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* UPDATED x1 * No Cleveland for Rauner

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Sneed hears rumbles Gov. Bruce Rauner may not be attending the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, this summer.

“That’s what I hear,” a top GOPer said.

Not surprising.

Yep. Not a surprise.

* Today…

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner won’t attend the Republican National Convention in July and won’t be endorsing Donald Trump, Rauner aides confirmed on Thursday, while not entirely disavowing the presumptive GOP nominee.

And it’s not yet clear whether Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger will make the trip to Cleveland, as she faces a challenge from Democrat Susana Mendoza this fall.

If she goes after Rauner ditched, she’s nuts. I highly doubt she’ll attend.

* More Sun-Times…

While Rauner has dubbed the presidential campaign’s rhetoric “appalling,” he has publicly stated — as the head of the state’s Republican Party — that he will support the nominee.

“I’ll do everything I can to work with that nominee,” Rauner said in March.

Yep. I remember that.

*** UPDATE *** Video of the governor’s previous remarks…

[ *** End Of Update *** ]

* Tribune…

Rauner repeatedly had sought to stay out of the presidential race, though he did say that as leader of the GOP in Illinois, he would back the eventual nominee. But Rauner aides stressed there are various levels of “support,” and that the governor would not be giving Trump a formal endorsement.

Heh.

* More Trib…

Underscoring the politics behind Rauner’s move, the governor’s decision means he also will not accept the traditional role of heading up Illinois’ 69-member convention delegation and the high-profile media appearances that come with it. At the same time, Rauner avoids any potential appearance with Trump, which some advisers said privately would not be helpful to the governor back home.

Ya think?

* More Trib…

“My feeling is we overestimate the impact of tactics and underestimate broad trends and demographics,” he said. “What Trump does or doesn’t do may have less impact than what Munger or Kirk does. Then there’s the broader context of the election and who votes and who doesn’t vote and what gets people to come out to vote.”

People pay infinitely more attention to presidential races than comptroller races, but that last sentence is most certainly valid. The headwinds ain’t gonna be kind.

* Meanwhile, the Tribune editorial board whacked Trump hard this week…

His appeal among disaffected Republican primary voters is intensely visceral: He’d arrive in Washington a billionaire businessman in a hurry and get things done. After years of gridlock in Washington, who doesn’t find the idea of an outsider appealing? […]

Trump is an undisciplined political neophyte who loves the limelight and promises big changes, most of which appear either implausible or too vague to take seriously.

Umm.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:26 am

Comments

This is totally a lose-lose situation for republicans. You alienate a portion of your base no matter what you do. November will be a cold, cold month.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:30 am
Rauner trying to put distance between himself and Trump. No surprise.

Comment by DuPage Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:31 am
“Trump is an undisciplined political neophyte who loves the limelight and promises big changes, most of which appear either implausible or too vague to take seriously.”

Sounds like Rauner except for the disciplined part.

Comment by very old soil Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:32 am
We’ve seen what happens (or doesn’t happen) when you elect a Governor who has been successful in the private sector but has never held public office before. What is to be expected if we elect a President that way? At least Eisenhower had military experience.

Comment by Stones Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:32 am
=== Umm. ===

LOL.

Well played.

Comment by Juvenal Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:33 am
It’s Derby weekend. The jockeying isn’t unusual.

Comment by A guy Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:35 am
Aw, that Tribune assessment of Trump is fun…

… Rauner owning the Tribune’s Editorial Board keyboards allow blindspots by certain “weather-challenged” members.

I just wish the Trubune Edit Board would just begin most Editorials with, “As required by the Rauner Press Shop, this is our alleged opinion”.

“His appeal among disaffected Republican primary voters is intensely visceral: He arrived in Springfield a multi, multi-millionaire businessman in a hurry to get things done. After years of gridlock in Springfield, who doesn’t find the idea of an outsider appealing? […]

Rauner is a rigidly political neophyte phony who loves the limelight with props and staged empathy and promises big changes, most of which appear either implausible or too vague to take seriously.”

Right? Exactly Right.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:36 am
Rauner and the rest will still vote for him. Party fealty always trumps common sense. (Pun very much intended.)

Comment by MSIX Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:36 am
“But Rauner aides stressed there are various levels of “support,” and that the governor would not be giving Trump a formal endorsement.”

The political aspect of supporting Trump looks devastatingly bad. In a poll published yesterday, Clinton and Sanders lead Trump by an average of 15.5 points in North Carolina.

Clinton and Sanders lead Trump by an average of 14.5 points in a recent national poll.

Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:37 am
This is pure political gamesmanship. If Trump had higher poll numbers with the groups that don’t like him, it is obvious that everyone on the right would be running to ride on his coat-tails. The question is whether these same people will embrace Trump as his numbers change in the future. If they do, then the distancing and embracing are just political actions of people who want to get elected. On the other hand, candidates who oppose the policies (such as they are) proposed by Trump regardless of his poll numbers at least have some conviction.

Comment by Delimma Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:39 am
Rich has earned the comment of the day in one word- umm.

Comment by Thoughts Matter Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:40 am
On the flip side…

Thank goodness gracious, no Rauner, no Munger in Cleveland.

Whatever Rauner, and especially Munger, can do to stay clear of Trump, that will leave the only negative Rauner himself, and quotes that link others to Rauner.

Rauner doesn’t need any help being toxic to some of the Illinois electorate.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:40 am
Thinking it’s going to be very quiet inside the building in Cleveland, and very loud outside.

Comment by Thoughts Matter Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:41 am
In rejecting Trump, how is this not a rejection of himself?

Comment by Wensicia Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:42 am
The better question for the GOP is whether they plan on voting for Clinton because they don’t support Trump. If the answer is anything other than a resounding YES, then they are probably going to vote for Trump.

Comment by Delimma Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:42 am
Rauner just pulled the rug out from under GOP Chairman Schneider, who had also publicly committed to back the party nominee.

Comment by anon Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:45 am
My instinct tells me the GOP will attempt to “participate” in Trump’s running mate selection as a condition to the level it supports him. Gut feeling his if he is elected, he will resign before completing the term.

Comment by Bogey Golfer Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:45 am
Oh I’d say the jockeying is anything but usual. Republican insiders, and Billionaire Bruce is one of them, want nothing to do with a Cleveland frathouse party that crowns The Donald their leader. Unfortunately, the ostensibly “Republican” base does want them to pay fealty to their choice, and they’ll be taking notes on those who dis their guy. Fun.

Comment by PublicServant Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:46 am
Oswego Willy there is an opening to chair the Illinois Republican delegation

Comment by Lucky Pierre Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:46 am
===Rauner just pulled the rug out from under GOP Chairman Schneider, who had also publicly committed to back the party nominee.===

He could ask the HGOP Caucus about things like that re: K-12 funding…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:47 am
Trump and Rauner, two of the same all talk. They just love hearing how important they think they are. “I love the poorly educated” lol-Rauner does too imho.

Comment by Magic carpet ride Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:48 am
Umm.

We see what you did there, Rich. YUGE difference between the undisciplined political neophytes. YUGE!

Comment by bwana63 Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:49 am
===Oswego Willy there is an opening to chair the Illinois Republican delegation.===

- Lucky Pierre -,

I had - Norseman - (Campaign Manager Emeritus) to submit my application for one of the 12 open GOP delegate spots.

I haven’t heard back yet. I think they may have the wrong email address. I’ll keep you posted.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:49 am
Rauner is an undisciplined political neophyte who loves the limelight and promises big changes, most of which appear either implausible or too vague to take seriously.

There, fixed it.

Comment by Gruntled University Employee Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:53 am
The Illinois yokels are so clueless and out of touch.

Rauner is in fact a drag on Trump.

Rauner shouldn’t be going anywhere in any case. He’s not doing the job he was elected to do in Illinois, like submitting a balanced budget.

Comment by too obvious Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:55 am
When the camera pans the convention floor and hits the Illinois delegation who will be there? Schneider has to go there? Will people have trump gear or just rock the elephant and make it clear they are taking one for the team?

Comment by LizPhairTax Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:55 am
So no hug?

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:58 am
=== While Rauner has dubbed the presidential campaign’s rhetoric “appalling,” … ===

Rauner is an expert on appalling rhetoric. That’s his thing too.

=== … he has publicly stated — as the head of the state’s Republican Party — that he will support the nominee. ===

Let’s run this quote several hundred times more before the election!

=== His appeal among disaffected Republican primary voters is intensely visceral … ===

The Tribbies now about visceral appeal. They seek it with almost every editorial.

Comment by Norseman Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:59 am
Rauner all pouty about Trump saying “Don’t know him”. Bruce takes his ball and goes home.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:03 am
- Norseman -

Have you heard back from the ILGOP on my application to be a delegate? I thought we would’ve heard back by now…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:03 am
Willy, I don’t think they took us seriously. Following was the response from Goldberg:

=== LOL-LOL-LOL-LOL-LOL-LOL ===

Comment by Norseman Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:03 am
===The jockeying isn’t unusual===

Lol! Nothing unusual about leading Republicans running away from the Republican nominee for President. Happens all the time. The Republican Speaker of the House is not endorsing the Republican candidate for President. As usual, right A guy?

I’m pretty sure you can’t type that stuff with a straight face, but if anyone can spin that hard and not throw up, it’s you.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:03 am
P.S. Rauner and the folks are going to miss out on a fabulous event. Trump is promising a very entertaining convention. There is one thing you can say about Trump, he is a good entertainer.

Comment by Norseman Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:07 am
I believe a lot of republicans may just stay home this election, not wanting to vote for trump or Clinton. As for me, it will be my first election where I write in a candidate for president.

Comment by Northern pike Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:08 am
Trump puts many of the repub district in play. Many stalwarts wont show up to the polls. Madigan will probably end up with a 2/3’s majority. I don’t see how the senate can get much bluer but maybe a few get knocked off there.

Bottom line trump= dem 2/3’s majority = massive tax hikes.

Comment by atsuishin Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:08 am
- Norseman -

So it wasn’t a “no”?

Maybe you were right, the karaoke music video WAS too much… That’s my bad.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:08 am
‘promises big changes’ is a page right from the Obama and Rauner play books. Sanders also fits that description,

Comment by Anonymous Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:10 am
–The jockeying isn’t unusual.–

Except for all the weird unprecedented parts, including the Tribbie edit board pronouncing the presumptive GOP nominee unqualified to be president — in May.

That’s happened a lot, I take it, in your alternative universe.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:11 am
If only we could get Trump and Rauner to do the “polka” at the fair.
lol

Comment by Magic carpet rode Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:12 am
“The better question for the GOP is whether they plan on voting for Clinton because they don’t support Trump. If the answer is anything other than a resounding YES, then they are probably going to vote for Trump.”

Or they could simply stay home. This seems to me to be more likely and it will hurt repubs lower down on the ballot.

Comment by G'Kar Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:12 am
Could Capt Fax or other BigBrain watchers help us file this development. Does it go under:
1. Election nite phone calls
2. Good Friday Massacre
3. All of the above

Comment by Annonin' Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:13 am
–“But Rauner aides stressed there are various levels of “support,” –

“I’ll do everything I can to work with that nominee,” sounds like the highest level of support.

These guys should wear helmets, they spin so badly.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:16 am
I wonder how big of a donation I would need to make to Trump’s campaign for him to publicly endorse Rauner?

Comment by Saluki Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:17 am
And I thought several months ago Rauner was eyeballing a VP look. Things change.

Comment by zatoichi Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:18 am
Speaking of natiobal critiques of the GOP that have a special kind of resonance here in Rauner’s Illinois, don’t miss POTUS’ Flint speech. It all applies to our current chaos, but this was particularly apt this week (Can’t you just get private donations to cover your state contract?):

“But volunteers don’t build county water systems and keep lead from leaching into our drinking glasses. We can’t rely on faith groups to reinforce bridges and repave runways at the airport. We can’t ask second-graders, even ones as patriotic as Isiah Britt who raised all that money, to raise enough money to keep our kids healthy.”

Comment by crazybleedingheart Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:19 am
Crud…if Trump wins, does that mean he’ll hire superstars like Goldberg and CK??

Comment by Mongo Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:20 am
Why settle for VP any longer. Now he may just run for Pres in 2020.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:22 am
I just assumed Rauner is going to be busy with the special session of the legislature in July.

Comment by Angry Republican Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:24 am
From the Economist:

“During its 160-year history, the Republican Party has abolished slavery, provided the votes in Congress to pass the Civil Rights Act and helped bring the cold war to a close. The next six months will not be so glorious. After Indiana’s primary, it is now clear that Republicans will be led into the presidential election by a candidate who said he would kill the families of terrorists, has encouraged violence by his supporters, has a weakness for wild conspiracy theories and subscribes to a set of protectionist and economically illiterate policies that are by turns fantastical and self-harming.”

“The result could be disastrous for the Republican Party and, more important, for America. Even if this is as far as he goes, Mr Trump has already done real damage and will do more in the coming months.”

Ouch.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:26 am
“Rauner is an undisciplined political neophyte …”

I wish I could come up with another word for neophyte. Neophyte implies a willingness or ability to learn. Neither of which 1.4% has demonstrated during his term as governor.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:31 am
I think Rauner should appoint Rich Miller to go in his place.

Comment by Mama Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:36 am
==Wensicia - Friday, May 6, 16 @ 9:42 am:==

You made a good point.

Comment by Mama Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:37 am
Always been team Rauner not Team Republican.

Comment by Liberty Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:37 am
===Always been team Rauner not Team Republican.===

While it’s true, Rauner IS a Raunerite, Trump does not speak for the GOP, as Trump is NOW the GOP Nominee.

Both Rauner and Trump… The ILGOP and the National GOP let these two strangers in our houses. Elections have consequences.

I’m just grateful Rauner isn’t going to Cleveland. Rauner himself is a big enough albatross.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:42 am
47, be fair, and give Trump some credit — he’s hot on the trail of Oswald’s fellow conspirators.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:44 am
With Rauner, the head of the party in Illinois, not endorsing Donald Trump this looks bad for Kirk and the rest ticket.

Comment by Hit or Miss Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:46 am
=== The Republican Speaker of the House is not endorsing the Republican candidate for President. As usual, right A guy?===

Let’s see where we are in July. No matter what, the other party is going to have Hillary. That’s no prize for them.

Comment by A guy Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:47 am
- A Guy -

Your “Team Trump”?

That’s fun.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:49 am
Maybe Trump will “Shake Up DC” and nominate David Duke as his running mate….

Comment by Mr How Ironic Friday, May 6, 16 @ 10:57 am
Just because Rauner publically states he isn’t going to the RNC, doesn’t actually mean he won’t be there.

Comment by Mama Friday, May 6, 16 @ 11:02 am
Trump: “Rauner said what? But on the phone he agreed to meet with me in Cleveland!”

Comment by Wensicia Friday, May 6, 16 @ 11:09 am
OW, I’m a GOP precinct captain. I had a different favorite before. That person left the race over a month ago. I despise the alternative. I’m supporting my party’s nominee. I have 98% of the time. I’m as much a Trump guy as I was a Romney guy. As a precinct captain, you’re biggest influence is much closer to home where people get less information on candidates further down the ballot. That’s always my focus. We’ve got a chance to snag a couple of seats in my district(s). That’s where the energy is going.

Comment by A guy Friday, May 6, 16 @ 11:18 am
===I’m supporting my party’s nominee.===

You support Trump.

Got it.

The rest is frivolous bluster. It was a sinple question I asked. You answered;

You support Trump.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 6, 16 @ 11:39 am
A guy
If Trump proves as unpopular in Illinois as Rauner and others think he will, then you can count on the Dems running against the Trump/Rep. So-and-So ticket. They will send out pictures of Trump with the targeted GOP legislators. Kind of how Republicans did with Blago and Todd Stroger back in ‘08.

Comment by anon Friday, May 6, 16 @ 11:45 am
Far scarier than Trump is that he got the votes that he did.

Comment by My New Handle Friday, May 6, 16 @ 11:53 am
@ OW,

Can we get a sneak peek at “Dad’s Home State - Convention Week”? Or is there even enough material to make an episode?

Comment by How Ironic Friday, May 6, 16 @ 11:58 am
Trump? Heck, I got two robocalls the other day tying my incumbent GOP state representative to Denny Hastert!

Comment by Original Rambler Friday, May 6, 16 @ 12:02 pm
===Can we get a sneak peek at “Dad’s Home State - Convention Week”? Or is there even enough material to make an episode?===

- How Ironic -

Here’s a taste…

Bruce looks out his windows, peeking through curtains as not to be seen…

Diana prepares her binder of Philadelphia tourists spots for the next week…

Diana’s State Employee is on a two-week pre-planned vacation

Lance tweets pictures of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees to Rep. Lang from the Chicago Hiuse of Blues…

Goldberg writes a letter to the Ohio Turnpike about crippling tourism…

“ck” emails a list Chicago rankings and touts “stay-cation” initiative…

Something like that is being bantered about in the Writers’ Room

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 6, 16 @ 12:11 pm
If Hillary teams up with Bernie as her vice, she will have no problem winning.

Comment by Mama Friday, May 6, 16 @ 1:16 pm
I think this is all overblown. Does the average voter really care who attends the conventions? I sure don’t.

Comment by downstater Friday, May 6, 16 @ 1:16 pm
Can anyone tell me why people voted for Trump?

If Trump is our next president. I can only hope congress can take away the president’s executive orders before Trump takes office.

Comment by Mama Friday, May 6, 16 @ 1:23 pm
Mama (btw, happy mama’s day) Why not go ahead and wish that presidential executive orders are taken away now? No one’s used them like the current guy.

Comment by A guy Friday, May 6, 16 @ 2:19 pm
–Why not go ahead and wish that presidential executive orders are taken away now? No one’s used them like the current guy.–

LOL, just can’t help yourself, can you? You hear Pavlov’s bell, and the talk-radio conditioned response is immediate.

Shockingly, your statement has no basis in reality.

http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/data/orders.php

Comment by wordslinger Friday, May 6, 16 @ 2:35 pm
===No one’s used them like the current guy.===

Wait, I thought you said you were just a precinct captain. Why are you impersonating Michael Beschloss?

Quit while you’re behind. You’ve already been proven wrong once already on this thread. Changing the topic hasn’t helped your credibility either.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, May 6, 16 @ 2:41 pm
The presidential campaign will be just like the Illinois’ past governor race - - an election where voters do not want either candidate. Unfortunately for Illinois, the one with the most $$ won. For the nation . . . who knows.

No matter which one wins in November - the country loses, in my opinion.

Comment by East Central Illinois Friday, May 6, 16 @ 3:16 pm
Sling, focus on “like”, not the number of times. 47, pick up some couth. You’re out of it.

Comment by A guy Friday, May 6, 16 @ 3:39 pm
I was thinking back to the time when so many were sure that Rauner would lose. Some believed it wouldn’t even be close. Naturally, this is his first and only term if you read here. What if Trump does win? Will the self-righteousness reach even new heights?

I am a precinct captain. And, I’ve seen this coming while talking to people this past cycle. It’s impossible here (on CF) to not sense the dissatisfaction of the current Gov. If you spend any time at all working precincts, it would be even more impossible to not pick up on how angry people are in this state about just about everything. It’s only a surprise if you’re paying absolutely no attention. Trump has a serious chance of winning and actually helping the ticket here. People are ticked.

Comment by A guy Friday, May 6, 16 @ 3:46 pm
–Sling, focus on “like”, not the number of times.–

What do you mean?

Comment by wordslinger Friday, May 6, 16 @ 4:05 pm
- A Guy -

And… you support Donald Trump.

Don’t forget that.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 6, 16 @ 4:24 pm