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Question of the day

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Illinois

* How often have you found yourself agreeing with Gov. Rauner during his first couple weeks in office? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.

polls & surveys

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 2:35 pm

Comments

I think we need an N/A option as Rauner hasn’t really said or done anything.

Comment by pundent Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 2:39 pm
Rich, think this poll would be more valid after a month.

Comment by Bogey Golfer Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 2:42 pm
Somewhat agree … and although the jury is still out, so far I’ve actually been pleasantly surprised overall.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 2:43 pm
Mostly disagree: Least impressive start to one’s “first 100 days” I can remember–he’s wasting his honeymoon for some reason.

Comment by From the 'Dale to HP Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 2:44 pm
===think this poll would be more valid after a month===

I have my reasons for doing it now.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 2:45 pm
Voted “mostly agree”;

His shop, his appointments, elections have consequences.

The main issue I have is the $20 million to usurp the ILGOP GA,

The autonomy of the GA is scary business, but if Rep. Sandack can “get in line”…

We’ll see how the $20 million “rolls”, but no real beefs. He won.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 2:47 pm
I struggled but ended up with slightly agree. I’m still annoyed by his over-the-top rhetoric and continued campaigning. His basically meaningless executive orders are geared to play to the perception that he’s actually doing something.

However, I’ve appreciated the effort to build bridges with the other side of the aisle. He’s also made a couple of could appointments of people I know are quality people. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt on the others.

Giving him some honeymoon time, I picked somewhat agree rather than somewhat disagree.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 2:49 pm
I voted “mostly agree” and found myself in the rare, but pleasant position of being in the majority here for once. That in itself means something. What? I don’t know.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 2:50 pm
Oops - meant “a couple of GOOD appointments”

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 2:50 pm
That’s a lot of votes and a little splain’. What’s up?

Comment by A guy Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 2:52 pm
I am a long time state worker who sits at high level. I also tend to lean towards the Dems on issues. I want to say that I am very proud of the democracy that I have seen with this administration, I know it is very early on but I have never seen this before. I hope it continues so we can set a standard going forward.

Comment by no suprise Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 2:52 pm
A guy, it’s usually 7-10 votes per comment.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 2:53 pm
Mostly agree… Some good appointments. Actually like today’s, very impressive.

Comment by Walter Mitty Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 2:53 pm
The single factor that put me in “slightly disagree” was his choice for ISBE chair. Otherwise, his other decisions do not leave me with a negative impression.

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 2:54 pm
The only things I’ve agreed w/ him on are some platitudes that he has yet to provide any specifics on and I don’t think I will agree w/ his specifics based on the few specifics I’ve heard so far. He’s made a couple of ok appointments, but that isn’t enough to move from “always disagree” to “mostly disagree”

Comment by D.P.Gumby Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 2:57 pm
Mostly agree. His appointments all seem diverse and qualified. Gets extra points for hiring a former Governor, Linda Lingle, as COO.

Comment by Samurai Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 2:59 pm
My “mostly agree” is in the snapshot and prism of “Transition” and appointment of today, including going back to the swearing-in itself.

I have no budget to critique, no legislative agenda or accomplishments to digest, and I have yet to see Rauner in the “arena” as Governor, during session, in a gaggle of press peppering him with questions…

First 11-12 days, “mostly agree”

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:03 pm
I thought the pre-inauguration tour of smaller towns was a nice touch. I think he was wise to let the whole four-year appointment thing go without a fuss.

Other than that, it’s been pretty routine move-in stuff up to now. The heavy lifting is yet to come.

He might want to watch all that talk about bonuses and more money for every agency he visits. People might take him seriously.

Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:03 pm
Disagree. Still waiting for the secret plan to be disclosed.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:04 pm
Somewhat agree. Visiting all of the inaugural receptions in Springfield was a positive touch. Appearing bi-partisan and reaching across the aisle to all legislators is a positive touch. Starting the new year with a $20 million PAC introduces us to his dark side.

Comment by NW Illinois Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:06 pm
Mostly agree - At least for now, appears to be trying to work with people. Also, for the most part, his appointments make sense.

Comment by East Central Illinois Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:13 pm
I voted “somewhat agree.” It is really early to weigh in on this topic, but I am willing to give the new Governor a chance.

I was ambivalent about Rauner and my decision to support him was really about Quinn fatigue and disappointment.

Comment by Under Further Review Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:15 pm
Mostly agree. He’s been making sensible choices and is laying the groundwork for positive working relationships, has been out meeting constituents in a variety of areas. He gives the impression of being a hard worker, which goes a long way with most people.

Comment by Earnest Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:15 pm
Mostly agree. He’s on the job, looks like he’s enjoying it. I like almost all of his appointments. My only quibble is the use of EO’s but I’m not losing any sleep over it.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:26 pm
Mostly disagree, but I haven’t seen much substance. I agree with overturning PQ’s last minute actions. I’m decidedly mixed on the appointees. The CoS for the First Spouse was a bad move. He should have taken the lead and promoted a special election for the JBT vacancy. He should not have brought back the “government union bosses” trope in his inaugural address. The $20 million campaign fund is disturbing.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:26 pm
Mostly agree. Like OW, I have grave concerns about that $20M fund. As in Washington, it’s the rich buying influence, and for the life of me, they just don’t get what’s wrong with that–or more likely simply don’t care.

His appointments seem good. I want to give the guy an honest chance.

Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:27 pm
Voted somewhat agree, and cautiously optimistic based on what I’ve seen so far. Some very good appointments overall. Primary disagreement is that far more specifics are needed at this point than have been provided.

Comment by AC Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:31 pm
Somewhat agree. Liked the reaching out and meeting with members of both stripes. Don’t care for the $20M ‘if you vote with me’ money. And then there’s that whole left hand thing at the swearing in….

Comment by Tommydanger Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:33 pm
I agree about the $20M fund. That bothers me more than anything he’s done.

Comment by lil enchilada Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:33 pm
“Mostly agree.” He has been visible around Springfield, letters of termination were as classy as they could be given that people were losing their jobs, the hires so far seem to be a good mix (although lawyer heavy), he seems tireless and has indicated several times that he intends to work with the GA and is believable when he has said it. Not bad for a first week.

Comment by Observation Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:36 pm
Mostly I want a boss the respects the work I do for the people of our state. Haven’t had that since Edgar/Ryan days. Tied of being made the scape goat.

Comment by Johnnie F. Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:37 pm
I found myself mostly disagreeing since his inauguration. Too many contradictions (not withstanding the condescending smugness.)
For example:
“I’m nobody that nobody sent.” - while ComEd, AT&T, and other “regulated” entity executives sat approving in the gov’s guest section on the main floor.
Complaining that “union bosses” can get a governor elected in obvious contradiction to his own presence on stage.
Thus already showing the duality and same extreme phony populism of Quinn & Blago.
As far as his appointments go, its a mixed bag depending on the agency, some qualified, some industry hacks, some ?. Also disagree because he got rid of several good Quinn appointees and has kept questionable ones. - it really is tough to rate performance at this early stage.

Comment by Qui Tam Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:43 pm
Obviously it’s too early to really see him at work and have an idea of how successful he’ll be at governing, but I voted “mostly agree” when it comes to how he’s approached things so far. I like that he reached out right away to the powers-that-be on both sides of the aisle, and was even more impressed by the stories that he’s reaching out to the lower-ranking members on both sides, too. Visiting agencies and meeting (and taking selfies with) staff, I think, is good for staff morale, particularly at some of those agencies where staff morale has been spiraling downward for a long time. His appointments so far seem to be solid, and I think the fact that there are still plenty of agency directors who haven’t been named yet shows he’s being deliberate in his approach and isn’t just tossing cushy jobs to his biggest campaign supporters.

Like I said, it’s still early. But so far, I’ve mostly liked what I’ve seen.

Comment by ??? Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 3:54 pm
Somewhat disagree; I’m disappointed that he still seems to be in campaign mode. Lots of criticism, promises, but few answers/solutions.

Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 4:06 pm
I voted mostly disagree for pretty much the same reasons as Pot. . .Black at 3:26.

Comment by G'Kar Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 4:12 pm
Mostly disagree. Except when he says “great state of Illinois.” His very general election-gibberish math (increase spending, cut taxes) just plain doesn’t add up. Ask us again when he starts to give us specifics.

Comment by Ray del Camino Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 4:19 pm
From the top….I’m with pundent. He hasn’t said anything new since the election cycle began. N/A

Comment by northernwatersports Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 4:44 pm
So far I like his turnaround recipe and his appointments look like good ingredients, but we don’t have a smell yet let alone a taste of what is going to come from his kitchen

Comment by golfman_r Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 4:56 pm
“somewhat agree.” It’s way too early. But he seems to be trying to avoid the “I’m The Governor” desk pounding syndrome.

Comment by Judgment Day (on the road) Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 5:08 pm
Agree with many of his descriptions of the problem. But that’s not the hard part - once he presents solutions, that’s where the feathers will start flying and the you know what is going to hit the fan. There are no good solutions - only a range of bad and worse options.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 5:39 pm
I apprehensively said “mostly agree” at this early point on his journey. There will be two major tipping points for my assessment of him: 1) How long he postpones waiting to take on the state employee’s union leadership, and 2) How long it takes him to avoid confrontation with Mike Madigan and to finally appeal to the House and Senate Democrat Party members to ignore Mike and “Join Me In Fixing The Problems”. Then I will know that this guy has really come to fix things.

If Rauner were to flush out the actual percentages to be found in the Illinois unions of minority members (African-Americans, Hispanics, etc.) compared to the state demographics, then Rauner would start to unravel the stranglehold that unions have had on jobs and businesses coming to Illinois, Only then will the minorities begin to realize that the Chicago Democrat Machine has been feeding themselves caviar while Chicago and Cook County minorities were thrown the table scraps.

Comment by Rowdy Yates Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 5:44 pm
===Mike Madigan and to finally appeal to the House and Senate Democrat Party members to ignore Mike and “Join Me In Fixing The Problems”====

“Democrat Party” - lol

===Only then will the minorities begin to realize that the Chicago Democrat Machine has been feeding themselves caviar while Chicago and Cook County minorities were thrown the table scraps.===

“Chicago Democrat Machine” - LOL!

If you think for a nano-second those talking points and drivel will have “Democrat” members flip, you are delusional.

Unless Rauner in Day 11 has moved from Ronald Reagan to Rush Limbaugh…

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 6:02 pm
somewhat agree,has not blown it yet give him a chance, the cubs give a new guy three years?????
every three years, everythree years++++++++=.

Comment by bullet Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 8:26 pm
For now that’s my vote. We shall see what the future holds.

Comment by 5-ohhhhhhh Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 9:23 pm
Mostly disagree, but I haven’t seen much substance. I agree with overturning PQ’s last minute actions. I’m decidedly mixed on the appointees. The CoS for the First Spouse was a bad move. He should have taken the lead and promoted a special election for the JBT vacancy. He should not have brought back the “government union bosses” trope in his inaugural address. The $20 million campaign fund is disturbing.

I want specifics! By now, he should have been able to unveil his plans for all he wants to accomplish.

Comment by NewWestSuburbanGop'er Friday, Jan 23, 15 @ 10:24 am