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* The Sun-Times on the Rauner-allied Illinois Opportunity Project’s $500,000 contribution to Rauner-allied Democratic state Rep. Ken Dunkin…
Kent Redfield, a campaign finance expert, called the half-million-dollar contribution the largest single Illinois legislative primary contribution since at least 1976, when the State Board of Elections started keeping track of political contributions.
“It’s a huge contribution,’’ said Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois at Springfield.
“When you have high-profile races, caps in Illinois law are irrelevant,” Redfield said. “They are going to get waived.”
The Dunkin windfall sends the message that “good things happen to you if you support the governor,’’ Redfield said.
* Crain’s…
The contribution comes less than a week after IllinoisGO, an independent expenditure committee that some observers call a front for Rauner, reported spending nearly $240,000 on behalf of Dunkin, which lifted the contribution caps in the race. Combined, that’s $27.25 for each voter who cast a ballot in the ho-hum Nov. 4 general election.
Dunkin’s opponent in the March 15 primary, Juliana Stratton, has some catching up to do. The former aide to Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle had nearly $70,600 in her campaign fund on Dec. 31, and raised another $78,700 on Jan. 28, mostly from unions.
* Related…
* Ken Dunkin, Sam McCann: Two very different lawmakers facing consequences of crossing their leaders
* Why Was Rahm Ally Burnett Promoting Video for Conservative Talk Show Host?
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 9:10 am
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Previous Post: Home-care agency to slash worker pay to stay alive
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What would be great in this race, is if Stratton’s campaign could turn out a HUGE volunteer base that would really work the neighborhoods. Talk face-to-face with the people Dunkin is supposed to be representing. Explain his critical No and Present votes. Prove, that money can’t buy you everything:)
Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 9:21 am
It is huge contributions like these that are now the norm in politics for the wealthy. It is a sad state of affairs when all a candidate has to have going for himself is money. Rauner and Trump can finance their own campaigns, but these Pacs giving out so much to make sure the candidate of their choice wins makes a mockery of the whole idea of elections. Sickening that politics can be so dominated by the uber-wealthy in our country.
Comment by Big Joe Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 9:21 am
Ken Dunkin. Sam McCann.
I’ve been saying it for a long time now. That’s the ball game, Labor. Go to work.
To the Post,
To the Raunerites claiming Brice Rauner is NOT Rod Blagojevich, here’s “Exhibit A”. Rauner wants Raunerite Caucuses. You’d be quite foolish to think Rauner isn’t being Rod here, or just smitten thinkin’ that the ILGOP matters to the piggy banks Rauner controls.
Nope.
You’re playing the fool Rauner hoped you’d be.
Think on this; Century Club President Ken Dunkin IS a Raunerite…
Just. Like. You.
Let it fester. It’s real, and about as honest as Rauner will be about what’s really at play.
Being a Raunerite is being about the money holding you hostage against your better selves or the Republican Ideaks you now magically don’t have, or being put into a position that your switch key is Rauner’s, and your party affiliation matters not, even when you’re enjoying tennis in Queens, New York.
So, don’t tell me Rauner is a Republican. That ruse is over. Rauner is in full-blown Raunerite Mode and proud of it…
… and keep in mind; “who” has more control of monies right now? Dan Proft or Leaders Radogno and Durkin… combined… times two?
Raunerite. Raunerite or not. That’s the ball game now. Dunkin is “Exhibit A”
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 9:25 am
What does Dunkin mean by saying he’s “independent?”
Comment by Albany Park Patriot Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 9:30 am
== IllinoisGO, an independent expenditure committee ==
Heh. Independent.
Comment by thunderspirit Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 9:31 am
Plenty more to come, on both sides of this race.
The winner will be purchased and owned by Rauner and his allies or Madigan and his allies.
Either way, the winner will be a subsidiary of their parent company and owner.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 9:33 am
” - Anonymous - ” (Ugh, pick a name)
No, an alleged sitting Governor, the Executive, is trying to manipulate and control a Co-Equal branch of government by creatin’ his own “Party”, and taking those Raunerite ideals and pretending they are actually Republican, or making Raunerite Democrats under the false premise they are still “Democrats” but are part of the Rod Blagojevich dream for a Governor only concerned about destroyin’ unions, at the cost of real people.
K?
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 9:38 am
Point of clarification;
Rauner is the Governor.
Rauner is an alleged Republican.
My apologies.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 9:40 am
Ken & friends gets all the donuts. His district gets all the holes. “O” as in oligarchy. “O” as in nothing.
Comment by James Knell Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 9:42 am
I can’t imagine that the republican members of the legislature are too thrilled for sticking with the Gov on some votes but giving Dunkin a million in a Democratic primary.
Comment by One to the Dome Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 9:45 am
The interview between Jackson and Proft was a hoot…probably a condition for the issuance of the rental payment. Downstate rentals must be hot. The cigars and booze scream neighborhood people over and over.
Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 9:47 am
It’s ironic that Maze Jackson is talking about “cover ups” and Watergate because every time I see his name in print I think of that line from “All the President’s Men”: Follow the money.
Comment by Anon404 Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 9:47 am
Sad how Illinois has gone from “Yes, we can!” in 2008 to “Yes, my Lord” in 2016.
Comment by James Knell Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 9:49 am
One - but given that Leader Radogno’s and Leader Durkin’s track records at raising cash (and effectively spending it) is pretty poor, how can they complain?! There own leaders can barely help them. Sandack got by - but barely, and it drained all of Durkin’s cash reserves to do so. Also, who amongst Republicans that are up this year will have a challenging general election? A couple of open seats will be a challenge, but current officials who are running for reelection are pretty much a slam dunk to be reelected.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 9:50 am
Sorry - their. Typing too fast for my brain to catch up.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 9:51 am
I continue to believe that although Proft has tons of money at his disposal, he doesn’t know how to spend it strategically.
I wonder who will get the points from all the television buy?
Comment by Blago's Luxurious Grey Mane Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 9:51 am
So… when it comes caucus time for the Dems, will Ken be let in the door this time???
Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 9:53 am
What exactly is Rauner pushing that’s so out alignment with today’s Republican party? Did the GOP throw out Scott Walker?
To the extent he’s not a Republican, it’s because he doesn’t care much about social issues. But, Ted Cruz’ Iowa win notwithstanding, Republicans have been less about social interests since the birth of the Tea Party.
Comment by lake county democrat Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 9:55 am
221 - by that logic then McCann should have have been kicked out of the Senate GOP Caucus in December 2014.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 9:57 am
Scott Walker was rejected before a single ballot was cast on a national stage. Ted Cruz, in arguably the creepiest winning election speech ever, (I still shutter) doesn’t talk of destroyin’ unions to help America, and Ted Cruz talked about, again, welcoming home Reagan Democrats, the conservative blue-collar voters, who, among other things have very direct abd distinct Union roots.
Raunerite Ideals are not Republican beliefs.
If they were, Dunkin would be more hesitant to embrace Ideals so close to Republican Standards.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 10:02 am
==What does Dunkin mean by saying he’s “independent?”==
Rauner owns me and will likewise support any other Democrats willing to become “Independent”.
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 10:04 am
IOP really means Illegal Office Procurement.
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 10:06 am
“K?” Not quite.
Pretending the big money about to pour into this race on one side comes with “strings” and is “bad”, but the other side comes without any “strings” and is “K” is disingenuous. Whoever wins will be owned by Madigan or Rauner. Arguing that one is somehow tainted but the other is pure is not accurate or fair.
As for interfering in primaries, is only the speaker allowed to do so? Not that he had anything to do with picking the opponents in Gonzalez’s primary or will be funneling them any support.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 10:08 am
Team Sleep- it was Madigan who had said, “We’ll see,” not me.
Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 10:09 am
I was born a poor black child
Comment by Rabid Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 10:11 am
***“good things happen to you if you support the governor,’’ ***
So much for Dunkin’s independence schtick. He is bought and paid for in the interests of the governor.
***“good things happen to you if you support the governor”***
And to think this was supposed to stop with the governor’s election and shakin’ up Springfield.
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 10:16 am
” - Anonymous - ”
===As for interfering in primaries, is only the speaker allowed to do so? Not that he had anything to do with picking the opponents in Gonzalez’s primary or will be funneling them any support.===
A sitting “alleged” Republican governor interfering in the Democratic Primary of a Legislator…
… versus ANY incumbent adding candidates into their own races to dilute the vote, in their own primary they are running.
Not the same. If you can’t see that, that’s on you, and further, both parties, in their own (got that, their own) primaries have been doing the dilution trick for decades.
===Whoever wins will be owned by Madigan or Rauner. Arguing that one is somehow tainted but the other is pure is not accurate or fair.===
If you can’t see the Executive manipulating the Legislative in primaries that arent their own parties to gain Caucuses without party but loyalty to the Executive, while in the Legislative branch, you may not be… wise… enough to follow along.
If you think Rauner being Blagojevich is ok… LOL
Rauner is trying to be what Rod Blagojevich wanted to become… ” - Anonymous - “
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 10:19 am
“The Master said: Gentlemen trust in justice; the Vulgar trust in favor.” —Analects of Confucius
Comment by Union Man Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 10:29 am
Please. Madigan’s motives and expectations behind the large sums about to be “invested” in this race are no better or more pure than Rauner’s.
Arguing one is somehow worse does not make either one good.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 10:29 am
Willy has said it and I’ll repeat it. This is labor’s challenge. Defend your supporters and go after your opponents.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 10:38 am
That is a TON of Republican money being spent in a Democratic primary.
We live in very weird times.
Comment by ILPundit Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 10:38 am
Ah, democracy for sale.
Comment by ash Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 10:45 am
” - Anonymous - ”
I fed you twice, you have no retort to my explanation that has been discussed here often except for “but… Madigan”
I’m moving on.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 10:48 am
Proformance bonus for the republican red camping outfit stunt. What’s next a jockey uniform and lantern at the speakers office
Comment by Rabid Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 10:52 am
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 10:29 am:
Please. Madigan’s motives and expectations behind the large sums about to be “invested” in this race are no better or more pure than Rauner’s.
Refresh my memory. When did Madigan ever funded a Republican in the primaries?
Comment by Dance Band on the Titanic Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 10:56 am
- Dance Band on the Titanic -
It’s bigger than “just that”
Remember, this is the Executive in government choosing to participate at the tube of high nine figures in a… Legislative Primary if the alleged other Party…
Co- Equal being usurped.
Rauner is using the Blagojevich playbook.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 11:04 am
But… Rauner.
Rauner gives money to demand obedience. Madigan gives money out of the goodness of his heart. OK.
They are, in reality, opposite sides of the same coin.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 11:23 am
Willful Ignorance isn’t an excuse.
Do. Not. Feed. Ignorance.
Do. Not. Feed. Trolls.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 11:33 am
This is good stuff, long overdue in fact. Because for far too long the D’s had all of the money and all of foot-soldiers (public employees). Now, the R’s have money too … so it’s as close to a fair fight as possible.
McCann wants to be a union toady, okay. But he’s fair game for the Gov. But don’t worry, Sam will have his D defenders in money and foot-soldiers aplenty. Dunkin pushes back on the Speaker, so now Madigan wants him out. Never fear, Ken gets support from the Gov.
Fair fights both, which is totally different than in the past.
Comment by Georg Sande Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 11:34 am
If Walker hadn’t run, I’m convinced there would have been a lot of people clamoring for him as a consensus/unifying candidate. He wasn’t rejected because of his union-busting, he was rejected because he wasn’t hawkish enough on immigration and he ran a tepid campaign.
That said, I’d agree that union-busting is not the issue driving the GOP, but it’s certainly still important to a large part of the party and not anathema to the rest. Rauner is the Koch Bros wing of the party - that wing’s dominance is being challenged but it hasn’t been expelled.
Comment by lake county democrat Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 11:40 am
In my generation we had a term for Rep. Dunkin’s condition. A little bit pregnant…..
Comment by Blue dog dem Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 11:41 am
There’s a real reason Proft was given the monies to go after McCann;
Caucuses should never go after sitting members on ideology.
Raunerites only believe in ideology, not Party.
The idea that Leader Radogno won’t go after McCann speaks to the Raunerite demands perfectly.
The flip side is that McCann and “… and a lot of other things” deserves the ire of Radogno for actions well before Rauner.
What’s embarrassingly pathetic are those ignoring the real issue of one branch usurping into another’s branch, in amother party’s primary.
Openly.
Weak minds refuse to see Rauner is Blagojevich in this instance.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 11:42 am
There’s zero threat of plutocracy coming to Illinois because it’s already here.
Curious about who came up with the current spending cap law. If someone donates above a certain level, then there are no caps. Do I have that right? What were they thinking?
Comment by X-prof Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 11:45 am
The hits just don’t stop with this “Republican.”
“Weak minds refuse to see Rauner is Blagojevich in this instance.” - Oswego Willy, Constant Lecturer
Comment by Georg Sande Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 11:59 am
- Georg Sande -
Making it about me doesn’t negate that Rauner is running the Blagojevich playbook and dream… with the “Adult styled” name.
It’s true. You know it.
As a Republican, all that Gov. Edgar has said on Rauner I have already said, or agreed with former Governor Jim Edgar, Republican.
Seriously, trolling me without refuting points, can you add to a discussion or no?
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 12:03 pm
Some folks aren’t here haven’t been paying close attention to what’s been going on since January 2015. Rauner wasted no time calling Judges corrupt, even using that term to describe the Supreme Court. He bemoaned the fact that lawyers are allowed to contribute money to a judge’s campaign. He suggested changes to how judges are appointed, and suggested that in some cases a Governor appoint judges.
We have also seen in the past year that Rauner is writing checks to GOP members and publicly stated that ones who are with him will be well treated and those who oppose him will run into problems (See Sam McCann). The GOP members in the legislature are firmly under his control now and one by one he will attempt to add Democrat members to the Raunerite camp.
These are dangerous times we are living in. Rauner has an unlimited source of money and his aim is to end separation of powers in Illinois as we have always known it.
OW is trying to explain to some on here the danger of the Executive branch in controlling the Legislative branch. I wish you’d heed his warning.
Comment by The Dude Abides Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 12:07 pm
===…the danger of the Executive branch in controlling the Legislative branch.===
(Tips cap to - The Dude Abides - in respect, and deference, and thanks)
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 12:17 pm
–If Walker hadn’t run, I’m convinced there would have been a lot of people clamoring for him as a consensus/unifying candidate. He wasn’t rejected because of his union-busting, he was rejected because he wasn’t hawkish enough on immigration and he ran a tepid campaign.–
Wasn’t hawkish on immigration? The goof wanted to build a wall on the Canadian border!
He wasn’t “rejected” by anyone. He blew $30 million and didn’t get to within four months of the first votes in neighboring Iowa because he was a dizzy, babbling mess.
Classic lightweight.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 12:50 pm
If you don’t want your representative or your senator to work with the chief executive, vote for someone else. If your party controls the maps, draw them to give your party advantages in their districts. If you control money from special interests, decide how to spend it and who to give it to. Just stay between the lines of law.
If you don’t like it -
Being incessant, doesn’t make you right. Being insulting is bad form. If you want to beat a drum, you should start a band.
Your vote counts the same as anyone else’s. Not more.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 12:57 pm
===Scott Walker was rejected before a single ballot was cast on a national stage.===
===He wasn’t “rejected” by anyone. He blew $30 million and didn’t get to within four months of the first votes in neighboring Iowa because he was a dizzy, babbling mess.===
I don’t disagree - Wordslinger -, but being that dizzy, babbling mess, was why he was rejected, and not by ballots, but by being Scott Walker and selling the goofiness that is Scott Walker.
That was my point, not to be confused with any other points.
I also found Creepy Cruz reaching over and attempting to be someone reaching out to Reagan Democrats a contrast to the goofiness of Walker.
You’re point, - Wordslinger - isn’t lost on me.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 12:58 pm
People, this post is about Dunkin, not Iowa.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 1:00 pm
Those that wonder why Bernie Sanders is doing so well might look at the Rauner/Dunkin relationship. I’d call it BrokeTheirBack Mountain…
Comment by Mouthy Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 1:01 pm
- Lincoln Lad -
So you approve of the Blagojevich style of Executive Caucuses and an alleged Republican governor being less than truthful in creating his own Caucuses usurping the legislative co-equal branch?
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 1:01 pm
- Lincoln Lad -
Here’s why I ask;
You have the same premises going on simultaneously within two prisms;
You have a same-party senator being primaried for his “lack of enthusiasm” for his voting button on a vote and must be taken down, specifically, by the Exevutive, through a 3rd party… group.
Then you have a legislative member, alleged opposite party, of the Executive mind you, nearing 7-digits in funding to be a member of the legislature beholden to the Executive of an alleged “different” party.
These things are happening at the very same time.
It’s about the Executive Control, that Rid Blagojevich dreamed about with one caucus trying to defeat a seated member for the Executive, and another Caucus trying to stop the infiltration of the non-party Executive within the partisan opposite Caucus.
Goodness Gracious, Rod wanted this; no co-equal branch, but Executive, and the Executive’s Caucuses, and the “others”
Dangerous. Dangerous for Illinois
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 1:10 pm
Okay, a little bit of perspective is needed.
1. Rauner actually has both GOP caucus’s attention. And yes - I know the reason why. Blago had serious issues with rank-and-file members. He openly warred with members of his own party. His staff were rarely (if ever) sought out to help with Congressional or legislative races. Blago attempted to telegraph what he wanted, but he failed miserably. So far, Rauner has not failed with his own party.
2. Do people realize that this is just another movement towards national political trends? Presidents and their PACs/organizations routinely help out candidates. DFA has raised tons of money for the DSCC and the DCCC. President Bush utilized the RNC to help push his agenda and reelect members who supported him. Who backed Arlen Specter when Club for Growth wanted Pat Toomey? Dubya. Who wanted and convinced John Shimkus to break his term limits pledge? Dubya. And, if my memory serves me correctly, Obama and his team were a big reason why Tammy Duckworth ran the first time against Peter Roskam and why she took the plunge again in 2012. It happens.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 1:10 pm
- Team Sleep -
With respect,
You are glossing over the most important point;
Rod Blagojevich never had base to build his dream.
Bruce Rauner, by owning the GOP Caucuses, has the means that Rod never had to make the Executive Caucuses, and in this case, the Raunerite Caucuses, a reality.
Ignoring that Rauner is ahead of Rod on the steps to achieve Rod’s dream is a big omission.
With respect.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 1:16 pm
Always an optimist, I’m starting to think that Ken Dunkin is acting his part in an elaborate sting operation… Wouldn’t that be great!
Comment by Triple fat Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 1:21 pm
Willy - but as I noted above, Blago couldn’t achieve it because he was, well, Blago. The man had a super majority of his own party in the Senate and a large majority of his own party in the House and couldn’t get anything done - and that was AFTER the Dems had been out of the Governor’s mansion for 26 years. Blago was always about Blago - nothing else. And given his impressive fundraising “skills”, he could’ve held massive fundraisers for legislative caucuses. Instead, he did it all for himself and could’ve cared less about whether any legislator not named Jay Hoffman was reelected or defeated.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 1:23 pm
- Team Sleep -
Looking at your examples in #2, thise examples seem to be intra-party prodding in a way to bring positive results.
Rauner in his intra-party “issue” is dismissing a GOP Caucus member, disciplinin’ him, and in the other Rauner instance its an inter-party infiltration.
Those seem counter to your examples.
Am I missing something?
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 1:25 pm
===Blago was always about Blago===
Isn’t the Turnaround Agenda about Rauner wanting what Rauner wants?
===Instead, he did it all for himself and could’ve cared less about whether any legislator not named Jay Hoffman was reelected or defeated.===
It also seems Rauner only cares if his Raunerites, of both “Parties” are elected and even a Republican non-Raunerite is defeated?
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 1:30 pm
Willy - not really, because I highlighted examples of times when an executive wanted someone who was a “team player”. Bush thought Toomey was a wild card and was worried what would happen if he were on the ballot at the same time as Bush was running for reelected. Shimkus was always a pro-Bush guy. Duckworth is a pro-Obama person and willing to carry his water.
McCann not only refused to get behind Rauner - or even take photos with him in 2014 - but he attempted to run for Governor just because of how much he hated Rauner. And then he gave Rauner the old double barrel salute last August when it came time for 1229’s override vote, which has been followed up by him going around the district and ripping the Governor a new one.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 1:30 pm
- Team Sleep -
Then why all the hiding?
Rauner and the SGOP Caucus should directly fund McCann’s opponent.
Why all the smoke and mirrors?
Wasn’t Sen. Specter a sitting member? Did Bush back the sitting member?
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 1:33 pm
Willy - if Rauner was only about Rauner, he would have never given or directed any help towards or funds against any officials.
Is the Turnaround Agenda only about Rauner? Maybe. I have never really figured that out, because having been around ILGOP politics for years a lot of the themes in the Agenda had been percolating for years. Rauner is just way more brazen and headstrong about it than most officials. But, again, he is one of the few who can do that.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 1:33 pm
I think most (maybe all) commenters know exactly what is going on. The fact that we don’t take up a megaphone to condemn it doesn’t mean we don’t understand. When comments condemning the other side are put forth, some valid,some not - they are discarded as ‘fire Madigan 2.0′. Our opinions matter too, if not to some, then to others. But know for certain that we are not ignorant. We are entitled to our own opinion, as are you.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 1:36 pm
===… if Rauner was only about Rauner, he would have never given or directed any help towards or funds against any officials.===
You just told me Rauner was different than Rid because he controlled the GOP Caucuses already.
If you’re controlling something, isn’t the only help you’re giving them is to yourself, since you control then anyway?
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 1:36 pm
Willy - not correct. My point is that if Rauner were only about Rauner, then he would’ve gotten himself elected and been content.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 1:44 pm
- Team Sleep -
Then why target McCann, a sitting Republican? Is he going Judge Smails, Rauner feels defeating McCann, Rauner feels “he owes it” to the sitting Sen. McCann to be defeated, and not for Rauner himself?
Seems like replacing McCann is about Rauner’s best interest, as is helping the Democratic Raunerite Ken Dunkin to be in the Democrats’ Caucus
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 1:51 pm
Willy - you just proved my point, dude. McCann is certainly not a team player. He lied to his leader - twice - and has done everything in his power to get under the Governor’s skin.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 2:03 pm
Willy - remember, too, that McCann has serious believability (is that even a word?!) and trust issues. Rich has written about that extensively in the past.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 2:04 pm
- Team Sleep -
Two points;
Between Leader Radogno and Sam McCann, hit the search key, I’m Leader Radogno, all day.
Rauner said himself that SB1229 would lead to repercussions.
Rauner going after McCann, if Rauner is so upset, if Leader Radogno is so angry, why all the smoke and mirrors?
Has to be a reason…
Is it because Caucus leaders going after their own is Bad Form? Rauner following through with intra-party discipline on ONE vote will not be taken to well if attacked head-on?
Raunerite Caucuses won’t flip on SB1229 no matter if the district or constituents are in complete disagreement with Bruce Rauner.
Sitting Caucus members should never fear voting their districts because $20 million controlled by a governor, the Executive. The Legislator in autonomous caucuses would already know, the governor will move on.
With respect as always - Team Sleep -, I always enjoy our give and take.
OW
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 2:18 pm
I enjoy it too, Willy.
Leader Radogno does not get involved - at least formally - in primaries. Which is weird because she did her best to unseat Senator Geo-Karis years ago. Perhaps that really affected her?!
I have a ton of respect for Leader Durkin fighting for and doing what he could to help Ron Sandack - and I think the caucus did, too.
There was a reason why Leader Radogno only got 11 out of 20 votes last time.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 2:25 pm
Dunkin has a sleeping bag. What more can one ask of their State Representative?
Comment by Rhino Slider Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 2:25 pm
===have a ton of respect for Leader Durkin fighting for and doing what he could to help Ron Sandack - and I think the caucus did, too.===
Yep, agree, 100%
Leader Durkin there was great, and did the right thing.
===There was a reason why Leader Radogno only got 11 out of 20 votes last time.===
Good point. Leader Radogno has gone out of her way to address that, while being the Team Player Rauner needs leading that Caucus. Tough.
===Perhaps that really affected her?!===
Elections and political decisions haunt. If you’re spooked, it sticks with you even when it might make no sense later it would(?)
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 3:09 pm
but OW if a wealthy person cant control government to help us shed the influence of wealthy lobbyists, who else can we trust to buy and run govt for us?
Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 3:10 pm
- Ghost -,
What’s needed are ordinary people willing to do extraordinary things because it’s right, and… people willing to find common ground to do what can be done to make things right.
Not too hard…
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 3:18 pm
I’m sure someone has asked this, and forgive me for being naive, but isn’t this a blatant case of pay to play? Extortion or somethng. It feels so slimy. So stinky. And so much like what Gov Blago went to jail for. Give me money and I’ll give you…. Do this and I’ll give you money. So very truly gross. So sad for our state. And shameful on both side here. BLECH.
Comment by Square Pegs Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 5:24 pm