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* Illinois’ very own Ken Bone has become an online sensation partly for his very thoughtful presidential debate question…
“What steps will your energy policy take to meet our energy needs while at the same time remaining environmentally friendly and minimizing job layoffs?”
Excellent question, for sure. And his red sweater was pretty cool, too, particularly considering his wardrobe malfunction back story.
My favorite question was the last one, however. Both candidates were asked to say something nice about each other.
So, instead of a question today, here’s a challenge…
* If you generally disapprove of Gov. Bruce Rauner, say something truly positive about him in comments below. The same goes for those of you who disapprove of House Speaker Michael Madigan.
No snark! Don’t even try. I’ll immediately delete you. And no back and forth bickering. Stick to the task at hand and only the task at hand. Thanks.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:21 pm
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Governor Rauner’s willingness to spend his time with people at sporting events, wineries, local meetings, parades, etc.
Comment by nadia Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:25 pm
Bruce Rauner, he puts his money where his mouth is.
Comment by Henry Francis Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:25 pm
Madigan is very, very smart.
Comment by Bobby Catalpa Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:28 pm
Madigan is always three steps ahead of you…hes the Belichek of politics. I know I’m in the minority, but I sincerely like Belichek, so consider that a compliment.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:28 pm
Governor Rauner’s commitment to criminal justice reform seems rather genuine, and he should be commended for bucking his party’s tendency towards incarceration over rehabilitation.
Speaker Madigan’s opposition to what he perceives as policies being espoused by this Governor that would force people to seek emergency room care, costing us more money, seem to indicate he actually does know and care more about policy than he’s given credit for. That should be applauded.
Comment by Curious Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:28 pm
The Speaker’s mind is worthy of donation to science some day. Few think, remember and operate at that level for any length of time, let alone decades. Sincerely.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:29 pm
Rauner, more than recent Republicans, seems to be more inclusive of African Americans. Madigan appears to be fighting for the middle class
Comment by Ratso Rizzo Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:29 pm
Rauner’s efforts to reduce Illinois’ prison population are laudable.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:29 pm
I like my govenor for fixing up the mansion something he didn’t have to do thanks
Comment by Rabid Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:30 pm
Governor Rauner’s commitment to an overhaul in Crininal Justice and his string of unparalleled successes were only possible because of Rauner’s personal commitment and inclusiveness to bipartisan work and Rauner signing and continuing to moving these reforms forward.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:35 pm
I’ve said it before but I’ll repeat it: Rauner has appointed some good people to run a lot of the agencies, and they are getting some good results that are not really being recognized.
Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:35 pm
I have to admit that the Governors plan for how all this would go down was really intricate and detailed. Now it didn’t go like he thought but he has pretty well made course corrections to keep it on track.
It reminds me of the “plan” in Asimov’s Foundation series. In this series Harry Seldon, the great psychohistorian mathematically maps out the next 1000 years galaxy. It’s a great read but Rauners scale and intensity of plan reminds me of this.
Bruce Rauner is Harry Seldon
Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:37 pm
Rauner deserves credit for his desire to reduce the state prison population.
Comment by Handle Bar Mustache Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:38 pm
Rauner and Madigan are both fully committed to their beliefs and goals.
Comment by MOON Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:40 pm
Madigan’s discipline and organizational skills are second to none.
Comment by Deft Wing Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:40 pm
Both are highly motivated to keep working when most in their position would enjoy retirement
Comment by Nail Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:41 pm
The Governor deserves credit for at least being willing to discuss the important monetary concerns that face the State of Illinois.
The Speaker deserves credit for never simply kowtowing to the governor-in-charge, regardless of party.
Comment by xxtofer Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:41 pm
The governor passing the law that enables the Obama library to be built in Chicago. I liked his video and statements, when he signed the law.
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:45 pm
I was going to say he looks good in plaid. But that might be viewed as snark. So, I will say that I appreciate his support for several women’s issues (e.g. pro-choice, sales tax repeal on feminine hygiene products, and flexibility on how to use sick time to care for ill family members).
Comment by Scamp640 Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:45 pm
Governor Rauner has probably spent more time downstate than the previous two governors combined. Speaker Madigan annually throws a terrific party on Lake Springfield. Love them both. And, without them, there would be very little to say on this thread.
Comment by Keyser Soze Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:46 pm
Rauner stays on message better than any politician or candidate I’ve ever worked with. It’s enviable.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:49 pm
I appreciate the fact that Governor Rauner has been far more socially moderate than many of his supporters, including his efforts to require the inclusion of contraceptive coverage in insurance plans, and his support for reducing non-violent offenders from the Illinois prison population.
Comment by Mr. Smith Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:50 pm
Rauner rides a motorcycle, which I just love. Madigan is a Sox fan!
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:50 pm
Rauner gets to be Governor of the home state of the legendary Ken Bone.
Comment by Stark Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:51 pm
The Governor’s smile seems genuine while the Speaker’s seems forced or cynical.
The Speaker’s institutional knowledge of how Illinois government works is beyond reproach while the Governor is still taking Illinois 101.
Comment by Casual observer Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:52 pm
The Cardinals may not have made the Post-Season, but they were represented in October by that glorious sweater.
Comment by Grand Avenue Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:54 pm
Completely agree with everyone who has commented on Rauner’s support of criminal justice reform. I would add that I appreciate his plan to overhaul the Executive Mansion with private funds, including his personal million-dollar donation.
Comment by JoanP Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:55 pm
“I am the most persistent rascal on the planet,” Rauner said. “I do not back down; I do not give up.”
I will agree that he is persistent about certain things. One others, such as criminal justice reform, he has shown that he can, if he so chooses, work across the aisle.
Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:56 pm
Rauner: He beat Pat Quinn.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:56 pm
The fact that Madigan has run this state for 30 years without even a whiff of the Feds investigating him is amazing (Illinois has a pretty low bar for great achievement in state government).
Comment by Grand Avenue Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:58 pm
Rauner: Unlike the 2 previous executives, I do admire this Governor’s commitment to his ideals, he is not somebody who caves from public pressure like Blago and PQ..
Comment by Not Rich Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:00 pm
I appreciate how Madigan does his due diligence. I always thought that the time he spent in Illinois politics would diminish his stamina over time, but he seems to always be operating at a 110%
Comment by Clark Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:01 pm
Madigan is beyond a political savant. Some of his moves are calculated years in advance and always seem to work.
Comment by Big Muddy Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:07 pm
Madigan - herding cats for over 30 years!
Comment by WhoKnew Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:08 pm
Whatever the political reasoning behind it, I like that Bruce visits high schools as much as he does so these young people have that civics engagement experience to think about their responsibilities as citizens going forward
Re: Madigan. I am happy our state passed marriage equality legislatively even before SCOTUS ruled on it and appreciate Madigan pushing that forward on a topic that i think was the right thing to do but in which there was possible harm to his majority
Comment by hisgirlfriday Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:08 pm
Although I disagree with much of his politics, Governor Rauner does seem like a good family man.
Comment by Stones Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:09 pm
To his credit, Rauner seems to have no interest in the “culture wars” or the excesses of Evangelical politics. He seems to be a pragmatic, secular figure, which is unusual for a Republican these days.
Comment by IllinoisBoi Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:11 pm
Rauner-attempts to reduce the prison population. I hope he keeps at it.
Madigan-keeps his eye on the ball-to keep Democratic control of the House. Kind of like Paul Ryan in the House of Rep these days. It’s their job.
Comment by Cassandra Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:14 pm
He is a hunter.
MjM…..i am thinking.
Comment by Blue dog dem Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:14 pm
Rauner and Madigan are going to earn praise from me for getting together after the election and fixing the budget problems of our State.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:15 pm
Despite people’s opinions on charter schools, I think it’s pretty obvious that the Governor cares about education and puts his money where his mouth is on expanding opportunities for inner city and improvished youth.
Comment by Boone's is Back Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:16 pm
I generally disapprove of both (especially their current outcomes), but since I disapprove of Madigan more, I will take that one.
Maidgan is by far the most disciplined and smartest politician I know of and will probably see in my lifetime. His political (not policy) genius is absolutely staggering. He not only knows how to win elections, he knows how to win a lot of elections for other people. He works hard, expects his staff and members to work hard and is very very disciplined.
Comment by Ahoy! Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:19 pm
Governor Rauner’s interest in prison reform is laudable.
Mr. (and Mrs.) Madigan raised a smart, hardworking daughter.
Comment by Cheryl44 Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:19 pm
While being extremely wealthy, Gov Rauner has taken on a very difficult task of reviving IL financial issues. He has applied himself to his plan and has the ability to stick to his cause and his plan. I’ve never been aware of a politician who has been this dedicated to a situation like Gov Rauner.
Comment by Belle Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:22 pm
Contrary to his appearances, I can see Bruce being a shrewd businessman who wouldn’t shy away from tough calls.
Mike has allowed himself to remain firmly in the spotlight without getting caught up in the trappings of popularity.
Comment by Jocko Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:24 pm
Speaker Madigan’s daughter is capable and devoted.
Comment by downstater Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:24 pm
Gov is willing to spend his own money on issues he wants addressed.
Comment by Give Me A Break Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:24 pm
Madigan has a sincere desire to help Union families better their standard of living
Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:27 pm
Rauner did not endorse Trump.
Comment by burbanite Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:29 pm
The Governor married well. Like many others, his wife is his best asset. He would likely be quick to agree with this.
Comment by Southside Markie Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:34 pm
Madigan is a master strategist, and he takes care of his current and former staffers.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:36 pm
Rauner uses his personal resources in an attempt to accomplish his goals.
Madigan always appears to be playing chess with a group of people playing checkers.
Comment by NobodysAccountable Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:39 pm
I admire Rauner’s willingness to go outside his inner circle to find people to work for him.
I admire Madigan’s requirement that trust be earned, both ways.
Comment by Last Bull Moose Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:49 pm
Rauner loves dogs. It’s hard not to like a guy who loves his dog.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:52 pm
We were going to praise BigBrain for savin’ a lot of wear n’ tear on the state air fleet, but most seem to be serious so let’s join those who like his moves to reduce the prison population. His motives are aimed reducing state costs, but neatly blend with progressives who know the mass incarceration has done little good. One observation is that BigBrain needs to realize his decision to wreck many health programs aimed at drugs, etc. and the tear down of many job training efforts cut be a big shock to the newly released. Those mistakes can be corrected.
Comment by Anonnin' Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:54 pm
Speaker Madigan is Loyal.
We all sometimes forget that something so simple can bring about some big and positive things.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:56 pm
If all this is about the acquisition and maintenance of political power, the Speaker has been very, very good at it for a very, very long time.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 2:09 pm
Both of these men are willing to serve. (As much as I may disagree with the tactics, motives, and/or actions or lack thereof, I acknowledge that they each could probably choose to pursue other interests. Even if they have each reaped some personal/professional rewards, the very nature of their jobs is that someone will always be mad at them. I would not want to do any part of what they do.)
Comment by morningstar Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 2:12 pm
Move to change the state’s motto to: The Land of Bone
Comment by From the 'Dale to HP Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 2:13 pm
I appreciate that the governor likes craft beer and seems to be supporting the industry.
Comment by G'Kar Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 2:39 pm
I appreciate the fact that the governor is leading the effort to restore the Governor’s Mansion.
Comment by G'Kar Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 2:41 pm
Piling on, but I have 3 for the Governor
(1) Working to reduce prison population.
(2) Working to restore the mansion.
(3) Working to build a Republican State Party infrastructure.
Comment by SAP Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 2:46 pm
Governor Rauner has turned the corner away from being “tough on crime,” toward criminal justice reform.
Beyond our fiscal problems, that is our next big challenge.
Comment by walker Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 2:58 pm
Lots of good responses, especially on criminal justice reform for Rauner and loyalty for Madigan.
Rauner is smart, strategic, goal-oriented and a hard worker.
Madigan makes it a priority to take care of his constituents and asks his fellow Democrats to do the same for theirs.
Comment by Earnest Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 3:07 pm
He is able to convince his billionaire buddies to keep invest in’ the equivalent of their nickels n dimes to him and the GOP — for payouts undetermined.
Comment by Winnin' Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 3:31 pm
Madigan is a generous contributor to charitable organizations, and does not ask for public acknowledgement.
Comment by walker Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 3:38 pm
The Speaker has a very warm family.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 3:56 pm
Because of Rauner, I discovered Carhartt coats. One got me through most of last winter. They are warm, comfortable and cheap.
This isn’t snark. It is serious. Until people were talking about Rauner and Carthartt, I was spending way more money on NorthFace coats that are not half as good.
Comment by Gooner Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 4:04 pm
@RNUG - I agree. Many of the agency level appointments have been strong, and there seems to be a feeling that these people want to do the jobs well. At least, that’s what I have seen.
Madigan seems to see the entire board (sticking with the chess metaphor). The question I have is: is he passing on his knowledge, connections, and clout? If not, there’s going to be a massive void someday.
Comment by Delimma Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 4:15 pm
Rauner: in spite of the Carhartt, there seems to be a personal, genuine side to him. I think I’d enjoy a nonpolitical conversation with him over a glass of wine–even it it came from a $10 bottle.
Madigan: smart, with a wealth of experience. Also, I believe he adopted Lisa when he married her mother. The gift of adoption earns my respect.
Comment by South Central Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 4:16 pm
No joke, I swear by my Carhartt…
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 4:36 pm
“No joke, I swear by my Carhartt…”
Me too. Best thing there is to beat the brush and briars and cold when working outside.
Comment by South Central Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 5:21 pm
I travel to many States, and work with a varied crowd of people from construction types to Hospital CEO’s. And not since Blago have I heard anyone ask if I knew my Governor was picked up by the Feds. So for both of them, they have not been arrested and embarrassed us out of State.
Comment by FormerParatrooper Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 8:42 pm