much. One that will hold until early 2015? That’s what our political leaders are no doubt searching for. Borrowing might be one option. Maybe that’s why we are reading more about borrowing plans in the press these days. And the stories about re-amortizing the pension debt.
Comment by cassandra Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 10:24 am
If someone is telling him full out war at this point is the answer, I would love to hear the logic behind that.
This isn’t steaming a gunship near the DMZ when you drop the ‘jail’ bomb, it is on, pure and simple.
I suspect however, that Quinn decided to do this all on is own and is going to regret it.
Thought you had a hard time with the legislature before Pat.
Comment by OneMan Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 10:24 am
–Jack! and Jim Ryan had the same last name as George but were not related and got beat up for it;–
Jack Ryan won the GOP primary, but withdrew after a bunch of Republicans, the Tribbies and Channel 7 went after his divorce records.
Jim Ryan is a different story. But I think the Rolando Cruz case hurt, too.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 10:42 am
I don’t think Quinn’s comments will get more than a shake of the head (or maybe an angry scowl) from the Speaker. Why would he let someone get to him who is so irrelevant?
Comment by Fred's Mustache Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 10:44 am
===Why would he let someone get to him who is so irrelevant?===
Normally, I would totally agree with you, except there are TWO Madigan Rules that are always in play:
Never mess with the Speaker’s House Majority.
Never mess, personally (THAT is the KEY, as a few about that), with Lisa Madigan, politically.
Two rules, but strictly enforced, as seen by the politcal graveyard it has created by rule-breakers.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 10:51 am
Quinn could have made his point about conflict and made a statement regarding two family members in power and control of almost 2/3rds of the three branches of government without even coming close to the prison comment. But once again that antagonistic side of his showed up and he had to take that one step too far.
I don’t know where that chip came from but it is what has kept him from making any progrees anywhere with the major points of his agenda. If he continues in this vein, and history shows he doesn’t let go of things like this, he will have a tumultuous remainder of his term.
Comment by Irish Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 10:53 am
Just how many insinuations did Quinn, intentionally or no, manage to pack into that statement? That Mike Madigan might have criminal misdoings that Lisa is not investigating? That Lisa should have done more to get Rod ( which has been well documented as a bogus claim)? Others?
Comment by ZC Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 10:53 am
“and setting the stage for his daughter to ride in on a white horse and solve the state’s biggest problems.”
This is pension reform their talking about, this is going to be hard no matter what the solution is, I doubt there will be a white horse involved no matter who solves the problem.
Comment by Ahoy! Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 10:54 am
Never mess, personally (THAT is the KEY, as a few about that), with Lisa Madigan, politically.
Should be …
Never mess, personally,(THAT is the KEY, as a few have found out about the hard way), with Lisa Madigan, politically.
I should get the rules correct, if I am going to recite them.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 10:54 am
Similar to the discussion of gun control, I think we need to discuss rhetorical control. Quinn just shot himself in the foot, AGAIN? We need to save this man from himself. Is there a speech writer we can lock in a safe?
Comment by Norseman Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 10:55 am
Though I suppose if Quinn is really worried about MJM’s nefarious criminal doings, doesn’t it make more sense to get Lisa out of the AG office and into the governor’s mansion, so a more independent figure can be AG watchdog?
Comment by ZC Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 10:55 am
I learned something new here. Apparently Pat Quinn deals with the House every single day.
Did not know that.
Comment by Boone Logan Square Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 10:56 am
I don’t know about the rest of you, but my theory is that Squeezy got bored and wrapped himself around PQ’s melon for awhile, affecting blood flow to the brain.
There is no other rational explanation for this outrageous piece of hooey.
Oh, wait, PQ being irrational? That works, too.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 11:02 am
Geez, Quinn. Weren’t you paying attention to what happened to Skippy? You’re toast, dude.
Comment by Bill Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 11:03 am
Would not Lisa wait until 2016, after reelection in 2014, and run for Mark Kirk’s Senate seat? That seat will probably be up then for it’s going to take more than just the Veep and Sen. Mancin carrying you across the “political threshold” to be recovered from a stroke; this from the son of a man who was severely affected by one.
Comment by Elmira Eddie Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 11:13 am
Bill — Toasted python? Ick. (I know, I know, in some cultures it’s considered a delicacy…)
Comment by soccermom Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 11:23 am
I am guessing that PQ and his team are wishing he could have rephrased his answer. To be fair to PQ, he must be realizing that he is going to be contested by a strong candidate in the primary. He has to be thinking, “how in the eyes of the people, can I be such a bad Governor? Especially, with the mess I have inherited and the two Governor’s I have followed.”
Guess what? Politics is not always fair. Sorry PQ.
Comment by Endangered Moderate Species Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 11:30 am
I certainly understand the agruments about whether it is prudent to concentrate that much power in one family. But how is doing so a “conflict of interest”, much less one that might rise to the level of criminal?
Neither the Gov. or the Speaker is supposed to be able to self-deal for personal gain (i.e. conflict of interest) no matter who occupies either office.
Having two family members in those two offices makes it possible that a single bad (self benefiting) deal would put both in the position of having a conflict of interest - but I’m fuzzy on how one family holding both offices is some inherent conflict of interest
Comment by titan Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 11:36 am
So the winner of the next goobernatorial cycle wil be rich miller and the media.
A bloody Dem race between (possibly) Madigan, Daley and Quinn.
A bloody GOP race between (possibly) Schock, Walsh, Brady, Rutherford, Topinka and that other guy
A bloody independent race between Wumpus and Scott Peterson.
Comment by Wumpus Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 11:41 am
I can’t believe people are worried about the Conflict. More than the AG being the arm of the Speaker like it is now. We filed an appeal in federal Court to serve a the Speaker’s political purpose. No 1L can read the recent court opinions and think she can win in the end.
Lisa ran on the Heals of the Ryan scandal promising to clean up our government. She never filed found a single thing to charge Blago on. Had he not tried to sell the Senate Seat he would still be our Governor. If she runs she will win, and be an incompetent pupet for the Speaker like she is now.
When I spoke to her, she did not give me the impression she is smart enough to run this state well.(standard of our past 3 Guvs noted). Her dad knows this and I do not believe he will put her in such a position. Our state is in terrible position right now with no clear fix in sight other than one person making drastic cuts and sacrificing their own career. Lisa is too young for this. She will run for AG in 2 years then get appointed to the Federal Bench by Obama. Lifetime appointment and democrats keep the AG.
Comment by the Patriot Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 11:42 am
–When I spoke to her, she did not give me the impression she is smart enough to run this state well.–
Dude, if you’re going to question anyone’s intelligence, you might want to brush up on your grammar, spelling, syntax and logic.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 11:45 am
===When I spoke to her, she did not give me the impression she is smart enough to run this state well.(standard of our past 3 Guvs noted). Her dad knows this and I do not believe he will put her in such a position.===
Please, list for the “class” the criteria by which YOU, and it appears …”her Dad”… as you put it …came up with this “assesment”.
I am quite curious, have you and Speaker Madigan discussed this … eating Apples?
I need quite a bit more insight on your criteria, how you came up with this formula, and after comparing your criteria, what was the feedback Speaker Madigan gave to your formula that he, Speaker Madigan, to you, personally?
I have pen and paper at the ready for notes!
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 11:51 am
word, you beat me to that one.
My personal favorite, though, was: “Lisa ran on the Heals of the Ryan scandal…”
What did Ron White say?
Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 11:53 am
If Governor Dufus actually worked every day with the GA he would realize just how stupid this statement was. The Speaker is pretty thick skinned about a lot of issues and insults but this is about his family and his legacy. He tossed PQ a bone when he moved legislation to reduce union membership and what he got was this? I have no idea what the Speaker will do but I assure you he will do something. Governor Dufus, if you had ANY political intelligence at all you should be worried.
Comment by Old and In the Way Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 11:54 am
Lisa Madigan is very smart. The Governor is very smart. If you think otherwise, you don’t know them.
Comment by soccermom Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 11:57 am
This feels like rope a dope, with Gov. Quinn serving as the dope.
Let Quinn waste a bunch of punches (and money in what will surely be attack ads) criticizing the conflict of interest. Then, later on in the campaign if the polls show that the race is tight (a big if), Speaker Madigan announces his retirement.
Comment by Robert the Bruce Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 12:00 pm
Patriot - really? What about the entire investigation of “endemic hiring fraud” she was in the midst of when the US District Attorney asked her to cease and transfer to his office. Her investigation of Blago’s hiring practices was the basis for several of their charges against him.
Try paying attention in class next time.
Comment by siriusly Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 12:05 pm
“Bill Daley and Lisa Madigan both have a history of flirting with running for higher office, only to have it dissolve into a political tease.” Daley yes, but before 2 weeks ago, when has Lisa Madigan flirted with higher office? Much of the media has suggested it ad naseum, but it never seemed to be based on anything more than wishful thinking.
Comment by SAP Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 12:06 pm
– When I spoke to her, she did not give me the impression she is smart enough to run this state well. –
A) Yeah, underestimate Lisa Madigan, that is a brilliant plan…
B) Not really how sure how smart you have to be to run this state, Rod thought he was brilliant and couldn’t be bothered to try and run this state.
How long did you talk to her 5 minutes, 30 minutes?
Comment by OneMan Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 12:20 pm
I see Lisa getting tons of free publicity about the relationship between herself and her father. I see Lisa getting tons of free publicity about how that relationship hasn’t really prevented her from doing her AG job in the last decade.
As a Republican, I can see more of an upside to Lisa running in spite of this “obstacle” and doing well and winning, than a downside.
Any Republican candidate will pound on the “daddy” issue, but look at what happened during our recently concluded elections where Speaker Madigan and his control of Illinois government was used as an issue.
So if Republicans were unable to pound this issue to victory, can Quinn or even Bill Daley on the Democratic side?
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 12:28 pm
Maybe Madigan should offer to retire conditional on Lisa being elected. That alone might win her a lot of support.
Comment by girllawyer Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 12:29 pm
=== Governor is very smart. If you think otherwise, you don’t know them. ===
Quinn hides it so well.
Comment by Norseman Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 12:38 pm
===…everyone in this state knows, who ever is endorsed by the Cook County Democratic party will win. Last Gov election, 102 counties in Illinois and Quinn won 2, one of which was Cook county.===
1) Counties don’t vote. Voters vote. If you can’t convince the voters to vote for you, then you can’t win. Look back at the number or votes Brady got in Cook and compare how many other counties it would take to get even THAT total.
2) “endorsed by the Cook County Democrats …”. That is lazy, self serving, and sounding like someone claiming to be a “victim”. A real good GOTV finding Republican votes and GETTING THEM TO THE ACTUAL POLLS, might be a good start, instead of blaming everything on Cook County, Chicago, and the Democrats.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 12:40 pm
I wonder what it must be like to be PQ’s staff when they hear such stuff come out of his mouth. Are they numbed to it now? Are they updating their resumes? Do they bite on something hard to help bear the pain like a stick or something? Do they even bother to suggest to the Gov that maybe he should consider his remarks before uttering them?
Or do they just scream silently inside and try to supress the hysterical insane giggles?
Comment by dupage dan Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 12:41 pm
=== I am guessing that PQ and his team are wishing he could have rephrased his answer. ===
A competent leader and politician would have carefully crafted his message with his “team” prior to speaking.
Comment by Norseman Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 12:46 pm
Soccer mom
I know them both and have worked with both for many years. I am on a first name basis with both as well, can you say the same?
Truth be known both are decent intelligent people. But there are many kinds of intelligence. I am not saying that PQ is stupid in a general sense. However, he is not exactly the sharpest political intellect in Illinois politics. He has proven this over and over again. He proved it again with this statement. Hence, my reference to Governor Dufus.
As for AG Madigan, while not as experienced she is as politically intelligent as her father. Enough said.
Comment by Old and In the Way Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 12:47 pm
- Wumpus -@ 11:41 am: Yep and “Ladies and Gentlemen I give you the next Governor of the State of Illinois…… Scott Lee Cohen”
Comment by Irish Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 12:48 pm
SAP - not exactly true. There was a lot of ramping up going on in LM’s campaign in 2010 before she announced she was going for AG again. Her decision pre-dated Kirk’s announcement and others. It was beyond media speculation, there was work being done.
Again people, try to pay attention in class. I’m not here to listen to myself talk. Well, that’s not actually true - I do like the sound of my voice. Never mind. That is all.
Comment by siriusly Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 12:50 pm
=I am on a first name basis with both as well, can you say the same?=
soccermom, not that it’s any of my business, but I noticed that your statement was addressed as if were contradictory. In the past few days, I’ve been simply…awestricken (that might be a nice way to put it) by not only some of the posts, but the interactions as well.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 1:20 pm
Yeah, but no way can PQ rely on the unions to walk for him. Lisa has not enraged them as has the Guv. Neither has MJM. For the life of me, I can’t figure out why Pat thinks this is a good strategy for a second term. If this is good for his longevity politically, please, have someone explain…
Comment by Loop Lady Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 1:30 pm
-Her investigation of Blago’s hiring practices was the basis for several of their charges against him-
Totally. False. siriusly, you are usually on point. Bad day?
Blago was charged with trying to sell a US Senate seat, extort a racetrack and a kids’ hospital, etc.
None of the charges had anything to do with State hiring.
The only people who know what the Feds did with AG Madigan’s investigation are the Feds.
Not that “The Patriot” isn’t a goof. We probably won’t hear back from him/her until around 3:00. That’s when middle schools dismiss the students.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 1:32 pm
A bit OT, but anyone notice the State Journal Register’s Editorial?
=== Up to Democrats to Solve Unpaid Bill Crisis ===
“Politics is Madigan’s No. 1 concern. It was a long time ago and didn’t last very long, but having been in the minority, Madigan knows you don’t pulverize the opposition in an election and then get to still blame them when you fail to solve the state’s problems.”
http://www.sj-r.com/thedome/x1578913882/Our-Opinion-Up-to-Democrats-to-solve-unpaid-bill-crisis
Comment by Formerly Known As... Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 1:52 pm
THanks Irish. I knew I probably had the name wrong, but was thinking of the (probable) wife killer or lunch meat
Comment by Wumpus Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 2:52 pm
These early Dem skirmishes are great news for members of public employee unions and their retirees. For the next year, they may be safe from political decision-makers meddling with their pensions and associated benefits like the cola. Same for potential victims of cost-shifting. They/we can probably relax until 2015.
There may be a lot of folks who are deeply concerned about what the rating agencies think about Illinois’ financial situation, but do they predominate in Democratic primaries. I think not.
Comment by cassandra Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 3:24 pm
Good job, you guys can cut apart the typos in a post that took a minute. SHE vowed not to back off prosecution of public officials and let the Feds handle it. She attacked Jim Ryan on that issue multiple times. If you think it is stupid to argue the AG does not have to back off when the Feds step in, you condede the issue.
You also cannot give me an accomplishment she has made without her dad. If she wants to establish herself, her dad could retire and step out of the public light. Let her run on her own in 2 years and see how she does.
She does not get pressed by politicians or the media because both fear her Mike. No one ever asked her a pointed question about the Menard Carpal tunnel cases. Her office handled every one and it just went away. An alleged 10 million dollar issue, just vanished. Because she is so good, or because she is protected?
I do not under estimate her. She has one of the best political minds in history in her corner. Which is why I think this is really irrelevant. Only a very conservative republican can fix this state now. It will take drastic spending cuts to all programs. You have to be a one and done person who does not care that a generation of people will hate you. Her dad will not let her do that to herself, she will not do that to his legacy.
Quinn did not lose his agenda this spring. He faces a veto proof legislature. You can’t lose something you never had.
Comment by the Patriot Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 3:26 pm