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Get off the back bench, please

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Illinois

* My weekly syndicated newspaper column…

Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner is proving to be quite adept at skirting responsibility for the current Statehouse impasse and impending government shutdown.

He has relentlessly painted himself as the good guy, even to the point of blatantly abandoning his previous stances.

For instance, Rauner has righteously slammed the Democrats’ “unconstitutional” unbalanced budget, even though his own proposed budget was also billions of dollars out of balance.

Rauner trashed that Democratic budget even after he signed the part which funded schools, thereby ensuring that he avoided blame if schools didn’t open on time.

Rauner warned in April that the state had no money to bail out Chicago, then offered $200 million a year in “found money” for the Chicago Public Schools to keep it from going belly up.

The same man who often refers to the state employee union AFSCME as “AFSCAMMY” and who told the Chicago Tribune editorial board that the crisis of a state fiscal meltdown “creates opportunity” to get his non-budget issues passed, last week pledged to work arm in arm with the unions to make sure those poor state workers got their paychecks, even though the lack of a budget means there is no legal appropriation to do so.

He’s a clever dude, that one. He’ll say just about anything to shift the focus off of him and on to the Democrats.

Rauner said last week via an e-mail to state employees that he hadn’t heard any response to his newly proposed compromises on his non-budget demands which he wants resolved before he’ll even talk about the budget. But Senate President John Cullerton had been working with the governor on workers’ comp, property taxes and other issues, and many of Rauner’s “new” compromises weren’t new at all.

The Democrats have responded by pushing a proposal that they hope will help give them an edge on the governor. The Senate Democrats last week used their large veto-proof majority to pass a bill to fund a few “essential” state operations for one month, at a cost of $2.26 billion.

The legislation includes funding for things like sex offender GPS tracking, community care programs for the elderly, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency’s monitoring of nuclear sites and its natural disaster response, along with operational funding for veterans’ homes, the Illinois State Police, the Illinois School for the Deaf, the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired, the Illinois National Guard and DCFS group homes, foster homes and protective services,

That’s not an easy bill to vote against. The TV ads write themselves. But zero Republicans voted for it.

The House Democrats, who have a smaller majority than their Senate counterparts, couldn’t pass the bill on their own because they didn’t have all of their members in the chamber last week, but they still got Republicans on record as opposing it.

House Speaker Michael Madigan told reporters that he’d heard at least two House Republicans were willing to vote to keep the government from totally shutting down. But the House GOP leadership said the governor had placed a very large “brick” on the bill, and the Republicans complied with his wishes, as they pretty much always have since Rauner’s inauguration.

That constant compliance is starting to have a price.

Gov. Rauner met with the House Republican Caucus last week to thank them for sticking with him throughout the spring session and to ask them for more support during the overtime session.

Rauner thanked them for voting “Present” at his request on controversial bills which could get them in hot water with constituents. He was politely reminded, however, that they actually voted “No” on quite a few bills, including the education funding bill which the governor wound up signing into law.

Nobody enjoys getting the rug pulled out from under them, so the HGOPs have a right to be a little ticked off.

Some believe the Democrats hope to drive so many wedges between legislative Republicans and the governor that eventually the legislators will rise up and demand a resolution.

A revolt from below is highly unlikely, however. Rauner is Illinois’ first Republican governor in a dozen years, so Republican lawmakers truly want to help him succeed. Plus, the governor is sitting on an unlimited supply of campaign money and they want that cash for next year’s elections - and they don’t want any of it used against them.

Even so, it wouldn’t hurt if the more reasonable Republican lawmakers finally find the courage to suggest a way out of this mess.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 10:20 am

Comments

It wouldn’t hurt if the more reasonable Democratic lawmakers had the courage to suggest a way out of this mess either.

One way would be a vote on term limits, and redistricting. They would not pass but at least everyone would be on record as either for against the status quo.

Both enjoy bipartisan support among the majority of Illinois voters and would be difficult to defend a no vote.

Workers Comp and tort reform are popular too.

Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 10:32 am
I’m not sure you can call this governor “clever.” Unless you really mean a clever deceiver. aren’t we always saying that we despise politicians who constantly flip flop and deceive the public? This one shows absolutely no desire to be truthful to the public or anyone else.

Comment by All the answers Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 10:33 am
“it wouldn’t hurt if the more reasonable Republican lawmakers finally find the courage to suggest a way out of this mess.” True, but Rauner does not want to be reasonable nor does he want the crisis to end until the union has no legs.

Comment by Mama Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 10:38 am
The key folks to watch are not those who gave Rauner his No and Present votes, but those who walked out. They didn’t walk out to protest a “sham” bill, but to protest being forcefully asked to take an indigestible vote.

Comment by walker Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 10:40 am
Do the Governor and the Four Tops really think their posturing of “no cooties on me” is really going to be believed by the public. If so then there are delusional. All I hear out in public is “a pox on all their houses”

Comment by No matter where you go Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 10:41 am
Is the governor going to link arms with the corrupt union bosses, sing “Solidarity Forever” and march into that St. Clair County courtroom they shopped for?

I’m sure Candidate Rauner would have praised Gov. Quinn for attempting to spend taxpayer dollars on state worker salaries without any legal appropriation.

He has no ulterior motives, it’s just the right thing to do.

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 10:44 am
This has been my biggest “beef” and disappointment since Rauner took the Oath.

Going backwards;

===A revolt from below is highly unlikely, however. Rauner is Illinois’ first Republican governor in a dozen years, so Republican lawmakers truly want to help him succeed. Plus, the governor is sitting on an unlimited supply of campaign money and they want that cash for next year’s elections - and they don’t want any of it used against them.===

This I fully, 1,000%, understand. I get “it”

I continually push, prod, cajole, “slam”, mock…

But, I see the strength of both Rauner’s own hand, and the GOP GA with honest autonomy. “Why?”? What counsel can Durkin or Radogno if they both are under the thumb of monies and threats? How do you assist the first Republican governor in 12 years when he tells you, as Caucuses, that “your optional assistance isn’t optional”?

The biggest wake up call is the 19 Vetoes and signing Ed Approps. Goodness gracious, no one can tell the governor how to maneuver without hanging the GOP GA out to dry? Did Radogno or Durkin scream at the LLs? I mean, I’m getting the impression complaining to the Governor is useless.

I root for the time that Radogno, or Durkin, or both even, a time when taking the governor to task will assist in the governing and politics at play.

Pate and Edgar weren’t always on the same page, and that helped, at times, crafting and cobbling legislation and nose counting. The ILGOP was best when independence required a Party to find its bearings to move forward, not when pasive co-opting lead My Party to back-benching “red” lights. No one member of government has all the answers, even if the hold all the political money.

History has shown when the co-equal governing includes a healthy separation of branches in divided government, more can be accomplished. The GOP GA are 67 colors; “red”, “green”… and “yellow”. Being scared is no way to run Caucuses.

I hope things will change. I want Durkin and Radogno to engage in the process, I want GOP members to step up and have a voice. I wonder “how far” will be too far for some to be just a color of a voting button. Will someone step up for the betterment of the ILGOP, the GOP GA, for governing Illinois…

… but… “Who” will?

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 10:47 am
I just can’t wait for the new ads for helpin us workin folk. All he wants is to allow State employees to have more of our hard earned dollars in their pockets… Yes sir, they’ll get to pay thousands more for health insurance for a handful of fair share employees saving 500 to 600 a year. At the same time, he’ll be creatin a class of freeloaders that only want free stuff.

Comment by Triple fat Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 10:49 am
Even so, it wouldn’t hurt if the more reasonable Republican lawmakers finally find the courage to suggest a way out of this mess.
________________________________________________

Suggested way out of the mess… start with term limits.

Comment by Pete Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 10:52 am
So much for Fair and Balanced. Where are the reasonable Dems willing to move Madigan off his positions

Comment by Sue Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 10:53 am
- Lucky Pierre -,

Caucus governing and the co-opting of the GOP GA puts Dems in a position to “leverage” the governor and his controlled votes to do heavy lifting.

I think that’s lost on you.

An independent GOP GA, that couldn’t be held over Rauner’s head in negotiating with the Dems. Autonomy frees up negotiating.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 10:57 am
mjm continues to pledge to work cooperatively and professionally with Rauner. He continues to point out that the number one issue facing the state of Illinois is the budget, although he has still passed workers comp reform and given property tax freeze 6 votes in house with no Republican support. The house also passed privatization of an agency that Rauner requested. MJM calls for these issues to be solved in moderation and the extreme. He is trying to pass a temporary budget to protect those most effected by a government shutdown. The house also passed a budget that detailed the houses spending priorities even though it was not balanced, as they admit. Rauner’s budget was not balanced either which allowed the house to do what they did. The Dems have the winning hand because Rauner will be forced to abandon his turn around agenda as the lack of a budget forces his hand. MJM is hunkering in to teach this loud mouth rookie a lesson for attacking him.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 11:00 am
- Pete - and - Sue -,

The Executive “running” Legislative caucuses isn’t the best way to move governing away from the political.

This idea that being in lock-step is healthy is fundamentally running against basic co-equal governing principles.

Is that lost on you both?

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 11:02 am
Rauner is a control freak, but his power games involving complete obedience of his House and Senate Republicans may hurt them more than it will harm Democrats. It’s easy not to trust a foe, but if you can’t trust the state leader of your party, look out.

Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 11:06 am
Is that lost on you both?
_
No. And since the MAJORITY of the legislature is not currently in lock-step, I don’t see a health issue here, Dr. Willy.

The suggestion that the compromise in the legislature needs to come from the minority within to result in progress is disingenuous at best. All that would do is weaken a party that has been forced to side by as Executive and Legislative branches squabble over boundaries and political spoils.

The compromise required needs to come between the GA and the Gov. That’s the picture that needs to be painted. Right now the Republican votes mean little to nothing in the GA. That’s the way it’s been for a very long time.

Back to your point.
How did Illinois fair when Blago was working against his own party?
How about when Quinn tried to withhold the paychecks?
The governors have come and gone. What has remained constant is our legislative leaders. We have fantastic historical data that the unwavering legislative leadership has sown and the Illinois resident has reaped.

Has the current condition of the great state of Illinois and the road to our fiscal woes been forgotten? Is the mistakes of our past destined to be repeated?

This is neither lost on me, nor forgotten by me.

Comment by Pete Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 11:30 am
In the end, legislators’ willingness to deal to a solution, will be driven significantly by where they think their constituents’ heads are. So far, Rauner’s Mr. Fixit image lingers. It can turn sour pretty quickly, and then legislators will be scrambling for solutions

Comment by walker Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 11:37 am
Term limits, redistricting, tort reform and worker’s comp reform having NOTHING to do with the budget. And tort reform and worker’s comp reform are widely supported among the people I know.

Comment by burbanite Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 11:38 am
===No. And since the MAJORITY of the legislature is not currently in lock-step, I don’t see a health issue here, Dr. Willy.===

I’m not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV.

You must keep missin’ how Rauner owns the GOP GA. It’s ok, try to keep up. Let me know how that Ed Approp bill went, when the GOP members face voters.

Your “history” lesson is swell, but trying to ignore how autonomy works while playing victim is pretty petty.

Your missing the whole point so you can blame the past. All that’s missing is “Fire Madigan”

Ugh.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 11:40 am
=== Even so, it wouldn’t hurt if the more reasonable Republican lawmakers finally find the courage to suggest a way out of this mess. ===

While I would like for some commonsense to come out of the GOP caucuses, I know that’s not going to happen.

As Rich points out, Rauner is the first GOP governor most of these Solons have seen. Not only is it natural for them to want to support him, they have also gone through years of being irrelevant. Rauner’s presence and his money makes them relevant again - at least in their minds. Right now they’re pawns in Rauner’s chess game. If Rauner’s money gives them sizable gains in caucus membership, then there may be an occasional hint of independence.

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 11:44 am
How come constant compliance with Madigan by his caucus and party is not judged as harshly?

Comment by Driving Results Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 11:45 am
“He has no ulterior motives, it’s just the right thing to do.”
Thanks for the laugh. LOL!

Comment by Mama Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 11:47 am
I didn’t vote for people who would take orders from the governor, I voted for people who would represent their constituents. So far, I only see the Dems doing that. Voting present at the Governor’s request isn’t representing me. Spending your time repeating the Governor’s talking points isn’t either. And cashing that campaign check isn’t either. I will remember next year at the voting booth.

Comment by Thoughts Matter Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 11:48 am
====How come constant compliance with Madigan by his caucus and party is not judged as harshly?===

Please explain Democratic House SSM and Conceal Carry roll calls.

“Show your work”

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 11:49 am
My Representative is newly-appointed Tim Butler; he is not going to rock the boat. Bill Brady is my Senator; he is in lockstep with Rauner in his views. I am in a Republican county; most of the voters here still believe that Rauner is working for them. Not much hope for change here.

Comment by downstate commissioner Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 11:53 am
—”MJM is hunkering in”—

—”it wouldn’t hurt if the more reasonable Republican lawmakers finally find the courage to suggest a way out of this mess”—

Heh.

Comment by Liandro Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 12:19 pm
“Right now the Republican votes mean little to nothing in the GA. That’s the way it’s been for a very long time.”

They mean just as much as Democratic votes, only Republicans don’t have as many of them. Republicans are choosing what to vote for and against, whether to take part in the process or not.

Comment by Timmeh Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 12:39 pm
Timmeh,

“Republicans are choosing what to vote for and against, whether to take part in the process or not.”

The same could be said about the Democrats.

Comment by Pete Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 12:46 pm
Ah, yes, the “Good Republican” bit.

Comment by Percival Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 12:47 pm
- Pete -,

Can you explain the Democratic House roll calls for SSM and Conceal Carry? Remember show your work, all that lock steppin’ and all…

- Pete -,

Put a think on this while you’re at it;

The GOP GA had to put 66 “green” on the FY2015 Fix.

Why? Why all 66 voting had to be “green”?

Don’t strain yourself.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 12:52 pm
This article from Rich Miller back in April.

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20150424/NEWS02/150429853/why-isnt-mike-madigan-voting-on-bills

Please review.

Comment by Pete Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 12:54 pm
- Pete -,

You’re link is swell, just swell.

Your point?

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 12:57 pm
I’m showing my work.
The roll calls for the SSM and Conceal Carry are exceptions to the rule.

The rule being that the GA Bus is driven in Illinois by the Speaker of the House. Everyone else is along for the ride. Even back when the Ethics legislation was being tossed around and left to died in committee when Jones was over in the Senate before Cullerton. I would love to drink the kool-aid that each elected official is independently representing their constituents, but I’ve received enough mailers from both sides of the aisle to know there is no autonomy in the votes cast.

Trying to suggest otherwise is simply denial.

Here’s a nugget for you.
If the great State of Illinois has such wonderfully autonomous representation, why does it have such a lock-step universally unchallenged vote for it’s Democratic leadership?

Comment by Pete Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 1:16 pm
=== He’s a clever dude, that one. He’ll say just about anything to shift the focus off of him and on to the Democrats. ===

I just read this after reading about how some folks will say ANYTHING about Senator Kirk to unseat him.

I can’t think of anything useful or snarky to add.

Comment by dupage dan Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 1:25 pm
Pete since you like history so much I’ll repeat my history lesson. Illinois is a wreck because of decisions Governors have made. Edgar through today… Edgar gave us the pension ramp. All of but one Governor missed pension payments. Blago vowed never to raise the income tax at the same time that the federal government was cutting Medicaid. The Speaker wanted more revenue with Blago too. Quinn was the only governor not to miss a pension payment - the only governor to support a tax increase - the only governor to attempt pension reform with the Speaker… Gosh why would two Democrats stand up to their “Union Bosses”? Anyway all those actions by Quinn got Bruce Rauner elected. So lay off the Speaker.

Comment by Triple fat Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 1:31 pm
By the way anyone who thinks term limits are so great should just look to the circus they’re running over inthe Missouri legislature.

Comment by Triple fat Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 1:35 pm
==He’s a clever dude, that one. He’ll say just about anything to shift the focus off of him and on to the Democrats.==

Rich, I’m curious how the Governor and Speaker take these columns when you call them out, then provide facts to back up your statement.

Do they ever mention your columns to you? Do they ever complain of unfairness? Do they realize criticism goes with the job? Or do they act as if they don’t read your stuff at all?

Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 1:39 pm
===… but I’ve received enough mailers from both sides of the aisle to know there is no autonomy in the votes cast.===

See; Franks, Jack.

SSM & Conceal Carry are the rule.

Vote when they’re ripe, cobble 60 votes, run it.

===If the great State of Illinois has such wonderfully autonomous representation, why does it have such a lock-step universally unchallenged vote for it’s Democratic leadership?===

Fire Madigan! lol.

You can do better.

His about those 66 GOP votes on FY2015? Ya forget about that?

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 2:22 pm
==If the great State of Illinois has such wonderfully autonomous representation, why does it have such a lock-step universally unchallenged vote for it’s Democratic leadership?==

Pete: You’ve unknowingly provided the single piece of evidence that reflects the opposite of what you are arguing.

Here’s the deal, made clear to every entering Dem legislator: If you vote for me for Speaker, and my House rules, then you will not be required to vote for any other specific piece of legislation. There will be a few rare exceptions, with really critical votes on close and contentious issues. You will also be encouraged not to take risky political votes for your district, but that’s entirely your choice. Voting against the Speaker on any given bill is specifically encouraged, when you can make an argument that it is important to your constituents. There is often pressure among the caucus members to support each other, but it’s not as monolithic a body as some would have it.

Madigan works to achieve his goals more by managing the process, than by managing the votes.

Comment by walker Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 2:42 pm
OW - you seem agitated today, with your own (allegedly) party as usual. Perhaps this is a good time to change parties - you can then spend your time applying countless double standards to the dems.

To reiterate….both parties are in the middle of an important negotiation, this governor is FINALLY using all the tools in the box to win, and the left (along with some overly “concerned” republicans) are simply whining about it.

Comment by chicon Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 3:15 pm
Chicon, one of those “tools” you’re celebrating is stiffing people on their checks for the work they’re performing and exposing the state to damages.

Before you question Willie’’s GOP credentials, you might want to look up the word “conservative.”

What you’re advocating, ain’t that.

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 3:20 pm
== All of but one Governor missed pension payments. ==-

Actually, George Ryan also made the scheduled pension payments.

Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 4:36 pm
Thank you - Wordslinger -, much appreciated to your response.

- walker - lays out the Democratic House Caucus rules really well. Really well.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 8:57 pm
All this talk about staying in Rauner’s favor lest they are cut off come campaign time…who is to say those funds will actually come? If my conspiracy hat was on any tighter, I’d think this is all a ploy - Rauner is really a Dem in cahoots with Madigan to get all the GOP on record with bad votes then leave them high and dry at election time, bringing an even stronger Dem majority. Crazy talk, for sure, but it makes the ongoing drama seem more interesting.

Comment by thechampaignlife Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 10:19 pm