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Oh, it’s on

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* I caught more than a little good-natured grief while I was out on the town last night regarding my admittedly non-plungy Polar Plunge.

And today, Sen. Bill Cunningham rubs it in…

Whatever, dude.

* Our page was in the top fifteen of all 2,466 Special Olympics Chicago fundraisers. I searched for “Cunningham” and didn’t find any results.

So, top that, Senator.

…Adding… How about we do a caption contest on that second Cunningham photo? I’ll donate $100 to Special Olympics Chicago in the name of the funniest commenter. And I’ll shame Sen. Cunningham into at least matching it.

Heh.

…Adding More… Always a good sport, Sen. Cunningham says he’ll donate $200 in the name of today’s winner. Thanks!

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 10:33 am

Comments

1. The 2nd photo looks like he’s used to burying his head in the sand. Not healthy for the state, or, if he stayed there long enough, him either.

   Comment by PublicServant Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 10:42 am

2. The money raised is fantastic.

   But it was raised so we could see you plunge!

   I’d say you owe us a Cunningham-style faceplant!

   Comment by Anon Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 10:42 am

3. what a beautiful way to remember this important charitable event

   Comment by circularfiringsquad Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 10:43 am

4. Hey - some folks go full submersion during a baptism and some go for a sprinkle. It is still a baptism, sir!

   I am also not seeing you singing, “Shall We Gather By The River” when you are doing this either - so forgo the holier-than-thou.

   Rich - you are saved. At least ankle down.

   Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 10:46 am

5. Rich, I don’t think the water made it above your ankles.

   We’re used to broken promises from elected officials. But from our favorite statehouse reporter?

   Comment by I'm New Here Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 10:46 am

6. I never promised to go all in. Not once. Not ever.

   Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 10:49 am

7. “Sen. Bill Cunningham was treated and released from Northwestern Hospital after accidentally falling into Lake Michigan this morning face-first during the annual “Polar Plunge.”

   Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 10:50 am

8. Caption: Anybody see my contact lens out there? Let me see if I can find it.

   Comment by Nearly Normal Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 10:50 am

9. “Frightened swimmers flee in fear when a great white senator was spotted in Lake Michigan.”

   Comment by Old Shepherd Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 10:50 am

10. When someone says they were in the top 15, you can be pretty sure that means that they were in 15th place, but we were in the top 15 sounds a lot better. Congratulations in any case Rich. I’m just sensitive to rankings having just gone through my 3rd child’s college application process…again.

    Comment by PublicServant Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 10:52 am

11. You’re right, Rich. The Special Olympics will probably take your fundraising ability over my belly-flopping prowess any day. I’ll kick in $200 in the name of the caption contest winner.

    And kudos to the other General Assembly members who took the Polar Plunge: Fran Hurley, Ann Williams, and John Mulroe.

    Comment by Bill Cunningham Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 10:53 am

12. They say “Real men” only splash water in their face unless they can see huge blocks of ice the size of icebergs floating in the water alongside of them while polar bears swim nearby. Our senior ladies sewing circle totally understands your timidity and hesitation to “catch a cold”, Mr. Miller. Now you make sure that you eat the chicken soup that we girls are sending to you.

    Comment by Frosty-The Snowman Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 10:55 am

13. Caption: See Bill Cunningham searching for Rich Miller’s ankles”.

    Comment by A guy... Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 10:55 am

14. Look at everyone running away they must think he is some sea/lake creature.

    Comment by 3rd Generation Chicago Native Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 10:57 am

15. “Sen. Cunningham still picking sand from between his teeth. Note to self: next time try diving into something deeper than 3 inches”

    Comment by Stones Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 11:00 am

16. -I never promised to go all in. Not once. Not ever.-

    Probably should’ve put that disclaimer in there. Did you violate the pure language of plunge? Maybe not. But you certainly violated the spirit of the plunge. Kudos on the fundraising, it’s truly admirable, but the credibility issue may cause some folks to ask questions the next time you solicit donations in exchange for something you say you will do.

    Comment by Credibility Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 11:01 am

17. I think helping to raise money for charities is a great thing, but this seems to me to be a risky way to do it. Just wondering how many people will get sick from doing it! It AIN’T a normal thing to do! Rich, you are the smartest one of the bunch. LOL

    Comment by logchain Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 11:02 am

18. Bill Cunningham: the only thing in Illinois government more underwater than GARS.

    Comment by Midstate Indy Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 11:04 am

19. Senator Cunningham discovers the most effective way to get away from political ads for the next two weeks.

    Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 11:06 am

20. Another legislator flops as the people head in the opposite direction.

    Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 11:07 am

21. Well Senator you can either listen to Governor Quinn talk about what he wants to do for the people of Illinois, fine and true or go jump into Lake Michigan….

    Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 11:08 am

22. Senator can you pose for a picture with Governor Quinn…

    Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 11:09 am

23. COMMINIG TO THEATERS…..

    March 2…..

    AQUA SENATOR II…….

    RISE OF THE FACE SPLASHERS.

    Comment by teddy salad Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 11:13 am

24. “Dammit, that fish took my bait again”…

    Comment by Loop Lady Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 11:13 am

25. Credit ratings aren’t the only thing sinking in Chicago.

    Comment by S&P Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 11:17 am

26. Senator… Senator, this committee owes an apology! This committee owes an apology, Senator!”

    Comment by Superanon Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 11:17 am

27. “If the Pension Reform I voted for doesn’t pass constitutional scrutiny…I’ll just drown myself!

    Comment by PERPLEXED Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 11:17 am

28. My mom asked if my friends jumped off a bridge would I do it too - take that mom!

    Comment by lake county democrat Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 11:20 am

29. It’s an old Sicilian message. It means Senator Cunningham sleeps with the fishes.

    Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 11:21 am

30. Caption: “SHARK!”

    Comment by Timmeh Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 11:23 am

31. Your quote Rich reminds me of the great statesman
    Bill Clinton’s I never had sex with that woman.

    It’ all good fun and the Special Olympics did great.

    Comment by Mokenavince Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 11:23 am

32. Rich Miller was an “Army of One.” He got his feet wet for charity and that is good enough.

    Comment by Under Further Review Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 11:26 am

33. Senator Bill Cunningham found himself underwater at Tuesday’s Polar Plunge, but unlike the State of Illinois, he was able to get back out.

    Comment by Ryan_W Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 11:27 am

34. The old debate: Are you a sprinkler or a dunker ?

    Comment by AFSCME Steward Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 11:34 am

35. “Now where exactly did that money go that we saved with Senate Bill 1?”

    Comment by vttk17a1 Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 11:35 am

36. They all float down here, Georgie…

    Comment by Mittuns Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 11:37 am

37. Swamp Person Bill Cunningham practicing bare-handed Alligator catchin’

    Comment by AFSCME Steward Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 11:39 am

38. Going the wrong direction and over his head, Sen. Cunningham sets an example for members of the Illinois General Assembly in the 2014 Polar Plunge.

    Comment by LincolnLounger Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 11:42 am

39. The senator was disappointed that even fully submerged he was unable to see the 2 square inches of skin Miller got wet…

    Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 11:51 am

40. Senator, so if someone tells you to go jump in the lake…

    Comment by AFSCME Steward Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 12:00 pm

41. In an alternate reality where state obligations were met, Sen. Cunningham wades into the shallow waters of the state’s pension “problem”

    Comment by Mittuns Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 12:03 pm

42. This is what can happen when southsiders head North of Madison.

    Comment by r Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 12:19 pm

43. Marco / Polo

    Comment by Stones Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 12:23 pm

44. Everytime Sen. Cunningham pushes his “green” button in the Senate, these images run through his mind.

    Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 12:24 pm

45. Bill Cunningham demonstrates what it’s like to vote against the Speaker.

    Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 12:32 pm

46. Unknownst to the crowd, Sen. Bill Cunningham was the 2014 choice to begin preparations in Chicago to turn the Chicago river green for the St. Patrick’s Day parade by taking the temperature of the Lake. Days after, Chicago announced the river will run green even if it is frozen.

    Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 12:33 pm

47. Sen. Cunningham is still searching high and low for answers to the budget crisis.

    Comment by KGB Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 12:36 pm

48. After spotting something shiny, Bill dove in with hopes of another Saddle Ridge Hoard!

    Comment by Pete Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 12:41 pm

49. Mr. Miller tells Sen. Cunningham “bite me.!” Sen Cunningham goes in search of his ankles to complete the task!

    Comment by Republicrat Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 12:49 pm

50. Sen. Cunningham decides to look for an early smelt run.

    Comment by Nuclear Bozo Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 12:51 pm

51. As the rest of the Illinois GOP primary moved on, Dan Rutherford was left in an awkward position.

    Comment by Sangamon GOP Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 12:55 pm

52. “Legislator!”
    “Legislator?!? Aaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!”

    (With apologies to Brian Doyle-Murray, Harold Ramis and Douglas Kenney.)

    – MrJM

    Comment by MrJM Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 12:56 pm

53. Does freezing Lake Michigan water stimulate the growth of hair? Ask Sen. Cunningham.

    Comment by Jeff Trigg Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 12:59 pm

54. “Splish Splash”
    written by Bobby Darin, enhanced by VanillaMan

    Splish, splash
    I was diving for cash
    Long about a Saturday morn… yeah!
    Rub-a-dub
    Just pretendin’ I’m a sub
    Almost as naked as the day I was born.

    Well… I stepped into the lake
    And my knees began to quake
    But I made the kids a promise
    And God knows I’m not a fake.

    And… then-a… squash, squish
    My nads then made a wish
    Well… how were they to know
    The Polar Plunge was on.

    They were freakin’ and a shreakin’
    Reelin’ with the feelin’
    Freezing into jelly
    Tryin’ to get into my belly… yeah!

    Bing, bang
    I saw the whole gang
    Pretending to be having fun… yeah…
    Slip slop
    The lifeguards a Chicago cop
    Figurin’ how to work a frozen gun.

    There was Tiny Dancer with-a Jimmy Fallon
    He’s wearing a business suit and really yellin’
    A-well-a…. swim, swum
    My feet got really numb
    And I tripped, falling onto my face… yea!

    I was a freakin’ and a shreakin’
    Reelin’ with the feelin’
    The icy water freezin’
    I’m finding Miller n’ teasin’… yeah!

    Yes… I was a posing for some selfies
    Playin’ on ice shelfies
    Yeah… I was a movin’ and a groovin’ … woo!
    We were a reelin’ with the freezin’… ha!
    We were a rollin’ and a strollin’
    Movin’ with the groovin’
    Splish, splash… yeah!

    I was a splishin’ and a splashin’… one time…
    I was a splishin’ and a splashin’… woo-woo!
    I was a movin’ and a-groovin’…

    Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 1:23 pm

55. The Senator as a child. http://i.imgur.com/UFowGyM.gif

    Comment by Nonplussed Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 1:26 pm

56. Sen. Cunningham face-plants on fundraising efforts

    Comment by Boone's is Back Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 1:26 pm

57. “State Rep puts his head in the sand amidst troubled waters”

    Comment by Jake From Elwood Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 1:40 pm

58. From “The Luckiest” written by Benjamin Scott Folds …

    I don’t get many things right the first time
    In fact, I am told that a lot
    Now I know all the wrong turns
    The stumbles and falls brought me here

    Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 1:45 pm

59. Sen. Bill Cunningham auditions for shortstop with the Chicago Cubs

    Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 1:52 pm

60. The GPS says Chuck Goudie is here.

    Comment by A guy... Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 1:57 pm

61. On Day 2 of Senator Cunnigham’s swimming lesson, he works on floating.

    Comment by Bonsaso Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 2:10 pm

62. Damn…it looked shallower…!

    Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 2:25 pm

63. From “A Christmas Story”… stuck, Stuck, STUCK!!!!

    Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 2:25 pm

64. I`m going face noddel ever aisan carp in here.

    Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 3:02 pm

65. “I’m sure the list says this is your voting address.”

    Comment by Robo Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 3:10 pm

66. “Look there’s a Tyler Flowers baseball card down there!”

    Comment by Siriusly Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 3:21 pm

67. 3:02 (every)

    Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 3:25 pm

68. Hey, that is sand!

    Comment by zatoichi Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 3:46 pm

69. Wrong Way Cunningham begins what turned out to be his first epic swim across Lake Michigan. With the Lake covered nearly 100% in ice, however, this amounted to a 200 yard medley. Obviously, the freestyle leg is not his strongest stroke.

    Comment by dupage dan Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 3:54 pm

70. The first Asian carp spotted in Lake Michigan.

    Comment by 1776 Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 4:00 pm

71. “Boodling? I thought you said noodling.”

    Comment by Walker Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 5:30 pm

72. trying to tell his a** from a hole in the ground as far as pension reform.

    Comment by constituent Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 6:38 pm

73. Caption: “Sen. Cunningham (1976-2014). Survived by a loving family, friends, constituents, and 5 inches of water.”

    Comment by ppanda Wednesday, Mar 5, 14 @ 7:03 pm

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