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* Pretty much, yeah…
Tl;dr Madigan and Rauner are spending several mil to argue over who should be blamed for the budget neither of them will pass https://t.co/Wpy5yLerdu
— Will Caskey (@WillCaskey) November 7, 2016
I wrote about the race for normally obscure comptroller role in Illinois, which has pulled in big $$$ this year.https://t.co/1vRL6j9cCG
— Will Connors (@wconnors) November 7, 2016
* Kerry Lester…
For example, the race for 20th District Illinois House, which includes portions of Rosemont, Des Plaines and Park Ridge, between 20-year incumbent Michael McAuliffe, a Chicago Republican, and Chicago Democrat Merry Marwig is now considered to be the most expensive state legislative race in the nation, according to the Center for Public Integrity, with more than $4.1 million spent so far.
Ultimately, [former GOP state Sen. Kirk Dillard] said, that money will work to thwart the independence of the eventual victor — and the ability to get along with the other side.
“The amount of money on both sides in that race, no matter who wins that race, will make it very difficult for the winner of that race not to toe the line of their political party or whoever was paying for those ads. When you need that kind of money to win it’s very difficult to break from the folks who paid for your campaign. And that’s not the way you should legislate.”
* Meanwhile, GWB’s former voicebox is doing comms work for Rauner’s campaign these days…
The Illinois Republican Party gave a $24K in-kind to Gov Rauner for consulting expenses paid to Ari Fleischer Comm. https://t.co/fNF9UAR9TN
— IL Election Data (@ILElectionData) November 7, 2016
I hope that doesn’t mean we’re preparing to invade Iraq.
* By the way, the governor’s most recent D-2 shows he paid $8,339.47 to Peter Noel Murray, Ph.D & Partners LLC. From Murray’s website…
The big opportunity in digital media is not the next new technology. It is adding EMOTION to existing websites and social media.
The promise of digital and social media is promoting consumer engagement, creating brand community, and developing customer loyalty. Technology alone is not enough to make this happen.
He’s really big on using emotion. That may explain all the pictures of fall foilage, the Cubs, etc. on the governor’s Facebook and Twitter feeds.
* From a reader…
Hey Rich - just thought I’d kick this over to you. This was in a plastic bag on my door this morning and looked like everyone else on my block had one also, I am also a solid D and early voted so its obvious there was no targeting done. I’ve also NO mail from Kifowit or Strick. I’ve gotten 2 door knocks from the Kifowit campaign.
The flier…
Man, will I ever be glad when this one’s over.
* Should we really be happy about this?…
Lines literally around the block for early voting downtown pic.twitter.com/EnZUTWF3Zn
— Will Guzzardi (@WillGuzzardi) November 7, 2016
Another long line for #earlyvoting this one in #Gurnee #Campaign2016 @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/ghuHtbQfRT
— Vince Gerasole (@vincegerasole) November 7, 2016
Line for Chicago's high volume EV location is out the door, down Washington, around the corner and down Dearborn at least to Madison.
— IL Election Data (@ILElectionData) November 7, 2016
Point being, we need to do better. A lot better. People shouldn’t be forced to wait in such long lines to exercise their right to vote, whether by nefarious design (as in North Carolina) or by poor planning.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 2:26 pm
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“That is a record for the office in Illinois—and makes it one of the most expensive comptroller races ever in any state.”
From the article in reference to Mendoza/Munger. It makes it sound like there has been a more expensive one outside of Illinois. Thats hard to believe, but if so where was it and what were the circumstances?
Comment by Nov9th Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 2:30 pm
The question I have is why did people wait until today to go early vote? They had a couple of weeks and they wait until the last minute when they will be forced to wait in a line with hundreds of people from all over the city? They might as well have gone tomorrow in their home polling place!
Comment by Anonymouth Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 2:31 pm
Early Voting still heavy, and still women, women, women. No predictions here.
Comment by walker Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 2:31 pm
That is a record for the office in Illinois—and makes it one of the most expensive comptroller races ever in any state.
The articles quote makes it sound like another state has had a more costly comptroller race? That is hard to believe.
Comment by Seats Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 2:33 pm
Wow bad lines. Makes me very grateful that I just have to go to my little polling place around the corner. Regardless I’ll be there about 6:45am after I get the girls to school for early bird classes.
Comment by Honeybear Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 2:33 pm
Voting early today unless you absolutely can’t tomorrow seems kind of absurd. Lots more locations available tomorrow and I have to imagine almost all the lines will be shorter than that.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 2:41 pm
I really have no sympathy for those people standing in line. Voting by mail and early voting are so easy and started weeks ago.
Comment by Indochine Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 2:42 pm
here,here
Comment by Dozer Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 2:44 pm
This isn’t poor planning, this is a huge turnout for early voters. I early voted here last week with a minimal wait. People seem to be highly motivated.
Comment by Trapped in the 'burbs Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 2:45 pm
I should also point out that they are well staffed, communicating with voters and working hard to move the voters along.
Comment by Trapped in the 'burbs Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 2:47 pm
The courts better keep their lights on tomorrow night because there are going to be all kinds of legal filings flying to keep voting places open past closing time (all over the country)
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 2:47 pm
The early voting location shown in Guzzardi’s photo is a City of Chicago early voting site on Washington Street in the Loop. Mid-day the past couple of weeks, it’s been fairly empty. There appears to be a lot of voting machines in that location (2 dozen?). So, IMO seems more like poor planning by voters, not by City voting officials.
Comment by Phil Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 2:48 pm
===This isn’t poor planning, this is a huge turnout for early voters===
It gets bigger every year and they know it.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 2:48 pm
Rich: I agree with your sentiment, however, it’s the responsibility of the voter to ensure they have taken all means necessary to take advantage of early voting, which basically gives you six weeks to get er’ done. Longer if you request an absentee ballot…so, if they’re in a line…next time go earlier.
Comment by Captain Illini Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 2:50 pm
“That is a record for the office in Illinois—and makes it one of the most expensive comptroller races ever in any state.
The articles quote makes it sound like another state has had a more costly comptroller race? That is hard to believe.”
I read that as one of the most expensive meaning that it likely is the case, and that you wouldn’t call it #1 unless you know that for sure. And that the 20th house district race was the #1 most expensive state legislative district race. Which also seems surprising, but I can’t say I know much history about of state legislative elections.
Comment by aaronsinger Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 2:50 pm
28 more hours. Thank sweet baby Jesus.
Comment by Team Sleep Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 2:53 pm
== I hope that doesn’t mean we’re preparing to invade Iraq ==
Thinking back on The Governot’s comments, probably plans to invade Chiraq?
== “…to argue over who should be blamed for the budget neither of them will pass…”. ==
“…to argue over who should be blamed for the budget one of them still won’t even submit…”.
Better.
Comment by sal-says Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 2:57 pm
I got a flyer for my state rep race too (Ann Williams v. Gary Mandell). It was from Mandell and was about Madigan “Chicago style politics.” I too voted early and everyone on my block got it. I wonder if they are all using the same playbook.
Comment by Jacketpotato Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 2:58 pm
=====This isn’t poor planning, this is a huge turnout for early voters===
It gets bigger every year and they know it.==
That’s why this Sox fan early voted during the Cubs parade. Walked right in.
Comment by so... Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 3:02 pm
anyone in Chicago can go to any early voting station as well as downtown. these have been open for weeks. if the downtown line is for Chicago, they have plenty of other choices. election day goes from early to 7, and is often really quiet. the media has been filled with exhortations for weeks for people to vote early.
Comment by Amalia Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 3:02 pm
Meh. Early voting gets bigger each year, yes, but that’s it– we aren’t really getting higher/more voter participation; just the same voters voting earlier. And these long, onerous lines are typical for the last day of early voting. Heck, if you make early voting even earlier, you’ll still have these long lines on the last day of early voting.
Bring back one voting day with extended/better voting by mail and we’ll have better results and maybe, just maybe, higher voter participation.
Comment by Deft Wing Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 3:04 pm
Why pick on North Carolina? They at least have early voting………..”liberal” New York doesn’t even have that.
Comment by truth squad Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 3:10 pm
Where I also think that nefarious intent is behind some lines in NC and other places, I have to say that in IL, it’s simply a case of record turn out. Doing better? How, pray tell, when in off year elections you have to practically drag people to the polls. How about we have record turn out in EVERY election and then maybe we’d be ready for it each time. That’s not the election officials fault — that’s on the voters!
Comment by Not quite a majority Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 3:11 pm
Madigan et al *can’t* pass a budget until one is proposed by the governor.
Comment by Cheryl44 Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 3:14 pm
I’m just happy to see everyone out there voting. Think about what the lines would be like if we all had to wait until tomorrow.
Comment by Cheryl44 Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 3:15 pm
Hire more judges, invest in more machines and bigger polling places. This is actually a problem you can throw money at.
Comment by Signal and Noise Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 3:16 pm
I now reside in CA. Mailed my ballot in over 2 weeks ago, and have really grown to like the ‘vote by mail’ thing. Here it’s not even requested, they just send the ballot to your house. You can either mail it in, or show up at your polling location. So much easier.
Comment by How Ironic Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 3:16 pm
Dems in charge across the board on Chicago. Just sayin’. Who will they blame it on?
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 3:20 pm
I have a feeling a lot of people that normally don’t vote are showing up this year … for a lot of different reasons. What’s going to be interesting is if the results are typical or not, and we aren’t necessarily going to know that tomorrow night.
Comment by RNUG Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 3:21 pm
When I voted downtown at 69 W Washington last Monday,there were literally four people sitting around waiting for someone to show up. These people waited until the very last day. They might as well go tomorrow, the line will definitely be shorter.
Comment by Marge Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 3:22 pm
I think there might be plans to invade Indiana. So much has been said about how wonderful it is there with all of their reforms. Maybe Wisconsin would be worth an assault with their anti-union efforts. It’s hard to tell. Kentucky? Other than the bourbon what’s the point. Missouri? I’m sure there are some who would appreciate all of the red voters, but then we’d have to deal with Kansas. Ick.
Comment by Delimma Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 3:27 pm
–People shouldn’t be forced to wait in such long lines to exercise their right to vote, whether by nefarious design (as in North Carolina) or by poor planning.
Unless you have a valid reason, most of these people should not be voting until tomorrow on the Election Day…. That is the reason of an “Election Day” singular…. Absentee ballots are for if you cannot be at the polling place in the hours of operation or are out of the area, NOT because you are lazy and or just want a day off saying you are voting… The State closes to go vote, which I cannot fathom the logic there. one election day cuts down on voter fraud on both sides….
Comment by Allen D Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 3:28 pm
===That is the reason of an “Election Day” singular===
It’s now plural. Get used to it.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 3:30 pm
“cuts down on voter fraud on both sides”
Oh pullleeeazzze…..
Comment by Galena Guy Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 3:52 pm
The EV locations seem well staffed in numbers. It would be hard to get more people into the spaces that I’ve seen. I guess the answer would be more locations in areas where the lines have gotten that long.
Comment by A guy Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 3:52 pm
Just thinking some of the people lined up to vote on the last day of early voting probably also wait in line at the end of the month at the SOS when their license plate stickers are going to expire.
Comment by West Side The Best Side Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 3:54 pm
Oh - Allen D -
Don’t you feel everyone should be able to vote?
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 3:55 pm
I try and vote early if possible. I voted at the Douglas County Court House last week and for the first time I had to wait in a line of about a half dozen. No problems though, it gave me a minute to catch up with Amanda.
Comment by Gruntled University Employee Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 4:01 pm
If you want attempt an argument for making it harder for Americans to vote, you should probably ask someone to proofread your post.
Otherwise you risk coming off as some kind of incoherent crank.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 4:02 pm
Guess we know what the D stands for, eh Allen?
Comment by Signal and Noise Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 4:04 pm
How about, we make it as easy as possible for citizens of this country to vote. I know it’s a radical idea, but more participation is a good thing.
Comment by ArchPundit Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 4:24 pm
=== The State closes to go vote, which I cannot fathom the logic there. one election day cuts down on voter fraud on both sides….
So preserve absentee voting which is the most likely kind of voting to have fraud, but make life less convenient for everyone else where there is virtually no in person fraud.
Got it.
Comment by ArchPundit Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 4:27 pm
===That is the reason of an “Election Day” singular
Other than some sort of tradition of having one day, why is that so important? Other than that’s how it was when I walked uphill both ways to the polling place why is this a good thing?
Comment by ArchPundit Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 4:30 pm
Why so snarky about these late early voters?? I say voting is good whenever you do it. God bless ‘em all.
Comment by Joe Biden Was Here Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 4:34 pm
I agree with ArchPundit. We should make it easy for every legal citizen to vote. But I also believe a photo I.D. should be presented by each of these legal citizens at the time of voting.
Comment by blue dog dem Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 4:38 pm
I voted at the location Guzzardi is showing last Monday at 11:30 without waiting in line. This isn’t the cities fault. This location is for suburban Cook, the only location for them in the loop. This wouldn’t be a problem for people if they voted last week early.
Comment by Early Smart Voter Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 4:39 pm
Allen D, your comment makes no sense.
I have commitments all day tomorrow and was worried I’d not be able to get to my home polling place. Today was flexible for me…so go vote, I said to myself. Are you trying to suggest I not vote instead?
The important word is “election”. Perhaps it is better to call this an election period. I have in the past understood “election day” to mean the last day I can cast a vote.
Comment by Mongo Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 4:39 pm
“Tl;dr Madigan and Rauner are spending several mil to argue over who should be blamed for the budget neither of them will pass”
How can Madigan pass Rauner’s budget when Rauner has not submit the constitutionally required balanced budget to the general assembly since Rauner took office for the last two years?
Comment by Chicago 20 Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 4:45 pm
===But I also believe a photo I.D. should be presented by each of these legal citizens at the time of voting.
It doesn’t solve any problems so why make it harder to vote? There is no significant and hardly any insignificant in person fraud so what is the reason for doing this when it would create issues for people who have the fewest resources?
Comment by ArchPundit Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 4:46 pm
I can’t imagine what kind of “consulting” Ari Fleischer could offer for Illinois races. He’s in sports p.r. now. Sounds like expensive hand-holding for the governor.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 4:47 pm
Sick and tired of people badmouthing voters trying to early vote today instead of going weeks ago.
I voted the first day EV opened but I’m a political junkie with strong partisan leanings with little chance for any new revelations, campaign commercials or debates to change their minds. Most people aren’t like that.
I mean the final U.S. senate debate was what… Friday? No reason to judge people for waiting.
Our county clerks and the county boards that fund them need to adapt to how the voting landscape is changing.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 4:53 pm
—Sounds like expensive hand-holding for the governor.
The man has funneled millions of dollars to Dan Proft. This is probably a better use of his money which is to say, not much use.
Comment by ArchPundit Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 4:54 pm
It’s strange to me that only one side opposes early voting. We all like democracy, yes? Don’t we want as many people to participate as possible? Why would we want to limit the amount of people who can vote?
Some snark, and some rhetorical.
Comment by AlfondoGonz Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 4:56 pm
Anon says “Dems in charge across the board on Chicago. Just sayin’. Who will they blame it on?” Gurnee is in Lake County, where we’ve had more than 25 years of GOP Board and County Clerk, so, who would you blame? Just sayin’
Comment by Springfieldish Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 5:01 pm
===need to adapt to how the voting landscape is changing===
Which was my point.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 5:11 pm
I voted a week ago in the suburbs. No lines (it took me 15 minutes from in the door to out the door).
The coworkers in the City who early voted last week saw no lines either.
Comment by titan Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 5:13 pm
I early voted at the Cass County Courthouse over 2 weeks ago.
No lines.
Voted and was out the door in less than 5 minutes.
Comment by btowntruth from forgotonnia Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 5:46 pm
===Madigan and Rauner are spending several mil to argue over who should be blamed for the budget neither of them will pass===
Oh right. It was Mike Madigan that said he wouldn’t even considering working on the budget until everyone in Illinois is forced to join a union. /s
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 5:55 pm
== Madigan and Rauner are spending several mil to argue over who should be blamed for the budget neither of them will pass ==
Yes, still can’t see how this message, even with infinite money, goes anywhere.
Comment by peon Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 5:56 pm
Scary new tactic, sending out fake ads and flyers telling voters they can vote by cellphone text. Totally false.
http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/07/politics/vote-by-text-message-fake-news/index.html
Comment by Wensicia Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 5:59 pm
Ah, the joys of retirement! Mid morning tomorrow should be pretty easy and quick.
Comment by JackD Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 6:05 pm
I’m surprised no one has mentioned yet that state employees get Election Day off as a holiday. With early voting that’s less defensible than ever.
Comment by DuPage Dave Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 6:39 pm
I voted at 69 W. Washington, Chicago, two weeks ago and I was one of only three people in the polling place. Is it possible that many voters waited until the last minute to vote? I like the idea of the added early voting sites. It was clear that if you voted two weeks ago or earlier, there was much less waiting.
Comment by Franklin Park Mayor Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 6:46 pm
In many ways I think the counties have it backwards. DuPage had multiple locations operate only until Nov 5 and only a few remaining through today. If anything they should add more sites and hours the last week as that is when the rush picks up.
Comment by Signal and Noise Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 7:15 pm
Our options are all different, but voting on Election Day is much easier for AA. Five-minute drive or fifteen-minute walk to KC Hall that handles several precincts and always moves quickly.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 7:17 pm
Sorry, not sorry, plenty of time for early voting. People waiting to do it does ≠ poor planning by the elections boards. Also, I’d they don’t want to wait in line, they can request a mail in ballot.
Comment by Brendan Monday, Nov 7, 16 @ 10:00 pm
Polls open in an hour-and-a-half!
Get outta bed, ya slackers!
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Tuesday, Nov 8, 16 @ 4:24 am
These lines mean very bad news for the Raunerites. And, yes, we should do better for distribution of voting machines.
Comment by Chucktownian Tuesday, Nov 8, 16 @ 10:13 am