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* UPDATED x2 - Rep. Bradley responds * Murphy: Madigan has “personal vendetta against the Governor that holds all of Illinois hostage”

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* Earlier this afternoon, I updated last night’s post about how some Republicans attempted to get into the House Democrats’ briefing on the various working groups.

Press release…

Statement from Sen. Matt Murphy (R-Palatine) regarding denial of entry into House briefing:

“As long time participants of the working group process, Rep. Brady and I were disappointed we were not allowed to ensure the presentation is factual. We are concerned this may not be an informational briefing, but rather a meeting designed to blow up the working group process. The truth is Democrat rank-and-file members have been willing to compromise on worker’s compensation, collective bargaining and pension reform.

I still believe there is time for a grand compromise to get a balanced budget and reforms before adjourning tomorrow night. I hope rank-and-file legislators will stand with us and not fall victim to the Speaker’s ongoing personal vendetta against the Governor that holds all of Illinois hostage.”

Yeah, everything’s just fine and dandy these days.

*** UPDATE 1 *** From the ILGOP…

“It is becoming clear that Mike Madigan’s personal dislike of the Governor is the only reason we can’t achieve compromise in Springfield. If Madigan was interested in finding a solution to this crisis before tomorrow night’s deadline, he would set aside his feelings towards the Governor and allow Republicans to attend these meetings, so that both sides can work together to reach a compromise before it is too late. If not, it’s finally time for rank-and file-Democrats to reject a leader who is intent on dragging down the state because of his bizarre obsession. Republicans remain committed to working across the aisle to reform the state and balance the budget. Democrats should join them instead of mindlessly carrying through Mike Madigan’s vendetta.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Steven Yaffe

*** UPDATE 2 *** Press release…

Good afternoon. Below is a statement from state Rep. John Bradley in response to earlier comments made by state Sen. Matt Murphy relative to informational meetings held among House Democrats on the ongoing working groups at the Capitol.

Rep. Bradley Responds to Rhetoric on Working Group Meetings

“We continue hearing from the governor and his allies suggesting a desire to work together with Democrats, but Senator Murphy’s negative rhetoric makes that much more difficult.

“The purpose of the informational meetings on the working groups, which I helped conduct, was to brief House Democrats on the status of the working groups and that we continue to meet and work toward points of compromise. Any claims to the contrary only serve to further undermine the bipartisan process that Democrats fully endorse, and suggest that Republican legislators and the governor have no real interest in compromise. And for legislators of one party to try to interject themselves into the meetings among legislators of the other party as a media stunt is unprecedented.

“House Democrats will continue to attend the working groups, and we will continue to work toward compromise on the governor’s issues where possible. The only opposition House Democrats may have is opposition to damaging attacks on the financial security, wages and standard of living of middle-class families.”

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, May 30, 16 @ 2:56 pm

Comments

Let’s make a grand compromise Matt. Governor Rauner opens up his secret meetings with secret agendas on secret calendars. You get to attend a Democratic caucus meeting.

Comment by Precinct Captain Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:00 pm
At this point, it is beginning to appear that he is not necessarily wrong.

This is becoming absurd, and it is not Rauner, the Senate Dems, or the rank-and-file standing in the way of compromise.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:01 pm
Of course they’re not “informational” meetings. If there truly and house Dems that want to compromise even a liTitle Madigan will shut that down immediately. NO way will there not be a unified front from the Dems whether it is reflective of their true personal feelings or not.

Comment by James Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:01 pm
Vagueness is not a good thing. I’m sure he meant that Madigan’s personal vendetta is holding the state hostage, but it sounds like Madigan has a personal vendetta - And Governor Rauner is holding that state hostage. I think I agree with the second interpretation.

Comment by Thoughts Matter Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:03 pm
What facts would they have brought? Inform the media of these facts. Simple.

Comment by Dr.X Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:03 pm
Looks like that Jack and Red Bull has a lasting 8mpact in Murf

Comment by Annonin' Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:07 pm
==This is becoming absurd, and it is not Rauner, the Senate Dems, or the rank-and-file standing in the way of compromise.==

You’re almost on the right track. It’s the lack of real budget numbers and documented TA savings that can be estimated for application to FUTURE budgets if they are ever realized. In the meantime, higher-ed and social services are being decimated over a battle to “save the soul of Illinois”. Sandack’s short-term pain is getting a little protracted don’t you think.

Comment by Markus Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:10 pm
Since when is it kosher for one partisan caucus to expect or demand access to another caucuses meetings?

Come on.

Comment by ILPundit Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:13 pm
==were not allowed to ensure the presentation is factual==

Why not work on the governor’s messaging instead? We’ve yet to hear factual information coming from your side, just more political hype like the above.

Comment by Wensicia Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:14 pm
I assume Sen Murphy is ok if Lou Lang comes to SGOP caucus meetings?

Comment by MadiganBot Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:19 pm
Don’t the Senate Republicans have a person in all these meetings? Why can’t Matt ask them?

Comment by 360 Degree Turnaround Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:21 pm
Here’s and idea: since we are delegitimizing caucus oriented issue briefings now, maybe we should just agree to dispense with partisan policy staffs? I mean, if the new standard is that partisan policy staff briefings should be open to all, we don’t need to pay for duplicative staffs. Let’s save some money!

Comment by ILPundit Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:22 pm
So is Senator Murphy willing to allow the Speaker to join the GOP caucus as their Governor explains his personal vendetta against the Speaker?

Comment by DuPage Bard Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:25 pm
Murphy calls it a House briefing, commenters call it a caucus. Not the same — which is it?

Comment by OldIllini Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:25 pm
You want in no problem just switch parties unless your the governor’s spy’s

Comment by Rabid Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:28 pm
Just grow up!

Comment by very old soil Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:34 pm
@Oldillini It was a briefing by House Democratic staff and leadership for House Democratic caucus members. Murphy’s request is pretty unprecedented

Comment by ILPundit Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:36 pm
We understand the SqueezeTheBeast group is tiny, but even that is not enough to warrant lettin’ Matt in.

Comment by Annonin' Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:39 pm
Matt, since the HDems wouldn’t let you in share the information with Rich. He’s got a nice readership among Dems. Plus you’ll educate us state govt watchers as to how reasonable or not you’re being. Otherwise I’ll take this as another of the multitude of political stunts being played by both parties.

Comment by Norseman Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:43 pm
Maybe Senator Murphy requires some medical attention here. These are absurd comments. From day one of his administration Rauner has publicly attacked Madigan. Rauner even found a candidate to run against Madigan in the Primary and gave this candidate a lot of money to fund his campaign. Now we learn that Madigan has it in for Rauner. Go figure.

Comment by The Dude Abides Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:44 pm
“Rep. Brady and I were disappointed we were not allowed to ensure the presentation is factual.”

Rep. Brady and I were disappointed we were not allowed to ensure the presentation was full of 1.4% talking points.

Fixed it for you.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:47 pm
This is so dumb. They’re like little kids. They’re fighting over being right which probably means neither side is right.

Comment by Belle Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:48 pm
This guy is crazy! Would you allow democrats in your briefing? Mr. Murphy you just want it your way! You need to grow up and quit acting like a kid! I’m sure these politicians are smart enough to know the truth. This budget will never get approved this year! I’m sick of the governor and both parties right now!

Comment by Coach Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:49 pm
P.S. Matt, you’ve got to be working off LRB drafts given the short time left. Give them to Rich.

Comment by Norseman Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:49 pm
In your Senate briefing!

Comment by Coach Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:51 pm
So…only 8 hours and change till midnight and this is what’s important. Sigh…

Comment by Sangamo Sam Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:54 pm
=== Speaker’s ongoing personal vendetta against the Governor that holds all of Illinois hostage. ===

You mean like the long-standing “fire Madigan” vendetta by GOP and Raunerites?

Comment by Norseman Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:54 pm
BTW it was handy that BigBrain handlers were hypin’ this meetin’ instead of BigBrain observation of Memorial Day at oak Ridge. Stay classy

Comment by Annonin' Monday, May 30, 16 @ 3:59 pm
I’ve been around partisan politics for more years than I care to admit, but when I hear these hypocritical and self serving remarks being quoted and getting coverage it makes me wonder. And this works both ways.

This charade that was pulled today is nothing short of being totally dishonest and disingenuous.

Playing to the media and the unenlightened citizens without telling the whole story!

Comment by illini Monday, May 30, 16 @ 4:19 pm
Why do the GOP fear the speaker? What could he possibly do to my govenor? Why can’t my salesman govenor sell the turnaround agenda?

Comment by Rabid Monday, May 30, 16 @ 4:19 pm
Give Me A Break - this posturing and grandstanding is not doing anything for our State.

Do Your Job ( if you can forget about the $20 million sledge hammer above your head ).

Comment by illini Monday, May 30, 16 @ 4:24 pm
Does anyone think “Fire Madigan” rings a bell to Murphy?

Comment by btowntruth Monday, May 30, 16 @ 4:46 pm
Only a governor can Veto Mr. Yaffe.

Know what I mean?

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 30, 16 @ 4:49 pm
“It is becoming clear that Bruce Rauner’s personal dislike of the Speaker is the only reason we can’t achieve compromise in Springfield. If Rauner was interested in finding a solution to this crisis before tomorrow night’s deadline, he would set aside his feelings towards the Speaker and allow Democrats to attend his private meetings with Republicans, so that both sides can work together to reach a compromise before it is too late. If not, it’s finally time for rank-and file-Republicans to reject a leader who is intent on dragging down the state because of his bizarre obsession. Democrats remain committed to working across the aisle to reform the state and balance the budget. Republicans should join them instead of mindlessly carrying through Bruce Rauner’s vendetta.”

Fixed

Comment by Wensicia Monday, May 30, 16 @ 4:49 pm
This one of them thar oodle oops?

The play now is that the Speaker is petty and he’s made it personal? Got it.

I hope the Governor enjoyed the farmers market this weekend.

Comment by LizPhairTax Monday, May 30, 16 @ 4:52 pm
I would suggest that this is an attempt by someone in a state of panic. Far from drawing the conclusion that Madigan is contemplating surrender the opposite is true. This Senator has become unhinged. It is, at a minimum ludicrous to think a Senator of the opposite party should be allowed into a Democrat House briefing to ensure anything. Thankfully, as far as we know, this did not turn into a need for police intervention.

Comment by an independent Monday, May 30, 16 @ 5:08 pm
IL Session Countdown

Comment by Norseman Monday, May 30, 16 @ 5:12 pm
Nobody likes the Governor

Comment by Willie Monday, May 30, 16 @ 6:34 pm
Are the house democrats ruling out a tax increase on middle class families which would lower their incomes and reduce their standard of living?

Comment by Lucky Pierre Monday, May 30, 16 @ 8:03 pm
I think the underlying main issue is that Rauner is completely untrustworthy.

Comment by Oldman Monday, May 30, 16 @ 8:11 pm
Am I the only one who believes that the Governor’s failure to submit a balanced budget has placed him in great peril?

Comment by Last Bull Moose Monday, May 30, 16 @ 8:35 pm
This embarrassing spectacle would not be happening if there was an adult strategy and concern for our state and its citizens.

The process can’t converge because it is based on concepts that can’t be reconciled because they are false. The budget was never leverage, but after 12 months and no TA the Governor keeps waiting for the payoff.

Comment by peon Monday, May 30, 16 @ 8:41 pm
I also have a personal vendetta against the governor that holds the entire state of Illinois hostage. LOL.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Monday, May 30, 16 @ 9:00 pm
Madigan clearly does not care about anything or anyone but himself. It’s straight out of the Daley school of governing. Let the next generation deal with the aftermath.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, May 30, 16 @ 11:50 pm
Matt, when you have time, look up the psychological concept of Projection…just sayin.

Comment by PublicServant Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 7:42 am
Madigan’s scorched earth tactics remind me of the two years that he spent as “Minority Leader” from 1995-1997. He waged a ceaseless campaign in the swing districts, sending mailers even in a non-election year, because his sole focus was upon regaining the Speaker’s position from the Republicans. That being said, I think that he is content to let this crisis continue through the November, 2016 election.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 31, 16 @ 8:31 am