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Failing on his mandate

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Illinois

* My weekly syndicated newspaper column…

Near the top of any list of Illinois government’s many problems is that House Speaker Michael Madigan has made a decades-long game out of messing with the minds and the agendas of our governors.

If there’s one constant since 1983, it’s Speaker Madigan’s jiu-jitsu moves against whoever happens to be governor. Sometimes he was wholly justified (particularly in the waning months of Rod Blagojevich’s administration), but he often appears to do this simply because he can. Just ask Pat Quinn. That guy never did figure out why Madigan messed with him on a constant basis.

Understandably, all that can get on one’s nerves. Governors can start seeing nefarious plots where none actually exist—like when Gov. Bruce Rauner recently shut down a leaders meeting after Senate President John Cullerton spit-balled an idea about a stopgap budget to get the state past the election. Rauner thought at the time that it was somehow a plot by Madigan to scuttle the nonbudget negotiations, even though Madigan said during the meeting that he didn’t support his fellow Democrat’s idea.

I do give Rauner some credit, however. The guy has some jiu-jitsu moves of his own. The governor eventually flip-flopped and decided to demand passage of a stopgap appropriations bill at almost literally the spring session’s eleventh hour, completely reversing course from just a few days earlier when he rejected the same idea from Cullerton.

Madigan had told Rauner and the other leaders that he’d only support a stopgap proposal for this fiscal year, not next. So, Rauner can now once again blame Madigan, with justification this time, if a stopgap isn’t approved and the government completely falls apart.

But the governor’s default position that Madigan and the Democrats are to blame for almost everything wrong under the sun also recently got him in a bit of trouble. Rauner embarked on a mostly downstate PR tour designed to loudly blame the Democrats for their inability to yet again close a deal on the budget and his economic reforms.

During that tour, Rauner accused Democrats of shying away from “tough votes” on things like Exelon’s corporate bailout, according to the Quad City Times. Exelon had just announced that it was closing two downstate nuclear power plants because it couldn’t get its bailout legislation passed.

Passing Exelon’s bill wouldn’t have been a “tough” vote—it would’ve been a stupid vote.

The bill simply isn’t soup yet. Yes, negotiators got closer than they ever did in the spring session’s final days. But the interests that weren’t at the negotiating table have yet to have their say.

The only way a massive corporate subsidy for an otherwise fabulously profitable company can be passed is if all four legislative leaders and the governor are pulling in the same direction. And that can’t happen until all stakeholders have their say.

Without that progress, voting to hike electricity rates on just about everybody to save some jobs is both legislative and political stupidity. And to grant the company over $2 billion in subsidies that cannot be clawed back if the plants become profitable is, frankly, ridiculous.

Not to mention that one of those districts with a nuke plant targeted for closure is represented by Republican Rep. Bill Mitchell. I happen to admire the guy for his survival skills, but he has made a career out of railing against welfare and demanding that Chicago secede from the state. To bail out his district while the governor publicly fumes on an almost daily basis about not wanting to help Chicago’s fiscally bereft public school system is unrealistic in the extreme.

And despite saying that he has “focused” on this problem for “quite a while,” and was “in there fighting hard,” Rauner never once mentioned Exelon’s legislation at the leaders meetings. His staff also reportedly waved off an inquiry by House Democratic staff about where the governor stood. As the Quad City Times noted in an editorial, Rauner never made any sort of firm public commitment to the proposal except to have his staff say the matter was “under review.”

This Exelon finger-pointing put the governor’s gamesmanship on display. He’s never to blame. He’s just a helpless victim of the Democrats.

If the governor has any mandate at all from the voters it’s to “Shake up Springfield,” like he endlessly promised during the campaign. It was, by far, the defining issue for candidate Rauner. And nobody personifies Springfield in voters’ minds more than Speaker Madigan. To constantly portray himself as powerless to stop Madigan’s sorcery is essentially an admission of failure.

One day, people are gonna catch on to this.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 9:18 am

Comments

That certainly was an interesting and thought provoking article. I started typing, and I realized I need some more time to digest the myriad of issues.

Thanks Rich. I do appreciate really well thought out arguments.

Comment by Delimma Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 9:29 am
Up till now, the people I’ve talked to about the possibility of the Clinton shutdown have “Blamed Madigan”. This weekend I explained (calmly) to them that Rauner was most likely to have vetoed the legislation anyway. I could see their wheels starting to turn…

The game of “catch” is on.

Comment by Anon221 Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 9:32 am
—-Near the top of any list of Illinois government’s many problems is that House Speaker Michael Madigan has made a decades-long game out of messing with the minds and the agendas of our governors.—-

I’m not pro-term limits, but this is a good argument for them.

Comment by A Modest Proposal Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 9:33 am
—
I’m not pro-term limits, but this is a good argument for them.
—

And ignore the fact that his constituents keep voting for him?

*scratching head*

Comment by Formerly Known as Frenchie M Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 9:38 am
If you’re an independent Illinois voter, the kind that doesn’t care about the endless war between partisans on both sides who just wants to live in a functioning state, and after years of the Democrats in charge you voted for Bruce Rauner because you wanted to see what a Republican administration could do what have you got so far for that vote? Two years in and the Governor hasn’t passed a budget in either year, he hasn’t even said what balanced budget he would support, and the state is in far worse shape now than when he took office. In 2014 Rauner’s campaign platform was “I’ve been successful in everything I’ve ever done, and I’m a leader,” and now all he offers is excuses and blaming others.

This is not success.

Comment by The Captain Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 9:40 am
His constituents know he’d do anything for them and to continue to improve the state. He’s one of the most revered politicians in the nation, hands down.

Comment by cgo75 Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 9:44 am
===His constituents know he’d do anything for them and to continue to improve the state. He’s one of the most revered politicians in the nation, hands down.===

Who? The pronoun game isn’t helping your argument… or snark…

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 9:46 am
Not snark in the least. I’m referring to Speaker Madigan. Sorry I left his name out, OW.

Comment by cgo75 Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 9:48 am
Gov. Rauner is learning lessons that every political chief executive has to learn: A House Speaker’s name is never on a statewide (or national) ballot, and he/she is there because of good constituent services in his/her district.

It has ever been thus, nationally and on a state level.

Comment by Bryan Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 9:49 am
Rauner is not failing. His goals, as revealed by his actions, are clear, and he is succeeding.

The fact that he knows he has to disown his goals even as he achieves them is gobsmacking.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 9:54 am
So Madigan has been OODA Looping governors and the great OODA Looper for years. He just doesn’t have frat boys among his staff who are too giddy to brag about tactics.

Comment by Norseman Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 9:59 am
—–
Two years in and the Governor hasn’t passed a budget in either year, he hasn’t even said what balanced budget he would support, and the state is in far worse shape now than when he took office. In 2014 Rauner’s campaign platform was “I’ve been successful in everything I’ve ever done, and I’m a leader,” and now all he offers is excuses and blaming others.
—–

The idea that after 30 years of rule in IL that the Madigan/IL-Dems are just going to roll over for Rauner is foolish. Americans/Voters lack patience and a long-term perspective; your comments are myopic.

I wouldn’t care if there wasn’t a budget in four years, as long as the Madigan controlled house majority is whittled down and there is light at the end of the tunnel for a long-term, growing and fiscally responsible IL.

Comment by PalumbrasWay Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:09 am
If you’re an independent Illinois voter, the kind that doesn’t care about the endless war between partisans on both sides who just wants to live in a functioning state …

The idea that after 30 years of rule in IL that the Madigan/IL-Dems are just going to roll over for Rauner is foolish. Americans/Voters lack patience and a long-term perspective; your comments are myopic.

I wouldn’t care if there wasn’t a budget in four years, as long as the Madigan controlled house majority is whittled down and there is light at the end of the tunnel for a long-term, growing and fiscally responsible IL.

You lack basic reading comprehension.

Comment by The Captain Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:21 am
===I wouldn’t care if there wasn’t a budget in four years, as long as the Madigan controlled house majority is whittled down and there is light at the end of the tunnel for a long-term, growing and fiscally responsible IL.===

Is this you, Gov. Rauner? LOL.

Your pathetic way you think of this state and people is noted.

See you in church.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:21 am
–I wouldn’t care if there wasn’t a budget in four years, as long as the Madigan controlled house majority is whittled down and there is light at the end of the tunnel for a long-term, growing and fiscally responsible IL.–

LOL, please give us your definition of “fiscally responsible,” in the current context.

And based on your obvious capacity for deep thinking, the most important question is: Khloe or Kendall?

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:23 am
That was fast….

http://news.wsiu.org/post/first-hundred-clinton-plant-jobs-disappear-next-week#stream/0

Comment by Anon221 Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:25 am
==I wouldn’t care if there wasn’t a budget in four years, as long as the Madigan controlled house majority is whittled down and there is light at the end of the tunnel for a long-term, growing and fiscally responsible==

I’m guessing you’re more of a fan of Mad Max movies than Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, am I right?

Comment by AC Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:26 am
Good column and opinion, Rich.

Thanx.

Comment by John Reynolds Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:26 am
pls chk address of cgo75, I think it might BE Mike Madigan

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:28 am
“I wouldn’t care if there wasn’t a budget in four years, as long as the Madigan controlled house majority is whittled down and there is light at the end of the tunnel for a long-term, growing and fiscally responsible IL.”

So we should destroy the village in order to save it?

I’ve seen how that picture ends and it ain’t pretty.

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:32 am
I wouldn’t care if there wasn’t a budget in four years, as long as the Madigan controlled house majority is whittled down and there is light at the end of the tunnel for a long-term, growing and fiscally responsible IL.

Your words display stunning ignorance, a lack of compassion and no of comprehension of the role of state government. Not to mention that the Governor’s actions are far more likely to strengthen and galvanize his opposition.

Comment by Fool On The Hill Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:40 am
Loved the column.

I’m no Madigan apologist; I think Madigan has been bad for the state.

But if you are going to be governor of Illinois, you ought to know the success of your reign depends on whether you can work with Madigan. It isn’t as if his presence was a surprise.

Comment by Robert the Bruce Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 11:00 am
==I wouldn’t care if there wasn’t a budget in four years, as long as the Madigan controlled house majority is whittled down==
Unfortunately, Madigan may have a similar feeling on the budget, along with the opposite feeling on the house majority.

Comment by Robert the Bruce Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 11:02 am
>I wouldn’t care if there wasn’t a budget in four years, as long as the Madigan controlled house majority is whittled down and there is light at the end of the tunnel for a long-term, growing and fiscally responsible IL.

On the topic of “whittling”–aren’t you frustrated that did not choose to do some whittling and get some positive reforms passed last year with a stable budget rather than drive us off the cliff?

Comment by Earnest Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 11:50 am
Robert the Bruce +1

Comment by Honeybear Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 12:52 pm
@anon221…

Excelon has watched the struggle at the Statehouse and decided maybe that’s how to get something done.

So they’ve taken hundreds of jobs as hostages and announced they will execute 100 very soon to show they mean business.

BTW, those first 100 are the type of folks that can probably least afford to be out of work - but from the company standpoint they can be quickly recalled/their work resumed once the ransom has been paid.

what a mess.

Comment by BluegrassBoy Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 3:38 pm
While I don’t disagree with your general thesis, there have been very wide variations in the way Madigan has dealt with different governors. He had a generally good relationship with Jim Thompson, and a quite excellent rapport with George Ryan (the most effective governor of our era). With Jim Edgar, ties were much more tense, leading to an overtime session of 19 days in 1991 regarded as almost cataclysmic event in that more innocent time.

Relations between Madigan and Blagojevich of course devolved into all-out war, but many forget that Blagojevich’s first legislative session in 2003 was a productive one in which much significant legislation was enacted (for example, union card check and refinancing of the State pension debt), despite the already evident hostility between the two men which flared at the 2002 State Fair, and despite the under-the- table contempt the seasoned Madigan staff had for Blagojevich neophytes.

Quinn is a different matter. Notwithstanding Quinn’s serious deficiencies as governor, both Madigan and Cullerton appeared inordinately hostile to him.

Comment by Quiet Sage Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 6:43 pm
–Notwithstanding Quinn’s serious deficiencies as governor, both Madigan and Cullerton appeared inordinately hostile to him.–

LOL. Quinn was the proverbial nobody that nobody sent.

From an old Illinois Issues article:

–Put simply, Quinn is a man politicians love to hate. When Quinn was introduced to the House in 1976, House Majority Leader Michael Madigan told Quinn he was not worthy of being called an Irishman. Independent Chicago Democratic Sen. Dawn Clark Netsch, one of Quinn’s former law professors at Northwestern University’s Law School, once said Quinn should be strung feet first from the brass rail encircling the third floor of the Capitol rotunda. House Speaker William Redmond said he wanted to get Quinn slated as a congressional candidate two years ago to “either get him elected or, more surely, get him out of our hair.”–

My favorite subhead from the article, in regards to Quinn: “Gadfly or Hypocrite?”

http://www.lib.niu.edu/1980/ii800204.html

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 7:01 pm
Rich,

Are you honestly under the impression that Madigan and Cullerton aren’t thick as thieves? Everything they do is plotted out. Together. Fact.

Comment by Roscoe Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:54 pm