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* Kerry Lester caught up with Big Jim…
“This is the worst position the state of Illinois has ever been in,” said former Gov. Jim Thompson, the state’s longest-serving governor from 1977 to 1991 and namesake of the state government building fellow Republican Rauner wants to put up for private auction.
“I agree that it’s going to take some difficult negotiations to solve this,” Thompson said in a phone interview with the Daily Herald. “That’s the responsibility of the governor and the legislature. They will have to do their jobs.” […]
However, he conceded, “running the government is not like running a business.”
“What I’m saying is both sides have to sit down and look at what they’ve requested. And if it’s clear the other side can’t deliver those, even if they wanted to, then they have to negotiate on the basis of what each side can deliver.”
That last sentence is just basic governance, but it seems far beyond the grasp of some folks, including Tribune editorial board members…
He had no role in creating the twin messes he’s trying to fix — the ruined state finances and the Illinois economy that reflects Springfield’s grave anti-employer biases. Rauner gets enough grief from Democrats who set Illinois on its disastrous course. He had to be surprised to read that a Republican who had supported him now wants him to surrender to what little the Democratic defenders of the status quo would accept.
What’s doable with those folks? Not enough to make Illinois prosper again.
Excuse me, but the state’s finances are currently in ruins, and the governor has played a very concrete role in today’s mess. He wasn’t sworn in yesterday.
And only extremist radicals would claim that two former Republican governors want Gov. Rauner to just give up and “surrender,” particularly since so many of the governor’s own economic “reform” demands are radical in and of themselves, despite the Tribune editorial page’s best and repeated efforts to skim over the troubling details.
…Adding… MrJM in comments…
Shorter Tribune editorial: Don’t stop the hurricane when the levies are about to break!
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 8:58 am
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Governor Edgar and now Governor Thompson. Now is the time for Rauner to drop these ridiculous collective bargaining demands and sit with Madigan and Cullerton to hammer out a budget for what is left of the fiscal year. Bruce Rauner overplayed his hand and miscalculated what he could accomplish. A small victory is better than no victory at all.
Comment by Stones Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:07 am
Rauner insisting on letting the income tax drop back was the tipping point.
Comment by DuPage Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:08 am
Too many politicians…not enough statesmen.
Comment by Deep South Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:09 am
==“What I’m saying is both sides have to sit down and look at what they’ve requested. And if it’s clear the other side can’t deliver those, even if they wanted to, then they have to negotiate on the basis of what each side can deliver.”==
Finally, we have someone with common sense!
Comment by Mama Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:11 am
It really puts into perspective how out of touch and extreme the Trib ed board has become when it’s calling out Edgar and Thompson in this manner.
Comment by slow down Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:12 am
===“What I’m saying is both sides have to sit down and look at what they’ve requested. And if it’s clear the other side can’t deliver those, even if they wanted to, then they have to negotiate on the basis of what each side can deliver.”===
I know I can agree with this. I know that it comes down what can actually pass AND be signed, as is, in cooperation and governing as Co-Equals.
The Republican former governors, I’m with them. I’ve been on the 60/30 thought process and actualky having a Legislative Agenda that wants a budget and also is willing to horse trade to get 60/30 for Rauner’s own Agenda. Geez Louise, trying to “hope” for good governance shoukdnt be a “hope”
Holding hostages isn’t in the trust-building spirit of good governance. It’s not. Former Gov. Thompson is saying that you can’t run government like a business. Trust is an ongoing pursuit by equal parties, Rauner isn’t aware of that, or chooses to ignore it.
You don’t destroy a state for two Union wants.
That’s not hyperbole, Rep. Sandack, that’s happening, right now, and some are actually cheering the state’s destruction. That’s not the spirit of good governance.
As a governing partner, you try to maximize your wants, giving what is needed to get the best deal, so both sides are invested in the end result.
Former Gov. Thompson is more pointed in the governing, the complete governing, than going as deep and personal as former Gov. Edgar did, but let’s be honest as to why; Jim Edgar was flown all over Illinois at the end of the campaign, and this “governing” isn’t what made Jim Edgar get in front of people to rally for Rauner.
Make the deal, Gov. Rauner, or, craft and cobble a budget that requires a ZERO increase in revenues, and put it in bill form and negotiate for revenue, because you have real bills and a budget that requires ZERO revenue.
That’s call leverage. Having a budget sketch that needs revenue isn’t leverage, it’s embarrassing when trying to claim only your partner NEEDS revenue.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:14 am
==However, he conceded, “running the government is not like running a business.”==
I would like to add government can not be ran like a capital venturous business!
Comment by Mama Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:16 am
Mama,
I’m with you completely, but it is not “common” sense you are talking about; it is POLITICAL sense. Most of the electorate is powerfully anti-political. Even some with some political experience no longer take what you suggest to be common sense as the right thing to do. (But I’m sure you already know this.)
Comment by History Prof Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:16 am
Sensing the old school republicans have had enough, and are coming forward. So soon after the announced plans to sell the JRTC; makes you think that was the final straw for them.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:17 am
There’s a reason why I dropped my Trib subscription in May…
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:17 am
Well, if the team of Superstars are need of some back up, since they’re currently 0-2 with former Governors not named Quinn, I got a guy in Colorado who might be willing to weigh in against Madigan for old time’s sake. Just let me know.
Comment by Juice Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:18 am
Really love the “status quo” line, as if trying to co-opt both parties, trying to sell the Thompson Center, feuding with Madigan, credit downgrades, budget drama, attacking unions, cockamamie pension plans, staffing shenanigans, and closures aren’t exactly in line with the last decade of Illinois governing.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:19 am
Sad and troubling
Comment by Aidep Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:20 am
The Tribune is doing yeoman’s work as Rauner’s rapid response team.
I anxiously await their response to yesterday’s Fitch ratings report, in particular the part where it discusses how Illinois is operating in the red even without discretionary appropriations for little things like higher education and social services not covered by court orders.
Comment by Uptown Lawyer Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:21 am
The end is nigh, the abandonment of Rauner is at hand. The Republicans in the legislature now have all the political cover they need. First Edgar, then Munger, and now Thompson. They persist in the destabilization of the state at their own peril.
Comment by ottawa otter Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:23 am
=== Rauner insisting on letting the income tax drop back was the tipping point. ===
I agree, that was a tipping point. But what about the Dems going along without a fight, purportedly in the name of cooperation with the new governor? Wasn’t that a calculated political maneuver to give the governor enough rope to hang himself. That strategy seems to be working, as Republican support for the TA agenda is crumbling, but at what cost to the people of Illinois?
Comment by X-prof Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:24 am
I hope ottawa otter is right. Enough is enough.
Comment by AnonymousOne Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:29 am
Mama
As someone yesterday pointed out, Rauner is not a capital venturist. He is point blank a corporate raider. That describes what he does more clearly.
Comment by AnonymousOne Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:31 am
“The power to mould the future of the Republic will be in the hands of the journalists of future generations.”
“An able, disinterested, public-spirited press, with trained intelligence to know the right and courage to do it, can preserve that public virtue without which popular government is a sham and a mockery.”
- Joseph Pulitzer
Comment by Juvenal Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:32 am
The ghosts of budgets past coming back to haunt us.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:33 am
JRT - Another paragon of good governance. A few Kruggerands in a coat pocket or a selection from the Governor’s Shelf” and all is well.
Comment by Weltschmerz Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:34 am
“the ruined state finances and the Illinois economy that reflects Springfield’s grave anti-employer biases.”
This code for “WE WANT MORE CORPORATE WELFARE.”
Let’s apply Rauner’s actions to a personal example.
He has bought a house which is in need of repair and he assumes all liens from previous attempts at repair. (The previous owner’s attempts to fix the issues were on the right track, but time ran out.).
The new owner now, decides to quit his job (no revenue) and burn it down.
(I could keep going with this but filters, filters, filters)
Comment by cdog Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:34 am
I agree with X-prof. While there’s no real disagreement between Rauner and Madigan on maybe 97% of the budget, there’s complete agreement on the tax hike they both need — each agrees he doesn’t want political responsibility for it. So while Rauner is 100% owner of the current disaster, Madigan also owns at least 75%.
(Hey, I learned the “new math.”)
Comment by Keyrock Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:35 am
== Rauner insisting on letting the income tax drop back was the tipping point. ==
It was going to drop anyway unless Rauner specifically requested it be extended and got some GOP votes on it … but since Rauner specifically asked that it NOT be extended, he owns the current mess. And the price today, to get out of the mostly self-inflicted mess, will be EVERY GOP vote on a new tax increase.
Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:39 am
If you can’t take advice from previous, experienced governors,there’s not much hope for this state.
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:40 am
The Tribbies are hysterical children. Not very bright children, at that.
Tney completely ignore tne real damage that is being done right now by the governor’s willful strategy of hostage-taking, while offering no supporting evidence whatsoever of any benefits to his political agenda other than shallow talking points.
Instead, it’s just more “Mean Girl” taunts on personalities on tne level of “Tiger Beat.”
Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:40 am
Assuming the budget will eventually get settled in, say, 3-4 months from now — an interesting thought experiment is what happens when Rauner tries this again next year?
He surely will — and I suspect it will be as bad or even worse. How much will this wear on voters? Is this the new normal? Can Rauner possibly sustain three more years of this kind of “governance”?
Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:44 am
== The Republicans in the legislature now have all the political cover they need. ==
Maybe not all they NEED, but probably as much as they are going to get.
The question is when does the GOP decide their positions are more in risk from an irate public than from $20M in threatened attacks?
Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:44 am
Thompson’s quotes front page above the fold in the Daily Herald. Push is perhaps coming to shove? Then again, maybe it’s just a brief reprieve from the daily shenanigan story about what is going on at the College of DuPage.
Comment by Product of the '60's Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:44 am
The state of the economy in Illinois may be due in part to the unions, but it is also due to management. Several major Chicago firms were sold due to poor management decisions. I’m sure this is a simplification, but Sears didn’t adapt to the Internet age, Quaker messed up with Snapple, and Ameritech went to heavy into Eastern Europe. Additionally, I don’t want Illinois to win the race to the bottom with the workers living near poverty and the ownership/management living like kings. We need a middle class.
Comment by Chicago Guy Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:45 am
== But what about the Dems going along without a fight, purportedly in the name of cooperation with the new governor? Wasn’t that a calculated political maneuver to give the governor enough rope to hang himself.==
Seems a lot more likely that it was a combination of antipathy about a tax hike and understanding that they didn’t have the votes for one even if they wanted it.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:45 am
Note to the Gov’s ‘A’Team of advisors:
Calling multiple former Republican governors part of the problem you are trying to fix will give free reign to all current GOP members to bail on you. Don’t tell him he can do it, you’ve nearly killed his agenda already.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:46 am
= If you can’t take advice from previous, experienced governors,there’s not much hope for this state =
Well, its a good thing Thompson and Edgar had nothing to do with the mess we’re in. It really gives them credibility in instructing current elected officials what needs to be done. I mean, its not like the former spent gobs of money when we had it instead of planning for the future, and its not like Edgar ramped down pension payments. These are definitely the guys to listen to when it comes to changing how things are done in this state.
Perhaps we should ask those two other “experienced” governors, Blago and Ryan? Wait, did you mean advice regarding how to make toilet wine?
Why anyone here thinks its a good idea to listen to these prior governors. I’m tired of how they “got things done”. THEY PUT US HERE - when are you going to get it?
Comment by Kodachrome Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:48 am
==If you can’t take advice from previous, experienced governors, there’s not much hope for this state.==
While we generally agree, when it comes to current $ issues I am cautious re the words of Governors Thompson and Edgar.
This is the same Gov Thompson who told Dave McKinney he was not aware how much the compounded COLAs would cost the state, and that if he had known ==I would have vetoed it==. Then there is the backloaded Edgar ramp and so on. They may mean well, but they also contributed key components to our current budget pressures.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:50 am
===its not like Edgar ramped down pension payments.===
Seems like your making the case that Governors own, Edgar and that ramp and all…
Thanks - Kodachrome -.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:50 am
==Well, its a good thing Thompson and Edgar had nothing to do with the mess we’re in.==
Huh, I thought it was Madigan’s fault. Why, it’s almost like everyone who got elected contributed to this, which is to say, the voters are the problem! Maybe Rauner should just ignore them.
==Why anyone here thinks its a good idea to listen to these prior governors.==
Because the Republican Party and Rauner tell us that they’re just the wisest people every two years.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:52 am
=== Rauner insisting on letting the income tax drop back was the tipping point. ===
====I agree, that was a tipping point. But what about the Dems going along without a fight, purportedly in the name of cooperation with the new governor? Wasn’t that a calculated political maneuver to give the governor enough rope to hang himself.====
Purported is right (it makes a good talking point now though). Not only was it not entirely about bowing to the wishes of the incoming Governor that caused the income tax increase to lapse, it wasn’t that at all. There was a concerted effort to keep it in place during the final regular session under the Quinn administration leading up to the November election. That effort didn’t get to the magic number…which just goes to underscore what a lot of regulars here are quick to point out; the notion on the part of some Raunerites that not ‘allowing’ the Dems to vote on this tax increase they want so bad’ because they don’t play ball on union busting is a good play is an absolutely idiotic one.
If they couldn’t get to the magic number when it was 60, they sure weren’t getting there when it was higher. The Speaker’s people aren’t stupid, they moved away from the effort and refocused.
Comment by anon12345 Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:52 am
It seems the lobbyists and the unions have taken control of the Democrats lock, stock and barrel. The membership are being led around by the second tier of party leadership. Where is the independent thinking, in both parties, to break this deadlock? There are enough bright people in the legislature to take a stand for the constituents and solve this problem>
Comment by John Parnell Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:52 am
Shorter Tribune editorial: Don’t stop the hurricane when the levies are about to break!
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:53 am
== Why anyone here thinks its a good idea to listen to these prior governors. ==
Quinn was making the full pension ramp payments and cut the backlog of bills in half. On hindsight, seems like he knew what he was doing.
Thompson and Edgar, even given all we know today about the debt being piled up, did keep the State running, something the current guy seems to have a problem with.
All of those past Governors would be likely to come up with better advice than the current tear it apart and burn it down path we are on.
Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:55 am
Lol, the taxpayers of Illinois are fed up with taxes being the only answer. This state is an economic basket case that is losing population. Increased taxes without massive spending cuts will only speed up the state’s decline.
Comment by Tone Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:59 am
It is looking more and more like this impasse will be solved by the traditional Republicans in the General Assembly going against the governor. Most likely, that is going to occur once the primary petition season is over.
Comment by Pelonski Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:59 am
==Increased taxes without massive spending cuts will only speed up the state’s decline.==
There have already been massive spending cuts. There will be more.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 10:00 am
===with taxes being the only answer===
It’s starting to look to me like the HDem leaders have moved away from tax hikes altogether for now.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 10:02 am
Of course, the governor will have to propose the tax increase.
Isnt it the the job of the chief executive to determine and recommend the resources necessary for the proper functioning of state government? I know I read that somewhere.
Nowhere in the state constitution do you see any mention of extended reactionary frat boy ideolgical benders supported by tactics usually only employed by criminals.
Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 10:24 am
Not debating the current pension being a win for Tier I employees but one must remember that the 3% annual COLA was considered a compromise. If I recall correct inflation generally exceeded the COLA during that period. It is important to examine deals in the context of when they are struck rather than in hindsight.
Comment by Stones Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 10:25 am
I suspect next years budget fight to go MUCH smoother. It is an election year…
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 10:25 am
===I suspect next years budget fight to go MUCH smoother. It is an election year…===
It’s not an election year for the guy who refuses to negotiate a budget….
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 10:38 am
Governor Rauner’s problem is that Candidate Rauner did a great job of salting the fields with respect to a tax increase. As a result, the Democrats will insist on Rauner “wearing the jacket” for any tax increase.
Candidate Rauner contended that a tax increase was unnecessary during the regular session in 2014 and the post-election veto session and ran against Quinn on based on Quinn’s support of a permanent 5% rate. After being assailed as part of 100 years of corruption, neither Madigan nor Cullerton was inclined to make the 5% rate permanent over Rauner’s objection before or after the election.
Now that the superstars realize that a tax increase is necessary and that the democrats will not cooperate by passing one over the Governor’s veto, Rauner is faced with having to sign a tax increase a year after he told the people of Illinois one was unnecessary. As a result, he desperately needs some sort of face-saving concessions (aka the turnaround agenda) as part of signing the tax increase with republicans voting in support.
This is why I agree with Pelonski that there is no chance of this vote happening until after November 30th since no Republican will even consider voting for a tax increase until after the petition deadline.
Comment by Uptown Lawyer Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 10:40 am
=== traditional Republicans in the General Assembly going against the governor. ===
There are insufficient “traditional Republicans” to do anything. Rauner’s money has locked up the former GOP caucuses - now Rauner caucuses.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 10:45 am
He had no role in creating the twin messes he’s trying to fix — the ruined state finances and the Illinois economy that reflects “Springfield’s grave anti-employer biases. Rauner gets enough grief from Democrats who set Illinois on its disastrous course. He had to be surprised to read that a Republican who had supported him now wants him to surrender to what little the Democratic defenders of the status quo would accept.”
Poor Trib editorial board and Rauner, they’re such victims. They’ve pushed the limits of my sympathy with how much they suffered in Illinois.
Rauner is a major owner of the current mess. He bought it.
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 10:47 am
I think both Governors would seek a compromise relating to public sector unions and the key issue Rauner is focused on, which is the cost of a unionized workforce. It would be completely possible that some limited language requiring local voter approval over union contracts resulting in cost increases over the CPI could pass the legislature.
I have no doubt the unions would oppose this interference in the collective bargaining process, but I could see the Speaker support some such language with a sunset provision. Right now Governor Rauner does not seem amenable to such cost containment provisions and wants far more than that.
Comment by Rod Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 11:20 am
Shorter Rauner admin and Raunerbots: “It’s everyone else’s fault! We are perfect! We are gods!” And of course, all of their hysterics are coming while they are huddled in a corner in the fetal position like addicts on a crash from their high.
Comment by Precinct Captain Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 11:33 am
Although Thompson sounds reasonable today,,his sidewalks to nowhere program(build Illinois),was proof no one party is responsible for reckless spending and promises. Man do we need a third party alternative.
Comment by blue dog dem Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 11:59 am
Rainier’s campaign claim that no tax increase or continuation of the 5% rate was apparently based on his belief that he could modify the pension “burden” and that was blocked by the Supreme Court’s ruling. At this point he could simply blame the “wrong headed” Democratic majority on the court for the need for a tax increase and do the necessary. Instead he seems determined to continue battle on pension reform. Dumb!
Comment by JackD Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 12:11 pm
Rauner may not have created the mess but he spent millions of his own dollars to buy the seat. More than anyone else, he OWNS this.
Comment by Gruntled University Employee Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 3:10 pm
=== MJM says he’s met with governor 3 times in past four or five weeks. “Cordial” meetings, but “we have not plowed any new ground”
Rich Miller ===
Well at least the rhetoric is in keeping with Illinois’ agrarian roots.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 3:53 pm
==Not debating the current pension being a win for Tier I employees but one must remember that the 3% annual COLA was considered a compromise.==
But the compounding of COLA was a gift from the Legislature, a significant upgrade from the simple COLA before. And considering the present value of the pension annuity to begin with, one might argue the compounding was not necessary.
Comment by nixit71 Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 4:00 pm
=== It’s starting to look to me like the HDem leaders have moved away from tax hikes altogether for now. ===
Spot on, Rich.
The suggested November 1 deadline from the Tribune editorial board, whether they were delivering a message on the governor’s behalf or not, made up a lot of minds I suspect.
Democrats were not going to keep extending their hand in hopes of shaking a deal only to have it continually spat upon.
Congratulations Kristen McQueary, you get your wish.
Comment by Juvenal Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 4:23 pm
“It’s starting to look to me like the HDem leaders have moved away from tax hikes altogether for now.”
There is a serious flaw here. The Dems & Repub both know they need a tax increase in order to balance the budget. How can they back away now?
Comment by Mama Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 8:14 pm
Mama, how about some spending cuts and layoffs first. Deep cuts. Minimum 10% across the board.
Comment by Tone Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 9:56 pm
I miss Gov Thompson - he was great to work for both in and out of government - wish we could have him back - so we could work together
Comment by tweedle Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 7:37 am