Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

* UPDATED x1 * Legislator calls for reason, is whacked by state party

Posted in:

Illinois
Updated Posts

* These guys are so hair-trigger thin-skinned…

The Illinois Republican Party today called on State Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-Northbrook) to identify which specific reforms proposed by the Governor she would support as part of a bipartisan agreement to balance the state budget.

In a news report by the Illinois News Network, Rep. Nekritz said “the fix must include several things: reforms, cuts and revenues,” but in the same breath “criticized the governor and Democratic leaders for digging in their heels” — as if she is somehow independent from “Democratic leaders” and not a part of the impasse.

“In Northbrook Rep. Nekritz pretends to be independent from Mike Madigan, but in Springfield she’s one his top lieutenants,” ILGOP Executive Director Nick Klitzing said. “She can’t have it both ways, claiming she supports non-specific reforms while blaming the abstract ‘Democratic leaders’ for digging in their heels. She votes to elect Mike Madigan speaker, so unless and until she publicly identifies the specific reforms she could support, she is equally responsible for gridlock and decline as Mike Madigan. If Elaine Nekritz is truly independent, now’s her chance to stand up to her ‘Democratic leaders’ and publicly outline which of the reforms proposed by the governor she believes are ‘the levers that have to be pulled in order to get out of this.’”

As a reminder, Governor Rauner has asked legislators to support six reforms to help turnaround Illinois: legislative term limits, redistricting reform, local control of bargaining and bidding, workers’ compensation reform with causation, lawsuit reform and pension reform.

Here is what she actually said…

Democratic Representative Elaine Nekritz says the fix must include several things: reforms, cuts and revenues.

“Those are the levers that have to pulled in order to get out of this and it’s just not that hard if reasonable people will come together.”

Apparently, there’s no hope for reasonableness from the IL GOP.

Sheesh.

*** UPDATE *** From the state party…

Rich,

I am emailing to follow up to your post regarding the ILGOP press release.

We are also calling for “reason.” We are asking for legislators like Rep. Nekritz to tell the Governor and Republican House members what they would agree to rather than waiting for permission from Speaker Madigan. Rep. Nekritz is blaming Democratic leaders for not compromising, but then she’s not doing anything about it.

We are simply asking for someone - anyone - to have the courage to speak up and meet us in the middle with substantive reform ideas.

Thanks,
Nick

Yeah, that’s exactly what they’re doing. Encouraging her to meet in the middle.

Right.

Sorry, but one doesn’t “encourage” an elected state legislator to compromise by using a misanthropic rhetorical club.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 12:49 pm

Comments

INN- really workin’ hard to get those press passes;)

Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 12:54 pm
===Apparently, there’s no hope for reasonableness from the IL GOP.===

It’s like if someone asked me “What would be an example of your frustration with the newly constructed ILGOP?” and I pick the silliest, overtly snarky type of example for effect…

… and Raunerites think its a good idea.

Looking less insane is a good thing. Honest.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 12:58 pm
Nekritz has already gotten farther than the Governor on his own Agenda- she passed pension reform, it lost in court but she passed it. Much to the dislike of her typical party allegiances, IEA, AFSCME, SEIU. Has any GOP member proposed and passed pension reform?

Comment by DuPage Bard Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 12:59 pm
Where are your troops, and can I go there and count them?

Comment by LizPhairTax Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 12:59 pm
When I read the headline, I thought a legislator was getting whacked by their own party. So the relief that the Republican party was criticizing a member of the other party was welcome.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:01 pm
Not like Rep Nekritz passed pension reform….oh wait.

Comment by DuPage Bard Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:02 pm
=== As a reminder, Governor Rauner has asked legislators to support six reforms to help turnaround Illinois: legislative term limits, redistricting reform, local control of bargaining and bidding, workers’ compensation reform with causation, lawsuit reform and pension reform.===

I thought the “pension reform” issue has already been put to rest after the latest unanimous State Supreme Court ruling!?

Comment by forwhatitsworth Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:03 pm
I have always thought Representative Nekritz was a member of the common sense caucus. That being said, 7 months into the budget stalemate, it would be nice to have an idea of what the Democrats are proposing in the way of revenues, cuts and reforms. The leaders don’t have much to say but they sure are good at shooting down the Republican proposals.

Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:04 pm
== Apparently, there’s no hope for reasonableness from the IL GOP. ==

All or nothing.
You’re with us or against us.

Basically, either stick a knife in your party leader’s back, or don’t bother talking to us.

Comment by thunderspirit Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:05 pm
That’ll add to the number of Democrats willing to sign on to the governor’s agenda. /s

Comment by AC Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:08 pm
The governor has refused to present a state budget prior to legislators accept his solutions with regards to: legislative term limits, redistricting reform, local control of bargaining and bidding, workers’ compensation reform with causation, lawsuit reform and pension reform.

None of those items are budgeted line items in the state budget. So all of his harsh actions towards legislators in that regard can be regarded as exhortation and racketeering under the federal RICO laws. Previous commentators have called it “hostage taking”, i.e. the use of irrelevant employees or entities as pawns as bargaining chips when they have no relationship to the topics being exhorted and racketeered, they just add uncomfortable pressure to those legislators because of public reactions.

Have a nice day and think carefully about what I just said. I want my state back. Thanks.

Comment by Team Katniss Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:10 pm
you tell us the impact of the reforms by showing some ROI, and I’ll tell you which ones I support

Comment by Johnny Pyle Driver Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:10 pm
Directive from the Rauner front office - never let a comment, no matter how innocent it is, go without criticism.

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:12 pm
What kind of silly source is illinois news network.isnt that a bogus blog paid for by rauner donors??

Comment by anonymous Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:12 pm
After the deadline for CAs, in may? , the list will be cut by two.

Will RAUNER count that as negotiatin’? Or compromise?

Comment by Langhorne Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:13 pm
- Lucky Pierre -

I have no clue why you said what you said, but you said it.

You sure you don’t have an “in” with the ILGOP?

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:14 pm
Rauner — and the INN that he controls — conveniently overlooks the fact that his caucus is even more tightly controlled than Madigan’s.

Over the past few months, I’ve seen more cracks — odd, bizarre cracks, but cracks nonetheless — in Madigan’s group than Rauner.

BTW — it strikes me that the Illinois GOP might have set the record for the longest, consecutive number of “days whining” than any political party in recent memory. If they lose, they whine. If they win, they whine. Someone must have told them their mission in Springfield is to whine. Always be whining.

Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:14 pm
===Nekritz has already gotten farther than the Governor on his own Agenda- she passed pension reform, it lost in court but she passed it.===

Passing an unconstitutional bill is not something to be proud of. Remember the oath to uphold the constitution thingy?

Comment by justacitizen Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:15 pm
Is a Governor playin’ victim a real “strategy”?

Askin’, ya know, for a friend…

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:16 pm
It sure would be nice to see smart, experienced legislators like Nekritz or Harris and others put forward some suggestions f their own.

Right now, everyone is sitting on their hands waiting for Rauner and Madigan to finish waiting each other out.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:16 pm
Nekritz re the levers to be pulled… “it’s just not that hard…”.
So, if that’s the case, elaborate. What to do?

Comment by Wondering Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:17 pm
So the GOP demands specifics from nekritz, but RAUNER gets by w all his secret dem support. Yeah, whatever

Comment by Langhorne Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:20 pm
“you tell us the impact of the reforms by showing some ROI, and I’ll tell you which ones I support”

In other words, you have no ideas of your own to offer and feel nothing needs to be changed?

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:22 pm
Uh, Bard, maybe no GOP passed pension”reform” because they’re capable of reading and understanding our constitution. Maybe they’re smart enough that there will be no such thing.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:23 pm
===In other words, you have no ideas of your own to offer and feel nothing needs to be changed?===

If all you have is “Shake up Springfield” or “end the Status Quo”…

… You have no point.

The Rauner Talking Points are tired.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:25 pm
Now would be a good time for any of the smart, experienced legislators in both parties to suggest a few ideas of their own.

Everyone is sitting idly while Rauner and Madigan wait each other out.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:25 pm
“In other words, you have no ideas of your own to offer and feel nothing needs to be changed?”

What a bizarre comment. Did you mean to copy/paste my post before you made it? Because I’ve read it 5 times now and still don’t understand.

Comment by Johnny Pyle Driver Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:26 pm
OW I have no connection to the IL GOP or any government agency whatsoever. Never contributed a penny to a politician either. Just like to watch from the sidelines. A habit that can be extremely annoying at times. I think the people who ignore the dysfunction in our state are happier than those of us who worry about it.

Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:27 pm
Smart: Thanks Elaine, we agree that reforms are a critical part of turning Illinois around. If more Reps like you spoke up, we’d have Illinois fixed in a jiffy.

Not so smart: GOTCHA!!!!!!

That kind of attack would make sense if the ILGOP was fielding a candidate against her, but they’re not.

Comment by Century Club Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:27 pm
Exactly Frenchie.

Let’s insert Radagno into the above quote– “If Radagno is truly independent, now’s her chance to stand up to her ‘Republican leaders’ and publicly outline which of the reforms proposed by the governor she believes are ‘the levers that have to be pulled in order to get out of this.’”

Ha! Door swings both ways.

Comment by cdog Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:27 pm
As the men circled the female legislator a chant was heard among them, “Rauneru Akbar! Rauneru Akbar! Rauneru Akbar!” They began attacking her and pulling at her, claiming she was a pig at the public trough, a member of the “status quo”.

They shoved her down and asked how she like groveling in the mud. As she escaped with the help of others, the men cried out, “This is what we do to those who are unbelievers!”

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:27 pm
C’mon Rich.

You whacked Radogno earlier today for comments that supposedly didn’t make sense, but Nekritz gets a pass?

The ILGOP is absolutely right. Nekritz and other suburban Dems pose as thoughtful moderates who are agents of dialogue and compromise when they travel their districts but they completely toe the line in Springfield.

If Nekritz, et al, were actually willing to stand up to the Speaker we might get meaningful discussions going.

The simple fact remains…The Democrats can enact any budget and tax scheme they want. But that is far less important than keeping power. So the duplicitous posing continues.

Comment by Adam Smith Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:28 pm
It’s not a talking point, it’s a question addressed to a commenter. They can speak for themselves.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:29 pm
“In other words, you have no ideas of your own to offer and feel nothing needs to be changed?”

Strawman argument. i.e. You misrepresented someone’s argument to make it easier to attack. By exaggerating, misrepresenting, or just completely fabricating someone’s argument, it’s much easier to present your own position as being reasonable, but this kind of dishonesty serves to undermine honest rational debate. https://yourlogicalfallacyis.com/strawman

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:29 pm
- LP -

I was mocking your Tired Rauberite Talking Point, dove tailing with the ILGOP’s “thoughtful”… release.

I don’t think you are connected.

If you’d like, I’ll label my mockin’ next time.

(Knowing nod to - @MisterJayEm -)

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:35 pm
Oh, you’re asking me personally? First of all, as a voter and citizen of Illinois, I feel like we are entitled to see the Governor’s homework on the proposals he’s asking people to pass. Withholding judgement on those proposals until they are fully outlined is not, in any way, shape or form, an endorsement of the status quo. Nor is it any indiction that I have no ideas of my own. I would prefer to see a balanced budget passed without holding seniors and children and the disabled hostage. Such a budget would include a mix of cuts and revenues and likely reverting back to the income tax rate that prevailed prior to January, 2015. Then, if I wanted vague “reforms” passed, I’d either work with the supermajorities on the other side of the aisle to pass them, or I’d stump for candidates that would.

Comment by Johnny Pyle Driver Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:36 pm
- Adam Smith -

“Fire Madigan”?

If you could make your argument without “Fire Madigan” (stand up to the Speaker!), then I’d probably give it a thought other than a mockin’ one.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:38 pm
“What a bizarre comment. Did you mean to copy/paste my post before you made it? Because I’ve read it 5 times now and still don’t understand.”

It’s not complicated. To put it differently, what reforms would you implement or do you support?

Instead of a negative, reactive approach as reflected in the initial comment, what sort of proactive changes would you make? Is everything fine in your opinion? Or is it up to the governor and only the governor to bring ideas forward?

Because right now, only one person is broaching the subject of any sort of large-scale reforms. His ideas may be wrong to many of us, but without alternatives or competing suggestions, all we are left with is “Turnaround Agenda” or “What We Have Now”.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:40 pm
OW -
You do not believe.
You are of little faith.
The past year has been the beginning of a great revolution for the people. The shackles of oppressive taxation has been lifted! The union scorpions and those that serve the Great Satan Michael J. Madigan are on the run! See them run like little girls into their Chicago dens of wickedness!

Rauner is great!
Rauner is great!
Rauner is great!

Tomorrow our governor shall bring forth his message of truth and smite the heathens feasting upon the blood of Illinois taxpayers! He shall unleash the people’s fury and we shall see him vanquish Madigan and his puppets!

Come and drink the wine club Kool-Aid and begin our celebration!

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:42 pm
—
…meet us in the middle with substantive reform ideasmeet us in the middle with substantive reform ideas.
—

Since when has the ILGOP in recent memory accepted a “meeting in the middle” of any substantive idea. It’s either all or nothing. They’ve become adept lately at snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

Besides, a “meeting in the middle” means an end to a crisis — which, in turn, means an end to the rhetorical leverage. And no leverage means — no money.

This is why the ILGOP will not agree to any budget. A budget means the campaign dollars dry up. Why dam the well? All they need to do is keep whining, keep obstructing, keep issuing press releases like this — and it’s like a neverending supply of money.

Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:43 pm
I am still waiting for King Ruaner to submit his budget. I thought that was his job?

Comment by sparky791 Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:44 pm
Rep Nekritz was one of the moderate legislators from both parties who offered reasonable solutions. Only to have them summarily dismissed by the Governor.

Comment by Rahm'sMiddleFinger Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:48 pm
Nick,

If you need to clarify that the insanity you put in a release is remotely thoughtful, or in any way close to your initial release and it’s the up to the readers to “understand”, what you think is “bringin’ the discussion to the middle”, why did you need to “clarify” anythin’ at all?

===She (Nekritz) votes to elect Mike Madigan speaker, so unless and until she publicly identifies the specific reforms she could support, she is equally responsible for gridlock and decline as Mike Madigan.===

So… that’s lookin’ for a middle?

===“In Northbrook Rep. Nekritz pretends to be independent from Mike Madigan, but in Springfield she’s one his top lieutenants,” ===

That screams “meet us in the middle”.

Either own your ridiculous rhetoric or… don’t roll it out and then back pedal, pretending to be resonable.

What a pathetic way to “message” your message by following it up with…

“You read it wrong”.

Thanks,
OW

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:50 pm
== I thought the “pension reform” issue … ==

Some people only read / hear what they want. The court just said “no way”, they didn’t say ” not a snowball’s chance in hell”. Apparently they’re going to have to say it again.

Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:51 pm
- VanillaMan -

(Sheepishly, looking down, playin’ with a broken paper clip. Whispers, barely audible)

Will there be pie?

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:53 pm
When legislators get together to try to find middle ground, and the best ones do, it must be without
Leadership intervening and trying to control the process — or nothing new is produced. When Governors, Leaders, or their proxies intervene and then declare an “impasse,” progress is stopped in its tracks. Obviously those responsible legislators willing to try new avenues to middle ground, from both sides, are not going to specify initial attempts, for fear that all ideas are squashed before fully ready for some chance of moving forward.

Not there, just talking from experience.

For INN or ILGOP to demand firm specifics from legislators engaged in a process trying to work around leadership is a club to insure nothing untoward happens without top-down control. Or it’s a reflection of ignorance.

Comment by walker Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:56 pm
I know math is hard for some people but at some point the ILGOP must comprehend that they need 13 democrats to vote for any of Rauner’s reform proposals. Nekritz would have been one of the 13 dems at the top of the list to try persuade. Now, she’s on the top their fuggettaboutit list.

Comment by Dance Band on the Titanic Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 1:57 pm
>We are simply asking for someone - anyone - to have the courage to speak up and meet us in the middle with substantive reform ideas.

I agree. We need a leader.

>We are also calling for “reason.” We are asking for legislators like Rep. Nekritz to tell the Governor and Republican House members what they would agree to rather than waiting for permission from Speaker Madigan. Rep. Nekritz is blaming Democratic leaders for not compromising, but then she’s not doing anything about it.

The underlying assumption is that the House Republicans are monolithic and House Democrats are wrong for not being independent of their leadership.

This state needs a leader.

Comment by Earnest Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 2:01 pm
Again, asking for specific details for a proposed “reform” is neither reactionary nor negative. It’s simply asking for the details any rational person would require as a prerequisite for making a judgement.

Comment by Johnny Pyle Driver Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 2:01 pm
“Rep Nekritz was one of the moderate legislators from both parties who offered reasonable solutions. Only to have them summarily dismissed by the Governor.”

Exactly. And remember the premise of this argument is that talking term limits, workers comp, map, tort reform, and pension reform are legitimate things to hold the budget hostage for in the first place.

All he had to do was pick some low hanging fruit in year 1, lull everyone to sleep with his fancy carhart and regular guy schtick, make everyone look unreasonable for not giving the shiny new Republican Governor a chance to be the savior and he would have sailed through the balance of the term racking up wins along the way.

But no. He wanted it all. Right now. Everyone else be damned.

If he really wanted a deal, there would be a deal. Period.
Actions speak louder than words. Way louder.

Comment by sideline watccher Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 2:04 pm
Nick should make a few calls to friends and allies to find out who actually put the kibosh on any movement to middle ground by “independent” acting legislators in both parties, before opening on the subject.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 2:04 pm
Overwrought, D.C.-type campaign committee every-day-is-a-night-at-the-opera response.

Who was it geared to? What was it supposed to achieve?

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 2:04 pm
Nekritz voted No on approving new House Rules back in 2009 because she thought they were too centered on the power of the Speaker. It did not get much press then, except for maybe this blog. In any case, she has precedent for thinking and acting independently. I am not working in government now, so I don’t have access to facts or rumors about her working relationship with Madigan. Rep. Nekritz, though, would be someone I would watch as this conflict progresses.

Comment by My New Handle Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 2:06 pm
So we want these six things. You want a bunch of other things. Give us three of what we want and you get nothing, but a budget that should be done regardless and let’s call it a compromise.

Comment by ArchPundit Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 2:07 pm
Nick,

Your deform (sic) ideas would ruin the state. Most members of the General Assembly would not vote for them no matter who was speaker. Same thing with Cullerton & the Senate.

Get a clue.

Thanks,
Low Level

Comment by low level Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 2:07 pm
OW -
Yes!
You will like it too. Apple pie. Baked fresh. Perfect flaky crust from people who really know flakiness. Perfect circle shape, like the perfect circle of governing within our Vegas circle. Sweetness, airy and light like a crisp new twenty thousand dollar citizen action committee check!

Just take this little pill first. The one shaped like a compromise!

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 2:08 pm
- VanillaMan -

(Looks up, then quickly looks down again. Slight smile appears)

I like Apple Pie. Flaky, huh… abd one teeny-tiny small pill…

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 2:17 pm
Northbrook Democratic Rep. Nekritz is standing in solidarity with her majority party as she should until the Republicans justify their demands.

Comment by Enviro Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 2:19 pm
So, how will any of this play South of I-80?

Comment by illini Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 2:25 pm
Rauner needs to put the votes together if he wants to pass anything. That’s how it works in a democracy. Perhaps he’s forgotten that he only has 47 Rs in the lower chamber?

Comment by Chicago Cynic Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 2:26 pm
Hi Nick!

Governor Rauner directed (commanded) all GOP members to vote “No” on the education funding bill. He did. They did. Lock. Step.

(BTW- those same GOP members were a bit surprised when the governor signed that same bill.)

Nick, do you really think the citizens of Illinois believe the things you write? No, the intelligent ones do not. The same goes for your counterparts, we do not believe their spin either.

Respectfully, tell your boss and his subsidiary known as the IGOP to get to work. For real this time.

So as not to hurt and GOP feelings or leave anyone out, maybe the Democrats could do that same thing. Thanks muchly!

Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 2:39 pm
Vman, I am in awe. You rock the internet today!

Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 2:46 pm
What Nick means by “meet us in the middle” is “give our side everything we want”.

Comment by btowntruth Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 2:46 pm
I guess what most excites me about the “snap to it” ILGOP’s ridiculous hyperbole is knowing that really going over the top will be followed by the…

“Just kiddin’ ya!”

… ridiculousness that first hurts the chance to seem reasonable and then after look as though loose canons and nervous Nellies are runnin’ that ILGOP Press Shop.

“Golly, we need to respond, hammer her!”

“We’re not helpin’! Back peddle, back peddle!”

Is this a buck of clueless Ad-Libs being filled out between playing “Angry Birds” after lunch, or mindlessly falling into the Rauner jargon as a default because workin’ for a solution isn’t helpin’ either?

Nick,

You speak for the ILGOP. Act like it. Say what you mean ONE time. Impress by not having to step back, because your hyperbole isn’t in tune with what the word “compromise” actually means.

Do it for you, at least.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 2:51 pm
Hey Rich,

Nick here. We are also asking for “reason.” Like, what’s the “reason” I’m here, writing this email to you? No really, why do I have a job? Ever since “Not Takin’ no G’s” Rauner stepped in, purpose has kinda gone out the window. I mean sure, I tweet. They get a lot of favorites…more than my fake Rickey Hendon account ever did…but that’s only after waiting 3 hours for Schrimpf to go on his lunch break to approve them. God that guy takes a late lunch. Anywho, how’s Oscar? What are your days like? Wanna do coffee sometime?

Chow,
Nick

Comment by Losing My Edge Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 2:51 pm
All of them are playing this same game. Budget solutions specifics are rarely offered in public and they all blame “politics” as if they are not part of the problem. No one feels individually responsible for this budget disaster.

Comment by Bull Moose Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 2:58 pm
Has anyone forgotten about his $29 million sledge hammer?

Comment by illini Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 2:58 pm
Johnny Pile Driver,

Thanks for responding. This blog benefits from rational commenters such as yourself, unlike those who prefer cheap laughs and insults.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 3:03 pm
===…unlike those who prefer cheap laughs and insults.===

… or insist on not havin’ a nickname, lol.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 3:05 pm
Sure, as soon as Rauner shows his cards, Nekritz will show hers. Until then…

Comment by Harry Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 3:15 pm
This is just red meat for this year’s election. Rep. Nekritz does pretend that she is independent when she’s in her District; so there is much hypocrisy here. Madigan is hated in Northbrook/Glenview by a majority of voters. She will no doubt play the faux-independent card again this year.

Comment by Formerpol Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 3:21 pm
- Formerpol -

Rep. Nekritz is running unopposed.

You’re welcome.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 3:26 pm
There will be an opponent slated for her. And, by the way, simply calling for everyone to be ‘reasonable’ is not leadership, is not independence, and is not even helpful.

Comment by Formerpol Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 3:29 pm
===And, by the way, simply calling for everyone to be ‘reasonable’ is not leadership, is not independence, and is not even helpful.===

Then, I guess, hyper-partisan hyperbole will lead to a compromise?

Rauner need Dunkin and 12 more Democrats at some point. Crossin’ Nekritz off the list helps?

You go with that…

===There will be an opponent slated for her.===

Maybe, maybe not, but today, no opponent. You’re welcome.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 3:34 pm
Specific proposals are needed to be exchanged. Harsh political rhetoric will not deter a rational legislator from voting for a compromise. Oswego Willy:
Shut down your computer and go take a walk or go deep-breathing for a while!

Comment by Formerpol Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 3:44 pm
===Harsh political rhetoric will not deter a rational legislator from voting for a compromise.===

But $2 million in Ads aimed at a legislator during session sure helped Rauner in 2015, lol

===Shut down your computer and go take a walk or go deep-breathing for a while!===

… so I can find the phantom candidate against Nekritz, or…

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 3:49 pm
Would like to see the Democrats do their own annual report on Rauner’s first year. What a critique that would be.
The Dems don’t play such games, but it would be fun to see them do some of the stuff the GOP does. I mean, could you imagine the fun they could have with guys like Sandack, Duffy and McCarter?

Comment by Austin Blvd Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 3:55 pm
Fomerpol

If you think calling for people to be reasonable isn’t helpful then it surely isn’t helpful for the Illinois Republican Party to provide some snarky commentary on what Rep. Nekritz said.

The rhetoric has to stop at some point. You may think it doesn’t matter. I disagree.

Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 3:57 pm
–As a reminder, Governor Rauner has asked legislators to support six reforms to help turnaround Illinois: legislative term limits, redistricting reform, local control of bargaining and bidding, workers’ compensation reform with causation, lawsuit reform and pension reform.–

So call their bluff: say “ok, we’ve kinda agreed to workers comp reform, we’ll give you the two political reforms because, you know, 3/4 of the voters want them - that’s 50% - a perfect meeting in the middle.”

The sick thing is: Madigan’s puppetdems would never offer it, Rauner’s “reform is the least important thing on my list” would never accept it.

Comment by lake county democrat Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 4:36 pm
The governor has made it clear he’s willing to compromise- provided you agree to all of his demands…

what, exactly, would be the benefit of any Democrat to say they would agree to any or even several, of the proposals when BR has made it clear he won’t budge unless you give him all six?

One side has made this an all or nothing venture, and despite the rhetoric, it’s not the side Nekritz is on (and, full disclosure, I absolutely loath Nekritz).

Comment by morty Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 4:53 pm
A few years ago, the General Assembly was frozen in seeking to reform its ethics statutes with new legislation. Sometimes an outside group has to set up a position for others to react to, and the discussions might be fruitful.
A former senator tried to present a new start to budget discussions. She and her supporters failed, but that was then… and now an outside group might be a good face saving means towards meaningful compromise results.
Just a thought.

Comment by Capitol View Tuesday, Jan 12, 16 @ 11:49 pm
== As a reminder, Governor Rauner has asked legislators to support six reforms to help turnaround Illinois: legislative term limits, redistricting reform, local control of bargaining and bidding, workers’ compensation reform with causation, lawsuit reform and pension reform. ==

Plus his unstated ones like destroying Unions, etc.

Interesting article in the Rockford Register Star this weekend about companies moving to and/or staying in IL in the Rockford metro area. Factors mentioned: high-quality, high-skilled workforce; IL easier to deal with (compared to MI); proximity to Chicago.

Comment by sal-says Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 7:21 am
Missed in the last post was that there was no mention of any of ‘Raunner’s Turnaround Agenda’ items. None.

Comment by sal-says Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 8:16 am