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* The indefatigable Monique Garcia was at Gov. Pat Quinn’s press conference with his new running mate Paul Vallas…
A summary: Vallas says he's ready to play second banana, couldn't pass up opportunity to work for Quinn. Says both gravitate to challenge.
— Monique Garcia (@moniquegarcia) November 12, 2013
Vallas said he wasn't concerned about getting votes for Quinn, but governing. Says he realizes he can be polarizing given his past work.
— Monique Garcia (@moniquegarcia) November 12, 2013
Vallas said he will operate his education consulting business while campaigning because he needs a pay check. Won't take Illinois work.
— Monique Garcia (@moniquegarcia) November 12, 2013
Vallas was asked if supports extending the income tax increase, but was cut off from answering by Quinn who says pensions is focus.
— Monique Garcia (@moniquegarcia) November 12, 2013
Heh.
So, Vallas was reined in on his first day. But it’s a very long time until March.
I hope to have raw audio soon, so check back.
* Meanwhile, from CBS2…
CBS 2 has learned State Senator Kwame Raoul was among the finalist, along with Vallas, State Senator Heather Staines, and City Treasurer Stephanie Neely.
Quinn tried to call Neely, but never connected.
“I wouldn’t say that it’s awkward, I’d just say it’s life. I’m 50 years old; I go through ups and downs. It’s ok,” said Neely.
In fact, CBS 2 was told it wasn’t ok. Privately, Neely, who was at a news conference when the word leaked out, was stunned that Quinn hadn’t left a message and considered it disrespectful.
If you watch the video, it’s clear that Neely was disappointed, almost to the point of tears. She obviously wanted the job, and she probably would’ve been good at it.
* But, everybody and their cat knew that Quinn was set to announce his running mate decision on Friday. So, when Neely got a phone call from the governor that very morning she didn’t answer it? No disrespect intended, but who does that?
OK, Quinn should’ve left a message, but maybe she should’ve also taken the guy’s call.
And it’s not like Quinn had any choice but to announce when he did. I broke the story far earlier than his office expected.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 11:59 am
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Take the call Ms. Neely. If it was you, and he was calling to tell you so…and you didn’t take the call, that would be worth rethinking. Governors aren’t used to leaving messages, nor should they be. It would only be a matter of time before the “message” would be replayed. Sorry Ms. Neely. You were expecting a call and needed to take it. We all have these circumstances with Doctors, Job interviews, etc. It ain’t that tough.
Comment by A guy... Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 12:05 pm
While MG was tweeting wondering if she heard PV say he was for and elected Chicago School Board
Yikes
Comment by CircularFiringSquad Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 12:06 pm
“Dear Ms. Neely,
We tried the ‘Call me, Maybe’ bit and got nothing to show for it as well. “Maybe” we both need better follow through(?)
Signed,
Chicago Young Republicans”
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 12:08 pm
You are telling me a Lt. Gov choice was based on who answered the phone and who didn’t? Whaat??? Illinois…
Comment by J. Nolan Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 12:11 pm
- J Nolan -,
At least those Quinn tried to call… are qualified.
We would be better off had “8 Precinct”, “Slip and Sue” and “Dave Kim” hadn’t answered any phones… or responded to any Dopey tweets!
Illinois…
lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 12:15 pm
It’s almost like job hunting and learning the hardway. Take the call, don’t assume that a message will be left, if they do leave a message call back promptly, but the main thing is take the call and make sure you don’t miss it. Would you think Ms. Neely should’ve know better?
Comment by Levois Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 12:15 pm
===You are telling me a Lt. Gov choice was based on who answered the phone and who didn’t?===
No.
Try reading more slowly next time.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 12:17 pm
Yeah, Jay — you’re such an insider you can’t spell Steans. Even though her name is spelled correctly under her head shot.
Comment by Soccermom Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 12:17 pm
–Vallas said he will operate his education consulting business while campaigning because he needs a pay check.–
If I’m a GOP candidate, I’m calling for a list of clients, now.
Except Rauner, of course. He needs to maintain a “privacy” fig leaf to keep from revealing his net worth and tax returns.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 12:21 pm
Soccer mom beat me there but yes - Heather Staines?
Comment by ZC Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 12:24 pm
==You are telling me a Lt. Gov choice was based on who answered the phone and who didn’t?==
She just didn’t get the heads up about Valles, but I think it’s telling that this comes to mind when we’re talking about Quinn. It popped into my mind as well.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 12:26 pm
“Vallas said….he was concerned about governing.”
Well, he has that part right. The electing part of this election is over. Quinn has incumbency, money, and name recognition. The Republicans have a split field, little money (except for Rauner, another bored billionaire) and far less name recognition than Quinn. And they are out of power practically everywhere in Illinois with no resurgence in sight.
Vallas can move right on to the governing part. I wonder what his plans are.
Comment by Cassandra Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 12:27 pm
I liked Vallas then and probably do now. One can hope that Quinn follows his predecessors path to early retirement. I doubt it though. He may be a boob, but I don’t think he is a crooked boob.
Comment by Wumpus Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 12:31 pm
“She just didn’t get the heads up about Valles,”
That means in writing my earlier comment I didn’t read that right myself and it makes sense. He was calling to let her know who his choice was. Perhaps when he called he had already made up his mind.
Comment by Levois Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 12:33 pm
Glad to know I wasn’t the only one who read it that way. Could of explained it real quick instead of you know…being a jerk.
To OW,
Tell me Kim’s resume, because I’m not sure you know it. Maybe you do, and we just do not agree.
Comment by J. Nolan Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 12:38 pm
- J Nolan -,
You want to make a case for “Dave Kim” you just go right ahead, but being qualified to run the 5th Largest State in America .., no matter how Rutherford tweets it…
@FakeDanRutherford - you tell him - J Nolan -! No, seriously, tell him - J Nolan -, when I do it voters giggle. #LisasPutUpCandidateAintCredentials
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 12:47 pm
Said it before, will say it again: Neely is a class A Prima donna. No idea why Rich would say she’d do a fine job as Lt. Gov. Think Vallas has a big ego?…
Comment by phocion Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 12:49 pm
-J Nolan-
Don’t bother with Willy. Only he knows who is qualified, and the rest is name calling.
Comment by DuPage Rep Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 1:02 pm
- DuPage Rep -,
You have “8 Precinct” and “Slip and Sue” and “Dave Kim” and if any of those three were honestly looking at themselves, they are not peers of Jil Tracy or Paul Vallas.
The 3… Go to those like Jil Tracy and Paul Vallas to actually find out… how state government works.
“8 Precinct” and “Slip and Sue” and “Dave Kim”;
Not qualified, and chosen… speaks to their #1s and if they can even make good decisions… With Illinois’ best interests at heart.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 1:09 pm
I think part of the problem with finding a Lt. Gov pick is that the more qualified they are, the less likely they are to want the job. The trick is to find the most qualified person who will actually say yes.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 1:15 pm
How is state government been working the last few years. Jil Tracy was able to get to her station in life by virtue of the Dot Foods empire. Your logic is if you have enough money and get a state rep gig you are qualified. Please.
Steve Kim is a first class lawyer, smart and worked for Gov Edgar.
Jil Tracy was a good lawyer for the AG, and a very good state rep.
Evelyn Sanguinetti was a good lawyer for the AG, a law professor and a local elected official. Too bad she has MS and had an accident on City property. (Kinda makes your past wheel chair jokes in poor taste)
Maria Rodriguez, well.. you may have a point, but she does own an alpaca farm.
The point being is that your criteria is solely limited to being in Springfield for a period of time. That means Pat Quinn is the most qualified governor we ever had.
Comment by DuPage Rep Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 1:22 pm
Man, Pot calling kettle just read my mind.
Comment by Chavez-respecting Obamist Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 1:22 pm
Sorry, my comment above was directed at Tom Cross’ alter-ego. a/k/a Willy
Comment by DuPage Rep Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 1:24 pm
- DuPage Rep -,
As everyone here knows, I am a huge Tom Cross supporter, some here say his #1 Fan.
You have yet to add anything, so keep poking bears.
When Tom and I get done golfing, I will tell him you say hello.
With kindest personal regards, I remain,
Sincerely yours,
Oswego Willy
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 1:29 pm
==The point being is that your criteria is solely limited to being in Springfield for a period of time==
Well, it’s helpful if you know how Springfield works. The “outsider” mantra is all nice a good but if you don’t know how to get things done you’re going to fail.
Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 1:29 pm
I never ever brought up MS in any way, hit the “search” key.
Being “Lawyers” doesn’t mean you can handle the 5th largest state in America. Paul Vallas has no Springfield “experience” but has handled Billion dollar budgets and intergovernmental workings. Jil Tracy was a prosecutor of Rod, and is on the Pension Committee - with Brady.
“8 Precinct” and “Slip and Sue” and “Dave Kim”
Not even in the same orbit. Tracy and Vallas outshine the wanna-be LGs.
They do.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 1:35 pm
Maybe she was at the gym having been driven there by a body guard with a do not disturb sign - who knows.
Comment by roscoe tom Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 1:37 pm
–Paul Vallas has no Springfield “experience” but has handled Billion dollar budgets and intergovernmental workings.–
Point of information (as Charlie would say), Vallas has loads of Springfield experience. He was the go-to guy on the old Economic and Fiscal Commission (was that the name?) for years.
As such, I would be interested to hear what he thinks about the “pension crisis,” the rating agencies bad faith, the Ty Fahner and Civvies sabotage, the income tax extension, and many other “economic and fiscal” matters.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 1:52 pm
Being a lawyer, and a good one, means that you know how to work your way around problems based on the facts presented. Jil Tracy is a good lawyer, just as Steve Kim and Evelyn Sanguinetti are as well. I think the USAAG had more to do with Rod being impeached and removed from office that Ms. Tracy, not a lot of heavy lifting there.
As for the MS stuff, as a person living with MS, I am not offended with your “slip” and “fall” and “wheelchair” cracks, I just think it is in poor taste. MS has been part of her narrative, (see roll out) so that is why I find it in poor taste.
Comment by DuPage Rep Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 1:52 pm
Apologies - wordslinger - I spoke out of context, and your Point of Information is well On-Point.
- DuPage Rep -,
lol, unless the US Attorney happens to have a vote to impeach, or was selected specifically to try Giv. Blagojevich specifically to the Illinois Senste, no, they did nothing to try Blago, specifically as Jil Tracy did.
Being a “Good Lawyer” does not mean one iota when being governor, and understanding how the Co-Equal branches in government works. Being a lawyer, is not a criteria required.
If all ya got is a law degree, how do you explain Jason Plummer thinking he was qualified.
“8 Precinct” and “Slip and Sue” and “Dave Kim” - I could compare them to Jason Plummer, but is Jason Plummer your bar??
Yikes.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 2:05 pm
Won’t take Illinois money? He all ready is; i.e. contract $300k courtesy Gary Chico and state board. So he’s giving it up? Pls explain PV.
Comment by Empty Suit Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 2:20 pm
Um CBS2, that’s Steans not Stains. Was that Freudian or intentional?
Comment by Jimbo Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 2:48 pm
If I recall correctly, he was also on Senate Dem Staff.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 2:52 pm
- Norseman -,
On-point. Both you and - wordslinger - gave put in greater context what I had known and forgot, or even forgot but glossed over. I always appreciate when knowledge is dropped for clarity if thought, especially in points of information.
Thanks both of you.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 3:14 pm
It really is strange to me that Rauner, with his millions of dollars and high-powered connections, landed on Evelyn Sanguinetti as the person who he would like to see take over if something happened to him.
Comment by Snucka Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 3:32 pm
- Snucka -,
Maybe the question to Payton Prep Clouter Bruce Rauner should be;
“Mr Rauner, you think Evelyn is qualified to run the 5th Largest State in America, so would you think Evelyn is then qualified to take over any of your Business Interests? Why or why not?”
See, PPC would probably think twice about “Slip and Sue” handling his personal interests, but doesn’t think twice about “Slip and Sue” about running Illinois.
So does PPC think more about qualifications for his money…or our State?
Sorry, that was rhetorical, with the choice of “Slip and Sue”…
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 3:39 pm
OW: That’s an entertaining scenario. Ouch.
Comment by Dan Bureaucrat Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 3:59 pm
@Cassandra=Rauner, another bored billionaire= Good point, Kind of reminds me of Peter Fitzgerald, who proved if you spend huge amounts of your own money, you can win an election.
Comment by DuPage Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 5:42 pm
Fitzgerald had some accomplishments. And lots of independence. Rauner — not so much.
Comment by Anonymour Tuesday, Nov 12, 13 @ 8:43 pm