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I suppose it could be worse

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Illinois

* Eight years ago today: June 12, 2007, 1:18 pm…

[Senate Republican Leader Frank Watson]: “I just don’t know for sure whether the governor really truly wants to get out of here… If he did, we’d be focusing on the budget, we’d be talking about the issues of revenue and spending.”

Watson: [The governor is not] getting message that GRT is dead. He talked about it “several times” today.

Substitute “GRT” with “anti-union stuff” and it could be June 12, 2015.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 10:37 am

Comments

That summer, Blagojevich was also tickled with glee that if they didn’t do the GRT that Madigan would have to eventually raise taxes to pay for pensions.

Comment by sss Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 10:42 am
Heheheh! Who needs ‘South Park’ and ‘The Simpsons’ when we got Rich to dredge up IL political history!

Comment by vole Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 10:43 am
Frank was part of the corrupt special interests that have plagued the State of Illinois. (/s)

Comment by Norseman Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 10:43 am
Governor Blagorauner is in the Mansion!

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 10:45 am
One Two Three Four
If I had ever been here before
I would probably know just what to do
Don’t you?
If I had ever been here before on another time around the wheel
I would probably know just how to deal
With all of you
And I feel
Like I’ve been here before
Feel
Like I’ve been here before
And you know it makes me wonder
What’s going on under the ground, hmmm
Do you know? Don’t you wonder?
What’s going on down under you
We have all been here before, we have all been here before
We have all been here before, we have all been here before
We have all been here before, we have all been here before

Comment by Nobody Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 10:47 am
With every effort to deny the comparison, they just sink more deeply in.

Trover thinks he is some sort of revolutionary, as if Blago didn’t have a press office skilled at disciplined repetition of message.

That said, they at least understood you have to make sure to use different cookie cutters to make your press releases.

Just like Christmas cookies, you don’t want a giant batch of four dozen cookies all shaped like snowmen.

Put some effort into your craft, kids.

Comment by Juvenal Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 10:47 am
The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Comment by CharlieKratos Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 10:50 am
And defeating the GRT beget the tax hike, the tax hike beget Rauner.

I thought the Speaker was the master of the long game.

Well, maybe it needs a little more detail:

Defeating the GRT beget “governor irrelevant” which beget “rewrite to do right and executive actions” which beget legislative memos on impeachment which beget Blagojevich seeking alternative employment which beget Blagojevich being arrested and removed which beget Pat Quinn which beget a governor signature on a tax increase which beget a billionaire’s revolt against springfield which beget a billionaire-funded Rauner campaign which beget an anti-union agenda which beget a defeat of the anti-union agenda which beget…

Comment by okgo Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 10:51 am
Sure it could be worse. Anyone see what the Kansas Gov. said about defunding the KS judiciary if they overturned him?

Comment by Give Me A Break Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 10:52 am
…which begets Lisa?

Victory!

Comment by okgo Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 10:52 am
“I suppose it could be worse”

Could be, has been and will be, I’m afraid.

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 10:53 am
okgo:
… profit?

Comment by Skeptic Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 10:55 am
I see similarities - but I also see the biggest difference, which is staff. Blago hired some complete duds. That’s not to say Rauner hasn’t either, but I think Team Rauner is way more competent than Team Blago.

And really - as a staffer - that’s what it comes down to. Nothing against the elected official, but you gotta have a good staff who can rep and support you without concern.

Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 10:56 am
Who, who, “who” was governor in 2007?

We keep having these reruns of Rod with Rauner and the retort is, “well, I don’t see it.”

Read and use that institutional knowledge of what Illinois was facing in 2007, with the Governor, and focus on what Keader Watsonis saying about Rod. Rod was missing the whole point about governing… of the job as governor.

As I hammer and shake the GOP GA, are they also “blind” to these parallels? Has the $20 million and $400K made memories of how Rod governs and how Rauner goes about his business are similar?

I swore I wouldn’t support the Blagojevich of My Party. “Bruce is nothing like Rod, nothing.” Day,after day, after day, Rauner is running the political playbook of Rod, and more and more Rauner’s political pandering and mechanisms to govern mirror Rod at an alarming rate.

My Party is now seduced, or bought outright, or even both I guess by Rauner to forget what they would say to Dems when backing Rod, before it all collapsed;

“How can you back Rod?”

“How can you back Rauner, GOP GA?”

Open your eyes, claim your autonomy to help Rauner off this track. Otherwise, being an enabler to the Rod of the GOP makes the words of Leader Watson ring hollow to the believers ears, but are the siren of warning we should be hearing.

Rauner is Rod, with the financial means to make Rod’s dream come true. Here’s your governmental warning sign.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 10:57 am
I love the name Keader Watsonis, OW.

Comment by sss Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 10:59 am
What governor was Watson talking about?

Comment by Wordslinger Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 11:01 am
It’s going to be an “up” summer (for Rich’s ad revenues, amiright?)

Comment by Juice Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 11:02 am
First it was “dudes of the mouth,” now it’s “Keader Watsonis.” OW is coining phrases like crazy today.

Comment by Tournaround Agenda Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 11:03 am
I’m the Yogi Berra of typos…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 11:05 am
Don’t feel bad, Willy. Last week I had trouble reading a federal indictment that totaled a whopping 7 pages. It happens to the best of us.

Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 11:06 am
Defeating the GRT was short-sighted of Madigan. Madigan himself has recognized that with his “millionaires” tax proposal. The GRT impacted LLC and S-Corps on Gross Receipts over $2m. So it would have hit millionaire property tax lawyers, bankers, etc. The same ones Madigan wants to hit with his Millionaire Tax.

Comment by old-pol Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 11:07 am
“Keader Watsonis” Band name!

Comment by Skeptic Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 11:09 am
Team Sleep:

There were some extremely talented people who worked for Rod, but we forget because 1) they don’t like to talk about it and 2) trying to reconcile it creates cognitive dissonance.

Remember, the Tribune was a big cheerleader of Rod’s as well.

Comment by Juvenal Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 11:13 am
Rauner = Blagojevich.

Not in all ways of course, but in the fundamental sense that, in the words of Jake Blues, he’s on a mission from god.

Who the god is — spiritual, fiscal, moral — is up for debate.

Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 11:13 am
Whoops — I meant Elwood Blues. Not Jake.

Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 11:15 am
Boy, we just don’t reminisce enough about Frank Watson here, do we?

There’s a market for the comparison between our current gov and a former disgraced gov who is now an inmate, but it’s a small market; here.

I don’t see it, hear it or read it anywhere else.

The first dude who references a place that sources here gets popped in the nose.

Comment by A guy Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 11:15 am
I don’t see the Blago/Rauner similarities. The parties’ fundamental beliefs are so different that it makes compromise difficult.

Comment by Soccertease Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 11:17 am
Gaaak! Any reminder of the Summer of 2007 just makes me break out in a cold sweat.

Comment by SAP Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 11:19 am
This whole thing is getting murkier and murkier with no clearly defined goals. The longer it goes on, the more Rauner looks like he is in over his head. Where is the rallying cry in the street for Right to Work? Nowhere. I’m on the verge of calling him Gov. Temper Tantrum.

Comment by All the answers Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 11:23 am
- Team Sleep -, I have my new herd of cats to console me.

You may have suggested the cats - Skeptic - but the band name idea better get me something besides concert seats!

To - A Guy -,

If this place is indisputably the leader in Illinois state politics, a leader, and it has been noted many times, here, things are ahead of the public “curve” in catching up…

Maybe, just maybe, the siren song of “Leader Watson” is being heard here first, and it’s up to the governor to decide if the path is the same?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 11:26 am
Guy, you just cant help yourself, can you? You’ve heard of google? It’s going to be big.

Ten seconds of research will yield for you a number of Blago/Rauner comparisons not from “here” (whatever that means).

The oldest I spotted was by Sen. Bill Brady from March 2014.

Comment by Wordslinger Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 11:29 am
GRT s not the Turnaround Agenda items.

Still not buying into the Rauner=Blago bit.

Some similar reactions and feelings among watchers, some equally unconnected communications, some similarities in trying to create and own a personal caucus, but the personalities, priorities, larger strategies, and field of operations are all significantly different between Rauner and Blago.

Comment by walker Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 11:30 am
Just watching the video of Rauner in Vernon Hills. I’m assuming it’s live (it’s via someone’s Periscope app).

Rauner indicated that an agreement on a budget is very far off. Staffs are meeting everyday, but virtually no progress is being made. He’s urging everyone to call their reps and make it known that they want “reform” (versus status quo).

I don’t know. What he’s pitching — and the slightly nervous, awkward, talking point way he’s pitching it — strikes me an inauthentic. I realize it’s all theater — and I understand that. But Rauner is a lousy actor. He’s just not someone that looks like he can be trusted. He’s nervous, very nervous.

Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 11:31 am
walker, history doesn’t repeat itself. Nothing is exactly the same as the past.

But there are some truly eery similarities on some points here.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 11:34 am
This whole conversation reminds me of that “Lincoln-Kennedy” 45 rpm record by Buddy Starcher in 1966.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=FO-WJrCH-mg

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 11:42 am
==There’s a market for the comparison between our current gov and a former disgraced gov who is now an inmate, but it’s a small market; here.==

I would say the only “market” for this comparison that matters is in the brains of the two Irishmen (and their caucus) on the other end of the bargaining table from the Gov.

If they start seeing a puffy black coif on Bruce’s head, then any negotiated deal is lost.

Whether the people/media make the connection matters little.

Comment by Abe the Babe Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 11:42 am
===Nothing is exactly the same as the past.===

Agreed. But there is enough history for Rauner to learn some lessons and avoid repeating some of the mistakes that Rod and Quinn made.

A guy, you say you don’t see the comparison and the average voter doesn’t see it either. Fine. In the latter case, I’d remind you that average voters aren’t the target audience of this blog. In the former, I’d suggest willful ignorance on your part, because while not exactly the same, there are enough similarities to tell me this comparison will only go away if Rauner changes his game plan.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 11:44 am
Will the GOP GA step in and actually help Rauner understand that the governmental failings of Rod could be the same he faces unless things change?

Someone needs to step in, and be taken seriously by Rauner and his Crew, and begin a pivot off this.

Then again, there’s that Raunerite Caucus dream, fully funded, that might make Rauner less interested in listening and coming down the Blago ledge.

Man, I’d give anything for autonomy in the ILGOP GA.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 11:58 am
A guy:

The reason you can’t see the comparisons between Blagojevich and Governor Rauner are because you don’t have the experience on the inside. I can tell you that the way that Governor Rauner does things from an operational point of view (I’m speaking internal operations of government here), the comparisons are appropriate. I’m not suggesting they are in any way alike personality wise, but I can tell you that they are alike in terms of how they operate state government. You may not believe me but, sadly, I’m sorry to say it’s true.

Comment by Demoralized Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 12:01 pm
OW: If the band gets to that point, I’ll let you know. I might even bankroll your next run for Governor.

Comment by Skeptic Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 12:02 pm
Willy, it’s just déjà vu all over again.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 12:07 pm
- Skeptic - give - Norseman - your business card. We’ll be in touch soon, if not sooner.

- Norseman -, I was waitin’, you hit it out of the ball park.

What should be seen as the daily governmental reminder of the Rod-Rauner similarities has to be this question, and Leader Watson goes there too;

“When is the Governor going to govern?”

Asked in 2007, asked again in 2015. Hmm.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 12:13 pm
Both Blagojevich and Rauner focused on personal goals to the exclusion of anything else. Both believe massive amounts of money were/are necessary to their plans.

Comment by Wensicia Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 12:21 pm
===The oldest I spotted was by Sen. Bill Brady from March 2014.===

….in the middle of a campaign where he was running against the Gov. Ask him now dude. Everything on “the google” is true, eh?

Man, you’re underperforming on this one. Grab a Red Bull and try again.

Comment by A guy Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 12:22 pm
Demo, I don’t doubt your experience (how could I really?) Who was it entirely different under? Seems to me the state has run a certain way for a long time. That’s not me criticizing the people in the trenches as much as a long history now of who’s been at the helm. Rauner’s been in a few months (6). Rod was still operating similarly (if I’ve heard you right) for 6 years.

Until Rauner achieves some key changes, how is the operational aspect of this supposed to change?

CF isn’t ahead of itself on this foolish comparison; many members are stuck in rut because of their personal biases. That’s human nature. They keep telling each other this theme and pat each other on the hindy every time one of them says it.

Truly, it’s just really goofy. Eerie or not, it’s silly.

Comment by A guy Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 12:29 pm
=== Someone needs to step in, and be taken seriously by Rauner and his Crew, and begin a pivot off this. ===

Willy, I’d suggest Mark Kirk since he supplied a bunch of people for Rauner’s staff. Unfortunately, Kirk is busy in the south side with his “bro’s and ho’s.”

Comment by Norseman Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 12:34 pm
- A Guy -,

Rich has opined how he waits to see what he reads and/or reports here makes its way to it’s said back to him months later.

Use the search key…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 12:35 pm
– Everything on “the google” is true?–

You make no sense. A google search provided links to news articles and columnists who, including Sen. Brady, made comparisons of Rauner to Blago.

You claim they don’t exist. They do. Rather than concede the obvious, you just get goofier.

Comment by Wordslinger Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 12:36 pm
==I don’t see it, hear it or read it anywhere else.==

Your experience =/= universal experience.

Comment by Arsenal Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 12:39 pm
A guy:

I guess you can say that they are very different, as Rauner supports a tax increase (to 4.75%) while Rod never would.

That work for ya?

Comment by okgo Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 12:40 pm
A guy:

Right now I’m comparing the early days of Blagojevich with the early days of Governor Rauner. I see similarities in their attitudes as they have entered office and how those attitudes have impacted how they go about conducting the administrative tasks of government. The most glaring similarity I see has to do a lot with their attitudes as they arrived in office. High levels of distrust with anyone and anything to do with government.

Comment by Demoralized Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 12:49 pm
The Dan Walker - Rauner comparison still works for me.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 12:53 pm
Rod or Bruce?

“A successful economic development strategy must focus on improving the skills of the area’s workforce, reducing the cost of doing business and making available the resources business needs to compete and thrive in today’s global economy.”

“I know each fund has its supporters, and that some will not want to see the surplus go to schools. But, in tough times, you have to set priorities. And our priority is education.”

“Let’s put aside the politics and trust the people. Let’s embrace the unique opportunity we all have; take the heat and make the hard and difficult decisions, knowing that we’re doing it to make things better for the people of Illinois.”

“Parents don’t need government to raise their kids.”

“We will meet our challenges head on and we will do it by rejecting the politics of mediocrity and corruption. You voted for change; I intend to deliver it. … I will govern as a reformer.”

“I intend to use every power I have and my discretion as governor to eliminate unqualified, unnecessary and overpaid individuals wherever I find them in state government.”

“We have to seize this moment and enact meaningful ethics reform. After all we’ve been through, we cannot expect the people just instinctively to trust their government. We can’t just pay lip service to the need for ethics reform and expect them to go along.”

“We do everything right.”

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 1:04 pm
VM, I know, but I don’t wanna spoil the fun for others.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 1:21 pm
===Willy, I’d suggest Mark Kirk since he supplied a bunch of people for Rauner’s staff. Unfortunately, Kirk is busy in the south side with his “bro’s and ho’s.”===

The list is thin and thinning…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 1:26 pm
In other flashback news today, 7 years ago ABC News predicted NYC would be under water from “climate change ” by June 2015!

Comment by Sheesh Hecuka Cupajava Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 1:42 pm
@Vman

I’m gonna guess all Rod.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 2:17 pm
If we want to compare Rauner to Blago that’s fine, but did anyone actually take Blago seriously? Will that become Rauner’s fate?

Comment by levois Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 2:41 pm
What can’t the Governor introduce another budget, one that he would sign? Durkin and Radogno could carry the bills in their respective chambers.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 4:02 pm
==but there are some eerie similarities==

Csnnot disagree with that.

Comment by walker Friday, Jun 12, 15 @ 4:03 pm