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Simon demands transparency from Rauner, holds her fire on Topinka

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Illinois

* From the Illinois Republican Party…

This morning, Pat Quinn – whose office is now the confirmed target of a federal grand jury – will dispatch his lieutenant governor to defend him and distract the media from the real news of the day: Quinn’s refusal to discuss federal grand jury subpoenas of emails in his office.

* Progress Illinois covered Sheila Simon’s presser…

Illinois Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon urged Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner to release his complete 2013 income tax records during a press conference Monday morning.

“Today I am calling on candidate Bruce Rauner to make full disclosure of all the schedules that go with his taxes and his 2013 tax returns,” Simon said in Chicago’s Grant Park. “Being engaged in public politics and governance requires a sacrifice of some privacy, but it’s a small sacrifice, and it’s worth it because transparency builds trust. This is not a ‘gotcha.’ This is governing. Let’s do it right.”

Rauner, a millionaire venture capitalist who is going up against Gov. Pat Quinn in the November General Election, has not released his full 2013 income tax information despite recent calls for disclosure from Quinn’s campaign as well as state lawmakers Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago) and Sen. Mike Hastings (D-Tinley Park). A press release from Simon’s campaign noted that every other Republican nominee for Illinois governor since at least Jim Thompson released their most recent year’s income tax return.

But check this out…

Meanwhile, Simon declined to comment about her race for Illinois comptroller against incumbent Judy Baar Topinka, a Republican.

“I really want to keep the focus on disclosure here today,” she said. “We’ll talk about that on a later opportunity.”

I don’t get it. This was a perfect opportunity to put JBT on the spot over Rauner and she takes a pass?

…Adding… While Simon was out bashing Rauner, Topinka was with Gov. Quinn at a bill signing event.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 2:12 pm

Comments

Maybe she figures she doesn’t have a chance in her own race, better to focus on scoring points for “the team.”

By the way, Congresman Brad Schneider in the Congressional 10th District refused to release his taxes too during the 2012 race (this was at a time Romney was still withholding his returns and Obama’s campaign was calling him out on it). Goose/Gander.

Comment by lake county democrat Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 2:18 pm
@FakeSheilaSimon - I just want the Topinka Crew to remember this when i need to put some of them down for job references. #Need3NoFamily

@FakeSheilaSimon - the truth? I forgot what office I decided to run for & thought I was still running with Pat Quinn. #AttyGenOrComptrollerCantRemember

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 2:21 pm
I don’t get it either. Shouldn’t Quinn’s #2 on the 2014 ticket, Paul Vallas, be taking the shots at Rauner? If not, why not?

Comment by Anon III Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 2:23 pm
This is all very confusing. Does someone need to remind Sheila that she bailed on the ticket?

But Quinn and JBT seem to have the makings of a beautiful friendship these days.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 2:25 pm
What was Paul Vallas working so he couldn’t take a shot at Rauner?

I mean what value does this have for her campaign in any way shape or form?

Comment by OneMan Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 2:26 pm
Oh Sheila…

Comment by Soccermom Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 2:27 pm
@FakeSheilaSimon - I was actually surprised people came to hear what I had to say, let alone had questions #CampaignsAreHard

@FakeSheilaSimon - hey Governor Quinn, I could use a return phone call. This help #ThawingTheFreeze

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 2:27 pm
I too think Sheila has read the tea leaves and is now working to get back on Quinn’s good side so she could get an appointment if he wins.

Comment by Norseman Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 2:29 pm
Next week she is planning on having a press conference demanding Mike Webster reveal his car warranty information..

And yes I had to use to Google to figure out who the GOP candidate for SoS was…

Comment by OneMan Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 2:30 pm
she’s working on the governing part. i give her credit for not going at JBT.

Comment by Amalia Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 2:31 pm
I had almost forgotten that she was running for Comptroller.

Comment by Cassiopeia Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 2:31 pm
===And yes I had to use to Google to figure out who the GOP candidate for SoS was===

I’m glad you revealed his identity or I would’ve had to use the Google myself.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 2:32 pm
Huh. Both Simon and Rauner showing their “chops” today. Illinois…..we shoot ourselves in the foot, then the shin, then…

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 2:32 pm
Surprised Google knew Webster…thought it was a TV show.
Someone asks the BizWiz for the latest tax info….and all we get is clucking about she should talked about JBT. Let’s wait for the polka pixs with Mitt before giving JBT any pub.
Meanwhile lets try to pin down the BizWiz on when HR Block will get the returns done or (better yet) what crops did he lose $ on in 2012.
Mr Shrimp, Mr Shrimp
Fire, Aim, Ready!

Comment by CirularFiringSquad Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 2:40 pm
I come from a losing campaign with a banjo on my knee
To demand that the press focus on Rauner transparency.
Pat Quinn working hard right now, coopering with the Feds
To find out where the emails went, at least the ones he sent.

Oh press and media, oh why can’t you plainly see
That multi-billionaire Bruce Rauner clearly needs transparency.

When it comes to jobs they surely went to those most qualified.
I know this cuz Old Pat Quinn would never tell a lie.
And just a note to tell ya’ll, my campaign is polling high.
And to tell ya’ll that Topinka gal, is completely unqualified.

Oh press and media, oh why can’t you plainly see
That nine-home-owning Bruce Rauner clearly needs transparency.

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 2:41 pm
===Someone asks the BizWiz for the latest tax info….and all we get is clucking ===

Meh. It’s a repeat story.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 2:46 pm
“No-Show” Vallas must have been out of town again.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 2:55 pm
===”By the way, Congresman Brad Schneider in the Congressional 10th District refused to release his taxes too during the 2012 race (this was at a time Romney was still withholding his returns and Obama’s campaign was calling him out on it). Goose/Gander.” ===

Rauner released his 1040 joint returns only. Schneider refuses to release his joint returns, even as an elected Congressman, and as a candidate for office. Schneider was ranked as one of the top 30 wealthiest members of Congress.

Why does the wealthy Schneider get a pass here while other wealthy candidates do not?

Why didn’t Vallas do the press conference instead of Sheila Simon? I just don’t get that one.

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 3:09 pm
Simon probably should have, but that’s not stopping everyone else, including every IL political reporter, from calling on Topinka for action.

Comment by too obvious Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 3:24 pm
I mean if Vallas needed a day off to sling mud, it’s not like his boss is gonna say no.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 3:25 pm
So at the end of the day does it really matter if Rauner releases his tax returns? What changes if he does or doesn’t? He will still be extremely wealthy. He will still be using the well known “earned interest” tax avoidance (but legal) plan and the actual dollars he paid, not % of total income, will be more than most of us make in ten years. We know all of this already.

Comment by Big Muddy Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 3:25 pm
==“Today I am calling on candidate Bruce Rauner to make full disclosure of all the schedules that go with his taxes and his 2013 tax returns,” Simon said in Chicago’s Grant Park.==

He probably hasn’t filed his 2013 return yet, so all they would get is some blank forms. A 1-percenter would know that, and would know that it is in poor taste to ask for returns. Sniff!

Comment by Anon. Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 3:27 pm
Um, Sheila? Hi. You’re running against Judy Baar Topinka, not Bruce Rauner. Carrying the hatchet for Gov. Quinn against Mr. Rauner is supposed to be Paul Vallas’ job, not yours. Yes, I know you need all the publicity you can get, but next time leave the job of bashing the GOP candidate for Governor to someone who is actually running against him. This campaign exercise has nothing to do with your current job. Actually, come to think of it, I’m having a hard time thinking of anything that has to do with your current job.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 3:38 pm
Just got notice. Corrine Wood has announced a press conference calling on Pat Quinn to release the cost of his single tie. Snark x 2.

Comment by A guy... Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 3:44 pm
One of the few things about with Bruce’s taxes that could really impact the election, (that we don’t already know or can guess), would be if he hid substantial earnings off-shore to evade United States and Illinois taxes. That wouldn’t sit well, and is not available to any but the top percenters. He should show more, and allay that fear.

Comment by walker Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 4:11 pm
@ Ron Burgandy 3:38 pm –

I’m not running for lieutenant governor either. Am I allowed to say I think Daddy Warbucks should release his tax returns?

Comment by olddog Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 4:16 pm
It is a fair question where Mr. Vallas is the more he isn’t on the trail and surrogates are having to do the campaigning. At least we know where Ms. Sanguinetti was this week. Mr. Rauner wasn’t around at the time to set up the BBQ photo shoot, so she made the executive decision to go with the fake pork chops.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 4:18 pm
Meanwhile the Feds are calling on Pat Quinn to….

Comment by A guy... Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 4:41 pm
===At least we know where Ms. Sanguinetti was this week. ===

So did every Personal Injury lawyer in the state. The fleet of ambulances at the parades made a possible “Slip and Sue” a hot bed for the ambulance chasers.

Plus, “Slip and Sue” doesn’t mind suing Munis so every town, ever Fest, every 4th committee is breathing easier today.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 4:51 pm
==- Ron Burgundy - Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 4:18 pm:==

Vallas is probably doing a thing called work, at the job he has.

Comment by Precinct Captain Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 5:37 pm
Did Sheila Simon call on Mike Madigan to release his tax returns? That might make for some interesting reading.

Comment by Anon Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 6:07 pm
Simon going from being considered toast in this race to burnt toast smelling up the place. Yikes.

Comment by Amuzing Myself Tuesday, Jul 8, 14 @ 9:18 am
- Precinct Captain - Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 5:37 pm:

==- Ron Burgundy - Monday, Jul 7, 14 @ 4:18 pm:==

Vallas is probably doing a thing called work, at the job he has.

By my count, Vallas marched in 6 parades over the 4th weekend. And presumably survived to limp into work Monday. Ugh - I could never run for office!

Comment by Redux Tuesday, Jul 8, 14 @ 2:35 pm
The irony: Pat Quinn out with JBT at a Bill-signing while his Ex-Running Mate Simon bashes HER Ex-Running Mate’s OPPONENT Rauner…sheesh!

But the Lt. Gov.’s MAIN point is well-taken: what a JOKE that Billionaire Baron Brucie thinks it ok/acceptable NOT to inform the People of Illinois all about his income, sources, investments, tax breaks, etc. from last year–let alone EVERY year!

The Voters of our Beloved Home State have a RIGHT to know if he keeps yappin’ on about how he thinks he’d have some right to “shake up” things in the Place WE all call “Home.”

The question which he needs to answer is obvious: what’s he hiding…?!!!

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 8, 14 @ 7:06 pm
Oops! The last Comment at 7:06 pm was mine…!

Comment by Just The Way It Is One Tuesday, Jul 8, 14 @ 7:10 pm