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* UPDATED x1 - Mendoza responds, calls Munger a Rauner “lap dog” * Munger wants Mendoza to give up a pension

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* Press release…

The Campaign for Comptroller Leslie Geissler Munger on Wednesday called on Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza to pass on one of her two public pensions to make up for her ten years of simultaneously taking in two government paychecks.

The campaign noted that Mendoza raked in two salaries – one from the city of Chicago and the other from the state – during her ten years of “service” in Springfield. The paydays coincided with government contributions to her two public pensions.

“Susana Mendoza voted for the unbalanced budgets, tax increases and pension holidays that put Illinois in fiscal crisis,” Munger Campaign Manager Phil Rodriguez said. “At the same time, she picked up two paychecks and sweetened her two pensions. It embodies all the problems that have led us to this place.”

Mendoza started working for the City of Chicago in 1998 as a Project Coordinator. In 2000, she won a Party Primary for State Representative and received a 33 percent raise for her city job a month later. She then served ten years in the General Assembly, all the while remaining on the city and state payrolls.

The salaries coincided with contributions to two public pensions.

“It’s time for a change,” Rodriguez said. “Leslie Munger spent her career balancing budgets and meeting financial expectations. She has dedicated nearly two decades to serving developmentally disabled adults. She doesn’t accept a public pension or state health care benefits. The contrast could not be clearer.”

You’d think that info about Munger’s “two decades” of dedication to “serving developmentally disabled adults” would be on her campaign bio page. It ain’t.

Other than that, what do you think of the release?

…Adding… Her explanation is in her official bio…

She is an active community leader and volunteer, and was honored as Lincolnshire’s Citizen of the Year in 2004. She is a long time volunteer and former Board member at the Riverside Foundation, a not-for-profit residential facility for developmentally disabled adults in Lincolnshire where she was the Volunteer of the Year in 2013 and the Distinguished Service Award Honoree in 2016.

*** UPDATE *** From Susana Mendoza…

“Like Rod Blagojevich, a pathological liar who attacked Susana on this same false charge years ago, Leslie Munger isn’t telling the truth. When Susana retires, she will have only one pension. What’s true is Leslie Munger flat out lied at the Chicago Tribune last week when she denied that her campaign chair is Elizabeth Brandt when official documents signed by Munger herself show Brandt, the leader of the movement to slash the paychecks of thousands of Illinois private sector workers, is in fact her campaign chair. Leslie Munger is very wealthy and doesn’t have to worry about a safety net when she retires unlike 99% of other Americans. We need a truth-telling independent comptroller, not a Rod Blagojevich quoting, factually challenged lap dog for Bruce Rauner.”

Yikes.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 9:20 am

Comments

I guess it all depends on how we’re going to define “developmentally disabled” but you’d think some superstar would’ve figured that would be something to slip in the campaign bio if it is true.

I’d leave it to a professional to decide if it’s more important than the names of her two dogs. They made the cut.

Comment by LizPhairTax Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 9:27 am
The release sounds swell…

If this were an ad, this might be lots and lots better.

I do find it deliciously ironic the “reminding” of the two decades of service in Social Services… as Munger… can be painted… as choosing “winners and losers” and deciding which those groups that signed contracts in good faith with Rauner… may exist… and deciding which group isn’t worthy… of getting paid… today.

Make this a :30 ad, it could have legs, or wings.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 9:28 am
The release is eye catching and it is what voters want to see in this mud-slinging political mess that everyone is witness to.
Make it clear of what benefits (none) Leslie is getting and what benefits (too many) Susana is getting.

Comment by menDOH!za Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 9:32 am
If they have resources to back up this message, it will be very effective.

Comment by Indochine Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 9:34 am
Is Mendoza playing according to the rules to collect 2 pay checks and 2 pensions? If so, no big deal. If she got a sweetheart deal, that is a different story.

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 9:34 am
She volunteered on a non profit board while racking in the cash at Unilever, Procter and Gamble and McKinsey and Company.I don’t think she has dedicated two decades to the developmentally disabled. Her record as comptroller,the statements that she has made regarding social services and her statement that she is the governors wingman are contrary to her comments in the press release.

Comment by Flynn's mom Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 9:37 am
–Susana Mendoza voted for the unbalanced budgets, tax increases and pension holidays that put Illinois in fiscal crisis,”–

Wow, withholding income from people she disagrees with is so Mungers’ wheelhouse. Weaponizing wages and pensions. It is Munger who is ACTUALLY exceeding her constitutional duties by withholding pay and with her anti-free market picking of winners and losers in which contractor gets paid.

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 9:37 am
Sound like Mendoza has been, as Senator Gary Forby has said he opposes in the past, “double dicking.” If she wants to run for higher office, she needs to drop one pension. This is the price to play this game these days. Voters are fed up with this double pension nonsense. This one could stick and be a real problem for her.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 9:38 am
I don’t care for this trend where electeds are supposed to not take any pay and give all money back. We expect them to work hard for us and they still have to live, it’s a dangerous trend that makes it so that only the super wealthy are able to take positions in the leadership of government, which is probably the intention.

Having said that it’s an effective political hit.

Comment by The Captain Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 9:39 am
I agree with “Huh?” If she played by the rules and is entitled to it, she is entitled to it.

Whether the laws should be changed going forward is another debate and maybe one worth having, but this idea of ripping apart people’s financial plans made in good faith really needs to stop.

Comment by Harry Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 9:39 am
It is another dog whistle issue for the anti-pension, public employees are over paid sect.

What Munger is saying is basically you shouldn’t be in government unless you are rich like me and my bro BVR.

Nice her dogs made the cut on her website (hat tip LizPhairTax) not much else on their of substance.

Does she consider pushing unnecessary cosmetics on people “public service?”

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 9:40 am
Even though it is perfectly legal for Mendoza to hold down both jobs at once, I think in this time of pension peril it could be an effective message.

Comment by James the Intolerant Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 9:41 am
This is an alright press release. However, it opens the door for the Munger campaign to respond with information regarding the number of hours put in working for the City of Chicago and to emphasize as the Republicans always like to point out that being a legislator is a part time job.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 9:42 am
The political optics of it will play well with the disillusioned voters who believe all politicians are crooks and just in it for themselves.

But I would have one question for Munger: Since you are advocating retroactively removing a pension, does that mean you are also advocating retroactively adjusting the salary upward, with interest, to replace the deferred compensation the pension represents?

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 9:43 am
This type of stuff is ridiculous. I’d like Munger to give up her salary, her health insurance, work 70 hours a week and pay for her parking.

Comment by Pete Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 9:46 am
===”She doesn’t accept a public pension or state health care benefits.”===

Why?

Why doesn’t she? Is she wealthy? Is Munger not like me?

I dunno if “highlighting” that “I’m so wealthy I don’t need health insurance”, given voters are struggling and trying to either get health insurance, or better health insurance…

So what is Munger saying?

“Look at me, I’m so wealthy health insurance is a luxury!”?

Hmm.

I’d change the “don’t need health insurance and pension” bit.

Highlighting Mendoza’s situation is enough. Trying to stack or pile on… always runs into more scrutiny.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 9:48 am
It’s a fair hit on Mendoza. She’s in the big leagues. She should expect this kind of scrutiny. Doesn’t matter if it’s “legal.” It won’t pass the smell test for most Illinois voters. If she has the resources to put this out there, everywhere, then Mendoza could be in big trouble.

Comment by phocion Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 9:51 am
A pension is a job benefit you get paid. If you worked two jobs should you forfeit the money for one of them.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 9:53 am
Aye aye, The Captain

Comment by chi Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 9:53 am
Two pensions?! Wow. That’s a real problem for “Double Dippin’ Susana” and a winning issue for Leslie Munger.

The fact is, voters truly hate the fat public pensions for politicians — especially careerists– subsided by taxpayers that have all but disappeared from the private sector decades ago. Rightfully tagging Mendoza as a part of the pension problem is a huge winning issue for Munger. #DeftlyPlayedLeslie

Comment by Deft Wing Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 9:57 am
I don’t need health insurance. Why not? Oh……someone else is covering for her medical needs. Guess what? Vast majority of folks don’t have that privilege. Disgusting when privileged folks don’t quite tell the whole story but imply that what they’re doing (or not doing) is what everyone should be doing. Blah.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 9:57 am
“Is Mendoza playing according to the rules to collect 2 pay checks and 2 pensions? If so, no big deal.”

Yeah, I remember the Dems singing that same tune when Gubernatorial candidate Brady showed a loss on his tax return. Playing by the rules didn’t seem to matter.

Two pensions? With city water and sewer rates going up SPECIFICALLY to pay for a pension shortfall? Terrible optics.

Comment by Downstate Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 9:58 am
I know people who work 2 jobs, full time plus a part time. They work very hard, and they get paid for both jobs. If Mendoza worked 2 jobs it might indicate she is a hard worker.

Comment by DuPage Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 9:59 am
Wait, she can opt out if the state pension? Does that mean she isn’t contributing? Is she tier 1 or tier 2? I thought state employees were required to pay in.

Comment by Trolling Troll Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 9:59 am
Effective hit. Highlights how the system is stacked with hidden perks for the insiders.

To people who want term limits, the idea of legislators getting pensions is just terrible.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 10:00 am
This works if it establishes the image of Susana Mendoza as part of what Kass would call The Combine.

Comment by walker Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 10:01 am
=“Double Dippin’ Susana” =

Not that you care or even understand, but it isn’t double dipping. She is going to qualify for two because she fulfilled two separate roles.

It would be double dipping if she was getting paid twice for the same things.

For example- if she was hired into IDOT and was paid a salary, but then received additional compensation for going out in a plow truck while she was covered by her salaried position, she would be double dipping.

Another empty narrative.

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 10:02 am
^^^ JS Mill: You’re kidding, right? Mendoza is a double dipping public pensioner who is subjecting Illinois citizens to TWO subsidies.

You keep explaining the differences but you know the adage, “if you’re explaining, you’re losing.”

Comment by Deft Wing Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 10:13 am
Nice try Munger but not so fast. Like a lot of folks who move around in government positions, she will get ONE pension once she retires. These funds have agreements in place that essentially allow employees to roll their pension from one system to the other. This attack didn’t work with Blago tried it on Mendoza and it won’t work with Munger bc it ain’t true.

And this is NOT double dipping. Mendoza didn’t get paid at the City when she was in Springfield filling her State Rep. duties. This has all been reported before in the news.

Again, if this is the best Munger can do she’s got problems.

Comment by Shytown Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 10:14 am
There really is a disdain the Rauner crew holds towards people the NEED government money. Whether it is to pay for their food, their housing, their healthcare, their utility bills - and in the instant case people that work for the government and need their salary. Those of them that don’t need their salary (the 1% ers) feel a sense of superiority because of it. The Guv has made this point over and over again. Some of the Guv’s original appointees in DCEO (Director and Deputy Director of the Foreign Offices) came in extremely wealthy and didn’t want to take a salary or play by the normal rules employees must follow. Now Munger is playing this card.

It is certainly hypocritical for the Guv’s team to throw stones at how someone makes their money considering the Guv’s business practices in the private sector.

And why don’t we compare how much Mendoza’s double dipping costs the taxpayers against how much the Guv isn’t paying in income taxes by keeping the tax rate at a lower rate.

Comment by Henry Francis Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 10:14 am
How effective depends on who are the deciding voters between Munger and Mendoza. I haven’t seen polling.
Meanwhile, JS Mill + 1: === It is another dog whistle issue for the anti-pension, public employees are over paid sect. What Munger is saying is basically you shouldn’t be in government unless you are rich like me and my bro BVR. ===

Comment by Independent Retired Lawyer Journalist Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 10:14 am
Deft Wing is right. Both sides need to stop drinking their own kool aid and look at political reality. For those arguing that its legal, so what. for those arguing that she worked both jobs and is entitled to both pensions, its awful optics in this political environment. Politically, this is a losing issue for Mendoza. She should give up one pension. For those of you thinking voters will sympathize with her and look at Munger as some sort of rich elitist, think again. people are angry at the double dippers. they arent currently angry at wealthy elected officials who forgo benefits paid for by taxpayers.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 10:18 am
- Shytown -

Put that into a :30 ad, then get back to me…

That’s why it’s an effective hit.

I’d go after…

“…the wealthy, aloof, Munger, who mocks the idea of health insurance as her wealth and 1% ways make her clueless to anyone struggling with health insurance cost…

… not unlike Bruce Rauner.”

Give up on the hit, go after the mistake IN the hit.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 10:20 am
a chunk of the states fiscal crisis came from the economic cllapse caused by investment banks and large investor grps tradin in bad mortgages and high risk unsecured debt.

someday hopefully some reliable reporter will note this point instead of the current fiction that illinois goveent has done all the damage to itself. Govt has some spending problems and pension fudning problems, but much of the crisis camemout after the economy collapsed…. a fix is needed to regualte banks and securities…. how about some dialogue about the actual financial crisis which remains unfixed! second time as well, savings and loans also crashed the world economy people…. instead of blaming govt we need to look at the man behind the curtain and stop the greed machines that keep collapsing our economies…..

Comment by Ghost Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 10:20 am
==Shytown==
“Like a lot of folks who move around in government positions, she will get ONE pension once she retires. These funds have agreements in place that essentially allow employees to roll their pension from one system to the other.”

Right…The Illinois reciprocal act, which will essentially boost her pension even higher, no??

“And this is NOT double dipping”

She was taking two public salaries and paying in to two pensions systems. Call it what you want.

Comment by From Center Right Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 10:22 am
“Republican doesn’t think someone oughtta have a pension” is pretty much a dog-bites-man story.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 10:24 am
If Mendoza had a full-time job with the City Dept. of Planning, then got elected to the House, shouldn’t her salary dip b/c she is spending less time in her city job?

Why would she get a raise? Isn’t she spending less time working for the city dept, necessitating a pay reduction to reflect the part-time nature of the work?

Comment by Reme Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 10:29 am
A wealthy public servant who declines health insurance to save the State money is ” mocking health insurance”

All wealthy members of the GA should decline the benefits package if they have coverage in their other job. I would love to know if the state pays for the health insurance of 7 figure Mike Madigan and John Cullerton

Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 10:30 am
The Comptroller is also on the Pension Board.

State Employees may want to vote for someone that has a vested interest in keeping the Pension System thriving.

JBT, by the way, contributed to the pension system for more than two decades.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 10:32 am
An effective and legit hit piece, no doubt.

But every time I hear or see something come out of the Munger camp, I like her less. Spare us the self righteous posturing, Leslie. Given your personal wealth, you’re not really sacrificing anything by holding up your own salary or not taking a state pension or health benefits.

I’m fortunate to have never needed food stamps, but I don’t brag about it like it’s some sort of virtue.

Comment by Three times Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 10:33 am
It’s a cheap shot….unless Mendoza, at age 44, is currently receiving pension checks from two different public agencies. Then we’re talking hypothetical, like Munger’s supposed involvement with DD adults for the past 20 years.

Comment by Jocko Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 10:34 am
===A wealthy public servant who declines health insurance to save the State money is ” mocking health insurance”===

Yep, when presented as Munger’s Crew is…

“I’m so wealthy, I don’t need health insurance!”

So, taking the health insurance is “looked down” by Munger?

That’s very telling, “Pffft, you take the health insurance. I don’t, don’t need it”

===I would love to know if the state pays for the health insurance of 7 figure Mike Madigan and John Cullerton===

Munger is running against Mendoza.

You could ask if health insurance is being taken by any member of the GOP GA too…

It’s “elitist”, it’s mocking any elected official taking health insurance.

Munger thinks less of anyone taking state health insurance? Hmm.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 10:37 am
Some of y’all need to read the “Retirement Systems Reciprocal Act” contained within the Pension Code.

One can’t collect two pensions based on “concurrent service,” though the double dip days may be used to increase service credit.

I’ll defer to an expert on GARS pensions for any more details.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 10:39 am
I was anonymous at 10:32….

Comment by A Jack Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 10:44 am
THis is great Wingman plays another financial wedge against the opposition. Remember when BigBrain and the 1%ers decided to “pressure” ranks and file GA members with no pay checks, the Wingman snapped to attention and said “aye, aye”
Would this be a good time to put up a link to wingman’s crib, ask for some tax returns…list of donations to all the causes? Or should we wait.

Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 10:46 am
BTW Speakin’ of BigBrain Buyouts here is a little ditty from IN..

When Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb belatedly jumped into Indiana’s tumultuous race for governor, he faced a big fundraising disadvantage.

Six weeks later, he has made significant headway in catching up with Democratic opponent John Gregg.

The question is: Did it come soon enough to allow the relatively unknown Holcomb to effectively get his message out to voters before Election Day?

Holcomb had only about $20,000 in his campaign account when he was selected to replace Gov. Mike Pence as the GOP nominee for governor in late July. By comparison, Gregg had more than $5 million on hand.

Then came another setback for Holcomb: Pence, who had pledged his financial support, could transfer only a fraction of his $7 million in campaign cash because of a federal prohibition that appears to have taken both campaigns by surprise.

Holcomb has raised more than $4.2 million in large contributions (those worth more than $10,000) since becoming the nominee on July 26. Gregg has raised just $785,000 in large contributions during that same period. Smaller donations won’t be reported until October.

Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 10:47 am
I don’t think she said I don’t need health insurance OW

She said she doesn’t need the State of Illinois (with severe budget challenges) to pay for her insurance or pension.

99.9% of Illinois residents would think that is a good thing.

Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 10:52 am
Effective hit that exposes the hack image of “double-dipping” on pensions. Puts Mendoza on defense on an issue that stings voters who would be happy with one pension.

But if the issue isn’t backed up with mega TV and radio, it won’t bite.

Comment by Downstate Dem Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 10:55 am
=^^^ JS Mill: You’re kidding, right? Mendoza is a double dipping public pensioner who is subjecting Illinois citizens to TWO subsidies.

You keep explaining the differences but you know the adage, “if you’re explaining, you’re losing.”=

So, basically what you are “explaining” to me is that truth and facts are your enemy.

Not that I didn’t know what you are, but now you have confirmed it.

Got it.

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 10:56 am
===She said she doesn’t need the State of Illinois (with severe budget challenges) to pay for her insurance or pension.===

…seemingly mocking anyone who does need the state of Illinois health insurance option.

“I don’t need the state health insurance.”

So it’s bad if others do? Hmm. Very elitist.

===99.9% of Illinois residents would think that is a good thing.===

“99.9%”?

Got a cite for that hyperbole?

If Munger wants to come off elitist and smug that she doesn’t “need” state health insurance, that her wealth allows a looking down at those who need it, then that’s the takeaway I guess.

There was no need in going with health insurance in this hit unless those deciding how this goes don’t understand staying on message, or think Munger’s wealth and aloofness is an asset in mocking anyone that may need the state of Illinois health insurance.

It’s a weakening of a hit. It’s poorly played.

It is.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 11:05 am
Not hyperbole, just common sense. You think voters think it is bad for a wealthy public servant to decline a portion of their pay and benefits- money that could go to social services etc.

You are confusing elitism with virtue. It might be news to you OW that according to a 2015 Gallup poll 25% of Illinois residents have faith in state government. Many feel that too many politicians are not looking out for the all of the citizens of this state and are too concerned with their own political futures instead of what is best for the state.

Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 11:24 am
Downstate Dem (+1) gets it exactly right.

Expect Munger to make her own media on this issue via a big TV/radio/mail campaign spend. Any additional earned media about Mendoza’s two public pensions would be sprinkles … on that Double Dipped “ice cream cone.”

Comment by Deft Wing Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 11:29 am
This could be spun as you pay into Social Security on your full time job, and you pay into Social Security again on your part time job (at least up to the $100K plus limit) … but you should only collect on the Social Security you paid working the full time job.

Make it simple and spin it that way … something like “you paid twice for SS, shouldn’t you be allowed to collect on what you paid for?”

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 11:35 am
===Not hyperbole, just common sense.===

“99.9%” is not an accurate measure, it’s hyperbole. Sorry.

===You think voters think it is bad for a wealthy public servant to decline a portion of their pay and benefits- money that could go to social services etc.===

That’s not what the release says.

If anything the embarrassing addiction of two decades of social service volunteering, lees its existence in her official political bio… what kind of word salad gets you to salary and benefits that the state is offering, and Munger refuses, find their way to… wherever. I don’t read ANY of that.

===You are confusing elitism with virtue.===

No I’m not.

From the release…

===”She (Munger) doesn’t accept a public pension or state health care benefits.”===

Ok.

Munger’s campaign manager has made the case pensions are bad, 2 are worse.

Now, in the same sentence, the Campaign Manager lumps pensions, that we know are “bad”, and health insurance.

So, you take the health insurance, your doing a disservice to the people of Illinois, and further, Munger’s wealth is mocking those who can’t afford to not take the health insurance…

It’s bad to take the health insurance.

“Pfft. You take the health insurance”

This addition in this release….

Why?!?!?!?

You only add it because…

Elitism in thinking wealth is the ONLY way.

Or…

A complete and total lacking of understanding messaging, words, and adding something to a legit hit is helping.

You take out the “health insurance” bit, it’s really good,

It’s poor messaging to throw in the health insurance.

The rest of your gallop polling “baloney” does nothing for this discussion in any context.

Munger, and her wealth apparently look down on those in government that need the health insurance.

Health insurance is frivolous?

That one sentence takes away from the whole message and makes Munger look smug and an elitist for no good reason.

Ugh. It weakens the argument.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 12:11 pm
I wonder counter with this: “Mendoza has earned those pensions through her years of dedicated public service. Munger, however, isn’t even qualified for the public pension that she supposedly isn’t accepting due to her lack of public service. You have seen what a lack of public service experience has done to Illinois by persons like Bruce Rauner. And certainly you could fit Donald Trump’s public service experience in a thimble. So vote for the person who has the experience to put Illinois on the right path.” Or something like that.

Comment by A Jack Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 12:23 pm
I think I got it - Gallup polls are nonsense. Wealthy politicians accepting lavish pension and health care benefits when they don’t need the money are virtuous.

Voters loved the fact the GA voted themselves a pay raise last year even though they did not balance the budget.

Keep in mind these are Cadillac health care plans that are scheduled to be taxed at 40 percent.

Do you really think the taxpayers of this state want to pay the health insurance premiums as well as these new taxes for wealthy politicians?

Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 12:34 pm
==OW –Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 12:11 pm:==

Saw this post and immediately thought TL;DR. Then I came back a little later and decided to read it. I was right the first time.

Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 12:34 pm
To the update…

“Yikes”

Yep, yikes.

Signed documents are hard to wish away(?)

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 12:42 pm
===Gallup polls are nonsense.===

In your context, yes.

It’s up to the elected officials to decide if they wsvg pensions, or not.

The health insurance prong in this context is an elitist thinking “having” state health insurance is frivilous, and as an elitist, Munger is portraying health insurance, ANY health insurance the state offers is a luxury.

Spin all you want, it was a solid hit until the insertion of health insurance was added. It diminished the hit.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 12:53 pm
I think we’ll be hearing the term “double-dipper” making a comeback.

Comment by anon Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 1:04 pm
Claire Ball is the Libertarian in this race. Tim Curtin is a Green. Or vote for more Idiocracy like this, its up to you.

Comment by Jeff Trigg Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 1:04 pm
I couldn’t help but notice that Mendoza’s statement doesn’t refute that she had two government jobs at the same time, and that her “full time” went up in salary when she added her “part time” job.

The practice of legislators also working for the City of Chicago or Cook County while also serving in Springfield has been under reported for ages. The Republicans have done it too, but not to the level that the Democrats have, which to me is obviously corrupt in nature.

Comment by Not It Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 1:09 pm
I like it!

Comment by lovecraft Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 1:15 pm
Why assume Munger is wealthy? She’s part of a two paycheck family and her husband is employed

Comment by Mockingjay Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 1:18 pm
Considering where she came from, it should be pretty easy to pain Mendoza as a career politician straight from the machine.

Comment by Chicagonk Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 1:30 pm
Yikes is right! Mendoza’s reply is way over the top and decidedly not deft.

Methinks the Munger campaign has touched a nerve. Expect lots of “Double Dippin’ Susana flavored media hits to come.

Comment by Deft Wing Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 1:51 pm
For those of you who are saying mendoza will only get 1 pension check, ought to study the reciprocal pension rules. If mendoza is contributing to 2 pensions under the reciprocal pension rules, she gets 2 checks.

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 2:10 pm
=Why assume Munger is wealthy?=

LOL! Check her bio.

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 2:23 pm
That’s a stinger of a response, but appropriate given the punch Munger tried to land. If Munger supporters here can’t handle that then I think they’re in store for a lot more squirming over the next couple of months.

Comment by Shytown Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 2:26 pm
This race, now, after all the burned daylight, will come down to a proxy battle with Labor and Democrats using Munger to send a message and be organized enough to do it…

… or Munger getting on the Tee-Vee and begin the tearing down of Mendoza and allow those not yet totally giving up on Rauner a needed statewide vote of confidence in Rauner and in turn Munger too.

The weeks and weeks and weeks Munger wasted where she could 1) reintroduce herself and 2) frame a narrative on Mendoza are over.

It’s now how negative Munger can get on Mendoza, and how organized and purposeful with Labor Mendoza can be.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 2:33 pm
“lap dog for Bruce Rauner”

Without dwelling on the canine imagery put forth here by the Mendoza campaign, it seems that this race is a choice of which lap you prefer.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 2:36 pm
Huh 2:10, I’m not sure it’s that cut and dried, but particularly when GARS is one of the systems involved, I don’t want to walk too far out on the limb.

I am familiar with an example of a State employee who was also a part-time instructor at SIUC and an elected city council member (salaried.) Busy fellow.
In theory, he had enough service to qualify for 3 pensions. The reciprocal act kept him from collecting for the part-time gigs. He did earn additional service credit toward his SERS pension for the part-time jobs.

Somehow, I don’t think this will be publicly discussed based on the Recipocal Act, though.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 3:07 pm
viscoous back and forth aside…. another race where i do not fear the outcome. Either candidate will be able to do the job

Comment by Ghost Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 3:22 pm
**Why assume Munger is wealthy? **

Probably because she is wealthy?

Comment by JoeMaddon Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 4:05 pm
Mendoza’s response is embarrassing. First, she barely refuted any of Munger’s charges. Second, nobody cares who someone’s campaign chairman is. Third, comparing Munger to Blagojevich is really over kill.

Get with the program here, guys. You’re running statewide now against a well funded opponent. This isn’t a silly State Representative race where in the City the chosen candidate almost always wins, or a boring Chicago Clerk race that nobody cares about.

Comment by Just Me Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 6:24 pm
The superstar hometown and the govenor both sued by citizens of Illinois,who’s side are you on? A seat at trumps table?hometown right to work?

Comment by Rabid Wednesday, Sep 14, 16 @ 9:00 pm
“it’s time for a change,Leslie Munger spent her entire career balancing budgets and meeting financial expectations” times up your fired from your surrogate position

Comment by Rabid Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 7:02 am