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* From Bruce Rauner’s campaign manager Chip Englander…
We prefer our interactions with news organizations be kept between us and that outlet. That remains true for this story as well. That said, since you are reporting on this matter, here are the facts the campaign presented the Sun-Times’ editors as well as the facts on related matters:
· The allegations were tossed out in court and sworn depositions contradict the allegations. Given those facts, publishing the story was irresponsible.
· One of the reporters had an extraordinary conflict of interest – married to a Democrat operative with deep connections to an attack group that has spent millions attacking Bruce Rauner.
· 24 hours before the story Democrats were already polling on the attack, using language that mirrored what the Sun Times had asked the campaign.
· The campaign asked the Sun Times that if it was running the story, in the interest of transparency, it ought to at least disclose to its readers the conflict of interest. The Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics regarding conflicts of interest or the appearance stresses transparency. This request was rejected.
· After the story was published, we asked for some important clarifications and corrections to the story. These were rejected.
· No one reached out to Mr. Ferro.
· Fortunately, voters have seen through these false allegations. New poll out yesterday has us beating Quinn by 2%.
The bottom line is the campaign followed all proper channels to combat the misleading and inaccurate story prior to its publication. Our request to editors was simply that the reporter’s deep connections to an attack group that has spent millions attacking Bruce Rauner be disclosed by the paper in accordance with the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics.
For reference below is more information on the deep connections that we believe warranted a disclosure in the paper:
· The website of Adelstein|Liston, the advertising firm she co-owns, lists ads attacking Bruce Rauner as examples of the firm’s work on its website.
· Jemma Productions, the production company paid over $600,000 to make ads attacking Bruce Rauner, lists her business partner as its proprietor and is housed within the same office suite as Adelstein|Liston.
· Illinois Board of Elections filings indicate that Adelstein|Liston and Jemma Productions are one in the same. In her third quarter report, Democratic state house candidate Kate Cloonen listed $128,800 in payments to “Adelstein|Liston Jemma Productions.”
Again, in the interest of transparency, the campaign asked the Sun-Times to disclose to its readers the conflict of interest. The Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics states that reporters should “avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived. Disclose unavoidable conflicts.” Despite this, our request was rejected. Ironically, in its endorsement of Bruce Rauner, the Sun-Times disclosed that Bruce was once a minority investor in the parent company that owns the Sun-Times.
As the Rauner campaign surely knows by now, Liston is not doing any campaign consulting in Illinois, even though the firm she belongs to is. Rauner’s folks are keeping that attack going at their own risk. But, hey, I’m always happy to post their stuff.
*** UPDATE *** From the Quinn campaign…
Once again Bruce Rauner is blaming everybody but himself and refusing to take responsibility for his own actions.
The irony here is that Mr. Rauner got into this mess by bullying a woman executive and then he paid $500,000 to make the lawsuit go away. Now here he is again, going after another woman executive.
posted by Rich Miller
Saturday, Oct 18, 14 @ 7:01 pm
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=The allegations were tossed out in court and sworn depositions contradict the allegations. Given those facts, publishing the story was irresponsible.=
This is wrong and misleading. First, the credibility of the statements were not ruled on in court. Counts were thrown out because of other defects. Enough counts still remained to convince Rauner to settle for $500k.
Also, the fact that one sworn statement is contradicted by another sworn statement in no way makes publishing the story “irresponsible”. For example, any criminal case where the defendant is pleading innocent will have one sworn statement contradicting another. That doesn’t prevent a paper from publishing what the victim claims. For cryin out loud…
Comment by chi Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 7:25 am
==We prefer our interactions with news organizations be kept between us and that outlet. ==
Especially when we are threatening journalists and doing everything in our power to manipulate the message and the masses, so we can buy an election.
Comment by Redux Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 7:27 am
- We prefer our interactions with news organizations be kept between us and that outlet. -
Seriously, opening sentence?
Might as well have said, “When Bruce buys a newspaper, he expects it to stay bought.”
Clowns.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 7:29 am
===We prefer our interactions with news organizations be kept between us and that outlet.===
“The most effective way for strong-arming, is intimidation and silence.”
===· The allegations were tossed out in court and sworn depositions contradict the allegations.===
“Not one of the deposed have said their sworn statements are lies.”
===…married to a Democrat operative…===
“Dog whistle, activate!”
===· The campaign asked the Sun Times that if it was running the story, in the interest of transparency, it ought to at least disclose to its readers the conflict of interest.===
“Do what we tell you, and no one gets hurt.”
===· After the story was published, we asked for some important clarifications and corrections to the story. These were rejected.
· No one reached out to Mr. Ferro.
· Fortunately, voters have seen through these false allegations. New poll out yesterday has us beating Quinn by 2%.===
“We wanted clarification, made contact, but didn’t make contact, but we sent our ‘message’, this time, it just wasn’t a dead fish, wrapped in the Sun-Times”
“Oh, by the way, here is a poll thingy so Bruce seems relevant to the muscle play”
===The bottom line is the campaign followed all proper channels to combat the misleading and inaccurate story prior to its publication. Our request to editors was simply that the reporter’s deep connections to an attack group that has spent millions attacking Bruce Rauner be disclosed by the paper in accordance with the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics.===
“The bottom line is the campaign followed all proper alleged extortion protocols to combat the damaging and accurate story prior to its publication. Our demand to editors was simply that the reporter’s be ‘deep sized’ and his connections warned too that an attack to their integrity and livelihood that they have spent years cultivating will be destroyed by an attacking Bruce Rauner and it won’t be disclosed by the paper that Bruce Rauner lacks honesty, integrity, ethics, and morals, because we will go after anyone the Rauner Way”
Better.
…
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 7:29 am
“The bottom line is the campaign followed all proper alleged extortion protocols to combat the damaging and accurate story prior to its publication. Our demand to editors was simply that the reporter be ‘deep sixed’ and his connections warned too, and that an attack to their integrity and livelihood that they have spent years cultivating will be destroyed by an attacking Bruce Rauner and it won’t be disclosed by the paper that Bruce Rauner lacks honesty, integrity, ethics, and morals, because we will go after anyone the Rauner Way”
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 7:32 am
“Our recommendation is fire all those [expletive] people, get ‘em the [expletive] out of there and get us some editorial support.” — Rod Blagojevich, FBI tape (Nov. 4, 2008) http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-oped1214mccormickdec14-story.html
I’ll bet Blago also would have preferred that “our interactions with news organizations be kept between us and that outlet.”
– MrJM
Comment by MrJM Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 7:40 am
I suspect “threatgate” will blow up today and dominate this week’s news. This scandal - if not handled properly by Rauner - could easily derail his candidacy.
1. Where the He$# is the BGA on this issue? They need to do something to protect Dave McKinney and reporters in general.
2. Other than Capfax and Crain’s, the Chicago media’s coverage on this has been very limited. What gives? I can understand why the Sun Times and the Tribune are ignoring it but this seems like great news for radio and TV stations.
Comment by Astor Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 7:43 am
Rauner campaign defense:
We attacked a man’s credibility based on the political associations of his wife.
Comment by walker Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 7:48 am
- Where the He$# is the BGA -
I’m assuming the $ was intentional, right?
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 7:51 am
=Where the He$# is the BGA on this issue?=
Speaking of conflcits, Rauner is a former member of the BGA’s Leadership Committee. Don’t hold your breath.
Comment by chi Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 7:54 am
Rauner’s wife is a Democrat too, right. Probably shouldn’t believe the stuff he says either.
Comment by chi Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 7:55 am
As a Republican basing my distain for Rauner, on the pride that I would never back a candidate that was the Rod Blagojevich of the ILGOP, I do take pause often, wondering;
“Is Bruce that candidate? Is Bruce Rauner the Blago of the ILGOP?”
Then I let Rauner and his Crew prove me right. Exactly right.
Bruce Rauner is Rod Blagojevich…with the bottomless pockets…bank on it.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 7:58 am
Sun-Times should have disclosed this relationship to their readers or the reporter shouldn’t be covering the race.
The rest of this is just spin from Democrats looking to smear Rauner.
Nothing wrong with his campaign spokesman calling the newspaper.
Comment by Corbee Swanson Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 8:07 am
Swanson:
Chip Englander never thought the fact the SunTimes is owned by a business partner of Rauner’s was relevant.
Are you saying their coverage of this election and state government is tainted?
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 8:13 am
===The rest of this is just spin from Democrats looking to smear Rauner.===
Well, former US Attorney Pat Collins will dig into it, lol
The Raunerbots are out in full force and doing their usual;
“If we say it loud enough, say it often enough, we will prevail over the facts.”
Attention Raunerbots;
If you despise Rod, and you think Rauner is the savior, this was a Blago move; discredit the Trib Editorial Board because Rod didn’t like the coverage he got.
Dopes.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 8:14 am
Mr.JM, unfortunately for Blago, he couldn’t deliver the Wrigley Field boondoggle for the Tribbies. Apparently, Rauner still has the juice with his former partners at the Sun-Times.
So how does Mr. Nice Guy go about his business?
– secretly funds attack ads against Schock.
– secretly funds attack ads against opponents in primary.
– sends armed goons to intimidate Libertarian petition passers at their homes.
– buses in obscenity screaming thugs to disrupt a debate.
– uses influence to threaten the livelihood of a reporter doing his job.
Miss anything?
Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 8:19 am
The irony in this whole situation of Bruce Rauner being married to a lifetime Democrat who has donated thousands of dollars to Democratic causes and candidates, who has also aired two commercials on your behalf.
Then a well-respected news reporter does a story on your “successful business career” and you threaten the well-being of his family.
Political ramifications of this aside, good luck having the Chicago media write another story you are trying to push to the press. Earned media for the Rauner Team will be weak for the last three weeks. A pretty vital and important part of the election, just ask Bill Brady.
Comment by Almost the Weekend Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 8:20 am
If we give Rauner all benefits of the doubt, and look at his claimed leadership and business history, his next move will be to say he didn’t know, criticize Englander and Schrimpf and send them back to the Republican Governor’s Association and Wisconsin, or wherever they’re needed by Reince Priebus.
That would be consistent with his apparent management process — invest up front and attract deep-pocketed backers, recruit the “best” executives that your backers can recommend, then leave them alone to do whatever it takes to make you succeed.
Then, if they really screw up, distance yourself from them, say it was their decisions that were wrong, buy some silence, and make a clean getaway.
Comment by walker Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 8:20 am
Wordslinger: “secretly funds attack ads against opponents in primary”
You have to wonder how the Rutherford folks are feeling at this point?
Comment by Astor Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 8:23 am
Chip must be a genius. Or has a lot of chutzpah to be sure. Has he ever worked in IL before? I wish they’d have held a press conference on this matter
Comment by low level Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 8:23 am
===– secretly funds attack ads against Schock.===
Makes you wonder how that Tom Hagen moment went, when Rauner buried the hatchet (in)with Schock.
Hmm.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 8:25 am
Ah - so I suppose attacking reporters is part of the “regular Guy” strategy?
http://m.host.madison.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/illinois-candidate-for-governor-channels-scott-walker-s-regular-guy/article_21c6db0e-5783-11e3-8b8d-0019bb2963f4.html?mobile_touch=true
Comment by low level Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 8:27 am
==We prefer our interactions with news organizations be kept between us and that outlet.==
Ummm, it’s a “news organization,” and you are a gubernatorial campaign weeks out from election that is asserting bias on a hot story by a top reporter based on pillow talk. I suspect you are too young to know, but check out some comedic video about the “Cone of Silence” from the old “Get Smart” TV show. Then realize that the Sun-Times doesn’t have one, anyway.
Comment by Percival Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 8:30 am
===We prefer our interactions with news organizations be kept between us and that outlet. That remains true for this story as well.===
Only a Dope would think extorting a paper to “deep six” a reporter would be kept quiet.
It’s not like Dave McKinney has years and years of credibility…
Oh, wait…
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 8:32 am
===Is Bruce Rauner the Blago of the ILGOP?”===
They both have numerous questionable traits smacking of sociopathy but Rauner probably has “it” worse than Blagojevich.
===this was a Blago move===
His behavior is often reminiscent of RRB.
Comment by Mighty M. Mouse Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 8:34 am
^^^Makes you wonder how that Tom Hagen moment went, when Rauner buried the hatchet (in)with Schock.^^^
Well, I don’t think Schock and Rauner will be dining together on Thanksgiving.
Comment by Peoria Guy Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 8:34 am
OW: “Bruce Rauner is Rod Blagojevich…with the bottomless pockets…bank on it.”
Rauner seems more like Richard Nixon (on steroids) to me. I’d be stunned if he doesn’t have his “enemies” list typed up and ready to roll.
Comment by Astor Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 8:37 am
Good news for Illinois politicians. You’re now only the second most corrupt institution in Illinois, behind the news media.
Comment by too obvious Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 8:38 am
This is just confirmation that in Illinois the media, politicians, and business are connected in way’s the general public are not aware of. It works both ways… All the time. If I am wrong, why are we here? Why is this site so popular? Some folks have caught on.. They Trib and Times are dying for a variety of reasons. One real one is the credibility.
Comment by Walter Mitty Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 8:43 am
Astor… You think Madigan doesn’t? Geez…
Comment by Walter Mitty Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 8:44 am
Or PQ..?
Comment by Walter Mitty Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 8:46 am
Chi: Speaking of conflcits, Rauner is a former member of the BGA’s Leadership Committee. Don’t hold your breath.”
Maybe the BGA should end their relationship with the Sun Times?
Comment by Astor Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 8:54 am
WM - a pattern of threats and intimidation is emerging against Rauner, not Madigan or Quinn.
Comment by Astor Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 8:57 am
How many Illinois voters are going to pick up on this? Or the ties between Rauner (and Rahm) and the Sun-Times? What they MIGHT pick up on is that pretty much every major newspaper in Illinois has endorsed Rauner, regardless of what’s behind those endorsements. If I were Quinn, I’d start cherry-picking the newspapers’ past praise for presenting realistic plans and getting some counter-punch ads ready — it feels like Rauner is finding his footing with the “you’re going to get a tax hike right after the election” ads and these endorsements. Quinn has done a good job painting Rauner as a rich corporation monster and maybe that combined with low non-labor turnout will be enough, but why chance it?
Comment by lake county democrat Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 9:00 am
At least Rod waited until he was Governor to start threatening reporters at major news outlets.
Comment by Snucka Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 9:01 am
Well said Snucka.
Comment by Jorge Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 9:06 am
This is a message to all media outlets:
Rauner: “If I become governor, either kiss up or watch out!”
Comment by Wensicia Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 9:10 am
“- Corbee Swanson - Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 8:07 am:
Sun-Times should have disclosed this relationship to their readers or the reporter shouldn’t be covering the race.”
And maybe the Sun-Times should have disclosed the fact that Rauner was a 10% owner and received a “buyout” so he could run for governor every time they’ve written something negative about Pat Quinn? Oh, that’s different somehow. I guess where YOU stand depends on where YOU sit…
Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 9:16 am
Rauner seems to have the Madigan routine down already—steamroll anybody in your way.
Comment by Peoria Guy Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 9:18 am
== sworn depositions contradict the allegations ==
Is this true?
This is the first I have heard of it. Seems like a crucial piece of information.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 9:54 am
The villain in this particular tale is not Rauner; it’s Michael Ferro. He’s an incompetent amateur who’s treating the Sun-Times like a rich boy’s plaything. He’s behind the sidelining of McKinney, the clumsy rollout of the Rauner endorsement, which was utterly baked in from the beginning. Ferro has no idea what it means to own and run a newspaper. He has done more damage to the Sun-Times than it’s possible to imagine.
Comment by Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 9:57 am
And Channel 5? What was Carol Marin’s motivation other than to report on an important a story which reflects on the candidate’s character?
Comment by truthteller Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 10:04 am
I think reporters like McKinney should have developed a thicker skin by now. My goodness, they expect office seekers to have one! Reporters can and have been woefully irresponsible in reporting on elected officials and candidates; then they hide behind the first amendment when called on it. Some reporters have it in for a candidate, and their reporting reflects that bias. So lighten up, McKinney. And I’m embarrassed that a former US Attorney would even take this ‘case’(there is no case - it’s a publicity stunt)!
Comment by Formerpol Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 10:17 am
The red meat is medium rare this morning.
Comment by A guy... Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 10:18 am
“Red meat”?
That’s it? lol
- Formerpol -,
It has to be tough to be a lemming. Maybe it’s just too easy.
What part should McKinney have a tougher skin about;
Questioning his ethics from Rauner and his Crew? Pathetic.
Attacking his new wife, and that he is a puppet to her whims? Too Nicholas Sparks, while condescending too.
What part - Formerpol -?
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 10:34 am
Rauner loves to call other corrupt but when he buys people, places things (like his daughters way into a school) well now….that is a different thing all together. Rauner is as corrupt as those he accuses. You can make bank on that.
Comment by JS Mill Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 10:36 am
It seems to me that this is a hit piece on Rauner, period. Honestly is it uncommon for political campaigns to call the media and complain and whine about stories written about their guy/girl? Rauners people have copped to doing just so.
And the fact that he “disappeared” from his beat…and hired a former prosecuter to “investigate”, - that seems odd too. What is he investigating as a private attorney? Sounds like headline grabbing to me. I don’t know why he “disappeared” from his beat. Maybe he is on vacation. Maybe he is taking it off so there is more red meat to write misleading headlines about.
Seriously OW - how do you know that Rauner tried to “deep six” a reporter, I am asking honestly here - or is it just from the info released that you are making that assertion.
Comment by allknowingmasterofracoondom Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 10:38 am
==then they hide behind the first amendment==
Which Rauner apparently doesn’t believe in since his campaign tried to nix the reporter’s story.
Man, if your Raunerbots can’t see the disgusting nature of this episode then I really don’t know what to say other than honesty isn’t your best quality.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 10:44 am
==then they hide behind the first amendment==
Which Rauner apparently doesn’t believe in since his campaign tried to nix the reporter’s story.
Man, if you Raunerbots can’t see the disgusting nature of this episode then I really don’t know what to say other than honesty isn’t your best quality.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 10:44 am
cue the commercial: and now a former federal prosecutor has been hired to investigate whether Rauner’s campaign threatened a reporter and had him sidelined.
Comment by Amalia Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 10:48 am
===And the fact that he “disappeared” from his beat…and hired a former prosecuter to “investigate”, - that seems odd too. What is he investigating as a private attorney? Sounds like headline grabbing to me. I don’t know why he “disappeared” from his beat. Maybe he is on vacation. Maybe he is taking it off so there is more red meat to write misleading headlines about.===
My answer to you?
“And the fact that he “disappeared” from his beat…and hired a former prosecuter to “investigate”, - that seems odd too. What is he investigating, that he got sidelined by a phone call by the Rauner Crew? Sounds like someone didn’t want McKinney reporting anything, anytime soon, to me. I don’t know why he “disappeared” from his beat. My mocking if due diligence would include…Maybe he is on vacation. Maybe he is taking it off so there is an example to other reporters to ‘fall in line’ or plan on your own vacation, maybe from your work for longer than 5 days. That’s what this is about.”
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 11:08 am
For those asking, rightfully, where is the Better Government Association, the self-proclaimed protector of watchdog journalism ?
What is the BGA doing to stand by this Sun Times reporter and challenge the Sun Times for its failure to protect investigative reporting and watchdog journalism ?
The answer: the BGA gave its annual award to Sun Times CEO Michael Ferro last Tuesday.
[http://goo.gl/KK5cfx]
And Michael Ferro returned the favor - he was the main sponsor of the luncheon.
[http://goo.gl/wpDQFu]
And at the luncheon, Andy Shaw praised “the Sun Times, which is recognized for its commitment to investigative reporting and watchdog journalism.”
[http://goo.gl/juiuh6]
Rich guys like their toys and playthings. Wine clubs, newspapers - and the BGA.
Comment by Jay Cutler Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 11:47 am
“”McKinney needs to develop thicker skin”.
No.
Rauner needs to develop thicker skin and stop threatening female executives and well respected reporters.
You guys sure are dense.
Classic case of accusing someone else of doing what you are doing.
Comment by low level Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 11:57 am
From the additional stories that are popping up about this it appears the new ownership of the Sun-Times botched this up big time.
Who exactly is running the news and editorial departments over there? Who edits this stuff? Who has the final say?
If the Sun-Times suspended or sidelined McKinney for that nonsensical story while they were investigating, then shame on them. If the Sun-Times refused to place a disclaimer over a potential conflict of interest, then shame on them. Sounds like McKinney has a point in hiring a lawyer. He is a member of a union and I’m sure there is a procedure for complaints filed that appears to have not been followed here.
That’s Rauner’s fault too? Nope.
Comment by Louis G Atsaves Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 12:00 pm
===McKinney needs to develop thicker skin===
Wow. Blame the victim. Nicely done.
Guy gets sidelined for no good reason at all, and he’s the one who should buck up, eh?
Amazing.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 12:01 pm
===That’s Rauner’s fault too? Nope.===
Except for that strong-arming part, brought on by Rauner’s Campaign Manager.
Other than that, no blame. lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 12:02 pm
Bruce Rauner, appears to believe the only victim in his “bull in a China shop” Tom Hagen ways…
…is Bruce Rauner.
All the while, Raunerbots, believe that too.
I swore when Dems backed Rod, I would never be so dense to follow a Rod like nominee if My Party did that.
Now is that time; stand by my promise.
The ILGOP Blago is here.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 12:07 pm
LCD, this episode aside, in high-profile races, newspaper endorsements are a vanity exercise for editorial boards. Makes them feel like big shots.
There’s wall-to-wall media in this race. The relatively few undecided aren’t looking for newspapers endorsements to make up their minds.
Now, for judges and state reps., it used to be a different story.
Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 12:33 pm
== Guy gets sidelined for no good reason at all ==
The only thing that might make sense is if he was temporarily absent with pay while they == investigated == the allegations, nothing wrong was found and he returned to normal status.
Otherwise, sidelining him was crazy and very unfair to Dave.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 12:37 pm
I think the Rauner=Blago comparison is a bit off.
Rauner is smarter than Blago. Rauner doesn’t need to worry about cash in the future. Rauner is more self confident than Blago and doesn’t have the delicious bag of neuroses and insecurities that Blago has.
What he does have is a rampant ego with seemingly few ethical ‘checks’ in it and a belief in his own epic story and righteousness. He’s a thinner taller version of Chris Christie with hundreds of millions of dollars.
I don’t see him having an “enemies list” ala Nixon, but more like a “I want what I want NOW” list and will do almost anything to get it. Much of what his campaign has done has been flat out stupid.
He needs a Chief of Staff who can tell him “NO” and give him a time out to sit in a corner for awhile. I doubt he has that.
Why does an older version of Marlo from “The Wire” come to my mind. “My name is my name and my name is Rauner”.
Comment by IrishPirate Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 1:05 pm
Say what you will about “career politicians”, but they do know what it is to be part of a representative democratic process. No public figure concerned about his or her reputation, not to mention future relationship with voters, legislators and the media would behave the way Rauner does.
Who does Rauner represent? Look at his campaign contributions. They are dominated by large donations from himself and a few dozen other wealthy white men. If he wins, that is who he will continue to represent.
Comment by Snucka Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 1:21 pm
It appears Jim Kirk is just walking around in a daze, careful not to sit down and get pinched in the butt by his Rauner button that he appears to have paid for by his actions on this one.
Comment by Roscoe Tom Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 3:00 pm
“Once again Bruce Rauner is blaming everybody but himself and refusing to take responsibility for his own actions.”
Just like Pat Quinn–EXCEPT that settlements get paid with TAX DOLLARS.
Comment by Chris Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 4:28 pm
Rauner clearly made a huge mistake, first in the threats and now with McKinney.
Hey Chip- when your candidate is the subject of a story that tends to make your candidate look bad, don’t start crying about it.
Comment by low level Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 4:55 pm
So let me get this straight. According to the Rauner campaign, when the opposition mentions the fact that Rauner’s running mate and co-governor candidate Evelyn Sanguinetti has claimed that she possesses “magical” powers that is a “sexist political smear campaign”, but when Rauner’s campaign is impugning the integrity of the wife of a reporter who was doing his job that is alright???
Comment by Sunshine Monday, Oct 20, 14 @ 8:27 pm