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* Gov. Bruce Rauner’s campaign committee reported contributing $8,000 to Rep. Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) on May 5th, 2015, along with several other GOP legislators. Rep. Hammond never reported that contribution, so her Democratic opponent has pounced…
“Norine Hammond either broke state campaign finance laws and failed to report a contribution of nearly $10,000 she accepted from Illinois’ most powerful politician, or she’s afraid to let people know about the governor’s very generous contribution just before crucial votes…” Curtis was quoted in the media release.
* But…
While Hammond confirmed receipt of such a check from Citizens for Rauner, she told the Voice on Friday that she also destroyed the check. The check was sent soon after the governor was elected and before the General Assembly began its session, she said.
“He sent them out, and I was not comfortable with that from the beginning,” Hammond said. “There’s a perception. I don’t want to be tied to a governor because he gave me $8,000. It didn’t feel right.”
In a written response to Curtis’ claim, Hammond stated, “My opponent may want to get his facts straight. I tore up the check from Governor Rauner when I received it. By law, you do not report a contribution until it is deposited. And moving forward, (Curtis) may want to tighten up his accusations given he’s looking for people to trust him with their representation.” […]
In her written response, Hammond noted she broke with the governor on several issues and helped to drive the rank and file compromise that kept Western Illinois University and the local Meals on Wheels programs going through the budget impasse.
Thoughts?
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 11:27 am
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Good.For.Her! But next time, she might want to commemorate the occasion on a social media platform, or get a notarized witnessing of the act.
Comment by Anon221 Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 11:29 am
–I tore up the check from Governor Rauner when I received it. By law, you do not report a contribution until it is deposited.–
I don’t think a torn-up check can ever be deposited. So that should be that.
Can the governor’s committee confirm the check was not cashed? If so, does he have to amend his report?
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 11:31 am
Hah, how much Rauner money is she getting from the house republicans? Does that “feel right”?
Comment by Daniel Plainview Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 11:35 am
Macomb… The Western Illinois University Family,
Rauner has funded state universities at a Zero level.
“Why take a chance?”
Vote accordingly.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 11:35 am
Hammond has been a class act since she took office. Without her, public universities across the state would be in a much worse position than they are now.
Comment by Downstate GOP Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 11:39 am
By the time he sent out those checks, Rauner already displayed a lack of gubernatorial prowess. What he did was what someone does who doesn’t understand how politics works. It was wise to not accept his money.
Rauner couldn’t get reelected today. He is a failed governor. His continued whining about a speaker of the house has exposed Rauner as a weakling incapable of building loyalties.
The simple task of daily governing has been too much for him. By the time he sent those checks to buy the support of ILGOP elected representatives, Rauner already looked like a man out of his league.
Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 11:41 am
Rep Hammond sure hasn’t broke with the Governor when it comes to blaming Madigan and Chicago for all of Illinois’ ills. I’ve gotten quite a few flyers in the mail from stating that.
She has also supported Rauner’s lack of funding for the state universities, saying there isn’t enough money to fund them more than is in the stopgap budget. She also did not break from the Governor on AFSCME contract negotiations going to arbitration. She voted against the arbitration bill despite that fact that many of her constituents (WIU employees) would be very negatively affected if the Governor’s health ins plans for state employees go through.
Comment by Joe M Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 11:44 am
If Hammond really supported WIU, she would have voted accordingly before the university was teetering on the edge and forced to lay off many of it’s employees. These ongoing stop gaps are not the answer for funding higher ed.
Comment by Because I said so.... Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 11:45 am
She should have announced she tore it up when she did so.
Comment by Cheryl44 Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 11:46 am
Some of these comments make it seem like she’s the one in the wrong. What the heck?!
Comment by e Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 11:54 am
===Without her, (Hammond) public universities across the state would be in a much worse position than they are now.===
Dear Western Illinois University Family,
Rauner zeroed out your funding, does the stopgap feel “great” to you. I mean, of course, after the layoffs, dropped majors, a fear of losing accredidation… and Rep. Hammond “thankfully!!” getting you funding, but when it mattered, and the “heat” was low…
… let Western Illinois University and Macomb down.
Are you glad?
“Why take a chance?”
If you can’t see what is happening, I can’t help you. Honest.
Vote.
Accordingly.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 11:55 am
There are plenty of yard signs around Macomb that read: “Representative Norine Hammond / stand up to Rauner / fully fund WIU.”
Comment by Joe M Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 12:01 pm
==He sent them out, and I was not comfortable with that from the beginning.==
Really? This is the first I’ve heard from you on the subject. Reminds me of standing up for yourself in the schoolyard long after everyone has gone home.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 12:05 pm
Anon @ 12:05 was me.
Comment by Jocko Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 12:06 pm
it will be rough to be a gop person in a university town. they have to break with rauner, the question is will it be beleived. Rauner made the break with sam clear…. absent such a clear some officials in university towns may meed to emphasize their anti rauner credentials…. which will be hard since they vote against the strike bill etc
Comment by Ghost Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 12:13 pm
Cross pollination of posts here but another move out of the MJM playbook. Tell everyone you hate me if it’ll get you reelected and then do my bidding once you make it back to Springfield.
If Governor Rauner wants to make sure the $ gets to the candidate next time he should send it in $25 gift cards. Much harder to rip up.
Comment by LizPhairTax Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 12:13 pm
- LizPhairTax -
I always felt Rauner shoulda wired or EFTs (Electronic Funds Transfers).
You know, to keep it nice, clean, and official.
“Hello. Your EFT has arrived from… ‘Citizens for Raw-ner’… in the amount of… Two… Thousand… dollars… and… zero… cents… at midnight. These funds are available for use immediately. Thank you for using ‘E-Z EFT’… Good bye”
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 12:19 pm
Latest estimates and reports from election board indicate Rauner has contributed over 90% of the money the IGOP has raised! She may have torn up the initial little check he sent but she has gladly accepted and spent the money from Rauner “laundered” through the IGOP House committee campaign fund! Close to $100k…….Hammond is bought and paid for and if you don’t believe it check her votes! If Western Illinois residents return this fraudulent rep to Springfield they are fools indeed!
Comment by Old and In the Way Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 12:24 pm
===Without her, (Hammond) public universities across the state would be in a much worse position than they are now.===
I here by vow to ignore the comments section of Capitol Fax should I ever again be a member of legislative or campaign staff so I don’t look like this guy and get embarrassed by OW.
Comment by Anon Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 12:55 pm
The University closes, so most of the small businesses. Those close, tax revenues go down.
Republican Job Creation at its finest. Well, at least we know the President is an American…finally!
Comment by Jeff Randallman Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 1:00 pm
Great that she ripped up the check.
Now, since she is beholden to no one, and she supported appropriations for Western Illinois University and the local Meals on Wheels program, will she support the actual revenue needed to pay for those?
Cause guess what. January is coming, and there’s no funding or money available for higher ed or human services. If Rep Hammond really cares about her constituents, she’ll be honest enough to tell them that the state needs to raise revenue in order to keep their community alive.
Comment by Who Else Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 1:15 pm
Where are Rep. Hammond’s manners?
It’s rude to tear up a check without at least informing the issuer. It creates discrepancies in account figures and, sometimes, confusion. Why not just send it back with a “Thanks, Governor, I appreciate your support but I don’t wish to make use of these funds at this time.”
Comment by Eric Zorn Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 1:32 pm
Mr. Zorn,
Political theatre, real or imagined, must play out. I have to believe EFTs are the wave of the future.
(Tips cap to - Anon -… very kind)
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 1:35 pm
She had to do this. Her district is very Republican but WIU finances affect the entire district.
Comment by Federalist Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 1:54 pm
She is certainly bought and paid for by the GOP and for those couple votes she broke with the governor on, there are certainly many more where she didn’t that hurt her constituents. She lost my vote a long time ago
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 1:56 pm
Hammond has voted for all of Rauner’s most important policy positions, especially those harming the unions and their workforce.
Comment by Albany Park Patriot Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 2:14 pm
If she felt it was an improper action by Rauner, she should have called the feds.
Comment by DuPage Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 2:15 pm
I guess if Hammond really was so intent on “ripping” up this check, she shoulda…
Put in a pile a Red Sox hat, a Steelers “Terrible Towel”, a Forrest Claypool yard sign, a Payton Prep newsletter, a shoelace from Paul Powell, a bow tie from Paul Simon, a picture of the “other” Paul Simon… and with flash powder, light the whole thing up with the teeny-tiny check pieces, chanting 3 times “Bruce has no social agenda” and say “Bruce has no social agenda” backwards, while twirling on her LEFT foot, and her RIGHT arm raised.
That’s political theatre.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 2:28 pm
Maybe she tore up that check, she should have announced it at the time or publically returned it and said I am not for sale. I will not believe she isn’t taking Rauner money, so he gives it to the ILGOP and they then give it to her. She has an enormous amount of signage all over the district. Does that make it better for him to pull her voting strings. She says she supports WIU and her district but actions speak louder than her very hollow words. She has voted the way he wanted each time and then was one of the 7 that tried to save face with the letter to the union and never intended on supporting the union.
Comment by Retired and Glad of it Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 2:39 pm
GREAT- she didn’t cash the check Rauner sent her directly BUT she DID cash checks from other representatives who DID cash Rauner’s checks.
OH WAIT, what about the the House Republicans who got how many millions from Rauner??? I suppose they didn’t accept any Rauner money…
BUT let’s get all technical here…
Good for you Hammond! Maybe you can actually represent your district sometime instead of voting party line… It’s only people’s lives on the line right?
Comment by anon Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 3:22 pm
Please read the article again because most of you leaving comments seem to have missed the point. The article appears to indicate that John Curtis got his smear cart in front of his fact horse. Personal amity for Rep. Hammond should not excuse the mistake by Mr. Curtis. He owes her an apology and a public retraction. He did, after all, allege she committed a crime. You may not like Rep. Hammond, but certainly we can all agree that mistruths should not be used to impeach her character.
Comment by Reality Check Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 3:39 pm
Reality Check- under that logic, isn’t it unfair for Hammond’s campaign put the smear cart in front of their fact horse when they decided to indicate Curtis is tied to Madigan?
He hasn’t voted for leadership or anything like that BUT Hammond has taken tainted Rauner money whether it is directly or indirectly…
You can sit in your bubble and believe what you want to believe…Money from the House Republicans is Rauner’s war chest.
Comment by anon Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 4:00 pm
- Reality Check -
Hammond hasn’t supported WIU until the heat got too hot, Hammond is a supporter of Rauner who refuses to fund Higher Ed, and has Hammond taken any HRO money that in realty is Raunerite Cash?
My eyes are open. Are the eyes of Macomb and Western’s open too?
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 4:10 pm
Republicans:
The next time you are gonna “tear up the check” from Governor Rauner, consider:
1. Issuing a press release;
2. Videotaping;
3. Having pieces of said check framed to hang in your office.
With warmest personal regards, I remain
YDD
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 5:19 pm
Oswego Willy: Agree with you on a lot of things but you are wrong here. The bills Hammond voted present or against were ginned up by House Dems to pigeon hole the vote. Madigan outplayed Rauner and House Gop took the lumps. But I will tell you this: Norine Hammond has always supported WIU and was fighting the Governor’s staff over it…just not in the comment section of Capitiol Fax. She can’t do it alone and there were no funding mechanisms for those bills.
Comment by Doi Chef Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 8:05 pm
===Norine Hammond has always supported WIU===
Except when she didn’t.
Are you telling me Rauner owned her switch?
Hammond had the opportunity to vote right, but being a victim to “bad votes”, Hammond owns that now.
Western and Macomb… Hammond let them down.
Thems the breaks.
Ginned up votes or not, thems the breaks.
Of course, Rauner’s money will soothe voting against Western and Macomb.
Hey, I’m sorry. I’m tired of excuses for voting against constituents, real constituents, and when manners have state universities.
You can’t trust Hammond(?)
Macomb and Western need to ask…
“Why take a chance?”
With respect, and I’m sorry.
OW
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 8:13 pm
- Doi Chef -
Let try to put this is perspective.
An autonomous caucus would be able to tell the governor of their own party “This is going to hurt people, or districts, or… ” and that caucus would be able to protect their constituents and still be with the governor of their party 80% of the time.
That governor? That governor should be able to “count” and figure out a way to get things done.
But Rauner took away autonomy. You have members voting against universities in their districts, labor when the trades, or teachers, or police and fire backed Republicans.
Rauner has dismantled all that. Purposely. For $20 million.
You think I like this?!?!?
No. No I don’t. Nor do I like having to remind members “who they are” or “who they represent”… even as Republicans!
There’s fallout. McCann is awful for Leader Radogno, and caucus discipline, I understand.
However, Rauner in the mix, McCann being a Republican in the Rauner instance, it was important. Still bothers me. But, Rauner usurping, there needed to be a stoppage.
At some point, it may come, I doubt it, but it may, members are going to ask themselves “Why am I writing letters to labor groups about phony support?” “Why am I voting to harm the economic engine of my region?”
Rauner and Raunerism isn’t the same as being a Republican. Rauner wants and required votes that bring tricked up votes hurting districts… not the way to run a railroad.
Rauner tells members “vote against yourself, I’ll help”
Ok. Then Hammond has Rauner. An autonomous caucus and the members in them would rarely be hung out to dry for the blatant.
It’s up to Hammond now.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 8:31 pm
Anon @4: There’s a huge difference between asserting a public official has committed a crime (as Curtis did) as opposed to alleging ties between politicians in the same party (as Hammond has done and frankly, Curtis too.)
The article started as a press release from Curtis alleging a crime had been committed. He was wrong, he owes her an apology.
To those who speculate that the check was not destroyed…really? I thought only Republicans traded in such wild eyed fantasy.
illinoissunshine.org says Hammond has $371,000 in the bank and Curtis has $143,000. A check of such relatively inconsequential amount would seem to be an odd thing to lie about. Especially when one considers Hammond is a seasoned politician who has got to know how Illinois disclosure laws work (both the donor and the donee file disclosures.)
Curtis owes Hammond an apology. He got it wrong. He should get it over with so we can go back to the larger issues.
Comment by Reality Check Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 9:57 pm
http://www.pantagraph.com/news/some-republicans-not-cashing-checks-from-rauner/article_daa6ece1-45d3-5a6f-82f4-787878ed2bc7.html
In 2015 the Paragraph published an article about House Republicans not cashing those checks. Their count said 16 did not cash.
Comment by Reality Check Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 10:05 pm
- Reality Check -
When Macomb and Western needed Hammond most, they were let down.
Hammond should apologize to Macomb and Western…?
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 10:07 pm
Oswego Willy: Thanks for your very steady drumbeat here–keeping the focus on the point of how Hammond consistently voted with Rauner, when she could have crossed party lines on a number of key votes that would have made a difference for the funding of higher ed in particular.
Hammond’s a team player, but we need someone more willing to vote independently–especially when voting with the other team (and against one’s governor’s agenda) makes such a difference for a key part of her district.
Comment by Yooper in Diaspora Monday, Sep 19, 16 @ 10:48 pm
OW…right on.She has state workers in Galesburg….Rushville and Mt Sterling too.
Comment by illinois manufacturer Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 1:31 am