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Painting a target on her back

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Illinois

* We’ve discussed this before, but here’s the AP…

Gov. Bruce Rauner is trying to weave a wider web of blame for the state budget mess, extending his criticism of House Speaker Michael Madigan and other Democratic lawmakers to Attorney General Lisa Madigan, the speaker’s daughter.

But Lisa Madigan dismisses the Republican’s claims that she too is trying to “create a crisis” that would force a tax increase.

Rauner noted last week that Madigan, a Democrat, is pushing the courts to declare that state workers should not continue to get paid without a budget appropriation, something that has eluded Springfield for more than a year.

Madigan, who is serving her fourth term as attorney general, declined to comment directly on Rauner’s remarks. And it’s unclear if she will continue to pursue the worker pay issue, saying in a statement that “the best way to ensure state employees are paid for the rest of this fiscal year and all of the next fiscal year is for the governor to work with the legislature to pass an appropriation to cover state employee pay.”

From what I’m hearing, I believe the Rauner folks are hoping to find a strong challenger to AG Madigan in 2018. They really do not respect/like her, the governor included. And they firmly believe she’s doing her father’s bidding.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 12:21 pm

Comments

–They really do not respect/like her, the governor included–

Geez, what is this, high school? Grow up and do your job.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 12:25 pm
they can have Dunkin run against her and spend millions and millions on the race. Maybe they can take on Jesse white too….

So the gov takes leadership advice from Trump it seems, war with everyone who hurts your feelings.

Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 12:25 pm
Whoever they get, that candidate will be well funded, most likely have NO primary challenge and from Jump Street, for 14, 15, even 16 months of hammering and shaking the Attorney General.

April of 2017… The tearing down of Lisa Madigan will begin.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 12:26 pm
The governor is guilty of everything that he’s accusing the Democrats of doing.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 12:33 pm
The thermonuclear device she holds is, I think, the only thing that could stop The Great Labor war from happening. His whole scheme would crash. He would be robbed of a sin eater. He would have to share blame with Madigan for the budget. He might even get blamed for not having a budget since he’s spent all him time setting up this great hostage scenario with the Great Labor War to blame in the end. He could lose it all just before the elections. I think L. Madigan is going to pop the nuke. I can’t figure out when though. I don’t think it has to do with who she is as much as it does the detonator that she is holding. Sure she’s a Madigan but if Mother Teresa were holding the detonator Rauner would be on her like a Puma on a Peacock.

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 12:35 pm
Just curious, we’ve been hearing Rauner say Lisa is gearing up to take legal action or months. But has she actually done anything yet?

Comment by ILPundit Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 12:36 pm
Just tells you how off base the Rauner folks really are. Lisa has never done her father’s bidding. Just ask him. She is an intelligent female AG who has done wonders for the consumers of this state.

Comment by Tom Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 12:38 pm
It seems futile to run against her, but if she decides to sue that could make her vulnerable. If the AG sues, this would mark a second attempt at forcing a stoppage of payment to state employees (and forcing a shutdown) during the impasse.

In contrast, Rauner insisted on paying state employees throughout the prior FLSA dispute and also continued paying AFSCME members even after the contract expired as rumors were being spread of a lockout.

Democratic House Speaker refuses to compromise, meet privately with the Governor, or respond to peace gestures in kind + Democratic AG sues for a second time to stop payment of state employees and force a shutdown = Because Rauner and his allies? Not on this. She would have difficulty defending her second attempt at a pay stoppage during that campaign.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 12:38 pm
“…is pushing the courts to declare that state workers should not continue to get paid without a budget appropriation,”

Actually, she not “pushing” at all. She hasn’t appealed the St. Clair County judge’s decision ordering employees to be paid, despite a subsequent supreme court decision that all but ensures she would prevail. One might argue that represents a dereliction of duty on her part to ensure the state constitution is being enforced.

Rauner is spoiling for a fight with Lisa on this, and she’s not giving it to him.

Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 12:39 pm
Z! Come here!

Find me a Steve Kim(me) Stewart Umholtz with the heart of Joe Birkett!

Go Forth!

Comment by LizPhairTax Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 12:43 pm
it sounds like if ruana cant win he will try to get her out of her position to get what he wants. stepping on her toes. the issue is paying state employees.

Comment by Elder Brash Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 12:44 pm
She hasn’t had a race in 16 years, and her popularity/favorables are sinking along with her the Speaker.

Problem is finding a Republican with qualifications from the suburbs to take her on. I think the State’s Attorney from DuPage or Kane would be ideal. Rauner also needs to have a strong down ballot ticket for his own sake. It’s smart politics all around.

I think it can be done, but will not be easy.

Comment by Almost the Weekend Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 12:44 pm
I’m wondering how many Democratic funders are sick of donating to her potential Gov campaign, just to have the plug pulled at the last minute? Plus how often has she been out with voters across the state the past few years?

Comment by NIU Grad Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 12:45 pm
Huh? @ 12:39 is poaching my handle. Mr. Miller is there something that you can do about it? Thanks.

Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 12:47 pm
Lisa Madigan was elected to her state-wide office, just like Rauner was, then she was Re-elected 3 times. The people didn’t have to vote for her, and yet they did. She has just as much right to be there as Rauner. My thoughts are the same as what I was told growing up - quit worrying about Her and do Your Job. Quit implying she rode her dads coattails to get elected 4 times. You are only outing your own prejudice.

Comment by Thoughts Matter Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 12:48 pm
I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill her with a terrible resolve

Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 12:51 pm
They going to bury her?

Comment by Daniel Plainview Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 12:57 pm
The Attorney General is correct.

WHERE…is YOUR budget, Governor Bruce Rauner?

Comment by Delbert Grady Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 1:00 pm
There are two big points that Gov Rauner fails to understand.
1) He says that Lisa Madigan is going to push the courts to declare that state workers should not be paid without an appropriation. POINT 1 - The Illinois Supreme Court already stated it very clearly. Lisa Madigan didn’t do it.

2) Upholding the law and court rulings IS her job as the Attorney General for this State. If she didn’t bring this up in court then she would be failing to do her job.

Comment by Radar Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 1:01 pm
I’d rather have the AG’s favorables than Rauner’s. Rauner will be lucky to keep Munger in office, and she’s the incumbent.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 1:05 pm
Hate to say it but this crew lookin’ more like Blagoofian Crash Masters every day. And we are only 60 days from valued consultant Stu Levine from gettin’ his walkin’ papers from the G. So he get back in the saddle and really do some shakin. And the mere suggestion of BrickHeadJoe bein’ the strong opponent they lust for is the best. Have not laughed this hard since the ElectionNighPhoneCall

Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 1:05 pm
I haven’t heard she is going to do that? Smells like another Rauner smoke screen. BUT, if she does, it will put a Pat Quinn sized target on her.

Comment by The_Equalizer Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 1:16 pm
“BUT, if she does, it will put a Pat Quinn sized target on her”

How did that work out for you guys Equalizer?

Comment by Give Me A Break Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 1:18 pm
Most state workers I know want her to stop the pay. She could come out looking good… Depending on what happens after the pay is stopped.

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 1:18 pm
Which part offended
1. Latest comparison of BigBrain to Blagoof
2. Reminder BigBrain consultant Stu Levine exiting the joint
3. Lusting for BrickHeadJoe as a LMM opponent
4. All of the above

Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 1:22 pm
The AG is doing the Speaker’s bidding? “I am shocked- shocked- to find that gambling is going on in here!”

Comment by Southside Markie Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 1:28 pm
The whole reason this budget mess has not been solved to date, is we have avoided the historical trigger for ending budget stalemates….employee pay. I don’t believe it is legal for state employees to be paid without appropriations. We should be a land of laws, and I believe AG Madigan should seek a ruling from the ISC on this.

Comment by facts are stubborn things Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 1:34 pm
==The thermonuclear device she holds is, I think, the only thing that could stop The Great Labor war from happening.==

Agreed, but the fuse on that thing has an unknown length. If there were an attempt to use it to prevent the decimation of AFSCME, it’d be tough to properly time. Too early and it wouldn’t be as effective, too late and AFSCME might already be decimated.

Comment by AC Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 1:35 pm
It’s not hard to get on Rauner’s hate list. Just disagree with him.

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 1:39 pm
It’s a crisis caused by those pesky Supreme Court judges saying you can’t spend money that has not been appropriated. Who’d have thought there could be a law like that? Here is a solution: pass a budget with the required dollars and the entire issue goes away. But it is much more fun instead to point fingers and blame others.

Comment by zatoichi Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 1:45 pm
Well, Bruce, MJM has outfoxed you at just about every step, and now you’re setting your sights on Lisa, who people actually like. This could only end well.

Comment by AlfondoGonz Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 2:00 pm
Can’t see it being effective other than 1) makes the Dems expend resources and 2) I think voters don’t like nepotism in general and/or would be uncomfortable with so much power in a Father/Daughter combo if the message is shoved in their face, and maybe some of that gets put on the Speaker.

Comment by lake county democrat Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 2:17 pm
1.) Gen. Madigan and Speaker Madigan disagree, quite often, on public policy matter. Gen. Madigan does not pay attention to the politics of issues the same way Speaker Madigan does.

2.) Gov. Rauner recieved 50.2 % of the vote against PAT frigin’ QUINN, for the love of Pete. Until Gov. Rauner proves that he has more in his political bag-o-tricks than money, color me unimpressed with his threats.

3.) Gov. Rauner must pass a budget. Even if he somehow achieves the goal of removing Speaker Madigan, there will be a Democrat at Speaker this time next year. There still will be s Democrat as Senate President this time next year. He needs a budget. He is the one who picked the absolute victory or absolute defeat posturing.

Comment by Try-4-Truth Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 2:20 pm
- Radar @ 1:01 pm: “- ==There are two big points that Gov Rauner fails to understand.
1) He says that Lisa Madigan is going to push the courts to declare that state workers should not be paid without an appropriation.

POINT 1 - The Illinois Supreme Court already stated it very clearly. Lisa Madigan didn’t do it.

2) Upholding the law and court rulings IS her job as the Attorney General for this State. If she didn’t bring this up in court then she would be failing to do her job.==

++2

Comment by Mama Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 2:27 pm
“She hasn’t had a race in 16 years, and her popularity/favorables are sinking along with her the Speaker.” Got any data to back that up? I think the AG still enjoys high favorables, and she should, her consumer advocacy services are excellent. All in all I think she has done a good job. I have always said though, I don’t see her running for Gov as long as MJM remains speaker.

Comment by burbanite Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 2:29 pm
I’m not an expert in such matters, but could a race against Lisa Madigan simply be a way to divert resources away from other campaigns?

Comment by Just Me Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 3:14 pm
If it is true that Rauner wants to take on/out AG Madigan, then this fall will be somewhat of a trial run for 2018, as Rauner’s handpicked Comptroller will run against Speaker Madigan’s handpicked Comptroller in a statewide race. Not entirely the same - the incumbent Lisa Madigan is a public official with an established statewide organization and a demonstrated track record of success and the incumbent Leslie Munger is from Lincolnshire, and this is a Presidential year that favors Democrats - but they both may show the strength statewide of their proxies (Rauner/Madigan).

Comment by Scott Cross for GOP President Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 3:42 pm
Lisa Madigan really has not had a genuine challenge apart from her first race for AG when her opponent was Birkett. That was a contested race.

Subsequently, her AG opponents were nonentities who were extremely over matched.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 5:04 pm
“the best way to ensure state employees are paid for the rest of this fiscal year and all of the next fiscal year is for the governor to work with the legislature to pass an appropriation to cover state employee pay.” AMEN.

Comment by WETHEPEOPLE Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 5:06 pm
“they firmly believe she’s doing her father’s bidding. ”

Well, duh.

Comment by Danaidh Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 6:27 pm
If she decides to run again, she wins. Can’t think of any logical candidate (who would want the job) who could beat her. She’d be governor now if MJM had been able to control his ego.

Comment by park Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 6:30 pm
“- Try-4-Truth - Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 2:20 pm:

1.) Gen. Madigan and Speaker Madigan disagree, quite often, on public policy matter. Gen. Madigan does not pay attention to the politics of issues the same way Speaker Madigan does.”

I don’t believe that the AG just does her father’s bidding.

But I know people who’ve worked for her, and if you think that the AG’s office doesn’t carefully calibrate the politics of much of what they do, I’ve got a bridge to sell you.

Comment by Keyrock Tuesday, Jun 14, 16 @ 7:19 pm
I think this would be a mistake. Lisa Madigan is fairly popular, from what I can see, and has done a good job as AG. She has really used her office to fight for the consumer.

Comment by NSideLady Wednesday, Jun 15, 16 @ 7:49 am
My govenor is mad again at his failings

Comment by Rabid Wednesday, Jun 15, 16 @ 8:13 am