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Did he or didn’t he?

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Illinois

I wasn’t there, so I don’t know what else he said, and the AP is usually pretty good. But I don’t think the governor’s quote matches the story’s lede.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich said Wednesday that he won’t sell or lease the Illinois tollway to come up with extra money for the state.

“We have no plans whatsoever to lease the tollway or sell the tollway. I think we have a great idea on the lottery,” Blagojevich said.

Having “no plans” and ruling it out completely are two completely different things.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jun 22, 06 @ 7:22 am

Comments

Are you foolish enough to believe anything that comes out of his mouth?

Comment by DOWNSTATE Thursday, Jun 22, 06 @ 7:40 am
I don’t believe anything that comes out of his mouth, but it does at least partialy neutralize a good campaign issue for Topinka. The suburbs, which she has to win in order to win the election, were gearing up for a fight.

Comment by Cassandra Thursday, Jun 22, 06 @ 8:38 am
Thought the idea was being looked at several weeks ago. Campaign pressure must be having an effect on decisions. I realize brain storming, reviewing, planning, and ruling out are all totally different. Guess responding to an opponent’s statements are now part of that process.

Comment by zatoichi Thursday, Jun 22, 06 @ 8:47 am
That story overstates it. Pointing out the difference between “no plans to” and “ruling out” is the correct analysis. Tollway’s still in play.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Jun 22, 06 @ 8:50 am
“No plans” just means there’s no formal plan on paper…yet.

While it’s factually true, it’s easy for the public to think that means there’s no interest, which is certainly misleading.

Is it any wonder the public has such low regard for politicians and their PR spinners?

Conveniently, this may protect the Guv from having to initiate the idea as a funding source and allow him to put the responsibility on the Legislature to propose some way to pay for education reform since he already offered the lottery lease.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 22, 06 @ 9:18 am
Rich, Anon & Anonymous - you are right on the mark. Apparently you guys know the meaning of the word “is.”

Rod Boy may not be as slick as Bubba Clinton, but he’s pretty good at leaving you with the impression he’s going one way when the reality is 180 degress in the opposite direction.

Comment by stoney Thursday, Jun 22, 06 @ 8:19 pm