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* My Sun-Times column expands on our discussion from yesterday about whether the governor is actually a leader…

How can you be a leader if nobody is following you?

This week on my blog (CapitolFax.com) I wrote that Gov. Pat Quinn is honest, but “no leader.” His press secretary fired off an angry retort:

“Give me a break.

“Real leadership requires honesty and making hard but necessary decisions for the common good. Real leadership requires telling the truth, looking at the big picture and doing what’s best for generations to come. Prior governors got things done like approving big early retirement initiatives, pension holidays and unaffordable contracts that helped create the crisis we’re in now. Gov. Quinn has gotten things done like pension reform for new hires, Medicaid restructuring, the first capital bill in a decade, worker’s compensation reform and more.

“That’s leadership.”

For starters, that definition of “real leadership” is incomplete.

As I said, leaders have followers. Quinn has few if any followers, either among the public or in the General Assembly.

His poll numbers are the worst in the country. Only the hardest core of hard-core Democrats really support him, and even they’re not all that enthused.

Every governor in anyone’s memory has had what’s known as “floor leaders” in each legislative chamber. Those floor leaders stick up for the governor when other legislators balk. They fight for his interests and pass his bills. Quinn has never had a floor leader in either chamber. And if he asked around today, I doubt if he could find one.

For crying out loud, the woman he plucked out of semi-obscurity to be his running mate in 2010 unceremoniously dumped him a while back. Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon would still be teaching some boring class at Southern Illinois University if it were not for Pat Quinn, but even she’s running away from him as fast as she can. It’s not that I blame her, but it doesn’t make her behavior any less gauche.

Other governors did indeed ignore the pension problems, and Quinn deserves credit for pointing out those problems and demanding a solution. But he’s been little help in devising a solution or getting a solution enacted into law.

Right now, for instance, the House and the Senate are deadlocked over competing pension reform plans, one backed by the unions, the other by big business. A real leader would find a way to bridge this gap between the House speaker and the Senate president.

And the list of accomplishments isn’t really Quinn’s. Yes, he signed those bills into law, but he didn’t lead the effort to hash out the difficult details or get them passed.

Too often, Quinn’s idea of leading is to threaten to veto bills unless certain conditions are met instead of actively working to do something positive. The gaming expansion bill is a perfect example. There is no doubt the governor wants the revenues from more gaming, but he isn’t willing to do the hard work to resolve the contentious issue and contents himself with throwing bricks from the sidelines at those who are working.

Illinois is adrift. Without a firm hand on the tiller, all heck is breaking loose at the Statehouse. Factions are warring over everything imaginable, and the big issues are still unsettled.

Meanwhile, our state’s unemployment rate is about the highest in the country, our population growth rate is infinitesimal, and the government continues to cut sweetheart, taxpayer-financed deals to keep big businesses from relocating elsewhere while ignoring the dire need for healthy, balanced economic growth.

I don’t think Illinois can take six more years of this “real leadership.”

An online poll was requested yesterday, so here we go…

* The Question: Is Gov. Quinn showing real leadership? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.

online polls

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:02 am

Comments

His leadership seems to be limited to the young acolytes in his office many of whom seem to spend their time browsing the media so they can jump to his defense. They are flocking here to vote yes as I type.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:12 am
A true leader knows how to read and get a consensus on issues. There has been little if any consensus on the major issues facing Illinois. The role of the Governor is to work with the Speaker and President in building a consensus agreement on the issues, non of which has been done during Quinn’s term.

Comment by "Edge" Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:14 am
I stand by my Post yesterday, in regards to “floor leaders”, Respect from the General Assembly Leadership, and Quinn can’t “own” a Bill as his own, and get it passed on his own and sign it into law.

It is, what it is.

I voted “No”, Quinn, by any definition, is not a Leader as Governor.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:15 am
Quinn’s belief that he is a “real and effective” leader is almost delusional in nature. There’s really no hope he’ll improve going forward.

Comment by Wensicia Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:15 am
This seems self-evident.

His leadership is nothing more than the occasional veto threat.

I haven’t heard of any issue where people say “Quinn really demands this, so we’ve got to get it done.” We rarely even hear “Quinn is backing this one.”

Usually he’s just sort of hanging out on the sidelines.

Comment by HenryVK Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:17 am
Quinn, just isn’t a leader. I noticed that when Quinn didn’t ask Rod to resign at a press conference right after Rod’s arrest. Quinn instead wanted to be “acting” governor.

Comment by Jorge Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:17 am
Wow Rich that was Brutal but Fair. I seem to remember a saying something like this “lead, follow, or get the ___ out of the way” Quinn is unable to do any of those three things.

Comment by Mason born Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:19 am
===that was Brutal===

Not really. I kinda held back.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:20 am
Great idealists probably don’t make good leaders. They are too much about the concepts of issues (don’t get me wrong, we need that). They are not pragmatic though, and to me, that’s an integral characteristic of a good leader.

There is a lot to be gained by a little give and take. There is ample evidence of that in this session and in the work of other Illinois Governors.

I do think it is a bit unfair to compare Governor Quinn to past Governors, just because the times were so different. But I remember Governor Thompson, during the local government liability crisis when locals were closing facilities, standing up and demanding action, and having a plan for what actions he wanted.

Talk about pragmatic. Senate President Rock and Governor Thompson were an almost unbeatable pair.

Jeez, how would Thompson approach pensions and cc? I think very differently than Governor Quinn, and I think he’d lead.

No. Sadly Governor Quinn is not a leader. He is bright, but lacks leadership skills. He can point at a problem and shout about it, but does not solve much. There…he isn’t a finisher.

Comment by Mongo Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:25 am
Rich

–Not really. I kinda held back.–

I am sure you did but you struck the right balance of irrefutable truths and outrage. Much more and the few on the fence Dems would blow you off as a Repub hack. Kind of hard to argue when it appears reasonable.

Comment by Mason born Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:26 am
I agree with everything Rich says here about Pat Quinn, who just does not know how to deal with others. But I think “gauche” is the wrong word to describe Simon’s decision not to run again with Quinn. Sure, it’s “awkward” for Quinn, but Simon had no obligation to re-up for another tour. She took the deal in 2010, but for 2014 she’s free to pick her own path; that may be “clumsy” or “embarrassing” for Quinn, but it does not reflect badly on Simon. If anything, it just shows that she may well agree with Rich’s assessment.

Comment by Elo Kiddies Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:29 am
Pat Quinn is a leader. The problem is: many of his solutions don’t address the real problems. Increasing the state income tax hasn’t solved the long term structural spending problem Illinois has. Raising tolls doesn’t help working class people who have to drive around Illinois. Pat Quinn believes government is the salvation for most problems. It’s not. Government is financed by coercion. For Illinois to compete: it must provide a friendly business climate. If not, Illinois taxpayers will continue to subsidize college for graduates heading to Texas.

Comment by Steve Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:30 am
Straightforward and fair. The best I can say for Quinn is that he (apparently) is as honest a politician as Illinois is going to get in the Governor’s chair, although he seems at times to be so idealistic that reality doesn’t permeate the shell…

Comment by ProblemChild21 Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:30 am
Don’t worry about six more years. Do worry about two more years.

Quinn will discuss the issues with almost anyone but will accomplish almost nothing. Quinn is to leadership as Ozzie Guillen is to dignified modesty.

Comment by Jake from Elwood Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:31 am
I voted no, but it probably doesn’t matter if the Democrats decide not to have a contested primary. This is a one party state. You don’t have to be a leader or even competent to win high public office if the political environment is right. In Illinois, Republicans don’t have to work very hard because their situation is hopeless, but Democrats don’t have to work very hard either because they hold all the political power. We’re sunk.

Comment by cassandra Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:33 am
Voted a big no…

Just being against stuff isn’t leadership. Also even Rod had a floor leader, says a lot that Quinn doesn’t, and dear Quinn cheerleaders, it does not say that Pat is a lone wolf who does his own thing who is beholden to nobody.

Comment by OneMan Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:34 am
Put me down for Team Meh. “Leadership” is an abstraction that is not particularly useful. He passes things or he doesn’t. His approval/favs are net positive or negative. And so forth and so on. I don’t see the value in adding another layer of description to all that.

Comment by Will Caskey Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:35 am
Look, as long as Republicans call jokes like Tom Cross and Pat Brady “leader,” then yes, Pat Quinn is a leader.

The bar is set incredibly low in IL.

Comment by too obvious Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:35 am
Pat Quinn is a wonderful guy who is very good at some things. Being Governor isn’t one of his strengths.

Comment by Chaves-respecting Obamist Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:41 am
You are spot on Rich. Only one more week and the campaign to replace Quinn can start in ernest.

Comment by Cassiopeia Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:41 am
Voted no for all the reasons in your column. Dictionary definition of Leader: a person who guides or directs a group. Obviously Quinn has never guided or directed the legislature in any way.

Comment by Way South of I-80 Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:42 am
@steve makes a good point in that quinn was a leader on the tax increase. Whether it was good policy or accomplished what he said it would is one thing. But that was a case where quinn campaigned on something, pushed a bill for it, and accomplished something he had led the ga on.

Comment by hisgirlfriday Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:48 am
I voted no. If you have to ask the question, the answer is obvious…Rich you have never been so right.

Comment by chica1 Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:51 am
I voted no because of his lack of leadership handling complex issues facing this state. There were so many opportunities given to this Governor to step up - but instead he has been a ‘wrench’ at each and very turn. I had hoped for more. Thoroughly disappointed in Governor Quinn.

Comment by Dark Side of the Moon Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:52 am
I voted “Meh”

In Illinois, the Governor clearly has less clout than either the IL House majority leader or the President of the IL Senate and Quinn is following in the footsteps of Blago.

A governor who tried to crack the whip on either Speaker Madigan or President Cullerton would learn the facts of life rather quickly.

Pat Quinn is not a strong leader, however having a governor who had a psychological need to be “the boss” of Illinois would probably make things worse, not better.

Comment by Bill White Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:54 am
Pat Quinn is a leader. He is a good man. He is ethical. He stands for what he believes. He expects legislators to do their jobs and tells them his opinion, but he respects their authority to represent their constituencies.
Pat Quinn is a different kind of leader than IL has had for many years. For example, when it came to facing down union workers, he stood firm and did the right thing.
It’s not easy being governor in the wake of scandals and governors with prison sentences.
In my judgement, he is a good man honestly working for the right things. That’s leadership too many pundits around here can’t seem to grasp.

Comment by Truth; not Leming Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:54 am
PS - “following in the footsteps of Blago” means that Pat Quinn entered the governor’s mansion with the power of the office already seriously eroded

Comment by Bill White Friday, May 24, 13 @ 9:56 am
Leadership matters but only on the margins. But margins matter. What Rich said above is right: leaders facilitate. They figure how to get people on Spot A and Spot C to live with Spot B. George Ryan despite his multitude of flaws knew how to do that. No leader gets people from Planet A and Planet X to Planet M, which is why Obama can’t facilitate in DC.

Comment by ZC Friday, May 24, 13 @ 10:01 am
While we appreciate a governor who doesn’t use the office to line his pockets and those of his cronies, the state needs effective, competent leadership.

The Quinnster has some good qualities. Strong leadership isn’t one of them.

Comment by reformer Friday, May 24, 13 @ 10:05 am
Voted “Meh” for the reasons listed yesterday.

Comment by RNUG Friday, May 24, 13 @ 10:06 am
We voted “no”
But we must also refute your claim
“is to threaten to veto bills unless certain conditions are met instead of actively working to do something positive. The gaming expansion bill is a perfect example. There is no doubt the governor wants the revenues from more gaming, but he isn’t willing to do the hard work to resolve the contentious issue and contents himself with throwing bricks from the sidelines at those who are working.”

We think it is very clear that PQ is really for the status quo because it benefits his true blue friends.

Comment by CircularFiringSquad Friday, May 24, 13 @ 10:06 am
I agree that the gaming expansion bill is a perfect example of Governor Quinn’s leadership but for a different reason. He has held firm against a gambling expansion bill that is deficient in oversight and the amount of revenue to be gained for state government. In doing so Governor Quinn is choosing to do what is right over doing what is easy. I admire this in our governor.

Comment by Ruby Friday, May 24, 13 @ 10:06 am
Voted No. While you’re absolutely right that a leader has to have followers, even if you wanted to follow him, how could you? He lacks the consistancy to have a following.

Comment by PublicServant Friday, May 24, 13 @ 10:09 am
“Meh.” He’s no leader, but as long as the Republicans pander to right-wing extremists, he’s the best we’re going to get in Illinois.

Comment by olddog Friday, May 24, 13 @ 10:18 am
All I have to say is the Gov’s office should have ignored those comments Rich made yesterday instead of firing back. Rich is right and most everyone know it. Not too many people trust or respect Quinn.
Time for Lisa Madigan to take the helm. She’ll be respected and trusted. Her office runs smooth.

Comment by WOW Friday, May 24, 13 @ 10:19 am
Governor Flip Flop?

Comment by Aldyth Friday, May 24, 13 @ 10:23 am
Stanford economist Paul Romer was the first to coin the term in 2004: “A crisis is a terrible thing to waste,” which Rahm Emmanuel later paraphrased into “you never want a serious crisis to go to waste.”

However one may say it, a serious crisis demands serious leadership. In fact, “real leadership” is defined by the crisis which is addressed. Think– Lincoln’s crisis was the Civil War; FDR faced two; the Great Depression and WWII; LBJ’s Great Society was passed after the Kennedy assassination.

There is no question that Quinn is challenged by a very serious crisis. The State of Illinois faces a financial crisis of historic proportions with plenty of blame to share with both political parties and previous administrations. However, at best, Gov. Quinn has been a caretaker governor. It’s especially disappointing given that Quinn has enjoyed nearly veto proof democratic legislative majorities during his administration.

Lincoln, FDR, LBJ all struggled with the legislative process but achieved the legislative goals necessary to achieve success. Real leaders are realistic and drive the necessary legislative compromises. That’s what real leaders do

Comment by Bill Edley Friday, May 24, 13 @ 10:26 am
@Bill Edley

=== The State of Illinois faces a financial crisis of historic proportions with plenty of blame to share with both political parties and previous administrations. ===

Eh, meh.

Either of Madigan’s SB1 or Cullerton’s bill would do much to resolve this “crisis of historic proportions” and I believe Quinn would sign either bill, if passed by both houses of the General Assembly.

If “great leader” is defined as being able to persuade Madigan and Cullerton to compromise with each other, I don’t think there is anyone in Illinois who would fit that definition.

Comment by Bill White Friday, May 24, 13 @ 10:35 am
Lemming. Two m’s.

Comment by grammar moses Friday, May 24, 13 @ 10:37 am
I think the Governor is a well meaning, honest and hard working man, but he’s simply in over his head. He keeps getting outmaneuvered time after time. he simply lacks the political skill and infrastructure to collaborate with the “four tops” and be an effective Governor.

Comment by Namaste Friday, May 24, 13 @ 10:46 am
by definition, a leader “leads” towards a goal of some sort. (Otherwise people/followers could find their own way)
What goals did he, has he, will he lead the good people of Illinois to? (Oops dangling participle)
Seriously..he spends more time whistling in the wind. (I know Caterpillar, they’re not going anywhere..implied I hope) I think he is a good man at heart, just NOT who we need as a “leader” in our state.

Comment by LisleMike Friday, May 24, 13 @ 10:48 am
Bill White: “…persuade Madigan and Cullerton to compromise with each other, I don’t think there is anyone in Illinois who would fit that definition.”
Mr. White… I don’t believe Speaker Madigan and Sen. President Cullerton have enjoyed successful nearly forty year legislative careers because they don’t know how to compromise.

Comment by Bill Edley Friday, May 24, 13 @ 10:49 am
@Bill Edley

I agree and I believe Speaker Madigan and Sen. President Cullerton will compromise when they are good and ready to compromise, regardless of how much “leadership” our Governor has to offer.

Kinda like the punch line to my favorite baseball joke: “Young man, when you finally get around to throwing a strike, Mr. Carew will be the first to let you know”

Comment by Bill White Friday, May 24, 13 @ 10:53 am
The problem as I see it is that Pat Quinn will always be considered an “outsider” by the Springfield crowd. But I don’t necessarily think of that as a bad thing.

Illinois has a “weak” executive branch form of government, with the Democratic legislative leaders holding nearly all of the power. Quinn has ably served in the role of an executive counterweight. Is there anyone more capable of providing a “beyond the beltway” (beltway = Springfield) thinking than Quinn?

Unfortunately, the counterweight the GOP provides in this now solid Democratic state is so weak, it can’t even tilt the scales at all.

Comment by Truth teller Friday, May 24, 13 @ 10:59 am
===Illinois has a “weak” executive branch form of government===

Um, no it doesn’t.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 24, 13 @ 11:02 am
I voted no. With the General Assembly, the style is to announce a goal as grandiosely as possible (he was put in this earth to solve the pension problem), but then to have no specific details for achieving that goal and no strategy for getting the General Assembly to get behind that goal.

Within his administration, the style is complete indifference to actually accomplishing the tasks of the agencies, and peevishly dictatorial about the few things to which they do pay attention.

With the public, Squeezy says it all.

Sound and fury, signifying nothing.

Comment by Anon. Friday, May 24, 13 @ 11:05 am
Good baseball quote Mr. White. However, I think Mr. Carew might say that Gov. Quinn has been pitching too many screwballs out of the strike zone.

Comment by Bill Edley Friday, May 24, 13 @ 11:05 am
===Illinois has a “weak” executive branch form of government,…===

Yikes!

Even Speaker Madigan has made a point that the Executive is “strong”, its the person(s) who have recently held that office have made the office weak, and forced MJM and President Cullerton to have to carry water they shouldn’t have to carry, and force the heavy lifting of the Executive at every turn becuase those Executives refused, nay, the Executives are ignorant of how the levers of government work to be 1/3 of the state’s government as prescribed by the Illinois Constitution.

“weak” - Nope.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 24, 13 @ 11:10 am
How did MJM vote?

Comment by Cincinnatus Friday, May 24, 13 @ 11:19 am
I voted “no” for 2 reasons. A leader would seize the opportunity to root out what a federal prosecutor termed “endemic hiring fraud”, and do his best to eradicate that practice. I also believe a leader does not turn a blind eye, or try to circumvent contact language and the clear intent of the State’s Constitution.

Comment by sk hicks Friday, May 24, 13 @ 11:21 am
Well, I can see I’m outnumbered, but here goes.

I voted yes. The Governor was very involved in passing a much needed income tax increase, which took a lot of guts in an election year.

His popularity suffered quite a bit after the primary and general election, and that’s certainly made many legislators keep their distance.

Then he made the difficult decision to close facilities, and to bargain for significant savings with AFSCME. Given the extreme backlash from employees and legislators, these were tough choices that didn’t win him a lot of friends, but they were the right decisions.

That said, the capital program has been administered well, and has been used to leverage significant federal stimulus money. The rebalancing of mental healthcare is also working out well, and Illinois is in a good position to implement the ACA. Making sure the agencies are being progressive and innovative takes leadership, and the Governor has done an admirable job.

As to pensions, I honestly don’t know what a different leader or Governor could accomplish with that. None before have really tried, and if we see reforms I’m guessing it will be a long time before another has to.

So yeah, he may not have as much support as others in the GA, but lots of folks have had to take some tough medicine the last few years, so I don’t see this as all Quinn’s fault.

So, call me young, call me naive, I really don’t care. I believe the Governor has been a fine leader for our state.

Comment by Small Town Liberal Friday, May 24, 13 @ 11:22 am
Quinn is a bright shining example of the politician who is more interested in “being something” rather than “doing something.”

Comment by Brendan Friday, May 24, 13 @ 11:22 am
- Small Town Liberal -,

You always have my respect, and you do “your side” of the arguement a huge service, and I enjoy hearing the other side (your side) and I have learned quite a bit from you, so I am glad you are here to give the “other side”

Much, much, respect to You.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 24, 13 @ 11:33 am
Quinn spent his whole career running as Mr. Outsider. He didn’t make a lot of friends.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, May 24, 13 @ 11:35 am
Out of curiosity, what are Michael Madigan’s numbers at?

Anyone poll on that lately?

Comment by Keep Calm and Carry On Friday, May 24, 13 @ 12:11 pm
===Out of curiosity, what are Michael Madigan’s numbers at?===

I hope they are so bad … that …um … we “Fire Madigan”…

Comment by Anonymous Friday, May 24, 13 @ 12:23 pm
Above was me. Apologies

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 24, 13 @ 12:24 pm
You can play semantics with the phrase “weak executive form of government” all you want, but if anyone quibbles with the fact that the Democratic legislative leaders hold all the cards, then they aren’t following state politics.

Comment by Truth teller Friday, May 24, 13 @ 12:46 pm
===You can play semantics with the phrase…===

It’s not semantics. It’s the Illinois Constitution, and it says the Executive is 1/3 of the Government, and frankly, strong governors make it a POINT to be 1/3 of the state government.

It ain’t semantics.

===…the fact that the Democratic legislative leaders hold all the cards, then they aren’t following state politics.===

Cross and Radogno LOST. The reason the Illinois General Assembly is in Democratic hands is because Cross and Radogno do not know how to win seats.

Madigan and Cullerton are 1/3 of the government. If you think they have more power than they should, then blame Quinn for not stepping up to do his part and varry 1/3 of the burden, or go get a “Fire Madigan” t-shirt, blame everything on Chicago and the Democrats and that “counties count” and all that … and expect to be called on playing the “victim” card about “who really runs Illinois.”

Geez.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 24, 13 @ 12:52 pm
–but if anyone quibbles with the fact that the Democratic legislative leaders hold all the cards, then they aren’t following state politics.–

Did Quinn lose his veto pen? Forget about his ability to hire or dole out grants? Close facilities?

Comment by wordslinger Friday, May 24, 13 @ 1:07 pm
Quinn played the political maverick/gadfly role for so long that he acquired little training in real executive leadership.

Comment by BobInPeoria Friday, May 24, 13 @ 1:07 pm
===Democratic legislative leaders hold all the cards===

Spoken like a true self-defeatist loser.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 24, 13 @ 1:09 pm
You just made my point, OW. Because the GOP has literally zero input into legislative process, the Dem legislative leaders have total control. The ComEd override is a perfect example of this. A Governor Hercules wouldn’t be considered a strong executive in today’s state government.

Comment by Truth teller Friday, May 24, 13 @ 1:11 pm
- Spoken like a true self-defeatist loser. -

Agreed, don’t lump me in with those lines of thought.

Comment by Small Town Liberal Friday, May 24, 13 @ 1:13 pm
Rich: I’ve been called worse!

Comment by Truth teller Friday, May 24, 13 @ 1:13 pm
=== Madigan and Cullerton are 1/3 of the government. If you think they have more power than they should ===

“Should” is a difficult word, here.

They have the de facto power that they do because of their political skills. As you most eloquently stated OW, if someone doesn’t like this state of affairs then “beat ‘em”

Thus far, that hasn’t happened.

Also too, the pension mess is indeed a big mess and needs fixing however the hyperbolic hysteria fueled by aggressive astro-turfing from the Trib, IL is Broke, IL Policy Institute, Re-boot Illinois is more about trying to “beat Madigan” than actually addressing our problems.

IMHO, of course.

Cullerton’s bill would go a long way towards solving the “pension crisis”

Madigan’s bill would go further from a fiscal point of view but is more likely to be found unconstitutional

The current dance is not about solving the pension crisis, its about solving the pension crisis in a manner consistent with the Madigan Rules.

And regardless of which bill gets passed, the pension crisis WILL BE mitigated and the Madigan Rules WILL BE sustained.

Comment by Bill White Friday, May 24, 13 @ 1:16 pm
Name-calling aside, I will state again that Quinn has ably run state government and provided a needed counterweight to the veto-proof majorities in both houses.

Comment by Truth teller Friday, May 24, 13 @ 1:17 pm
===. A Governor Hercules wouldn’t be considered a strong executive in today’s state government. ===

Yikes!

Ok, first, You can’t blame Madigan and Cullerton because Cross and Radogno are inept at winning seats. If you want to fire anyone, look at “Two-Putt” or Commander Galloway for blame as to why the GA GOP has no power.

As to the Veto Override, - wordslinger - has pointed out more than a couple of things a governor CAN do, and Quinn has done. You want to blame the Override on Madigan and Cullerton, how about blaiming “Two-Putt” for golfing on Election Day 2010, or on the HGOP and SGOP Politcal Senoir Staff wo couldn’t get it done, as thier “leaders” and the State Chair are doing the “Call Me Maybe?” strategy, with no way of getting voters ID’d to the polls, and the fact no Ground Game saved seats to keep the GOP in the GA viable.

Play a victim somewhere away from where I can read it, because blaiming everyone else but where blaim should be focused on is a bit lazy and sad.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 24, 13 @ 1:18 pm
Well, not only am I self-defeatist loser, I’m now lazy and sad. Again, I’ve been called worse.

OW: I understand your distress at the fact that the GOP is irrelevant, but don’t take it out on me; instead, use that energy to win some elections!

Comment by Truth teller Friday, May 24, 13 @ 1:33 pm
Get back to the question, loser.

lol

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 24, 13 @ 1:34 pm
Thankfully, the passage of today’s concealed carry bill was predictable enough that Brooke could pre-write a response, which then freed up enough time for her to find 57 different computers to cast a vote on Rich’s QOTD.

Comment by Anon Friday, May 24, 13 @ 1:43 pm
You had me at “lol” Rich! Sorry for digressing, but my point in this thread is being lost, which is this: You can complain about how ineffective our Governor is, but it’s a fact that a veto-proof majority makes for a weak executive branch.

Quinn’s done a decent job of running state government on literally a shoe-string (compared to past years). Could he do more legislatively by being a “get-along, go-along” Guv? Absolutely, but that’s not what our state needs right now.

Comment by Truth teller Friday, May 24, 13 @ 1:44 pm
- Truth Teller -, lol

With kindest personal regards, I remain.

Sincerely yours,

Oswego Willy

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 24, 13 @ 1:46 pm
===but it’s a fact that a veto-proof majority makes for a weak executive branch.===

Or it could make for an opportunity for the Party in power to move an agenda, lead by a governor, forward, making the governor’s leadership the linchpin for all things governmental, and finding common ground for each chamber’s leader and the governor to work towards finding that agenda to move forward.

Or …

You can be Pat Quinn.

Just syaing …

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 24, 13 @ 1:52 pm
Anyone who thinks that Quinn is honest and a saint, must have been alive during his primary against Hynes. Hynes ran a horribly lame, boring, by the book campaign and we saw the ugly side of Quinn. Guess what? What he showed is truly what he is. He has lied to the public employees and been anything but forthright with them. He has lied to the public, albeit covertly. By definition the man is a career politician, so he is not and cannot be as pure as fresh snow. I will grant everyone on this thread claiming how he is such an honest and decent guy that he is not the worst we have seen or will ever see, but please stop being so naive in your claims that he is the most honest or even honest.

Comment by Lundstrom Friday, May 24, 13 @ 1:58 pm
Thanks OW. My final post is this: If being a leader is making unpopular decisions during tough times that are ultimately in the best interests of the state, then Quinn is unquestioningly a leader.

Comment by Truth teller Friday, May 24, 13 @ 1:58 pm
My bad, make that first line: must not have been alive during his primary against Hynes.

Comment by Lundstrom Friday, May 24, 13 @ 1:59 pm
Right Lundstrom, Hynes didn’t go negative at all. If you’re still sore about that go throw in with a primary challenger if one surfaces. If you beat Quinn, I promise I won’t whine about it.

Comment by Small Town Liberal Friday, May 24, 13 @ 2:13 pm
Leader? I tell my out of state friends that Pat Quinn is a nice man, And, he is. But, he has yet to devise and sell a bright and plausible idea or plan that others might be inclined to embrace. What we get is mostly vanilla.

Comment by Keyser Soze Friday, May 24, 13 @ 2:18 pm
Leadership is not in Pat Quinn’s vocabulary. I rank him up there with Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce,and Casper Miltoast.

Comment by mokenavince Friday, May 24, 13 @ 2:25 pm
I think the Governor is as honest as an Illinois politician can be, but he is to leadership what a blind man leading a group along a Cliffside on a moonless night is to inspirational leadership. I had high hopes when he became Governor, but the simple act of keeping the Blago hacks set the tone for his administration.

Comment by Past the Rule of 85 Friday, May 24, 13 @ 2:49 pm
– Hynes ran a horribly lame, boring, by the book campaign and we saw the ugly side of Quinn–

I thought the spots featuring his family were brilliant, really top notch.

I also thought the Harold ad was a winner and would put him over the top — boy, was I wrong. It blew up in his face. But it certainly wasn’t boring or by the book.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, May 24, 13 @ 3:02 pm
@truth teller:
My Mom used to tell us that “Can’t never did anything.” Also “If you think you can or you think you can’t, you are right.” Stop blubbering and do something. I have been trying, am frustrated, but not giving up. The Dems were in the same position within my lifetime but got out of it. We can/will too!

Comment by LisleMike Friday, May 24, 13 @ 3:03 pm
“Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon would still be teaching some boring class at Southern Illinois University if it were not for Pat Quinn”

Wow, I’m glad you hold college professors in such high esteem Rich. I guess we all just sit around teaching some boring classes, all the time hoping and praying that some heroic politician will pluck us out of our worthless lives to do something truly meaningful and worthwhile — politics in Illinois! No wonder you don’t want us to get the pensions we have earned, since our work is so unimportant. Although its funny how politicians and some of the public feel we do nothing to earn our salaries, but if their children don’t get accepted to study at our university — and sit in our boring classes — they scream bloody murder!

Comment by Filmmaker Professor Friday, May 24, 13 @ 3:23 pm
Well with this Grand-Slam article of very heavy, even demeaning criticism at some junctures, it can’t really be said you are neutral toward Pat Quinn any more, really–although heretofore it somewhat APPEARED to be that way and that stance had even been noted….In any event, although I don’t agree with some of his positions or approaches, his track record, which bespeaks of some real integrity and what really has shown a level of some really tough leadership in what have been extraordinarily difficult, challenging times for Illinois, speaks for itself.

Comment by Just The Way It Is One Friday, May 24, 13 @ 3:55 pm
===Democratic legislative leaders hold all the cards===

Nature abhors a vacuum.

Comment by Anon. Friday, May 24, 13 @ 4:03 pm
I voted Yes and here’s why. A lot of people are quick to say that Quinn is a “good guy” but no leader. Perhaps part of his leadership is knowing when to sit back and allow the legislative process to unfold, since he is not a legislator and can’t vote. Also maybe his leadership is identifying and defining the issues and starting those conversations, most notably the need for pension reform.

“Quinn deserves credit for pointing out those problems and demanding a solution”

Comment by Illinoise Friday, May 24, 13 @ 4:22 pm