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Et tu, Billy?

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* As I told subscribers today, Kurt Erickson has a pretty funny piece about asking Republican legislators to comment on Gov. Bruce Rauner’s right to work actions…

“Whether I agree with it or not is not the right question,” [Sen. Neil Anderson, R-Rock Island] said.

Asked again for his position on Rauner’s maneuver, the freshman lawmaker said, “I am a union fireman and I believe in collective bargaining.”

Anderson’s position sums up the political tightrope Rauner is asking his fellow Republicans to walk. While he wants their support as he takes on a Legislature dominated by Democrats, they must also be mindful that Illinois remains a state where labor unions wield power.

Some lawmakers simply didn’t return telephone messages Tuesday, including freshman Rep. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who recently stepped down from IDOC, where she was food service manager at facilities in Pinckneyville and Du Quoin. A spokesman for Bryant said she was unavailable to comment on this topic, and multiple calls to her went unreturned. […]

Asked if he supports the governor’s move, state Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, did not answer “yes” or “no.”

Rather, he said, “I don’t disagree with it.”

You will recall that Brady actually ran for governor on a right to work platform in 2010. He backed away from that position last year.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 9:27 am

Comments

You would hear more independence…if you had autonomous GOP Caucuses.

You shouldn’t fear your friends. If you think about it, if you fear your friends, are they your friends…at all?

I honestly worry for My Party’s GA Caucuses. I really do, no snark.

Mark Beaubiens and Bernie Petersens equaled 60.

The “Fab 5″ and “the gorillas” equaled Pate’s 30.

Raunerite agenda points, held at the point of a checkbook, that ain’t expanding the GOP Caucuses.

Sorry. It ain’t.

The way this is going for My Party’s Caucuses…

I have a problem with that.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 9:37 am
Is the Governor making himself into Mr. Irrelevant. Speaker Madigan and President Cullerton crafted the last several budgets with little to no input from Governor Quinn. That may happen again.

Comment by SAP Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 9:38 am
OW agree with your points, but only time will tell - and I think that time will be shorter than anyone can imagine. On a flip side, how many GA members are maybe happy that Rauner is willing to take the arrows….or maybe RPG’s may be more appropriate in this case. RTW ain’t solving our problems but it sure starts the conversation at a point that is uncomfortable to the labor people, and that may be a good thing. And since no GA member has been able to actually start this conversation, why not Bruce?

Comment by allknowingmasterofracoondom Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 9:43 am
I think all this union-busting is old news, a couple years past expiration.

I don’t see a great grass-roots movement in Illinois to drive down other peoples’ livelihoods. If you’ll recall, Rauner ran away from all this stuff during the general election, claiming it wasn’t a priority.

Guess he changed his mind without telling anyone.

I’m sure it’s popular amongst the harrumph-harrumph crowd that think WSJ editorials have some basis in reality, but that’s about it.

Income stagnation and weak consumer demand are the problems. All this anti-union stuff just makes those worse.

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 9:43 am
If these legislators begin to back away from the unions there will be no turning back for them. Perhaps that is a part of Rauner’s game plan. Once they join the RTW crowd that is where they will have to make their stand. If that happens the unions will see their influence erode.

The ball is in their court and they cannot dodge it, no matter how much the would like to finesse it.

Its showtime…

Comment by Cassiopeia Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 9:44 am
If any of those questioned would place this action in the context of governing, one would think the answer would be a “disagree at this time”. The context being that the state is in the midst of a claimed “fiscal emergency”, there is budget due, and the GOMB is not yet staffed according to the state phone directory.

Comment by Qui Tam Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 9:47 am
Let’s be very clear. No misunderstanding;

===On a flip side, how many GA members are maybe happy that Rauner is willing to take the arrows….or maybe RPG’s may be more appropriate in this case.===

The ILGOP GA isn’t worried about the arrows, or even the RPGs.

The ILGOP GA, individually, and collectively…

The fear is “green lights”.

“Green lights” that lead to seats lost, to appease the “Owl Whisperer”

“Who” is going to stand up to Raunerite agenda points bad for some individual members? Not a Ron Sandack, but “who”?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 9:47 am
SAP my friend, I got $20 million reasons why Rauner will never be irrelevant in any debate. This guy isn’t Pat Quinn or Rod.

Comment by lots of laughs Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 9:49 am
- lots of laughs -,

Keep in mind, Rauner’s plan with the $20 million…Rod has that plan first. It’s a Blago move.

Not so funny after that sinks in.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 9:51 am
Many of these Republicans are going to be put in a tough spot the next time they come before the voters. I imagine Rep. Bryant, being a former employee of IDOC, favors workers having some rights such as collective bargaining but she appears to be afraid to state that publicly out of fear that the Governor will finance an opponent to run against her in the next Primary if she doesn’t toe the line. Is this what Rauner means by a new way of doing business, shaking up Springfield?

Comment by The Dude Abides Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 9:56 am
LOL: That huge pile of cash is great, but all the cash in the world won’t help you if you vote against your district and it won’t persuade Speaker Madigan and President Cullerton to give the Governor any wins.

Comment by SAP Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 9:56 am
==”It’s interesting the governor chose not to address this through the legislative process. We’re a co-equal branch of government,” Bradley said.==

Co-equal? Methinks Rauner does not like the sound of that. Perhaps, in Gov. Rauner’s mind, some are more equal than others.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 9:58 am
Why would these new legislators take a position whithout ever seeing the bill? The have their Freshman Manuals on how a bill passes, but first they have to have a bill. The experienced lawmakers should have been the one asked their positions. Erickson’s question was designed to be a “gotcha” moment.

Comment by Tom Joad Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 9:58 am
Look at the Kitty. The end game is clear. Build credibility with the public, then the GA will follow. Taxpayers are hurting. The assault on public unions will resonate. Only those living in the bubble don’t see it.

Comment by old-pol Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 9:59 am
Expecting a straight answer from a politician is like asking the Thanksgiving turkey his opinion on gravy.

Right to Work is one of those weasel terms that have invaded our culture. There’s no “truth in packaging” law in government, of course, but if there were, it would be called “right to earn less.”

The problem is that we have a 1-Percenter governor now, who simply cannot identify with the 99-percenters, blue van aside.

Could the Republican Party be more out of touch with reality? Will shaking up Springfield only be policies that further widen the gap between rich and poor?

Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 10:00 am
If the Governor really does string out his members on legislation that has zero chance of passing either chamber just because the Governor wants it and that is the way the world would look if he were king, those swing district Repubs would be fools to follow him off the end of the plank.

Comment by SAP Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 10:00 am
===Could the Republican Party be more out of touch with reality?===

It’s not My Party. The silence of the GOP GA members are saying it’s not My Party.

It’s not a “Party” thing. It’s an “Agenda” thing.

“Vote ‘green’ on my agenda, or you face my $20 million”

“What about my District? My seat? My beliefs?”

“Are you deaf? Vote ‘green’ on my agenda or you face my $20 million. Whatever you face is your problem, you don’t want me, your GOP Governor, as a problem.”

That’s real.

That’s not Party. That’s agenda. Might as well call it the “Cut Your Nose To Save Your Face From $20 Million” agenda.

The silence is telling. That’s the lede.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 10:08 am
Maybe this union EO is to clear the air among the GOP just how unhappy Rauner is with the party he just bought. Make sure all the “leaders” know who owns their spines.

Comment by Toure's Latte Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 10:14 am
Remember the Rauner never loses line. Is his slush fund enough to shore up every GOP target? Is there a GOP Solon who can’t be bought?

Get the popcorn folks, this will be very entertaining.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 10:15 am
I like Rauner’s stand for right to work. As I see it, it will be good for all of Illinois.

Comment by Sunshine Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 10:24 am
I think many people out in the general public who are worried about Illinois are more willing to “have this conversation” or at least start it than a good many of the folks on this blog are. The elected officials in the legislature will take their cues from what they are hearing and encountering in their districts. Time will tell.

Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 10:24 am
O’Willy: I get what you’re seeing, the game is changing, but the GOP caucus members simply will not all be bought.

Many will choose the harder route of going against Rauner’s wishes, and taking their chances with their name recognition and loyal constituencies.

It’s a big stick Rauner’s brandishing, but not everyone is without other sources of power. He’s going to be disappointed if he thinks that $20M is all it takes.

Madigan gave up on demanding agreement on individual bill votes years ago, in favor of a general support and vote for his Speakership. Many of his caucus members cannot be that closely managed regardless of how much money Madigan could apply in districts.

With great respect.

Comment by walker Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 10:25 am
Shaking a 20 million dollar hammer matches his management style of fear and intimation

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 10:30 am
- Walker -,

What you are commenting, that is my hope.

I hope “that”. I want that. I believe that might happen.

Until someone, or a small group says it, out loud, publicly, they are going to go their own way, I have to take serious pause.

With respect, and I agree with your belief, your belief, for me, is just a hope right now. I want the Caucuses to succeed. Always have. I hope for them.

All good - Walker -.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 10:31 am
While threatening people as a management style may work for a while, eventually your enemies list grows larger, pending your ultimate demise, $20 Mil or no $20 Mil.

Comment by IB Strapped Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 10:38 am
The current conflicted state of the legislative GOP is primarily a result of the collapse of the GOP in recent years, when opposing the unions was suicidal since the GOP couldn’t give much more than good wishes. I think the Governor won’t back down a bit, and will force Democrats (and some Bought off Republicans) to stop him in the Legislature. But in advance of those votes I predict that he will promise every Republican legislator a very well funded primary opponent for all who vote with the unions. On the carrot side, he will promise them to replace the union money if they vote with the party. Weeding out the Combine GOP in Springfield is an unpleasant necessity.

Comment by Percival Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 10:46 am
@Percival

I think what you mean to say is “(and some not Bought off Republicans)” and “Weeding out the Combine GOP in Springfield is a death nail for a clueless governor.”

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 10:49 am
- Percival -,

“Who” will recruit challengers to sitting GOP GA members?

Radogno? Durkin?

Is Rauner going to have the ILGOP State Party… actively… recruit against sitting GOP members?

What political party actively embraces self-destruction?

Will there be the “Rauner Party”?

Will the (R) at the end of names mean “Rauner” or “Republican”?

“Who” decided what a Republican is? “Who” decides what a “Rauner” is?

“Who”?

You parse your party along ideologue lines, you get factions masquerading as a party, rooted in Purity of one strain of beliefs, what is THAT end game?

Is the ILGOP now, actively, the Rauner Police?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 10:54 am
Percival: Made me laugh. Then sad.

First you call Rauner’s potential opponents “Bought off Republicans.” Then you say his best option is to buy them off with a higher bid.

It seems you want to replace their “Combine GOP” with your “Combine GOP.” Is there nothing in government that doesn’t revolve around personal greed and ambition?

Or perhaps you are just characterizing Rauner’s views with your predictions of what he will do?

Comment by walker Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 10:57 am
All the focus here is on GOP caucus members. Is it so impossible to contemplate that there are Dems out there that won’t wind up in pickle juice with the same dilemmas in their districts? Don’t think so.

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 10:59 am
- A guy -

Did a sitting governor sit with those Dems and tell them about the $20 million he will use against them?

Will Bruce Rauner (Republican) actively recruit…wait for it…Democrats…to run against Democrats in their Primary?

Are you saying a Republican governor is going to wade in the Democratic primaries of GA members?

That’s why this is a one-sided, one-party discussion.

Unless you want to speak for the Governor tgat he intends to be active in Democratic primary politics.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 11:04 am
Guy, I don’t understand your post. Is it your contention that some Dem lawmakers are going to get jammed up by walking away from Rauner on right to work?

Who would they be?

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 11:10 am
OW, WS, fair to say you’re asking the right questions.

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 11:19 am
Willy,
Just like you did not understand how Rauner was going to “bake a cake” for his victory, you just don’t seem to understand that the “My Party” you speak of stood for nothing.

Rauner is standing for something, and it requires Democrats to get it done.

Comment by Western Ave. Doug Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 11:26 am
- WAD -,

I understood the cake, I didn’t know if it would bake.

You’re welcome.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 11:28 am
===Rauner is standing for something, and it requires Democrats to get it done.===

What does this mean?

Did Rauner sit with the Democratic caucuses for a “Frank” discussion?

If standing for “something” means not ubderstanding your district, and biting as you’re told, that might be worse than just being a Mushroom.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 11:41 am
Don’t mention it Willy. It’s time to admit that “my party” doesn’t exist in Illinois anymore. Speaking as a former member of “my party”, I am glad.

Comment by Western Ave. Doug Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 11:41 am
“If standing for “something” means not understanding your district, and doing as you’re told, not necessarily what you believe, that might be worse than just being a Mushroom.”

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 11:43 am
==What does this mean?==

It means that “my party” did a bang up job getting and staying in the super majority, and in order to get anything done, i.e. pensions, taxes, education, prison reform, etc. he needs some Democrats to help him.

Comment by Western Ave. Doug Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 11:44 am
sorry meant minority.

Comment by Western Ave. Doug Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 11:45 am
++It’s not My Party. The silence of the GOP GA members are saying it’s not My Party.

It’s not a “Party” thing. It’s an “Agenda” thing.++ You are right. Rauner is not a Republican, Rauner is a part of the Tea Party movement. The Tea Party is an over the top far-right party.

Comment by Mama Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 11:46 am
==that might be worse than just being a Mushroom==

If your goal is to simply get reelected by playing it safe, then perhaps becoming a mushroom would be better. It at least adds flavor to the pasta sauce.

Comment by Western Ave. Doug Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 11:48 am
===It’s time to admit that “my party” doesn’t exist in Illinois anymore. Speaking as a former member of “my party”, I am glad.===

How so?

Drive-by declarative statements say nothing.

Rauner isn’t about getting the Caucuses to 60 or 30.

That’s better? You’re glad?

Try to put a think on your drive-bys like “I’m glad”. If you can’t, then that’s sadder than realizing Rauner’s one GA add was the residue of a selfish cake more than a failed GOP plan.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 11:48 am
==selfish cake more than a failed GOP plan==

That is nonsense. Did Leader Durkin or Radogno want Rauner running their caucuses campaigns? NOPE. He gave them the cash to do it.

The numbers are the numbers, and Rauner needs to work with Democrats. If “my party” is content with 47 votes to maintain “my party” status, then its no better than the Slytherin wing you so rightly dislike.

Comment by Western Ave. Doug Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 11:55 am
===It means that “my party” did a bang up job getting and staying in the super majority, and in order to get anything done, i.e. pensions, taxes, education, prison reform, etc. he needs some Democrats to help him.===

Again, what does that mean?

The Post is about the GOP.

Why are you wading in the Democrats, he needs them…

Try bringing whatever it is you think you want to say…out.

Also, how does it relate to being “glad” or whatever.

Articulate, please.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 11:56 am
===That is nonsense. Did Leader Durkin or Radogno want Rauner running their caucuses campaigns? NOPE. He gave them the cash to do it.

The numbers are the numbers, and Rauner needs to work with Democrats. If “my party” is content with 47 votes to maintain “my party” status, then its no better than the Slytherin wing you so rightly dislike.===

What tangent are you on. Seriously, no snark.

What is your point to the Post?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 11:57 am
And we have not even seen his budget yet…

Comment by Guzzlepot Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 12:02 pm
Newly minted politcan Neil Anderson exemplifies Rauner’s issue. Anderson holds two full time government jobs. One as a taxpayer funded firefighter and the other as taxpayer funded politcan. The one paycheck is courtesy of his union while the other is due to the millions Rauner poured into Anderson’s pocket. Now this kid is supposed to chose between two masters. The question becomes which master will Anderson n serve? If Rauner can’t get a wet-behind the ears Republican like Alfred E. Newman after bankrolling his entire campaign who can he get?

Comment by nipandtuck Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 12:03 pm
===If Rauner can’t get a wet-behind the ears Republican like Alfred E. Newman after bankrolling his entire campaign who can he get?===

Rauner “bought” a politician?

Thought that was taboo?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 12:06 pm
I saw Rauner’s announcement as an attempt to piggyback on the California Fair Share case coming up before the Supreme Court. Rauner made the national media outlets. He got less attention in Chicago.

Comment by Emily Booth Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 12:11 pm
Republicans all over the state are loving Bruce’s actions so far…totally agree with them. Illinois in the future will not be just a one party controlled state.

Those “Republicans” who do not support Bruce Rauner will find competitors for their seats in Springfield. They can then join the Democrat Party.

Comment by Raunerbot Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 12:34 pm
- Raunerbot -,

So, Bruce Rauner dictates what a Republican is?

Ronald Reagan had an 80% rule. Rauner, to the Caucuses, has a 100% rule on what he wants, or else.

Any ignorant person that has Republican in quotes describing someone they probably agree with 80% of the time and says “Democrat Party” is indeed a Rauberbot.

Dope.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 12:39 pm
@Raunerbot,

“Republicans all over the state are loving Bruce’s actions so far…totally agree with them. Illinois in the future will not be just a one party controlled state.”

Hmmmm….I seem to remember the GOP being in control in the past, no? And for the last few years, the GOP has been content to say “NO” and just pout in the corner.

Not to inspiring. I sure hope they can just figure out that budget thing now…

Comment by How Ironic Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 12:39 pm
By my estimation, Governor Rauner has enough political support in the GA to only fill his garbage van.

Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 12:45 pm
The problem is with folks like @Raunerbot and Republicans like him is they want to play MJM cards with Bruce Rauner hands. “I’ll catch that card on my river draw guys, I promise.”
We”ll see how well Bruce does that with the Caucus’ chips…

Comment by Madison Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 12:53 pm
Can’t understand why the party of Thompson, Edgar, Topinka, Ryan, Dillard, etc. have to vilify labor to the degree that’s being done by Gov. Rauner. It would stand to reason that ILGOP pol’s, who have gained from being endorsed by labor over the years, should challenge the current trend by being more moderate and gain back those losses over the years. IL Labor has traditionally been moderate (IEA, FOP, etc) and this is a crucial time for the ILGOP to gain back relevancy. Perhaps “no strike” clauses or lengthened cooling off periods is the conversation to have with labor.

Comment by Now What? Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 12:57 pm
The state of unionization in the U.S.:

http://www.vox.com/2015/1/26/7887121/US-union-membership

In short, private unions down; public unions up. This is sad in that the trade unions employ skilled craftsmen. The same cannot be said of most public unions.

Comment by Keyser Soze Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 1:05 pm
Bruce Rauner does not dictate what a Republican is…he represents what Republicans and the majority of Illinoisans who voted for him want. Democrats have had full control of this state for the last 12 years…they failed miserably and made us to be the laughing stock of the nation.

The dopes who keep voting for them, along with their “Republican” collaborators are to blame…nobody else.

Comment by Raunerbot Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 1:18 pm
==if you fear your friends, are they your friends… at all?==

A question that will only grow more important as the year progresses.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 1:19 pm
===…along with their “Republican” collaborators are to blame…nobody else.===

So, who decides who is a Republican?

Again, Reagan was once a Democrat, just saying.

- Raunerbot -, lol says it all.

Free thinking takes work. Maybe it’s best you don’t try it.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 1:23 pm
FYI, Rauner’s union fights are now national news: http://www.politico.com/story/2015/02/public-employee-unions-states-115090.html?hp=lc3_4

Comment by Empty Chair Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 1:28 pm
I loved Reagan. I was raised a Chicago Democrat and was a Reagan Democrat supporter.

Comment by Raunerbot Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 1:29 pm
Bruce Rauner will be a national figure and leader in no time. Once he gains his political voice he will be that much more effective. He is still learning in that regard. What he lacks in political skills for a rookie, he will make up for with sheer tenacity. Of course he will have his very strong detractors, all real leaders do. Ronald Reagan was a great example of that as the Air Traffic Controllers found out.

Comment by Raunerbot Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 1:33 pm
===I loved Reagan. I was raised a Chicago Democrat and was a Reagan Democrat supporter.===

So…why the ===Democrat Party=== and the ===”Republican”=== Dopiness?

Also, if you are a Reagan Democrat, why do you care what Republicans do? Reagan Democrats are the epitome of 80% Reagan Rule Republicans.

You may need to think how your buzz words show your ignorance to the politics you claim you believe. lol

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 1:35 pm
==Bruce Rauner does not dictate what a Republican is…he represents what Republicans and the majority of Illinoisans who voted for him want.==

After you wrote: ==Those “Republicans” who do not support Bruce Rauner will find competitors for their seats in Springfield.==

Seriously? How do you write this stuff?

Rauner is demanding 100% compliance fromthe GOP GA members. Sounds to me like he is dictating. Do these GOP members answer to their voters, the Republican Party, or Bruce Rauner. Three different constituencies, pick one.

For now, they are picking none…

Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 1:35 pm
@Raunerbot = Its the same Democrats and RINO’s who put the Federal government in debt came to Illinois and ruined the state’s economy right? Now lets think about this:
Only Democrats and RINOs spend zillions in Washington
Only Democrats and RINOs voted for state budgets
Only Democrats ans RINOS skipped pension payments
Only Democrats and RINO’s enhanced the pensions when that notorius RINO Jim Edgar signed it..
I agree that the Democrats own this problem for the most part. i disagree that “Real Republicans had no part of any of it and indeed “Real Republicans” brought more that their share of insanity to much larger venues with less help.

Comment by Madison Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 1:37 pm
===Ronald Reagan was a great example of that as the Air Traffic Controllers found out.===

How so? How do you see that act by Reagan in Rauner?

Unless Rauner gets something done here with the Democratically controlled GA, the only national news a Rauner will get will be on his hollow rhetoric that never transpired in results.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 1:39 pm
Raunerbot is clearly in the Rauner Party, which is not the GOP. The GA members are not (yet) Rauner Party members, but they are not sure how to deal with the reality of an oligarch at the head of the ticket who demands fealty.

What this leaves me wondering is why did they not comment. A couple of possibilities:
1) Waiting to see how this plays out.
2) No direction from Rauner.
3) Rauner told them to shut up.
4) Directions from Rauner conflict with what they think will play well in their district.

Raunerbot clearly has orders and is happy to follow them, the GOP GA, not so much.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 1:43 pm
I asked this question yesterday but didn’t get a reply, so I’m trying again. Do any of you have any insight as to why Rauner’s express assurances (”if you vote against my bills I will contribute to your opponent in the primary; if you vote for my bills, I will contribute toward your campaign fund”) do or do not run afoul of state law, especially prohibitions associated with Official Misconduct?

Comment by ChiTown Seven Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 1:44 pm
==Rauner is demanding 100% compliance fromthe GOP GA members.==

You are no longer a member.

You are a green light. Or you are road kill.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 1:46 pm
Rauner will not get anything done that he wants with the Democrat GA, that is a given. No argument there. The question is what will the Democrat GA get accomplished that will solve the problems Illinoisans face with Bruce Rauner as Governor? They already proved incompetent and incapable of meeting this responsibility with Pat Quinn as Governor.

Comment by Raunerbot Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 1:58 pm
Rauner’s poor little bot doesn’t realize that unless his obediant little bot is a one percenter, his bots are disposablealong the way on his crusade to “Shake up Springfield and bring back Illinois.” Just like the Republican Caucus.

Comment by Madison Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 2:08 pm
- Raunerbot -

Did you read what you wrote?

First, stop the “Democrat GA” if you want to be taken remotely serious..

Now…

===Rauner will not get anything done that he wants with the Democrat GA, that is a given. No argument there.===

Ok, you are saying nothing will get done. I said Rauner needs to get something done. Big difference. You want to say nothing will get done, that’s on you. Now, you follow with…

===The question is what will the Democrat GA get accomplished that will solve the problems Illinoisans face with Bruce Rauner as Governor?===

So, Rauner is…passive…in governing? The Executive in Illinois Government “proposes”. Proposes. Just because Quinn or Blago failed, Rauner doesn’t propose?

They all need to work together. Together things work.

Your comment is confusing also in how does Rauner lead, if the Democrats are proposing. Rauner isn’t a King. The serfs don’t take things to Kings here.

Again, if you’re of a Reagan Democrat lineage, saying “Democrat GA” or “Democrat Party” is really not if that tradition. “Democrat Party” is a phrase of the Right, not Reagan Democrats.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 2:08 pm
Geez, what kind of a man-crush do you have to have to compare Rauner to Reagan?

And you’re clueless about PATCO. Reagan sought and received PATCOs endorsement in 1980. He sought and received many other union endorsements in 1980 and 1984, including the Teamsters.

Reagan didnt seek a confrontation with any of them. PATCOs leadership was just exceptionally stupid and forced issues when they didn’t have to and they had no cards to play.

The subsequent controllers union later got all that it wanted with the support of Reagan.

You can look it up.

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 2:53 pm
==Rauner will not get anything done that he wants with the Democrat GA, that is a given. ==

It is not “a given.” He can get a lot done, especially if he brings some R votes to the table. If he intends to give orders that he expects the GA to carry out, you are probably correct; however this is a democracy with co-equal branches of government. It is not Rauner-land. It’s really up to Rauner to decide if he is willing to negotiate solutions or attempt to dictate a personal agenda.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 3:07 pm
I thought this was Madigastan and Rauner was only a resident here.

Comment by Raunerbot Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 3:28 pm
What makes anyone think that Michael Madigan will negotiate anything that is good for all Illinoisans? Where is the proof that he has accomplished any of this in the last twelve years…better yet where are the results of his great accomplishments. I would sure like to look them up.

Comment by Raunerbot Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 3:33 pm
“What makes anyone think that Bruce Rauner will negotiate anything that is good for all Illinoisans? Where is the proof that he has accomplished any of this since Rauner has zero government experience.…better yet where are the results of his great accomplishments and the jobs he created in the private sector. I would sure like to look them up.”

Better.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 3:35 pm
==What makes anyone think that Michael Madigan will negotiate anything that is good for all Illinoisans?==

Just because he Madigan has done some things you don’t like doesn’t mean he has done nothing to benefit the citizens of the state. Illinoisans wanted roads, parks, schools, etc, they got ‘em. Illinoisan wanted low taxes, they got ‘em. Part of the problem is that Madigan and a long line of governors and Senate presidents and GA members have been too willing to give Illinoisans what they want without asking them to pay for it. Madigan actually has a history of trying to negotiate some fiscal responsibility and being turned away by other leaders (govs and GA folks).

Madigan’s history indicates he is willing to negotiate in good faith. However, negotiate is not the same as capitulate.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 3:42 pm
Bruce Rauner has 4-years to prove his leadership. Madigan has had twelve years with the results making us the laughing stock of the nation. I’ll gamble with the potential of the unknown commodity vs. the proven repeated failure.

Comment by Raunerbot Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 3:47 pm
- Raunerbot -,

Rauner has about 4 minutes, or are you not paying attention to what is actually happening?

Dope.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 3:48 pm
I must be frustrating and annoying you…good, it means my messages are being effective. Your arguments are old-run-of-the-mill. That’s OK, one of us will be proved wrong not 100%, but at least 80%. Have a nice day/week.

Comment by Raunerbot Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 4:02 pm
It means as an uninformed troll - Raunerbot -, you are fun to mock. That’s about it, don’t kid yourself.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 4:06 pm
BTW arguing with rabid “social conservatives” in the Republican Party who opposed Bruce Rauner as the GOP Gubernatorial Nominee was ten times harder than some of you here.

The long term views and tactics of defeating Democrats in power, as our number one priority won out. Our first priority was to elect a genuine leader to accomplish that goal…so far so good.

Comment by Raunerbot Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 4:15 pm
Do. Not. Feed. Trolls.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 4:17 pm
Yes PCK, Michael Madigan has a successful record of governing with a Republican Governor. I’m hoping that he will recall how he used to do that for all our benefit. Bruce Rauner cannot be seen as MM’s lap dog by those who elected him, and he is making that very evident.

Comment by Raunerbot Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 4:22 pm
== Madigan has had twelve years==

No, he has had decades.

==Bruce Rauner cannot be seen as MM’s lap dog==

I cannot think of any Governor who has been seen as Madigan’s lap dog. Some work with him, some do not. Most of your comments indicate that you seem to think that anything less than MM acceding to the new governor’s wishes will be unacceptable. That is not negotiation. Rauner will be most likely to succeed if he negotiates and compromises. We shall see.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Feb 11, 15 @ 7:39 pm