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Rauner announces “exploratory committee”

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* From a press release…

Today, Illinois business and civic leader Bruce Rauner officially announced that he is actively considering a run for Governor in 2014. Rauner, a Republican, filed papers with the Illinois State Board of Elections creating an exploratory campaign committee that will allow him to begin fully exploring a candidacy.

Rauner’s initial effort will not be a formal or traditional campaign. After spending several months talking with local and national leaders in business, education reform, and politics, and crisscrossing the state attending Lincoln Day Dinners and other events, Rauner is now entering a more intense period of consideration of a potential candidacy. For the next 60 days, Rauner will significantly increase his events and meetings, while looking to make a final determination on a candidacy well in advance of the March, 2014 primary election.

Rauner commented: “I was born and raised in Illinois. I’ve raised my family and grown businesses here. And I love our state. That’s why it’s so heartbreaking to see the mess we’re in. Near the bottom in the nation in unemployment and tax rates. Worst in the country in debt and credit ratings. Rampant corruption in government. Failing schools and violent crime that destroy the future of too many of our children. We need major changes in the way we tax and spend, the way we treat businesses and workers, the way we deal with our state budget and pensions, and the way we run our schools. The political class in Springfield are either unwilling to, or incapable of, making the kind of changes we need. That’s why I’m considering running for Governor.”

Rauner continued: “I have a few ideas that I’m very passionate about, but I don’t have all the answers. I want to hear what’s on Illinoisans’ minds. For the next sixty days I’m going to do something folks in Springfield don’t do – listen. I want to listen to how our citizens think we should tackle our state’s problems. That’s the first step in reclaiming our state – engaging our people, listening to ideas, and hearing about things I don’t know. In the process, I hope to figure out whether our people might be interested in a candidate for Governor who is a self-made entrepreneur rather than a politician, who has a passion for education, and a track record of getting results in business and the economy.”

* Rauner also provided a couple of statements from exploratory committee members, including this one…

Exploratory Committee Member Jack Roeser, from Carpentersville, Republican Party leader, said, “Politicians come and go without making much of a change to the status quo. Illinois needs a major economic transformation, and that’s what we’d get with Bruce Rauner. He has the backbone to stand up to the status quo powerbrokers in Springfield. Rauner doesn’t need the job, and can’t be bribed, bought, or pushed around. That’s what our state needs now.”

Interesting, considering that Rauner is not an ultra-conservative and Roeser is helping lead the charge against a like-minded state party chairman.

* Rauner’s complete exploratory committee…

Chairman: J.M. “Jim” Schultz, Effingham, IL – Founder of Open Prairie Ventures, Former Chairman Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Founder/Past President Effingham County Community Foundation, and Board Member/Past Chairman Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation.

Co-Chair: Elizabeth Christie, Chicago, IL— Founder of Avent America, angel investor in small start-ups, Board Member of the Illinois Policy Institute.

Dr. Richard Chaifetz, Lake Forest, IL – Founder, Chairman and CEO of ComPsych Corporation, the world’s largest employer of employee assistance programs serving over 53 million individuals throughout the U.S. and 120 countries, Chairman of Chaifetz Group, member of The Economic Club of Chicago, and the Executive’s Club of Chicago.

Lula Ford, Chicago, IL – Former Chicago public school teacher, principal and administrator, and public school reform activist, was also first African American appointed to the Illinois Commerce Commission in its 95-year history.

Ken Griffin, Chicago, IL – Founder and CEO of Citadel, Board of Directors of the Chicago Public Education Fund, member of the World Economic Forum, G100, the Economic Club of Chicago and Commercial Club of Chicago.

Greta Huzienga, Chicago, IL – Former Chicago public high school teacher and early childhood educator, Development Advisor to the Academy for Global Citizenship.

Warren Holtsberg, Wayne, IL – MVC Capital, Board member of the Illinois Venture Capital Association, the Chicagoland Entrepreneurship Center, and Illinois Ventures, the venture capital arm for the University of Illinois.

Edgar “Ned” Jannotta, Sr., Winnetka, IL – Chairman Emeritus of William Blair, past President of the Economic Club of Chicago and The Commercial Club of Chicago.

James Kenny, Glenview, IL – Former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, former owner of Kenny Construction, served on transition team for former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar and President George W. Bush.

Robert E. King, Burr Ridge, IL – Chairman Rasmussen, Inc., Former Chairman and CEO of Deltak, Board Member of Benedictine University, The Academy of Urban School Leadership, the African Wildlife Foundation and Northwestern Wildcat Athletics Venture Enterprise Fund and Member of the Commercial Club of Chicago.

Peter Mason, Hinsdale, IL – Founding member of Freeborn & Peters and Chairman of the Executive Committee.

Ed McMillan, Greenville, IL – Former President & CEO Purina Mills, University of Illinois Board of Trustees, and Chairman University of Illinois Research Park LLC.

Jack Miller, Bannockburn, IL – Founder of Quill Office Supplies and The Jack Miller Center for Teaching America’s Founding Principles and History.

Charles Potter, Lake Forest, IL – President and CEO of Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, Founder and Chairman Great Outdoors, LLC and former Vice President of the North American Wildlife Foundation and Chairman of the IL Nature Preserves Commission.

Jack Roeser, Carpentersville, IL – Founder of Otto Engineering, named Hi-Tech Entrepreneur of the Year, built 500 person hi-tech manufacturing business from a $5,000 start; public school reform activist.

E. Mitchell Roob, Jr. Indianapolis, IN – Native of Northbrook, IL and former Indiana Secretary of Commerce and Indiana Economic Development Corporation CEO who led bringing 55,000 new jobs and $8.1 billion in investments to Indiana in his term.

John Rowe, Chicago, IL – Former CEO of Exelon Corporation, Chairman of Illinois Institute of Technology.

William H. Strong – Co-Chief Executive for the Asia Pacific region of Morgan Stanley, led economic mission to Iraq in 2008 for the Department of Defense, past member of the Board of Visitors of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Illinois Finance Chairman for the Presidential campaign of Senator John McCain in 2008, and served as one of two National Co-Chairmen for the 2012 Presidential campaign of Governor Tim Pawlenty.

David Weinberg, Winnetka, IL – Chairman and CEO of Judd Enterprises.

Miles White, Lake Forest, IL – Chairman and CEO of Abbott Laboratories, Chairman of the Commercial Club of Chicago, serves as a Director for McDonalds, Caterpillar and Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Lots of rich guys on that list.

Discuss.

…Adding… Notice that Lula Ford is on that list. She was Emil Jones’ person on the ICC who didn’t get reappointed by Gov. Quinn. Some history. Very interesting.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:07 am

Comments

===Exploratory Committee Member Jack Roeser, from Carpentersville,===

And … I may have to re-think this Rauner guy.

Well, maybe I will give him 1, almost 2 passes on the Kookiness, then after that, I may have to take a “pass”

We already know Jack Roeser ain’t about growing the GOP, so we may have to see what influence a “Jack Roeser” will have…

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:12 am
What’s wrong with having a bunch of rich guys on the list? They know how to be successful and make things work, which the State of Illinois could use.
Would it be better to have a lot of poor guys on his committee?

Comment by Downstater Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:13 am
===What’s wrong with having a bunch of rich guys on the list? ===

Take a breath. I never wrote there was something wrong with it. Just pointing it out. Relax, man. Drink less coffee or something.

And, remember, when you want to find something that insults you, you always will.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:15 am
Let the destruction of this man’s reputation begin! Start with this list of associates and proceed to whatever avenues you may possibly find. Let no Republican seem normal.

Comment by Caveman Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:18 am
Would be a bit more impressed if there was someone with a role in the Republican Party in this state, heck even a committeeman or something (a county chair would have been nice)… Not sure what Jack ’s official role in the party is.

Also interesting if you try and look up one company listed above via Google you find the most information via a NYT 2008 wedding announcement that points out it is a holding company.

Seriously Mr. Rauner in the unlikely event you are reading this, if you are going to do this I would suggest you talk to some people who don’t run in the same circles you do. You seem to think you are not going to played the fool by the various consultants and the like, but your exploratory committee looks to a large extent to be dudes like you. People like yourself tend to think the same way and will always think you would make a good candidate.

Might I suggest seriously if you are going to explore this, offer to buy Rich a beer or two and have a conversation if he is willing. Find some folks who have different viewpoints in the part and chat with them as well. I understand you have gone to some Lincoln days, start talking to those people as well.

Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:18 am
It actually would be better if he had a lot of poor guys on his committee.

Comment by Chi Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:19 am
“Near the bottom in the nation in unemployment and tax rates.”

I don’t know what Rauner means about the tax rate.

Someone can check my stats here but I just looked up Tax Foundation figures and our top marginal income tax rate, in 2012, is currently tied with Alabama and Mississippi. At 5%, it’s lower than Kentucky, Missouri, Iowa and Wisconsin. I suppose it may lose some progressive points in that it’s flat, whereas some of these other states bracket up to their top rate.

If Rauner thinks our sales taxes or property taxes are too high and would like to theorize some kind of “swap” with an increase in the state income tax, he has my full attention.

Comment by ZC Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:20 am
- OneMan -

Good advice. That would be a great start for a “Listening Tour” - an off the record beer with Rich.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:21 am
There is nothing wrong with having rich people on your committee. But we have seen the gold-plated names before, backing the rich guy, and going down in flames at election time. Nothing on this list makes me think Rauner will be any different.

Comment by Raising Kane Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:22 am
I don’t know Rauner, but if he gets the Republican nomination and charts a Moderate course I’ll cross over and vote for him rather than send PQ back to Springfield. Now if Lisa runs, well……. a Dem can wish.

Comment by Bardo Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:24 am
The ‘issue’ if there is one IMHO is there are too many folks like him on the committee.

Either he has made the call and this is window dressing and fundraising prep and that is fine or they are to seriously offer him advice if this is going to be worth the investment of his time and his money (lets not kid ourselves, he is going to have to self fund to a large degree and that is the expectation IMHO).

If this is to help him make a go/no go decision then he needs to talk seriously with some other people and get some people more politically involved on the ground in the GOP in the loop. Does anyone disagree with that?

Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:24 am
===people more politically involved on the ground in the GOP in the loop. Does anyone disagree with that?===

I would say this;

Talk to others like Rich, who can talk about the political aspect, but not motivated by being a member of the GOP, and Rauner should “listen”.

That’s it. Listen.

Every campaign makes mistakes, the ones that identify them the quickest, and overcome them the best have the best shot at winning.

- OneMan -, I would just say your suggestion, “today”, of having a beer with someone either “like” (there is no one like Rich Miller, but I digress..) Rich or Rich Miller himself, and Rauner should listen.

Great Advice, give Rauner his 60 days and conversations like that in the mix, and then Rauner is doing his work smartly.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:29 am
@zc _ noticed that line too. My thought was that isn’t being near the bottom in tax and unemployment RATES a good thing?

Comment by hisgirlfriday Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:40 am
Most of those names are not exactly household names, but Miles White sure adds credibility.

As others have noted, the question is Roeser. Is Roeser going to pull everything to the far right?

A lot of us could support a fiscally conservative Republican if the person is moderate on social issues.

This will be well worth watching.

Comment by Skeeter Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:42 am
I wasn’t listening to this guy until I read the folks on the exploratory committee. Not a bunch of rich guys. I’m impressed.

OK, Bruce. You got my attention. Please don’t let me down like so many other goo-goos from Chicago.

Oh, and OW- could you please keep your contributions under 20 postings for each thread. I’d like to read everyone’s take without having to scroll through dozens of yours. Please, be pithy. Thank you.

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:46 am
3 women, 16 men - that seems about right for a Republican’s exploratory committee. At least they had the good sense to make one of the three co-chair and list all three in the top six so it gives the feel of more.

Any minorities on the list besides Lula? Or are they all rich white guys? That’d be about par for the course too.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:51 am
Whoops - 3 women, 16 men was me…

Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:52 am
Geez, there has to be a way to make some money off of this guy.

VMan, I sympathize that you find reading difficult. Take a break and sharpen your Box of 64 that you write with. The sharpener is built in to the box.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:54 am
Mitt Romney and Andy McKenna redux…

Comment by Cincinnatus Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:54 am
- VanillaMan -,

You are just full of spit and vinegar today.

I will keep it in the teens … but just for you.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:57 am
-For the next sixty days I’m going to do something folks in Springfield don’t do – listen.-

IMO- The problem is not listening. Legislators are great listeners. But when every constituent has a different opinion it is difficult to agree with all opinions.

We need someone willing to lay out a plan and stick to their convictions.

Rauner may surprise me, but rich guys typically aren’t to keen on pounding the pavement and knocking on doors.

He will also need to get past the Lincoln Day Dinners and get out an really meet the people of Illinois. We are a diverse state and he will need to acknowledge that fact.

And no comments about the 47% that don’t contribute. We saw how well that comment works.

Comment by Endangered Moderate Species Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 11:00 am
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 10:12 am:

===Exploratory Committee Member Jack Roeser, from Carpentersville,===

“We already know Jack Roeser ain’t about growing the GOP, so we may have to see what influence a “Jack Roeser” will have…”

One wonders if Mr. Roeser knows that Rauner and his wife (who sits on the board of Emily’s List) were contributors to Jan Schakowsky.

Comment by Cincinnatus Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 11:06 am
Hey!!Ease up on Vannie, fellas.

Comment by Bill Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 11:09 am
–One wonders if Mr. Roeser knows that Rauner and his wife (who sits on the board of Emily’s List) were contributors to Jan Schakowsky. –

Dillard should have told him. After all, Dillard happily accepted Wacky Jack’s support last time out.

Lot of good it did him.

Still, it’s surprising in the year 2013 that a “passionate,” “new ideas” kind of Republican hooks up with Roeser. What does he get you, except a lot of cranky baggage?

Why does Rauner need Roeser? Unlike Dillard, Rauner can self-fund.

Why associate yourself with a gay-baiting misanthrope?

There has to be a way to make money off of these guys.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 11:17 am
I think sometimes VM just lashes out to BE picked on.

I only took 1 Psych class, so what do I know…

To the Post,

- Cincinnatus -,

I am sure many will point out the Hypocrisy that is Jack Roeser, and people wonder why “Litmus Tests” never work…Wouldn’t be easier to follow Reagan’s Rule of 80%?

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 11:22 am
It does not seem like a bad idea for Rauner to have Roeser on his side early in the game. Rauner has already neutralized Schock.

“Keep your friends close and your enemies closer”. Lincoln

Comment by Endangered Moderate Species Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 11:30 am
–”Keep your friends close and your enemies closer”. Lincoln–

I think that was Vito Corleone, not Lincoln, lol.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 11:34 am
-I think that was Vito Corleone, not Lincoln, lol.-

Word, you got me. Google says Michael Corleone was the first to say it and relayed that it was said to by his father Vito.

Machiavelli also gets credit for making a similar remark in “Prince”. It has been a few years since I dusted off that book.

My apologies to Lincoln, but I knew it was someone whom was skilled at getting their way. LOL

Comment by Endangered Moderate Species Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 11:43 am
===Lots of rich guys on that list.===

Guess that’s why there’s no on the list from south of Effingham.

Comment by Deep South Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 11:45 am
not knowing anything about those folks beyond their bio blurbs, it looks like a group that isnt afraid to put 000’s on checks. thats fine, and they may be sincere reform advocates with enough knowledge about some subjects to win a debate in panel discussions. but i dont see people who know: how to win elections, how the legislative process works, or the nitty gritty of governing through the mundane minutiae that is the real world. so far, aside from saying politicos should fear him, the only policy rauner has suggested is that counties and local governments should each decide on right-to-work laws. throw in a couple more of those, or lynn martin/”redneck” slipups and he is toast. maybe expensive toast, but toast.

Comment by langhorne Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 12:01 pm
Same old group of Romney and MeKenna supporters and Roeser is talking out of both sides of his mouth (or wallet) if he’s going after Pat Brady but is with Rauner and his Emily list wife - he will have no social conservative credibility left if he continues like this.

Comment by more of same Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 12:03 pm
–he will have no social conservative credibility left if he continues like this.–

Social conservative credibility.

I have to give some thought as to what those three words are meant to communicate when they are strung together like that.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 12:06 pm
I think Lincoln’s greatest quote was, “The Problem With Quotes From The Internet Is It Is Hard To Verify Their Authenticity”.

Comment by Slick Willy Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 12:10 pm
Rauner has a pretty impressive list of supporters. If I were Rutherford, Schock, Brady, or Dillard I’d be afraid because there’s no way any of them would be able to compete with Rauner in fundraising.

Comment by Sam Gomez Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 12:12 pm
–Word, you got me. Google says Michael Corleone was the first to say it and relayed that it was said to by his father Vito.–

In II, at Tahoe, to Tom Hagen, after the failed hit.

Mysteries of the Ages:

–Who opened the drapes in the bedroom?

–Who whacked the shooters?

By logic, it was Fredo, since he was the traitor. It just doesn’t make a lot of sense, though, given Fredo.

Francis and Mario were on a tight deadline for the screenplay for II, holed up in a suite in Vegas, carousing, gambling and writing.

Those two plot holes have always gnawed at me.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 12:17 pm
===…I’d be afraid because there’s no way any of them would be able to compete with Rauner in fundraising.===

I doubt anyone is worried about Rauner, money, and fundraising …

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 12:21 pm
If you know that group, it’s really not the “same old group of Romney and MeKenna (sic) supporters.”
I haven’t seen such a comprehensive list since the glory GOP days of Jim Edgar.

I don’t know Rauner from Adam, but that list certainly has my attention (and I’m guessing Kirk Dillard’s.) The inclusion of Roeser to the list is fascinating, and I’m guessing the Illinois Review threads are burning up.

Comment by LincolnLounger Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 12:32 pm
Endangered, now I’m totally distracted. Thank you.

Other Lincoln-as-Don-Corleone quotes:

To slowpoke Gen. McCellan: “You can act like a man!”

When naming rival Salmon Chase as Chief Justice: “I make him an offer he can’t refuse.”

Second Inaugural: “How did things get so far? I don’t know.”

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 12:34 pm
I can imagine Rauner’s listening tour now:

He’ll be listening to plants from his campaign throw him softballs and complaints about his potential rivals, then spinning off prepared remarked that just happen to resonate with the planted questions. His conclusion at tour’s end will be:” Everybody LOVES me, I should run!”.

Comment by Newsclown Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 12:39 pm
= he will have no social conservative credibility left if he continues like this. =

Good. Maybe then he’ll stand a snowball’s chance in a general election in Illinois.

Comment by So. ILL Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 12:40 pm
===Mysteries of the Ages:

–Who opened the drapes in the bedroom?

–Who whacked the shooters?===

Yeah, that is the “Dead Zone” in the screenplay.

But, who in their right minds is going to “edit” Puzo and Coppola after “I”. With Francis directing, he had no use, and in fact time, to correct “Dead Zone” plot flaws.

I always like to think “II” was better than “I”, but then that’s like comparing Picassos on its use of paint. This is a “Jim & Pete’s” discussion - wordslinger-…

To the Post,

“social conservative credibility” - why does One … need … something that is so difficult to define or measure?

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 12:48 pm
Here’s an interesting intellectual exercise for the scenario with a GOP (left, moderate, libertarian, etc) and a Dem legislature, because of the redistricting, Illinois will have a Dem legislature for a VERY long time: What “reform” policies could any GOP get through the legislature?

School vouchers or more charter schools?

Non-Potemkin worker’s comp that is more business friendly?

Lower corporate tax which is among the highest in the nation?

Gun control that doesn’t hurt the law-abiding, but puts the hurt on the lawless gangbangers and the insane, who do most of the killing?

Pension reform where taxpayers don’t have to take it in the shorts over and over to appease Big Labor?

etc.

I don’t know a lot about how the executive in Illinois is structured. Maybe the GOP governor could pull an Obama and say he/she can’t wait for Dem obstructionists to come around and will issue executive orders solving all this stuff.

That would be so sweet on so many levels. lol

Comment by qcexaminer Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 12:54 pm
I always just figured Fredo opened the drapes and that one of the shooters killed the rest of them, which is the usual modus operandi.

But those were always just assumptions.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 1:01 pm
The persons on that list at this time are merely shown as honchoing an exploratory committee, not full throated endoresements or major contributions-yet. But for all those who comment on this blog (both Dems and Repubs) who constantly lament that the IL GOP has all but given up on the state, is unserious, and is virtually dead, I would day Rauner’s announcement suggests very much otherwise.

Comment by Responsa Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 1:01 pm
==Miles White sure adds credibility==

Miles White is part of the group that wants to decimate employee pensions. I don’t lend much credibility to a fat cat corporate type making multi-million dollars a year who wants to completely gut the pensions of state employees. Maybe you have a different definition of credible.

Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 1:10 pm
Actually I wasn’t aware of that Demoralized. However, that information makes me far more interested in this campaign.

Pensions are out of control. Time for somebody who is willing to stand up for those not on the government payroll.

Comment by Skeeter Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 1:18 pm
=Hey!!Ease up on Vannie, fellas. =

I agree with Bill.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 1:19 pm
- Anonymous -,

Which - Anonymous - is this? I can’t tell the tenor, tone, style …whatever I am suppose to look for …Poking bears come to mind at all?

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 1:25 pm
Some good people on the list, including Lula Ford, but a couple of outliers also

Comment by steve schnorf Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 1:27 pm
Demoralized is right about Miles White being one of those corporate raiders who thinks the shcool teacher’s pension is too high. And I believe in addition, Miles White was Corrine Wood’s campaign Chairman. So his track record isn’t the best.

Comment by Raising Kane Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 1:28 pm
Geez, Fredo was stupid. How can you open the drapes and not know it was a hit?

But what an actor.

John Cazale appeared in only five films before he died: I and II, “The Conversation,” “Dog Day Afternoon,” and “The Deer Hunter.” That’s a great career, by any measure.

At the time he passed, he was engaged to Meryl Streep.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 1:30 pm
Has Brady, Rutherford, or even Schock rolled out anything like an “Exploratory Committee” at this point?

I ask because as many want to point out, this seems like a “Candidate ‘x’ Type” of committee, so what about the others, as they wait to announce, any idea who might be in their camps?

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 1:31 pm
I also fully agree with V-Man.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 1:32 pm
OW,

I suspect we’ll see a number of these committees announced toward the end of or after the session has ended…

Comment by Cincinnatus Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 1:38 pm
===John Cazale appeared in only five films before he died: I and II, “The Conversation,” “Dog Day Afternoon,” and “The Deer Hunter.” That’s a great career, by any measure.===

There are hundreds of actors in that generation that would have given anything as their career bio.

“Dog Day Afternoon”, Sidney Lumet, I mean, seriously?!?!

Love the Meryl Streep factoid. Pictures of them togethernd not being able to get “Fredo” out of your head is quite bizarre.

- Rich Miller -,

I hope my post after your explanation was taken as intended, as just a fun back and forth on your observation, which I respect and accept as what most of us take from that scene. No snark, and respect.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 1:38 pm
I do not intend to get into the middle of something between V man and OW. But I will say this: when a single commenter dominates by sheer numbers of contributions in any thread, anywhere, on any subject at all- whether one disagrees or agrees with that person’s POV–it does tend to impact the flow and dynamic of said thread for everybody.

Comment by Responsa Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 1:44 pm
The name that actually caught my attention was Greta Huizenga- who I believe is Peter’s daughter. I’m curious as to when she taught at CPS unless that was when she first graduated from college. She was a homemaker in 2008 and is currently working as an Infant Massage instructor and biodynamic cranial therapist- does that qualify as Early Childhood education? Also funny to note her only political contribution in 2012 was for Herman Cain.
And OW- I for one look forward everyday to your multiple comments. They often make my day.

Comment by carbaby Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 1:45 pm
Responsa, if Rich thought OW was hurting his traffic, trust me, the hammer would come down.lol

Comment by qcexaminer Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 1:49 pm
When - Anonymous - answers direct questions, then I won’t need to keep posting, asking the same questions.

- Cincinnatus -,

Sounds good. Thanks for the knowledge.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 1:52 pm
Bruce Rauner would be the perfect Republican candidate for governor, in fact I think it’s likely hw would even lose to Pat Quinn if he somehow survived the primary. Lisa Madigan would walk over him easily. For those Republicans who think he is potentially their guy I would suggest you all download and view videos of Mr. Rauner. Start with this one http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2012/09/19/mayors-adviser-attacks-ctu

As you will see not only is Rauner arrogant, but he does not do well when attacked from the left.

Comment by Rod Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 1:57 pm
Roeser and listening tour should never be used in the same passage.

Poor Rauner, Kass said it best- he won’t know what hit him.

Comment by Statesman Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 2:12 pm
A couple points…

Love the Godfather chatter. Everything in politics has a reference point in one of the movies, (OK, maybe not III).

Rauner’s list is rife with money people but very short on political activists. Rauner needs grassroots worker bees who will help sow the seeds for his $$$ to take root. Many rich candidates (as many have noted here) just surround themselves with fellow rich people and ignore the need to connect with voters through organized efforts. Obama had oodles of money, but it was voter ID and Gotv which still relies on humans that won his race.

But on the flip side, every gazillionaire Rauner signs on is one that cannot put big bucks in another campaign. It isn’t that Rauner needs Huizinga or Griffin’s money, it’s that Dillard really needs it.

And Roeser has proven two things in his activist career. First, he’s for sale to any candidate he thinks he can manipulate for money or power (Rauner already gave his PAC 20k). And, second, he NEVER wins!

Overall, this does little to impress.

Comment by Send in the Clowns Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 2:32 pm
Let’s give the guy a chance to define himself. So far he’s been talking political pap for the self-righteous, which plays well as an introduction in some circles. It’s early. I think he’s got a chance to stand apart.

So far, his chosen associates are not especially interesting, beyond their fund-raising potential. Corporate talents are almost guaranteed to fail in government, without some very careful adjustments.

Others need to be talked to, beyond the typical audience at any GOP event, if his “listening tour” is to be worthwhile. So far he’s been meeting with GOP Governors, and some right wing superPACs. Not sure they will help him either to win, or to govern Illinois well.

Comment by walkinfool Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 2:43 pm
Ms. Ford is nobody’s chump. Her name on this list is what made me go, “What? Hmmmm!”

You have my attention!

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 2:51 pm
My guess is that the committee is exacting the response it wanted. Instant “legitimacy” from a less known candidate (did anyone ever do an exploratory committee and NOT run?) to deliver a message to the other “potential” candidates. Shake out/ scare off a few to avoid a similar debacle as the previous GOP primary contest with too many egos in the race. It has my attention!

Comment by LisleMike Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 3:19 pm
If Rauner survives the primary, it will be interesting to see what Rahm does (and doesn’t do) in the general election.

Conversely, I wonder how much hay Rauner’s primary opponents will make of his past history with Rahm.

Comment by Boone Logan Square Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 3:23 pm
“Keep your friends close but your enemies closer.”

I first heard this, albeit in French, when I was in school many years ago in Strasbourg France. Long before the Godfather. I suspect there are variations in many languages and cultures. It’s good advice, especially in Illinois politics!

Comment by Old and in the Way Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 3:29 pm
The guy could be the perfect Lt. Gov. candidate, running with the right, politically astute partner on a merged ticket. We can redefine this role to drive real operational and financial reform of state government. That’s where Rauner’s strengths might be best used, and his relative weaknesses best avoided.

That’s if public service is the goal, and ego is not an issue.

Oh well, a guy can dream.

Comment by walkinfool Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 3:35 pm
Old and in the Way-

You have the best handle on this site.

The Old and In the Way bluegrass band made up of Jerry Garcia, Vassar Clements, John Hartford and other singing Wild Horses and Panama Red.

This will be tonight’s Pandora choice.

Comment by Endangered Moderate Species Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 3:37 pm
-The guy could be the perfect Lt. Gov. candidate-

Staying on the bluegrass topic. Rauner is not a second fiddle.

Comment by Endangered Moderate Species Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 3:39 pm
“I don’t know Rauner from Adam, but that list certainly has my attention (and I’m guessing Kirk Dillard’s.) The inclusion of Roeser to the list is fascinating, and I’m guessing the Illinois Review threads are burning up.”

@LincolnLounger:

Just took a gander and there’s only one comment on this news and it’s complaining that Rauner only has one Downstate person on his list.

http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2013/03/rauner-announces-gubernatorial-exploratory-committee.html

Comment by hisgirlfriday Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 3:44 pm
There are a number of bootleg recordings from the Boarding House in SF that are out there now. Good stuff….

“Old and in the way that’s what I heard them say
They used to care about you but now you’re just old and in the way.”

Comment by Old and in the Way Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 3:57 pm
BTW It was John Kahn and not John Hartford…….John played for many years with Garcia and his side bands, Legion of Mary etc.

Comment by Old and in the Way Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 4:01 pm
I’ve been wrong twice today. The snowstorm is affecting my brain.

Comment by Endangered Moderate Species Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 4:03 pm
- carbaby -,

===And OW- I for one look forward everyday to your multiple comments. They often make my day.===

Thanks. Appreciate that.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 4:15 pm
Interesting that the press release says they’ve created an exploratory committee (a federal campaing finance creature) to look into a run for a state office, with state law only recognizing 4 kinds of committees (exploratory isn’t one of them).

Comment by titan Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 4:32 pm
He can “announce” this and that all he wants. Hope he’s happy. Maaaaaaaaaybe 10% of the GOP’d vote for him in the Primary in the end. As such, it’ll be a waste of time, energy, and resources. But this is America and he’s free to run…

Comment by Just The Way It Is One Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 4:56 pm
Same old Titanic with a different, ultra-conservative, out of touch, angry person wanting to be the captain- he might have an outside chance at a primary (MONEY BUYS IT IF IT HAPPENS)- but he has NO CHANCE in the general- he has money though and his spending will spur the ecomony for media a bit….bottom line is he loses BIG to any of the candidates that the dems bring out of a primary and Lisa crushes him

Comment by figures Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 5:34 pm
–The Old and In the Way bluegrass band made up of Jerry Garcia, Vassar Clements, John Hartford and other singing Wild Horses and Panama Red.–

“Bob Marley and his Reggae band — two hits and the joint turned brown.–

–Oh, sweet mama, two hits and the joint turned brown.–

What a delight to run across folks who dig on Vassar Clements and John Hartford. Damn, those boys were the goods!

Hartford wrote one of Glen’s best: “Gentle on My Mind.”He was also a Mississippi River captain, like Samuel Clemens.

Vassar was just the King of Nashville, according to Willie and Waylon.

They’re both gone now. But that Old Lonesome Sound lives. Jerry chased it all across Appalachia till he found it.

I spent a Saturday years ago with my family at Gettysburg. Incredibly moving. Beautiful country.

On Sunday, we drove down to Baltimore for an Orioles/Yankees game — digging to the Old Lonesome on the radio all the way.

Rolling through those hills, seeing the churches in the valleys — ain’t no sin to be glad you’re alive.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 9:36 pm
how far away is Zahm if wacky Jack is involved ??

Comment by railrat Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 9:51 pm
word, that’s a great drive. It’s been awhile, but unforgettable. Made the trek across West Virginia/Virginia last year to welcome AA Jr. back from deployment. Even on the Interstate, you can still see a lot of beautiful country. Thoroughly annoyed the Princesses AA when I made them detach from the iPads, DVD players, and iPods every now and then to just look out the freaking windows for a few minutes now and then. Think it made a small impression. They were at least snapping some pictures.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Mar 5, 13 @ 11:02 pm