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Kimme moves up

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Illinois

* Last year’s winner of our Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Insider is moving up in the world…

Nancy Kimme, who was the top aide to the late Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka, is hanging out a lobbying shingle. Given that she privately was very much inside Gov. Bruce Rauner’s kitchen cabinet, she should do quite well.

Kimme’s clients so far include the Illinois Hospital Association—man, do they need help, given what Rauner is proposing to do with cuts to Medicaid—the Illinois Casino Gaming Association, Ameren and a cable TV group. All are top clients.

“I am going to lobby both the General Assembly and the (Rauner) administration,” Kimme tells me in an email. “That’s the one good thing about being around so long. I have gotten to know a lot of folks.”

She should do more than quite well. She’s one of those people who knows everybody and everything and has been indispensable to Team Rauner. They’ll be lining up around the block to give her contracts.

She’ll also be setting up Comptroller Munger’s campaign.

Good luck, Nancy!

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 1:34 pm

Comments

Speaking of the new Comptroller. What is the $14 million bump in funding to the Comptroller’s Office in the budget for “personal services”?

High-priced consultant firms?

Comment by okgo Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 1:36 pm
What about the revolving door?

Comment by whyme Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 1:36 pm
Nancy is a great asset to whoever she works with/for. She is a genuine person! Way to go Nancy and best of luck!

Comment by Wow Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 1:37 pm
Nobody better than Nancy, best wishes!

Comment by Seriously Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 1:39 pm
Cue The O’Jays.

Comment by Precinct Captain Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 1:40 pm
Nancy is top notch! There are a lot of people who wish her nothing but the best. We need folks who have institutional knowledge to be a part of this process at every part of it and Nancy is one of the best. I’d like to point out however that the Governor issued an executive order about revolving doors for state employees prohibiting them from being able to do just this. Nancy is the perfect example of why we need to stop demonizing everything and everyone that works anywhere near Government. She’s good. She should be good at representing her clients. And she should be able to earn a living where she has talent and training and experience. There are a ton of really good people who have made careers in public sector and that does not mean that they are automatically corrupt. Good luck Nancy! Knock ‘em dead!

Comment by unbelievable Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 1:40 pm
Rauner has had uncomplimentary things to say about lobbyists. That’s one reason Dorgan is no longer state GOP chairman. One wonders whether he will apply the same standard to the newest addition of the 3rd house.

Comment by anon Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 1:41 pm
Going to work for the Special Interests? I thought Rauner hated those people?

Seriously, good for Nancy. I wish her well and know she’ll be successful.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 1:41 pm
I wish Nancy nothing but the best. I know whatever new challenges she takes on, she’ll succeed as she always has.

Congratulations.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 1:52 pm
Luck favors the prepared

Comment by Ghost Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 2:02 pm
A number of years ago,I provided radio media consultation to a campaign directed by Nancy. I quickly learned she is a talented professional, and a great individual. It was a privilege and enjoyable to work with her during this campaign experience.

Nancy’s skill and ability earned her the roles she has held over the years. Her services will be in great demand. She is just the type of advocate we need to set up shop today.

Congratulations, best wishes, and blessings to Nancy as she makes Illinois a better place by assisting her clients!!!

Comment by Central Guy Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 2:02 pm
Nancy is one of those rare people in state government that really, truly, is in it to make the State of Illinois better. Totally a class act all the way.

Comment by Just Me Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 2:09 pm
The E.O. covering this was not effective until 02/15/2015 to insure that the people that lost jobs had a small window to get a new one in that area if that was the case. I am sure Nancy’s last day was before the deadline. She is smart and follows the rules peeps!

Comment by Wow Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 2:13 pm
Hope using a real name does not hurt.
Nancy is very unique person who has built up boat loads of good will that should help her sell ice cubes to ice fisherpersons
Good luck.
I think the revolving door brain trust should recall this mostly applies if the revolver signs the contract, etc. etc.
Stay calm

Comment by Steve Brown Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 2:14 pm
Gee. I was hoping she was staying around to train Munger. Best wishes to her.

Comment by walker Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 2:23 pm
Congratulations Nancy! You have helped so many people through the years , your fan club is cheering for you!!!

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 2:45 pm
I thought that Rauner was opposed to this type of thing? Despite what anyone may think about Nancy Kimme, the real test of establishing a moral high ground is your willingness to do it when it’s in your best interest to do otherwise.

Comment by pundent Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 2:46 pm
Congrats Nancy! Much deserved. With your contacts and vast knowledge your clients will be lucky to have you. We will miss you in state government.

Comment by Max's Mom Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 3:03 pm
Good for her. She’ll be great for all sides.

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 3:09 pm
+1 on Steve Brown’s comment. Take a breath, everyone. Congratulations to Nancy Kimme.

Comment by Roamin' Numeral Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 3:12 pm
I’d love for “Just Me” to provide evidence to his comment.

Comment by Brooks Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 3:50 pm
Simply the Best!

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 5:03 pm
How is this allowed under Executive Order 9: “No former State Employee, within one year after leaving his or her position with a State Agency, shall accept compensation from any person or entity for Lobbying any State Agency” effective February 15, 2015?

Comment by PublicMath Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 5:44 pm
**The E.O. covering this was not effective until 02/15/2015 to insure that the people that lost jobs had a small window to get a new one in that area if that was the case.**

Kimme didn’t work under the Governor’s Office, so Rauner’s EO didn’t apply to her anyway.

Comment by AlabamaShake Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 5:47 pm
I understand I may be on the outside looking in, but thought congratulations was in order. Nancy is brilliant and worthy.

Comment by PZC Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 6:29 pm