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Rauner’s money

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* The Tribune has a story on Bruce Rauner’s wealth…

“Bruce has never let his success change him,” declares the campaign’s official bio. “He still drives a 20-year-old camper van, wears an $18 watch, and stays in the cheapest hotel room he can find when he’s on the road.”

But while Rauner may have a bargain-basement Timex on his wrist, his real estate portfolio is pure Rolex.

* Illinois Review helpfully compiled the nine Rauner homes into a handy list…

* A New York penthouse on Central Park in a century-old Beaux Arts style building known as The Prasada, which they paid $10 million for eight years ago, and now worth possibly $48 million.

* An oceanfront home in Key Largo, Fla., currently worth almost $7 million.

* A farm in Wyoming where he grows barley, alfalfa and winter wheat

* His New Moon Ranch in Livingston, Mont with a 6,000-square-foot home valued at $2.2 million

* A condominium in the luxury Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah, east of Salt Lake City valued at $1.75 million

* Two condominium units on East Randolph Street in Chicago’s Loop. Records show Rauner paid more than $1.2 million for the smaller one, $4 million for the other.

* A second ranch in McLeod Montana.

* A Winnetka house estimated at $3.3 million, the property the Rauners consider their primary residence, on which they paid $64,337.84 in property taxes this year.

* More from the Trib piece…

Rauner, 57, who describes himself as just a middle-class kid “who worked his fanny off,” grew up mostly in upscale North Shore suburbs. His father was a vice president at electronics giant Motorola.

The watch stuff I can take because it appears to be real. The myth about his hard scrabble upbringing is just goofy, however.

* Meanwhile, the Sun-Times looks at the history of wealthy candidates…

With the exception of former U.S. Sen. Peter Fitzgerald — the Illinois Republican who self-financed his campaign and spent one term in Washington — a good number of millionaire statewide candidates who attempted to fund their own campaigns, in whole or in part, have suffered sound defeats.

There are common pitfalls: They’re too touchy and too stuffy. Many, having been CEOs, are not used to taking orders, not willing to get in a room with voters or not willing to listen to expert staff, particularly when it’s the candidate’s own money on the line.

They’re rigid enough for business but lack warmth needed on the campaign trail.

“If you wrote a sentence about any of those guys, would the word ‘charisma’ be in it?” said Paul Green, director of the Institute for Politics at Roosevelt University.

Green said millionaire candidates often fly off the handle at debates and crumble under criticism.

“When everyone’s telling you ‘yes’ your entire adult life, you develop an awfully thin skin,” Green said. “It develops because they’re used to people kissing their butt.”

Except that really doesn’t apply to Rauner. He seems to be enjoying himself out there.

* Also this…

Gidwitz spent $4 million of his own money and raised another $5 million. In the end he got roughly 75,000 votes.

Rauner has already raised over $4 million from people other than himself. Rauner has far greater appeal to donors than Gidwitz did.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 10:20 am

Comments

=== and stays in the cheapest hotel room he can find when he’s on the road. ===

Maybe for “the campaign” he now stays at more average hotels, but are we really supposed to believe in the course of his adult life he has regularly goes out of his way to stay at a Motel 6 or Holiday Inn (and those are not even the cheapest one can find)? I would have to imagine that, historically, when “on the road,” he is staying at the likes of the Ritz Carlton or Sofitel.

Comment by Just Observing Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 10:31 am
I think you hit on a key there “he seems to be enjoying himself” that is a huge difference between him and Gidwitz. Gidwitz never gave the impression IMHO at any event I saw him at that he wanted to be at something, he seemed like he was there because he was told he had to be there.

As for Bruce’s money, yep. It can be like the media fists of the hulk beating up Quinn for months.

Comment by OneMan Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 10:31 am
Serious question, did FDR and JFK have issues with this sort of thing as well?

Comment by OneMan Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 10:32 am
OneMan, they were both attacked for their wealth, if that’s what you mean. But both of them were happy warriors who enjoyed campaigning (although it was almost impossible for FDR as he got progressively more ill).

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 10:37 am
- OneMan -,

===JFK===

(Boston Accent) - “I have just received the following telegram from my generous Daddy. It says, ‘Dear Jack: Don’t buy a single vote more than is necessary. I’ll be damned if I’m going to pay for a landslide.’…” (Gridiron Dinner, Washington, D.C., 1958)

Jason Plummer never understood when I, at first, told him to look at JFK, and, well, when Plummer spoke, all bets were off for me.

Awesome!

Nepotism and “Bobby”? - “I see nothing wrong with giving Robert some legal experience as Attorney General before he goes out to practice law.” (January 21, 1961)

Check out http://home.comcast.net/~ceoverfield/humor.html

JFK understood mocking himself better than those mocking him, really dulled the needle.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 10:37 am
Rich,

Thanks wasn’t sure if it was an issue ‘back in the day’, suffice to say they didn’t cover that sort of thing in History Class and downloaded by copy of Making Of The President 1960 but haven’t started it yet…

Thanks

Comment by OneMan Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 10:40 am
Money and Rauner in the context just of watches or campers and such …

No one … is going to “Out-Cheap” Pat Quinn in the race for Governor. Bad tact, considering the enormous wealth, and clout, and reality of being an insider, you just really can’t “go there” with Pat Quinn in a governor’s race.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 10:42 am
I’ll never understand why Rauner went with the Farmer Bruce schtick. It’s unsustainable and reeks of contempt for the voter — “fool some (or enough) of the people all of the time.”

I mean, c’mon, a $48 million penthouse on Central Park West, just down from Lincoln Center? That’s where the Saudi oil princes and Russian robber barons live in 212. You can buy a lot of cheap watches with that cash.

According to the wiki, his New York building has a “dry moat (that) separates the ground floor from pedestrian passers-by.”

A moat? In Manhattan?

Smithers, release the hounds!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Prasada

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 10:45 am
The “Romney” comparison would have legs. Get a few pictures of the houses, and do a montage of those, and the Chicago Addresses and …but… who has the money to do that?

Got to get the Narrative on Rauner out “there” and make it work, so when voters see the Carhartt or the Vest, or the “watch” … the hupocricy oozes as each word seems just as ingenuous as it is in the real life of Bruce Rauner.

You have the money? Then get the Narrative out there, and stop comparing yourselves to Rauner.

“Bruce Rauner” has decided to lump all three of you together, so embrace that, and isolate PPC and use the Prism, every chance you get.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 10:50 am
wealth matters a lot less to republican base voters. this is general election stuff.

Comment by shore Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 10:50 am
More on the building with the dry moat…

The “reconstruction” was completed in 1919 and, while not all of the new owners’ visions were carried out, The New York Times raved “…it is going to meet the difficulties of the servant problem, which has become increasingly difficult during the last decade.”

Every apartment was connected to a large, staffed kitchen by electric dumbwaiters. “In this main kitchen they are to employ chefs to cook for the tenants just as they will employ elevator boys to carry tenants to their floors,” said The Times A housekeeping service was available by the hour. “In this way the housekeeper may be independent of servants entirely if she chooses or she may keep house by doing that part of the work which is pleasant for her and obtaining specialized maids to do that which is drudgery to her.”

The services of the chef and his kitchen staff were free to the residents; butler, maid and laundress services were charged by the hour. It was a perfect solution, according to The Times article. “To those who wish to keep but one servant there are added difficulties, for general houseworkers are hard to get, but under this plan one specialized maid may be kept and others obtained by the hour for any purpose whatsoever.”

http://daytoninmanhattan.blogspot.com/2010/08/solution-to-servant-problem-prasada-50.html

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 10:51 am
64K in property tax for his Winnetka house alone?

He needs to engage Madigan in more ways than one.

Comment by walkinfool Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 10:52 am
Pretending you were born with a plastic spoon in your mouth instead of a silver spoon won’t work against Quinn, or Republican primary candidates. I think Rauner is wasting campaign money on this approach.

Comment by Wensicia Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 10:58 am
Glad that the Trib got in the bit about his father being a Motorola executive. Yep, lots of farmers going to Lake Forest High School, then transferring to a Mesa, Ariz. HS. Then going to a prep school magnet like Dartmouth.

Comment by Kwark Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 11:03 am
I saw Rauner speak to a local chamber group last week. I have to say he did a great job. He makes his points quickly and effectively. He also won points with people I spoke to afterwards because he said the only reason he’s running is to fix the mess we are in.

Comment by GA Watcher Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 11:05 am
People don’t mind wealthy candidates as long as the candidates seem empathetic. Rauner isn’t making 10000 dollar bets on the campaign trail. The problem is more as stated, and I think Yellow Dog once put this best, the independently wealthy candidates are used to selling the soup, not -being- the soup. But agreed Rauner doesn’t look at least to suffer from that problem.

Comment by ZC Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 11:07 am
If a person gets out there and is approachable in the field, people connect to that impression. Dillard has gotten much better at that, as has Brady, who I considered almost shy at one time. Rutherford has always had the knack for retail campaigning and it appears Rauner does too. Most of the other wealthies; Gidwitz, Fitzgerald, et al, did not fit in as “one of the guys” when they showed up somewhere. Rauner’s commercials are portraying the guy who’s actually showing up at places. The others would too I think, but they’re aren’t commercials. Dillard’s videos are all about “competence”. You shouldn’t have to be selling that at this stage.

Comment by A guy... Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 11:13 am
GA Watcher stated what I hear from people that have met and heard Rauner speak.

Rauner simply doesn’t come across as a blue blood. Rather, he comes across as genuine and real.

Comment by Downstate Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 11:14 am
Rauner grew up middle class? Hey, me too! I bet he’s just like me.

Now I wish I had worked harder. I’m so lazy I can only have one house.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 11:31 am
His Dad was a VP at Motorola? And he claims he came from a middle class family?

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.

Mr. Rauner, there’s nothing about you that’s middle class. You are pure mega-rich dude class.

Comment by jerry 101 Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 11:31 am
He did grow up middle class. In the middle of the top 0.0001% he is now and the 99.9% of the rest of us.

Comment by Nonplussed Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 11:37 am
I think the problem with rich guys running is that they always start at the top. The “I made millions in business so I should run the government” argument doesn’t translate well with most voters. Even Roosevelt and JFK had other government jobs before running for the top spot.

Rauner should have run for State Rep or Mayor of some North Shore town. It sounds a lot better to the voters that millionaire Mayor of Waukegan is running for Governor than just millionaire dude with a moat.

Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 11:38 am
If Rauner lost his $17 watch it would take him weeks searching his multiple homes to find it.

Comment by truth hurts sometimes Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 11:43 am
The Roosevelts and Kennedys never portrayed themselves to be regular guys.

TR and FDR were so old-school money that they never cared about it — they knew there was plenty. The first Roosevelts came to New Amsterdam in the 1600s. The original Roosevelt “farm” is now Midtown Manhattan.

They were so old-school that TR had no problem busting up the Trusts and Roosevelt was famously a “traitor to his class” who “welcomed their hatred.” Their vision largely revolved around stewardship of a country of which they viewed their family as founders.

Old Joe Kennedy was the richest man in America at one point and profoundly right wing. He would gladly have been a Republican if they had taken Irish Catholics back in the day.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 12:04 pm
A farm in Wyoming where he grows barley, alfalfa and winter wheat

Someone may grow those crops on that Wyoming farm, but it ain’t Baron Carhartt.

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 12:04 pm
The undeniable weird thing is most of us normal-income folks don’t feel the need to flaunt our $18 watches, in an effort to show what normal folks we are. We rarely call attention to our watches, period.

There’s still an element of condescencion there, even if in this case he’s flashing his watch to show how middle-class he is, not what a wealthy power player he is.

Comment by ZC Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 12:10 pm
Rauner would be smart to do an info dump on the money questions sometime during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Release some tax returns. Disclose any assets or deals that might pose possible conflicts of interest with being governor.

But at some point he will have to address the Big B: are you a billionaire? He will not be able to duck that question.

Best to get over with now. Because Quinn will pound lumps on his head with the question if Rauner is the nominee.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 12:18 pm
All these snide comments regarding Rauners wealth are uncalled for.

Criticize him for his stance on the issues, but the wealth issue sounds like jealousy and envy to me.

Comment by MOON Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 12:25 pm
- MOON -,

You make your nearly Billion Dollar Fortune off public pensions, and then decide to “go after” those pesions, and you put your name on a ballot, you get hit on wealth, on family connections, history … you get it all.

That is why Teddy Roosevelt even has “The Arena” quote, and what it means to be “in the arena.”

If Payton Prep Clouter Bruce Rauner can’t take the heat of a campaign, how will PPC Rauner handle a Democrat General Assembly and Press brow-beating him every day to get things done?

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 12:29 pm
Gee, Moon, so sorry. I hope your feelings weren’t hurt, too.

How about all the GOP candidates, and Quinn, too, pretty-please-promise to make the following pledge:

“I will never mention that Rauner is a billionaire with nine luxury homes and made a fortune off public pension funds and wheeling-and-dealing with Democrats.”

Maybe they should repeat that pledge at every campaign appearance and during every paid spot, lol.

Because that sort of politics just does not happen in America. Never has. Never will.

Moon, if your sensitivities are so easily bruised, you might want to avert your eyes to politics.

One of the nastiest, most personal races in American politics was the real first one: Adams vs. Jefferson. Look it up. It’s been pretty much the same since then.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 12:34 pm
OW

I am sure Rauner is more than capable of taking the heat. In fact I have never heard of him complaining about the critics regarding his wealth.

I would point out that it is apparent that Rauner earned his m(b)illions and his wealth should not be an issue.

Comment by MOON Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 12:40 pm
All these snide comments regarding Rauners wealth are uncalled for.

That would be true if Rauner weren’t trying to sell that laughable “everyman” gimmick.

[The] wealth issue sounds like jealousy and envy to me.

And the “Aw shucks, I’m just a simple feller with a eight-teen dullar watch” sales-pitch sounds like hogwash and baloney to me.

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 12:42 pm
- MOON -

lol, What should be the “issues”? That Payton Prep Clouter Bruce Rauner leveraged a “relationship” so his Denied New Trier living Daughter could attend the best school in the state, a Chicago school no less, and that the Denied Daughter didn’t live in Chicago, and had already tried to get admittance and was denied?

Personal Character? Is that ok, because if that’s ok with you, then I wouldn’t mind going down PPC’s “Character, or lackthereof too.

It’s a Campaign, its all fair game! - Johnnie Cochran

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 12:44 pm
WORD

I know the candidates will continue bring up Rauners wealth. My question is why should a voter care how wealthy a candidate is?

What is important is the candidates stance on the issues, not how wealthy he is.

Introducing wealth is class warfare. Something you Obama lovers are great at doing.

To keep the record straight, I am a registered Democrat but will vote for the person based upon their stance on the issues and not how much money they have. Something all voters should consider.

Comment by MOON Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 12:54 pm
OW

Personal character is an issue that should be considered. I have no problem bring that up.

Comment by MOON Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 12:58 pm
Moon, who thought it was a good idea to point out the $18 watch? Rauner opened the door in his bio. You don’t have the faintest idea about what constitutes class warfare if you think pointing out his wealth and his efforts to come across as Joe Sixpack qualifies as warfare.

You want to learn about class warfare? Go read Rauner’s pension reform plan.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 1:00 pm
47

Rauner claims to own a watch that cost him $18. Do you have a problem with that claim?

Comment by MOON Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 1:04 pm
–My question is why should a voter care how wealthy a candidate is?–

No, you didn’t ask a question. You said comments about his wealth were uncalled for. Well, that’s just, like, your opinion, man. It’s a free country, dude. Voters can decide any way they wish.

–Introducing wealth is class warfare. Something you Obama lovers are great at doing.–

Yeah, class warfare. Man the ramparts. Storm the Bastille. Free all those Wall Street banksters rotting away out on the chain gang — thanks, Obama!

By the way, Moon, in what state are you a “registered Democrat?”

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 1:06 pm
- MOON -,

Did PPC wear that $18 watch to the wedding reception at the Palace of Versailles?

Don’t tell me about milking cows, and then not tell me about Prep School and Dartmouth.

Don’t show me a watch, and not tell me about 9 homes.

Don’t buy a Carhartt coat … that has never been worn, and tell me about being an “average guy”.

Don’t tell me you care about kids, and “the abuse of children in education” and not about calling Arne Duncan and Clouting your child, a denied child, into a school where you deny a Worthy Child a chance, at the dialing of a phone …

It is part and parcel of “Bruce Rauner”, but would be mitigated if “Bruce Rauner” would just be …Bruce Rauner and own it.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 1:10 pm
== Rauner would be smart to do an info dump on the money questions sometime during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. ==

He might want to time that to go out on the days CapitalFax is on holiday vacation.

Comment by Cheswick Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 1:11 pm
I never try to judge anyone who I’ve not met or heard. A VP @ Motorola years ago didn’t create the kind of wealth Rauner has! I met the guy last week & came away thinking that he’s genuine.

Comment by Now Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 1:13 pm
OW

Based upon your comments and others I can only assume wealth is a very important issue.

Carrying that thought to a logical conclusion, I assume you and others of similar minds will be voting for the “least wealthy candidate”.

Comment by MOON Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 1:16 pm
Rauner claims to own a watch that cost him $18. Do you have a problem with that claim?

In the context of a political campaign, Rauner’s claim is either: 1) misleading, or 2) pointless.

So, I’d say Baron Carhartt is either dishonest or foolish, but I guess he could always be both.

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 1:17 pm
- Now -,

Where did you meet him? What did he say that was so genuine? What audience where you apart of? Was it an Endorsement meeting?

If you want, - Now -, next time you see him, have him answer some questions, like,

“How cool is it to vacation with Rahm Emanuel?”

“Did you have Arne Duncan on ’speed dial’ on your sell phone, one of the 9 houses you own …”

“Ed Rendell, did you sign the checks you dontated to his campaign, or was that your wife too?”

Ya know …

So, what was so genuine?

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 1:18 pm
- MOON -,

I will tell you this, I won’t be voting for the most dishonest person about who they are, where they came from, and how they use Clout and leverage and then think they are not the problem.

How about that?

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 1:20 pm
Gee, Moon, try to keep up.

When a guy tries to put himself over as a regular guy outsider, and it turns out he’s a billionaire ultimate-insider, some people are going to call b.s.

Do you have any other talking points like “class warfare” or “Obama lovers?” Because it’s really dazzling.

And where did you register as a Democrat, again?

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 1:20 pm
WORD

Admit it, you are jealous and envious of Rauner and his wealth.

I am registered in Illinois.

Comment by MOON Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 1:25 pm
–I am registered in Illinois.–

You’re registered as a Democrat in Illinois? I’m jealous and envious of that. You’re the only one.

Where did you do that?

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 1:27 pm
Geez, this isn’t too hard. On one hand, those who insist we focus on a candidate’s wealth generally are selling red herrings that come across as jealous and motivated by scoring points via class warfare. On the other hand, the question is inevitable and some of Rauner’s attempts to address it have translated as disingenuous and awkward. So, in that sense, the critics succeeded by goading him into bad politics. However, if he continues to appear in public showing enthusiasm and at least look like a convincing listener (i.e. do politics well), then it’s a surmountable problem.

Comment by Geneva Guy Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 1:28 pm
The 98% are always jealous of the 2% and if they complain it’s class warfare?

Thanks, Marie Antoinette, aka MOON

Comment by Wensicia Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 1:29 pm
===Thanks, Marie Antoinette, aka MOON===

Look, - Wensicia -, leave Julie “Marie Antoinette” Oberweis out of this. This Post is about Bruce Rauner, not Julie, or Julie telling us all to “eat Ice Cream” as she “winters” in Florida and claims “F.L.A.” her home.

Got it?!

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 1:32 pm
WORD

I have taken Democrat ballots during the primary for more than 30 years.

Sorry I did not make that clear. However, considering who you are I guess more explanation was required

Comment by MOON Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 1:34 pm
I am more and more convinced that some of you
“vote for a living” rather than “work for a living”

Comment by MOON Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 1:40 pm
No problem, Moon. I’m glad you can get some computer time to occupy yourself when Nurse Ratchit closes off the bath during the day.

Watch out for, McMurtry, though. He’s just after your cigarettes.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 1:42 pm
“Qu’ils mangent de la brioche”

Comment by My Thoughts For Whatever Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 1:46 pm
I suppose Bruce Romney (or is it Mitt Rauner?) can play the “Averge Joe” in his commercials, but you cannot run as an everyman when you have not one, but TWO ranches on which to hunt.

Comment by Knome Sane Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 1:51 pm
=I’ll never understand why Rauner went with the Farmer Bruce schtick. It’s unsustainable and reeks of contempt for the voter=

Exactly. And that’s going to be a tough recovery.

Wow, MOON. If it were only as easy to recover from something like that by telling Republicans who generally admire wealth that they’re “jealous.”

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 1:57 pm
Interesting that normally solid commenters OW and WS become unhinged when it comes to Rauner or people here who defend him here. Guys, Rauner hasn’t been elected for years while the State of Illinois was crashing down around him like all of the other candidates for Governor. Rauner’s rich. So what? Dillard, Brady, Rutherford and Quinn are ineffective. They offer no solutions to get Illinois out of the ditch it’s in thanks to their ineptitude. I’ll take the effective rich guy, thank you.

Comment by phocion Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 1:58 pm
Wow, MrJM, “Baron Carhartt” is great. So good it can sink a candidacy, no snark. It captures Rauner’s BS so nicely, succinctly, and comedically. I really hope someone runs with it.

Comment by Chi Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 1:59 pm
=I’ll take the effective rich guy, thank you. =

Yeah, but it’s the perceptions regarding his efficacy that are also creating problems for him. There seems to be a bit of a conflict of interest there regarding how he’s made his money and whether that makes him a good candidate for running a public offices–especially the gov’s office.

THAT one is going to be even harder to turn around than trying to appeal to the little guy by denying your wealth.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 2:03 pm
Moon: Introducing wealth is class warfare. Something you Obama lovers are great at doing.

Moon (Tuesday, Oct 29, 2013): If my memory is correct the “Great Society” started under Pres. Johnsonin the 60’s. That is when the “War on Poverty” started. Then the free handouts started for the lower 40 or so percent of the population. The attitude of many of these people is why work when its free.

In other words, Moon is all for class warfare when it comes to bashing the poor, but LEAVE THE BILLIONAIRES ALOOOONE!

lol

Just sayin…

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 2:05 pm
- phocion -,

It is not that Bruce Rauner is rich.

When asked about Clouting his Denied Daughter into Payton Prep., the quote was “Political Baloney.”

Political. Baloney.

The sheer arrogance.

===“It’s all baloney,” Rauner told the Sun-Times but did not elaborate. “It’s just minor. It’s stuff that doesn’t matter, it may have partial truths in it. It’s all part of the process of slinging mud early against someone who’s doing really strong.”===

To be so dismissive of Clouting, then talk about children, and abuse … and Bruce Rauner’s Child, denying another child, allegedly being abused by the school system.

Yeah. I got a big problem.

Big.

It has nothing to do with the money, it has everything … everything to do with the manner Bruce Rauner uses it, and how dismissive Bruce Rauner is about using it in such a way that is in complete contrast to how Bruce Rauner wants us all to see “Bruce Rauner”.

To claim others are the problem and not seeing the “stick in their own eye” is probably the most disturbing thing about PPC.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 2:06 pm
Phocion, no Rauner hasn’t been an elected official for years. He’s just been bankrolling them for years and getting rich off of pension fund investments.

Your guy is effective at turning a nice profit from the political “investments” he’s made. If you can’t see that, you’re as blind as Moon.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 2:07 pm
Why, oh why, might an individual who made his wealth in the private equity business be subject to some scrutiny and skepticism, over the past decade, by his fellow Americans? What could possibly have happened, over the past decade, to lead some Americans to be suspicious of an individual from that profession?

What ever could it be? Look, it’s not a dealbreaker, especially in the GOP primary. And if he runs a smart campaign in the general he can transcend it. But candidates from Rauner’s background are going to get scrutiny. If Rauner had made his millions successfully robbing banks, nobody would be complaining now that he’s being attacked solely because he’s rich. It’s going to take a while still for millionaires from any part of the financial profession to live down the (justified) black eye their field has taken over the past decade.

Comment by ZC Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 2:07 pm
Moon — By my count, it’s almost three months to the primary — and almost a year until the general. If you’re frothing and sputtering now, you may want to swear off this blog until it’s all over.

And by the way — we professional voters on this blog call ourselves Hard Ds, not “registered Democrats.” There’s actually a real difference between the two. (Darn you, Word, for getting there first.)

Comment by Soccermom Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 2:14 pm
RICH

The facts speak for themself.

Those two post of mine are accurate and neither is class warfare.

Just sayin!

Comment by MOON Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 2:16 pm
And I’ll add that all the references to Mr. Emanuel are probably even more damaging than most might see. Because it links him to the Presidency and people then begin to wonder how it is people who are elected or appointed to offices make THAT much money during their time in office.

And that just “feels” wrong–whether you’re an R or a D, I’d imagine.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 2:17 pm
=It’s going to take a while still for millionaires from any part of the financial profession to live down the (justified) black eye their field has taken over the past decade. =

He can always try using the old CEO standby of telling everyone he’ll only accept $1 as his salary the entire time he serves in office.

*almost managed to say all that without bursting out into laughter. (i just cracked a smile, really)*

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 2:23 pm
Here’s the thing, Moon — by getting all cranky and insulty about Rauner’s immense wealth, you inspire people to look up things like Ken and Anne Griffin’s wedding at Versaille, which Rauner apparently attended. (And yes, I am very jealous.)

As was the wedding itself - a two-day affair held in Versailles. (No, not Versailles, Ill. Versailles, France.) The reception was held at L’Hameau de la Reine, or the “Hamlet of the Queen” - Marie Antoinette’s well-preserved 18th-century faux village, complete with thatched-roof cottages and farm animals, where the young Queen played peasant. A two-story tentlike structure had been constructed for the occasion. After a formal dinner, dancing, fireworks, an aerial act involving people attached to large helium balloons and a performance by Cirque du Soleil, the dining room wall disappeared and - voila! - guests found themselves in a Casablanca-style lounge with ceiling fans and potted palms. Next came disco diva Donna Summer. “Most people were out until four in the morning,” says a guest.

Comment by Soccermom Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 2:26 pm
Three points:

I think the Baron Carthart nick name is very funny.

If a guy owns two farms/ranches, I believe he has the right to campaign as a farmer. (Whether he has anything to do with his farms or not)

I believe there is so much ammo to attack Rauner that once it gets started it could leave him drowning in his own dry moat. I guess that will be the test of the man. I’m sure his GOP opponents don’t want to go nuclear on him but eventually they will.

Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 2:26 pm
=professional voters =

Sorry. Is this a D concept? What is a “professional voter?” (That’s almost as odd to me as the term “paid volunteer” was.)

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 2:28 pm
Willy? Do you know what a “professional voter” is?

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 2:33 pm
==Those two post of mine are accurate and neither is class warfare.==

You sure have a funny definition of class warfare then. Disparaging the poor certainly seems like class warfare to me.

In any event, it’s pretty obvious you are a troll MOON.

Comment by Demoralized Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 2:35 pm
=If a guy owns two farms/ranches, I believe he has the right to campaign as a farmer. (Whether he has anything to do with his farms or not)=

He has the right to do anything he wants. He can even turn around five minutes later and impress Chicagoans with an upper-crust New York accent.

Doesn’t necessarily make him likeable. And as others who took that route before him, might make people a bit skeptical as to who he is, or when he finally confesses to who he is, whether the voters will be happy or sorry that they voted for him.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 2:37 pm
Actually, I was responding to Moon’s comment: “I am more and more convinced that some of you “vote for a living” rather than “work for a living.””

I thought that meant that there is a sector of “professional voters,” who do it for a living instead of working. They must get paid pretty well, considering how rarely we hold elections.

I didn’t want to admit that I do all of my voting for free — I hate to seem like an amateur. I don’t think it’s a D thing, though - most of my D friends seem to have jobs. Jobs that do not pay enough to hold a wedding in Versailles, France. (Some of them don’t make enough for a wedding in Versailles, Illinois.)

Comment by Soccermom Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 2:37 pm
Ever notice how the people who squeal the loudest about “class warfare” are either: (1) parroting national Republican talking points; (2) getting ready to stick it to the middle class; or (3) both?

Comment by olddog Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 2:39 pm
Sorry. It’s soccermom who raised the term.

Soccermom, what is a “professional voter”? I seriously have never heard that term before and would like to understand what it means.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 2:40 pm
Sorry, soccermom. Our posts obviously crossed. Thank you for the explanation.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 2:41 pm
Rauner’s money is never going to knock him out of a GOP primary. He has deeper problems that will be a lot tougher to handle. What is most interesting from this article is the sign that the media is now probing him. I suspect that there is more to find.

Comment by Percival Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 2:41 pm
Moon, can you explain to me who “votes for a living” in the US? Are there many who do that and is the payscale pretty constant or does it vary greatly?

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 2:43 pm
I have heard Rauner say a few times that he isn’t going to apologize for his wealth like Romney did but yet he keeps talking about his watch and cheap motels. It may not be a blatant apology but all the same.

Comment by So what? Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 2:50 pm
Yeah. There are those who apologize for their wealth. And then all those others who do not feel the need to do so.

I generally feel more comfortable with the latter group.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 2:56 pm
Just saw soccermom’s 2:26. On one hand, I would like to wish the Griffins a very long and happy life together. On the other, their happy event reminded of the parties the Enron folks used to throw.

There’s no connection, I’m sure–it’s just that perception is a big thing when other runs for office in the Midwest. So, everyone might want to consider laying off all the extremely clever party consultants for a while. Merely a suggestion.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 3:09 pm
He doesn’t need to apologize for his wealth.

He’s not a regular guy. He’s not an outsider.

He’s a billionaire ultra-insider who portrays himself as something else because he thinks it’s to his advantage.

In other words, he’s a phony, and he thinks you’re stupid.

Not too difficult to understand. Vote accordingly.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 3:10 pm
Word,

I think you just wrote his opponents 15 second radio spot

Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 3:18 pm
=So, everyone might want to consider laying off all the extremely clever party consultants for a while.=

Hot dogs and pork and beans. And make sure you run out.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 3:24 pm
“I’ll take the effective rich guy, thank you.”

Effective at what? Pretending to be someone he isn’t.

OW - My apologies to Julie Oberweis.

Comment by Wensicia Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 3:27 pm
No worries, - Wensicia -, I got me all confused is all with all this “ordinary” folk and palaces and houses … see, i am getting dizzy again.

When Julie Oberweis comes back from “wintering” at her “residence” in Florida, I will tell her you apologized too.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 3:48 pm
Oh, seriously! If you can’t tell the difference between e.g., the wedding and, e.g., transforming a country club into Versailles…the latter costs as much as the party consultant gets paid for the former.

Does that help?

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 3:54 pm
And besides, it’s the potential sources of wealth that are generally asked about.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 3:54 pm
=the latter costs as much as the party consultant gets paid for the former.=

I apologize; that was inaccurate. The consultant would probably make more.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 3:58 pm
Sure, he earned it, but, whoa, this guy is even FAR filthier rich than I even remotely REalized he was! Maybe he’d be better off running for higher Office in some RITZier State, like Delaware or Connecticut…! There are just too many “paycheck to paycheck” survivors/folks in Illinois to even beGIN to fathom how to relate to this dude.

AND–in a place where we love the ONly True “SOX,” (who put ONly that name on THEIR Home Uniforms) in MLB, the Chicago WHITE Sox, for him to ACtually be part-Owner of that OTHER Club with HALF the Sox name on the Carmine-colored OTHer half that is borne out of Boston???! Ugh…

Comment by Just The Way It Is One Monday, Nov 25, 13 @ 8:13 pm