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Rauner’s turn to be triangulated

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Illinois

* House Speaker Michael Madigan doesn’t exactly love Forrest Claypool, so when the mayor hired him as his chief of staff things got a bit icy on the 3rd Floor. Eileen Mitchell was Madigan’s Issues (campaign) Director and, once in that organization, always in that organization…

Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Thursday named Eileen Mitchell as his next Chief of Staff. Ms. Mitchell currently serves as Vice President of External Affairs for AT&T Illinois. Since 2003, she has been responsible for leading the company’s initiatives in public policy, community relations and charitable giving in Illinois. She previously served as Issues Director and Special Assistant to the Speaker in the office of the Illinois Speaker of the House of Representatives in Springfield.

“During her time in public service and the private sector, Eileen has demonstrated a unique ability to help pass important legislation and manage complicated issues – a critical skill set for any Chief of Staff,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Eileen has a passion for public service that will benefit the residents of Chicago as we continue our work to right the City’s financial ship while creating jobs and spurring neighborhood development.”

* Sun-Times…

Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner has been trying to isolate Madigan — and drive a wedge between the mayor and the Speaker — to resolve a state budget stalemate over Rauner’s demands for pro-business, anti-union reforms.

The mayor’s decision to put Mitchell in City Hall’s hottest seat only serves to underscore the futility of Rauner’s strategy.

Yep.

Eileen is also a lifelong White Sox fan. Good people.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:05 pm

Comments

“Sollozzo”!

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:07 pm
It’s an all-around good move. Well played, Rahm! She’ll do a great job.

Comment by Archiesmom Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:08 pm
Speaker ties aside, Eileen is a class act and knows her way around government. She’s a good pick.

Comment by Boone's is Back Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:10 pm
===class act and knows her way around government===

Agreed.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:11 pm
First Cullerton, now Rahm…

It ain’t no triangle no more… It’s a straight line… going on alone into infinity.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:11 pm
Very good pick. She’s top-notch, tough and smart.

I’m kind of surprised she took the pay cut and all of the headaches that come with this job though.

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:14 pm
Top notch pick by Rahm.

Comment by doh Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:16 pm
… to infinity and beyond! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejwrxGs_Y_I

But, they still think they’re winning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ib3Y-Q3QnOk

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:17 pm
Very smart move by Rahm.

Comment by Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:21 pm
- Norseman -…awesome.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:21 pm
I’m a Republican but I have great respect for Eileen. She is smart, hard working and a terrific choice for the Mayor. Good luck, Eileen and well done Rahm!

Comment by GOP Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:21 pm
And remember no reputable polls )
Good pick by the Mayor. Hope he does not make her nuts….And we finally get some action on the Jane Byrne Plaza

Comment by Anonin' Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:22 pm
“But jeez, how do you hold down that job with three kids?”

A question never asked regarding a father of three.

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:26 pm
She’s a wonderful choice! I’m just not sure she just made a great choice though. Either way, best of luck to her.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:28 pm
===A question never asked regarding a father of three.===

You are the goods, - @MisterJayEm -

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:29 pm
Madigan always has a top staff

Comment by Outsider Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:32 pm
Now, that’s a Superstar!

Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:33 pm
@MisterJayEm - You are absolutely right. Dumb comment on my part. Wish there was a delete button on this thing.

Comment by Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:33 pm
Isolating Madigan was never going to pass the Turn Down for What Agenda. Put anyone you want in the Speaker’s chair, Dems were never going to line up against unions and trial lawyers.

Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:34 pm
–Eileen is also a lifelong White Sox fan.–

So was she SWEPT into office?

Comment by State Engineer Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:34 pm
Great choice

Hard working, smart and passionate
about the city and public service

Comment by Fdr democrat Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:44 pm
Always doesn’t necessarily always means always.

Comment by Fake Gary LaPaille Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:44 pm
Absolutely top flight choice. Eileen is a wonderful person who is very competent on top of that. Great move.

Comment by Lt, Guv Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:47 pm
Pffft way to bury the lead….. Next time start with the fact she is a lifetime white sox fan….

Comment by Ghost Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:51 pm
Like 47th, the only thing I wonder about this choice is the pay cut she’s taking. But I’m glad to see her back in public service. She’s a taskmaster - which is what a COS has to be - but she’s also fair and great at what she does.

Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:51 pm
Governor Rauner,

You know that person who sits at the poker table with their “friends” and looks around who is the pigeon in the group…

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:52 pm
White Sox baseball is like inside baseball, no one is watching.

Comment by William Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 3:54 pm
Rahm couldn’t have tapped a better person. Once of the best. Anyone who works for Madigan at that level is top flight. We are going to miss you in Springfield, Eileen.

Comment by Tom Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 4:00 pm
Excellent. On so many levels. Chess play moves to Chicago.

Comment by Amalia Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 4:08 pm
Rauner is taking on the old boys network. He has been triangulated from the start, and almost nothing can change that no matter how diplomatic Cullerton or Emanuel pretend to be.

Voters will ultimately decide this by either supporting business as usual or “shaking up Springfield”, whatever it means. Unless they find a way to resolve their immature behavior.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 4:12 pm
===Rauner is taking on the old boys network.===

Rauner paid the bills for those in old boys network. lol.

Also, read some Goldberg. Those letters claim “triangulation” well before Rauner had it. Rauner wanted Cullerton and Rahm to take on Madigan. Guess between yesterday and today, Rauner got his answers.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 4:17 pm
Where does the idea come from that Emanuel has independent clout in Springfield?

When has that ever been demonstrated?

This hire would seem to indicate that at least he knows that he does not.

Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 4:30 pm
Who knew Jeanne Wrenn had a sister?

Comment by LizPhairTax Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 4:30 pm
Speaking of tinfoil hats, the Genersl Assembly will be full of tinfoil hatted extremist. Making it illegal for local or State Police to assist the federal in any weapons charge investigation. Wreaking gun control laws. Making it harder for women to assert their Constitutional rights. Won’t it just be great if women needed to get their employers permission to use birth control… It would be a sanity proof majority in the GA. Just like dear old Missouri. ALEC knows that this is the best way to thin the heard of competent Legislators… Yea it would be great big cluster with the mentally challenged rising to the top.

Comment by Triple fat Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 4:39 pm
He shoots, he scores. Eileen will knock this outta the park.

Comment by Lobo Y Olla Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 4:40 pm
Eileen is simply terrific at delivering the goods for any employer, without making personal enemies.

Comment by walker Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 4:51 pm
Ever see all the diamonds on a Cubs World Series ring? No?

Eileen Mitchell has seen the ones on a Sox World Series ring.

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 4:52 pm
The notion that the Mayor’s chosen Chief of Staff made it difficult to have a working relationship with the Speaker of the House says something about the Speaker.

Comment by Just Me Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 4:55 pm
Way better move than Forrest. This should help.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 5:24 pm
Another “up day” for Team Rauner.

Smart pick by the Mayor, Eileen’s knowledge of Springfield is just icing on the cake.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 5:41 pm
Eileen is a great choice. Wonder why Rahm didn’t bring a chief of staff from Indiana or Wisconsin…..I hear out-of-state staff is all the rage these days.

Comment by Jordan Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 6:01 pm
Rauner, you may be a king in the corporate world, but you are now messing with forces beyond your kin.

Comment by efudd Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 6:15 pm
===- Who knew Jeanne Wrenn had a sister?====
Or a brother with a great bar

Comment by Lizzie's Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 6:29 pm
It’s the superstar war.

My guess is that real superstars will be lining up with Emanuel, Madigan, and Cullerton.

Comment by Macbeth Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 6:51 pm
Lol! This space truly never ceases to amuse.

Let me get this straight. The belief (here) is the Governor is in trouble and will be “triangulated” because the Mayor of Chicago appointed a former Madigan person as the Mayor’s chief of staff? Right. Or better, wow. Never mind that CPS, the Park District and the City itself are insolvent and are at junk credit status. Those facts don’t matter because now the Big Three Democrats, with the help of this fabulous chief of staff, can suddenly do … what exactly? Grant Chicago a casino? Bail Chicago out from its deep pension debacles? Permit Chicago (and the state?) to print its own currency?

Yes, great day for Madigan, Emanuel and Cullerton. Absolutely great day … if you are delusional and think the problems of Illinois and Chicago are immaterial. #StateOfDenial

Comment by Georg Sande Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 7:13 pm
All you individuals slobbering all over themselves because a politician who has no role in this impasse hired a competent woman to be on his team, do you really think an obtuse move like that is going to make people forget how we got to be the most bankrupt state in the nation and result in Rauner caving? Get real…this is a fly on an elephant’s ass. (Again no pun intended but elephant analogies are perfect application in this usage)……you people are like an echo chamber.

Comment by DuPage Don Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 7:17 pm
- Georg Sande - and - DuPage Don -,

Relationships, signals, positioning, and politics.

A very highly qualified person (who is female, which matters not) with strong ties and relationships with those that “seemed” at odds with one “actor”, now puts the “Relationships, signals, positioning, and politics” in such a different dynamic…

Politics IS relationships, even Rauner knows that. Otherwise why vacation with Rahm, for example? It’s people. Good people. “Eileen” people.

Dismissing a new dynamic like this is missing the whole point of personal politics Rauner has hope his own triangulation would give him in an upper hand with Madigan.

That’s why this is genius. That’s the Messsge, as strong as s dead fish wrapped in a bullet proof vest.

It’s the people that make it happen.

It’s moves like these that make me love the “game”, the politics of the “game”, the nuances, the subtly.. of making the move… that moves the whole thing.

Thanks you two. Thank you. Thanks for reminding me of why the people, the industry, the “game” is only as great as the character and the quality of people that make the subtly enormous move, that is missed by oh so many.

Good luck Eileen.

All the best TO you.

OW

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 7:32 pm
– most bankrupt state in the nation.–

Most bankrupt. Is that like kinda pregnant?

Have a Snickers, dude.

Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 7:39 pm
-Wordslinger- True that! I will try harder on future posts. But when’s the last time “obtuse” was seen on this venue?

Comment by DuPage Don Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 7:43 pm
DD, I think “obtuse” is the bread and butter of some commenters.

Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 7:45 pm
-OW- you’re a hopeless romantic but I like your style!

Comment by DuPage Don Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 7:48 pm
- DuPage Don -

I’m a closet idealist, … a pragmatist with a romantic’s heart for the gand and the peopke who play it.

Thanks.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 8:00 pm
“… game and the people who play it…”

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 8:01 pm
Should not have dismissed the olive branch before Cullerton completed speaking. That was ‘obtuse’, and self defeating should the public understand it. Sadly only insiders pay much attention.

Comment by Lincoln Lad Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 8:12 pm
Is the state of denial anywhere near Little Egypt?

Signed,
Deliberately Obtuse

Comment by AC Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 8:34 pm
===”should not have dismissed the olive branch…”===

-Lincoln Lad, that was overt and not on the least “obtuse.” Proper usage is appreciated!

Comment by DuPage Don Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 8:45 pm
Obtuse - lacking in intelligence or sensitivity. I think yesterday’s actions meet that on both counts. But since you introduced it, I’ll defer to how you want it used.

Comment by Lincoln Lad Thursday, Jul 23, 15 @ 10:08 pm
“Dumb comment on my part. Wish there was a delete button on this thing.”

I think we’ve all been there.

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Friday, Jul 24, 15 @ 7:39 am