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Tribune, Crain’s endorse Rauner

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* No surprise here. The Mother Ship’s “bottom line”…

Illinois must change direction. This state faces enormous financial and economic perils going forward. We know Quinn’s way — more tax money! — and that he simply can’t bend the powers that be in Springfield. We’d rather have a governor with Rauner’s outsider moxie.

For the broke, broken Illinois of 2014, Bruce Rauner is two challengers in one:

He’s challenging an incumbent who tried and came up short. He would challenge the power brokers who like Illinois just as it is. No wonder they loathe Rauner. He makes them sweat.

He deserves your vote.

* Crain’s chimed in with its own nod for Rauner…

Originally an outsider, Mr. Quinn unfortunately has fallen victim to the vices of one-party rule, promoting patronage and passing around political favors. He has not garnered enough political support, among voters or in the Illinois General Assembly, to serve as a counter-weight to House Speaker Michael Madigan or Senate President John Cullerton. He is too ready to spend taxpayer money on projects that we can’t afford or aren’t even needed, such as an airport in Peotone and the Illiana Tollway.

If elected, Mr. Rauner likely would face stiff opposition in the Democratic-controlled Legislature. Still, his relationship with the Democratic leadership is unlikely to be worse than Mr. Quinn’s, and could be better, by putting honest differences on the table.

Illinois has been on the wrong path for years, going back to a time before Democrats reclaimed the governor’s office. With an independently minded Mr. Rauner, we now have a chance to change course. Mr. Rauner deserves your vote.

The only thing I will point out here is that when somebody claims “Illinois government can’t possibly get any worse,” I always say they are misinformed. Of course it can. I’m not saying that Rauner will make it worse, mind you. I’m just sayin…

…Adding… I should also point out that if Quinn is reelected, things might also get worse. He’ll be a lame duck who isn’t listened to or heeded much now. I don’t know if it’ll get worse, but it’s possible. The point here is that anybody who says it can’t get worse knows nothing about the Statehouse.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 11:50 am

Comments

WOW! Trib endorsed Rauner - never could have seen that coming!

Comment by Chicago Cynic Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 11:50 am
Outstanding!

Comment by Hotel Ibiza Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 11:56 am
“The only thing I will point out here is that when somebody claims ‘Illinois government can’t possibly get any worse,’ I always say they are misinformed.”

I always say they are full of equine waste, but “misinformed” is a more polite euphemism.

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 11:56 am
Trickle down voodoo again. Businesses should get what they want first and then everything will be fine.

Comment by Makandadawg Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 11:58 am
It’s amazing how much better the Crain’s editorial is compared to the Trib’s. It’s logical, admits Rauner’s faults (budget #s don’t add up), but decides to go with him because Quinn, in their opinion, isn’t the guy right now.

Then there is the Trib’s which is paragraph after paragraph of contradiction and ignorance (completely ignores Rauner’s sales tax expansion for example). It slams Quinn for spending too much and then IN THE NEXT SENTENCE, slams Quinn for not spending enough. Who wrote this? A 4th grader? Am I insulting 4th graders’ logic by comparing them to this hack job?

Comment by From the 'Dale to HP Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 11:59 am
We are masters of making things worse. Just wait until our legislator’s get back to work.

Comment by Mokenavince Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:00 pm
Rich, I agree Rauner could make things worse. Yes, that possibility exists, but the proven track record of those running this state for the last decade or so leaves us with no alternative.

Its not Pat Quinn vs. a clown. Rauner has substance. That gives us a choice. The three major editorials (Daily Herald, Crain’s and Chicago Tribune) recognize that fact.

Comment by Louis G Atsaves Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:00 pm
Not surprising. 6 year referendum on the incumbent. Rauner has a lot of faults, hoo boy does he, but it’s hard to deny that Quinn has been ineffective, lacks vision and has failed to lead.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:02 pm
Sooo, who is really surprised that Rauner got the nod from these two?

Comment by Nearly Normal Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:02 pm
Rich, why will he be a lame duck? Illinois has no term limits.

Comment by Levi Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:03 pm
I hate it when editorials start their arguments by bashing Illinois down to levels below reality. Editorial boards and business associations used to generally cheer for Illinois, when they could. We have big problems and challenges, and we can do better. That should be sufficient to call for change. We are not a disaster or going down any tubes, relative to many other states.

Parties out of power often paint a darker than necessary picture to frame their “change” message.

(tangled metaphors)

Comment by walker Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:04 pm
May favorite paragraph of the Trib’s endorsement:

“We also think a Gov. Rauner would restore state government to solvency — paying bills as they come due — not by raising taxes, as Quinn insists, but by making Illinois a place to grow jobs.”

Ummm, how? What in his nonsensical, deceptive budget plans that Amanda was kind enough in the debate to point out don’t remotely add up would lead the Tribsters to this conclusion? Oh right, they still have their calculators in protective custody. At least pretend to have a little integrity guys…please.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:04 pm
“Its not Pat Quinn vs. a clown.”

Right–it’s the incumbent clown v. the challenger clown. With a third party clown out there, too.

The question is: Why can’t Illinois rise above the back end of a circus (freak show) in choosing a governor? This year should have been soooooo easy for the Republicans.

Comment by Chris Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:06 pm
===why will he be a lame duck? ===

Because he has often said that this is his last term.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:08 pm
The idea that Rauner makes Madigan and Cullerton sweat is a joke. Rauner has demonstrated that he doesn’t have command of the basics of how state government works, and those guys are going to completely work him over.

I am a solid D and wish we had a better gov than Quinn, Rauner ain’t it.

Comment by The Way I See It Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:08 pm
From gadfly to governor, Pat Quinn eyes 4 more years.
Not so fast Pat.

Comment by Hotel Ibiza Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:08 pm
These were unsurprising. More interested in what the downstate papers do.

Comment by Shore Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:10 pm
Is that 3 for 3 so far for Rauner? Daily Herald, Crain’s & Trib?

Have any others endorsed yet?

Comment by Formerly Known As... Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:10 pm
The Trib knows its base and continues to watch it shrink.

Comment by Kasich Walker, Jr. Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:17 pm
I can’t go for that. No can do.

Comment by Cheswick Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:19 pm
The Tribune and BR are a match made in Heaven. That’s not a compliment to either.

Comment by Redux Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:20 pm
When Rauner falls flat on Election Day, we can all laugh –once again — at the irrelevancy of Crain’s and the Tribune.

Comment by Larry the Cable Guy Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:22 pm
This says it all:

“The mere mention of Quinn’s opponent sends the entrenched Illinois interests who fear him into sputtering, spit-spraying conniptions. They see Rauner as a threat to the business-as-usual that has rewarded them so lavishly with patronage jobs, sweetheart labor deals and insider contracts.

We believe those entrenched Illinois interests. We trust their judgment. Like them, we think Rauner is far more likely to say No than Pat Quinn ever could — or ever would, “

Comment by Anon Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:27 pm
When Illinois voters are faced with these two choices for Governor, don’t we have to be near the bottom?

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:32 pm
And in further developments, the sun rose in the east and the sky is still blue.

Comment by Knome Sane Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:32 pm
Meh, if Rauner loses, he could buy the Trib for pocket change.

They’ve been on the block forever with no takers.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:34 pm
Cut business taxes. Reduce regulations.

I mean, who else would they support.

Comment by vole Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:34 pm
This says it all: Exactly on point!

Comment by Hotel Ibiza Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:36 pm
Is Rich right? Could things in Illinois get worse? Of course it could. Illinois could lose more jobs. It’s entirely possible there will be less people employed in Illinois 4 years from now. Could Illinois have a lower bond rating in 4 years? Absolutely. The odds of another national recession happening in the next 4 years is way over 50%.

http://www.nber.org/cycles.html

http://www.nber.org/cycles.html

Comment by Steve Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:39 pm
The Way I See It
The idea that Rauner makes Madigan and Cullerton sweat is a joke.
Id rather have a guy willing to try and make people sweat than a babbling puppet that goes limp when sir mike speaks

Comment by THEGUN Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:41 pm
–I should also point out that if Quinn is reelected, things might also get worse. He’ll be a lame duck who isn’t listened to or heeded much now. I don’t know if it’ll get worse, but it’s possible. The point here is that anybody who says it can’t get worse knows nothing about the Statehouse–

IMHO no matter who wins the Gov. race in Nov. things are going to get a lot worse. The Math at this point is dictating the course. Unless there is a miracolous explosion of GDP we will have to have a combination of Tax increases and Spending cuts. Neither tax increases or spending cuts alone will work. With either man being more or less at odds with the G.A. it is going to be rough. Perhaps we should be happy to have a lame duck (of either party) because all the choices are bad.

I can’t see a way we don’t have the following in the next 4 years no matter who wins;
1. Public Unions strike and/or accept reduced pay (net or Gross)
2. Hiring Freeze
3. Reduced services and/or shuttered facilities
4. Cost Shift
5. Income tax back at 5%
6. Some version of a service tax
7. A Cullerton style coerced Pension bargain.

I really hope AFSCME and others aren’t counting on PQ “remembering” them the next term.

Comment by Mason born Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:42 pm
The Tribune must have a bunch of very dumb third graders to make the comments that they did. Frankly, I can’t stand listening to or watching Pat Quinn and I don’t trust Rauner any further than I could pick him up and throw him. They had to endorse someone and they picked the new guy, who hasn’t given anyone any clue as to how he would govern. This, alone , should give people pause. Governing the citizens of a state is different from running a business. We separate the powers of the Governor, the legislature and the courts. We cannot govern the citizenry by edict, and that is what scares me about Mr. businessman.

Comment by Old Sarge Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:45 pm
Can things get worse for Illinois? What if Wisconsin cuts its’ top state income tax rate below Illinois’ top rate? Or what if Wisconsin becomes a right to work state? Illinois has competition from Indiana and many other states. Things can get much worse with or without Pat Quinn in office. That doesn’t mean they will . But, they can.

Comment by Steve Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:49 pm
–What if Wisconsin cuts its’ top state income tax rate below Illinois’ top rate?–

Why haven’t Walker and his GOP assembly? They’ve had four years. It’s at 7.75%. They’re the highest state and local taxing state in the Midwest. Look it up.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:52 pm
This should bring out the whining cry babies enforce.

Comment by Hotel Ibiza Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:54 pm
Agreed with From the ‘Dale to the HP. It’s quite a contrast. The strength of a Trib editorial’s argument has a negative correlation with the number of times they use italics.

Larry the Cable Guy: Crain’s deserves a bit better; they have smart people (eg Greg Hinz) and have hired a number of smart young journalists recently. Unsigneds tend not to do much with any publication, but Crain’s has been pushing to improve their product and make it more relevant beyond their professional biz audience.

Comment by whetstone Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:54 pm
==Rauner has substance==

If by that you mean he’s not a holographic image or wraith, then yes, I’m inclined to agree. His policies are an entirely different matter.

Comment by Jocko Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:55 pm
- wordslinger -

Patience.

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2013-11-07/if-you-live-illinois-retire-now-or-move-wisconsin

Comment by Steve Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:55 pm
@Steve:

Are we really back to this Wisconsin and Indiana nonsense?

Move already.

Comment by Demoralized Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:57 pm
- Demoralized -

I’m sure Moodys and S&P probably would think that people with your ideology aren’t helping Illinois’ bond rating.

Comment by Steve Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:59 pm
What ideology would that be @Steve?

If Rauner gets his way and the income tax goes all the way back to 3% just watch the bond ratings drop.

I’m serious about people moving. If they think the grass is greener somewhere else and if they want to move, then by all means move. Whatever makes them happy. That’s my ideology @Steve.

Comment by Demoralized Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 1:02 pm
How come no one has mentioned anything about the guy who will be the real deciding factor in this race: Chad Grimm and the $30,000 he got from IUOE local 150 last night?

Comment by Spliff Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 1:02 pm
- Mason born - Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:42 pm:

They might try a Cullerton style coerced Pension bargain but it likely won’t fly with the current ISC.

Comment by RNUG Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 1:16 pm
RNUG

I agree and love your take on pension issues. That being said i am not sure Cullerton is ready to let go of that bone. I’m not sure which way he’ll try to go maybe guaranteed raises for those that accept and nothing (for rest of employment) for those that don’t. I’m afraid the amount of pain to be caused by paying the pensions will make them try something shaky.

Comment by Mason born Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 1:20 pm
Outstanding endorsements. Top notch writing and analysis. Great for Rauner to have in his pocket for the remaining debates.

Comment by Meanderthal Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 1:28 pm
Yes, things can get worse. Our only hope rests in reasonable actions being taken by the General Assembly. Oh God, we’re screwed.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 1:41 pm
It’s what I expected from the Trib. Crain’s I know nothing about, but Rich is there and they publish great articles about the Chicago economy.

So they endorse the Rauner tax plan, which is to get rid of this ghoulish 67% tax hike and replace it with service taxes and a lower income tax rate.

That idea hasn’t worked out so well, as was reported about Indiana’s revenue, which has plummeted over the last 30 years. High income inequality was blamed for the problem, which is promoted by the Trib types and Rauner when they want to unburden the wealthy.

Quinn did well last night, in my opinion, when he made distinctions between himself and Rauner on taxes, pensions and health insurance.

Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 1:46 pm
“This should bring out the whining cry babies enforce.”

Learn the language please. And if you have to ask what I’m talking about, learn it again.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 1:49 pm
No surprise. Chicago tribune, crains endorses a candidate without insisting on a plan.

Comment by admin Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 1:51 pm
IMHO the one thing that is certain, things are going to get a lot worse for state employees. MC’s, who haven’t had a pay increase since Blago ran for re-election, will continue to see no pay increases at best. Bargaining unit employees will be asked to at least hold the line. Health insurance will see additional “cost containment” measures.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 1:56 pm
The Tribune put the endorsement behind the pay wall? That is not going to help when it comes to sharing it now is it?

Comment by wndycty Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 2:04 pm
- Mason born - Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 1:20 pm:

The State really is close to the top of the “ramp”; there isn’t much “new” pain coming, just the pain of continuing to make the current payments. I think one recent study noted that this year’s payment was 84% of what the actuaries believe is required and that Illinois was one of the best states right now in terms of making the required level of payments (NJ was worst). Doesn’t negate the $100B hole, but it shows the state can stay more or less current, at least at the 5% income tax rate which is part of why it needs to be reinstated.

If Cullerton goes back down the “modify the pension contract” road, I think he will listen to Eric Madair and, this time, construct a legal offer that includes keep what you have as one choice.

That being said, I think this election shows two very sharply contrasting approaches to dealing with the $100B hole. Quinn will keep chipping away at it; Rauner will try to negate it. Only one of those approaches will have a good outcome for the retirees.

Comment by RNUG Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 2:05 pm
I grew up in a Tribune family, reading the Tribune every day of my life from the time I could sound out the words in Peanuts until I moved downstate, and OMG Trib. I guess it was the Sam Zell takeover that started this march down into inanity? I expect better than “Rauner will fix the economy by MAGIC!” even if it’s a Republican paper.

Comment by Educated in the Suburbs Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 2:07 pm
== Am I insulting 4th graders’ logic by comparing them to this hack job?==

Yes, and those kids don’t deserve that insult.

==Rauner has substance.==

LOL, what? The man doesn’t know if he’s serving beef or pork, chicken or fish.

Comment by Precinct Captain Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 2:09 pm
The news would have been either endorsing Quinn

Crain’s Chicago BUSINESS - Rauner makes “sense”.

Chicago Tribune - it goes back to @StatehouseChick - “Simple, change”

The simple-minded Primary endorsement was cleaned up this time so it sounded less…Dopey… but where is the surprise in the rationale?

I know @StatehouseChick is a swell person, lol

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 2:24 pm
More importantly, another day and another poll (YouGov) has switched over to Quinn +3. They had Rauner +3 a month ago.

Comment by Snucka Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 2:38 pm
Given the Tribune’s endorsement track record, Rauner might not be so pleased.
Also, maybe the Tribune will print another early edition Rauner “winner” headline per 1948.

Comment by Buzzie Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 2:43 pm
RNUG

I yield to the wisdom of your analysis. Glad we appear to be ready to level off at least.

It’s going to be interesting to see what “deal” they can come up with that is legal, has beneficial math for the State, and gets significant employee interest. Love to see those negotiations.

Comment by Mason born Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 2:49 pm
Chicago no longer has newspapers worth occasional purchase, let alone attention to editorial endorsement. Crain’s as the biz rag, could hardly note the destructiveness of a private equity klepto-capitalist

Comment by bored to zzzzz Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 3:02 pm
Things can get worse either way, which shows you how little the governor of this state factors into our politics and status.

Comment by Wensicia Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 3:03 pm
“Right to Work” is about the biggest lie foisted on America by Republicans.

Why cant they just say they want to break up unions?

Traditionally Republicans supported Unions. Its only since they’ve been hijacked that its become an issue.

Comment by Del Clinkton Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 3:19 pm
Rauner has substance? He makes me sweat all right. He makes me sweat with fear of the secret magic tricks he has but won’t tell until he’s elected. How can anyone vote for someone who won’t talk about how he’ll “shake things up”? What does he mean and what will he shake up? I’m avoid people who are stealthy and secret plotters. I can’t imagine that plan is good for all of us in Illinois!

Comment by Geronimo Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 3:31 pm
Del,
Check out this research on Right to Work states.

http://www.ilikeillinois.com/index.php/just-the-facts/46-economy/121-how-texas-and-indiana-rely-on-illinois-union-workers-wages

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 3:44 pm
Geronimo, I recall Richard Nixon had a secret plan for ending the Vietnam War, too. That worked out well.

Comment by Willie Stark Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 3:51 pm