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Please file this Rauner quote from Tuesday for future reference.
“I’m a competitive guy. I don’t lose.”
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 9:43 am
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People who think they never lose have already lost.
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 9:46 am
Pick a lane.
Since the election you have been telling us that you are concerned about being overwhelmed by what appears to be facing you as governor. That sounds like a loser talking.
You want to say this, then act like someone who says things like this, OK?
Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 9:49 am
Governing is a “We” thing, not a “I don’t lose” thing.
What has concerned me for a long time is this idea Rauner has that “winning” for his own sake will leave others in his wake;
The GOP Caucuses and the bipartisan PAC
Unwavering stances that lead to gridlock
Unconstitutional moves for spite
Unrealistic budget premises that ignore obvious compromises
The refusal to cut bait and fight another day
These have a possibility of not a governor who is strong or strong-willed, but a governor willing to cut his nose to spite his State, because of a need to win.
Up to the Rauner Crew to be fiercely loyal up to the line of politically ignorant to the situation(s)
Learning. Curve.
Could be large, could be flat.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 9:55 am
Lovely. Are we going to be seeing scorched earth tactics in Springfield?
Comment by Aldyth Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 9:55 am
Meh, if you never lose, you’re really not competitive. You don’t take chances or take on difficult tasks because you’re afraid to lose.
I guess all those business bankruptcies were victories. Actually, for his purposes, they probably were in most cases.
What is the purpose of the bragging, anyway? He has the gig.
Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 9:57 am
Not putting a lot of stock in rhetoric at this point. I’m going to give the guy a shot and see how he works with the legislature. This is going to be very interesting.
Comment by Stones Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 9:58 am
Erickson’s column this weekend about legislators who ascended to office via appointment left out a key detail…senators who are appointed early in a four year term have to run for election mid-term to complete the unexpired vacancy. No one serves a full, four-year senate term via appointment. The narrative sounds better without that detail.
Comment by Old Shepherd Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 10:01 am
it’s all in the translation. you may lose, you just describe it in a different way to make people think that you did not lose.
Comment by Amalia Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 10:11 am
“I don’t lose, but there are times when I don’t win”, is what he should have said. That way he could be the next Bears’ head coach.
Comment by Bogey Golfer Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 10:16 am
To be followed by something my Dad used to say.
“I never make mistakes. I thought I did once, but I was wrong.”
Comment by Stuff Happens Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 10:21 am
It’s easy for Rauner to say that while his nursing home company is pursuing bankruptcy. I can see how someone like Rauner has an attitude like this. After all, how have the GTCR principals fared income-wise, after the brutal failure of the nursing home company? Making $90 million in two years can make one feel virtually invincible.
Plus, Rauner never faced the likes of Madigan. Madigan loses the individual battles from time to time, but he rarely loses the war, as he’s held onto his supermajority.
Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 10:23 am
Good quote for private business..bad quote for government..can you say TED CRUZ??? His first loss will come when he meets with the Senate GOP caucus..
Comment by Not Rich Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 10:27 am
I’ve worked for bosses just like him… Trust me, they lose all the time.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 10:27 am
And here I thought that you can learn valuable lessons in losing. I guess winning is everything.
Comment by Sir Reel Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 10:32 am
@OW
=These have a possibility of not a governor who is strong or strong-willed, but a governor willing to cut his nose to spite his State, because of a need to win.=
Wow,OW, you really know nothing about the guy and people who come from his path to success, do you?
The guy is a deal maker. He knows when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em. Sure, he’s got a big ego, but it’s unlikely you achieve what he has without knowing when to fight, when to bluff…and when to RUN! He and MJM are cut from the same cloth…make a deal, gain power, gain wealth and influence.
I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised…provided your willing to accept some reform of union rules and stopping the ravaging of the state budget by the SEIU and patronage interests.
Comment by Arizona Bob Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 10:37 am
He has a history of buying and operating more than one losing company — but figured out ways to still make money from their failures, and avoid the worst of legal liability.
Is that what he thinks never losing is?
CEO/private equity bravado, without any introspection. We’ll see if that helps him in his new role.
Comment by Walker Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 10:43 am
“If you’re not first, you’re last”
Comment by Anonymoiis Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 10:46 am
- Arizona Bob -,
Please find me a governor whose mantra is…
“I don’t lose”
The most important thing(s) Rauner does is get LLs that understand the politics of the General Assembly and honestly works with Rauner’s Floor Leaders and don’t lie to the Speaker.
After that, a Press Shop that is in complete concert with honesty to the process and not exaserbating circumstances or going counter to the LLs.
“I don’t lose”
That equals…
“You’re not helping”
Governing is a “We” thing.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 10:47 am
Left unsaid, “I simply change positions to the one that won!”
Comment by Norseman Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 10:54 am
==stopping the ravaging of the state budget by the SEIU and patronage interests.==
Yep Bob. That’s what’s destroying the budget. Oh, and don’t forget prevailing wage. That’s a budget killer too. Isn’t that what you always tell us.
== accept some reform of union rules ==
Ain’t. Gonna. Happen.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 10:58 am
“I’m a competitive guy. I don’t lose.”
A governor who wins ugly is also a loser and appearances indicate that you have reached your limit.
Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 11:04 am
I think the honorable Rich Miller needs to stop drinking, and eat healthier.. 2015 is going to be SO MUCH FUN, we will need CFax up and running every day to keep us informed as only Mr. Rich can do..Cause we all know we can not depend on the Chicago Tribune!!!!!!!!
Comment by Not Rich Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 11:07 am
What wrong with a person who doesn’t like to lose?
Better than having the losers we’ve come to know; Ryan, Blagojevich and Quinn.
Comment by Naperville Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 11:11 am
It’s a campaign line. Sometimes that’s just all that it is. Cleansing breath friends.
Comment by A guy... Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 11:13 am
===What wrong with a person who doesn’t like to lose?===
- Naperville -, with respect,
There is a difference between someone saying they don’t LIKE to lose, and someone saying they DON’T lose.
Comprehend what is being quoted.
It’s not that Rauner doesn’t like the feeling of losing, or having a loss, or dealing with a loss.
Rauner. Doesn’t. Lose.
Words matter.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 11:16 am
I predict the new governor will have a lot of “up” days.
>
On the day the House crushed his business-tax concept on a 107-0 vote, (Blagojevich) managed to characterize the outcome as a positive development toward getting a budget.
“Today, I think, was basically an up,” he said then, adding, “I feel good about it.”
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 11:32 am
Willy? What is he supposed to say after campaigning on a platform of shaking up the status quo? “I’m a great groveler? I will kiss their feet and cry ‘please don’t humiliate me!”
Comment by Louis G Atsaves Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 11:51 am
=“I’m a competitive guy. I don’t lose.”=
Correction: “I’m a competitive guy. My money and I don’t lose.”
Comment by Knome Sane Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 11:53 am
“Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can’t lose.”
- Bill Gates
Illinois has a way of humbling its elected leaders.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 11:54 am
Whenever I hear someone speak like that (”I never lose”) I shudder to think that people are actually related to, are friends with, or, God forbid, are married to the type of person who would say something like that. I mean, I think I said similar things when I was 12 or so but I eventually grew up.
Comment by paddyrollingstone Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 11:57 am
- Louis G Atsaves -,
Isn’t this the same guy on Election Night that said he talked to both Speaker Madigan and President Cullerton and told them he wanted to work WITH them?
That’s right, those conversations never took place that night.
At all.
With respect,
It’s not about groveling, and you know that.
If Rauner didn’t or doesn’t want to work together, and just wants to “refuse to lose”, why the fake discussion about an olive branch?
Is it because Rauner doesn’t want to lose and finding a compromised position is both winning and losing?
The mixed signals as to how he approaches working with co-equal branches of government is what is troubling.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 11:58 am
To add to what Wordslinger said, there’s a saying that goes:
You never want an attorney that brags about having never lost a case. It just means he’s scared to take tough cases.
Same would apply to people in the Governor’s position.
Comment by chi Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 12:05 pm
Just reinforces my fear Rauner thinks he can just be the State’s CEO and accomplish his objectives by just ordering them to happen. He may be a deal maker, but it appears he’s been used to making the deals on HIS terms with dependent or subserviant partners.
Going to be an interesting 4 years …
Comment by RNUG Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 12:16 pm
You don’t get hit by the object you see coming. It is your concentration on that object that prevents you from considering altering your sight to other moving objects.
Many of you have whipped yourselves up into a frenzy over the perception of what you think he’s going to do and how he might do it based on your interpretation of what he’s said or done in your sphere of attention. Is it not possible other things are going on that you aren’t privy to? I say it is.
Let’s see how this goes.
Comment by A guy... Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 12:24 pm
===Many of you have whipped yourselves up into a frenzy over the perception of what you think he’s going to do and how he might do it based on your interpretation of what he’s said or done in your sphere of attention. ===
So….
If Rauner says he may have to shut down government, we ignore that?
If Rauner says he wants to work with MJM and Cullerton, we believe that?
If Rauner says MJM and Cullerton are part of 100 years of combined corruption, we ignore that?
If Rauner says he can increase education spending, we believe that?
If Rauner says we need to have up to 30% cuts in Higher Education, we ignore that?
Will there be a signal or indicator what to believe and what not to believe?
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 12:30 pm
That quote appears out of context. Bernie Schoenburg’s Sunday column had the same quote, but also reported the new Gov. saying: “I ain’t perfect. I fail sometimes, but you know what? In the long run, I don’t fail. We’re gonna figure it out. We’re gonna get it right.” While not steeped in humility (what Gov is?), the out of context quote does not seem to fairly convey Rauner’s message at that event.
Comment by Sam Cahnman Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 12:32 pm
I imagine Rauner’s definition of losing, and winning, is quite different from ours. My concern, it’s personal to him, not the possible consequences to the state.
Comment by Wensicia Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 12:34 pm
ANSWERS IN CAPS:
===So….
If Rauner says he may have to shut down government, we ignore that? NO
If Rauner says he wants to work with MJM and Cullerton, we believe that? YES
If Rauner says MJM and Cullerton are part of 100 years of combined corruption, we ignore that? NO.
If Rauner says he can increase education spending, we believe that? MAYBE
If Rauner says we need to have up to 30% cuts in Higher Education, we ignore that? NO
Will there be a signal or indicator what to believe and what not to believe? YOU ALREADY HAVE ONE IN YOUR HEAD THAT YOU REACT TO REGULARLY.=====
Comment by A guy... Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 12:47 pm
===Is it not possible other things are going on that you aren’t privy to? I say it is.===
So, - A Guy -, you are privy to these and all answers, since you first tell us there are things going on we’re not privy to, but you have no problem answering yes or no to most of the questions of comprehension including;
Rauner may shut down government.
MJM and Cullerton ARE part of 100 years of career corruption.
Rauner will increase education funding and not cut, even up to 30% Higher Education.
Don’t play the “babe in the woods”, you’re inside, and clarifying for the Press Crew
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 12:54 pm
There should be some interesting exchanges between Bruce Rauner and MJM in the future. I am sure that he and his staff have duly noted this statement and have already formed up battle lines. Rauner will soon find out that you have to work with MJM and not against him to get anything done. Mr Madigan could also say I don’t lose because in the past he hasn’t. This ought to be fun.
Comment by Ginhouse Tommy Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 12:55 pm
“I don’t lose” is an insight into his Self. Into his mental self-protection maybe. No matter what happens “I don’t lose”. Note to Self
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 1:53 pm
===The mixed signals as to how he approaches working with co-equal branches of government is what is troubling.===
Mixed signals or dramatic over analysis based on skimpy facts? Voters didn’t elect him to office to be a shy wallflower.
Comment by Louis G Atsaves Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 2:42 pm
===Mixed signals or dramatic over analysis based on skimpy facts?===
Oh, you mean the utter Dopey hyperbole by Rauner to match his audience, even if it’s not remotely consistent to what he says to any other group.
Ok. lol
My bad.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 2:46 pm
Little Bighorn, Titanic, Illinois governor’s office, all have something in common. The person in charge thought “I don’t lose”.
Comment by DuPage Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 2:56 pm
Did you spend all day on that one Dupe?
Comment by A guy... Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 3:09 pm
Governor elect Rauner….don’t let up!
Comment by Sunshine Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 3:15 pm
He’s going to unveil his budget a month after he takes office. We’ll know more about what kind of Governor he will be at that time.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 3:16 pm
==don’t let up==
Actually, please let up a little with the campaign rhetoric now. It’s time to make the transition to governing.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 3:17 pm
“Voters didn’t elect him to office to be a shy wallflower.” No, they elected him to not be Pat Quinn, and little else.
Comment by Skeptic Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 3:20 pm
- Demoralized -,
Two really good comments;
A budget clearly defines how a governor feels and approaches his position…
The best way to govern, is to do jus that, govern. The more campaign rhetoric that shies away from governing, the less of a chance you can be seen making that critical transition.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 3:21 pm
Let’s see what he does. I remain hopeful, accepting the harsh realities we face.
Experience has(sadly)taught us to ignore much of what campaigns say about their candidates’ positions.
Can Rauner both increase and decrease education spending by the state? No. Can Rauner pull off both legislative term limits and property tax freezes? No. Can Rauner make it thru this fiscal year without the kinds of borrowing and funds transfers that he so seriously attacked? No.
All old news.
We can easily criticize any broken promises from his campaign when the time comes to compare them to his actions, and that’s true of most politicians.
Let’s save our serious comments and criticisms for his actions as they occur.
Comment by Walker Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 3:30 pm
“Experience has(sadly)taught us to ignore much of what campaigns say about their candidates’ positions.”
Actually, most poli sci research shows that elected officials, especially in executive offices, try very hard to keep their campaign promises. You have to remember that they’re surrounded by very big networks of people who believe very sincerely in their campaign promises…
“Can Rauner both increase and decrease education spending by the state? No. Can Rauner pull off both legislative term limits and property tax freezes? No. Can Rauner make it thru this fiscal year without the kinds of borrowing and funds transfers that he so seriously attacked? No.
All old news.”
That he promised impossibilities is not “old news” before he’s even sworn in, and even if it were, it would still be very, very relevant.
Comment by Arsenal Monday, Dec 22, 14 @ 4:19 pm