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* The messaging platform expands to movies…

Illinois Policy Action, an arm of the Illinois Policy Institute, is backing a new documentary called “Madigan: Power, privilege, politics,” which the group has dubbed “an unprecedented look at the life and influence of Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, one of the state’s most powerful political figures of all time.”

The 60-minute documentary is to be released in October — weeks before the November election — and will be available online and at “select movie theaters throughout the state,” a statement from Illinois Policy said.

The Illinois Policy Institute — and its CEO John Tillman — are closely aligned with Rauner, whose epic war with Madigan and Illinois Democrats held the state’s budget at an unprecedented impasse. […]

Those appearing in the documentary according to Illinois Policy: “Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass, University of Illinois professor and political observer Dick Simpson, former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, law professor and former drafter of the 1970 Illinois Constitution Ann Lousin, former state Sen. Steve Rauschenberger, Rob Blagojevich who is the brother of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, political blogger Rich Miller.”

The Emil Jones stuff ought to be good.

* This is the explanation I was given by the documentary’s producer…

Emergent Order, based out of Austin TX is trying to create a dialogue about why the state of Illinois is in poor shape. Many fingers have been pointed at Michael Madigan, but we’re trying to do a fair/balanced piece about what’s really at the center of it all. We’ve interviewed both people who support and dispute that Madigan is to blame. Interested in your take on that and any other relevant info you’d be willing to contribute.

Seemed harmless enough.

I had no idea that the Illinois Policy Institute was behind this thing, but I did get a couple of hints during Tuesday’s interview when some of the group’s stories were used as a basis for a few of their questions. They also asked me about Rauschenberger, which I thought was kinda odd.

So, I have no clue what they’re gonna do with my interview.

Sigh.

…Adding… I should’ve posted the trailer…

Yeah. Fair and balanced.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:32 am

Comments

Well done Rich, you have become an unwitting Rauner agent!

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:36 am
Editing.

It always comes back to the editing.

This is just a rumor out there in “the industry”, but the gag reel is really funny…

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:36 am
Fair/balanced piece? It’s gonna be a hit piece.

Comment by Delimma Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:38 am
Fair/balanced…(coffee sprayed) what a laugh!

Comment by DuPage Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:40 am
It’s sad that the Illinois Policy Institute’s reputation is so bad that they have to disguise who they are. They are better than several years ago but they still have a credibility program that they have not yet addressed.

Of course, no matter who you are, I’m not sure how you could even put a positive spin on Madigan if you wanted to, so I’m assuming it will not be flattering to The Speaker either way.

Comment by Ahoy! Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:40 am
I’m sure they told you that the nude scene was essential to the development of the audience’s investment in your character’s struggle as well.

We’ve all been there man.

Comment by LizPhairTax Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:40 am
Actual title will be: Because Madigan

Comment by very old soil Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:41 am
When you have money to burn . . .

To the post–who is the intended audience? Will it be like D’Soza’s (sp) recent “films” attacking the Clintons and DNC? Only true believers go to these movies. This movie won’t sway anyone.

Comment by G'Kar Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:42 am
Did you think it was a Daily Show interview?

Comment by Not It Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:42 am
Rich! Holy crap! I’d be hopping mad! I’d say they totally lied to you. Talk about perfidy. Can you withdraw your consent for the interview? Would you have to file suit? I don’t know what is legal and what isn’t and what your options are but I am sure that they will not use your material in a “fair/balanced” way. Regardless of your thoughts of who is to blame I would think that this would at very least hobble your journalistic practice. Am I saying that right? I mean how can/could anyone on the left trust you after appearing in a Madigan hit MOVIE? I would think that would make it hard for you. Maybe I don’t know what I’m talking about here but I’m hoping that it doesn’t harm your ability to get the inside scoop. I would think that trust in your line of work would be the most precious commodity. Sorry, I’m struggling to explain myself. If it comes off attacking or impugning you that’s not what I’m going for.

Comment by Honeybear Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:43 am
So does this documentary make the IPI Michael Moore or Al Gore? It’s hard to land a good joke about this with so many bullseyes.

Comment by The Captain Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:43 am
The “Fire Madigan” T-shirt gift after the interview wasn’t a clue? (teasing)

Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:43 am
“So I have no clue…”

Is that a first for you Rich? /s

Comment by Regnad Kcin Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:45 am
We spoke with Rich Miller, a former staffer for Mike Madigan…

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:46 am
If this was legit, they would try to interview Madigan. Wanna take bets on if they try?

I hope Steve Brown has something to say about this.

Comment by Sir Reel Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:47 am
“Duped” is a very appropriate heading.

Can’t wait to see this Documentary!

Comment by illini Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:47 am
Disclosure isn’t in their nature.

Comment by John Gregory (ex-IRN) Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:48 am
If Rich can be duped it’s pretty easy to see how the public can be duped. Rich, you were among the “independent” voices this group will use to give this group credibility with their “documentary”. Thanks for the heads up. Maybe you need an agent.

Comment by Winnin' Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:48 am
I’m sure the Teamsters were contracted for driving, food service, and whatnot.

Comment by Jocko Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:48 am
–So, I have no clue what they’re gonna do with my interview.–

So you have no say in what they do? I would think that you signed a consent form. It was given to you under false pretenses. Couldn’t you withdraw that consent?

Comment by Honeybear Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:49 am
From the movie:
Rich Miller: Madigan has ruined Illinois. Only Bruce Rauner and his Turnaround Agenda can save the state.

Comment by The 11th Hour Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:49 am
After watching the trailer, it seems like there is going to be a awful lot of innuendo with very little facts.

Comment by Juice Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:50 am
Darn HTML took out all my “EDIT”s between words

Comment by The 11th Hour Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:51 am
What Honeybear said.

Comment by Reality Check Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:51 am
===So you have no say in what they do? I would think that you signed a consent form. It was given to you under false pretenses. Couldn’t you withdraw that consent?===

Nope. The release is the consent of content.

There are some riders that may include an unedited, tinestamped copy of the work, but that’s so rare, it’d be like a pink elephant and unicorn visiting Madeupville for kiddie rides.

Feel for ya, Rich.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:53 am
Likely will only be shown in Lincolnshire and Rauner’s basement.

Comment by A Jack Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:53 am
–I’m sure the Teamsters were contracted for driving, food service, and whatnot.–

Courtesy of Mr. Coli and the good folks at IDOT who got bonuses.

Comment by Honeybear Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:54 am
Best Supporting Actor…

And the OSCAR goes to… Rich Miller!!!

Comment by 4 percent Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:54 am
Thanks OW for the explanation. Sorry if I came off impugning your journalistic honor Rich. I’m just aghast. I guess I shouldn’t be. There is no end to the Rauner Administration/IPI perfidy.

Comment by Honeybear Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 9:57 am
Seems like this “documentary” is almost as bad as one of Madigan’s hit pieces that will be filling the mailboxes of voters in the few contested House districts this election cycle.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:00 am
Watching the trailer, I thought I heard the voice of the late Professor Paul Green of Roosevelt University who passed away last week. Was that him speaking? I did not see his image on the film.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:03 am
Rich, did you use the Sgt. SCHULZ line in your interview?

Comment by Blue dog dem Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:06 am
Jeez Louise. This is way over the top. The Other Mike Madigan can’t be too pleased, either.

Rauschenberger? That’s a name we haven’t heard in awhile. They might as well talk to his pal Lauzen, who would be happy right now to talk about anything except Lauzen.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:07 am
Unfortunately for us, duping is chapter 1 in the Raunerite playbook.

Comment by Cubs in '16 Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:08 am
They need to create a 5 and 30 minute version as well. Very few voters, that they want to impact, are going to take an entire hour to watch something like this.

Comment by Downstate Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:09 am
Duped?

Is that anything like “I ain’t doin’ any electioneerin’, I ain’t pickin Murphy’s replacement, I am the party leader and I will push the nominee or I’ll called them and told them….”
Fortunately others wondered what a producer from TX (they used some other claimed addresses) with a slim reel to show decided Madigan was a good subject.
But as long as you are with Kass, Dick Simpson and other BigBrain Favs all should be well.
Should we call it “Nightmare On BigBrain Lane” or “Buildin’ Grand Bargain Rapport” — for Dummies?

Comment by Annonin' Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:09 am
This is long but shows what IPI can do with Rich’s interview. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jCHRkoMD3EM

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:10 am
- Liz@ 9:40 -

LOL! “Tres Jolie Rich.”

Comment by Jocko Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:11 am
They should interview all the people that were fired at the RTA to make room for Madigan family members and precinct workers back before Dillard ran the agency and cleaned them all out.

Comment by Not It Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:12 am
I have to wonder if this documentary will be as well accepted and critically reviewed as the Mike Royko book “Boss” about the late Mayor Daley.

Comment by illini Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:16 am
Oh, Rich. Even someone as cynical and suspicious as you can get played? What a world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3IzHq7c0p8

Comment by phocion Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:21 am
“Emergent Order” is a political ad firm whose point of view is influenced by Friedrich Hayek.

I much prefer Salma Hayek at the movies.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:21 am
I guess the sequel will be about rauner writing $1,000,000.00 checks. This movie will not have a happy ending for Illinois.

Comment by Magic carpet ride Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:23 am
“Rich, you’re not helping.”

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:27 am
“Power. Privilege. Politics.”

These guys have what seems like zero capacity for self-reflection. A Koch brothers backed group is using that tagline with no sense of irony at all.

I look forward to their fair/balanced Rauner biopic. Tagline: The Compassionate Governor

Comment by Who Else Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:28 am
I’m rather surprised with your measured response to the deliberate deception. Are you going to demand they exclude you from the propaganda piece?

Comment by wolf Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:28 am
So the movie will be shown in October, Madigan will win in November, and Rauner is expecting to get a full year budget when?

Comment by A Jack Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:30 am
With Kass in it, I’d seek an injunction. Same movie? Hell, being in the same state as that poorly educated, alt right bloviator irritates my bunion.

Comment by Springfieldish Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:32 am
What were you thinking?

Comment by My New Handle Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:33 am
Will the IPI be sending complimentary tickets with their next fair share propaganda letter?

Comment by A Jack Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:36 am
So, I guess the communications arm (IPI) of Rauner’s political machine does not care if it goes after Madigan, right? Has anyone ever heard Speaker Madigan rip Rauner the way he has been impugning Madigan? This is no way to work on a bi-partisan basis.

Comment by HRC2016 Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:41 am
Ok…

Who is going to host a screening party?

Lemons to Lemonade…

I’m thinking more “Mysyery Science Theatre 3000″

That would be fun.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:42 am
Speakin’ of duped go look for HandoutAndy’s( about Rauner rental) interview with Chuck Todd. In the first 3:30 Handout completely blows Chuck’s “Go Nats: chant and then asks about CLinton’s Abombinable comment. Todd, a bit dazed, understood Handout was talkin’ about deplorables
Handout ya do us proud. Chris Hayes must be bustin’ his buttons too.

Comment by Annonin' Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:46 am
Or maybe like the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Who gets to dress up as Rauner in his biker outfit?

Comment by A Jack Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:46 am
Some great quotes from the trailer:

“He can control whether you get legislation passed or not”

“There are those who wield disproportionate power”

“Illinois ranks second in the nation in convictions for public corruption ”

“If it isn’t the most corrupt state in the United States it is certainly one hell of a competitor”

“Any serious ethics laws will be crushed”

“You don’t cross this guy, you don’t do it”

Finally after 30 + years someone is crossing him.

Comment by Lucky Pierre Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:50 am
Rauner funds IPI, which hires a Texas ad firm to produce a partisan propaganda piece.

Count Troncula doesn’t have rules about his “journalists” appearing in political ads?

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 10:50 am
MST3K!!!!!

The politicians as “Mads” and the poor long suffering citizens as the subjects in their experiments having to watch the bad movie shows.

I’d like to see a parody of Joel’s “Hike Up Your Pants” number with the Speaker at the State Fair.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 11:00 am
Factual error: Lee Daniels was Speaker 1995-97 after the 1994 GOP landslide.

Comment by Harry Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 11:00 am
==Very few voters, that they want to impact, are going to take an entire hour to watch something like this==

This is another one of those things that will be watched by the people who already agree with what the IPI is trying to sell.

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 11:15 am
I’m hoping it turns out to be unintentionally funny, like a modern version of Reefer Madness.

My only question is, when will I get to see a trailer for Dad’s Home State?

Comment by AC Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 11:15 am
===My only question is, when will I get to see a trailer for Dad’s Home State?===

Stranger things have happened…

HBO is leery about trailers of their programming.

Stay tuned!

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 11:20 am
Interesting opening…if there is so much corruption and all roads lead to Madigan and he has been in “power” for 30 years, then where is the prosecution of Madigan? or, could it be that he is not corrupt…OMG!

Comment by d.p.gumby Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 11:22 am
That trailer is hilarious. The only thing missing is Voldemort, some hobbits and Jaws.

Comment by A Parent Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 11:29 am
All empires eventually fail. Aztecs, Roman, Han, Ming, Zulu, Third Reich, Daley, Kennedy, Bush empires etc. all no longer exist. Madigan has indeed built an empire. It too will someday fail and perish. Each passing day the end of the Madigan empire draws nearer and anything that shortens the wrath, even by a few days, I’m all for. No one, not Lang, BFC or Turner can keep his machine running to the level MJM can. It will be a better day in Illinois once the Madigan Empire ceases to rule over us no longer.

Comment by Big Muddy Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 11:39 am
“Duped”

OODA Looped.

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 11:49 am
Rich,
Sorry about the Duping, but how did you not see anything like this coming? Rauner’s got his tentacles all over the US, even a production company in Texas. I feel for ya. Don’t worry, the previous commentors are correct. Nobody except Raunerites will bother watching this wast of money movie.

Comment by Big Joe Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 11:52 am
I see Jason Gonzales makes a cameo. Another person that can’t be missed because he refuses to go away.

Comment by Anonymouth Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 11:56 am
So who will go watch this the undecided voter or those that already believe this argument?

Dark money must be regulated

Comment by Publius Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 12:07 pm
Jason Gonzalez, now THAT”S a credible source for ya. Felony convictions and all.

Comment by Big Joe Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 12:08 pm
–duped–

Birds gotta fly, fish gotta swim, IPI gotta grift.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 12:19 pm
“Dark money must be regulated”

See first Amendment to The Constitution. If I want to spend my money to say that the sky is purple or that Madigan is bad, I may. You are free to disagree with me or spend your money to say I’m a fool.

Comment by Big Muddy Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 12:23 pm
=Finally after 30 + years someone is crossing him.=

Who is it that is crossing him? they seem to be trying to hide their real identity. Brave patriots they are./s

Does anyone remember when our governor said he was going to be honest and transparent?

I guess that was an OODA Loop before we knew they existed.

This comes off as our own Illinois version of the “Swift Boat Veterans.” Sad.
There is so much to go after Madigan on, the fact that they hide behind fake “Institutes” tells you they know they are spinning more than a few fairy tales.

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 12:24 pm
Being in the burbs I have to say I don’t think the focus on Madigan in all the suburban hit pieces will be as powerful as the GOP thinks. We don’t vote for Madigan and the house members walk their behinds off and know their constituents.

Comment by burbanite Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 12:33 pm
Agreed, when you are at 13 percent approval it is really hard to go any lower.

Comment by Lucky Pierre Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 1:12 pm
The funny thing about this whole “Dump Madigan” issue is what might come next. Will the Majority Caucus campaign apparatus be dismantled? Not hardly. It works and everyone knows it. So, what do you get in Madigan’s place? Lou Lang? Ha! I’m sure the Rauner and the house GOP would love dealing with him. He’s way more liberal than Madigan. Sara Feigneholtz? Same thing. Go down the line of seniority and I don’t see anyone who isn’t more liberal than Madigan. I laughed at a canvasser who was near to tears at my door, insisting that Madigan had to go. My response: “Fool. Have you even bothered to look who’s next. Everyone down the line is a lot more liberal, and more progressive than Madigan and some of them have a sharper tongue. We’ll have automatic, opt-out voter registration and legalized pot in the very next session if you get what you want. Do you even know what you want? And, why are you even knocking on my door? Don’t you know how to cut a list?”

Comment by Springfieldish Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 1:21 pm
not fair and balanced, but really powerful. the average person will be way more influenced than this room here. many here realize that Rauner is like Thurston Howell III, but you would not know that by the video he has created.

Comment by Amalia Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 1:32 pm
Springfieldish,
You may be correct on whoever is next might be more liberal but no one will be able to run the machine to the efficiency and free from breakdowns the way MJM has. No. One. He is old school trained and sorry but Sara, Lou, Art, etc. just don’t have the chops or the grit. Once he goes the machine will indeed fall apart.

Comment by Big Muddy Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 1:48 pm
- Big Muddy -

None of those you listed will give in to Rauner.

Rauner needs 60 and 30 on his own, and Rauner isn’t helping his cause.

Madigan is hurting Rauner, Rauner hurts Rauner

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:06 pm
The comments are very telling about who reads this blog;lots of government employees trying to protect their place at the government tit and one sycophant Republican.

Comment by Rhino Slider Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:10 pm
Another factual error is showing Dan Walker as ostensibly being convicted of public corruption. Banks are federally regulated, but bank crimes are not considered public corruption, nor was Walker Governor at the time. Ryan was convicted for alleged criminal activities that did not occur when he was Governor. Also, they omit Daniels as speaker but show his face in the trailer. They may be right about Madigan but these are stupid errors which damage credibility.

Comment by Pow Pow Powell Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:37 pm
This film will draw a good sized audience. But it won’t be independent voters or Republicans, the audience will mostly be Madigan operatives and “friends of” who want to see if they made it into the background shots.

Clearly former convicted felon and unemployed “consultant” Jason Gonzalez is important to the story of the history of our state. If I only had 60 minutes, I would be sure to give him some time.

Comment by siriusly Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:39 pm
Big Muddy: The test of the Speaker’s power, the “machine’s efficiency” is in votes that matter, and this time around, he failed when it mattered. I’m not discounting Madigan’s power and skills, but it’s a machine only by metaphor. In reality, it has always been evolving and Madigan has been smart enough to surround himself with people that help him navigate the evolutions. What, you think they’ll all go poof? The apparatus lives on, the staffers smooth transitions. In fact, I am certain that the discourse between Rauner and the Speaker would be sharper and even more contentious under Lou or Sara or Art, and they’ll push agendas more in keeping with the younger members of the house, especially when it comes to bill assignment. Remember, the point is that, if successful, the Dump Madigan movement doesn’t get the house/senate GOP very much of a return on investment. They may see a faster moving and more progressive agenda sprinkled with enough business incentives to draw in old-school GOP members. The point is, generally, that Dump Madigan has no valuable return on investment.

Comment by Springfieldish Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:39 pm
Sorry Rhino Slider (which is a totally icky visual), not a government employee, nor anyone’s sycophant. I just have no respect for the IPI and even less for Rauner and Kass (Phhhttooie!) The consistent failing of all three is that they generally have to lie, employ subterfuge, or quibble and tell half-truths to promote their agenda. If they cannot just be straight up, maybe they need a new agenda.

Comment by Springfieldish Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 2:46 pm
Hey look, a Lee Daniels siting.

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2005-05-20/news/0505200393_1_indictment-campaigns-illinois-house

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:10 pm
You weren’t duped. You are too smart to not see what it was. you creditability is diminishing.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 4:03 pm
I wonder if they will point out that 31 of the last 47 years Illinois has had Republican governors?

Comment by Union Man Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 4:05 pm
Springfieldish,
You don’t give Madigan the credit he so richly deserves! without him pulling levers do you think the coordination of dollars in to, out of and between campaigns will remain as fluid as he has it now? Seriously think that Sara, Lou, Art etc egos will not get in the way once he is gone? Let’s say it is Sara who takes over someday. Longshot but I had to pick someone. Think Lou will just be okay with that? How about the black caucus just staying under the thumb of well, anyone once Madigan is gone? He has been a master at keeping his power and there isn’t any one that can replace him. the Illinois Democratic Party will be a power vacuum upon his departure and that in itself will cause the machine to eventually break.

Those like Kifowit, Yingling, Mussman, Moeller, Willis, etc who became members of the House because of HIM will not see the same magical amount of coordinated policy mixed with politics to keep getting them reelected. Whoever succeeds Madigan as Dem Speaker will lose seats. Maybe not enough to give up the gavel but they will lose seats.

Comment by Big Muddy Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 4:10 pm
===without him pulling levers===

You’re engaging in a silly eliminationist debate.

His mom lived into her 90s. He ain’t going anywhere.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 4:13 pm
===You are too smart to not see what it was.===

I was certainly somewhat suspicious, which is why I brought a retired state cop with me.

But if you think I’m lying, just remember I know where you work. Perhaps I could stop by and we could have a personal face to face chat?

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 4:15 pm
Will it be released on blu-ray with commentary and deleted scenes?

Comment by Name Withheld Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 4:26 pm
“You’re engaging in a silly eliminationist debate.

His mom lived into her 90s. He ain’t going anywhere.”

Rich, I’m not talking of his actual passing! I wouldn’t wish that on anyone just because of their politics. Daley’s power is all but gone. Bush family influence is all but gone. This too will happen to Madigan. It is a naturally occurring thing in the power life cycle. Even he can’t stop it.

Unless you think he is supernatural.

Comment by Big Muddy Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 4:35 pm
If only he put this much time and attention into governing…

Comment by Boone's is Back Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 4:41 pm
“Unless you think he is supernatural.”

This is in doubt?

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 4:42 pm
Did not know Rich Miller and John Kass are former MJM staffers…..interested in seeing/hearing their unbiased contributions within this Illinois policy piece for the archives?

Comment by NobodyBOTY Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 5:01 pm
Synonyms for deceptive: 1) Rauner 2) IPI

Comment by DuPage Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 5:13 pm
How they got the domain is what baffles me, surely someone close the speaker told him about domain squatting?!?

Comment by frisbee Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 5:17 pm
Rauner and his crew fund IPI, which hires a right-wing Texas ad agency, pretending to be journalist “documentary producers,” to use deception to create a propaganda piece on “corruption.”

Of course, the irony is that Rauner and IPIs tactics in doing so are wholly corrupt.

I’m sure John Kass and Dick Simpson are outraged that they were deceived this way for raw partisan purposes.

If IPI is looking for corruption, you might want to turn that camera to Madison. Check the google, and Scottie Walker, with the goo-goo-googly eyes, is in a mess of trouble.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 5:50 pm
Frisbee, with all due respect (and warmest personal regards) I don’t think the Speaker or his inner circle would have a clue as to the meaning of “domain squatting.” After all, this is the crew with no Website, no e-mail, and allegedly no cellphone.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 6:17 pm
This movie will fill an important niche in the market. Nothing Illinoisans want more than a 60-minute political ad about how bad things are in the state, by a partisan group, and based on at least misleading some interviewees. Winnin’. /s

Comment by peon Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 8:55 pm