Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Famous last words

Posted in:

Illinois

At a news conference on Tuesday venture capitalist and GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner told reporters it’s irrelevant that he’s never served in state office. Rauner said he believes he can still easily navigate the waters in Springfield.

“This is not rocket science. Springfield is not some complex thing where you need an advanced engineering degree to understand it.”

* If you watch the video clip, you’ll see he continued…

“This is the same process we do in business every day. And we’ll have allies to help us navigate the subtleties of Springfield. It ain’t that hard.”

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:09 am

Comments

oh yes, it’s extremely hard. that’s why we need mental giants like Blago, Ryan, Madigan and Cullerton to use all their genius to turn the state into a disgrace.

Comment by jim Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:14 am
“Governor Rauner, meet your Co-Equal Partners in government, President Cullerton and Speaker Madigan. Did I say you were Co-Equal with them?”

It is starting to get a bit sad and ignorant of what it means to be a Governor.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:16 am
Bruce

Good luck firing Madigan when he tells you to take a flying leap off a cliff.

Comment by train111 Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:17 am
LOL…that is all I can say at the moment

Comment by Belle Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:19 am
Ha, you think Cullerton and Madigan are going to frustrate him? Wait till he meets the heads of 10 different unions, 15 different business/industry groups, the church, the leaders of cities, social service organizations, and the media.

All of whom will be looking to take him down a peg every single day.

Comment by Tom B. Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:19 am
…ignorance is bliss

Comment by Belle Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:20 am
Dear Mr. Rauner,

Here’s a pro tip — if you really, really want to get into trouble in government, go in not knowing what you’re doing and rely on your “allies” to lead you.

Comment by Soccermom Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:20 am
===It ain’t that hard.===

Heh. If it wasn’t that hard, there’d be Mike Madigans all over the place. This man is an ignorant fool, IMO.

Comment by TwoFeetThick Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:20 am
=== “This is not rocket science.” ===

He’s right for once. Rocket science has order and rules which an intelligent person can follow. The problem for him and why he’s delusional is that running government is harder.

The Governor has to deal with: 2 leaders, 2 wannabe leaders, 177 solons, tens of agency directors, thousands of employees, hundreds of pressing issues, extremists, the Federal government, the media, and worst of all the dogged oversight of Rich Miller.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:22 am
Duck Dodgers can’t summon the intestinal fortitude to take positions on the issues of the day, but being governor is easy?

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:24 am
==same process we do in business everyday== WRONG! If elected, he will find out that many things done in business are illegal for public officials to do. Just ask Blagojevich.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:24 am
Rauner: Mike, this is going to happen.

Madigan: First, do not call me Mike like you know me, it’s Speaker, “Governor”, and go ahead and try. I wish you luck, but you will come back here to talk again.

Cullerton: I don’t see it Bruce. Do it, don’t do it, either way, you will be back here talking with us. you will.

R: But I am going to break the Unions.

M: With what House votes?

C: Senate Votes?

R: Then I will just order it!

C: You will get sued and lose…

M: …but it will help our Caucuses.

R: But Walker and Scott …

M: Are not … Illinois governors.

C: Give me a call, I will have someone dial up the Speaker, he doesn’t have a cell phone.

M: You are over your head …Governor … and we are not here to help you, we are here to help Illinois, big difference.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:25 am
The ‘professional’ political lifer class has a vested interest in making the voters believe that only they can serve the public. Hogwash. We live in a democracy in which our founding fathers never intended for a such a class to exist. Elected officials should serve and then return to their normal lives. Lifetime, pension drawing politicians are what have driven us to the economic disaster we live in now.

Comment by mcleaniac Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:25 am
“And all this science, I don’t understand
It’s just my job five days a week
Rocket man, a rocket man.”

Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:27 am
From a practical standpoint his ignorance is alarming. From a political standpoint, he really wiffs this one. Blown opportunity to talk about being an outsider and bringing in new ideas to a broken system.

Comment by horse w/ no name Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:28 am
Relationships and understanding the lay of the land are key in passing any piece of legislation or pushing through an agenda item.

The last few Governors, however, haven’t exactly been stellar leaders. Even with their lengthy backgrounds in government.

If he is intelligent, Rauner will be able to figure out those relationships and the lay of the land quickly. Heck, some in Springfield still haven’t figured it out after spending a lifetime involved in state government.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:29 am
Rauner: “That man just told me to do something unmentionable to myself. Have him fired immediately!”

Aide: “Can’t do it, Governor. That was the Speaker of the House.”

Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:29 am
If there is anything Rauner has done in his past that makes me think he is capable of surviving in Springfield, it is clouting his kid into Payton.

That right there is all I need to know that he understands the game.

Comment by Mike Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:30 am
===making the voters believe that only they can serve the public. Hogwash.===

The post is about his naivete. Period. You can set aside your little red herrings.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:31 am
Rauner’s campaign for governor reminds me of Steve Martin’s movie “The Jerk” - “Be somebody!”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBfXTyzaUfQ

Comment by Brendan Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:31 am
Can anyone say, “Republican version of Dan Walker?”

Comment by Draznnl Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:32 am
His “business” accomplishments are totally overstated. Managing money and investments are not the same thing as managing organizations.

His statements are self-indictments of his arrogance and lack of awareness of what the actual job of Governor entails.

Comment by Siriusly Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:40 am
just amazing. arrogance and ignorance are a volatile combination. in business, you stake out a goal, and by the power of money and negotiation work thru the problems to achieve an end.

government is collaborative. you can never do just one thing. it takes a lot of people moving in the same direction, at the same time, even if for different motives, to get anything done. politics is the accumulation of advantage under conditions of scarcity and change. rauner should get and remember a big illustration of gulliver and the lilliputians tying him down. then add in legislative leaders, special interests, and others with slings and arrows. thats a fair representation of state government on a good day.

Comment by langhorne Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:40 am
Only someone who doesn’t have a clue would say something like that.

Comment by Stones Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:42 am
For a self proclaimed outsider, nothing is more insider than being dismissively mysterious about your allies in Springfield and how smooth they will make things go once you’re elected. Million dollar burn rate still can’t buy consistent candidate messaging.

Comment by Midstate Indy Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:44 am
I wouldn’t underestimate Rauner. he navigated SPFLD well enough to pass through some pretty substantial ed reforms. different beast, but he know how to play it.

Comment by Barrett Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:44 am
Ron, Well Said.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:45 am
===he navigated SPFLD well enough to pass through some pretty substantial ed reforms===

He wrote some checks.

The really tough work was done in the trenches, in Statehouse offices. He wasn’t there.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:45 am
Uh, Mr. Business Guy. Clearly the market doesn’t agree with you. That’s why just about every sophisticated business hires lobbyists to help them navigate Springfield. Because Illinois state government is large and complex. Because the legislative process is difficult and confusing.

Illinois has a $34 billion budget. If it we’re a company, it would make the Fortune 100. It would rank ahead of Allstate, American Express, Morgan Stanley, and Phillip Morris. Here is the difference though. Those companies do a limited number of things, such as selling insurance, issuing credit cards, or manufacturing cigarettes. The State, however, does a wide variety of unrelated things like build roads, house prisoners, provide funding for health care and human services… And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Companies also control their own budgets and have flexibility in how they spend their revenues. As Governor you get to propose the budget, but a bunch of people who don’t exactly understand what the administration does get to make the final decision.

Point is, government is more difficult to navigate than a business. There aren’t cookie cutter solutions. Thinking that you can just bring in some consultants and they will provide magic advice on how to manage a 90% unionized work force, deal with a $5 Billion dollar backlog of bills, and pass your legislative agenda is completely and totally naive.

Comment by Rahm'sMiddleFinger Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:46 am
Two words. Twice.
Ron Johnson. Ronald Reagan.
One became US Senator with no prior political experience. One became President. Time for a commercial Mr. Rauner to answer this created “concern.”

Comment by It Matters Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:50 am
Rauner or any GOP Gov. will not have a real difficult time if, unlike our President, they are willing to sit down and work out their differences.

Politics essentially is the art of compromising.

Comment by MOON Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:51 am
Clarification. Reagan became Governor with no prior experience then became President.

Comment by It Matters Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:51 am
Unbridled hubris. At this rate he implodes by January.

Comment by Samurai Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:55 am
===Clarification. Reagan became Governor with no prior experience then became President.===

“other than that …”

Reagan ran a Union, one of the largest in the state of California, which had to work with the Executive and the Legislative on issues, and deal with constituents, not “employees” Reagan could fire is they disagreed.

Big difference. Check out that Wiki Ronald Reagan page or use a “search” page to find out more!

lol

US Seantor, 1 of 100, not running a State, its agencies, appointing countless people to run the entire state government, not even in the same neighborhood as a Goveror is Senator.

Dope.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:56 am
Managing hedge funds are not even remotely like managing complex business organizations.

Managing complex business organizations are child’s play compared to moving governmental organizations.

The power structures and restraints, the complexities of funding, the legal accountabilities, the cultural assumptions, will all be shocking to a successful CEO.

The transition from business to government success will require new skills and approaches for Rauner. Much of what he assumes he is good at, won’t work.

Good judgment of people, seeing thru BS, and negotiating skills might be applicable in both hedge fund and government roles. Learned management and leadership skills won’t be.

Comment by walkinfool Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:57 am
Rauner lost his biggest opportunity to get a close-in ally in managing Springfield, with his Lt. Gov. choice.

Comment by walkinfool Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 12:00 pm
I just fired off my résumé to the good folks at GTCR. I’ve be en doing legislative stuff for a while and want to shake up the private equity world. My cover letter:

Although I have no experience in your field, it’s not rocket science. Buy low, sell high.

I am hoping for a November start date. I will let you all know when they hire me.

Comment by Dumb dumb Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 12:01 pm
” Capt. Rauner , arrived in country , knew it all , wouldn’t listen, charged up the hill , and was riddled by automatic weapons fire , KIA on first Day”

( A Memorial Service will be held at a future date at the Civic Club )

Comment by x ace Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 12:02 pm
Typical Day: Legislative Liason, Rauner Administration….

“Governor’s Office … yes …I heard … The Speaker … yes … very upset … Senate … no vote on it, huh … Sponsor was whistled in? …Really … But the committee hearing is set for … no hearing … (long pause)…(longer pause) … I will pass that along, just not that… um, ’salty’ …Ok, well. we hope everyone sees it the way the Governor does and does what he askes of them to …(longest pause) … you are rightm none of you work for the Governor … welp, I will see you later …yeah, I know, I understand ….bye (hangs up)”

Tough sledding for those with that job in the Rauner Administration. Count on it.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 12:09 pm
“Rauner: “That man just told me to do something unmentionable to myself. Have him fired immediately!””

More like: “That man just told me to do something unmentionable to myself, because his business is worth 4 times what we offered. Let’s buy that guy’s prime competitor, and then drive him into BK, so we can buy his business from his lender?”

Aide: “The ILGOP has been trying to do that for 20 years without success; got any new ideas?”

Rauner: “It ain’t that hard. Call our allies and make it happen.”

Aide: “Which one of our allies can unseat Madigan and elect a R majority in the legislature in a non-election year?”

Rauner: “It’s not rocket science. Make it happen!”

Aide: “….?”

Comment by Chris Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 12:10 pm
Okay, now I’m just mad. Rauner, you have NO IDEA how complex state government is, and how much time and effort it takes to get your arms around it.

There are so many programs — some doing great work that most people never hear about, and some that are a complete waste of money. Who’s going to make the call about which to fund? Your anonymous “allies”? And are you sure that they will make decisions based on the welfare of the taxpayers of this state, and not their own self interest?

Yeah, Bruce — you’re the only person in Illinois who cares about this state. All the rest of us who have spent years working in government - we’re just in it for the big bucks. We’re party machine robots who don’t know anything, and don’t care. Yup, that’s the ticket.

Good luck in November, Brucie - you’re gonna need it.

Comment by Soccermom Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 12:13 pm
hu·bris ˈ(h)yo͞obris/ n. excessive pride or self-confidence.

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 12:17 pm
OW, the words “Rauner administration” gives me pause–long enough to reach for the Pepto Bismol! Please, I have a sensitive stomach now with all the pension and health insurance issues.

Comment by Nearly Normal Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 12:17 pm
Hubris personified. For those who believe that self-funded candidates would not be a problem if all campaign contributions were somehow eliminated, pleas keep this sort of drivel in mind. Quotes from J. Oberweis could serve as a secondary source.

Comment by Cook County Commoner Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 12:20 pm
Not sure Madigan wouldn’t prefer any of the 4 GOP guys in this race to what he’s got now. Even Rauner. I suspect the relationship with any one of the four wouldn’t be ambivalent. Madigan likes a balance that leans his direction. He also likes a guy on the other side who has appropriate sway over his troops. What he can’t stand is the intramural struggles. See current Gov and Senate Pres. Rauner is being way too simplistic here and very populist. Seems to be a requirement for Governor these days. Other 3 might give it a little more emphasis.

Comment by A guy... Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 12:25 pm
I sense he’s astute enough to understand that state politics is a unique business model and one he doesn’t have much experience in. Instead I see his words more as bravado rather than naivete. And as such, perhaps his statements were meant to project the notion that as a successful businessman & political “outsider”, he’s supremely confident that he can correct the incompetency of the entrenched. I would think he would welcome contrasting himself as a potential leader with our career politician/governor, Pat Quinn. The trick is sounding confident without crossing over into arrogance.

Or then again, maybe he really is that naive.

Comment by Budget Watcher Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 12:26 pm
Wealth instills hubris in a person.

Comment by perplexed and perturbed Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 12:38 pm
How about when the speaker calls up CMS and wants a couple of hires to come on board?

Quinn is still holding onto some of the Blago staff within CMS. I think Rauner wouldn’t hesitate to take an axe to CMS. The rest of the Republican Candidates would be reluctant to rock that boat. Quinn had the entire Legislature behind him and the political climate to sweep out CMS and he flinched. That is where Rauner should be swinging a big hammer.

Comment by Pete Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 12:45 pm
I’m guessing Bruce could not name 10 rank and file legislators-if asked. Now, that’s not rocket science .

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 1:03 pm
“It ain’t that hard.” Brucey, you can say that after elected and pass your agenda… including by not limited to: passing a balanced budget, fixing the state’s pension crisis, lowering taxes, busting the unions, instilling term limits, and whatever else you say along the way to win both the primary and general. Do that, and then you can walk the walk at your State of the State speech.

Comment by Boone's is Back Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 1:25 pm
“Can anyone say, “Republican version of Dan Walker?””

Wrong. Bruce Rauner is the Republican version of Blair Hull. Spend millions of your own money to lose a primary

Comment by Angry Republican Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 1:29 pm
Oswego,
After you collect your consulting check we can discuss further. The other 99% of the masses have had a history of seeing through the hazy goggles of the self interested few.

Comment by It Matters Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 1:42 pm
- It matters -

I am not on a campaign, being paid by a campaign, or even been contacted by a campaign. Nice try, apprecaiate the effort, good on you!

BTW, how did that Reagan research go for ya? Learn anything? lol

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 1:46 pm
(Following Rauner’s remarks) Hahahahahhaahahaah…pant, wheeze, hahahah…

Comment by downstate commissioner Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 1:52 pm
Co Host Oswego Willy,
Reforming education at the state wide level involves challenges as well.
With the hysteria on this blog involving any consideration of a Rauner primary victory..

And Oswego calling those with other opinions a “dope” one wonders who is actively insulting others and who may be smoking it? lol

And who may be nervous about the primary election result?

Comment by Wondering When Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 2:18 pm
===Reforming education at the state wide level involves challenges as well.===

Ok, was Payton Prep Clouter Bruce Rauner down there?

===- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 11:45 am:

===he navigated SPFLD well enough to pass through some pretty substantial ed reforms===

He wrote some checks.

The really tough work was done in the trenches, in Statehouse offices. He wasn’t there.===

Doesn’t sound like Rauner was in the trenches…Rauner was probably busy playing phone tag with Arne Duncan, you know, Payton Prep, the Clouting, denying an opportunity to a child.

That Rauner, worried about the kids, just his Daughter first …

===And Oswego calling those with other opinions a “dope” one wonders who is actively insulting others and who may be smoking it? lol===

I am on Plummer Meds, well documented, and with a prescription.

===And who may be nervous about the primary election result?===

I don’t worry. You are the one calling on me, I am not asking you anything …

Food for thought…

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 2:27 pm
It’s one thing to pass a bill — even a major one. It’s another thing to successfully administer a $62.4 billion enterprise that employs 70,000 people.

Comment by Soccermom Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 2:35 pm
Clearly, he is not a reader of this blog or he would have stated his position with less hubris.

Comment by RetiredStateEmployee Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 2:40 pm
–It’s one thing to pass a bill — even a major one. It’s another thing to successfully administer a $62.4 billion enterprise that employs 70,000 people.–

You’re so wrong, Soccermom. It’s not rocket science, just like Duck Dodgers said.

If part of your enterprise is not profitable you sell it off or shut it down. Just like in business.

You can do that as governor, right? It’s not like there are laws or constitutions or a legislature or judiciary. You’re the CEO. You rule.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 2:46 pm
“Tell Madigan to call me right away!”

>

Comment by otoh Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 2:57 pm
Blago proved ‘it ain’t that hard’- doing it well IS hard

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 2:59 pm
“calling those with other opinions a “dope””

That Reagan had *no* political (fine. -ish) leadership experience before running for CA Gov is an *opinion*?

Do we all get to have opinions about *facts*?

[I think the senator v guv thing gets a pass as an opinion; reasonable minds my differ, but I believe that Willy is correct, and y’all are wrong]

Comment by Chris Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 3:01 pm
I confidently predict that Bruce Rauner will break the record for most money spent per vote in a losing GOP campaign in Illinois.

If I’m not mistaken that’s a record currently held by his supporter Ron Gidwitz (aka Kiss Of Death).

Comment by too obvious Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 3:05 pm
We don’t want Nobody Nobody sent. Vote for Dillard or Rutherford if you must vote in the GOP primary Tried and known. BR is way to snuggly with rahm

Comment by the Cardinal Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 3:56 pm
I’m reminded of that commercial where the 12″ tall CEO says “There’s three ways of doing things: My way, my way and my way. Do I make myself clear?” Except in this case the people aren’t twelve inches tall and each of the “My ways” come from a different person. But then my mind works in odd ways sometimes.

Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 4:34 pm
Ross Perot without the ears.

Comment by Excessively Rabid Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 7:03 pm
=Ross Perot without the ears.=

*shivers*

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 7:12 pm
That kind of arrogant, condescending remark just (ironically) shows how clueless he IS in actuality, at least in many ways, reGARDing Illinois Government and the myriad of problems it faces and still needs to overcome…!

Comment by Just The Way It Is One Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 7:16 pm
OT, but with all of the Rocket Man references and my need to get over a tough mid-week day, I was “lead” to the following and thought I’d share:

“Break out the stalls and we’ll live like horses”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlJeSkYhe8c

For me, doesn’t get any better than Pavarotti and Elton John. It even tops Pavaortti and b. b. king.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 9, 13 @ 7:46 pm