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Salt on the wound

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Illinois

* We discussed this a bit yesterday…

Dillard’s campaign filings show he still owes $250,000 from his 2010 effort, mostly to Ron Gidwitz. Gidwitz, himself a 2006 candidate for the GOP nomination for governor, was Dillard’s campaign chairman in 2010 and is former CEO of Helene Curtis.

Dillard said he does not have to pay back Gidwitz.

* Well, Bernie followed up….

A debt from state Sen. Kirk Dillard’s 2010 GOP primary campaign for governor that he said last week he did not have to pay back is still “an outstanding obligation,” according to Ron Gidwitz, who is owed close to $200,000.

“Fundamentally, we haven’t spoken about it,” Gidwitz said Wednesday after his new role in the 2014 campaign — as finance chairman for Republican Bruce Rauner — was announced. “The issue is unresolved.”

Dillard’s campaign records show that his debt to Gidwitz tops $185,000, and another $12,000 is owed to Riverbend Industries, which Gidwitz said he owns.

Gidwitz, the former CEO of Helene Curtis who also is chairman of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and has had government roles including chairman of the State Board of Education, said the money had nothing to do with his decision to back Winnetka venture capitalist and new candidate Rauner.

“I’m all about winning,” Gidwitz said. “The man has the fire in his belly. He has focused on what I think are the fundamental issues of the campaign, which are the budget, pension system, taxes and jobs. … He understands the issues. He’s dealt with many of them in his career.”

Gidwitz is the go-to behind the scenes money guy for Illinois Republicans. His defection, as I said yesterday, is a huge blow to Dillard’s campaign.

* Meanwhile, I told you a while back that James Liautaud contributed $1,000 to Bruce Rauner’s campaign late last month. Well, Treasurer Rutherford called to point out that was the father of the Jimmy John’s founder, and not Rutherford’s friend.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 10:56 am

Comments

Whoever winds up as the nominee will have plenty of cash flowing for the General.

As for Dillard emerging from the primary, I can’t help but begin thinking that his moment to strike may have been 4 years ago.

Jsut as we may well look back 4 years from now and think that this was Lisa Madigan’s moment to strike.

Funny thing, politics.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 11:00 am
Not to parse words, but Dillard’s PAC owes Gidwitz money; Dillard doesn’t owe that personally, unless he personally guaranteed the loan, which would be really unusual. How and if and when and by whom the debt is repaid is between them. The story is Gidwitz’ support of Rauner, not Dillard saying he doesn’t owe Gidwitz any debt.

Comment by Elo Kiddies Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 11:02 am
===He has focused on what I think are the fundamental issues of the campaign, which are the budget, pension system, taxes and jobs. … He understands the issues. He’s dealt with many of them in his career.”===

Wow! That is a great quote…

Too bad no one knows where Rauner stands on …what are these issues….”…budget, pension system, taxes and jobs.”

Let us not forget, in a Republican primary Rauner not discussing if he is “Pro-Life” or “Pro-Choice”, and Rauner wants a referendum, which Illinois doesn’t have, on SSM, because, you guessed it, we have no idea where Rauner stands, and finally …let’s look at this …

===“I’m all about winning,”===

Said the horrible statewide candidate from the past.

Wow! Those are great quotes from Gidwitz.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 11:04 am
“Dillard” not paying bills, maybe he is ready to be governor of Illinois.

Comment by Wumpus Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 11:04 am
How on earth is a “Loan” that you don’t have to re-pay not a contribution? I know this was before the caps, but come on.

Comment by Century Club Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 11:10 am
To the other point,

Ya can not NOT pay a “Rich Guy” his cash back, and expect him/her to back ya, or not retaliate against ya.

I do suspect had Dillard not made his quote, at least Gidwitz MAY not have aided in trampling on the Dillard rollout …but, you owe, you don’t pay, you will “pay” at some point.

Dillard lost a major artery, but will the patient live? Possible …

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 11:10 am
Right after getting re-elected the first thing Pat Quinn did was pay back large loans from Ed Burke and Emil Jones. I’m guessing that they’ll no be ready to re-up because the Governor made it a priority to repay them.

Comment by Rahm'sMiddleFinger Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 11:17 am
Another question: How did the Quinn/Simon campaign close out their campaign fund while still owing money on their loans?

For example:

- Patricia Cherry loaned Quinn/Simon for Illinois $100,000 on 10/15/10: http://www.elections.il.gov/campaigndisclosure/ItemizedContrib.aspx?FiledDocID=422567&ContributionType=Loans%20Received&Archived=True&OrderBy=LastorOnlyName-AtoZ&ItemizedContribFrom=D2Semi.aspx

- Quinn/Simon for Illinois then paid back $50,000 on 12/30/10: http://www.elections.il.gov/campaigndisclosure/ItemizedExpendPrint.aspx?FiledDocID=422567&ExpenditureType=Expenditures&Archived=True&ItemizedExpendFrom=D2Semi.aspx&OrderBy=Last+or+Only+Name+-+A+to+Z

The remaining $50,000 of that loan?

Apparently it disappered into the ether?

Comment by Formerly Known As... Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 11:18 am
Never good when one of your primary backers and funders leaves you for so far what appears to be “empty suit generic rich guy.”

Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 11:19 am
Same thing with others:

CITIZENS FOR EMIL JONES, JR.
- $100,000 loan to Quinn/Simon for Illinois on 10/01/10
- $100,000 loan to Quinn/Simon for Illinois on 10/15/10
- $100,000 repaid to Citizens for Emil Jones, Jr. on 12/29/10
The remaining $100,000? #poof Disappeared

FRIENDS OF EDWARD M. BURKE
- $100,000 loan to Quinn/Simon for Illinois on 10/25/10
- $50,000 repaid to Friends of Edward M. Burke on 12/30/10
The remaining $50,000? #poof Disappeared

THE BURNHAM COMMITTEE
- $100,000 loan to Quinn/Simon for Illinois on 10/25/10
- $50,000 repaid to The Burnham Committee on 12/30/10
The remaining $50,000? #poof Disappeared

Comment by Formerly Known As... Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 11:28 am
“He understands the issues. He’s dealt with many of them in his career.”

That also describes most of the people who come here even if they do not agree on every issue. Huge difference when you have the ‘fire in the belly’ and you have been able to fire/hire as you need to. Slightly different method of operation in state govenment.

Comment by zatoichi Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 11:30 am
RE: Jimmy Johns - So is the father of Jimmy John the CEO of Jimmy Johns? Because that is how the $1,000 donation is ID’d with ISBE.

Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 11:31 am
Ron Burgundy may be being snarky but he makes a valid point. Its like Rauner is in fact running the preformed generic rich guy campaign. Pretend your something your not, be the anti-politician, and offer absolutely no specifics.

Comment by J. Nolan Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 11:31 am
Guys, Illinois can have a binding referendum on a topic. All they have to do is the ILGA pass an amendment to the Election Code and create it. The lowly citizens are heavily restricted in what they can put on the ballot. The ILGA can put whatever it wants. (Okay, not whatever, but pretty close to whatever).

Comment by John Bambenek Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 11:31 am
Initially, the comments ripping the moderate for a lack of details are sort of amusing.

The party went far right in 2010 and got — what? — no details. We got a vague promise of budget cuts. The only real details were when he went far right on social issues. Those details served to scare off the moderates.

That being said, this move is important for two reasons:

1) Ron is pretty good at raising cash; and

2) It sends an important message that the candidate is a real Republican and not just some rich guy looking for a comfortable place to wage a personal run for Gov.

Not many endorsements or staffing decisions really matter. This one does.

Comment by VonKlutzenplatz Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 11:33 am
Oddly enough, that $250,000 in “disappearing” loan money nearly totals the $200,560 that “Quinn/Simon for Illinois” transferred to “Taxpayers for Quinn” after shutting down: http://www.elections.il.gov/campaigndisclosure/ItemizedExpendPrint.aspx?FiledDocID=422567&ExpenditureType=Transfers+Out&Archived=True&ItemizedExpendFrom=D2Semi.aspx&OrderBy=Last+or+Only+Name+-+A+to+Z

Quinn/Simon never paid back those loans.

Instead, it appears Quinn improperly reported them as “paid” and transferred the balance to another account Quinn controls.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 11:34 am
=…budget, pension system, taxes and jobs….=

I’m not an economist, but I am beginning to wonder how bad things have to get before the order of the objects in standard phrases such as these needs to be rearranged. It seems that all the usual “jolts,” including expected increases in the pubic sector aren’t kicking in. Simplified, maybe our Country and our State just need to get back some of the jobs that were given away to help resolve (in part) some of the other issues–rather than continue to bleed us dry and bring in more unqualified, low-wage workers to take what remains.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 11:39 am
===…that the candidate is a real Republican and not just some rich guy looking for a comfortable place to wage a personal run for Gov.===

Dillard gets hammered….hammered … for the Obama “thing”, but Payton Prep Clouter Bruce Rauner, with is thousands and thousands of dollars to …Rahm …Rich Daley … and Clouting his Daughter to Payton Prep through …Democrats … is a Republican?

Yikes!

The message sent is;

1) Dillard owes me money, I want to get some revenge.

2) I’m rich, Rauner’s rich, we know each other…

This is not about credibility, ita about cutting off the faucet to Dillard to make a point, and help a rich buddy.

Real Republican, that’s cute…

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 11:40 am
I assume that after the Gov was reelected, Patricia Cherry, Ed Burke and Emil Jones came to agreements with Quinn/Simon that only half would be repaid. All have contributed to Quinn’s campaign fund since then, so I don’t think it’s an issue.

Comment by Snucka Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 11:43 am
Oswego,
For relishing the opportunity to have Rauner as the Republican candidate, you sure are beating the clouting issue awfully hard. Me thinks Rauner actually scares you…..a lot more than you are willing to let on.

Helping a daughter get into a better school? Would be interesting to ask Quinn if he ever made a call on behalf of a contributor’s child - a far worse offense for sure.

Comment by Downstate Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 11:45 am
Blooomberg, Daley, Rauner, Gidwitz — all part of the financial barons’ club.

Those ties can “trump” policy differences.

Comment by walkinfool Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 11:48 am
Sure Oswego, and that’s sort of the point.

The addition of Gidwitz will have a role as a counter to those claims about Rauner’s prior contributions.

It says “he may have written those checks in the past, but now he’s one of us.”

And I personally don’t blame him for those checks. The man’s got a business to run. When he’s not actually out on the trial himself, business comes first.

This is not about purity. For me at least, it is about finding a fiscal conservative who can appeal to moderates.

I don’t count DLARD, because to be frank, he’s a loser.

Comment by VonKlutzenplatz Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 11:48 am
Rauner ought to discuss being Dillard’s Lt. Governor running mate. With Rauner’s interest in Pensions and Education, as shown by his track record in private industry, he can head a new post: Pension & Education Czar. He then can stay involved in policy without all the pesky stuff that comes with being Governor.

Comment by Samurai Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 11:54 am
===And I personally don’t blame him for those checks. The man’s got a business to run.===

So, you think a guy, running to change how government is run, should not be called the ultimate hypocrite, especially when Rauner touts “business as usual” needs to stop, when, in fact, Rauner is all about, “business as usual”

The hypocricy is not washed away, actually it muddies up perception of Gidwitz, now hanging with the Crew listed as backers of Rauner.

Gidwitz does not … give Rauner a pass on running and being, a walking hypocrite, “Jacket” or no jacket in the ads.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 11:54 am
Of course I meant, “public” sector. Reading stories about former candidates in other states who disgraced themselves and are now being embraced by the public, controversy over e.g., Mr. Menendez’s “globe trotting exploits,” etc. seems to indicate that activity in the “other” sector is as high as ever and voters are fine with it. (Who cares, right?)

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 11:54 am
Oswego, I think “hypocrite” it the most over-used word in politics.

In reality, EVERYBODY is a hypocrite.

I sure am. I write checks to people who may “bring home the bacon” for an area where I do work, despite my own fiscally conservative views. If better roads in an area or more police help my business, forget the broader picture on spending. My business comes first.

Again, I’ve got a business to run. If I was running the state I would take a different view. I do what I’m paid to do.

Is that hypocritical? Probably, but that’s reality.

Comment by VonKlutzenplatz Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 12:01 pm
Well, Rauner can talk the talk, much like Blagojevich, but without being vetted on all those pesky issues, he makes me very uneasy.

I don’t see Dullard as having much of a chance. I do however like Rutherford, who actually has a track record of performance.

Comment by Sunshine Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 12:03 pm
=DLARD=

Seriously? You’re going to continue to run with that one? Gosh, I’m sure everyone is snickering at it and how clever whoever made and drilled home that observation for others to parrot is.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 12:10 pm
===EVERYBODY===

Everybody …

“Always”, “Never”, “Must”, “Only”,…. “everybody”

Well, when you run for office and say you want to clean up the state, and are a hypocrite about who you are and what you stand for, you will get called on it.

BTW, do you remember that conversation you refered to we had here … I keep looking for you and I, “- VK -”, and don’t see it. Maybe you could point that out to me …

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 12:13 pm
“=DLARD=

Seriously? You’re going to continue to run with that one?”

I can’t speak for others, but yes, I intend to continue to run with that one.

On so many levels is just seems to fit.

Comment by VonKlutzenplatz Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 12:13 pm
–Helping a daughter get into a better school?–

Dude, the other school was New Trier. And “helping” hardly describes the lengths he went to. “Clouting” is much more accurate.

You might want to inform yourself on the whole issue — including Rauner’s war against CPS teachers and his Chicago charter school interests.

It’s all pretty revealing for someone who portrays himself as the “outsider in the Carthartt coat.”

And unless you’re doing Shakespeare in the Park this summer, try not to use “me thinks” too much.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 12:15 pm
=Rauner ought to discuss being Dillard’s Lt. Governor running mate. =

Now that’s an interesting thought. Egos that would probably prevent that from happening aside, a Dillard/Rauner ticket might just work. Reverse it, and we have a repeat that while many can argue is/is not ideal, probably won’t appeal as much to voters.

Having said that, it seems that Mr. Rauner’s team still need to work on establishing trust with voters, including Republicans.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 12:20 pm
==I do however like Rutherford, who actually has a track record of performance==

Dan is a very likeable guy and has been outstanding at using the Office of Treasurer as a campaign platform.But what are examples of that record of performamnce?

Comment by Samurai Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 12:22 pm
=I intend to continue to run with that one.=

Good. As we’ve seen lately in other situations, desensitization works. Have at it then.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 12:24 pm
@Snucka - shouldn’t that balance then be categorized as a “contribution” rather than a loan?

Otherwise there are no limits.

We can now “loan” as much as we want to any candidate, without regard for contribution limits and without exceeding contribution caps (since they would be “loans” rather than contributions).

Comment by Formerly Known As... Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 12:28 pm
===Me thinks Rauner actually scares you….===

“Me Thinks” you have no clue about how much of a bold face hypocrite Bruce Rauner is, and to the point, Rauner rails on things, and “business as usual” and he is one of the offenders.

Rauner’s Daughter was DENIED entrace into Payton Prep. At some point, Rauner “moves” to Chicago, could have been before, could have been after the DENIAL, to then call … Democrat, and now Eduaction Secretary under Obama, and at the time Rich Daley appointee, Arne Duncan, to get the Winnetka family living Rauner Daughter …clouted … into a school she was denied entry in, in the first place …

But, Bruce Rauner will not stand for “business as usual”.

What’s next, am I going to hear how Payton Prep Clouter Bruce Rauner is going to “clean up” Illinois….when Rauner is done getting what he feels HE and his family are entitled to?

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 12:39 pm
@Formerly Known As…
The campaign contribution limits were not in effect until 1/1/2011.

Comment by Snucka Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 1:11 pm
Gidwitz and Rauner aren’t buddies. This is a marriage of convenience. Rauner doesn’t need Gidwitz’s Rolodex or money (although both will come in handy).

Ron Gidwitz opens doors that even Rauner’s money can’t open. Gidwitz has a very bright team of people he works with politically who simply won’t be available without his blessing.

It certainly doesn’t guarantee a victory, but it helps.

Comment by Just Saying Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 1:12 pm
Oswego,
Have you ever met Rauner?
He’s getting great attention, here downstate, because he comes across so well on the stump.
Rauner has great accomplishments with proven results. I guess you can say the same about Governor Quinn?

Comment by Downstate Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 1:13 pm
Patricia Cherry is the wife of lawyer and big-foot DNC fundraiser Myron Cherry.

Some folks might recall the sweet no-bid deal Myron got from Blago & Co. to “legally audit” the big insurance brokers after some red flags were raised about commissions or such. Myron did whatever he was supposed to do, and then the brokers got billed for his (not cheap) legal services.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 1:14 pm
- Downstate -,

I have not met him, but I can see his videos, his lack of a fly-around tells me…well, trying to get people to come and actually SEE Rauner, versus, Rauner attending events that people go to and he happens to BE at, does not constitute a people wanting to see Bruce Rauner.

===…because he comes across so well on the stump.===

I guess its just when he is forced to answer questions he comes across as an arrogant hypocrite railing on others and neglecting to answer questions about his own hypocracy.

===Rauner has great accomplishments with proven results. I guess you can say the same about Governor Quinn?===

There have been numerous posts about what Pat Quinn has gotten done, or not.

Pat Quinn, however, knows he must owrk within the Constitution to do his job, and while not working with the Legislature is a fault of Quinn’s on some issues, Rauner’s idea he can get things done, with a Democratic Legislature by decree or “shutting down” the state is Folly of a degree close to delusional for someone trying to be 1/3 of the state’s government.

Payton Prep Clouter Bruce Rauner is a walking hypocrite, with a Faux Coat and an even Faux smile.

You can’t wish away the thousands and thousands of dallars given to Rahm or Rich Daley, or … maybe you can … if you want to throw your….wife … under the bus.

Pathetic.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 1:25 pm
Downstate - he comes across so well on the stump???

More like he comes across like Rick Perrys less intelligent brother and Mitt Romneys less dynamic cousin. Tell me you were kidding…

Comment by J. Nolan Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 1:27 pm
LOL Nolan.

Comment by Samurai Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 1:45 pm
=Gidwitz has a very bright team of people he works with politically who simply won’t be available without his blessing.=

Hmmm…I’m pretty sure that you’re right about how impressive Mr. and Mrs. Gidwitz’s rolodex is; I’m not quite sure, however, that the Rauners’ can compare. That assumed and acknowledged, I am entirely without a clue–and intrigued, as to who these “very bright team” are.

I’m guessing that being in the know, you’re probably not a “name dropper.” So, how about a slight nod or turn of the chin in answering whether they’re from the Midwest or elsewhere, and if from the Midwest, whether they’re from Chicago or elsewhere.

Then, if Mr. Rauner also has such a team, I supposed the question can be limited to are they from Chicago?

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 1:52 pm
Gidwitz can bring a handful of talented help, but Gidwitz does not bring an organization to Rauner, nor does Gidwitz solidify a region for Rauner, nor does Gidwitz bring infastructure of a statewide GOTV necessary for a Rich candidate to get his found voters to the polls.

The Gidwitz move is about cutting a major “artery” to the monies needed by Dillard, and using Rauner as the instrument to make the point that Dillard owed, and Dillard did not pay back.

Major financial blow to Dillard, but all other aspects can recover if Dillard’s Crew can do what needs to be done in outreach, identification, and execution.

Rauner will be weak in that, from where Rauner sits, today.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 2:02 pm
Willy - 11:40 am post was well said.

Looks like the long knives are out today.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 2:07 pm
=Major financial blow to Dillard, but all other aspects can recover if Dillard’s Crew can do what needs to be done in outreach, identification, and execution.=

And hence the many observations pertaining to the success rate of gentleman like Messrs. Gidwitz and Rauner winning an elected office.

It’d be nice if we could finally come up with the right combination of public and private sector credibility–and, of course, true dedication to public service.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 2:08 pm
- Norseman -,

Thanks, appreciate it.

- wordslinger -,

Well said on the “clouting”, it is like blinders are the order of the day when it comes to Rauner, his CPS history, and the “clouting”.

The knives are quite long, - Norseman -, but they are still plastic picnic knives.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 2:14 pm
Anonymous - might i submit there already is a candidate with 20+ years as a business executive AND relevant legislative and executive public office experience.

Comment by J. Nolan Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 2:19 pm
Why,of course, J. Nolan. Please don’t make me guess; there’s a good possibility that even though we might agree on the “need,” the way each of those candidates meets that need based on experience might have us at friendly odds.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 2:24 pm
Anonymous - No need to guess, you know the answer. And why doesnt his “experience” fit the bill?

Comment by J. Nolan Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 2:28 pm
Oswego Willy - Maybe in Oswego you’re not gettin’ Rauner’s TV ads so you’re not listen’ to him talkin’. Otherwise you’d know he’s attendin’ events, railin’ on others, neglectin’ to answer questions about whether he’s a walkin’ hypocite for cloutin’ his daughter. I wonder if he drops his “Gs” when he’s smokin’ seegars with his fellow members of The Rich Guys Candidates Club.

Comment by West Side the Best Side Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 2:29 pm
Let’s start a fund raiser, to buy a lunchen date between Oswago and Rauner.

… And tape the lunch conversation.

Comment by Rufus Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 2:35 pm
Rauner is good on the stump… uh, no, not really. I’m not sure what you mean by the stump though. With other candidates it means appearances in front of people where some interaction might occur. I’ve never seen a “great on the stump” candidate who couldn’t offer his or her difinitive answers on where they stand on the issues of the day the actual MOMENT they announce they are running. As for the Gidwitz loan, it has been brought up before. It was stated that it was resolved (i.e. forgiven, but stays on the books) No one including Mr. Gidwitz ever disputed that…until yesterday. Something must have changed, eh? Could be throwing his mint behind the guy with the same initials as Baskin Robbins. Now, Ron isn’t saying it’s owed back, he’s stating it’s unresolved. The new resolution will come with the results of this election I guess. Anyone else starting to get the picture on how the money guys play in the populist sandbox?

Comment by A guy... Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 2:36 pm
=No need to guess, you know the answer.=

lol I’m afraid I don’t know who your answer is. Therefore, if this is all a test about how well your messaging is working, I’m afraid it might require a little more time.

I told you I’d rather not play guessing games. I’m afraid I’m not very good at them, but I’d love to hear who you believes fits that role.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 2:39 pm
- West Side the Best Side -,

Oh, I am aware. I just like to hear all the apologists, and all the “he is just doing it because it’s good business, he has to, he is forced to”, just fawn all over the hypocrite and tell us all about the great “Campaign Trail” events, and Rauner “connecting” … connecting to what? At the rate the apologist are going, Payton Prep Clouter Bruce Rauner will be the next P. T. Barnum, selling us all about what is under the “Big Tent”, knowing the secrets the tent holds, hoping no one catches on.

Appreciate the info, - West Side the Best Side -, it just sometimes, it as much fun letting the apologists have a full say of their reality.

All good.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 2:40 pm
If Dillard never intended to pay Gidwitz back then it was never a loan and Dillard intentionally misreported to the Illinois Board of Elections.

We’ve had enough of these game players as governor.

Comment by too obvious Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 2:46 pm
If you knew anything about their backgrounds, which i think you do you would know Rutherford was a biz exec for 25 yrs in addition to his public service. Pretty simple. Also, let me be clear he is the only one who can TALK about BOTH his public and private sector experience.

Comment by J. Nolan Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 2:46 pm
Aguy,

That tactic got Brady the nomination, and if he was not to the extreme on social issues (the one area where he discussed his views) it would have gotten him the office.

This “be specific” argument is ridiculous.

Getting specific alienates some voters. Why close the door on some, when voters don’t demand specifics?

Comment by VonKlutzenplatz Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 2:50 pm
- Rufus -,

If we are going to ‘imagine’ fun fundraising ideas, the options MUST be in this order:

First its playing 9 holes with me, Tom Cross, and Rich….

Then, attend an Illini Basketball game AND drinks after at Kams with Jason Plummer, me, and two guests.

Finally, Lunch with Rauner, Rich, and me, and heaven help that winner.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 2:57 pm
I am inclined to wait for Mr. Rauner. that he will not give definitive answers is his choice…so far. At some time, he WILL have to answer. Be it League of Women Voters seminar, or ultimately the press, he will be pressed for specifics. THAT will define him and his campaign. Right now the “hypocrisy” in previous posts is based in non-answers and one sided discussions. I do believe he may be ultimately exposed as one who says one thing, operates in another and will have to make excuses for his wife. None of these will play well with the base voters he needs to get through a primary. He needs Gidwitz (and his experience) because he is green as grass to the political scene. i.e. he draws more attention to non-responses than negatively received responses.
His ego is writing checks that, in the end, even Ron Gidwitz can’t cover.

Comment by LisleMike Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 2:57 pm
You’re right. I am familiar with many of the candidates’ backgrounds, including Mr. Rutherford’s. And as just one example of how two people who have identified the same exact needs can be at friendly odds, my thought processes related to public and private sector credibility are focused, today, on running mates based on–I believe it was–Samurai’s suggestion–not on how much experience each individual candidate may, or may not have, in both areas and how that might actually translate well into fixing today’s problems.

Perhaps another thread when I’m not so distracted by something someone else suggested.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 2:58 pm
===Right now the “hypocrisy” in previous posts is based in non-answers and one sided discussions.===

I can see your point in the entire post, but the part I pulled above is a glaring “no”.

Bruce Rauner, when it came to the Daughter, did not deny, and in fact said he was “advocating for his daughter” - Translation; I made a call to get her in after being denied.

I get ya, but let’s start with Rauner admitting he “advocated” for his denied daughter …Yikes!

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 3:06 pm
I am not defending that at all…I can see the ads already…Some inner city kid looking at Payton School with a tear in his/her (even better) eye and saying “I just didn’t have the connections to get in there…”
Plays to the profiling of Republicans as seegar smoking “with his fellow members of The Rich Guys Candidates Club” which hurts all of us.

Comment by LisleMike Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 3:10 pm
Love all the Democrats on here pontificating on how Rauner comes across…to them.
I’ll let you in on a little secret. Governor Quinn comes off even goofier to Republicans than he does to his supporters.

I’ve met Rauner twice. Seen him on the stump the same number of times. There’s a reason that people are starting to coalesce behind him. He’s genuine and he’s real. I’ll take that over Pat Quinn’s populism any day.

Comment by Downstate Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 3:18 pm
Funny you shoud say that, great minds, - LisleMike -…

===- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jun 10, 13 @ 2:47 pm:

Well, when the Ad starts,…

“My name is Susie, and I was on the ‘Wait List’ for Payton Prep,”

“My name is Johnny, I was on the ‘Wait List’ for Payton Prep.”

“Susie and Johnny were denied a chance to go to the Public School Payton Prep in Chicago by Bruce Rauner, and a Phone call to his crony Chicago Democrat friends, all the while, living in Winnetka, and calling in a “favor”….after his Daughter … was denied …”

“I would have loved just a chance to go to Payton Prep”

“Wonder what my life would have been like, had I got to go to Payton Prep.”

“Bruce Rauner; denying a child is all part of the Game.”

Kids are good in Ads, especially kids DENIED something due to “clout”.===

That Rauner,always caring about the Chicago Public School kids …

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 3:21 pm
Sorry about that OW. I don’t post/read everyday.
I do enjoy your perspectives and look forward to them when I do check in. No plagurism intended or engaged..Although I am not above “refining” things that I hear or read!

Comment by LisleMike Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 3:29 pm
All that coalescing on the “Listening tour” is somehow lost on party people north of I 80. That’s not to say that there aren’t phone calls being made on behalf of Bruce to the GOP faithful, there are. Mine sounded like that great ABBA song “Take a chance on me”. If you’re a boots on the ground worker, you damn well better know where your guy is on the issues when you’re on the porch. It’s hard to even walk one block for a guy who won’t say where he is on legislation CURRENTLY being debated. Everyone but him has a position. His latest news: I’ve got another rich backer. This ain’t how you build an organization. Von Klutzwhatever, Be specific is not ridiculous. It’s required. Right now the only thing we know for sure about him is rich guys want him in, he’s given a zillion bucks to the other party, his spouse is politically aligned in the opposite direction, but the two of them did agree to cheat a Chicago kid out of an education choice they earned and he bought. On everything else, we wait til the magical mystery tour is over. No thanks. People don’t always decide to support certain guys right away, but they DO decide NOT to support certain guys right away. I guess I’m not one of the coalescers. I bet I knock on more doors than they do.

Comment by A guy... Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 3:39 pm
No, No, NO, - LisleMike -,

Opposite. Thanks for reinforcing. All good.

Take no ill from my remark, actually it was a compliment.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 3:41 pm
Since no one, (except PQ of course), has yet offered any specific details on how to fix the state’s real problems — I cannot criticize Rauner for failing to do so. It’s still a little early.

I am waiting to see his true colors emerge.

I know and respect Dillard’s capabilities. I have some doubts about Brady’s. I am guessing at Rauner’s, and hoping for the best.

The “clouting” of his daughter into school just won’t carry as much water at the polls IMHO, as O’Willy seems to think. I could be wrong.

Comment by walkinfool Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 3:46 pm
OW- thanks. I learn alot here. I spent alot of time in the 60’s around the statehouse, where my Dad was a newsman. That’s 50 years ago, and I am out of touch with overall picture. I am active in DuPage, but we get a slanted view here sometimes.
I will not take ill, thx

Comment by LisleMike Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 3:48 pm
=Plays to the profiling of Republicans….=

Just an observation and probably way off base because while it is an eventuality, it might be just a teeny bit too soon, but I really don’t think that the focus in upcoming elections is going to be the “talent” of the consultants, media gurus, etc. as much as it has been in the past.

More and more people–especially the middle class, are hurting–and when in “practical” mode, they can tell the difference between BS and the important stuff. They’re not going to fall as much as they normally do for the same old, same old in advertising, hollow talking points, etc. They’ll most likely be in the mood where they not only want answers to tough questions before they sign up–or, vote for the guy who offers those answers without even being prompted.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 3:49 pm
And I should add that while many have their ideas as to which party will “benefit” most from that, some have no answer whatsoever to that question because to them, it’s beginning to have less context.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 3:52 pm
J. Nolan, I can’t support any of these guys because of their position on pension reduction, but if I were to consider Dan he would have to swear off posting messages on Facebook and Twitter.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 5:08 pm
LOL norseman - but its so endearing. I enjoy it.

Comment by J. Nolan Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 10:10 pm