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Question of the day

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Illinois

* Busy as heck and basically got nothing. So, I’m declaring an open thread. Talk amongst yourselves. Try to keep it Illinois-centric. Thanks!

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:11 pm

Comments

How about those ???

Comment by BBG Watch Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:20 pm
What will Madigan’s response to Manar’s bill look like?

Comment by EdFundingObsessed Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:21 pm
Here’s a shout out for our Sen. Sam McCann for his support of automatic voter registration (SB 250). He wasn’t fooled by the fraud disinformation spread by opponents.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:28 pm
How much will yesterday’s rally help in the short term budget stalemate?

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:28 pm
Wonderful Rally yesterday. Now if we could get Madigan to say, “NO Contract with AFSCME? NO BUDGET!”

Comment by Union Man Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:29 pm
So why do you guys follow CapitolFax? I’ve been following for years and I think it’s the best news source in Illinois. So unique. I don’t even live in Illinois anymore but I still follow (for the LOL’z). Why can’t Rich be cloned and appear in other states (like California, where I live).

Comment by BK Bro Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:29 pm
- Norseman -

+1. Well done.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:30 pm
-BK Bro-

When work has taken me across the border to Indiana on legislative matters, this publication is sorely missed. You don’t realize how critical this is until you go somewhere that doesn’t have it.

Comment by Man with a plan Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:31 pm
-BK Bro-

I simply cannot imagine life if I were forced to rely on “traditional” news (newspapers, local televisions, radio) for information on what the hell goes on in Springfield. Don’ ever stop, Rich!

Comment by Terry Salad Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:35 pm
-Man with a plan - Seriously. There’s so much juicy stuff to cover in other states. I’ve spent my career in gov consulting/management on P3’s and the like and saw some wild stuff in Illinois. However, I see even WORSE in SoCal and New Mexico. If only CapitolFax could somehow franchise….

Comment by BK Bro Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:36 pm
= BK Bro @ 3:29 pm: “I’ve been following for years and I think it’s the best news source in Illinois.”=

I agree, Rich’s Blog and newsletter are top quality bi-partisan factual news that can not be found elsewhere. The other news outlets contain huge political spins anymore. We need another Rich at the federal level.

Comment by Mama Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:40 pm
From today’s post: ” *** UPDATED x1 - Comments now open *** Poll: Most Americans are living on the edge:

“Two-thirds of Americans would have difficulty coming up with the money to cover a $1,000 emergency, according to an exclusive poll released Thursday, a signal that despite years of recovery from the Great Recession, Americans’ financial conditions remain precarious as ever.”

This helps to explain why so many Americans all over the country are angry at the establishment politicians from both the Democratic and the Republican parties.

Comment by Enviro Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:41 pm
Rich, please have a quality person lined up to take over Capital Fax when you decide to retire.

Comment by Mama Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:42 pm
A great deal of the reason Rich’s blog is followed, read, studied “used” to try out message…

The great institutional knowledge found here, starting with Rich Miller himself, and on down to the commenters.

Then, there’s the scoops or posts and the dissecting of what’s going on. It’s the game in the game… in the game.

There’s also policy wonk stuff, real discussion about legislation, process, the advocates, and the dissenters… Governing gets as much play as the politics, including going deep in agencies.

The back stories, the why is vine red here that even columnists can’t go as deep. It’s one thing to report a move, but why, what’s going on now, what can it mean later

Plus, it’s entertaining, the blog has s life of its own, a personality, mirroring Rich, sure, but it also allows posts and comments to evolve an issue, rethink a policy or even change a campaign strategy. Personality does that, personality is persuasive.

It’s one in a million, often tried to be replicated, never duplicated.

And keep in mind, real political and governmental actors actually “may” comment here. Some that cover Illinois government in the press ” may” comment here.

Where else can you find a place with sommsbh involved in the governing of a state descend on one blog and actively participate?

Only Rich Miller can do that.

That’s not hyperbole, look around, there’s nothing as unique as this place.

It lives and breathes.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:43 pm
We are headed to Peoria and so is the BigBrain non Trump leader of IL GOPie should be fun

Comment by Annonin' Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:44 pm
“The why something happens that even columnists”

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:45 pm
I don’t get to Springfield much but a while back there was quite a bit of discussion about major repairs necessary to the Governor’s mansion. If I recall, BR indicated that he would pay for those repairs. Is that happening?

Comment by Stones Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:47 pm
Good, open discussion without the strident, profane, and often times willfully ignorant voices that are an all too common element of the Internet discourse these days.

Comment by Bronco Bahma Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:52 pm
=== How much will yesterday’s rally help in the short term budget stalemate? ===

Willy, I hate to be Donald Downer, but I don’t see it helping with the stalemate. Rauner could care less. Gov. I can take the arrows left town. I’m sure Dems were heartened and probably emboldened by the sight of the huge turnout. GOP legislators are still under orders by Rauner so they remain eligible for Rauner-bucks to offset the union opposition they’ll face.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:53 pm
So going back to yesterday, Rauner’s comment about “If ranting and raving could solve the budget problems…” that we riffed off of, and made me suggest Lee Elia, this came to me overnight.

“The moves we have made are MULTIFOLD! All right, they don’t show because we’re [$6B further in debt.] … and unfortunately, that’s the criteria of them dumb 1 percent that come out to [generously donate to campaign funds] The other 99 percent are earning a living. I tell you, it’ll take more than a [$5B] or [$6B] [or $14B] to destroy the makeup of this [State.] I guarantee you that. There’s some [rich] pros out there that wanna win!”

“What I’m tryin’ to say is don’t shoot slings and arrows at [the Republican legislators.] Rip me. If you wanna rip somebody, rip [me.] But don’t rip them [legislators] ’cause they’re givin’ everything they can give. And right now they’re tryin’ to do more than God gave ‘em, and that’s why we make the simple mistakes. That’s exactly why.”

The quote that keeps on quoting.

Comment by Skeptic Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 3:54 pm
Willy @ 3:43 PM +1

Comment by Norseman Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 4:00 pm
- Norseman -

Concur. Rauner and Rauner’s Crew’s response was telling, however.

Instead of embracing and basking in the rally, Rauner and the Crew took real offense to it.

It shocked me a bit. It felt as though Rauner took it personal, not as a governor-personal, but heart-felt (see what I did there) personal. Same with the Crew. There was no sympathy, empathy, but no empowering or a feeling of winning.

It won’t help the short term budget stalemate, but it wasn’t designed to move things, but highlight where things are wrong.

Rauner out of town was bad optics, for those following.

Concur, no help.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 4:00 pm
“If I recall, BR indicated that he would pay for those repairs. Is that happening? ”

The mansion is being repaired, but Rainer is not paying for it. Several private donations are paying for it.

Comment by Mama Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 4:02 pm
===but Rainer is not paying for it.===

To be fair, Governor and Mrs. Rauner are raising the private funds and I’m sure have made, and will continue to make, generous personal donations to complete the needed renovations.

There are plenty of things to criticize Governor Rauner for, but this isn’t one of them.

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 4:06 pm
Since this has, justifiably so, turned into a kudos to Cap Fax and Rich, I’ll add my 2 cents. With the day job don’t often have a chance to comment in peak commenting hours, but always enjoy reading through a days worth of comments. Not only do you get much more information and in greater detail than anywhere else, but as Bronco Bahma noted, a much better level of discourse. People actually put thought into their words and don’t just name-call and insult. We still don’t have a budget though.

Comment by West Side The Best Side Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 4:12 pm
Springfield, Illinois is the home of the corn-dog.

Comment by Ahoy! Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 4:33 pm
Uh-oh, looks like Frank might be in bigger trouble than we thought.

http://illinoistimes.com/mobile/articles/articleView/id:17236

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 4:33 pm
If you’re staying in Illinois, and you’re looking outside of Chicago for a 3-4 day vacation, where do you go?

- 47th Ward - spot on on the Mansion.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 4:36 pm
I assumed Rauner would love the huge Afscammy rally — takin’ it as proof that he’s a real rascal doin’ damage and winnin’. But is it possible he has feelings to hurt?

Comment by IllinoisBoi Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 4:39 pm
Yikes… That’s what - Wordslinger - wondered aloud if the Feds were on this… Ugh.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 4:39 pm
Any update on Lisa Madigan’s efforts to stop state worker pay?

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 4:45 pm
Frank and Sam same issue, different outcomes…..

Comment by Ghost Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 4:46 pm
After the revelation that Mautino is under scrutiny of a federal grand jury, can he really survive?

I know this is Illinois, but ….

Comment by Indochine Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 4:48 pm
What other news source has a mascot as fine as Oscar the puppy? Just part of the ambiance, you know?

Comment by Archiesmom Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 4:49 pm
>Frank might be in bigger trouble than we thought.

I don’t think you had heard the party line yet. Steve Brown dismisses any concerns as partisan.

To paraphrase the immortal words of Mayor Daley the elder, can’t a man help his kid inherit his house seat, so his kid in turn can help himself to his campaign funds.

Comment by some doofus Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 4:52 pm
Frank Mautino in big trouble?.
http://illinoistimes.com/article-17250-auditor-general-confirms-federal-probe.html

Comment by Georg Sande Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 4:52 pm
Arch, to paraphrase some of my fellow Illini: “Oscar the Puppy is not a mascot. He is a sacred symbol of all we hold dear at the Capitol Fax Blog.”

Great comments by OW!

Sad to see, but I think Frank may be done. Brownie needs to polish up the spin.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 5:00 pm
It will be interesting if the GOP decides to go after Frank, and how hard they go, given the vote totals he was confirmed by…

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 5:11 pm
I read the Fax every day. Open on my computer all day long. Been doing that for years. I’ve always felt guilty that I enjoy all the blog has to offer, but am not a subscriber. There is no way I could ever placate my wife if I told her I had subscribed and she saw the bill. Have no doubt, the Fax is worth every penny, and I would gladly subscribe if the home consequences weren’t so dire. Am I alone in my guilt? On another note, why are some of the commenter’s handles red and the rest are green? Does that also have to do with subscribers? Wondered for a long time, Rich gave me the perfect opportunity to ask.

Comment by Papa2008 Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 5:27 pm
== So why do you guys follow CapitolFax? ==

Always been a political news junkie, and this is the best there is in the State.

Plus if you want to get the ear of some of the players, this is the State to make your post on.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 5:31 pm
5:31pm is I. Phone is no longer auto-filling my user name.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 5:32 pm
== Gov. I can take the arrows left town. ==

That could be spun as AFSCME and the other unions ran Rauner out of town.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 5:37 pm
RNUG, have you cleared your cache lately? I have a similar problem for several days after I clear my cache.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 5:55 pm
I don’t see the need for automatic voter registration. There are lots of ways for people to register to vote that want to. I really doubt that people who don’t register to vote crying in their beer because they tried SO SO hard to vote and weren’t allowed to. I also doubt that people who are automatically registered to vote are going to be that much more likely to vote than if they had to intentionally register to vote.

Comment by thoughts matter Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 5:55 pm
So does Mautino try to beg off from complying with the ISBE now that the federales are on him?

Either way, not a good look for a new Auditor General. I suspect he’ll be the former Auditor General very soon. Too much heat.

For crying out loud, even in Illinois, you can’t be the subject of two investigations and hold that gig.

And I don’t think the after-Schock is over; I’m betting we’ll be seeing more reports on curious campaign and office expenditures before November. Lot of prospecting going on, anyway.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 6:02 pm
Papa2008
I am in the same boat. I do not subscribe I cannot afford to subscribe. I have been reading daily since Rauner was elected. I hope Mr.Miller receives some revenue for the activity on his blog. I think this blog should be part of the high school curriculum too.

Comment by Magic carpet ride Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 6:07 pm
- Norseman-

Yes. Had to, both cache and app data, in order to fix an email app. Also having to post 2 or 3 times in order to get one to go through.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 6:12 pm
== I hope Mr.Miller receives some revenue for the activity on his blog. ==

Rich gets some revenue from the ads. If you use an ad blocker program, help Rich by turning it off for Cap Fax (you can do that by site).

Comment by RNUG Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 6:15 pm
RNUG
thank you I will.

Comment by Magic carpet ride Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 6:18 pm
Help! I have failed Rich’s 12 step program for resolving the budget impasse. Try as I might, I just can’t see Rauner’s tactics as legitimate, nor equivalent to the tactics of the Dems. The damage he has done in a willful way is not within the bounds of decency. Now when he has proposed a balanced state budget that reflects his priorities, let me know. Sorry, Rich! I’m only human!

Comment by Jibba Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 7:11 pm
Decriminalize it Bruce!!!!

Comment by Matt P Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 7:11 pm
Update on old issue: guns and mental health from the Wash Post.

A 2014 analysis of the seizures in the Connecticut Law Review found that 80 percent of those who had guns taken away — most were men — had no history of mental illness. “The profile that emerges from Connecticut’s experience is that of people in crises,”

http://www.tampabay.com/news/nation/reforming-mental-health-system-wont-help-curtail-mass-shootings-experts-say/2278021

Comment by Liberty Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 7:31 pm
Willy. What about Giant City State Park? There are cabins available and the CCC era lodge serves great food. There are scenic views and wineries galore.

Comment by Former hillrod Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 7:43 pm
- Former hillrod -

Hey, thanks! I’ll check that out. Never been, so a new adventure.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 9:11 pm
Willy @ 3:43 + 2

Been away for 6 hours, just now catching up.

Comment by illini Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 9:24 pm
I will join the parade of cudos for the site. I have an area of expertise, and this is the only site I have found with a wide base of other truly knowledgeable people commenting.

It really appears that there is a similar group of experts in other areas as well. This is one of the only sites that I trust to correctly inform me in areas that I know I really need it.

Comment by titan Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 9:25 pm
- illini -

Crazy times are afoot…

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 9:31 pm
Thanks Willy - and you are so correct.

It has been a difficult several weeks for me but hopefully I can start adding more to the discussions on this site.

Comment by illini Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:12 pm
- illini -

Wishing you well, first and foremost. The current situation right now isn’t changing, sadly.

You take care

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:17 pm
Willy,
Try the Cache River Natural Area, not far from Giant City State Park. It is something special.

Comment by Fool On The Hill Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:27 pm
- Fool On The Hill -

Hey, thanks, I need to look into that place too. Would the fall be better there or anytime works?

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:34 pm
Really anytime works but I am always a fan of the changing seasons.

Comment by Fool On The Hill Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 10:45 pm
- Fool On The Hill -

Agreed, the changing seasons in all parts of the state is really special in so many places in this state. I may look in the fall there, I like the suggestion.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 11:02 pm
OW- Google “hog rock” if you want to see some wild times that happen in S Illinois. Never been and don’t intend, but was amazed on the goings on when someone told me about this annual event.

Comment by Anon221 Friday, May 20, 16 @ 12:17 am
Isn’t it time to declare that bringing a business model to public entities doesn’t work? Government isn’t a business. Schools are not a business. Prisons are not businesses.

Can we also agree that a cheap watch and a folksy vibe is not enough to govern a state?

Comment by doedoa Friday, May 20, 16 @ 8:44 am