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A wealth of arrogance

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Illinois

* Bruce Rauner really set himself up for a future attack yesterday…

Asked by reporters how he would be able to put in place some cuts that have been discussed for years and discarded, Rauner replied, “I’ve been successful at everything I’ve ever done.”

Everything? Really? Including that shadey and failed nursing home business? OK. Have it your way, Mr. Modesty.

* The biggest complaint I had about the Quinn campaign’s response to yesterday’s Rauner chicken presser was that they didn’t pivot on the word “chicken.” Quinn has already called Rauner “timid” for refusing to lay out a budget plan. Why not press that further? Well, they did today. From a media release…

Paul Vallas: Entitled Rauner “Chickened Out” of Serious Debate With Disastrous 10-point Budget Prank

CHICAGO - Lt. Governor Candidate Paul Vallas said Friday that entitled billionaire Bruce Rauner provided the people of Illinois “with more chickens than answers” with his disastrous budget rollout the day before.

Rauner had waited 465 days, and until after the budget debate in Springfield, before appearing with chickens at a press conference Thursday.

Vallas said this was unworthy of the seriousness required of running for the highest office in the 5th largest state in America.

“I’m particularly offended that Mr. Rauner feels he doesn’t owe the people of Illinois any substance, yet he is entitled to the highest office in our state,” Vallas said at a Friday press conference. “What he did yesterday was embarrassing. Illinois voters deserve a real debate about the real issues.”

* Meanwhile…

Rauner’s campaign passed out to reporters a 12-page, glossy pamphlet that touted $1 billion in savings, however, much of what was proposed appeared to be a repackaged version of what he has said in the past. That includes the wealthy former venture capitalist not taking a salary or pension as governor — saying that would save $708,000.

Notice that Rauner didn’t include his running mate in those cost savings. Supposedly, she’ll be taking a full salary. Why? She isn’t wealthy. So she gets a pass.

* Speaking of wealth…

“No more law firms on the side,” Rauner’s “blueprint” stated, a reflection that Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, each have law practices.

House Republican leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs also is a lawyer and said he would “gladly negotiate what reforms (Rauner) thinks are necessary. I think it’s something that should be brought to the table.”

Poor Jim. Locked in the same sort of cage as those little chickens.

Durkin has four kids at home. Imagine those college costs. I really doubt he could afford to give up his law practice and continue providing for his family the way he has. But, whatever, he’s in the cage now. Just keep nodding in agreement with the guy who doesn’t have to worry about his own personal cash flow, Leader.

/snark.

* And while we’re on the subject of personal wealth…

Rauner — who has used the private jet of his billionaire donor Ken Griffin to campaign around the state — said he would downsize the fleet of state planes, which cost the state $5 million a year.

“We are going to eliminate Illinois’ shuttle service and sell most of the state planes. My wife and I are going to move to Springfield,” Rauner said. “We will stop this process of shuttling people regularly at a high cost to taxpayers to Springfield.”

First of all, no offense meant, but how long is Mrs. Rauner gonna stay in a dingy upstairs Springfield apartment with tourists running around, loud parties and a badly leaking roof?

I mean, heck, I wouldn’t live there.

And do we really want the governor bumming jet rides from kabillionaires all the time?

This is a big state, man. Ever drive from Chicago to Cairo? Takes forever.

Are the state planes over-used? Probably. Could we get rid of them? Sure. But Rauner is insulated from such a decision because he can personally afford other options. What happens if the next governor ain’t so fabulously rich?

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 11:52 am

Comments

Great points Rich. These are all very legit and his campaign should think about better responses.

Comment by siriusly Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 11:59 am
Rauner isn’t the first candidate to say that-Alexi made a similar argument as has virtually every wealthy person to ever run for office-Romney, Forbes ect.

I’m not totally against planes-is it a better use of the governors time to spend 5 hours driving from one end of the state to another or flying for 45 minutes? A lot of agencies have requirements at the federal level for example to fly first class your destination has to be more than 14 hours away ect.

Comment by shore Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 11:59 am
Durkin says everything on the table…not quite. sounds more like he said “exactly the right steps”. so took him all of 5 minutes to begin walking things back…

House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs):

“Bruce’s plan to reform state government and eliminate waste is exactly the right steps. These are all areas where Pat Quinn and Democratic leadership have failed and I look forward to teaming with Bruce to get them done.”

tough spot for Durkin and it’s only june.

Comment by Barney Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 12:02 pm
The lone comparison between Pat Quinn and Bruce Rauner seems to be they have nobody on their staff who is willing to go against the grain. By this I mean their staff are all “Yes” man/woman. Never disagreeing with PQ or Rauner because it’s their way or the highway. Rauner and Quinn have never been questioned on their decision-making before, why start now. Whoever decides to adapt and take advice first might be governor come January 2015.

Comment by Almost the Weekend Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 12:02 pm
—Durkin has four kids at home. Imagine those college costs. I really doubt he could afford to give up his law practice and continue providing for his family the way he has. But, whatever, he’s in the cage now. Just keep nodding in agreement with the guy who doesn’t have to worry about his own personal cash flow, Leader –

Leaving aside it’s a hideous amoral practice and if he wanted to make money in the private sector as a well paid attorney Durkin is perfectly free to do so, but shouldn’t be BOTH in a position of power AND be a partner in a law firm that has clients who do significant business with the state?

Can we also mention that this is just the kind of reform the old Pat Quinn would have been the FIRST person to champion before he uterlly sold out for power and the chance of being reelected?

Why are we supposed to feel any sympathy here for Durkin/Madigan/etc.? WHat about the lawyers with families who lose business they would otherwise get but-for such blatant conflicts of interest?

Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 12:04 pm
Rauner will be more than glad to use a plane once he’s elected.
He may want to add a few.

Comment by Mokenavince Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 12:04 pm
(sorry, those first two sentences were supposed to be combined)

Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 12:05 pm
Rauner won’t need a state plane since he can just call a bud and order a more luxurious private jet. Much faster and more amenities than the poor prop job the state has for the Gov.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 12:05 pm
I’ve been successful at everything I’ve done. . Now that there’s one big ego. When he tries to convince those squeamish GOP members to vote against ASCME and IFT and IEA and AFFI to change their pensions … That there will be funny.

Comment by Larry the Cable Guy Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 12:06 pm
Through all of that, it’s most interesting to me that Paul Vallas is the one commenting.

Comment by A guy... Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 12:12 pm
Metaphorically speaking, Bruce Rauner will be the next Governor of the State of Illinois, in my opinion. Budget numbers…by both sides, it’s all fluff. People are tired. Really tired. None of this hoopla matters. The die is cast. Results are inevitable. Mr. Rauner will be the next Governor. You do not need to agree with it, nor is it required that you like it. But he will be Governor. And Virginia was a good example of how upset the people are. They are mad. Real mad. And Term Limits are coming. That will be a game changer.

Comment by daniel boone Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 12:16 pm
I agree with daniel boone above and all the snarky commentary will not change the results. The electorate is in a “throw the bums out” mood.

The only people paying attention to this are the press and the political insiders, neither of which is held in very high regard by the electorate.

Comment by Cassiopeia Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 12:24 pm
“I’ve been successful at everything I’ve ever done.”

Your first wife might not agree, lol.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 12:25 pm
Everybody who opposes him attacks Bruce Rauner’s wealth. The irony of that hatred is astounding. We have those in power holding the state as a proverbial hostage, and anybody that knows anything knows it. The thing that people hate most about Rauner is he cannot be bought. Now that is a sin. A downright crime. How will we get anything done, with a fellow who cannot be bought? It is downright disturbing. So opponents attack his wealth. Well keep trying, but it will not work. Face up to it.

Comment by money ball Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 12:27 pm
===The thing that people hate most about Rauner is he cannot be bought.===

Yeah. That’s it. You hit it right on the head.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 12:28 pm
Perhaps Mitt went a little far
Besides Killing Grandma, Michigan’s Biggest Accounting Fraud and paying Stu $30K/month
We have losing 8 million credit card accounts at TransFirst Holdings and the predatory lenders at HomeBanc Mortgage in Atlanta. Mitt served on those boards. He made the bad decisions.
Fire,Aim, Ready Mitt —KaBoom

Comment by CirularFiringSquad Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 12:30 pm
“I’ve been successful at everything I’ve ever done.”

I guess that includes making a fool of yourself in front of a bunch of chickens.

Comment by Wensicia Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 12:30 pm
I’m through for the day. I’ve done enough damage.

Comment by money ball Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 12:36 pm
Word, that is so unfair. Rauner saw that marriage all the way through to its completion.

Comment by Soccermom Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 12:36 pm
Rauner strategy to fix the budget:

“winging it”.

Comment by Newsclown Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 12:40 pm
Is Rauner saying that he wants full-time legislators?

Comment by Soccermom Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 12:40 pm
What’s cheaper for the state, flying private planes, or using this new thing called “commercial airlines”? Or “amtrak”?

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 12:44 pm
It’s going to be a long summer and an even longer fall.

Comment by Stones Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 12:45 pm
Maybe Mrs. Rauner could get some wealthy donors to fix up the mansion a la Jackie Kennedy at the White House.

I don’t think she’s going to get the chance. Say what you will about throwing the bums out, this is a heavily Democratic state and Quinn is an incumbent with heavy name recognition. The great majority of voters vote along party lines. A great burst of anger in November? Maybe, but I doubt it. We’re stuck with the status quo and four (eight?) more years of Quinn. Pretty dismal.

Comment by Cassandra Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 12:47 pm
First, from the perspective of what can you do with a public sector budget, Vallas is the most qualified of the whole bunch to be Governor.

I completely understand the republican not rolling out the budget. 60% of this state is democrats. That means you have to convince 10.1% of democrats and all the republicans to vote for you. Any reasonable budget will ensure you lose the election. Why do you think Madigan refuses to balance the budget. He knows his party is out if he does.

So we are left with a situation where you have to agree to collapse the state for 4 more years or vote for Rauner. This dopey stuff is just remarkable. Hey, we just found the Jack/Jim Ryan, Topinka, Brady, how to lose an election manual lets prove we can use it and still win.

People hate Rauner because he can’t possibly lose to this clown, and he is trying really hard to do it anyway.

Mr. Ruaner, we know you are a billionaire A$# whole. But I was thinking you can create jobs and balance a budget. I don’t need to like you, think you are funny, or even agree with your social positions. We can’t survive 4 more years of Quinn. Just be the billionaire you are and stop trying to convince us you are one of us.

By the way, the local economy is particularly stagnant. Could you start running some paid advertisements, paying people to set up signs, and walk neighborhoods. We could use the infusion of cash.

Comment by the Patriot Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 12:48 pm
Great post Rich.

Durkin is a team player, and Rich really shows what impact Rauner has on the culture, as his LG takes a salary, but he won’t, Durkin can’t have a law practice, but Rauner will use his own insiders’ planes to travel?

The hypocrisy is comical if it weren’t sold as truth.

- wordslinger - with the 1st wife, “Ouch”, but “never” means never..,

===- A guy… - Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 12:12 pm:

Through all of that, it’s most interesting to me that Paul Vallas is the one commenting.===

More than Rauner’s runningmate is doing, but Vallas can over-talk with the best of them

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 12:57 pm
Come back to us, Bruce, where it is safe and you can be against everything and you don’t have to go out on a limb. You can be against cuts and against spending like the rest of us GOP members from places like Springfield, Forsyth, Mattoon, Olney and all over IL. Weenies get elected re-elected every time, and you can too!

Comment by Weenie Caucus Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 12:58 pm
I’ve yet to hear Rauner talking about *helping* people. His level of compassion is absolutely — and I mean this — zero.

He doesn’t understand — or refuses to admit — that part of government’s role is compassion and help for those that need it. Rauner has none of it — none of it publicly, at least.

BTW — I find it insulting that he won’t take a pay check, too, btw. If you do work, you get paid. That’s how labor works. The idea that you’re too rich to even want a paycheck — and then claim that as part of the “savings” is twisted in a cynical, cynical way.

Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 1:06 pm
I’d like a study done, showing how many gubernatorial candidates promise to live in Springfield. It isn’t so much that they break their promise, they just find out that most of the job happens in Chicago, so there’s no point.

Comment by Jimbo Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 1:16 pm
==— I find it insulting that he won’t take a pay check, too, btw. If you do work, you get paid.==

Are you insulted by anyone who volunteers, or just those with whom you disagree with politically?

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 1:19 pm
–Everybody who opposes him attacks Bruce Rauner’s wealth–

Maybe some, but not everybody.

My beef with Rauner is that he’s a profound hypocrite and a phony. He’s apparently ashamed of what he is, because he pretends to be the exact opposite.

He’s the ultimate pay-to-play insider but pretends to be some s-kicking huckleberry.

He rails about corruption but he’s been buying politicians of both parties by the bushel all over the country forever.

He claims to be some incorruptible force but had Stu Levine on the payroll when he was pitching him business.

He’s a hands-on go-getter, but goes all Sgt. Schultz when asked about his past actions.

He claims to have all the answers but says nothing.

He’s in it for the ego stroke and will say and do anything to get it. I’ve seen this movie, very recently in this state, and I’m not buying.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 1:21 pm
I don’t think people necessarily hate that Rauner is wealthy. What they hate is his ego and his cluelessness about the fact that his wealth insulates him from many of the daily problems that the rest of us have. How a person who doesn’t know about how regular people live their lives can make demands about how they should live their lives is offensive. It might be pure aristocratic power that he feels could make him the future king of Illinois. Public service? That seems to be something he is not schooled in.

Comment by Just Trying to Survive Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 1:25 pm
Any dems leaning Rauner are only leaning that way because they know nothing about him. This is because he has gotten away with vague platitudes and sloganeering until now. He tried to remain vague with this “budget” and the press isn’t having any of it. Now that the real campaign has started, we’ll be informed about what “shaking up Springfield” really means, and how it is very unlikely that “insider Bruce Rauner” is going to change anything for the better.

Comment by Jimbo Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 1:34 pm
You just described most career politicians, Word.

Comment by countyline Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 1:35 pm
-This is a big state, man. Ever drive from Chicago to Cairo? Takes forever. Are the state planes over-used? Probably. Could we get rid of them? Sure. But Rauner is insulated from such a decision because he can personally afford other options. What happens if the next governor ain’t so fabulously rich?-

If you live in Springfield like the governor is supposed to do, you can get anywhere in less than 4 hours.

Comment by countyline Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 1:40 pm
- wordslinger -,

That is the case.

If Rauner could make a case to refute those points, then I would reconsider. Creating a new persona is not refuting his truth.

Till the last dog… - wordslinger -

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 1:41 pm
“Budget numbers…by both sides, it’s all fluff.”

Not when they impact real people, like, you know, in reality.

“But he will be Governor. And Virginia was a good example of how upset the people are.”

You do know a Democrat won the governor’s race in Virginia, yes?

“By the way, the local economy is particularly stagnant.”

In the last year or so, local economies have picked up. Unemployment numbers are down in many Illinois metro regions.

In some other good news, I read that health insurance companies in Illinois are in the process of offering a huge increase in the number of plans. The marketplace may also get two more insurance companies.

http://www.suntimes.com/28036749-761/ten-health-insurers-apply-for-illinois-online-marketplace-in-2015.html

Chicago is seriously vying for the Obama library. That may bode very well for the state.

Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 1:51 pm
“If you live in Springfield like the governor is supposed to do, you can get anywhere in less than 4 hours.”

Unless the governor is making a single one-way trip, that observation isn’t especially meaningful.

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM (@MisterJayEm) Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 1:52 pm
“I’ve been successful at everything I’ve ever done.”

Bruce, would you vote for ANYONE who would say that running for an office? Would YOU?

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 1:57 pm
I successfully dumped my first wife.

Comment by Carl Nyberg Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 1:58 pm
I successfully dumped my first wife.

Comment by Carl Nyberg Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 1:58 pm
==If you live in Springfield like the governor is supposed to do, you can get anywhere in less than 4 hours.==

Nope. Not true. Not even remotely close.

Also there’s no rule the Governor has to live in Springfield. That argument is dopey. Always has been. The Governor is the Governor no matter where he lives. If that’s your biggest gripe with a Governor - that he doesn’t live in Springfield - then you need to find something else to gripe about.

Comment by Demoralized Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 2:01 pm
Carl,

In fairness, Quinn successfully dumped his only wife.

Wow, I feel like a Raunerbot after typing that. I’m gonna go hit the showers.

Comment by Noy Noy Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 2:12 pm
Noy Noy, Quinn is not running around saying he’s been a success at everything he ever did. That’s the difference.

Comment by Soccermom Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 2:33 pm
Wordslinger @ 1:21 = Grand Slam Home Run

Comment by x ace Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 2:38 pm
===All in!! $2 ,500,000.00 from Griffin, Kenneth to Citizens for Rauner, Inc. elections.il.gov/CampaignDisclo…
by Trib IL CampaignCash via twitter 2:26 PM===

That is $2.5 million…

Do not tell me Carhartt wearin’, 18 watch ownin’, and “see-gar” chompin’ “Bruce Rauner” is just like you and me.

Here comes more Ads…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 2:39 pm
“No more law firms on the side,”

How about a law firm on retainer?

Comment by Wensicia Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 2:40 pm
I live in Eric Cantor’s district in Virginia. It was gerrymandered to be one of the most conservative districts in the state. It is in no way representative of Virginia as a whole, much less Illinois. I do not believe Cantor’s loss to Brat is in any way predictive of what will happen in the Illinois Governor’s race.

Comment by Andrew Szakmary Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 2:54 pm
2.5 million. Willy, as they say in Vegas (and apparently at some hedge funds) “Don’t frown, double down.”

Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 3:22 pm
Griffin contribution has its own post: https://capitolfax.com/2014/06/13/yowza/

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 3:35 pm
State aircraft fleet; the total number of aircraft has shrunk since the 80’s. The four turboprops and two helicopters are in regular, legitimate use—primarily by the State constitutional officers, and during emergencies. Very few of these people live in Springfield, and the planes get them here in a minimum amount of time with little or no waiting and in a more secure manner than commercial airlines. The utility aircraft are older than most of your interns and allow IDOT civil engineers (who are also private pilots) to inspect multiple airport improvement projects around the state in a fraction of the time surface travel would take.

Comment by Gantt Chart Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 3:38 pm
== term limits will be a game changer 00

Not before 2023, which is when the first crop of term-limmited legislators would have to leave office. So don’t hold your breath about the game.

Comment by Anon Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 3:46 pm
- wordslinger - Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 1:21 pm:

–Everybody who opposes him attacks Bruce Rauner’s wealth–

Maybe some, but not everybody.

My beef with Rauner is that he’s a profound hypocrite and a phony. He’s apparently ashamed of what he is, because he pretends to be the exact opposite.

He’s the ultimate pay-to-play insider but pretends to be some s-kicking huckleberry.

He rails about corruption but he’s been buying politicians of both parties by the bushel all over the country forever.

He claims to be some incorruptible force but had Stu Levine on the payroll when he was pitching him business.

He’s a hands-on go-getter, but goes all Sgt. Schultz when asked about his past actions.

He claims to have all the answers but says nothing.

He’s in it for the ego stroke and will say and do anything to get it. I’ve seen this movie, very recently in this state, and I’m not buying

You have said in one post exactly what I have been feeling about Rauner from the time I spent time studying about him after the announcement of his run for governor through all of the hypocrisy of the past 16 or so months of his campaign.

Bravo!

Comment by Roadiepig Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 3:50 pm
Countyline:

–You just described most career politicians, Word–

Bruce Rauner, constantly:

“I’m not a career politician.”

You feeling me, brother?

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jun 13, 14 @ 4:01 pm
When we were permitted to use the state planes (before Blago) - they saved a great deal of time and overnight stays

Comment by Jen Monday, Jun 16, 14 @ 10:23 am