Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Back to the future

Posted in:

Illinois

* Gov. Bruce Rauner speaking yesterday in Decatur…

“Let’s be clear what’s going on here. Madigan and Cullerton work for the Chicago machine, just like Blagojevich did. They’re all part of that Chicago machine. That’s where they come from. That’s where they make their money. They’re not really working for you. They’re working for the Chicago machine.”

* Also from yesterday, the man once called a “wallflower” by a certain former governor…

The governor’s accusation this week that regional legislators are working in the interest of their Democratic leaders is not the first time State Rep. John Bradley has heard that.

“I went through that with (former-Gov. Rod) Blagojevich,” Bradley said Wednesday, two days after Gov. Bruce Rauner came to Marion and Belleville on a finger-pointing tirade against General Assembly leaders that blamed them for the state’s fiscal crisis.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 8:43 am

Comments

Who is that I see in the Blagojevich mirror? It sure isn’t Madigan and Cullerton. In word and deed, Rauner is the reflection I see…

Comment by PolPal56 Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 8:49 am
Isn’t Rauner part of that Chicago machine! His money must go to just grease that machine. Guess that is the difference.

Comment by wrangler Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 8:50 am
Was the Gov here when Blago was Governor? There was no love lost btwn Blago and Madigan and Cullerton. I always find it funny when people say we finally have divided gov’t in Ill. We always have…

Comment by burbanite Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 8:51 am
This. Is. So. Tired.

Rauner would be better to really get deep in these districts, real deep, and tailor messaging to the micro needs and where legislators are “failing” (Rauner’s 7th favorite word/phrase) and hammer and shake the micro to have the headway.

This is also terribly lazy. These legislators have been around for 10 years, plus. The goal is to peel off what people need to know that is real to the districts, not “Chicago Career Politicians”, ala Rod Blagojevich.

This is “superstar” strategy?

Let’s not forget the press release, and the “2nd” press release, cookie cutters with this “Chicago Career Politicians” theme.

Boy, seriously, a million a district, with this refried beans approach? What Durkin and Radigno could really do with; a candidate mirroring the district, strong district connections to policy and issues concerning voters and a strong ground game, with a million dollars.

Wasted opportunities?

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 8:52 am
And Rauner made his money where? Oh right, public pensions.

Comment by chi Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 8:53 am
It doesn’t really matter who the Governor is….Madigan has been the common denominator for decades. Poster child for term limits……

Comment by Stop the Madiganity! Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 8:57 am
===It doesn’t really matter who the Governor is….Madigan has been the common denominator for decades. Poster child for term limits===

Like; Thompson, Edgar, Ryan…

Is that you John Kass?

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 8:58 am
Why he would force a conversation about how folks made their money is beyond me. He must just think he can blanket people with his message until they accept it as fact. At a certain point, the messaging money can buy becomes tired. In the same way, when real consequences hit people due to a government shutdown the tide of public opinion is going to turn on him.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 8:59 am
More and more, it seems like the governor wants things to blow apart and fail. The public attacks rather than private meetings is the exact opposite of what needs to happen — unless he really wants things to fall apart.

Comment by ash Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:00 am
The loyalty oath is still available on the IL State Board of Elections website. Revised last in 2004. Maybe Rauner wants to bring it back with some editorial changes.

Comment by George OhWell Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:01 am
Madiganity! - Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 8:57 am:

Forgot to sign Governor Bruce

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:02 am
==He must just think he can blanket people with his message until they accept it as fact.==
works for Fox News…

Comment by ash Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:02 am
Rauner wants term limits. Just on those who won’t do what he wants. Governor when you point your finger at others you have three pointing back at you.

Comment by wrangler Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:03 am
What’s astounding is that Rauner truly believes that the more he attacks the character of Madigan and Cullerton, the more likely he is to get the concessions he so badly seeks. He’s so used to bullying underlings that he assumes he can do the same now as Governor, except Madigan and Cullerton don’t work for him.

Comment by slow down Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:04 am
The blame game is a campaign tactic, but it becomes tired after the election is over. Maybe Rauner thinks that he will win the hearts and minds of folks before the govt shuts down. People may play along until that point, but when payments cease and employees and their services stop, the game changes. The Governor owns the budget. Turnaround agenda or no turnaround agenda, people will only care about the fire that is at their feet, and that fire is the budget.

Comment by out of touch Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:05 am
The governor’s down on the “Chicago Machine,” is he?

Were there ever any Daleys in the Chicago Machine?

I guess it must have been a different Bruce Rauner who contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years to Richard Daley, Rahm Emamuel and Forrest Claypool.

It must be a different Bruce Rauner who made Emamuel a millionaire, and himself a bundle, in that hinky SBC deal. And who is great pals with Bill Daley.

The guy will say anything because he believes the voters are contemptible idiots.

Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:07 am
There is no way any rational, fair observer could compare Blago to Rauner! The forces of the status quo are always powerful, but they inevitably yield.

Comment by Formerpol Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:08 am
“Like; Thompson, Edgar, Ryan” Topinka, White, L Madigan…

Comment by Skeptic Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:11 am
== They’re not really working for you.==

The governor’s total state and local tax rate is less than 4.6%. Find yours at www.itep.org/whopays/full_report.php#Conclusion. Is the governor on your side? To be fair, the same question can be asked of Madigan. What is either one doing to fix this?

Comment by X-prof Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:12 am
Oh - Formerpol -,

Rauner wants Raunerite Caucuses in both Chambers. That was Rod Blagojevich’s dream, Rauner is running the playbook, with the cash to do it, including co-opting some, peeling off the others from the “Career Chicago Politicians”

As a former pol, you’d think you’ve seen this movie before…

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:12 am
(My point was other popular long-serving politicians that would be lost due to term limits, if they are imposed on their respective offices)

Comment by Skeptic Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:13 am
Scroll down to the map and click on Illinois, or go directly to www.itep.org/whopays/states/illinois.php

Comment by X-prof Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:17 am
C’mon. He’s working a message that’s resonating with plenty of people. No more, no less. You need to move a mountain, you’ve gotta put your shoulder into it. It’ll work or it won’t. We’ll see.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:19 am
Yesterday local news aired an exchange between the governor and a middle-aged lady in Decatur (i think). The lady gave the governor what for and, after he tried to blame the Democratic leaders, she really laid into him. She aptly told him they all had to work together and were all responsible. This was a face to face encounter which made it very powerful. The visual was compelling; our very tall governor looking a bit uncomfortable as the much more diminutive citizen looked up at him, giving him the business and pointing her finger.

I think it points to a level of frustration amongst people on the street. And also the fact that his messaging is not necessarily turning people against any single target, but merely making citizens mad at the entire group.

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:20 am
His polling shows that such messaging works well in central and southern Illinois. Always has. Reasons why Dem gubernatorial candidates fare poorly outside of Chicago.
Why?
Because that is the banter of career politicians like Rep. Bill Mitchell. (As Madigan describes them, “do-nothing drop-outs”.

Comment by Austin Blvd Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:20 am
Gotta dust off my 17 boxes of “Fire Madigan” t-shirts and my 9 crates of “Fire Madigan” coffee mugs.

I may break even on this yet!

(This is snark, I have none of these. Thank you.)

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:21 am
==He’s working a message that’s resonating with plenty of people.==

I just don’t see any evidence that it resonates with anyone besides who it always resonates with. And that’s fine, base mobilization is important, but it’s not going to convince any legislators to slit their own throats (or that of their staunchest allies), and it’s not going to flip the legislature next year.

Now, the Dragons, they may be able to do that, but that’s a completely different thing.

Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:22 am
“- Formerpol - Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:08 am:

There is no way any rational, fair observer could compare Blago to Rauner! The forces of the status quo are always powerful, but they inevitably yield.”

This is the archetype for the Rauner Admin folks and it’s a good illustration of why we’re in such deep doo doo. They and the governor think if they attack loud enough and long enough then the Dems will yield. He still is flunking basic math. Repeat after me Governor. 71 is more than 47. 71 is more than 47. They have a veto-proof majority. You don’t. It’s simple math.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:23 am
@X prof- Thanks for the link. I jumped to the Wisconsin page and found that an interesting read as well.

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:23 am
Straw man arguments are such fun!

Comment by From the Stateline Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:23 am
@ OW, with respect:

You’re right in your analysis, so I can only conclude that Governor Rauner has a different motivation than we think. I just don’t think he’s interested in specific policies. He just wants to pants certain political actors. And me, I’m not against that, depending on the policy consequences, but it’s an awfully small reason to be Governor, and it’s certainly a bad way to get things done, ’cause Madigan is never going to agree to humiliate himself.

Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:27 am
==Madigan and Cullerton work for the Chicago machine==

Madigan and Cullerton don’t work for anybody Big Hoss. Now if you wanted to argue the “Chicago Machine” work for Madigan and Cullerton, well then you may have some grounds…

Comment by Jimmy CrackCorn Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:28 am
Accusing Democrats of being part of a Chicago machine?

Well, that’s a new one, ace! Let’s try that ground breaking creative approach and see if it sticks! Yeah, that may be the line of attack that really works!

Good job, son! You go get’em!

Comment by Gooner Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:31 am
- Arsenal -,

I think you are framing one of the motives in that big picture really well. Point taken. Also, it is a horrible way to think, since Rauner needs both Madigan and Cullerton in the end. A good point made by you there too.

The hypocrisy of Rauner on that specific point, as - Wordslinger - above notes is the comically tragic part, and as you point out, quite small.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:32 am
I also like throwing 1/5 of the state under the bus. I mean, I know that’s de rigueur in Republican politics, but c’mon, Rauner’s a quasi-Chicagoan…

Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:33 am
http://static1.squarespace.com/static/530becede4b093256168fba5/t/53a07fb8e4b01c7e0c01b4c4/1403027410702/pleaseproceed.png

Comment by Please proceed governor Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:33 am
Doesn’t Rauner have very extensive ties to the “Chicago Machine” (sounds silly to say these days) that go back many years and include appointments to various public Boards?

Seems a bit hypocritical to me, but many outside of the metro area don’t know about the governors past associations and the Chicago thing plays very well to some.

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:35 am
=but c’mon, Rauner’s a quasi-Chicagoan… =

How dare you! He lives in Winnetka, which is a lot like Marion. Man of the people he is../snark

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:37 am
Governor, your campaign talking points are old and tired now. You need to start governing. Stop with the Madigan/Cullerton/Chicago Machine bs!

Tell your bought and paid for GOP legislator to bring forward your agenda and have it voted upon. If it fails, go to plan B and compromise.

Comment by NewWestSuburbanGOP'er Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:37 am
This whole approach is both stale and unproductive. It’s clearer than ever that Rauner has decided he can “win” a shut down. I’m sure he’ll be baffled when voters start to lump him into the whole dysfunctional system.

Comment by horse w/ no name Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:39 am
While he’s out campaigning downstate, I get how Rauner can attack the Chicago pols.

But how can he attach that label to Bradley and the other local legislators he is running people against? Will that stick?

Comment by walker Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:39 am
Governor Bruce Rauner: I want your answer and my Turnaround agenda passed by noon tomorrow. And one more thing. Don’t you contact me again, ever. From now on, you deal with Z.
Speaker Madigan: Governor? You can have my answer now, if you like. My final offer is this: nothing. Not even the worker’s compensation reform, and I would appreciate it if you would personally announce you want a tax increase.

Comment by NewWestSuburbanGOP'er Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:40 am
Gov Rauner’s conservative beliefs make his Madigan/Cullerton/ comments flow easily. Whether its smart politically is another story. I believe that the legislature would function more smoothly with new Dem leadership.

Comment by Soccertease Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:43 am
What’s the purpose of the message? Flip votes in the GA? Forge compromises? Seems counterintuitive.

Campaigning for a legislative election 17 months away that will be dominated by the presidential contest? Campaigning in the summer, in the middle of a legislative session, when you’ll have another legislative session before that election?

That’s some faith in the interest, attention-span, and memories of the small universe of persuadable voters in the relative handful of contestable districts.

How will we be able to tell that this strategy is working, that this very old, very worn, “Chicago Machine” message is “resonating” this time?

Kurtz: “Are my methods unsound?”

Willard: “I don’t see any method at all, sir.”

Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:43 am
Rauner and his highly experienced advisers want a government shut-down, and they seem to think that it a shut-down will promote the Rauner objectives. Let’s play a game: assuming that they have some strategic thinkers among them (a stretch, I think), how does a shutdown get them what they want? Any takers on this?

Comment by ChiTownSeven Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:46 am
==They and the governor think if they attack loud enough and long enough then the Dems will yield.==

I don’t think they believe this at all. At the risk of being redundant I’ll remind everyone again of Rauner’s own words, “crisis creates leverage”. Remember those words.

This is the build up and framing of the crisis. Rauner’s attacks aren’t designed to bring Madigan and Cullerton to the table, he wants to blow up the table and then decide how it gets put back together. It’s a business model that Rauner is very familiar with.

Comment by pundent Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:51 am
- ash - Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:02 am:

==He must just think he can blanket people with his message until they accept it as fact.==
works for Fox News…

Works for MSNBC and CNN

I am not a Rauner fan but am sick of the Fox News Bashing. Most news is biased.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:54 am
He’s definitely taking a much longer view. It will take a much longer time to measure the effectiveness of this. Gaining seats is hard work and takes a long time and consistent message. It’ll be groundhog day for awhile.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 9:55 am
Um, - A Guy -,

The title of this post is “Back to the Future”;

===It will take a much longer time to measure the effectiveness of this. Gaining seats is hard work and takes a long time and consistent message.===

It’s been a “longer time” a long time ago.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 10:00 am
And this long game strategy moves the FY 2016 ball forward how?

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 10:03 am
@JS Mill. Right. IL billionaires enjoy a lower income tax rate than the working poor in WI. If IL adopted WI’s income tax structure, our budget problems would be over. We could reduce property taxes and start paying off our debt. Don’t worry about the rich folks, we’d still have a regressive tax system.

See also http://www.itep.org/whopays/inequality_index.php. We have the fifth most regressive tax system in the country, worse than all our neighbors.

The governor’s claims that IL taxes are too high do not apply to his income group. IL is a tax haven for them, and they’d be crazy to move to most other states.

If more people knew these numbers, Rauner’s agenda would be toast. There might even be enough pressure on the Dems to do something about it.

Comment by X-prof Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 10:04 am
ChiTownSeven-
And when they get their govt shutdown, the Gov will blame the Ds. That is the point of his downstate charade.
Really, when you think about it, how much sense does it make for Rauner to say that the cuts are the Democrats’ fault? It doesn’t.
BVRs game is a cruel game of holding government programs at bay for political purposes.
This is how business people like Rauner negotiate.
Unfortunately the logic doesn’t work in a Democratic process.

Comment by Austin Blvd Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 10:04 am
The “Chicago machine”: Who/ what is this Chicago - Machine that Rauner references all the time? Are the guv & the voters active members of this so called Chi- machine? Is this machine limited to elected state officials?

Comment by Mama Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 10:07 am
If this cutting-edge and urgent “Chicago Machine” message doesn’t pay off, whatever the goal might be, the Frat Bros could try something even fresher like “Al Capone, bang-bang” and “The Untouchables.”

Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 10:09 am
=== Norseman - Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 10:03 am:

And this long game strategy moves the FY 2016 ball forward how?====

Worry not Norse, there will be incremental positive change as it goes along. A budget will get passed at some point, and I’ll predict that just about no one will be entirely pleased with it. It will however represent some movement in a direction different than where we’ve been going. It will be painful, uncomfortable, ugly and tiresome. We’ve had decades of taking the easy way. It takes time. In the meantime, progress will be made and the things that have to get done will get done. Unfortunately every last piece of progress will require a battle.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 10:10 am
My best guess at Rauner’s motives:

1) His complete hatred of unions. If a staffer convinced him that AFSCME liked ladybugs, he’d find a way to send state money to eradicate ladybugs, and that would be part of his turnaround agenda. He’d probably call the name of the insect sexist as well.

2) A foolish belief that he can sway public opinion against Madigan/Cullerton enough to get them to compromise and enact some of the five points of his agenda. He won the election, he figures he’s popular, why not try it.

Comment by Robert the Bruce Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 10:10 am
==He’s definitely taking a much longer view. It will take a much longer time to measure the effectiveness of this. Gaining seats is hard work and takes a long time and consistent message.==

Ugh, if the goal is to gain seats, we’ve got big problems in the meantime.

Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 10:11 am
==It’s been a “longer time” a long time ago.==

Willy, for you this may just be like being the kid in the back of the station wagon asking “are we there yet?” No we aren’t. We never took the time to get it right here before. Now we have no choice. Time moves much slower for young folks like you!

Comment by A guy Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 10:13 am
Yes we do Ars, yes we do.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 10:14 am
===
==Willy, for you this may just be like being the kid in the back of the station wagon asking “are we there yet?” No we aren’t. We never took the time to get it right here before. Now we have no choice. Time moves much slower for young folks like you! ===

So the Rod Blagojevich playbook will work for Raunerite Caucuses in both chambers?

This isn’t about the GOP.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 10:16 am
For those of you assuming there is some deep thought behind Rauner’s remarks –

Keep in mind the guy has never held elective office. It seems very possible that he doesn’t have a plan and instead is just not very good at his job.

He also seems to have a difficult time distinguishing between “politically aligned” and “competent.” That seems to be the reason that his budget consultant received more cash.

Rather than assuming that he’s got some plan, give some thought to the idea that from what we’ve seen, he may be in over his head. Remember that Rauner made his cash buying companies and ripping them apart. He’s never had to run a functioning enterprise.

Comment by Gooner Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 10:17 am
===Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 10:16 am:===

I don’t agree with the premise of the Blago playbook bs, so I can’t help you here.

I did compliment your youth though!

Comment by A guy Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 10:24 am
Gooner, just wow.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 10:25 am
A Guy,

The Gov. is talking about “the machine.”

Unless your audience consists solely of John Kass, that’s a line of attack that is destined to fail. Heck, it probably fails with Kass too at this point.

Comment by Gooner Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 10:30 am
Mr/Ms OW
Never forget the creative genius behind “Fire Madigan” predicted so much new biz from TeamBungle that he opened an office in SPI.
Guessin’ he has all that surplus stuff in a warehouse in the 217 area code itchin’ for the distribution cue.

Comment by Anonin' Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 10:33 am
- Anonin’ -,

Wonder if I could secure the “Collar Counties - I-88 Corridor” distribution rights?

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 10:39 am
- A Guy -, wether you believe it or not, it doesn’t make it less true.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 10:48 am
== There is no way any rational, fair observer could compare Blago to Rauner! ==

- Formerpol -,

I’m probably one of the more objective commenters here … and I was also one of the first, if not the first, to call Rauner the GOP version of Blago during the campaign.

Also, like -ow-, I generally support GOP candidates. But Rauner is something else; because of him I voted D for Gov for the first time in 40 plus years.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 10:54 am
- RNUG -, yep.

The Blago comparisons have been out there for months, you are out there WAY early on, understanding it.

This barnstorming has a Blago “feel” and “see”…

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 11:00 am
I think the difference between Blago and Rauner is the difference between a personality disorder and a really, really mean streak.

True, neither of them got along with Madigan, but I don’t see that much similarity.

Comment by DuPage Dave Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 11:07 am
Guy, your position then is Rauner’s governmental actions to date are part of a partisan long game to flip a few GA seats 17 months from now?

That’s reasonable and justifiable to you?

Is there any time during this partisan game when his duties and responsibilities as governor will take priority? It really is a big job, and should not be neglected for too long.

Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 11:08 am
I’m another one who is buying the Blago comparisons.

I voted for Quinn but purely out of the narrow self interest of Rauner’s support of a tax on services and the thought it would be an accounting issue for lawyers everywhere.

Still, I was cautiously hopeful for Rauner. I expected an Ed Sullivan or a pre-Rauner’s mouthpiece Ron Sandack.

Instead, we got a Gov. who cuts funding for HIV positive kids in an apparent failed attempt to pressure the House into anti-union legislation.

Sick kids for leverage is quintessential Blago.

Blago was also big at promoting legislation that had popular appeal but never had a chance, and we are seeing some of that with Rauner on things like term limits.

Basically, the major difference between the two seems to be that Rauner’s wife appears to be a far more calm and likeable person than Blago’s. Also, we have track suits v. Carthartt, but that’s not a major difference.

Comment by Gooner Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 11:14 am
Gooner, to add to your list, so far Governor Rauner has not started quoting Kipling or Tennyson yet, so we’ve got that going for us. Thank the heavens he’s not a “reader”.

Comment by Juice Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 11:25 am
“Scroll down to the map and click on Illinois…”

X-Prof, My own experience is that the study you linked is hooey. At a taxable income of ~$45K in 2014, I paid ~$5200 in property taxes, ~$2100 in state income tax, and maybe $1000-$1500 in state sales tax. That comes to 18.5-19.5% for me. And that isn’t taking into account all the additional taxes on gasoline, fees on utilities, etc.. That is why if Illinois stays on the path of status quo, I’ll be one of the expected 100K people in 2016 leaving for a state where my tax burden will be closer to the 10% cited in your link. And that is what Rauner is tasked with preventing - the exodus of taxpayers. Maybe Madigan can contact Kim Dung Un for some advice on fence building to keep the people from fleeing. On the other hand, IL has such wonderful weather, roads, commute times, lack of crime and violence, political discord, schools, etc., perhaps that will sway people’s minds into staying here (silently chuckling to myself).

Comment by Tom K. Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 11:36 am
A Guy, I couldn’t help but think of the
Age of Aquarius when reading your last comment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06X5HYynP5E

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 12:17 pm
Norse, unfair and out of bounds totally. Someone (I figure out who!) has told you Marilyn McCoo is my kryptonite. As of this moment I don’t care about anything or anyone but her. All I see is Loves lines angles and rhymes now.

Boom.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 12:57 pm
Slinger, you’re close. I think that is part of the long term plan. I think he’s also focusing on the short term governance as well. He’s complex enough to pursue more than one objective.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 1:00 pm
A Guy, I couldn’t help but think of the
Rush’s New World Man when reading your last comment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTqUMwyFsic

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 1:26 pm
There are political machines and there are money machines. It seems the political type represents more people throughout history. Then there is Rahm who seems to have a political and a money machine. It seems almost possible they might compromise and govern. But that term limit stuff, shouldn’t fly. Legislatures need people in it for the long haul. But I really don’t think Rauner can get past his big ego.

Comment by jknell Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 1:34 pm
47, we might be able to solve everything with music! lol

Comment by A guy Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 1:56 pm
Prior post @10:17..Guv made his money by buying companies and ripping them apart. I think that is exactly what he wants and will do to the State of Illinois. That’s what he knows, that’s what he does. Obviously not so much for money but for the national attention he will receive. He is banking on the attention to be all in his favor. As long as he gets what he wants that’s all that matters. It’s all about Bruce.

Comment by Clodhopper Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 2:24 pm
= On the other hand, IL has such wonderful weather, roads, commute times, lack of crime and violence, political discord, schools, etc., perhaps that will sway people’s minds into staying here (silently chuckling to myself).=

Great drive by. My advice, keep driving. At $45k per annum (taxable) you are not the kind of person the good Governor likes any way. PS. your $2100 in state taxes is less than 5% so your math is a bit suspect.

Again, enjoy Wisco or Indy, or Iowa where your bill will be higher. Maybe you can start an Illinois expat group there or something.

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 3:29 pm
@ OW ==Like; Thompson, Edgar, Ryan…==
Like; Madigan, Madigan, Madigan
Common denominator. ‘Nuff said.

Comment by Stop the Madiganity! Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 4:00 pm
- Stop the Madiganity -,

I’m the collar county and I-88 corridor distributor (pending) for “Fire Madigan” articles; from t-shirts to coffee mugs, I’m your “one stop” you need to fuel your Kass-like thinking.

Can I send you a catalog?

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 4:28 pm
Please do. And Under “Fire Madigan” would you add “always part of the problem, never part of the solution”? please and thanks….

Comment by Stop the Madiganity! Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 4:39 pm
lol, ok, if it helps you sleep at night.

Any other reason it’s all Madigan’s fault?

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 4:49 pm
Does anybody remember what the “machine” is?

Comment by In_The_Middle Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 5:10 pm
== Does anybody remember what the “machine” is? ==

No, because Royko isn’t around to remind them …

Comment by RNUG Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 7:16 am