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“Your partisanship is trumped only by your hypocrisy”

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* Another classic gem from Rich Goldberg. Click the pic for the full document…

Notice how he’s signing off these days.

Whew.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 5:49 pm

Comments

Clever . . . if this was a campaign. But we’re governing, boys.

Comment by Anonymiss Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 5:55 pm
Maybe they should spend less time on the pity notes, and more time figuring out how to work a veto pen, line by line.

Comment by How Ironic Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 5:55 pm
Looking less like a budget impasse and more like a cage match.

Comment by Elo Kiddies Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 5:57 pm
“Your partisanship is only trumped by your hypocrisy”

For a campaign, genius.

Running the executive of the fifth largest state? Confusing…

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 5:58 pm
In many places if you wrote a letter like this you would be fired. Here, it seems like a requirement.

Comment by DeKalb Guy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 5:58 pm
It’s notes like this that really cement the ‘frat boy’ mentality of the Gov’s office. I wonder how often he allowed these types of correspondence to come out of his office when in the private sector?

Comment by How Ironic Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 5:58 pm
“No matter how many times you repeat a false claim the claim does not become any less false.”

Hahahahaha, these guys think they’re bulletproof. The total lack of self awareness is astounding.

Comment by The Captain Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:02 pm
Seriously,

How does a letter like that from your Legislative Crew help you get your Agenda passed?

How?

I don’t understand how a letter like this gets to an end game of compromise in divided government.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:03 pm
No “sham” until the second paragraph.

Our Frat Boy is maturing.

Maybe I’m thick, but I don’t see a benefit for the governor to this embarrassing petulance.

But Rauner must like it. He’s the boss, he’s running the show. He’s responsible.

And accountable.

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:03 pm
Wait, so the transparency that the Governor’s Office is so proud of is actually something the Comptroller has on her web site? Something that, quite frankly, has been around for years?

Sorry, Rich G, you can’t take credit for what Topinka did years ago. Besides, the information there is limited to the amount of salary, and the questions here have to do with why a particular person’s job duties come under a specific agency, or why a particular person got a certain salary. You need testimony to get at those issues.

Comment by the Other Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:21 pm
I think Sonny and Cher got along better than these guys. and the beat goes on…

Comment by PoolGuy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:22 pm
I am sure his Mom and Dad are so proud of him. /s

Comment by Cable Line Beer Gardener Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:23 pm
This is supposed to be helpful? Face to face conversation is one thing. Written does not stay private. Bush league.

Comment by zatoichi Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:23 pm
Throw some water on Goldberg and he’d melt like the witch he is.

Comment by Precinct Captain Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:23 pm
===I am sure his Mom and Dad are so proud of him===

They are.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:28 pm
Finally, to the Post,

I have been known, on rare occasion, to comment in a snarky letter or memo or email and I try to bring humor to highlight something that is “comical” when looked at beyond the immediate.

This letter, along those lines, is genius. Pure genius. If it was a comment here, it would be “celebrated”. It has it all;

Pointing out providing “…detailed step-by-step instructions… “, hilarious.

Distract from pay raises, ok, not “funny-funny” but it’s a “shot”, and the…

“Your partisanship is only trumped by your hypocrisy”. The rolling out of the ole “switcheroo” of what is worse? Restaurant quality!

The attaching of the instructions again? Delicious. The “olive branch”? lol. The “working together” jargon, out there, confusing, “real, mocking, both?”

And the piece de resistance?

“With warmest personal regards, I remain”

I laughed out loud, that’s “funny-funny”

I would have to work to hope to keep up with this. Deliciously snarky.

But…

It’s like a looking glass situation as great as it is, the opposite of helping is just as equal.

A cannoli to its genius. A “frowny-face” for its helping.

… but a cannoli all the same.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:28 pm
I wonder what this guy is planning on doing in the future?

They can’t use the Comptroller website for cover since it doesn’t identify where the $$ is coming from, which is what is at issue.

I wouldn’t send a letter like that as a staffer even if it was a direct order from the top.

Comment by Jordan Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:28 pm
More popcorn, please. Oh, and more cow bell!

Comment by Emanuel Can't Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:30 pm
It is productive to analyze all the Rauner and team messaging by giving weight to the OPPOSITE of what they say.

So in the first paragraph, he is really saying that if you keep repeating a false claim, it will eventually have the appearance of truth. This is in the top 5 of the Rauner Team playbook. (Reminds me of Bush/Cheney)

“This administration has been and will remain fully transparent WITH RESPECT to personnel compensation.” Not looking so transparent from my viewpoint on personnel, and he is implying that there is secrecy in all other respects. Duh.

“Your partisanship is trumped only by your hypocrisy.” That is nearly delusional. Who’s caucus has not voted 11 TIMES on property tax relief?

This stuff is going to be analyzed by academia for years, if there is any academia left after they get done.

(Was this even delivered before the 11am lunch date? Probably not, because it was all for appearances.)

Comment by cdog Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:34 pm
Yepper, thats zackly the way to extend an olive branch. Not.

He knows rank and file dems are w rauner?? DE-LU-SIONAL

He could NOT be more disrespectful of individuals involved, and more importantly, the process of governing–ya know, equal branches, balance of power, blah blah

Bottom line RG — how does this get you to 36/71? You are just guaranteeing every GOP purchased switch will take the heat.

What a myopic view.

Comment by Langhorne Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:37 pm
I don’t believe any of the appropriate descriptive words are allowed by Rich. However, I can not imagine a universe where a letter like this is in anyway considered a professional communication. This demonstrates the unprofessional, insincere, disrespectful attitude Brucie and his crew have for the people of Illinois.

Comment by DPGumby Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:38 pm
He only offers an “olive branch” to negotiate the turnaround agenda, not on the subject at issue here. Standard response on every issue.

Usually the Chris Christie public insult and attack role is done by the Governor in power, not his staff.

Comment by walker Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:39 pm
===if there is any academia left after they get done. ===

Comedy gold.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:40 pm
Please, please, tell me this is an SNL sketch

Comment by Langhorne Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:41 pm
repetitive press conferences by Rauner and Madigan again today, could have switched a few words around and sound them same as last two or three. the House holding salary hearings, Sandack tweeting during committe of the whole and now another letter from Goldberg that’s supposed to make the bossman proud. we’re supposed to take these guys seriously, really?

Comment by PoolGuy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:42 pm
“With warmest personal regards”, my (expletive deleted).

What good can this possibly do if your goal is to achieve a budget resolution and pass legislation? Absolutely none. Of course, that may not be a goal here. if the hits get much lower, we’ll be heading into Trump territory.

Comment by Archiesmom Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:44 pm
- I am sure his Mom and Dad are so proud of him

They are. -

Of course they are. He landed a six figure job where he gets to feel important by sending snarky letters and telling Republicans how his boss wants them to vote.

He’s succeeded wildly beyond most people at his intelligence level.

Comment by Daniel Plainview Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:45 pm
Speaking of misassigned salaries:

With this demonstrated role, shouldn’t Goldberg’s salary be paid by Rauner campaign funds?

Comment by walker Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:47 pm
===at his intelligence level.===

You just don’t get it, man.

Richard is smart as a whip.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:48 pm
“No matter how many times you repeat a false claim the claim does not become any less false.”

I can literally see Rauner high fiving Goldberg as he began reading this (assuming he even bothered) uttering: “Good one Rich!”

It seems highly likely to me that a member of the superstar team is the person who coined the phrase used by so many adolescents: “I know you are but what am I?”

Shams, Extreme, Moderation, Real Reform, etc. I’m waiting for the next catch phrase. I’m sure it will arrive much sooner than the budget.

Comment by CrazyHorse Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:53 pm
There is a genius to this…

I’ll leave it there.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:54 pm
What’s the objective of the insulting petulance? What does it get you in return and going forward?

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:55 pm
I really don’t see the genius and intelligence of sending letters like this to legislators. but that’s just me i guess.

Comment by PoolGuy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:58 pm
“Richard is as smart as a whip”

And too clever by half.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 6:58 pm
He may be intelligent, but he’s not nearly as smart as he thinks he is.

Comment by DPGumby Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 7:03 pm
This is a common workplace bullying tactic. If Rauner and his group were under me, the case for dismissal would be just about finalized.

http://www.workplacebullying.org/2013/04/19/top-25/

Comment by cdog Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 7:05 pm
I own the 6:58 comment

Comment by Tommydanger Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 7:06 pm
Clearly Mr.Goldberg is doing what his boss wants, or he would have stopped him already. I think Rep Bradley tried to carry some of the Speaker’s water, and the new Gov is demonstrating to all that doing so only makes you a target. And while you say it isn’t campaign time, this information is the foundation of the next campaign Rep Bradley will very likely face. These are the seeds, and they will be used by whomever the new Gov chooses to run against him. Even if Bradley were to win his next race, the message is loud and clear to me that it will be an expensive and divisive race. Not sure how I feel about it all, but it is the tenor of the moment.

Comment by Might Not Be the A-Team Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 7:12 pm
cdog, the GA is exempt from those rules. Plus, it’s politics.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 7:15 pm
I hope that those who are looking at the past for inspiration, holding out hopes for a “deal” and offering constructive suggestions for how both sides can compromise in the best interests of the people of Illinois, might begin to understand that isn’t going to happen. One side is going to win and the other is going to lose; everyone’s playing for keeps, no best of 3, 5 or 7 series.

Comment by Willie Stark Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 7:18 pm
Might Not Be the A-Team’s comment is about as close as it gets.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 7:19 pm
I am sure he is smart. And the state is lucky to have him. But…mom and dad should push for a little moderation in the rhetoric. What will he wish he’d said 10 years, 20 years from now.

Comment by Cassandra Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 7:20 pm
===You just don’t get it, man.

Richard is smart as a whip.===

I do not doubt it in the slightest. Unfortunately, without knowing him personally, his antics and behavior seem sophomoric, at least to me. Educated vs. Intelligent. A debate for another day.

Comment by CrazyHorse Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 7:24 pm
Rich, I understand. But gosh, it is just not good civil discourse, and it is definitely not good leadership. I was expecting more…. HA!

Comment by cdog Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 7:28 pm
Can’t wait to see how mature Goldberg when he hits puberty.

Comment by Michael Westen Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 7:29 pm
Did Bradley accept the invitation to meet at 11? Or did he ignore it?

Comment by SAD Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 7:31 pm
The lack of professionalism is pitiful. I’m embarrassed for all the professional people I know who work in this administration.

The sad thing is that the frat boys are sitting in the fraternity on 2nd floor just giddy about all the criticism they’re getting.

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 7:32 pm
Goldberg may be smart, but he’s performing more like a court jester trying to please his lord, rather than a Deputy Chief of Staff for the Governor’s Office.

Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 7:32 pm
Even smart people cannot see the obvious. (ie. Einstein had to paint his front door red so he’d know where to stop.) It is apparent Richard and Rauner’s Administration is burning all their chits within the first 6 months obviously ignoring the fact they have to deal with Cullerton and Madigan for 3.5 more years. We seeing all time low in accepting behavior.

Comment by Just Saying ... Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 7:35 pm
What’s it called when a hypocrit calls out someone else for hypocrisy? :/

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 7:37 pm
Smart does not equal wise.

Comment by Willie Stark Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 7:38 pm
This seems appropriate for a summer’s eve…

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 7:40 pm
=== Might Not Be the A-Team’s comment is about as close as it gets. ===

You’re talking long game stuff and we’re stuck in neutral on the short game. Whether this baloney can be part of a successful effort to punish Bradley remains to be seen. Certainly, Madigan will put the full court press on defending him.

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 7:42 pm
-Norseman-
And MJM will spend big to do that defending.
The Gov is playing a long game. If the 2016 House races are ‘long game’

Comment by Might Not Be the A-Team Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 7:45 pm
There’s a reason… to the genius…

Alice in Wonderland.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 7:45 pm
I understand the showbiz, Rich, it just doesn’t impress me. If they have much success in ‘16 I’ll eat my crow.

Comment by Daniel Plainview Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 7:55 pm
Might Not Be the A-Team, the problem is that there is a lot of people suffering during the short game.

Madigan might spend a lot of money and he will likely lose seats, but my betting money is on Madigan holding court in 2016.

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 8:07 pm
Meh, Bradley was an obvious target, anyway, as are all Downstate Dems.

I dont see how a petulant letter from Goldberg plays to the long game in Little Egypt.

Plus, he just comes off as a ……

As far as targets go, I’m more interested to see who ILGO primaries with “independent” Democrats riding the “Fire Madigan” money.

I imagine Rev. Meeks might have a few people in mind.

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 8:25 pm
I’ll tell you what, I’m old enough to know that when you get letters like this from an opponent - be it in law, politics, or business - it only means one thing: you’re winning.

You may not know it, the person writing surely doesn’t see it, but it’s as a scoreboard as there is.

People operating from a position of strength have no need to act this way. Ever.

Comment by Sam Weinberg Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 8:26 pm
Such behavior of is unbecoming a gentleman of his education and stature in society.

Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 8:28 pm
Book smart, maybe, polically and street smart, not so much.
Letters and attitudes like this will not get the sham turn around debacle passed.
The biggest problem I have is goldy’s inability to come up with his own sign off….. He had to plagiarize the Speaker’s.
Hmm maybe he should take some other cues from the Speaker?

Comment by Are Ya Kiddin' Me? Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 8:28 pm
Below the belt, but this is politics. If war is considered to be an extension of politics, then being combative and borderline insulting in a letter is more than fair game.

Comment by Jorge Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 8:41 pm
Oh geez…

===The biggest problem I have is goldy’s inability to come up with his own sign off….. He had to plagiarize the Speaker’s.===

That IS the genius to the looking glass genius of this…

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 8:43 pm
Seems like another reminder, if one was needed, that Rauner is in this battle for the duration.

The budget and payment are likely to be set by courts (assuming the 1st Dist. opinion holds) because Rauner sure is not going to compromise. This was a battle cry.

Settle in people. We may be at the high water mark. I suspect it continues to get worse from here on.

Comment by Gooner Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 9:12 pm
All of this super smart political maneuvering makes my head hurt, I just want social service prociders to be paid.

Comment by waffle fries Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 9:16 pm
Did Bradley “ignore a request to meet last week to negotiate the Governor’s Turnaround Agenda?”

Setting aside Goldberg’s missive for a second, why wouldn’t Bradley agree to meet with Goldberg to debate the details of the Governor’s Turnaround Agenda? Invite the media, have the meeting, let Goldberg and anyone else Rauner wants to designate defend elimining collective bargaining rights and roll-back prevailing wage laws. This is the chance, Goldberg has thrown down the guantlet.

Let Richard Goldberg make the case for all of the details and nuance of Governor Rauner’s Turnaround Agenda. Give him the stage to make his case honestly, in a non-sham way.

Call the bluff already and let’s move on. I would think this is a debate Bradley and the Democrats should be spoiling for. Tick-tock. It’s time to tattoo Rauner with his anti-Labor and labor agenda, with all of the specifics that have been missing to date including the definition of “pro-growth reforms.”

Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 9:20 pm
– I just want social service providers to be paid.–

I imagine a bill or bills doing just that will be passed and sent to the governor shortly.

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 9:25 pm
This letter is embarrassing and offensive. What an ugly way to treat people.

Comment by aghhh Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 9:29 pm
He still is Rauner’s lapdog. Come back to the office so we can discuss what you don’t like. Demanding “payment” for protection. This is what RICO laws were designed for….

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 9:38 pm
Bradley simply needs to FOIA the Comptroller’s payroll records to verify where and from fund such employees are paid from.

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 9:44 pm
Extend an olive branch? Afraid to do it in front of where you can be in front of the public. This guy is a classic. Might as well get the peace pipe out also.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 9:45 pm
Yawn.

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 9:53 pm
Anon 9:44, you’re missing the point. On several levels. This ain’t about data.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 9:59 pm
The state superintendent’s compensation package was about as transparent as a lead window. As evidence I sight the fact that they announced his salary but failed to include the “special stipend” in that same announcement. All the while the governor was touting the advantages of diminishing peoples pension, by choice of course.

Rich, you may like Goldberg. You clearly know him better than I do, I have not had the privilege as of yet.

He comes of like a smarmy tool, and he himself the grandest of hypocrites.

He is but one of the hitmen for the governor, who time after time, swore that he would do it differently and honestly. Different than Madigan et al. We know what they are, the expectation was different and better. He has failed on that account completely.

Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 10:04 pm
Bad form “- Anonymous -”, extremely bad form.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 10:11 pm
=bradley in public fight ….=

Really? You may have set a record for ignorance.

Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 10:33 pm
Anon 10:06–

May I ask why you are referring to Mr. Goldberg’s (alleged) faith? For all we know, he may be Buddhist, atheist, or agnostic. He might be a Rastafarian (doubt it, based on his haircut) or a Mandean. His faith has absolutely no bearing on the disgraceful tone he has chosen to take towards Rep. Bradley–and by extension, the citizens of Illinois who disagree with the policies espoused by the man who signs Mr. Goldberg’s paychecks–in this letter.

Comment by Lynn S, Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 10:40 pm
Anonymous, that’s pathetic and insulting. As a Hispanic Jew, I must say I’m glad you are anonymous.

Comment by Jorge Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 10:41 pm
At what point does ‘Turnaround Agenda’ become a running gag?

Comment by Macbeth Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 10:46 pm
I’ve never understood the obsession people have with how much it costs to run the Governor’s Office. Isn’t the entire Executive Branch of Government (minus the other Constitutionals) basically working for the Governor? Whether their salary is budgeted from a state agency or the actual Governor’s Office, does it make any difference?

Comment by Just Me Tuesday, Jul 21, 15 @ 11:48 pm
Glad we have these geniuses here to bring DC to Springfield. Springfield was already a difficult place. The last thing we needed facing a budget deficit that affects real people’s lives is DC-style hackery.

Must win the day… Must win the day… All while Rome is burning.

Comment by Rahm'sMiddleFinger Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:12 am
I don’t see an intelligent person in this. I see an arrogant child with no future in politics.

Comment by Politix Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 4:47 am
I invite you to an 11 AM meeting? WHAT? Does he think this is 1880 with both a morning and afternoon mail delivery?

Comment by Late to the Party Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 7:07 am
A character from a Sacha Baron Cohen movie must be next on Mr. Goldberg’s list. Maybe he can show up in a “mankini” at the next legislative hearing. He might think he is accomplishing something by presenting himself so absurdly, but he shouldn’t. What would happen if he did?

Mr. Goldberg thinks he is insulting a Sphinx when he drops his pants and moons it. The catcalls and pranks are only entertaining to his fellow court jesters.

Worst - this isn’t governing. This isn’t winning any arguments. This isn’t compromising. This isn’t professional. Rolling across a floor while pretending to have a mock temper tantrum might be little more than political performance art, but like modern art, it is entirely inappropriate.

I would never allow him to enter the Capitol again and I would never accept any written correspondence from him. His antics make people cringe. He has clearly and repeatedly demonstrated a behavior unbecoming of a public servant.

Shame on Governor Rauner for allowing a staffer of his to make our state government look even worse than it has over the past decade.

Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 7:31 am
“The sad thing is that the frat boys are sitting in the fraternity on 2nd floor just giddy about all the criticism they’re getting.” - Norseman

They don’t have to just be giddy about the criticism. They are getting high praise in the CapFax comments from a surprisingly high number of people for their ridiculous juvenile behavior. I’m in complete agreement with VanillaMan 7:31 comments. Reading this stuff makes a person embarrassed to even work in or around state government. Once the bar is lowered on professionalism, can it ever be raised again? Madigan has plenty of frat boys that could match this stuff. The difference is, they wouldn’t be allowed to do it. I love politics, but also appreciate the decorum at the Capitol. Communicating with a state legislator as if they’re in kindergarten and need to be reminded how to navigate a website, is just not okay.

Comment by Itsmyopinion Wednesday, Jul 22, 15 @ 1:14 pm
This is why one shouldn’t substitute ideology for pedagogy. It seems.we now have something in common with Maine - it’s amateur hour at their Gov’s mansion too

Comment by Mr Pnutt Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 10:25 am