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Locusts!!!

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* Gov. Rauner was asked today about these quotes from just before the impasse started…

Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner kicked off a campaign-style statewide tour Monday by indicating he’ll try to “leverage” the state’s money woes into securing a series of pro-business changes from a General Assembly controlled by Democrats likely to fiercely oppose them. […]

“Crisis creates opportunity. Crisis creates leverage to change … and we’ve got to use that leverage of the crisis to force structural change,” said Rauner […]

Pressed to explain, Rauner simply said: “Crisis. Crisis creates leverage.”

* The governor’s response…

“I didn’t create this crisis. I did not create this crisis. This was created by Speaker Madigan’s supermajority. They created it in the past under taxing and spending bills. They’re creating it now. I’m trying to find a solution to the crisis.”

Kind of ignores those approp vetoes from last year and everything that has gone on since.

* I can’t help but be reminded me of this classic Blues Brothers quote…

No, I didn’t. Honest… I ran out of gas. I… I had a flat tire. I didn’t have enough money for cab fare. My tux didn’t come back from the cleaners. An old friend came in from out of town. Someone stole my car. There was an earthquake. A terrible flood. Locusts! IT WASN’T MY FAULT, I SWEAR TO GOD!

Not to say that this is all Rauner’s fault. It ain’t. But it’s just ridiculous that he won’t own even a tiny bit of it in the face of that very direct, very clear April, 2015 quote.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 5:07 pm

Comments

The guy will say anything. But his actions are clear.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 5:10 pm
===Kind of ignores those approp vetoes from last year and everything that has gone on since.===

Ron Sandack jumped in to save the Governor on a question today, “check the tape”… To the Owl and this, they both can’t ignore…

RonSandack: I’m frustrated 2, but taking steps towards reforming IL more important than short term budget stalemate. - Ron Sandack, 9/28/15

The tiring aspect of Rauner and Raunerites is this constant refusal to ignore their own words when reminded of them.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 5:11 pm
Dude’s pretty good at staying on message. Even when confronted with his own off-message remarks.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 5:11 pm
I’m always amazed when people think politicians should admit mistakes or take the blame that they so rightfully deserve. Do they really think the politican will go to a microphone and say, “Oops, my bad.”

Comment by Not It Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 5:11 pm
There you have it, straight from the horse’s mouth. His strategy all along was to create a catastrophic climate so he could push his own agenda. This is not the way to run a state. Whatever was left of “Compassionate” Republicans in power is long gone.

Comment by Valerie F. Leonard Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 5:12 pm
When Rahm wears his prop sweater, he “owns” quite a bit of the mistakes he makes.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 5:13 pm
The Governor is not going to come out of this looking good. His pride and ego are his worst enemies, not the Speaker.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 5:14 pm
Rauner is a smart man, but does he really believe everything he says? If that’s the cased and nothing can get through him besides his Turnaround agenda, then he’s surely living in an alternative reality.

Comment by Bleh Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 5:15 pm
Frankly the Blues Brothers are more believable.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 5:15 pm
When I saw the heading “Locusts”, I thought you were writing about the Plagues that are coming our way because of Rauner’s decisions.

Comment by Valerie F. Leonard Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 5:15 pm
What does it say about him when his entire administration is built on deception?

I mean, all politicians lie to some degree. But this is kind of breathtaking. What is he trying to do that requires all of the misdirection and obfuscation?

More importantly, given this track record, why should anyone believe anything he says, ever?

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 5:20 pm
Still playing the victim ———-

At least he is consistent and stays on message.

Comment by illini Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 5:22 pm
“It’s not if I believe it, it’s if I can get others to believe it” - Fake Bruce Rauner

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 5:26 pm
Just how well did the “Madigan Supermajority” poll. It’s all the guy can say.

Comment by TominChicago Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 5:28 pm
“Jerry, just remember, it’s not a lie if you believe it.”

-George Costanza.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 5:28 pm
Rauner:…this crises….created by Madigan…under taxing…

That’s right governor, UNDER taxing, the tax rate was too low for many years, and is too low now.

Comment by DuPage Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 5:29 pm
He denies creating the crises, but not the “leverage” he’s instigated and continued since he took office. But, now that’s called finding solutions?

Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 5:36 pm
How embarrassingly disingenuous can Rauner be?

I guess he “means what he says” and “lies when he needs to”?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 5:36 pm
The dems should start sending this quote out all over the state in all types of media. Let Rauner try to disavow all he wants, it’s a direct, verified quote. Reminds me of another movie - Austin Powers where Dr. Evil over-obviously spells out the details of his nefarious plan to the audience. Cat can’t be put back in the bag.

Comment by Jeep Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 5:40 pm
To quote Homer Simpson - Rauner rightly can say …”It was like that when I got here “

Comment by Remington Rick Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 5:40 pm
I can just see the split screen ads now with Rauner debating himself on the who, what, when, why, and how of crisis. If nothing else, letting him run wild right now may just write some opposition ads easily for the Dems. Rauner doesn’t perform well when firmly backed into a corner on the hard questions.

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 5:43 pm
Rauner cannot lose at all he is correct that he did not create the mess ( at least directly). He just has to stay on topic and keep preaching. I am familiar with this let me tell you and if you keep saying the same thing someone might decide you are right.

The problem is that Bruce was elected to handle the situation at least better than he has and to provide some answer. My question is he keeps talking union busting and cuts but that does not make up for balancing the budget. He is yet to show that figure and how it works.

Keep preaching Bruce…………… but lets see the resurrection in dollars or your message is without power.

Comment by Cleric dcn Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 5:50 pm
The more often you say it, the more likely people are to believe it’s true. That’s what he’s banking on. And according to the polling, it’s working.

Comment by Archiesmom Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 5:50 pm
==I’m always amazed when people think politicians should admit mistakes or take the blame that they so rightfully deserve. Do they really think the politican will go to a microphone and say, “Oops, my bad.” ==

I would frankly respect any given politician more if they did own up to their mistakes, misstatements, boneheaded policies, and so forth. It’s what I do,it’s what I consider ethical.

Comment by thoughts matter Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 5:53 pm
I don’t think any of our politicians in Washington, Springfield or Chicago know the meaning of Mea Culpa. I missed all of the apologies for the errors we have made over the past few decades.

Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 5:58 pm
Rauner’s version of Emanuel’s =Never let a good crisis go to waste=

Frankly, we might be better off with the Blues Brothers running the mansion, the GA and Chicago than the current leadership.

At least the orphans would be taken care of. That much the state could rely on.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 6:01 pm
– I missed all of the apologies for the errors we have made over the past few decades.–

The Victim Force is strong in this one.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 6:02 pm
That contradiction is a real paradox

Comment by Rabid Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 6:05 pm
Wordslinger I missed your demands Madigan and Cullerton apologize for anything especially the failure to agree on a Democratic budget.

Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 6:08 pm
===How embarrassingly disingenuous can Rauner be?===

I don’t know, but I think we’re going to find out eventually.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 6:10 pm
I think a 30 second spot showing “the wedge” quote, followed up with the trib “crisis” quote read aloud would outline the cause of the impasse better than any politician could articulate.

Comment by dominionhinny Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 6:10 pm
Really amusing that someone who blatantly lies every time he steps in front of a reporter fancies himself as a corruption fighter.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 6:11 pm
–Wordslinger I missed your demands Madigan and Cullerton apologize for anything especially the failure to agree on a Democratic budget.–

I don’t generally going around asking for apologies, from anyone.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 6:13 pm
Willful Perfidy or Salesmanship…your choice

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 6:19 pm
===I don’t know, but I think we’re going to find out eventually.===

Going more embarrassingly disingenuous then ignoring his own words will sink Rauner lower and lower in the purity of simple honesty.

Lower than this… Whoa. “Who” would be left to believe anything he would say?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 6:21 pm
Who may I ask will play the part of the mystery woman who was played by Carrie Fisher?

The mystery woman was Jake’s former fiancé who has lost her patience and then some, much like the citizens of Illinois.

Maybe we will see the mystery woman confront the Governor in an upcoming episode of “Dad’s Home State”, if we are lucky.

Comment by Chicago 20 Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 6:28 pm
Bluto did become a politician

Comment by Rabid Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 6:32 pm
===in an upcoming episode of “Dad’s Home State”, if we are lucky.===

Carrie Fisher turned us down…

… for now

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 6:32 pm
None of this matters now. There will be no budget during Rauner’s first term, so the issue now is how to counter and neutralize Rauner in 2018.

I hope Kennedy runs. I hope Madigan runs. I hope Raoul runs.

We need someone to beat Rauner and end this. That’s the only hope at this point.

Locusts? Whatever. It doesn’t matter.

Comment by Macbeth Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 6:37 pm
==Who may I ask will play the part of the mystery woman who was played by Carrie Fisher?==

Unfortunately, the woman, no mystery, capable of dealing with Rauner is no longer with us. JBT.

Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 6:38 pm
Sun-Times proclaims the emporer’s clothes are getting see-through!

http://chicago.suntimes.com/opinion/editorial-we-cant-unscramble-rauners-mixed-message/

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 6:39 pm
Rauner’s lost. He’s a lost cause.

Until folks realize this — and act accordingly — there’s no deal to be made.

Comment by Macbeth Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 6:59 pm
The democrats never listened to a word Quinn or Blago said. Republicans wouldn’t listen to this guy either, but for his money. Sad. Buck his money

Comment by Longsummer Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 7:08 pm
And you want to be my latex salesman.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 7:58 pm
I guess when you make a million a week you’re insulated from reality. Don’t want to believe you might be a part of the problem? Don’t. He has a lot of money to get this message out so it could be more like Blago’s attack on JBT. Don’t underestimate the power of money combined with the ‘low information’ voter.

Comment by Sense of a Goose Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 8:09 pm
There’s no question this is the result of a deliberate plan on Rauner’s part to create “crisis” and “leverage.” From 2012:

“In Illinois there’s been a long-time history of what I would call social service, social justice, a bigger role for government in the safety net than in many other states,” Rauner said at a tax policy conference sponsored by the George W. Bush Institute. “I think we can drive a wedge issue in the Democratic Party on that topic and bring the folks who say, ‘You know what? For our tax dollars, I’d rather help the disadvantaged, the handicapped, the elderly, the children in poverty. I’d rather have my tax dollars going to that than the SEIU or Af-scammy (AFSCME), who are out there for their own interests.’”

http://wuis.org/post/illinois-issues-social-cost-rauner-v-labor#stream/0

Comment by Louis Capricious Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 8:15 pm
Rauner seems to have one or two overarching goals: 1.) destroying the Democratic Party and/or 2.) destroying labor unions. Agreeing to a budget is incompatible with those goals.

Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 8:40 pm
===Carrie Fisher turned us down…==

And the Dill Pickle is gone too. Sigh. Loved that place.

Comment by Way Way Down Here Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 8:48 pm
A million miles from the TA, half tank of gas, it’s dark, and he’s wearing sun glasses.

Comment by PENSIONS ARE OFF LIMITS Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 8:50 pm
Rich,
How about coming up with a list of words that Rauner cannot use in his press conferences, due to being unprofessional and suitable for a governor that needs to work constructively with the Speaker and President? Kind of like the words that can get a commenter BANNED from Capitolfax? Madigan and Cullerton speak with some class, Rauner surely does not. “Corrupt” immediately comes to mind s one word that Rauner uses frequently that is not constructive.

Comment by Big Joe Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 9:10 pm
Gee, it only took a member of the media 16 months or so to ask that question. (Sarcastic golf clap)

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 9:25 pm
The Official Press Conference Phrase Book:

1) “I’m outraged” -> “it’s going according to plan”

2) “X told me Y” -> pretty much anything other than that.

3) “Bipartisan solution” -> Dunkin will vote for it.

4) “Corrupt” -> people who don’t agree with me.

5) “Madigan & Cullerton” -> my middle management.

6) “Radogno & Durkin” -> my lower middle management.

7) “Structural reform” -> armageddon for unions.

…

Comment by peon Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 9:25 pm
Rauner didn’t count on the court orders neutralizing his ability to create a “crisis”. You saw a while ago that he made “a top priority” this coming year the removal of court ordered payments. He lost any “leverage” he thought he had as now it is a slow death of a thousand cuts, no one causing the uproar he thought he could create.

Comment by retired guy Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 9:40 pm
== We need someone to beat Rauner and end this. That’s the only hope at this point.==

That’s about the size of it.

Comment by James Knell Thursday, Jun 9, 16 @ 1:03 am
And he was apparently wrong. He doesn’t seem to have any leverage at all.

Comment by Zaphod Thursday, Jun 9, 16 @ 6:19 am
Springfield is a charming place. When the current president took office, everything was Bush’s fault into his second term. When the president refused to compromise with Congress, Congress was on the hook. Why don’t thise same principles apply in Springfield? At least Rauner has offered to negotiate–something President Obama never did.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 9, 16 @ 7:00 am
He who holds hostages takes and deserves ALL blame.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 9, 16 @ 7:13 am
Are we better off now as a state than before Rauner took office? Great stride, pal/s

Comment by AnonymousOne Thursday, Jun 9, 16 @ 8:02 am
I notice in some of the comments, and I have had heard this for years, that Rauner is rich so he must be very smart. Is that a logical conclusion? Is it possible that he has simply been willing to do things that most people aren’t willing to do to make his money? If smart equated to money, then all of the professors @ Harvard would be Billionaires.

Comment by Former State Employee Thursday, Jun 9, 16 @ 8:11 am
Recall Runer?

Comment by doedoa Thursday, Jun 9, 16 @ 8:44 am
Professors (and teachers in general) are paid poorly because although we say we value education and those who provide it, collectively, we do not because we don’t want to pay for it. After most folks get what they need from educators, they proceed to trash them. Not all cultures are like ours. Many hold their teachers at any level at the highest esteem. But in America, we use up, trash and move on. Just like our cars.

But that was a sidetrack. Rauner is cunning. There’s a great difference between smart and opportunistic con artists who know how to swindle and those who are truly intelligent. I fear we’re not dealing with true intelligence.

Comment by AnonymousOne Thursday, Jun 9, 16 @ 8:54 am
Valerie -
Any time a natural disaster hits Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Florida, Louisiana, etc… I like to say that the Red States need to get right with the Lord.

Comment by Triple fat Thursday, Jun 9, 16 @ 8:56 am
The Governor could have just gone along with Madigan and continued down the path to a fiscal debacle. I, for one, am glad he did not. This state needs major structural changes and I admire the Governor for trying to get us back on a responsible fiscal track. Is he a bull in a china shop–of course. Maybe that is what we need.

Comment by Peoria Guy Thursday, Jun 9, 16 @ 9:02 am
===This state needs major structural changes and I admire the Governor for trying to get us back on a responsible fiscal track.===

That’s fun. It’s 1.4% or $500+ million… or the continued decimation of social services…

Those are Rauner’s. You can’t applaud Rauner not wanting compromise, and then Absolve Rauner for holding hostages.

So… - Peoria Guy -… Illinois should “hang in there”?

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 9, 16 @ 9:06 am
Rauner is more than willing to compromise. He has dropped many of his “demands”. Madigan is the one who continues to lead us down the path to fiscal chaos. It just astounds me that some people want to continue down that road and do not see where Madigan has us headed.

Comment by Peoria Guy Thursday, Jun 9, 16 @ 9:10 am
- Peoria Guy -

While Rauner “cries” in these schools he can’t remember the names of, he should look for 71 and 36.

I’ve yet to meet someone who thinks compromisin’ is to continually bash the people you’d like to compromise with.

Read the Sun-Times editorial yesterday, then get back to all of us. The mixed messaging and lacking of trust are now Rauner calling cards.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 9, 16 @ 9:16 am