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* Tom Kacich…
One of the theories floating around the state is that there won’t be a budget for fiscal year 2017 (which begins July 1) until after the November general election when, the thinking goes, Republicans will have made inroads into the big majorities Democrats have in the Illinois House and Senate.
But former Gov. Jim Edgar suggested last week that Republicans might not make any gains in the 39-20 advantage Democrats have in the Senate and 71-47 margin they have in the House.
“I don’t think there’s going to be enough change in the Legislature, one way or another. The top of the ticket is going to have an impact. If it’s Trump or Cruz (for the Republican Party), I don’t seem them playing well in Illinois,” said Edgar, who is running as a delegate committed to Jeb Bush. “I don’t see the Republicans making enough gains to control either house and I think there’s a better chance the Democrats might pick up a vote or two. That’s all based on the top of the ticket.
“And if we’re still in this (state budget) mess you can beat up (House Speaker Michael) Madigan all you want but most people think the governor is the governor. That was always my philosophy, that at the end of the day I was going to be the guy who would be responsible no matter what the Legislature did. So I don’t think the November election will have that much of an impact.”
I disagree with the premise. The reason for waiting until after November is more about finding votes than which party does better. But that’s an important consideration, too. If MJM is knocked out of his super majority, then might he be more amenable? Maybe. But what if holds on?
* As far as Edgar’s headlined comment goes, that’s true. But for right now Gov. Rauner is able to blame Madigan because MJM is undoubtedly the least popular figure in Illinois politics. It’s a relatively easy sale: Because… Madigan!
One wonders how long he can continue to do this, but he’s not totally wrong. It does, after all, take two to tango.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 12:52 pm
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Serious question because I don’t understand. If the Democrats have a super-majority why can’t they pass whatever budget they want and then override any veto?
Comment by Anon Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 12:57 pm
—
Serious question because I don’t understand.
—
That can’t possibly be a serious question if you’ve read this blog before. Or a newspaper. Or Twitter.
Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 12:59 pm
===“I don’t think there’s going to be enough change in the Legislature, one way or another. The top of the ticket is going to have an impact. If it’s Trump or Cruz (for the Republican Party), I don’t seem them playing well in Illinois,” said Edgar, who is running as a delegate committed to Jeb Bush. “I don’t see the Republicans making enough gains to control either house and I think there’s a better chance the Democrats might pick up a vote or two. That’s all based on the top of the ticket.===
This I agree with, 100%
“Why?”
The melding of Unions, Social Service groups and Advocates, and Democrats and the utter contempt Rauner has for all three groups, in a Presidential election year, yep, I agree.
Let’s not forget even Dan Proft said loses may come before wins. That’s not by mistake, nor is it “reverse psychology”
If Democrats take out Dunkin, if Unions, social service advocates target Sangamon County and take McCann under their wing, pull GOP ballots, then see House seats up too…
… What if multiple Raunerite “gains” become loses in the GOP Primary, and what if 2014 plays out like 2016 in the GA, now with Rauner being “who we thought he was”?
I’m with Gov. Edgar. All day.
I think he’s On This.
…
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:00 pm
=== If the Democrats have a super-majority why can’t they===
Google “Ken Dunkin” and “Jack Franks.” Then don’t comment for a while.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:01 pm
Isn’t the whole problem that the Dems are tired of raising funds for projects BOTH parties want via taxes, and then getting a whooping for doing it?
Didn’t Madigan make a big deal of “welcoming” Rauner to shared governance?
I don’t think you can totally blame the Dems for refusing to carry the water for programs BOTH parties need to run the state.
Or have I just drunk the Koolaid on this?
Comment by Leading InDecatur Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:03 pm
– If MJM is knocked out of his super majority, then might he be more amenable?–
The thing is, the super-majority doesn’t exist.
I can’t fault Edgar’s logic, but I’m convinced now that his assumptions are off, as were mine.
After seven months, I’m convinced that the governor wants the state out of the social services business, as well the higher education business.
You don’t willfully inflict this kind of major damage and think that you can put it back together again.
When and if, under this governor, social services and higher education are ever again a part of the Illinois social compact, they will be so at greatly reduced priorities than they were in the past.
Cleaning up the fiscal wreckage just from FY16 will make that a necessity.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:03 pm
== It does, after all, take two to tango. ==
well, maybe. But as I reminded my Repub State Rep & my Repub State Senator a couple of weeks ago:
raunner constantly attacks Madigan, who has been able to work effectively with 3 Republican Governors and 2 Democrat Governors over 30 years as Speaker to keep IL actually OPERATING! And go budgets done.
Clearly, Madigan is only one tiny small part of this last year’s problems.
3 Repub & 2 Dem Govs over 30 years.
Comment by sal-says Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:04 pm
Madigan who?
Comment by Liberty Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:08 pm
Let’s say the Dems lose 1-2 seats in each chamber. What part of the union-busting agenda do you think they are likely to compromise on ?
I see no reason that Madigan and Cullerton will enact Rauner’s anti-union turnaround agenda as part of any budget deal before or after the election.
The Dems need the unions now more than ever and that’s because of Rauner, not despite him.
Comment by siriusly Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:09 pm
Better not to have a “Supermajority” than to have an unusable one. Makes it easier to call on the opposition to share the load.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:10 pm
===After seven months, I’m convinced that the governor wants the state out of the social services business, as well the higher education business.
You don’t willfully inflict this kind of major damage and think that you can put it back together again.===
this is so true, seeing the corporate takeover of some services now “magically” happening.
The pure politics, thou, Edgar is On Point, and Proft knows it’s true too;
Loses are coming, the GOP will face a huge backlash to all these willful actions.
But, year one for Rauner was a success. I just didn’t know this unfixable damage was the measuring stick of success.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:11 pm
Rich-Might want to include Rep. Drury in your aforementioned mix with Dunkin and Franks as he’s not exactly voting the party line.
Comment by ToughGuy Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:11 pm
Rich, I’ve googled Jack Franks and don’t see where he refused to join ANY “Democrats only” budget. And didn’t Dunkin call for one? Yes, cynically - Rauner’s “Plan B” is for the Dems to wear a collar for tax increases - I’m one who thinks that if the budget is truly responsible and not the stopgap one, they can make the case that they 1) had to step in to stop harm to service providers and the waste from the protracted non-negotiations, 2) they’re prepared to re-negotiate whenever the Governor wants to.
I mean, Pat Quinn almost WON while promising a tax increase, and the state is so gerrymandered they’re hardly going to lose control of the state government in 2016 (especially with the way the presidential race is shaping up).
Regardless, I don’t see the GOP making big inroads in 2016 - they’re just as likely to “lose” Dunkin.
Comment by lake county democrat Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:11 pm
The premise is wrong, but unfortunately, that’s the one that the Republicans seen to be operating on. Rauner, in particular, seems to think that if Madigan loses a handful of seats, he will cave. It’s nonsense, especially because the members Madigan is most likely to lose are the moderates, so he’ll be left with a caucus even less willing to compromise. Anyways, I remember a few years ago, people wondered whether Madigan even wanted a super majority.
Comment by Century Club Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:12 pm
Same thing with Drury - how does voting against that terrible mandatory arbitration bill that every media outlet was against translate into “I will now oppose any budget the Democrats put forth, no matter how responsible it is”? Is not even a soupcon of independence allowed anymore?
Comment by lake county democrat Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:14 pm
The Drury-Franks-Dunkin situation is the best way to see if someone understands the dynamics of what Madigan actually “has” or what the simple-minded want think Madigan has.
It’s has to be blissfully unaware, because willfully ignorant about the realities of Madigan’s supermajority says more about Rauner’s lacking then just about anything, except that Rauner proposed a budget, AND it was balanced.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:19 pm
@oswego
Rauner won by a slim margin. He almost lost the Republican primary even after all the money he spent. He has to threaten Republican leaders stay on track. His turnaround agenda is failing. He’s gone too far with the anti union stuff. The only reason he’s not being beaten up to the center should be is because he has friends in the media probably tied to zell or other financing. He was he was elected without a plan in most media didn’t even press him on it. That’s because he has money. I think Jim Edgar is right. There won’t be any gop gains in Illinois. That’s because Rauner isn’t governing.
Proft is completely irrelevant in any of this. Rauner is controlling the cash.
Comment by sosilly Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:20 pm
“Better not to have a “Supermajority” than to have an unusable one.”
You don’t get accused of being implacable obstructionists either.
Comment by markg8 Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:21 pm
===Proft is completely irrelevant in any of this. Rauner is controlling the cash.===
Proft, in his letter to the newspaper, said loses may come first before wins. That’s what’s relevant. The fact Proft is involved in the actual campaign process and knows the short term may lead with loses. Edgar is saying this plan for the GOP will lead to loses too.
Two men, both sides of Rauner.
Please keep up.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:24 pm
@oswego oh don’t worry I keep up. But I’m not fooled. Who cares if someone comments in the newspaper? Rauner and his top donors are all that matter here. Keep up please.
Comment by sosilly Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:33 pm
I brought this issue up during a previous post, that the current strategy of allowing this much pain - then blaming others is an ill-fated attempt by the ILGOP that will result in more losses, not gains. It’s why I’ve speculated on the Governor potentially considering resignation, as his entire political machine will be a heap of junk that thieves will walk by without stealing should they wait for November to do anything.
Regardless of the national ticket, Illinois’ issues need attending, and if the answer to the proverbial question, “what have you done for me lately” is a resounding - “NOTHING, NADA oh and by the way, it’s by design” then the ILGOP will need to change their acronym to ILDOA.
Comment by Captain Illini Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:35 pm
===Who cares if someone comments in the newspaper? Rauner and his top donors are all that matter here.===
You think for a second Proft, who got $1.8 million+ to run races for Rauner, on his own wrote the premise of that letter?
You’re but keeping up, you’re pretending dots don’t connect, lol.
“Blissfully unaware” is probably where you are…
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:36 pm
Lake County, from Franks’ website:
==Jack has never supported a tax increase during his time in public service. He understands that the tax-and-spend status-quo has failed Illinois’ taxpayers.==
Since an ‘all Democratic budget’ would rely on a tax increase, Franks is a no.
Comment by Century Club Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:39 pm
I’ve said something along these lines before, and I’ll say it again.
The budget won’t pass until around March or April. 2019.
Comment by jerry 101 Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:41 pm
Most GOP legislators privately admit that they do not support the anti union agenda and the extreme proposals on work comp, for example. They toe the line (for now) in hopes of a better political tomorrow for the GOP. If they (the GOP) don’t make substantial gains in 2016, these members will begin to break rank from Rauner. At that point, the final two years of his term will have begun, and he’ll still be fighting from a position of a continuously weak minority.
Comment by out of touch Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:44 pm
@oswego its only been uline giving him money until recently. No one paid attention. Now with rauner and zell’s cash he’s doing what he is being told. That means he’s not relevant. Hes taking burger orders.
Comment by sosilly Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:44 pm
Governors are supposed to govern - supposed to compromise for the good of all citizens, regardless of politics. Rauner isn’t doing that.
The Speaker is to represent the majority of legislators - Madigan is doing that. No one is doubting if the majority of legislators support their speaker.
Governors don’t blame house speakers for not doing what needs to get done to keep a state functioning.
Rauner doesn’t want to govern.
Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:48 pm
MJM does not effectively have a super majority, and I believe under any conceivable scenario will retain a solid majority come November. This does not bode well for Dunkin or Franks.
Comment by Facts are Stubborn Things Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:48 pm
===That means he’s not relevant. Hes taking burger orders.===
Um… No.
If Proft wasn’t relevant, he wouldn’t have gotten the cash to spend, or the letter of the “call to arms” would’ve been “written” by “John Smith, Madeupville, Illinois”
Proft getting the $1.8 million and speaking as he is makes his relevancy to Rauner clear.
I could be so lucky to be irrelevant for $1.5 million, LOL
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:49 pm
===If MJM is knocked out of his super majority, then might he be more amenable?====
I personally think it would be better for Madigan to not have a super majority. At least not one that won’t vote like one. Right now we have to listen to Sandack continuously ask the question “why don’t the Dems just go ahead and pass their own balanced budget”. And ask like he really doesn’t know the answer. It got old a long time ago.
Comment by Been There Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:50 pm
If Rauner waits until after the November election to deal on the budget, he runs the likely risk of the Dems being able to point to the fact that there was no mandate for the Rauner turn around agenda and we once again we (the dems) believe the number one issue facing the state of Illinois is the budget and we stand ready to negotiate in good faith to get that done.
Comment by Facts are Stubborn Things Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:51 pm
Personally, I have always believed that Madigan would rather have a solid 63-66 Dem majority than a flabby super-majority, or even a solid super-majority. Why? Because a super-majority raises expectations and responsibilities, that the legislature could become a de facto governor given the possibility of overrides. I know governors “own,” but legislatures “own” their overrides. The override card has to be played more judiciously unless there is bi-partisan support for it.
Comment by My New Handle Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:52 pm
It is all about the $$$$$$$$$$$ - who controls it and how it will be dealt out.
Comment by illini Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:55 pm
Senate Republicans are guaranteed one seat pickup (Jil Tracy). Other than that, I think most other races will be pretty much down the middle and most will be close. Then what happens if the Republicans gain enough Senate seats to get out of the super minority and gain a few House seats? Governor Rauner can just veto whatever he pleases because he knows nothing will get overridden.
Comment by Team Sleep Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:01 pm
@oswego its so weird that u are doing so much tap dancing here to convince us that this person is relevant. It seems desperate. Fringe right winger on a zero radio station? Come on. Its only because of uline.
Comment by sosilly Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:04 pm
It’s always been my impression that in addition to the threat of money used against them, GOP caucus members are supposed to give Rauner some time as well. As if members are being told there is going to be a big upset in the make up of the GA after November and then they’ll be able to start making headway. I just don’t think that’s the case.
Comment by Dawn Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:08 pm
===…to convince us… ===
Got a mouse in your pocket? Royal “we”?
The mere fact Proft wrote the letter to give a rebuttal to Edgar’s not yet reported remarks shows why Rauner thinks he’s relevant.
Otherwise, “John Smith, Madeupville, Illinois” would’ve written it. You do understand that, right, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:10 pm
@oswego sad…more tap dancing.
Comment by sosilly Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:15 pm
-After seven months, I’m convinced that the governor wants the state out of the social services business, as well the higher education business.-
This has been the plan all along. By insisting on the Turnaround Agenda and by refusing to negotiate on a budget until the Turnaround Agenda gets passed, it its entirety, the Governor knew that the end result would be exactly what is taking place now. Reducing government, most especially those programs that Republicans consider part of the New Deal/Welfare State, is #1 on the party platform. Privatization is the end game.
Democrats fell asleep on the job or were otherwise lazy during the last election and now those who desperately need the kinds of social service programs usually provided by a government for the people are the ones who stand to lose the most.
Comment by L.A. Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:15 pm
When Rauner gives you $1.8 million to be his hatchet man, you’ll be relevant.
You’re not.
When Rauner gives me $1.8 million, that would be a miracle.
You are trolling, you don’t like Proft, but Proft is relevant to doing Rauner’s work, with Raunerite monies, abd speaking to the plan of long term gains.
If you’re jealous… lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:19 pm
Man, I gotta say it’s disappointing the way y’all deal with new comers. There just aren’t a ton of options for finding detailed analysis on what’s happening in this state. By far CapFax is the best, and I disagree with Rich on a lot of topics. At the same time, many of the long-time commenters speak in virtual code. Mushrooms, owls, green lights, red lights, inside jokes, references to decades past. It can be confusing. It’s hard enough to read between the lines and do research for things that aren’t spelled out here, but when you add in the way you sort of scold people for not knowing, it really can drive people away.
As times continue to get more desperate, you should probably anticipate even more people who don’t realize that the Dems don’t have a “functional supermajority,” or people who don’t know what the pension ramp is, or people who don’t understand the dynamics of when you need 71 votes or 60 votes.
Just sayin
Comment by Johnny Pyle Driver Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:19 pm
When Rich Miller is right, he’s right.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:23 pm
@oswego wow your really scary.
Comment by sosilly Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:25 pm
I think Rich himself was the first to comment on the “supermajority” thingy.
- JPD -,
I hear ya. Your points are noted, abd I even understand why you commented as you did.
Here’s the rub,
The inside jokes, or institutional knowledge is why some like me do come here too. The actual lack of spoon-feeding is another reason I like hanging here.
It’s like the doctorate course, or the knowledgable hangout, without trolls or false premises getting away with being passed off as… real.
Since Rauner’s campaign, between Raunerbots, the willfully ignorant, thise we know who know better, or the blissfully unaware that have zero institutional knowledge, sometimes newcomers should read first. That’s all.
If I wanted to interact or read ignorant comments that highlight a lack of knowledge, sometimes purposefully, I wouldn’t be here.
With great respect.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:28 pm
Here’s why this matters. If Rauner gets his clock cleaned this election season all of his money and bravado become a lot less intimidating. I would use the analogy of the playground bully who gets punched in the mouth the first time he actually has to fight anyone. It becomes harder for him to keep his lackeys in line.
Comment by A Parent Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:29 pm
Silly - although Willy and I have had our disagreements, he’s right. Proft is Governor Rauner’s new de facto hatchet man. When the Governor wants something done, Proft will get the call.
And why not? As much as I like Leader Durkin, the HRO went oh-fer last fall. That was awful - and, in retrospect, was extremely costly given the current landscape in Springfield.
Comment by Team Sleep Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:29 pm
- JPD -
See, - sosilly - as a prime example…
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:30 pm
- Team Sleep -
===…although Willy and I have had our disagreements… ===
But I do respect you, as always.
Thanks for your comment above as well.
OW
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:32 pm
I get that. I’m not suggesting y’all shouldn’t have inside jokes or the like. It’s just that I acknowledge my ignorance on certain topics - that’s why I’m here! To learn. On some subjects, I simply don’t know where else to get the answers other than to ask y’all. Surely there are folks who play dumb to elicit a response, but there are plenty of others who simply want to know. So they ask you - the knowledgeable. I felt like the question at the top was sincere and y’all sort of pounced. Getting scolded out of the room isn’t going to turn a “blissfully ignorant” into an “aware citizen.” It’ll likely just create a “belligerently ignorant.”
Comment by Johnny Pyle Driver Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:33 pm
@oswego that’s called projection. Please get some help.
Comment by sosilly Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:38 pm
See Rich’s post on Proft, k? K. lol
Do Not Feed Trolls
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:40 pm
Willy - thanks my good man.
Silly - please explain what you mean by projection. Just curious. Governor Rauner has his input in many areas. Dan Proft’s group is just one of many. Is there a larger point here? Not trying to be a jerk - and I always try to be considerate of others - but either you came here to pick a fight or you are missing the bigger picture.
Comment by Team Sleep Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:41 pm
–Governor Rauner can just veto whatever he pleases because he knows nothing will get overridden.–
That is where things stand today.
More than 60 failed veto overrides in the past year.
The only veto overridden was the goofy one on the heroin bill, and that was nearly unanimous in both chambers.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:44 pm
What’s the over/under that there will be no budget ever during this administration?
Comment by Dr X Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:51 pm
Gov. Ed has a dog in this fight. That’s ok, but it changes the narrative from the top down.
Comment by A guy Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:09 pm
Dr. x, et.al., Though I posited a conspiracy about this…IF there is no budget in sight, then I truly stumbled into the gauntlet - that being a systematic buying of debt generated by no budget by venture capitalists seeking to make huge money down the road. I’ve heard threw the grapevine that it’s already happening in gasoline, now service providers…what’s next? Whom by the way would know these types of investors but one who came from those circles. It always seems clues come down to “follow the money”…and here it’s starting to scream.
Comment by Captain Illini Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:19 pm
Jim Edgar is trying ever so hard to stay relevant and simultaneously protect his tenuous record (See the infamous “Edgar Ramp).
He really should just be quiet because he’s a problem … for himself.
Comment by Georg Sande Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:20 pm
I think wordslinger may have something here. Rauner only understands the public sector through a private sector prism. Higher education (including MAP grant giveaways) and other social services are “loss centers” which should be privatized.
By this logic, he should insist on carte blanche authority over the existing approp’s in exchange for signing the MAP approp’. Even if he signs the MAP & CC approp’, he has still positioned Democrats into insisting upon a truly huge tax increase to maintain current (eroding) service by (private-sector) human services providers whose constituency he plainly has no love for. If the GA sends him his own proposal (which also funds public universities) the budget corner becomes even smaller.
Comment by David Starrett Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:20 pm
CI, “debt buyers,” as in investors buying accounts receivables owed by the state?
You’re running across that? That’s an interesting angle.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:30 pm
word:
A program like that has been in place for a while (it predates Gov. Rauner). And, yes, it’s happening.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:32 pm
– A program like that has been in place for a while (it predates Gov. Rauner). And, yes, it’s happening.–
Demo, thanks. I knew it existed.
It’s a good score for those who can let it ride and let the late-payment juice build.
So…. who are these guys?
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:36 pm
See pp. 2 and 3
https://www.usbank.com/commercial_business/products_and_services/corp_trust/pdf/Summer2013.pdf
This is a couple of years old so I’m not sure if they are still the trustee or not.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:51 pm
===See the infamous “Edgar Ramp===
Governors own, they always do.
Rauner will own this, and it will cost the GOP….
…
…
… maybe.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:51 pm
=== I disagree with the premise. The reason for waiting until after November is more about finding votes than which party does better. ===
Is this a distinction without a difference?
I don’t see vote switching occurring in isolation of the results. If the GOP does well, it will be less likely for GOP solons to abandon Rauner. Dems will be more concerned about their survival and more apt to consider changing their votes. Conversely, Dems holding court or gaining would give pause to GOP legislators and solidify their own.
Comment by Norseman Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:52 pm
Johnny Pyle Driver: I understand your viewpoint, and I agree that the Blog kind of pounced on “anonymous”, but he didn’t use a nickname, and he asked a rather dumb question, that identified him as a brand new reader, a troublemaker, or very dumb. I read this blog almost every day, and I still can’t always keep up. (I still don’t get the “canoli” thing, it might have something to do with the “Godfather” movie, which I never saw.) Stick around, there is a lot of knowledge here, even if Rich and some of the regulars kind of get snippy. (by the way, if you stick around, you will get deleted at some point.)
Comment by downstate commissioner Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:54 pm
== Edgar: “Most people think the governor is the governor” ==
Yeah; you’d think that. But, in raunner’s case you’d be wrong.
And, that one person is being able to wield the damage raunner is doing day after day apparently without any real recourse just seems un-democratic and un-America.
Comment by sal-says Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 3:57 pm
The VAP program is one thing - to minimize pain to vendors and amelioration of the state’s cash flow…but it has to flow to work. In this case, I’m suggesting purposeful allowance of debt gathered to inflict the most amount of profit by others. Manipulating the system covered by political strife…Ludlum novel in the making.
Comment by Captain Illini Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 4:04 pm
Downstate and JPD. I agree. I find it interesting when a new angle is presented. The old guard is usually quite eager to remind new commentators (?) about “how it’s done in Springfield”. What I find amusing is knowing ” how it was done, is how we got to were we are today”.
Comment by Blue dog dem Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 4:04 pm
Rich and Edgar are disagreeing about “The governor is the governor”. Actually, how important that is in the budget context. Edgar is right, if…Rauner was the leader, but he is not. Rich is right because Madigan is not the leader, but he is, IN THE PUBLIC’S eyes.
We are not going to know anything until November; Downstate will generally go for Rauner, (and to coin a phrase) and his Cronies, like this state trooper running. The swing area is going to be Chicago and its suburbs, where the real impact of the cuts to the social services will be more of an issue; it really isn’t too important to the rural areas.
Comment by downstate commissioner Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 4:06 pm
Demo Word and Captain, forgive me for not recalling the source, but I read awhile back that the VAP is out of business until a budget is passed.
Captain, anything is possible, but color me skeptical about packaging “unbudgeted” receivables as some kind of distressed debt investment.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 5:24 pm
At this rate it’s only a matter of time before Madigan, Cullerton, and Edgar hold a press conference denouncing the governor for not having a budget. Edgar has gone rouge be interesting to see what he does behind the scenes in 2018.
Comment by Almost the Weekend Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 5:53 pm
Does the Governor know he is the Governor? /s
Comment by burbanite Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 6:57 pm
Rich -
Your commenters are on fire.
Not passing a budget.
Not raising the income tax.
Closing social service agencies.
As long as Rauner can blame Madigan, or Madigan and Rauner are blamed equally….
…these are all features, nut bugs.
I think Edgar’s political analysis is right too, but I don’t think the GOP picking up seats or losing seats will change any of the aforementioned. Only beating Rauner in 2018 will change things, and Illinois might not be save able at that point.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 8:04 pm