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* I told subscribers about this days ago, but here’s Politico’s take…
A SURE DEAL? — Republican sources say they’re certain Illinois first lady Diana Rauner’s chief of staff, Sara Jimenez, will get Gov. Bruce Rauner’s backing to replace Republican state Rep. Raymond Poe. Rauner just picked Poe to head the state agriculture department.
– While Rauner has authority to appoint someone to finish Poe’s term, the seat will be up for reelection next year. “It will be an epic battle,” said one Republican source. That’s because it’s in a heavily Republican district, but also a heavy union district. It’s expected labor will spend what is must to block a Rauner-appointee from taking the seat, given the governor’s year-long blasting of unions.
Sara is the likely appointee, but, of course, it’s the county party chairmen who appoint legislators, not the governor. And in this case, Sangamon is the only county in Poe’s 99th District. So, it’s up to Rosemarie Long, who appears to be pretty close to the governor. It’s her appointment, but the widespread belief is that she’ll do Rauner’s bidding.
And I don’t know what organized labor can spend to block the appointment because it’s not a campaign. I would expect the unions to put up a fight, but can they get a Republican on the primary ballot by the November 30th deadline? I haven’t heard any names as of yet, but I’ll check around. Unions will likely do battle in the fall, but that district is pretty darned GOP.
* Jimenez does have some detractors out there…
One of the contenders to be named to replace former GOP state Rep. RAYMOND POE in the 99th District doesn’t have a solid Republican voting record.
SARA WOJCICKI JIMENEZ voted in Democratic primaries in 2002 and 2008 and didn’t vote in partisan primaries in 2004 and 2006, records show. She voted in Republican primaries in 2010, 2012 and 2014 as well as this year in the special primary in the 18th Congressional District.
Wojcicki in 2008 went from a job as Statehouse reporter for WICS-TV Channel 20 to become a spokeswoman for then-Democratic state Treasurer ALEXI GIANNOULIAS. About a year later, in the spring of 2009, she became spokeswoman for then-House Republican Leader TOM CROSS of Oswego. In 2013, she went to work for then-Comptroller JUDY BAAR TOPINKA as director of intergovernmental affairs and program communications, and earlier this year, she took the $100,000-a-year job as chief of staff to first lady DIANA RAUNER — her current job.
Sangamon County election records don’t show any Democratic primary votes among three other people vying for Poe’s seat: KENT GRAY, BRYCE BENTON or GRAY NOLL. Noll has been identified by Rosemarie Long, who chairs the Sangamon County GOP, as Poe’s preferred candidate.
What some hardcore partisans often fail to comprehend is that people do change their party affiliations. And that’s a good thing for the parties who get those new people. It’s called growth.
Either way, I seriously doubt that this will hurt Sara’s chances at the appointment.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 8:43 am
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“SARA WOJCICKI JIMENEZ voted in Democratic primaries in 2002 and 2008 and didn’t vote in partisan primaries in 2004 and 2006, records show. She voted in Republican primaries in 2010, 2012 and 2014 as well as this year in the special primary in the 18th Congressional District.”
Raunerite.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 8:47 am
Seems like a lot of hassle for a pay cut but best of luck to Sara.
Comment by LizPhairTax Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 8:49 am
If she gets the appointment, it will be interesting to see if the Gov. appoints a new person as Cos to his wife.
Given that the poorest of the poor have had to deal with budget cuts, it remains unclear why we still have money in the budget for the wife of an elected official.
Sure the amount of money is a drop in the bucket, but if you are going to ask others to take cuts, they should hit home.
Comment by Gooner Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 8:49 am
I did two stints working for the State & living in SPFLD. Being from the North, I could never understand a Central IL Pro-Union Republican. My best estimation is that the Republican tag was in defiance of being lumped into Chicago Dem voters. But, being Pro-Union, they both voted for their economic interests. Can anyone clarify?
Comment by Jockey Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 8:55 am
The “but (insert name here) voted in a Dem primary!” line goes out the window when a) Governor Rauner has also done so and b) the Governor is openly backing Brad Halbrook against Rep. Brown’s hand-picked candidate. Mr. Halbrook was a Democrat until about a decade ago and then changed parties. It caused consternation when he took over as Shelby County Chairman and when he ran against Roger Eddy.
But still - if this goes through, I will most assuredly sit on my hands if she or her people as me to help. What a slap in the face to local Republicans.
Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 8:59 am
– While Rauner has authority to appoint someone to finish Poe’s term…–
Isn’t it great to have accurate and insightful “Politico” journalism in Illinois?
Did you catch this headline on the question of Syrian refugees and links to terrorism?
“Syriasly”
What a laugh riot.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:01 am
I dont’ know Sara, but if she is anything like her Pops, I’m guessing she’s a quality person. Ed is one hell of a guy.
Comment by Someone you should know Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:02 am
“I didn’t leave the Democratic party. The party left me.”
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:05 am
- It’s called growth. -
In Springfield, it’s also called opportunism.
Comment by Daniel Plainview Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:05 am
-Word- As long as we are correcting Politico we should correct Rich. The vote is not Rose Long’s. There will be a three person committee elected by the county GOP central committee to make the appointment. Each of the three, one of which is the chairwoman, gets a vote. 10 ILCS 5/8-5
Comment by SangamoGOP Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:10 am
- SangamoGOP -,
It’s weighted vote.
If one County Chair in a district, or in Cook, one Township Committeman, or Chicago Ward Committeeman has 50% + 1, it’s their “choice” to be frank.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:16 am
==of course, it’s the county party chairmen who appoint legislators, not the governor.==
The vote will be made by the county’s central committee, not the chairman alone.
Comment by NOTFUNNY Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:19 am
Yikes. If it wasn’t for people switching parties, there would be no super majority in either chamber. Guess it’s just a one way street for some.
Comment by A guy Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:19 am
(Sigh)
Rauner is going to grease the wheels, then, by total happenstance, endorse the chosen candidate for the “committee” to “think about”.
This is the fault of “ck” being quoted that Rauner will endorse.
Why such a statement when none was actually needed?
It’s comical, at times, the errors the Rauner Press Shop make. Say nothing. It works. Rauner says nothing all the time.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:23 am
Willy is correct - and the 99th district is (I believe) entirely in Sangamon County. This is not like when Kyle McCarter was appointed to replace Frank Watson. Only one county party has a say.
Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:25 am
===If it wasn’t for people switching parties, there would be no super majority in either chamber.===
What does that even mean?
A primary vote doesn’t dictate the outcome of someone flipping a general election race from their usual primary choice.
If you’re a Republican voting for a Democratic candidate to expand the super-majority, that’s done in the general.
Seriously, do you think about how things work?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:26 am
I never understood how Sangamon Co can be a heavy Republican district, and also a heavy union district. Those two are as different as day and night.
Comment by Mama Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:30 am
Mama -
One word.
Patronage.
Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:33 am
To the “Union-Lovin’ Republican” quandary;
Look up “Reagan Democrats”, for starters.
Then look up Jim Thompson, Geo. Ryan, and Jim Edgar endorsements from Labor.
Then see why Local 150 is fightin’ Rauner. “Why?”
Then, look up the candidates Local 150 has endorsed.
Start with those…
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:34 am
==I never understood how Sangamon Co can be a heavy Republican district, and also a heavy union district.==
It’s because poor and middle class white republicans aren’t voting their interests.
Comment by NOTFUNNY Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:34 am
Has Poe said who he wants to replace him? I have a feeling he wants someone to represent the farmers on the capital hill.
Comment by Mama Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:34 am
- Team Sleep -
Not just patronage.
Talk to trade union members. Listen to them on “how” they vote.
As to Sangamon County, unions, and the GOP; the working relationship(s) forged with GOP governors, beyond the “hire/fire” for… Union Protected spots… is beyond the “ones and twos” of patronage.
Respectfully, OW
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:36 am
===It’s because poor and middle class white republicans aren’t voting their interests.===
This will be good;
What is the voting interest they’re ignoring?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:39 am
Fiscal issues aren’t the only issues people consider when defining their ideology
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:45 am
- OW -
Not to quibble, but it is not a weighted vote. 10 ILCS 5/8-6: “however, in counties under 2,000,000 population, if the legislative or representative district comprises only one county, or part of a county, each legislative or representative committee member shall be entitled to cast one vote.”
The central committee will elect two members to join the chair and they will each have an equal vote in the appointment.
Comment by SangamoGOP Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:47 am
NOTFUNNY -
To steal a Willy line, “With all due respect…”
Take those drive-by newspaper and message board style comments elsewhere.
Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:48 am
The primary voting argument is lame. She’s voted in the last 3 GOP primaries. I guess anyone who says this disqualifies her would also refuse to vote for Ronald Reagan or Rick Perry or Donald Trump?
Comment by downstater Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:51 am
===The central committee will elect two members to join the chair and they will each have an equal vote in the appointment.===
It’s true.
Do you think that two appointees will go against Bruce Rauner on this after locking up the Chairman with his choice?
It’s Rosemary Long’s choice. The legal aspects will be followed, and Rauner will get HIS choice.
That’s how this will go down.
If anyone wants the spot, lobbying the committee is a complete waste of time.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:52 am
If she gets in, just keep calling her, “Rauner-approved Jiminez” - that’ll remind voters who she really represents and how she got there.
Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:53 am
This should be fun…Sara and Ed are both great folks… hope the SuperStars aren’t too much of an anchor.
Comment by Anonin' Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:54 am
How is Rauner going to manipulate the system to make up the difference in pay? Those in the know please keep us informed
Comment by Kathryn Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:55 am
I’m sure all those state employees who are being asked to go four years without a pay raise while working in understaffed agencies will welcome the chance to vote against someone for whom a $100 superfluous job was created.
Rauner’s tin ear rattles once again
Comment by Truthteller Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 9:58 am
Mama, it matters not who Poe’s favored candidate is. First of all the article excerpt does say that Poe’s favored candidate is Gray Noll - but anyone who knows anything about how Rauner operates can tell you it’s quite obvious how this happens. Rauner appoints legislator to agency director upon agreement that the legislator will back his choice for the appointment. Then Rauner bullies party chairs into also going along with his pick in order to ensure that he gets a hand picked puppet. Happened in the 95th, it’s happening here, and likely other districts to follow. Given that Rauner hired Rosemarie Long’s son for a $145,000 job in the administration, seems pretty unlikely that she’d be willing to buck the system.
Comment by Real talk Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 10:04 am
just off the cuff, her widespread work for both parties could garner her a lot of support in an election…. seems like a solid choice
Comment by Ghost Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 10:05 am
Truthteller - while I loathe the idea of a Sara Jimenez appointment, it at least would remove one headache for Governor Rauner and allow him to keep Mrs. Rauner’s “cabinet” empty.
Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 10:05 am
Yesterday I threw shade on the 150’s and the trades. I’m sorry I did that. I was angry and ralled up about the Governors words. They have to get the best deal they can. It just sucks being one of the last ones standing (AFSCME, SEIU Healthcare) against the Raunerites. Union brother OW is right. There is a tremendous difference between GOP and Raunerites. The difference needs to be fleshed out and brought to light. Conservative positions are ESSENTIAL to our democracy. But Raunerite positions are antithetical to democratic process. I know that’s a strong statement and I hope I don’t get censored. But the “all or nothing”, “my victory is your total loss”, “Turn Around Agenda before I’ll let you slit your throats” is absolutely not in the interest of democracy. Democracy/democratic process is to derive the “temporary better”. It is not to destroy those with differing view. Our nation and state are at crossroads where a choice needs to be made. I really think that it’s a choice between what we have aspired too as Americans democracy/democratic process OR a non democratic oligarchy/plutocracy where the illusion of democracy/democratic process is maintained but in reality is not practiced. We are seeing this epic battle right here and now. Funny enough I actually believe that Madigan and the Dems can be just as guilty of anti democratic/democratic process tactics as the Raunerites. I am suggesting that working folks claim the dynamic, messy democratic/democratic process middle and reject the quasi fascism of the right AND the left. Some may point to Labor as the fascism of the left. It might be a fair criticism. But I would suggest and I fight for Labor of the middle. It’s the same as the difference between GOP and Raunerite, Local Labor (like GOP union folks in Springfield) and Big Labor.
Comment by Honeybear Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 10:05 am
So sara gets the appointment, and will most likely be the nominee for the general. I am a life long repub, state retiree, and a fan of rep poe, due to his independence and loyalty to his constituency.
First and foremost, Sara needs to vote her district– that means state employees, retirees, a responsive efficient government, and a responsible budget. Constitutional solutions to problems. It means bucking the caucus, on occasion. If she is in lockstep w the rauner agenda, she will be forcing a lot of loyal republicans to vote against her. No amount of tv ads and mailers will overcome that. Best wishes Sara.
Comment by Langhorne Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 10:11 am
I heard this morning that Bryce Benton’s name was bandied about during these considerations. He should be guy. But, again, my opinion or pretty much anyone else’s matters not.
Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 10:18 am
@ OW 9:39
For example, ” We’ll show Guv Quinn how much he screwed us by voting for Rauner”.
I believe that you frequently accurately mention on how Labor stood down in 2014, which I agree.
Comment by Jockey Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 10:27 am
Well said Langhorne!
P.S. I’m still curious if your nickname has it’s genesis from Sen. Knuppel’s famous end of session yell in the rotunda?
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 10:36 am
Well afte Poe’s arbitration bill vote he needed to get another job. Everyone was supremely upset with him. The only question is whether the offer came before or after. It is rather curious. Although it really could just be that since Poe was a difficult get for Rauner on that vote, he wanted him out of the way on any future union bill votes. TII
Comment by Me too Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 10:39 am
Me too - but Tony G. likely would NOT have run against Rep. Poe. I have heard that he only passed petitions with the assumption that Poe was going to either step down or be promoted. So even though state workers in Poe’s district are angry with him for the “present” vote, there is a good change that Poe would have again been unopposed.
Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 10:41 am
I am a small business owner in Springfield and I understand how important the state employees are to our local economy. Poe was a moderate Republican that always voted his district (until recently) and always garnered my support. If Sara Jimenez is in the general election next year I will switch my vote to Democrat. I never thought a day would come when I would say tha. I guess Rauner truly brings out the worst in all of us.
Comment by Springfield GOP'r Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 10:42 am
Norseman, sen knuppel used to yell “langhorne bond”, the name of the IDOT secretary.
I admire samuel langhorne clemens, (”be good and you will be lonesome”), so i took his middle name.
Comment by Langhorne Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 10:44 am
(Tips cap to - Honeybear - and - Jockey -)
To - Langhorne -
You’re On It, and the repercussions will be on, collectively, the Labor Movement, Social Service providers and their Allies, and Democrats to hold accountable any person that might be appointed here, or any seat in play.
You’re On It, we’ll see how it plays out, or if the $20 million in 20 districts include the 99th.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 10:46 am
I think that 20 mil plus the 9 is in escrow to scare votesup for the guv. If he spends it on campaigns he needs more cash to get adherence next term. Some will be used but no way is 29 million spent to try and gain what, three seats? A majority, even of raunerite Ds and Rs, isn’t going to happen. Anyone who says it can is not someone to trust with your money. Come to think of it, Rauner isn’t someone anyone should trust with their money so idk.
Comment by Me too Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 11:03 am
I’ve not met Sara so this is not an indictment of her, but I still can’t wrap my head around how Illinois’ taxpayers got stuck paying $100k/year for a Chief of Staff to the “first lady.” Particularly when said first lady has another full time job and she and her husband are billionaires!
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 11:06 am
Poe donated a lot of fried chicken to Brady fundraisers. If Brady had won, Poe likely would have been ag director a long time ago.
Comment by Langhorne Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 11:12 am
Langhorne, Thanks for quenching my curiosity.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 11:23 am
Langhorne - yep. Every time I ran into Poe during the 2010 election cycle, he talked up Brady like a kid talks up a new bicycle.
Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 11:24 am
“Pro-Union” Republicans is a little further to go regarding the Sangamon County GOP than reality. Historically, legislators like Hasara, Bomke, Poe and Brauer have been open to listening to unions make their case. Once in a while, they might side with the union position, but it was rare. I think calling Poe pro-union is looking at the situation with AFSCME blinders on. He had a district made up of a lot of AFSCME members through the years - some districts more so than his current one - and he was a smart politician in not making a consistent enemy of labor. Same with several others around Sangamon County.
Another area that I’ve seen the same kind of thing happen is in parts of DuPage County. It’s political survival. Pure and simple.
Comment by Anon Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 12:10 pm
**I still can’t wrap my head around how Illinois’ taxpayers got stuck paying $100k/year for a Chief of Staff to the “first lady.”**
Add to that the odd promotion that Jiminez’s husband got at Dept on Aging, from a low-level staffer to a bureau chief.
Comment by alabamashake Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 12:15 pm
“There will be a three person committee”
Please.
Rauner could pick up the check at Pizza Ranch and they’d do whatever he wanted.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 12:17 pm
Sara rolled up big votes on the city-wide Springfield Park Board. She’s not a robot, by any means. She will raise a ton of money as she is very popular with the legislative members. Tons of folks adore her Dad. She will be a formidable candidate. Her significant weakness is that she doesn’t have much of a relationship with the Sangamon GOP machine.
At the end of the day, it won’t matter. The three-person committee is just an effort to shield Rosemarie from the worst of the Gray Noll faction. Rose has to play ball. This is a done deal, though it doesn’t mean that Sara won’t have a spirited primary.
Comment by Blago's Luxurious Grey Mane Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 12:41 pm
She has family members covered by state pensions and insurance. It will be interesting to follow.
Comment by Liberty Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 12:41 pm
===pick up the check at Pizza Ranch===
I pass that place every time I drive into town, but I’ve never been there.
Any good? Doesn’t look it.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 12:43 pm
Michelle - please don’t insult us Springfieldians. We demand only the finest from a chain restaurant such as Longhorn or the Chef Boyardee inspired sauce at Saputo’s.
Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 1:20 pm
More likely to still be in business in 15 months: Pizza Ranch or Rep. Sara Jimenez?
Comment by LizPhairTax Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 1:47 pm
Pizza Ranch sounds about as tasty as a place named China Corral, Foie Gras Circus or Gyro’s Gas for Less.
Finally, a western cowboy round-up themed pizza restaurant!
Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 2:05 pm
Poe may not have been a “pro union” republican but he did take campaign money from them and would not have voted for right to work. That will not be the case with his replacement. Same goes for the other two recently appointed legislators from the Spfld area. It’s not just a coincidence.
Comment by GOP Extremist Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 2:14 pm
Rich@12:43
The wife and I tried Pizza Ranch. Other than the Salad Bar, which is hard to mess up, the rest was pretty tasteless.
Not a big Saputo’s fan, we prefer Sam’s Too up in Sherman. I often have the Chicken Parmesan.
As to Sara, being an R will be enough for a large segment of the Sangamon voters.
Comment by Bemused Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 2:21 pm
Sam’s Too is pretty good - best meatball sub I’ve had in this area (and maybe ever). I’m kidding about Saputo’s. I think their food is very…mediocre.
Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 2:25 pm
LizPhair -
Pizza Ranch…it embodies Springfield. Why try something new when you know that chain food induced comma is only a slice away?
Comment by Under Influenced Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 2:28 pm
Under - hahahahahahahahaha!
Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 2:39 pm
From the Wiki:
“Pizza Ranch is a Christian based company. The Pizza Ranch vision is “To glorify God by positively impacting the world we live in.”"
Because nothing provides a more “positive impact” than a slice of bland, cold pizza and a crusty chicken wing from the buffet.
I read the bible, I remember the last supper:
Taking the five pies and the two ranch potato wedges and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and sliced them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. They all ate and were marginally satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken bread-sticks that were left over and cried foul as Judas had eaten the last piece of cactus bread.
Sorry for the hijack but I couldn’t resist.
Comment by Watch the Clown Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 2:52 pm
Rich, keep driving right by. Nasty.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 3:18 pm
===pick up the check at Pizza Ranch===
“I pass that place every time I drive into town, but I’ve never been there. Any good? Doesn’t look it.”
Their fried chicken is out of this world good! The pizza was ok and you can request a special pizza such as Veggie Pizza & they will make it for you. Check it out.
Comment by Mama Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 5:01 pm
Isn’t Pizza Ranch the place all the conservative Christian Republican candidates in Iowa use as a campaign stop? Didn’t know there was one in Springfield; not sure I would want to waste my $$$ or my time there.
Comment by Lynn S. Thursday, Nov 19, 15 @ 11:40 pm