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It seems like it shouldn’t be news, let alone a banner headline: The governor and the leaders of the legislature having a meeting.
Most people probably assume that’s standard practice; and, though there have been exceptions (say, during Rod Blagojevich’s term), it has been in Illinois. Until this year. Illinois’ new governor and the General Assembly’s top Democrats and Republicans haven’t all gotten together since the end of May. […]
The heads of six self-described “reform groups” had this state of pain in mind when they came together to publicly call for a meeting among the Republican governor, the Democratic Senate President and House Speaker, and the minority leaders of each chamber.
“We are ready to facilitate the logistics of a meeting in either Chicago or Springfield,” the letter they published in the Chicago Tribune read. “The consequences are too great. And we cannot let the situation continue. While leadership may not align on some core principles, we believe it is necessary for them to meet together, work through these issues, and agree on a budget.”
From all the ideas meant to spur action, this is the one that took.
* Their letter was in the Tribune the afternoon before it was published here, but the paper didn’t even have a story about the groups’ offer until today…
How dysfunctional has the Springfield stalemate become? The Republican governor and the Democratic legislative leaders are now trying to one-up each other on setting up a meeting.
Last week, a half-dozen advocacy groups, fed up with inaction that’s left the state without a budget since July 1, called on Gov. Bruce Rauner and legislative leaders to get together and discuss the matter. The groups wrote a letter offering to set up such a meeting, saying it should happen before Nov. 15 “due to the urgent need for resolution on this issue.”
Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan accepted the invitation and suggested making the meeting public. Democratic Senate President John Cullerton also agreed. The Union League Club offered its downtown location as a venue, and a date was set for Nov. 18.
Not so fast, said Republican Rauner, who weighed in on Friday with a letter of his own. […]
Rauner’s offer: A meeting in the governor’s office, in Springfield or Chicago, on the same date and time – Nov. 18, 9:30 a.m. Rauner said his staff would circulate an agenda in advance of the meeting and would coordinate with leaders “on the most appropriate media access.”
* AP…
Why the sudden detente?
After the letter arrived, Susan Garrett, a former state senator and chairwoman of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, said Madigan responded and urged that it be public. The Union League Club of Chicago stepped up and offered space for Nov. 18.
Rauner usurped them Friday with an invitation of his own.
“While we appreciate the advocacy groups desire to be involved, we will pick up the organization of the meeting from here,” Rauner wrote.
No offense taken, Garrett said. “The objective is to get them all to talk.”
We were completely airbrushed out of the story again, but whatevs.
* The Question: Do you think this meeting will actually happen next month, or do you think it won’t happen, perhaps because too many preconditions will be demanded by one or both sides? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:21 am
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It’ll happen. Everyone at the table needs that photo-op to say they were there..only to say afterwards that its the other guy/gal that won’t compromise.
Comment by Corporate Thug Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:24 am
My guess is that it’ll happen. Too much face to lose for all involved no to happen.
Whether that meeting will result in anything positive whatsoever is another matter entirely.
Comment by thunderspirit Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:26 am
Hard to vote on this one Rich. If the Gov demands too many conditions and is basically going to make this another stage for the TurnAround, then the Leaders may attend, listen, and politely leave. If that happens, I hope the groups that originally proposed the meeting will again offer a venue and invitations, and that a truly public meeting and discourse will follow, with Rauner frothing at the mouth.
Comment by Anon221 Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:27 am
It will happen, because if either side starts tacking on too many preconditions, the other side can just go back to accepting the original invitation of the 6 reform organizations.
Comment by BeenThereB4 Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:28 am
Preconditions, Rauner sets agenda. sigh
Comment by tobor Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:28 am
Nothing’s stopped Rauner from attempting to organize or publicize his own meeting prior to this. Now, he’s been embarrassed and is trying to hijack this effort. Shame on those groups if they let him do it. They’re supposed to be for “sunshine” and already Rauner’s trying to restrict media access and dictate the agenda? And, who is this guy, taking the budget hostage and hijacking meetings: a Die Hard villain wannabe?
Comment by Willie Stark Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:29 am
It’ll happen, but nothing will happen.
Comment by Dome Gnome Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:30 am
I still do not understand why rauner refuses to present his version of a balanced budget. And further do not understand why the mainstream news orgs do not ever question that. That is a constitutional pre-condition of being governor.
Comment by My New Handle Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:32 am
[Note to self: Secure meeting hall and order canapés before issuing open-ended invitation to this governor.]
Comment by Dome Gnome Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:33 am
November 18th of what year?
Comment by DuPage Saint Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:33 am
I think it will happen but Madigan and Cullerton refuse to attend. They won’t accept an agenda that only covers tort reform, workers comp an collective bargaining.
Comment by Casual observer Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:36 am
It will happen, because anyone demanding too many preconditions will be laughed out of the room.
As will anyone who tries using this as a public soapbox rather than a chance to make progress - though indicators are that is what Mike Madigan wants out of this.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:37 am
=on the most appropriate media access.=Trib editorial board.
Comment by tobor Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:38 am
It’ll happen, but Madigan ………..
Comment by Springfieldish Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:40 am
I voted no, in the sense that any meeting will not be meaningful as I don’t think the governor will drop his pre-conditions.
The governor tipped his hand talking about January. Taking him at his word, I think he believes he’s inflicting so much damage that he will get what he wants then.
It’s a misanthropic political strategy, but, at this point, I think he will stick to it. Except for those directly impacted, state government issues will fall off the radar from Thanksgiving to New Year.
Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:42 am
It will happen but nothing will be accomplished. Making it private simply means the governor can continue to say what he always has with no accountability or transparency. It will be a waste of time, but everyone has to at least make an appearance now.
Comment by ash Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:45 am
It won’t happen. Rauner doesn’t want it to happen. He’ll make sure the other side won’t want to be involved. Then he’ll crow to the press about how Madigan and the state he controls won’t come to the table (and yes, I said state because BVR sure isn’t governing).
Comment by Not quite a majority Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:51 am
I’m with the majority. It’ll happen but to no avail.
Comment by Sir Reel Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:53 am
I voted No.
A meeting will only take place only after all of the parties think there’s nothing to be gained from saying, “The other guy’s preconditions scuttled the possibility of open and honest negotiations.”
And we’re not there yet.
– MrJM
P.S. I really hope I’m wrong.
Comment by @MisterJayEm Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:55 am
The meeting of the 5 leaders will happen to save face. Due to Rauner’s union, map and term-limit poison pills, no agreement will be reached at any meeting, until Rauner decides he has to drop the poison pills.
Comment by Mama Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:57 am
It’ll happen so both sides can slither out of blame for not attending.
Then afterwards, each side will hold a presser saying, as required by PR law, “We had a frank, constructive meeting.”
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:01 am
I heard this story on NPR this morning. As I recall, the meeting is supposed to be streamed in real time for everyone to see.
To the post, I voted no because the governor is going to put his turnaround talking points on the agenda as the topics of conversation.
On the other hand, if the meeting is live streamed, it would be the perfect place for Mr. Madigan to show the State how extreme the governor is with his calm and collected demeanor.
Comment by Huh? Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:01 am
Here is a twist: If the entire meeting will be broadcasted live, I think Cullerton and Madigan may attend in order to expose the governor’s hidden agenda to the public.
Comment by Mama Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:07 am
++Huh? - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:01 am: ++
I’m sorry I did not see your post until after I posted my comment. Rich, go ahead and delete my comment at 11:07AM.
Comment by Mama Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:09 am
I believe there will be a meeting because of the now public expectation that one occur. There will be a public back and forth on the agenda, but Madigan will realize that it’s still important to let the public hear the governor blindly sticking to his script.
However, nothing will be accomplished. I would have been hopeful had the groups still been involved. They could have served to keep the conversation on solutions rather than rhetoric. Rauner will simply use the forum to spew his garbage.
Comment by Norseman Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:10 am
Why does it take 3 weeks for those that work for the public to schedule a meeting??? Why can’t they meet this week and get it over with. If it does happen, what will change?
Comment by RetiredStateEmployee Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:16 am
It will take place, but if it is not made public, then nothing will get done. Rauner will just repeat his TA agenda prerequisites, and nothing will happen. He will say that Madigan is the reason nothing happened. I hope I’m wrong, but nothing Rauner has shown so far indicates that he will remove the restricting conditions. If it is open to the media, then something actually might happen. Not holding my breath.
Comment by Big Joe Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:17 am
It will probably happen, it’s too public for it not to. Will anything come of it? Probably not.
Comment by Ahoy! Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:18 am
It’ll happen, merely as a PR event, then the usual spin by both sides will follow on Chicago Tonight. Nothing will be accomplished.
Comment by Wensicia Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:19 am
I don’t think it will happen. Rauner will give some kind of excuse. He can’t risk his true agenda being exposed. January, when the state lies in ruins is when the negotiation will start.
Comment by Honeybear Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:20 am
Happen
RAUNER hits standard “compromise” turnaround pitch
MJM suggests compromises on prop tax and WC
CULLERTON lists damage done by cuts and impending doom
Durkin and Radogno irrelevant
Dems win news cycle. RAUNER has “an up day”. No real budget progress
Comment by Langhorne Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:22 am
Gov Bruce destroyed any success unless the originating group yanks this his hands. If the originating group fails to take back this becomes political theater which started with Gov Bruce.
The original group must take full control of all meeting setup, agenda, press seating, chairs with zero input from any of 5. Likely would need to be seen doing multiple sites and structures because Gov Bruce will be in all out espionage mode when not in control. The only thing the 5 need now is the date of 18th. Location and time provided the day ahead. Then the 5 need only show up. Without such secrecy the entire event becomes nothing but Bruce’s PR!
Comment by IL17Progressive Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:27 am
Voted No.
Neither Rauner or Madigan will budge from their longstanding positions (Rauner: Turnaround agenda and budget are the agenda; Madigan: budget only)
Cullerton accepting the invite gives some hope that the meeting will happen, but not enough for me to vote yes.
Comment by Robert the Bruce Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:32 am
As others have stated, the meeting will happen, but progress will not. Jan. 13th is the earliest.
Rauner needs to understand that “compromise” on a tax hike actually means “consensus”.
Comment by Jocko Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:34 am
This could be a successful meeting for both sides if both sides are allowed to speak their mind and the live broadcast is unedited.
Comment by Mama Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:38 am
Voted ‘no’. Rauner releases his agenda; Madigan balks; meeting postponed; Happy Thanksgiving.
Comment by Bogey Golfer Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:42 am
I am intrigued by the public aspect to this if it really does happen, as I see it boiling down to a campaign-type debate but without a moderator.
So you’re saying that instead of lobbing finely-tuned press releases at each other through the media, we could see the opportunity of them answering to each other off the cuff and in person? Sign me up. If this thing is truly live they will be more concerned with coming out of the battle with better public support/perception for their “side” more than anything, and to achieve that they have the opportunity take each other to task on their proposals, budgets, refusals and/or demands and possibly try to out the other side’s “true” agenda to the public.
That last point may be why this won’t happen or won’t happen truly publicly, but if it did I think it would be a huge step towards transparency and cutting through the bull. Heck, I would even throw down a few bucks for it on pay-per-view; maybe with enough viewers we could get the butter cow lady her money…
Comment by The Lowly LA Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:43 am
Yes. Because there are only 62 shopping days before Christmas http://www.emailsanta.com/clock.asp
Comment by Das Man Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:45 am
So far we have 4 of 5 attending with Madigan taking a wait and see approach to the agenda for a meeting in the Govenor’s office.
November 18th? Really, that far out? Preckwinkle was right when she recently reported that Madigan said no budget until Januarry. Now Rauner is saying the same thing.
They all need to grow up, put their Big Boy pants on, and start talking.
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:45 am
I’m assuming Rauner will try to push an agenda that is muck like his state travel stops - with his same talking points - and that he sees this like being able to run more TV ads bashing Madigan, only better. That being said, I hope I am wrong.
Once Madigan and Cullerton see the agenda I think the Gov will come up with, they will back out.
Comment by Joe M Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:46 am
Believe that Rauner will screw it up somehow. As for a public meeting, I am not for that-nothing will be said that hasn’t been said before. Might have some results in a closed meeting if the original organizers are also in attendance to monitor what is said.
Allowing Rauner to have his own meeting and/or set the agenda is a waste of time.
Comment by downstate commissioner Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 11:47 am
Nope. Rauner obviously does not want this (if he did, why not offer one previously?). But Rauner can’t be seen as the guy unwilling to meet. So he will insist upon things that he knows will be unacceptable to Madigan. When Madigan pushes back and insists on certain things, the GO press people will unleash a flurry of “shams” and Rauner will refuse.
Comment by Henry Francis Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 12:05 pm
happen because both sides want to say they tried… wont get anywhere because the gov wants the the law changes to eliminate unions baragining power in total and does not care about the actual job of being governor.
Comment by Ghost Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 12:07 pm
I voted NO. All participants will agree to the live stream and Rauner will see it as an opportunity to show a Powerpoint presentation on his TA to everyone watching. Madigan, rightly, will decline. It needs to happen in the manner originally proposed by the advocacy groups.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 12:10 pm
No way, Jose.
Both sides think they’re #winning. Why risk a public meeting and slip up? A real budget comes after the primaries.
Comment by The Muse Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 12:15 pm
Voted “it’ll happen”
“Why?!?!?”
It’s the last chance for Madigan and Rauner to seem engaged in the process before the Math begins.
“Math?”
January brings 60 and 30. Rauner will try to get his 23 Democrats like Rauner got Ken Dunkin. Rauner will not get 22 “Dunkin Owls” on his own. Colleges prepare to shutdown, even the Owl Sandack can’t have colleges close.
In less than a day, the budget “miraculously” is crafted, and it will take almost 3-4 days to structure the roll callS, callS, and then, and only then, will anyone know how far Rauner was willing to destroy Illinois.
Will they meet? Yep. They’ll meet.
But Rauner can’t get 71 and 36, so no chance anything can be achieved on November 18th.
Sadly.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 12:17 pm
I vote no. Even if they gather it will not qualify as anything other than a photo-op.
Comment by Niblets Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 12:19 pm
- Corporate Thug - Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 10:24 am:
It’ll happen. Everyone at the table needs that photo-op to say they were there..only to say afterwards that its the other guy/gal that won’t compromise
===============================================
Corporate Thug for the win…….
ding ding ding ding ding
Comment by btowntruth Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 12:25 pm
I think it will happen, but that it will function purely as a messaging opportunity for both sides. I do not believe anything positive will come of it as it relates to the budget stalemate and the citizens being hurt everyday by the radical lack of leadership from our executive.
Comment by Precinct Captain Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 12:47 pm
It will happen. But along with a bunch of others, I was hoping for a third option: it will happen, but nothing will happen at the meeting.
I think it’s still not clear whether Cullerton/Madigan will try to engage on the agenda, or whether they will just let Rauner put so many preconditions on it that they can say the meeting was a sham (with the backing of the 16 groups that initiated it).
What I am certain of is that Rauner is trying to hijack the meeting so that the discussion is not about the budget, but about his unrelated agenda. And that meeting won’t happen.
Comment by the Other Anonymous Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 12:48 pm
No not unless c-span covers it
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 12:57 pm
Oops I meant pick it up
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:06 pm
Voted no. This is not a board mtg. where the chair gets to set the agenda etc. I think the Gov’s agenda and preconditions will kill the mtg. Also, how big is the Gov’s office? If the mtg. can’t be broadcast and journalists can’t go it will not be productive at all.
I would also like to express my disappointment that I don’t think tickets to the event for regular folks will be available.
Comment by burbanite Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:07 pm
It will only happen if they can agree on the shape of the table.
Comment by David Starrett Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:12 pm
The meeting will happen. The interesting thing will be the battle of the agendas. How much detail will be announced in advance? Will each side arrive with concrete proposals, or will it be glittering generalities?
Comment by Last Bull Moose Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:14 pm
We voted “yes” but fully expect the meeting to be upended when TheSuperstars bar Madigan rep, Ken Dunkn, and dark money lobo, Handout Andy, with his GoPro camera strapped to his noggin.
TheSuperstars will learned Madigan already cut a deal with Durkie and the impasse is over.
Comment by Anonin' Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:23 pm
It’ll happen. Both sides need something to point to that shows they’re trying.
Comment by Anon Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:27 pm
No. Rauner doesn’t want it and only went along because the option was publicized. He’ll make up an excuse/lie about having to reschedule and then won’t reschedule. If that happens, it should go on without him but I don’t think Radogno or Durkin will be allowed to attend without BVR and they do not have the guts to go against him.
Comment by Flynn's mom Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 1:43 pm
It will happen.
With an hour of the meeting, Cullerton’s office will be claiming that it is great to see everybody sitting down, working together, and looking for compromise.
Ten minutes after Cullerton’s office speaks, Rauner’s office will claim that Cullerton is a Communist who is intent on destroying America, starting with Illinois, and if we don’t immediately pass the turnaround agenda, he will have to cut off more funding for kids with cancer.
They are going to hold the meeting, but they really shouldn’t bother.
Comment by Gooner Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 2:22 pm
Yes. But everybody loses. Leaders agree to a meeting to reach agreement on the budget. Rauner takes over, changes the date, changes the location, will propose the access, agenda and process, and states the objective as discussing his “structural changes needed to come to a budget.”
Agenda differences are the “impasse.”
The budget itself will not be freed.
Are we going to have to negotiate the shape of the table as well?
Comment by walker Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 2:32 pm
It’ll happen but will not accomplish anything. The 58 million dollar man will repeat his gun to the head “my way or the highway” demands and the Democrats will refuse. And the mess will continue.
Comment by Dutchman Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 4:27 pm
My first inclination was to vote no, but I think the meeting might start. However, I doubt if much is accomplished. My guess is that someone walks out.
Comment by South Central Monday, Oct 26, 15 @ 6:15 pm