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* Dan Balz writes about the upcoming Democratic gubernatorial primary…
When I asked him how he sized up his opponent, Quinn said: “He’s not a reformer. Never has been. He’s not a progressive. Never has been. He’s not an organizer of grass-roots campaigns. Never has been. When you run in Illinois as a Democrat, you’d better be a progressive, you’d better be a reformer and you’d better know how to interact with everyday people. I’ve been doing that for the last 40 years.” […]
Quinn, [Daley] says, is “a nice guy” but a weak leader who has failed repeatedly to solve the state’s budgetary problems, even though Democrats control the legislature in Springfield. “A state like ours, any state, needs a strong governor. And if there’s anything that most people, I think, would say, it’s that Pat is not a strong governor,” Daley said from his office on the 25th floor of the JPMorgan Chase building.
Daley served as a senior executive at JPMorgan Chase before and after his time in the Obama White House. Quinn has seized on that experience to attack him. When I asked Quinn how he would respond to criticism that his state has such a high jobless rate, his reply offered a taste of the rough campaign ahead.
“Did this come from a banker who was with an institution that wrecked the American economy? Ran it into a ditch, as President Obama said?” he said. “An institution that has engaged in improper mortgage practices found by the attorney general, caused hardship, ruined the housing industry. People are going to judge who’s on their side when it comes to jobs, and we’ll see how they judge.”
He’s right that Quinn isn’t a strong leader.
But Daley still has an office in the JPMorgan Chase building? Really? Sheesh.
This nasty back and forth could create a clear opening for a third candidate. It’s why Quinn doesn’t want Sen. Raoul in the race. I doubt he’ll be able to attack Raoul like he’s been doing to Daley - not without creating a backlash, anyway. And Daley may think he wants Raoul in the mix, but how many Quinn-hating Democrats are gonna be enthusiastic about voting for a bankster with a name like Daley if there’s a viable alternative? To some, this looks to be shaping up as another CM-B 1992. I’m not so sure yet, but there are some resemblances.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 1:34 pm
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pretty smart from quinn, just say bank bank bank bank for the next 7 months.
my favorite washington post look at illinois statewide races was the epic george will piece in 2003 proclaiming jack ryan the next great republican behemoth.
Comment by shore Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 1:43 pm
“Oh, Bill the Banker who quit on Obama after 1 year and paved the way for Rahm to become Mayor of the City that sees several murders a weekend and is heading towards bankruptcy brought about by Bill’s brother who drained the City treasury to take care of, yes, Bankers like Bill.”
Comment by Anon2 Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 1:49 pm
Picture of two Dem. Governor candidates on State of Illinois website?
http://www.illinois.gov/Pages/default.aspx#tabitem1
Comment by Norseman Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 1:50 pm
I just don’t see the logical case for how Daley possibly gets the nomination, even over a very weak Quinn.
I think Daley just got pressured to pull the trigger after having talked about running so many times before. Probably felt he had to go or would never be taken seriously again.
Comment by too obvious Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 1:52 pm
Rich, totally agree. An interview from an office at JPM?? Terrible optics. Who’s running Daley’s campaign?!?
Comment by Whatever Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 1:57 pm
wow
Dan comes to Chicago to promote his book at a Google Party and get a free column too
What a bonus
And then Capt Fax hypes it like it tells anyone anything.
But it does get the words JPMorgan Chase on the blog and allows us to remind readers of this space that the WSJ reports they are setting aside over $6 billion for “litigation expenses”
That’s $6 billion that customers of the bank will pay for one way or the other
Comment by CircularFiringSquad Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 1:58 pm
Great point. Some major resemblances to ‘92, for certain. Also one major difference in the incumbent.
As Illinois Issues put it in 1992: “Dixon stayed at the dance one song too long. The incumbent appeared old and out of touch with 1992 political realities.”
Quinn is unlikely to appear “old and out of touch” to voters with such sharp rhetoric on bankers, housing, jobs and the economy as in the comments above. He’s also carved out a strong stance on guns, especially in Cook County where gun violence is a concern of many.
An opportunity exists for Raoul, but Quinn is no Alan Dixon.
It would be interesting to see Raoul run and what he could do in the race.
Comment by Keep Calm and Carry On Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 2:07 pm
===Quinn is no Alan Dixon===
Agreed. But Daley may be. Reverse it.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 2:09 pm
Quinn is calling himself a reformer? Then I’m going to start calling myself “World Class Golfer.”
Heck, if the Governor of the State of Illinois can give himself a crazy label, so can I.
Comment by Skeeter/World Class Golfer Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 2:12 pm
As to the 1992 analogy — I agree 100%.
I don’t see where Daley has a real “pro-Daley” base. His major attribute is that he’s not Quinn. I don’t see any other base for his support.
As soon as there is another “not Quinn” Daley loses.
One major difference though — although we can expect Kwame’s campaign to look somewhat like JMB’s campaign, they are in no other ways similar.
Kwame in person is a genuinely nice guy (and if I have a criticism of him, it may be that he is too nice for the job) while CMB could smile before a crowd but was always amazingly arrogant. On a personal level, they could not be more different.
Comment by Skeeter/World Class Golfer Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 2:25 pm
Hmmmm…. definitely some food for thought, Rich. Daley may well be the Dixon figure in this equation.
Add in the fact Central and Southern Illinois seems to despise Quinn and we’re really on to something.
I hope Raoul runs and emerges from the Dem. primary. He’d be a tougher general opponent for the Repubs., but at the very least that would ensure our state is free of Quinn and Daley.
Comment by Keep Calm and Carry On Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 2:27 pm
I kind of think Dan Hynes could come in and run well, especially outside of the City of Chicago. That might go out the door if Raoul gets in.
Also, with so many week candidates, it does make you wonder if someone could come in and run as an indy and make this really interesting in the General.
Comment by Ahoy! Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 2:37 pm
I wish Mike Frerichs would run for Governor.
Comment by Anonimo Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 2:47 pm
Will progressives have any choice in this primary. Daley is clearly a business Dem.
Quinn has been deafeningly silent in the face of Civic Committee treachery on Illinois bonds; was a corporate handmaiden of the business honchos on workers compensation; and was virtually silent about closing tax loopholes.
Compare that to his whacking of Medicaid benefits,crusade against retirement security, and decimation of bargaining rights.
Quinn will do anything to get reelected, but anyone who thinks Quinn is a populist must have his (or her) eyes shut.
Comment by truthteller Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 2:48 pm
I guess if Daley were running in the ’30s he’d set up at the Lexington Hotel next to Al.
Except the Capone gang were pikers compared to the Chase Gang.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 2:52 pm
==Kwame in person is a genuinely nice guy…it may be he is too nice for the job==
That’s my concern as well.
He’s great in working out problems as part of a small group, but as a forceful leader? — that remains to be seen.
Comment by walkinfool Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 2:57 pm
Just what Illinois needs- four more years of Democratic progressive leadership subservient to the public sector Unions who truly don’t care about what is happening in terms of funding state programs and services so long as no one touches their benefits
Comment by Sue Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 3:00 pm
–Just what Illinois needs- four more years of Democratic progressive leadership subservient to the public sector Unions–
I’ll have what Sue’s having.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 3:02 pm
At this sorry point for the State of Illinois, any leader would be welcome - forceful or not. We would also benefit from a governor who can at least work with a group - small or not. Count the leaders in the General Assembly - four equals a small group.
Comment by Norseman Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 3:04 pm
Lets see:(1) Illinois has worse bond rating in USA;(2) Illinois has second highest unemployment rate in USA (3) Illinois has worse pension funding ratios in USA- Yea lets give Quinn four more years
Comment by Sue Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 3:08 pm
If Toni Preckwinkle hadn’t had the total flop of a early test roll out last year, she’d be in prime shape to jump in right now.
Comment by horse w/ no name Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 3:10 pm
Sue, on your planet, are Illinois Democrats really subservient to public sector unions? What year is it there?
Or are those silly talking points just a tic you can’t get rid of, like grooving a bad golf swing.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 3:16 pm
Straight from Ty Fahner’s lips to Bill Daley’s website:
=== Because Illinois over relies on property and sales taxes and has a flat income tax, working and middle-class taxpayers pay a lot more of their income in taxes than the wealthy do. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy ranks Illinois as one of the “Terrible Ten” most regressive tax systems in the country, where the poorest 20% pay nearly 3 times the share of their income in state and local taxes as do the wealthiest 1%.
Bill Daley believes next governor should commit to put a middle-class tax cut on the ballot, one that cuts taxes for at least 90 percent of regular Illinoisans while asking those at the top who have done well to pay more, the sort of balanced approach to taxes that Bill worked for as President Barack Obama’s Chief of Staff.
But long before we talk about reforming taxes, Bill thinks Illinois has to get its fiscal house in order first. That starts with real pension reform. ===
Yes, because it’s those greedy public school teachers who are ruining everything for the IL middle class.
Comment by Bill White Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 3:26 pm
Quinn the reformer who has hacks on payroll all over the place? Ha ha. Try another line, Governor, that one won’t play.
Comment by NW Illinois Dem Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 3:27 pm
Those Greedy public school teachers- bashing the teachers or other public sector employees is kind of lame- the problem at this point isn’t whether they are greedy but whether their union leadership can come to terms with the inescapable fact that the pension mess has been allowed to go on so long that absent benefit reductions, the State and all local governmental bodies are faced with laying off current employees in order to pay the legacy costs for retirees- Even Highland Park announced last week that they are facing bigger pension funding obligations then anticipated and being forced to reduce employee headcount and making other budget adjustments to come up with an additional 800 K (on top of the anticipated 4 million) for pension contributions for police and firemen
Comment by Sue Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 3:35 pm
Quinn needs to beg Raoul to join him as Lt Gov ASAP.
Comment by thechampaignlife Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 3:42 pm
==But Daley still has an office in the JPMorgan Chase building? Really? Sheesh.==
As Whatever said, bad optics, but the vast majority of offices in that building have always been leased to outsiders, going back to when it was First National Plaza. Sidley and Austin used to occupy several floors. It doesn’t imply any connection to JPM.
Comment by Anon. Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 4:15 pm
==straight from Ty Fahner’s lips=
It sounds like he’s directly quoting Ralph Martire on taxes.
Comment by walkinfool Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 4:17 pm
–It doesn’t imply any connection to JPM.–
LOL, he was a Midwest chairman of Chase and he hangs out with Jamie Dimon.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 4:18 pm
=== It sounds like he’s directly quoting Ralph Martire on taxes. ===
Sure, bits and pieces may sound like Ralph Martire however would Martire also say this:
=== Bill Daley has endorsed Senate Bill 1, which he believes is the only serious way to make our pensions affordable to taxpayers and honest to state retirees. He would veto any pension solution that doesn’t come close to the savings achieved in Senate Bill 1. ===
Comment by Bill White Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 4:23 pm
“Lets see:(1) Illinois has worse bond rating in USA;(2) Illinois has second highest unemployment rate in USA (3) Illinois has worse pension funding ratios in USA- Yea lets give Quinn four more years”
Facts are stubborn things. How long has the Democrat party had majorities in the House and Senate and control of the Gov’s Office? 2002? The Republicans definitely have issues, but the record speaks for itself. Responsibility is like herding cats sometimes…
Comment by Holdingontomywallet Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 4:26 pm
Holding,
The “Democrat party” has never had control of anything.
To my knowledge, I don’t think a candidate of the Democrat party has ever appeared on a ballot in Illinois.
Comment by Skeeter/World Class Golfer Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 4:42 pm
CMB ‘92 iis an interesting analogy. It is true that there is a big opening for a new candidate. But the nature of the opening is different. Alan Dixon had outraged women primarity, but also some others, by voting to confirm Clarence Thomas for the Supreme Court. This was on top of a very long frustration for the Democratic base because Dixon had calibrated his positions to be so centrist. He had about 50% on every interest group’s voting index. He had spent so much time and effort and political capital insulating himself from a Republican challenge that he was wide open to a challenge from the left. The nature of the opening this time is different. Both Quinn and Daley have enormous negatives, so are open to a likable and competent candidate who may not yet be well known across the state, but is universally liked and respected by those who do know him, even those situated on different parts of the political spectrum.
Comment by jake Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 5:48 pm
How about the Obama senate primary as another interesting 3 way
Comment by circular firing squad Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 7:14 pm
Sorry, 1983
Comment by Retro Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 7:21 pm
@BillWhite: that’s why I said “on taxes”
He sounds like Ty on pensions, Ralph on taxes.
Not easily pigeon-holed.
Comment by walkinfool Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 7:33 pm
Who is Daley’s constituency? Who is voting for him other than “anyone but Quinn” people? What groups will endorse him? Who are his ground troops? Who’s willing to walk a precinct for Bill Daley?
In other words, Kwame is no stalking horse for Daley… no one’s going to vote for Daley if they have a viable alternative to Quinn. Kwame is that viable alternative.
Comment by chi Monday, Aug 19, 13 @ 8:10 pm
I was there when Daley was at Chase. It was widely thought that this job was a payoff for his brother not throwing a holy cow over the loss of thousands of jobs in Chicago thanks to the bank merger. While I was there, no one ever figured out just what Daley did but he had a nice office, salary and title. That’s why I’ll never vote for Daley.
Comment by David P. Graf Tuesday, Aug 20, 13 @ 8:09 am
Sue @3:35:
Those Greedy public school teachers- bashing the teachers or other public sector employees is kind of lame- the problem at this point isn’t whether they are greedy but whether their union leadership can come to terms with the inescapable fact that the pension mess has been allowed to go on so long that absent benefit reductions, the State and all local governmental bodies are faced with laying off current employees in order to pay the legacy costs for retirees- Even Highland Park announced last week that they are facing bigger pension funding obligations then anticipated and being forced to reduce employee headcount and making other budget adjustments to come up with an additional 800 K (on top of the anticipated 4 million) for pension contributions for police and firemen
um, Sue, city employees are part of IMRF, which is NOT underfunded and is not part of the “pension issue.” City employees receive SS and an IMRF contribution from the city. In fact, municipal contributions to IMRF are adjusted yearly and each municipality must make the pension payment, hence the IMRF fund is not underfunded. A nice model that indicates that if the state had made their pension payments to the five underfunded pensions, there would be not pension crisis.
Comment by someone Tuesday, Aug 20, 13 @ 10:07 am