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Another day, another enemy

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* Umm…

Rauner told the Daily Herald editorial board he’s working toward a different pension plan that seeks to break what he calls a “corrupt bargain” between union leaders and politicians who can get campaign money from them.

“I don’t trust the Supreme Court to be rational in their decisions,” Rauner said. “I think they’re activist judges who want to be legislators.”

Asked if the state Supreme Court is part of the same “corrupt” system, Rauner replied: “Yes, correct. Yes. Yes. We have a system where we elect our judges, and the trial lawyers who argue cases in front of those judges give campaign cash to those judges. It’s a corrupt system.” […]

“You tell me if you look at who gives them the money and you decide whether there’s a conflict of interest going on in the courts,” Rauner said. “You tell me. Do you think there’s not?”

I happen to think that we have a pretty good Supreme Court here. I’m not a big fan of much of the appellate bench, but the Supremes get a lot more right than they get wrong. Are there some questionable circumstances at the edges? Maybe, but how many Supreme Court justices have been sent to prison in Illinois’ history? Any? [Adding: OK, back in 1969] Now compare that to the other two branches.

And the “fix” Rauner wants is to allow himself to pick all Supreme Court and appellate judges. But they won’t be influenced by his kabillions?

* Rauner’s pattern is if he doesn’t like something then it’s corrupt. If he does like something, well, then it’s all about the 1st Amendment or some other holy writ.

I’d like to see the governor actually show us some history and some facts to back up his claims about this particular Supreme Court. But, really, this is just one more in a long line of over-blown comic book statements.

It also sets the stage for the failure of the pension law, which he can then blame on those evil unions.

…Adding… Rauner said this about Indiana and his own economic development plan, but it applies here as well…

“I am one of the baddest, you know, enemies anybody can have. And when I set a goal, we do it. I don’t care what the headline is. I want the results.”

“Well then, business will have to suffer, all right? And listen, do me a favor, Tom. No more advice on how to patch things up, just help me win, please. All right?”

…Adding More… From comments…

This isn’t political posturing, it’s destabilizing. This isn’t some person throwing accusations from the peanut gallery, this is the sitting Governor talking about his co-equal branch of government.

“No, no, no! No more! Not this time, Consigliere! No more meetin’s! No more discussions! No more Solozzo tricks! You give ‘em one message - I want Solozzo. If not, it’s all-out war, we go to the mattresses.”

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:05 pm

Comments

“Sonny Corleone Goes After Another of the Five Families”

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:09 pm
This man is a very dangerous fool.

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:10 pm
OW, of all of the amazing contributions you’ve made to this blog over the years, “Sonny Corleone” has to be one of the best.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:12 pm
“Yes, correct. Yes. Yes. We have a system where we elect our legislature and governor, and the corporate interests who pursue policy changes from them also give campaign cash to them. It’s a corrupt system.” […]

There. Fixed it.

The smoke is gettin’ awful thick around here today, ain’t it?

Comment by Linus Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:14 pm
== But, really, this is just one more in a long line of over-blown comic book statements.==-

Obviously his idea of rational is a little out of sync with the rest of the world.

Comment by Liberty Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:16 pm
Rauner’s immaturity is breathtaking. He has the attitude of a child that has never been told no.

Probably about right.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:16 pm
The Supreme Court isn’t going to be rational says the man irrationally obsessed with breaking unions. Right. As for leveling corruption charges at the ISC, somebody should re mind him Justice Thomas won a defamation suit for someone suggesting he was corrupt. Just saying.

Comment by Demise Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:17 pm
=* Rauner’s pattern is if he doesn’t like something then it’s corrupt. If he does like something, well, then it’s all about the 1st Amendment or some other holy writ.=

Hits the nail right on the head!

Brazen contempt for the populace. Maybe it comes from his ivy league education and wealthy upbringing. I don’t know. What I do know is that the shtick is getting old and we have a long, long way to go.

Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:17 pm
I read this and one word came to mind “unbelievable”.

The arrogance is breathtaking.

Comment by Stones Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:18 pm
How can money corrupt this one branch of government and not corrupt the other two?

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:20 pm
Thanks, Rich.

Probably the only contribution by which I look over my shoulder every now and then too.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:20 pm
It’s been a while, but we live in Illinois. So, of course, the Illinois Supreme Court has had a bit of corruption.

In the hot summer of 1969, two judges from the Illinois State Supreme Court were accused of accepting gifts in exchange for a favorable verdict in a pending case. For the special commission set up to look into the charges, the chief investigator was a relatively unknown attorney named John Paul Stevens.

http://www.amazon.com/Illinois-Justice-Scandal-1969-Stevens/dp/0226502430

Comment by Betsy Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:21 pm
There is a sign in the IDOT building lobby with the phone number for the Inspector General’so phone to report waste, fraud and ahuse.

I have been wondering if it is possible to report the time watch for his wasteful use of state equipment and personnel for his abusive campaign to cripple the unions.

Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:22 pm
“Ahh, but the strawberries, that’s… that’s where I have them…”

Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:22 pm
Apparently the only morally acceptable way to fund one’s campaign is to do it oneself.

Comment by Snucka Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:22 pm
MrJM-I totally agree. A very dangerous fool indeed. Rauner is a bully, backed by a newspaper which should be used as fish wrap. It is my wish that soon, someone, the House, and/or the Senate, will finally stand up to “Sonny Coreleone.”

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:23 pm
Always a good plan to call people you’re counting on to rule your way corrupt. Brilliant strategy.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:23 pm
I still can’t get over the fact that Rauner has only been in office NINETY DAYS and he’s already saying and doing this kind of stuff. Can you imagine what he will say and (try to) do over the next 3-plus years? And I thought Blago was over the top!

Comment by Down Here Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:25 pm
@Snucka- with money earned by playing with the pension systems’ money no less.

Comment by Juice Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:25 pm
Dang, an appointed judiciary confirmed by the legislature? It’s almost like Rauner has been reading the US Constitution…

Comment by gopower Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:25 pm
Just saw the add. If only he had a wartime consigliare, he wouldn’t be in this mess.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:27 pm
It’s more of the “I hate everyone but billionaires” crusade. Give him credit; the man has passion. Oh, but wait a minute. Didn’t he buy his child(ren) a seat at Chicago’s most elite school. Oh, no, that couldn’t be right. He just gave CPS a pile of money, and then his child(ren), presto, admitted into an elitist school. But he said there was no connection. My bad. Silly me. After all, if that were true, it would sound an awful lot like old-fashioned insider baseball political corruption. Hey, by the way, do any of his children need a $100,000 chief of staff? I’m not looking for a quid pro quo. Just some honest work.

Comment by Rick Bryant Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:27 pm
“It’s almost like Rauner has been reading the US Constitution…”

Which is what a President might do. A state Governor, though, might read his state’s constitution.

Comment by Linus Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:28 pm
===Yes. Yes. We have a system where we elect our judges, and the trial lawyers who argue cases in front of those judges give campaign cash to those judges. It’s a corrupt system.” […]===

Isn’t this a line from “All the King’s Men”?

Comment by veritas Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:29 pm
Anyone who is not a millionare and still voted for this pompas windbag should have their head examined. He should get back in his ragged van with his $20 watch and drive back to one of his estates. Brutal.

Comment by average joe Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:29 pm
He insults the most powerful organization in IL government? Even stupider than double-crossing MJM, because, eventually, some of the stuff he has pulled will end up in front of the Supremes. Ignoring them might not have helped, but insulting them-????? Wonder what color the sky is in his world?

Comment by downstate commissioner Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:29 pm
Rauner risks becoming a joke. A dangerous one, but a joke nonetheless.

Yeah, and I’m plenty ticked off about his ISC comments. You know what? Most of them (if not all) loathe the fact they have to go out and raise money to be elected. This is a pretty fine group of jurists, and they do their job with integrity. And no, they do NOT want to be legislators. What an arrogant jerk.

Comment by Archiesmom Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:31 pm
Someone tell this guy he’s the ****** Governor now, you better have a really, really, really good reason to call the judicial branch corrupt. This isn’t political posturing, it’s destabilizing. This isn’t some person throwing accusations from the peanut gallery, this is the sitting Governor talking about his co-equal branch of government. This guy is unbelievable.

Comment by The Captain Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:33 pm
Is it corrupt to run the teacher retirement account and then use the ill gotten gain snatched from unsuspecting public employees to run for governor?

Comment by 999exodus Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:34 pm
Line @3:14 nailed exactly what I was thinking. Only what’s good for me is what’s good for everyone.

This guy is disgusting and is one of the primary reasons I decided to retire a couple of years early. Doesn’t appear to be anyone outside his “millionaire’s club” that is exempt from his hatred and obsession to destroy.

Comment by Finally Out (and now very glad to be) Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:35 pm
Betsy, while Klingbiel and Solfisberg were both forced to resign due to corruption, I don’t think either one of them was actually sent to prison. And Heiple got arrested, but again, didn’t have to do time.

Comment by Juice Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:39 pm
All those downtown ladies call him “Treetop Lover”
All the men just call him “Sir”

Comment by Soccermom Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:42 pm
Another filthy rich anarchist, that’s what he is. As said before, dangerous.

Comment by vise77 Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:43 pm
Soccermom, he is a junkyard dog.

Comment by Archiesmom Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:45 pm
The Captain 3:33 === This isn’t political posturing, it’s destabilizing. ===

Exactly. Trying to be charitable here, I don’t think Rauner understands the implications of what he’s doing.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:50 pm
He’s a wealthier, possibly smarter Blagojevich.

Comment by Democrowhat Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:51 pm
I wonder if that’s what he said to Justice Burke when he was a guest at her & Ed’s home for dinner with the Madigans & Cullertons after the election? I doubt it.

Comment by Judy Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:51 pm
@Archiesmom. I believe he already is there.

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:52 pm
Gov: This place… is corrupt.
Indy: What is it with you and corruption?
Z: He ain’t happy without a good corruption allegation.
[mockingly]
Z: This is corrupt. That is corrupt.

(Attribution to M2.)

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:52 pm
I recently asked my dentist, a fairly intelligent man, what he thought about our governor (Rauner). Now my dentist does not visit here at CF but I’m sure he reads the newspapers, watches TV and even listens to radio - he did have Sirius for background music playing Led Zeppelin and the like - and his response was interesting.

He felt he was doing a good job as we finally have someone in office with the “balls” to make change.

I then mentioned his most recent actions of stopping funding for autism assistance AND no longer paying for burials. There was no change in his belief and he added it’s about time we had someone in office shaking things up.

Scary if this is what many others believe even when learning more about the actions and consequences of Rauner…really scary.

Comment by LINK Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:52 pm
lets just make him KING, this guy is nuttier than hotrod!

Comment by foster brooks Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:53 pm
i told ya illinois was getting another brownback…

Comment by bored now Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:53 pm
Just when I think things can’t get worse, they do.

I’m having a hard time keeping track of who is and isn’t corrupt. Maybe I’m corrupt. I must be. Because it seems to me that the Governor pretty much thinks that everyone but him is corrupt.

Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:55 pm
“Sonny Corleone Goes After Another of the Five Families”

watch out for the Toll booths

Comment by foster brooks Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:55 pm
==Scary if this is what many others believe even when learning more about the actions and consequences of Rauner…really scary.==

It’s the ignorant masses that Rauner is speaking to. Ask 3 people anything about government and 2 of them will likely tell you how bad they think it is. Why wouldn’t you tailor a message to something the majority of people already believe?

Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 3:59 pm
Obviously, Sonny (hat tip to Willy) forgot to read Carnegie’s book, “How to Win Friends and Influence People.”

I hope the justices enjoy reading Sonny’s quote as they ponder the pension decision!

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 4:03 pm
Demoralized,

Ignorant masses is ok, but low information voter is not. I get it when you don’t like someone name calling their supporters is ok.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 4:04 pm
Didn’t FDR try to do this court-packing plan in the late 30’s, when he was arguably the most popular President in the last 100 years? And, where did that get him?

Comment by Mr. B.A. Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 4:08 pm
Just searched the dictionary for the definition of the word “narcissistic” and all I got was a photo of Rauner. I assume all the Justices now find him just the kind of elected official who should be given “police powers”.

Comment by Buzzie Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 4:09 pm
The IL legislature (past and present) have run us into the pits of debt and corruption and something has to be done to correct this unsustainable atmosphere. Agree, or disagree, as many on here do, we have to change the course of these actions.

Comment by Truth Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 4:11 pm
===Raunertold the Daily Herald editorial board he’s working toward a different pension plan…===

Fill all the binders you want, bruce. Call the judges insulting names. Meet with fawning editorial boards. A ” plan” is
worthless, until it is introduced, amended, passed and signed.

Call yourself a badass, but you have yet to enter the ring.
The clock is ticking.

I am not a fan of million dollar political campaigns for justices. Their districts have not been redrawn in decades, as required. Real problems. Name calling poisons the well.

Comment by Langhorne Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 4:12 pm
Hopefully Lady Justice is not only blind, but deaf, or at least slightly hard of hearing.

Comment by A guy Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 4:18 pm
He isn’t actually trying to influence the direction the Supremes go for the pension case, is he? If they overturn the law, “clearly” his pressure/bully tactics worked, but if they uphold it, clearly they must be “corrupt.” (Except the ones that wanted to overturn it, they have the best “merits” to be a Supreme.)

Comment by Chump Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 4:20 pm
Governor William J. Le Petomane said it best:

Reporter: Sir, those are dummies.

Governor William J. Le Petomane: How do you think I got elected?

Comment by D.P.Gumby Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 4:21 pm
So, what happens when he tells the Legislature how it’s going to roll, especially Madigan? If they don’t like what he is doing, can they fight back?

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 4:27 pm
@ Rick
Go for the Gold man, run for the legislature.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 4:28 pm
Judy @3:51- No matter, he just did!

Comment by I B Strapped Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 4:29 pm
It may not be the change people envisioned, but it is change nonetheless. It’s like watching a train wreck, in slow motion, from the train involved collision. At least increasing the number of enemies lessens the impact on any individual group while damaging his credibility. Then again, he could be the only sane one, and everyone else could be crazy or corrupt.

Comment by AC Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 4:32 pm
Rauner previously said that he hoped the Illinois Supreme Court would provide some direction regarding what would be constitutionally permissible regarding pension reform. If they did so, that would be legislating from the bench. Precisely what he now says he is against.

Comment by anonymouse Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 4:35 pm
It is sad that Rauner seems not to have learned anything about how our government actually works, and still listens to the ignorant ranters from IPI and their allied funders. He seems to buy a lot of BS about all the Illinois government units, without checking for accuracy.

I keep thinking he just cannot be this stupid, and it must be a matter of priorities which don’t include learning facts.

Rauner’s simply wrong about the Supremes. They seem to have a very responsible record of decisions in recent years, regardless of one’s political persuasion. His presumed future problem with their pension decision will likely be based more on the Constitution than any supposed political biases.

Funny that those in America who have elected judges call for appointed ones in the name of “reform,” while those who have appointed judges and demand elected ones, call it the same. How on Earth would judges appointed by a sitting governor magically be less “political” than those elected?

Kinda like a flat tax being God’s gift to fix the state economy, for those states who don’t have one.

Comment by walker Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 4:49 pm
OK we tried to say when sellin’ the JRTC popped up, but decided it just cannot be, but …… now BVR starts an “Enemy of the Month” club with the Supremes on the dance floor. One more and we looked for the old definition Mr. CircularFirin’Squad shared with us from time to time and we can self diagnose.
One More Time

BTW could someone tell BVR that when you bargain with the corrupt bargainers,agree and sign the bill you, young man, are corrupt bargainer yourself?

Comment by Anonin' Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 4:54 pm
IL Supreme Court Chief Justice Rita Garman is one of the classiest, most capable, trustworthy public servants that I have ever met. EVER.

She is the kind of person that we all hope ascends to this kind of position and responsibility. Loose accusations that include people the caliber of Justice Rita Garman are unfounded and absurd.

Conjures up the image of “I know it was you Fredo”. Just stop with the nutty characterizations.

Comment by Searchingfortruth Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 5:04 pm
An activist judge is a judge who disagrees with you. Electing judges is wrong for many reasons but the notion that elected judges are worse than appointed judges is just dumb.

Comment by HL Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 5:04 pm
The Tribune editorial board believes this guy is Illinois’ savior? They should be careful what they wish for. How long will they ignore Rauner’s insane behavior?

Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 5:08 pm
Heckuva Job, Brucie!!!

Comment by jerry 101 Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 5:14 pm
I don’t think he’s trying to bully the SC at all. He’s just framing the conversation. Now, when they rule against him, he’s already identified them as corrupt and they’ll just be playing into his depiction of them (however absurd it may be).

Comment by Lottie O'Neill Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 5:17 pm
Rauner is very quick to throw the word “corrupt” at anyone who disagrees with him.

It has had me thinking for a while about the rule in Congress against “impugning the motives” of a member of Congress. No, really, it’s a rule!

The US House rule: “a member should avoid impugning the motives of another member, the Senate or the president, using offensive language, or uttering words that are otherwise deemed unparliamentary.”

The US Senate rule: “No Senator in debate shall directly or indirectly, by any form of words impute to another Senator or to other Senators any conduct or motive unworthy or unbecoming a Senator.”

I believe that’s a common rule in legislative or parliamentary bodies. It’s worth thinking about why that rule is important for (small d) democratic bodies.

And it’s worth worrying about what our governor is doing to our state’s democracy.

Comment by Just a Reader Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 5:34 pm
So, he is upset there is checks and balances? He is crying foul because he can’t do whatever he wants? So, he can funnel money in his realm and, if you disagree it’s kind of like exterminating dissenters to create the unanimity of the graveyard? This guy tops Blogo by a mile.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 5:42 pm
Hell, who did he pay off @ the Tribune to blow smoke up people’s rears to make them think it’s the end of the world?

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 5:45 pm
Thank God we have a democrat senate and house!

Comment by Mitch59 Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 5:47 pm
It is interesting to contrast the elected the Illinois Supreme Court with the appointed U.S. Supreme Court. It makes me want an elected U.S. Supreme Court.

Comment by Chicago Guy Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 5:52 pm
I still can’t believe this guy got elected!

Comment by Mitch59 Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 5:53 pm
Took a long time to stop laughing. Who next to offend and insult? Step right up! For a guy with so much cash, he clearly has no class. I wonder why campaign donations by wealthy individuals, corporations and organizations that are intended to “influence” are not corrupting the process…..only unions. Something very magical in that thinking. His standing on positions as the elected leader of the people of this state are frightening and seem like those of an imbalanced person. I’m being nice.

Comment by AnonymousOne Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 5:55 pm
Fact is, he’s in over his head, a lightweight on a late-in-life ego trip to buy some respect.

The Tribune story (not the editorial) was revealing. Bringing in all his binders to show what “big plans” he has, but not being able to answer unanticipated questions (”read the plan”).

That’s been the pattern for two years; constant references to “comprehensive plans” that never materialize, rote responses to anticipated questions, but an inability to think on his feet or engage substantively when pushed off script.

And seriously, when a dude has to tell you how “bad” he is, he’s just showing fear. I’ve never met a “bad” person who had to advertise.

He might act like Sonny, but I see a lot of Fredo. “I want respect! I can handle things!”

That was the whole point of buying the office, wasn’t it? To get the title, get some some respect?

You can make a lot of money busting out businesses and driving them into bankruptcy, but it doesnt garner a lot of respect.

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 5:57 pm
Activist judges would change the Constitution - isn’t that what Rauner wants? Does he know what he is saying?

Comment by Dr X Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 5:58 pm
Great statement anon!

Comment by Mitch59 Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 5:58 pm
Put me down for one if anyone creates a bumper sticker that says, My Governor Thinks You’re Corrupt.”

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 5:59 pm
It’s really kind of interesting how this guy played everyone before the election with his “I’m a man of the people BS.” But Mr. Hyde has arrived in spades. A man who grew up with every advantage a kid could get, uses that advantage to figure out a way to (mostly) legally scam ordinary pensioners, workers, etc. out of obscene amounts of money. And now he is a Governor determined to hollow-out what is left of the middle class in Illinois. Can anyone in this state not see the contempt he has for ordinary working people?

Comment by kimocat Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 6:03 pm
He really did not hide his intentions as he said Scott Walker and Mitch Daniels are his heroes!

Comment by Mitch59 Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 6:10 pm
Let’s try again. soh-see-uh-path

Comment by tobor Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 6:14 pm
The next time Rauner calls someone corrupt, is it possible that some reporter out there can ask him about his years of dropping millions in campaign contributions on politicians of all stripes at the same time he was hustling — and getting — government business?

And how it was possible that Bruce the Bustout Baron of Winnetka never knew Stu the Felonious Fixer of Northbrook, even when he had him on the payroll for $25K a month to score government business “by any means possible?”

These two, North Shore neighbors, who traveled in the very small worlds of private equity/pension fund hustling?

Never knew each other?

Who believes that?

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 6:16 pm
Could anyone imagine Madigan crowing to be the “baddest enemy”?

Of course not. No need.

For Rauner, his fragile ego needs the adrenaline boost that phony swagger provides.

The rest of us are left gawking in embarrassment.

Comment by King Louis XVI Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 6:17 pm
So lets see…so far the Governor is at war with unions, the legislature, the state employees, the Supremes and now has pledged to destroy Indiana. Brucekrieg is in full force…

Comment by Will Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 6:19 pm
All the Godfather talk here is bizarre. But if you spend 40 plus hours a week reading, posting, reposting, then reposting 5 or 6 imore times in the comments section you are bizarre.

Comment by Mac Govern Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 6:22 pm
Oh - Mac Govern -, we’re not on your lawn. You’ll be fine.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 6:30 pm
Dr X makes a good point. Rauner wants to ignore, override the constitution to get what he wants, yet accuses the justices, in advance, of corruption, activism for upholding the law?

Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 6:33 pm
What would Rauner know about upholding the law? What would he know about our constitution? He is a business man! You don’t think he got rich by following the rules, do you?

Comment by AnonymousOne Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 6:38 pm
Tribs Rauner-gushing is repulsive. If you can’t act like a newspaper, file the cost of your paper with the board of election. Puleeze!

Comment by Truth Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 6:41 pm
Leaving aside the very apt Sonny Corleone comparison for the moment, Rauner reminds me of another movie moment. Specifically, the Faulkner sisters in “Mr. Deeds Goes to Town”, the older ladies who tell Mr. Deeds that not only is he “pixilated”- “Why, everybody in Mandrake Falls is pixilated - except us.”

That’s Rauner: “Why, everybody in Springfield is corrupt- except me.”

Comment by DuPage Dave Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 6:45 pm
As a Republican, it makes me sad seeing my pre-elections predictions about Rauner coming true. He truly is the GOP’s Blagojevich. Given the path he is on at the rate he’s going, about a years from now I can actually envision a recall proposal making it through the House & Senate.

Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 6:59 pm
As far as the IL SC goes, the real irony would be if the court were to provide the guidance Rauner wants by going “activist” and using the SB-1 case to order the Comptroller’s office to make the entire actuarially calculated pension payments into the five funds every fiscal year until it is fully funded … and top it off with language telling Rauner and the General Assembly it is not the court’s problem to find the revenue.

It will never happen because the IL SC has respect for the separation of powers between the three branches … but it would be great fun to watch the reaction from the Governor’s office.

Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 7:07 pm
I am afraid that LINK at 3:52 p.m. may be right. The majority of voters in this state are not we who frequent CF. The majority of voters in this state want a shakeup and are willing to give Rauner room to run. We have not seen the end of this, not by a long shot.

Comment by up2now Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 7:43 pm
Oh the horror of proposing a constitutional ammendment. Count on seeing this and term limits on a ballot soon

Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 9:04 pm
“- Lucky Pierre - Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 9:04 pm:

Oh the horror of proposing a constitutional ammendment. Count on seeing this and term limits on a ballot soon”

And count on there being a graduated income tax too. Once you open up the state constitution….well a lot can happen.

Comment by Illinois love Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 9:49 pm
Excuse any duplicate posting.

What troubles me about the Indiana quote is that it shows or pretends to show a complete lack of understanding of the wider socio-economic reality of how we interact with and depend on our neighbor states, and they on us.

The Chicago and Illinois economy doesn’t end at the Skyway exit ramp. Nor the Poplar Street bridge. Or Beloit Road. People live and work across the border, crossing at will, we ship materials and products across these borders, as well as energy and information.

In the 21st century, you really need to look at a metropolitan corridor that reaches from Milwaukee thru Chicago and into Gary, as one gigantic, interconnected organism. Not unlike the East coast corridor of large, inter-twined cities and states. It influences how you handle energy, transportation, water resources, and much more. Look at a night time satellite map of th East coast, or the MCG corridor along the tip of Lake Michigan, and you see that those state borders are nearly meaningless in terms of the true economy.

When the parts of an organism work together, everyone prospers. If the governor goes around antagonizing neighbor states, and ginning up acrimony instead of engagement, the fallout will include economic damage to Illinois, as well as a lowering of our status on a national level. We’ll lose power and influence and respect. We’re already connected to our neighbor states thru a web of intergovernmental agreements, MOU’s, pacts and treaties. And these deals benefit us directly, and the region, indirectly, attracting industry, jobs, customers, taxpayers. When a company locates in any one of these three states, the other two pick up some benefit as well. When we cooperate on building transportation infrastructure like bridges, or highways, or power lines, the region benefits, not just one locality.

Rauner’s rhetoric and his bunker mentality of isolationism and competition without cooperation, leads to dangerous and provincial thinking, thinking based on ideas that were already losing credibility in the previous century. Looking to the future, it isn’t about who can steal more plants and jobs from whom, rather, it is about treating such issues as employment, environment, education, etc. on a MACRO scale, with the combined powers of three states, working together.

THAT’S how we change the game. That’s how we win it.

Comment by Newsclown Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 10:23 pm
RNUG, I’d enjoy the various shades of purple our Gov and legislators would turn!

Comment by PolPal56 Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 10:32 pm
Rauner has Blago’s fatal flaw - a total lack of discipline.

Comment by PolPal56 Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 10:34 pm
By that, I mean that Rauner cannot control his personal obsessions, even when they are detrimental to his own goals, whether they be in running the state or his personal political goals,

For instance, his vicious, over-the-top, false, and illegal attacks on public employee unions lead to a ruling against him from the AG and increased full Union membership. Backlash rules the day.

Comment by PolPal56 Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 10:42 pm
For the record, to the updates,

I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge here those sweet Sonny quotes Rich added. Really good stuff there, Rich.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 10:47 pm
RNUG and others, as I have said before, there is precedent for the ISC to order that the pensions actually be funded. Courts in New York State in the 1990’s so ordered, as did a court in New Jersey recently. But of course Christie is fighting this. I too was once a Republican and I cringe at what the party has become.

Comment by Andy S. Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 11:03 pm
Not that it wouldn’t be fun, but the ILSC has previously ruled in IFT v. Lindberg that they don’t have the authority to mandate funding levels, only to ensure that benefits are paid on time.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Apr 7, 15 @ 11:08 pm
AO, I don’t think it’s fair to tarnish all “businessmen” with Rauner’s pathologies.

We’re all businessmen one way or the other, everyone who works for a living, whether you’re the boss, the vendor, the contractor or the employee.

The great majority of us who are “businessmen” actually produce something in the marketplace that advances the ball for all of us.

The way Rauner made his fortune is what Newt Gingrich and Rick Perry called “Vampire Capitalism” a few years back. A predator, preying on a living thing, sick or weak, sucking it dry then throwing it away.

Again, that’s his whole motivation for spending his third act in life and millions to become governor.

He wants respect. He never built anything or created a job. He never claimed to. He couldn’t, when asked, directly. Who respects a bustout scammer who made his fortune driving other people’s companies into bankruptcy?

Gov. “Baddest Enemy” has issues. Such bitterness and self-loathing over his chosen path.

How else do you explain a man who in the last significant thing that he’ll ever do dedicates himself to trying to reduce other people’s income?

He could have dedicated himself to anything. He’s loaded. But that was his choice.

Do you understand that? I don’t, and I have no respect for it,

Bruce and Diana aint no Bill and Melinda, that’s for sure. Not even a h-a one.

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 8, 15 @ 12:13 am
Those pesky coequal branches of government….

Comment by Mary Sunshine Wednesday, Apr 8, 15 @ 12:28 am
More bloviation from “The Big Noise From Winettka”. Which is the administration’s new theme song.

Comment by NiteMayor Wednesday, Apr 8, 15 @ 7:26 am
“I am afraid that LINK at 3:52 p.m. may be right. The majority of voters in this state are not we who frequent CF. The majority of voters in this state want a shakeup and are willing to give Rauner room to run. We have not seen the end of this, not by a long shot.”

The data we have right now doesn’t support this.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Apr 8, 15 @ 8:04 am
Arsenal.

I fear that too. I posted Rauner’s comments on a Facebook post and ALL the comments were basically in the vein of, “You go Governor! Shake it up!”

He is playing to the masses, somewhat like Blagojevich did with his campaign against Judy, “What was she thinking!”

Comment by LINK Wednesday, Apr 8, 15 @ 8:58 am
Anyone who doesn’t agree Rauner is corrupt. He’s almost like a spoiled child who doesn’t get his way.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 8, 15 @ 9:06 am
I detect a method to this apparent madness.

What Rauner is saying is not inherently wrong. he may be waving a flag in front of the bull, but the bull was going to gore him no matter what, given that the law is against him on pensions (he’s as much as admitted that by calling for a constitutional amendment). The governor appears to be building for an electoral battle in 2016. This is softening up the enemy. Really, he has nothing to lose. If he doesn’t succeed, he can say “I did what I could, good luck to the next guy.”

So what if the Trib ed board says he’s the greatest guy ever? What’s the comeback to the obvious? The old guard has made a shambles of state government, and allowing it to go on is merely allowing it to go on.

Comment by Oliver Wendell Holmes Wednesday, Apr 8, 15 @ 9:17 am
Softening up the enemy? Uh, when’s that going to begin, because it seems to me that Brucie is hardening his “enemies’” resolve, and adding a fair few, besides.

Comment by PolPal56 Wednesday, Apr 8, 15 @ 9:29 am
===So what if the Trib ed board says he’s the greatest guy ever? What’s the comeback to the obvious? The old guard has made a shambles of state government, and allowing it to go on is merely allowing it to go on.===

Rauner has NO plan beyond platitudes, buzz words, slogans, and worse of all, the slandering of those he sees as enemies, with baseless memes reserved to lump them all in one catagory or another.

The only real “reform” with a bill number is muni bankruptcy carried by the Owl Sandack and even the Owl knows, as is, the bill has little or no chance.

This attack on the Supremes is really an attack on the Constitution too, ya know, the thingy Rauner sword to uphold.

Rauner’s early failings also have a genesis of not respecting the co-equal branches, the constitution of this state, and tragically for himself, a lack of respect for his own office and it’s role with all the others in governing.

There is no method going on here. Nope. Rauner feels, from jump street, the institution, and institutions individually, of Illinois government don’t deserve his personal respect, all the while bound by an oath to protect them. Tragic, not strategic.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 8, 15 @ 9:31 am
Over/under on recall beginning: 6 1/2 months. I bet the under.

Comment by Tornadoman Wednesday, Apr 8, 15 @ 9:47 am
Doesn’t play well with others and does not appreciate their contributions are flaws that
apply to many of us. Is the danger here not just
the rhetoric of the Governor but the intimidation
of the very conversation that is government?

Comment by Illinoisvoter Wednesday, Apr 8, 15 @ 10:15 am
The idea that change is better than the status quo, only prevails when change is based in logical and mathematically grounded economic principals. Change is easy; progress is hard; governing is hard.

Comment by veritas Wednesday, Apr 8, 15 @ 10:51 am
@Veritas
You don’t try to disseminate someone that disagrees with you. Nor do you raise your voice and try to bully someone if you don’t get your way. Change also involves letting other speak instead of one sided ideas. Your right, governing is hard but also it can be more difficult if you think your way is the only way to go.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 8, 15 @ 12:05 pm
In that County treasurer’s stipend case, the ruling was that it did not violate separation of powers for the court to order payment from general funds if it is a payment required under the Constitution. The Court may not order funding now but if Rauner pulls any executive order stunt like refusing to pay the full amount of pensions due, you better believe the court will take action.

Comment by anon Wednesday, Apr 8, 15 @ 12:38 pm
Anon@12:38-you mean like the 30k I am still waiting on in back pay….from over two years ago?

Comment by Peoria democrat Wednesday, Apr 8, 15 @ 9:57 pm