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* I don’t necessarily agree with Bill Daley, but he made a valid point with his criticism of Gov. Pat Quinn’s veto of legislative salaries due to the lack of pension reform progress…
“The worst thing is that they come up with some political deal, that really has not been run through the numbers, but they do a Band-Aid (approach) and everybody gets the heck out of town and pretends they’ve solved the problem. That’s the worst scenario,” Daley said
* As I’ve been reporting for a while now, Quinn’s own actuarial analysis on his proposals (subscribe for more info) won’t even be completed until maybe tomorrow at the earliest - two days after his populist veto. The pension conference committee has decided on a framework and has submitted several proposals for actuarial analysis, but they won’t be completed for weeks.
In public, the governor demanded that the GA take action Tuesday. In private, he submitted an alternative plan that wasn’t even vetted yet. His staff also engaged in talks on a new plan that won’t be vetted for weeks.
Set aside all the heated rhetoric on both sides. The heart of the matter is that this move was fundamentally dishonest grandstanding. And that’s what makes it so Blagojevichian. Sure, it’s popular with goofballs like the Tribune editorial board…
Quinn has tried everything to get them to pass a solution.
Yeah. OK. Right.
Give me a break.
* The general public surely loves this because legislators are even more unpopular than the governor. And lots of haters will relish the schadenfreude of watching legislators whine about not getting paid.
* But what the Tribune and others out there either ignore or fail to understand is that the governor clearly back-stabbed the pension reform conference committee, which was making a good faith effort to finally bring some resolution to this problem. He chose the path of Rod to the path of governance. And that disgusts people who are doing some difficult and hard work like Sen. Kwame Raoul…
“[Quinn] knows [the conference committee] very well may come up with a product the General Assembly could take up this summer. What it can be made to look like is we failed his deadline until he took this action to suspend our pay and because he took this action, we got it done,” Raoul said.
“It’s made to look like he merits some credit for getting it done, when in fact he’s not rolling his sleeves up and getting it to the table. He ought not get credit for the work that we’re doing,” Raoul said.
Agreed.
…Adding… The SJ-R editorial board gets it…
Legislators are making progress, even if it’s not happening as fast as Quinn and others would like. For the state’s chief executive to stomp his feet and hold his breath in this way is silly, shortsighted and harkens back to the kind of ham-handed tactics of a previous Illinois governor who became a laughingstock.
In the same way that legislators are trying to be mindful of fairness to pensioners and current state workers, the governor must remember to be fair to legislators, who now seem to be trying hard to achieve a workable reform plan for Illinois.
* Related…
* Brown: Quinn, the candidate, should cede the stage to Quinn, the statesman
* Sneed: Gov. Quinn’s paycheck play a political setback — or comeback?
* Zorn: Quinn’s salary grab: Clever gambit or impotent, unconstitutional grandstanding?
* Hinz: Quinn makes shrewd political move freezing lawmakers’ pay
* VIDEO: State Representative Mike Bost on Salary Freeze, Pensions
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 10:29 am
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’schadenfreude’ - pleasure derived from the misfortunes of others!
Nice touch!!!!
Comment by WhoKnew Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 10:37 am
Quinn never lets facts get in the way of his talking points.
The tragedy is that he actually believes everything that comes out of his mouth and doesn’t have any staff that will correct him or urge restraint.
Comment by Cassiopeia Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 10:41 am
I have no sympathy for the legislators. It’s true that Quinn is grandstanding. No doubt about it. However, the legislature has had decades to fix this problem and deliberately let it slide. If Quinn’s act puts more pressure on them to actually get something done, then it was a good thing.
Comment by David P. Graf Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 10:44 am
–In public, the governor demanded that the GA take action Tuesday. In private, he submitted an alternative plan that wasn’t even vetted yet. His staff also engaged in talks on a new plan that won’t be vetted for weeks.–
There’s your smoking gun proving that Quinn’s stunt was motivated solely by selfish political reasons and had nothing to do with influencing legislation.
You can only go to the well once like that.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 10:49 am
I dont agree that he stabbed the pension reform committee in the back. The governor has been demanding oension reform at least since he included it in his state of the state two years ago and deemed it his reason he has been put on this earth. He has talked about it constantly. If he didnt push the issue to the forefront, would there even be a pension reform committee? How many years did legislators take the easy way out by not making the full pension payment? Why would this year be any different? Its unfortunate that the governor needed to take this action, and i dont disagree that the pension reform committee was making real progress, but feet have been dragged for far too long. If Quinn hadnt pushed pension reform at all, and then took this action, i would agree that it is pure political grandstanding. However, he has advocated the need for reform, often times to his own political detriment. Like Medicaid reform (which may have been ignored had Governor Quinn not put it on the front burner), he has taken on very tough issues that have drawn intense oppostion from strong democratic constituencies, in an effort to promote the common good.
Why is it so difficult to give this man some credit? After our previous governor’s drove the state into the ground, with the assistance of the general assembly, it is Governor Quinn who has pushed for these reforms. He pushed for these reforms, when nobody else was, and now you criticize him for failing to lead? And now you criticize him for taking action to push the general assembly to act? The polling shows that the public supports the Governor’s actions here. Having the public’s support makes them no less relevant, and no less genuine.
Comment by anon Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 10:49 am
What if Quinn had used this tactic on conceal carry to get what he wants. Or reverse the process and what if he he had the ability to offer pay increases to get what he wants. Maybe that’s the reason for the language in the state’s constitution..just sayin.
Comment by Empty Suit Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 10:58 am
Quinn has properly reflected the feelings of the public through his actions. The echo chamber under the dome may not like it, but they are the ones that got us here. Why should Quinn care what they, or any of the other ivory tower analysts think.
Comment by John A Logan Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 11:04 am
That Trib. story is nonsense. Yeah, take away their pay… that’ll show ‘em. For so many reasons it’s just ridiculous.
And does anyone actually believe the pension system must be 100% funded? Anyone? Beuller. Beuller.
Comment by oh the humanity Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 11:05 am
===The echo chamber under the dome may not like it, but they are the ones that got us here. Why should Quinn care what they,… think.===
Funny thing about governing, once something is over, something else pops up, and Quinn might have to work with those legislators, might even NEED to work with those legislators, and well, memories are long in the Statehouse, and some bridges stay burned for a long time.
Unless you already know you have no one in either chamber you can call on for up …but I digress…
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 11:08 am
@Oswego Willy
I agree with you, but also consider this …
If the IL Senate (Cullerton & Raoul) cave in and enact SB1 and if the IL Supreme Court later upholds SB1, Pat Quinn has just revealed what the future could hold.
If SB1 is sustained by the IL Supreme Court, a future governor will have powers the office lacks, today, based on decisions such as Jorgensen,
Comment by Bill White Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 11:11 am
Wordslinger is correct. Quinn’s actions in this matter will only serve to further distance him from legislators (not that he was ever close). What little working relationship there was may be forever destroyed and for what — So he could look good to the Trib’s editorial board? Good luck in trying to pass anything on your agenda going forward!
Comment by kerfuffle Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 11:12 am
After reading through comments today and yesterday — and wondering to myself if this is less about Quinn and more about the powerlessness of Quinn’s office — why someone like Rauner can so confidently position himself as an “agent of change”.
It’s clear that if a change is gonna come, it’s gonna come through compromise — and not through edicts or threats. I’ve seen nothing out of Rauner that indicates he has even the slightest awareness of this — or a willingness to be someone who has enough confidence and intellectual savvy to compromise on key issues.
Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 11:12 am
- Bill White -,
Then maybe the best action would be to be engaged and have some skin in the game, and not getting your pay is not skin in the game.
You can’t throw rocks, say you are engaged, grandstand, make claims of involvement, and then not pick a side … and call that being a …”Governor”.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 11:17 am
Smart politics by Quinn. Take your case to the people, who cast votes in primaries and general elections. The same elections these overpaid legislators will be running in. Yes, the legislators in Illinois are overpaid and this will just highlight that to the public. The legislators may not like it, but the more they whine the more the public will dislike them and, maybe, just maybe bounce some of them out. I would call that effective pressure applied by Quinn.
Comment by Downstater Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 11:17 am
==Why is it so difficult to give this man some credit==
Because he hasn’t done anything yet that deserves credit. When he does I’m sure he will get his due.
Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 11:19 am
–Take your case to the people, who cast votes in primaries and general elections.–
What case is that, as of 11:19 a.m. Thursday?
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 11:20 am
===…and more about the powerlessness of Quinn’s office…===
The Office of the Illinois Governor is one of the strongest Executive branches compared to other states.
Pat Quinn has a lack of understanding of how to use the levers.
You thought on Rauner is Spot-On!
The best governors, and the best work a governor can do as an Illinois governor, is the work that is doen in concert with the Genreral Assembly, and understanding that being a willing partner goes a long way, especially with items at a governor’s disposal like the AV which can literally rewirte passed legislation …
Unless it gets overridden …but I digres …
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 11:21 am
So what’s everyone’s take on Madigan’s tacit acceptance of Quinn’s strategy. Maybe Quinn is playing smart hardball. Besides, if he’s already as irrelevant as his critics like Rich say, why not throw down the gauntlet. Personally, I find it pretty amusing.
Comment by Jim Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 11:25 am
Quinn is an embarrassment. Since the Tribune and John Kass now like him it is definitely time for an adult as Governor. Even a republican would be better.
I will be taking a democratic ballot next March and voting for the most likely challenger who can defeat him and put him in retirement.
Comment by Very Tired Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 11:28 am
The general public is completely sick of both quinn and the legislature. Screwing overpaid entitled legislators- especially democrats who sit in districts they drew for themselves was well played and a great move.
My response to mark brown is van wilderian which is to say elected officials are candidates.
Comment by shore Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 11:38 am
The pension problem didn’t happen in one day or one year and we have seen that it can’t be corrected easily. This is a complicated and passionate issue.
Many of the members of the current GA haven’t been their for decades and didn’t cause the problem. This is a complex issue with very strong opinions on all sides. I think every legislator truly wants this problem resolved but they come from different parts of the state with different constituencies.
This move by Quinn is strictly political and the gullible are falling for it. Quinn just doesn’t want or doesn’t know how to work with the GA. He needs to become involved; sit down and tell the committee what he will and will not agree too in a bill.
Comment by Because I said so... Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 12:14 pm
Kwame Raoul is right on point with his comments. Although I am not happy with the idea of pension reform (other than the legislature meeting it’s funding obligation) shame on PQ to try and claim credit where it is not due. The Governor did little to nothing to advance the cause other than giving it lip service.
Comment by Stones Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 1:07 pm
Thompson and Ryan were governors who worked with the General Assembly and got a lot of things done. Edgar had a rougher relationship with the GA, but he still recognized the need to work with them. The Blago/Quinn years have been the total opposite. Not so coincidently, the State of Illinois has been going into the tank since the beginning of that reign.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 1:10 pm
Oswego Willy -
The “real issue” lost in the din is whether
Is it better for Cullerton/Raoul to cave to Madigan & the Tribbies
-or-
Is it better for Madigan to call Cullerton’s SB2404 for a vote.
Actually, that is the ONLY issue.
Everything else, including Quinn’s clown act, is distraction.
However, IMHO, Quinn’s move makes it less likely rather than more likely that Cullerton/Raoul cave and since I strongly support the SB2404 approach over the SB1 approach, the end result is positive.
IMHO, as always.
===
As far Quinn squandering whatever credibility or influence he may have had before this recent stunt, the swift override of his concealed carry veto clearly indicates that Quinn already was considered irrelevant by the General Assembly.
Comment by Bill White Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 1:59 pm
–the swift override of his concealed carry veto clearly indicates that Quinn already was considered irrelevant by the General Assembly–
The GA historically has closed ranks against governors that make sweeping changes in approved legislation with the AV, regardless of the issue.
That’s why Madigan’s position regarding the pay AV is odd. I’m surprised he’s not railing against it as a matter of principle.
He must really want to beat Cullerton badly.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 2:27 pm
- Bill White -
I am just responding as Rich has posted. While you have put togehter the “or” to the crux, and while you are on point to the “distraction” aspect, with repsect, Quinn is putting out the distraction as an attempt to shift blame, cause resolution, put heat on the GA, and try to stay above the fray, and his own missteps.
I guess I ask too much for a governor to be engaged if that governor thinks its fine to portray himself one way, and the facts and the proof seem to be pointing in another.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 2:30 pm
=== He must really want to beat Cullerton badly ===
So, it’s personal now. How well is that gonna go for Cullerton? 2 competing issues - beat Cullerton or beat the veto. Choices, choices.
Comment by dupage dan Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 2:37 pm
Oswego Willy, and wordslinger and Rich Miller, I do not disagree with you. Not at all.
Quinn’s line item veto of those appropriations is a cheap political grandstanding move that plays to the worst anti-government populist elements.
This is spot on:
=== Quinn is putting out the distraction as an attempt to shift blame, cause resolution, put heat on the GA, and try to stay above the fray, and his own missteps. ===
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Then again, Pat Quinn is a politician and the old story about the scorpion and the frog comes to mind.
= = =
All this being true, this really is a stand off between Cullerton and Madigan, and from my point of view encouraging Cullerton and Raoul to stand firm and not cave is a worthwhile goal.
Comment by Bill White Thursday, Jul 11, 13 @ 2:42 pm