Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: First “JB and Me” online campaign video released
Next Post: Pro-legalization group wants “feedback”
Posted in:
* Politico…
What would have been worse: for Gov. Bruce Rauner to just admit he is campaigning for two days while there is no state budget — or for him to do everything that looks, smells and feels like campaigning, but call it something different? […]
Some of the headlines:
– “Rauner insists campaign-funded statewide tour not about re-election bid,” by Chicago Tribune’s Kim Geiger and Monique Garcia: “When Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner tours a business, talks with employees and stresses the importance of his economic agenda and frustration at Democratic opposition, taxpayers typically cover the cost as part of his official duties running the state. As the governor embarked on a two-day statewide tour Tuesday, his campaign fund was footing the bill. Despite that, the governor insisted Tuesday that the proceedings weren’t political. Reporters, Rauner said, shouldn’t cover his tour ‘in any way other than communication to the people of Illinois.’” Story here
– “Rauner: State trip isn’t campaigning,” by AP’s Sara Burnett: “Rauner, who put $50 million into his campaign fund in December, said Tuesday he wanted media to cover the events as ‘communication with the people of Illinois.’ He also refused to say he’s seeking another term, adding ‘That will be discussed later on.’ Rauner and his political team acknowledged, however, that the tour was being paid for out of his campaign fund, Citizens for Rauner. But they described it as a ‘political event’ like others he’s held throughout his term and not a ‘campaign event.’” Story here
– “Rauner launches campaign-funded tour he says isn’t campaign tour,” by Sun-Times’ Tina Sfondeles: “Gov. Bruce Rauner on Tuesday kicked off a campaign-funded two-day tour of the state — all the while denying that he’s kicking off his re-election or that the 10 stops are campaign-related.” Story here […]
Probably not the coverage he was going for.
CBS 2 had about the same sort of coverage, as did NBC 5 and a Quad Cities TV station.
* Subscribers know more about what went on, but check out these ledes, starting with Public Radio in the Quad Cities…
Hoping to bring pressure on the General Assembly to solve the budget crisis, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner has started a two-day tour across the state.
Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner took his plan to solve Illinois’ financial woes to the people Tuesday, including a stop in Rock Island on Tuesday where he held fast to demands for his reform agenda.
“We’ve had a political system that’s been working for the insiders and not for the people,” he told a group at Performance Food Group in Rock Island. “… The answers to our challenges are real simple: We need to grow our economy.”
* Peoria Journal Star…
Gov. Bruce Rauner repeatedly emphasized his persistence in the more than two-year-long fight over the state budget during a visit to a Peoria business Tuesday.
* Peoria Public Radio…
“Hope and Change” were the key words uttered by Illinois’ Republican governor, during a stop in Peoria on Tuesday.
* The last line of the KMOX story…
Rauner is encouraged, however, that Senate Democrats are starting to negotiate some of his proposed structural reforms, including a property tax freeze and term limits among other items.
* As I told subscribers this morning, Rauner couldn’t buy coverage like this from ABC 7 if he tried…
* WIFR TV in Rockford was almost as positive…
* “Gov. Rauner talked about how he wants to improve the political system in Illinois,” reported WHBF TV…
* WICS…
Many people will [say] that the State of Illinois is in worse financial shape now than it was two years ago when Republican Governor Bruce Rauner took office. However, as Newschannel 20’s Esther Kwon reports, Governor Rauner says Democrats have been an obstacle to success.
Rauner said his administration has done “a phenomenal job” on the things he can control, and said the Democratic majority has blocked him from fixing the state’s issues.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 9:51 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: First “JB and Me” online campaign video released
Next Post: Pro-legalization group wants “feedback”
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
He is creating his own reality. You almost sound you like admire him for it. He’s no closer to 30 and 60, but he’s doing a heck of job playing politics.
It’s so gross.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 9:57 am
The Governor out touring the state touting his agenda to put pressure on the legislature to act is considered “campaigning” for an election in November 2018?
The leader of the Democratic party in Illinois is either in witness protection or cowering in his office.
He is most certainly not addressing the media. How many days since his last press conference?
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 9:57 am
no body covering this once mentions that he talks about a plan does not actually discuss a paln, and. o one asks why he doesnt have a balanced budget or what his plan is if he wont support a tax increase
Comment by Ghost Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:03 am
I’ve done a phenomenal job taking care of my lawn, it’s just the weeds and grass are not cooperating.
Rauner, Do your job!
Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:03 am
It’s pathetic that media outlets can still be so lazy and ignorant to report that there’s a “fight over the budget.”
What are those budget issues they’re fighting over? Spending? Taxation?
They’ve haven’t even gotten to that point yet.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:04 am
===The Governor out touring the state touting his agenda to put pressure on the legislature to act is considered “campaigning” for an election in November 2018===
Rauner is paying for it with campaign funds, mirroring messaging in campaign ads running right now.
This isn’t about governing. If it was about governing, Rauner wouldn’t be bashing Democrats, Rauner would be encouraging Democrats to make 60 and 30.
Your blind ignorance in what touting governing versus partisan railing and campaign points is noted.
===The leader of the Democratic party in Illinois is either in witness protection or cowering in his office.===
Since Madigan is in his district office, you know where he’s at. Madigan is allowing Pritzker, Biss, Kennedy, all formulating a message they all will use.
Bruce Rauner!
#DoYourJob
Madigan isn’t running statewide, but you already know that.
===He is most certainly not addressing the media. How many days since his last press conference?===
… but Biss, Kennedy, and Pritzker are talking, touring, seeking the media, just like Rauner’s “non-campaign” campaign swing.
Maybe you should worry about the Dem Gubernatorial candidates continually rallying #DoYourJob
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:05 am
Rauner’s words all sound good. If I was a typical citizen who just catches a sound bite here and there, I would think Rauner had my best interests at heart. Most people won’t think about the fact a property tax freeze doesn’t save any money in the State budget; Rauner says he needs it so it must be good for the State. Same for a lot of the other stuff. And he says he has a budget; very few people will take the time to try to find that non-existent piece of paper.
You know, if his stuff added up, I would buy into it … but there are no numbers behind the empty words.
This is why the D’s are losing the battle: there is only ONE message out in the public eye, and it is Rauner’s. The Man can’t / won’t govern, but he sure can campaign. He understands the concept of The Big Lie and has the money to push it.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:06 am
On balance, I think Politico has it right; while the “is it a campaign stop or isn’t it?” question didn’t lead every report, it lead enough of them (including the KMOX one) to step on the message. And that WICS “many will say” snippet is pretty crummy, too.
It’s just one of those ticky-tack things that Kennedy keeps falling into. No one’s going to change their vote because of it, or remember it in 2018. But it’s an unforced error.
Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:06 am
Speaking of term limits, I just thought of an amendment to your term limits amendment: “All heads of any incorporated body chartered in Illinois or all heads of any affiliate of an incorporated body in Illinois, under the amendatory clause of said corporations, shall also be so term limited.”
Experience means nothing, right?
You want government to run like a business, right?
Comment by HistProf Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:07 am
If Rauner used State funds for this trip the usual suspects would be criticizing him for that, be honest!
He is campaigning for his agenda, not for an election in 19 months
How long do you think voter’s memories are?
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:10 am
How are Ameya Pawar, JB Pritzker, and Chris Kennedy going to help pass a budget in 2017.
The Speaker needs to be out front like the Governor and Senator Cullerton.
Defending this hide the Speaker routine is really a disgrace OW
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:13 am
== He is campaigning for his agenda, not for an election in 19 months ==
He has to campaign for his agenda because he has very few actual accomplishments to run on.
Too bad he didn’t campaign on all his TA items during 2013 and 2014; had he honestly done so, he wouldn’t be Governor.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:16 am
===If Rauner used State funds for this trip the usual suspects would be criticizing him for that, be honest!===
See, here’s the rub you can’t reconcile;
Rauner wants to bash “Chicago Democrats”, “Mike Madigan”, “entrenched politicians”.
Ya can’t really… do… that on the state dime.
You can try, but it’ll be more that the usual suspects dinging a governor that is, well, campaigning.
The funds allow the real campaigning to happen, Rauner being his typical phony self allows for a “discussion” this isn’t campaigning. It’s a ridiculous discussion, but a discussion all the same.
==He is campaigning for his agenda, not for an election in 19 months===
If that’s the case, why are political funds still being used for the ads that date running now about his “alleged” agenda? Rauner isn’t bashing Democrats in the ads? Hmm.
===How long do you think voter’s memories are?===
If you campaign for the next 19 months straight, your question is moot.
Good try thou.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:20 am
Many folks I know either have no grasp on the issues or have no family members receiving social services/enrolled in or working at public universities. Uninformed (I think they are lazy) voters are keeping this impasse going because they have no grasp on the ripple effects of allowing a huge deficit to accumulate and the disinvestment in social services and higher education.
Comment by illinoised Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:21 am
From the gov who says his unbalanced budget is balanced, we now have the campaign that’s not a campaign
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:22 am
Geez, LP, careful what you accuse Rauner of.
We saw yesterday that the Rauner campaign was soliticiting contributions in support of the trip.
I don’t think it’s kosher to ask for campaign cash to do your official job. Some people can take that the wrong way. Ask Blago.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:22 am
===How are Ameya Pawar, JB Pritzker, and Chris Kennedy going to help pass a budget in 2017.
The Speaker needs to be out front like the Governor and Senator Cullerton===
This isn’t about a 2017 budget, paying for it with campaign funds tells me it’s not about 2017, it’s about the 2018 campaign.
===Defending this hide the Speaker routine is really a disgrace===
The speaker isn’t the governor.
The governor is running for governor here.
It’s up to Biss, Kennedy, and Pritzker to rail on the governor.
Oranges to Oranges, - Lucky Pierre -, not an Orange Pristine Carhartt governor to an Apple eating member of the General Assembly.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:24 am
Really RNUG, were you paying attention to the election at all?
Rauner wasn’t campaigning on a Turnaround agenda?
You and others think he should just pass a tax increase like Quinn wanted and call it a day?
Rauner said throughout the campaign that he was taking policy advice from associates of former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels and help from Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s aides. Earlier this week, Rauner said part of his immediate work was to “assemble a superstar ‘A’ team to turn the government around.”
http://www.chicagotribune.com/chi-bruce-rauner-illinois-governor-20141104-story.html
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:25 am
You can’t bash the other party on the Government dime?
Have you ever been to the General Assembly?
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:28 am
>It’s pathetic that media outlets can still be so lazy and ignorant to report that there’s a “fight over the budget.”
Shockingly so. But, it’s not like anyone has gone to the effort lately of tallying up the carnage and its impact on the people and businesses of Illinois. Oh, wait….
Comment by Earnest Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:32 am
LP, Rauner didn’t campaign on any of the specifics that he’s claimed are the pre-conditions for doing his job.
Seriously, you’re calling out RNUG on facts, objectivity and credibility?
You’d make Baghdad blush.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:33 am
==How are Ameya Pawar, JB Pritzker, and Chris Kennedy going to help pass a budget in 2017.==
Not their job. Rauner’s job.
Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:34 am
LP,
I just read your link. No term limits. No property tax freeze. No workers comp reform. No collective bargaining changes. No end to prevailing wage.
He even acknowledged that while he wanted the tax rate to sunset, he wasn’t sure the state could survive without more revenue.
So Rick Pearson got it right. Not sure why you can’t figure it out. Rauner campaigned to “Shake Up Springfield” not to burn down the state. His mandate was to be “Not Pat Quinn.”
What is it with Rauner and his bots? They are constantly rewriting history.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:35 am
===Rauner wasn’t campaigning on a Turnaround agenda?===
We didn’t know that refusing to sign budgets, holding hostage higher education and social services, and that Decatur PowerPoint was the “finished” TA that Rauner ran on. I’m sure if Rauner said, “I’m going to bankrupt social service organizations until we end prevailing wage and collective bargaining for all of Labor” was said, I’d remember that.
Rauner has been a phony right up until the Decatur PowerPoint, then Rauner realized people paid attention, then Rauner just starved social services and higher ed, but did it quietly.
Only Diana Rauner, president of The Ounce, let it be known she’ll donate millions to destroy social services and then call groups fighting back against Bruce’s dishonesty in signed contracts them making a “business decision”.
The RaunerS fooled Illinois in Ads about no social agenda, bringing back, shaking up, but the RaunerS, and bringing this back to the “non-political” campaign tour here, continues to stall in hopes they can ruin enough of Illinois, purposely, and still ask the Pritzkers to help The Ounce.
The only thing “true” on this tour is Rauner is truly trying to keep fooling enough people to destroy more of Illinois. That, and a Raunerite map Diana Rauner, the Democrat, will call a “business decision” to hace less Democrats and Republicans that care about Illinois out of the General Assembly.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:35 am
The Rauner message is yet again being being largely unquestioned and broadcast and printed by many compliant media throughout the state.
“Grow” the state with my magic agenda - no new tax revenue is necessary - it’s not my fault - self serving entrenched insiders - Chicago political machine - those Dems who will not drink my Kool-Aid - etc., etc., etc.
#DoYourJob
Comment by illini Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:36 am
If this is an example of a “phenominal job”, then we are surely headed for a cliff if Rauner gets 4 more years.
Comment by Generic Drone Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:37 am
===You can’t bash the other party on the Government dime?
Have you ever been to the General Assembly===
You should ask Bruce Rauner the compelling reason to pay out of campaign fund.
According to your logic, Rauner made a mistake NOT just doing this on the state dime, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:38 am
===However, as Newschannel 20’s Esther Kwon reports, Governor Rauner says Democrats have been an obstacle to success.===
And you Governor have been an obstacle to a balanced budget.
GUE
Comment by Gruntled University Employee Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:41 am
=Most people won’t think about the fact a property tax freeze doesn’t save any money in the State budget; Rauner says he needs it so it must be good for the State.=
To piggy back on your excellent point…
Ask the average citizen where they would get the best value for their tax dollar (admittedly they may say nowhere) locally or sent to the state?
Most will answer “locally”, they would rather that those dollars stay local where they can actually see some value.
The property tax freeze will come with a state level tax increase or, if the governor gets what he NEEDS and WANTS, multiple state-level tax increases.
And it will squeeze local government and reduce services they provide like parks and schools and street repairs.
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:43 am
#DoYourJob
“I just made 3 MILLION this week at my “other” job!”
Comment by gdubya Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:43 am
LP- the governor has never stopped campaigning.
Ever.
Add to that the fact that he has not started governing.
When has he ever engaged in a real policy discussion with citizens or the media?
Those usually include some real numbers and supporting facts.
Not bullet points without details.
Hint: Never.
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:45 am
Rauner’s campaignin’. If he’s pushing for a budget compromise at this very critical time, he wouldn’t be attacking House Democrats by calling them corrupt career politicians who are wrecking the state.
Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:56 am
@JS Mill
You are correct. Has he ever spoken to the public on how various items of his reform will create jobs and grow to economy? The answer is a big no. He sticks to the same simple talking points without going into detail and just keeps repeating the. It has historically been an effective strategy in pulling the wool over a populace that is generally ignorant of what’s really going on. Repeat lies over and over again and more people will believe it.
Comment by The Dude Abides Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 10:58 am
I have always believed that the governor’s decision to put 50 million into his election account this early was a sign of weakness. He can spend and campaign all he likes but in the end I don’t think it will matter. He could have been something and even as a Democrat, I had hopes that he wouldn’t screw up his chances, but he did. Obviously, I could be all wrong on this but I don’t think so.
Comment by Paddyrollingstone Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 11:03 am
So here’s a question to the group. Since this is informational instead of campaign, how do you think it would be received if protestors challenged him inside (what we have seen happen in congressional town halls over ACA) as opposed to being ignored or co-opted protesting outside? There were protestors at Filgenzis last night. Outside. More effective in?
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 11:10 am
There is not an inch of daylight between Scott Walker and Mitch Daniels policies and Rauner’s Turnaround Agenda
If anything, Rauner polices are more moderate, not more conservative than the those two neighboring Governors
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 11:17 am
1) The press needs to do its job. When will they ask for (or investigate) the governor’s overall state and local tax rate and compare it to what most taxpayers pay?
2) The Dems need to do their job, too. They should push the same information. My take is that the Dem leadership doesn’t want this to get out. But even Biss and Pawae fail to make this point effectively. It’s one thing to talk about a progressive income tax, but much more effective to first tell the people that their tax rate is likely 2-3 times higher than the governor’s.
Comment by X-prof Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 11:19 am
Democrats complaining about campaigning is just hypocritical and a form of campaigning themselves. How many house votes are taken with campaign mailers already in the mail?
Both sides have created their own realities and neither are good.
Comment by Ahoy! Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 11:20 am
If there is a GOP candidate thinking of running I would imagine that tying Bruce Rauner down south to “How’s that Hope and Change workin’ for you?” May be a good stick point.
Coal mines closed, no fracking coming in, prison’s not being taken care of, road funding being swept, Universities getting shut out, education money going to Chicago, by a “Crook County Governor” etc. The Governor talks Hope and Change yet has done nothing to help Southern Illinois- How’s that working out for ya?
Comment by DuPage Bard Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 11:22 am
What’s rauner going to campaign about? How he raised everyone’s electric rates and free health insurance and bonuses for teamsters?
Comment by Foster brooks Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 11:23 am
===There is not an inch of daylight between Scott Walker and Mitch Daniels policies and Rauner’s Turnaround Agenda===
Then you shouldn’t be suprised that in a Democratic-Controlled General Assembly, Rauner can’t get 60 and 30.
Further, Scott Walker’s record, when brought to Republicans outside Wisconsin, was rejected wholesale in what was the shortest of the Presidential runs in 2016.
That’s Republicans rejecting Walker, not Democrats.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 11:25 am
===There is not an inch of daylight between Scott Walker and Mitch Daniels policies and Rauner’s Turnaround Agenda===
LP,
The difference is 30 and 60, Walker and Daniels have it, Rauner doesn’t. Please try and keep up.
Comment by Gruntled University Employee Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 11:27 am
Rauner was made for an ignorant electret.
Comment by facts are stubborn things Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 11:28 am
Willy beat me to it, I need to learn to type faster.
Comment by Gruntled University Employee Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 11:28 am
“If anything, Rauner polices are more moderate,” and just as unlikely to get 60/30.
Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 11:29 am
You know I come every night and tell my wife she’s corrupt, wastes all my money, is sloppy, wasteful and careless. But for some crazy reason she won’t trust me or talk to me. Go figure.
Comment by don the legend Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 11:30 am
Fair & balanced ‘reporting’?
Or lazy & biased?
Comment by sal-says Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 11:35 am
- Gruntled University Employee -
No worries, heck - Lucky Pierre - might need to be reminded more, the lack of memory is a - Lucky Pierre - trait.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 11:35 am
Do you have think Rauner won on promising not to Turnaround Springfield and reform government?
Pat Quinn’s policies were firmly rejected and you all think Rauner would be more popular if he just followed them and caved to the Speaker.
That is what you are saying, Tunnaround nothing, pensions, property taxes, redistricting, term limits, workers compensation
Madigan’s policies are working great all evidence to the contrary
Where is the daylight between the Democrats running for office and Speaker Madigan? There is none and you think that is a winning platform
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 11:35 am
= This is why the D’s are losing the battle: there is only ONE message out in the public eye, and it is Rauner’s. The Man can’t / won’t govern, but he sure can campaign. He understands the concept of The Big Lie and has the money to push it. =
Amen, RNUG. He wins the media war because he’s out there with commercials and tours and press coverage. We can all say it’s unfair, but until someone with big money is willing to step up and make a comparable effort, Rauner will continue to get his seemingly reasonable message out and poison the well for Democrats in 2018. Seems like the opposing party is pretty much just taking punches right now.
Comment by Archiesmom Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 11:37 am
===Pat Quinn’s policies were firmly rejected and you all think Rauner would be more popular if he just…===
Yeah, I’m going to stop you there…
“Pat Quinn failed” - Rauner beat Quinn
“Bruce Rauner fails” - #DoYourJob.
Skyhook, in reverse.
Thanks for pointing out where Rauner is so truly weak.
The rest of your incoherent jibberish continues the “Blame Madigan” game that Rauner himself rejected that he blames others where he fails.
Rich had a whole post the other day about that radio interview.
You may need better talking points, but I do appreciate you recognizing that…
Governors own.
“Pat Qunn failed”
…and…
Bruce Rauner knows that is how he could be beat.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 11:41 am
RNUG has it right. Rauner’s math doesn’t add up and his budget proposals are written in invisible ink. When you listen to his sound bites you can almost hear the Battle Hymn of the Republic playing in the background. lol. They are very powerful until one of his opponents points out Brucie has shown no leadership qualities at all, his budget proposals look like they were put together by a high school freshman and won’t work. All he does is supervise the game from the bleachers if you know what I mean. I could be me but he looks stressed since he has competition in the race for Governor now. I look for him to have public temper tantrums like Blago used to when things go wrong. Outta be fun to watch.
Comment by Ginhouse Tommy Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 11:43 am
LP,
Pat Quinn lost a fair share of Union households for 2 reasons, 1) Quinn wasn’t as labor friendly as those households would have liked, and 2) Rauner was less than honest about his true feelings for Organized Labor. Do you honestly think those households would have backed Rauner if they knew that he intended to ELIMINATE their employment?
Comment by Gruntled University Employee Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 11:44 am
Has the single most unpopular politician in this state in power for over 3 decades failed?
You can’t get 60 and 30 for popular policies that are not called for a vote
The Governor can call out obstruction and incompetence and that part is working
Unless you are a fan of bacon and cycling
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 11:47 am
It is helpful to remember that there are a lot of people in IL who are frankly not crazy about Gov. Rauner but at the same time do not hate him with blinding white hot passion. These citizens recognize that the state’s problems are large and complex, that Bruce will be governor for almost 2 more years (at least), and as a practical matter they would like to see Illinois–the state– progress toward fiscal solvency and to succeed. This ’round the state message tour by Rauner and the local, personalized coverage of it works to help reach some of those people.
More perpetually outrageously outraged “protesters” are likely what this sorry state does not need more of, and while probably therapeutic to the protesters themselves, this may in fact be an increasingly counter-productive messaging tactic where the weary general public is concerned and where lawmakers are concerned.
Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 11:48 am
Classic rauner–all message, all the time.
Words–i have a plan– freeze, cap, limit. Rinse and repeat.
Deeds–starve the beast. No negotiations. No effort to get to 30 or 60.
Waiting for no pay for state employees, to “shake up spfld”.
Comment by Langhorne Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 11:51 am
“Turnaround” and “reforms” are empty slogans until you get specific. Rauner did not campaign on the specifics that he’s been pushing since inauguration. He hid them.
A sleepy child can understand that.
LP, did someone tell you that your obfuscation, revisionism and circular logic are compelling?
They were kidding,
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 11:54 am
===You can’t get 60 and 30 for popular policies that are not called for a vote
The Governor can call out obstruction and incompetence and that part is working===
Again, this false premise fails on two levels of your blatently dishonest way to see things
First, Rauner could put 90 members of the General Assembly on stars with him and behind microphones and embarrass both Cullerton and Madigan as obstructionist. Why hasn’t Rauner, if that 60 and 30 exists?
Second, Rauner could’ve backed the Grand Compromise, instead of submarining Leader Radogno, personally blowing up the whole plan, and forced Madigan to move on the compromise sent to him with Rauner, Radogno and Cullerton backing. Why did Rauner undercut Leader Radogno, purposely, and not put obvious pressure on Madigan?
This is the first time today you are being reminded Rauner blew up the Grand Compromise.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 11:56 am
===LP, did someone tell you that your obfuscation, revisionism and circular logic are compelling?===
Lol. He’s getting paid by the word.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 12:07 pm
== Really RNUG, were you paying attention to the election at all?
Rauner wasn’t campaigning on a Turnaround agenda? ==
Yes, -LP-, I was paying attention. Went to several of Rauner’s campaign speeches early in the primaries. Very early on he did float some of the TA stuff, including union busting. He was also tailoring his speeches to his audiences; nothing wrong with that except speech B was the exact opposite of speech A. Rauner learned early in the primary his TA wasn’t playing in Peoria or Decatur, so he dropped the TA items and just ran on generalities; his message in the general election pretty much was I’m not Quinn, I’m a smart rich businessman who can fix things, I have a plan trust me.
So no, Rauner didn’t run on his TA in the election. I’m generally a right of middle Republican and I was paying attention. That didn’t resurface until after he was sworn in.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 12:12 pm
OW what makes you a think a democratic politician would cross Madigan and get on the steps?
Have you forgotten Ken Dunkin or “Clocks” Drury?
The pressure will come from inside the caucus not from Rauner
Wait until school stops early for CPS students
The Reps will be blamed as Chicago did not vote for Rauner
When you are standing on the ground you can’t go lower and that is pretty accurate in terms of Rauner approval in Chicago
Wait until all the tax increases and School closings kick in.
Democrats choose labor ahead of students and families and they will wind up on the hot seat very soon
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 12:13 pm
“Rauner said his administration has done ‘a phenomenal job’ on the things he can control, and said the Democratic majority has blocked him from fixing the state’s issues.”
Baloney. He has not done a “phenomenal” job on the things he can control, i.e. the appointment and continued employment of the agency heads who spend the state’s money. You know, the ones ostensibly charged with identifying and eliminating fraud, mismanagement and waste. By encouraging the sunset of $4.6B in revenue with the admonishment that the state had a spending problem and not a revenue problem it was incumbent on him and his administration to find that waste and eliminate it. He has failed in this (Governors own). Worse, he has allowed his agency heads to continue spending money he told Illinoisans he doesn’t need. IMHO, the argument against him should be that he and his team of superstars are incompetent (more than Quinn by about $9B in two years) at the one thing they can control; running the state government within the constraints of the revenue levels the Governor said he could get by with.
Comment by 37B Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 12:14 pm
Rauner is the one who used duct tape to
Cover the mouths of the media
And
Bind the Hands of his Hostages
Social services
Higher Education
Private social service agencies
Companies who have contracts with the state
Medical Providers
Rauner loves his duct tape.
So look for that to be part of his future campaign-non-campaign events.
Rauner uses duct tape to silence and bind.
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 12:23 pm
===…what makes you a think a democratic politician would cross Madigan and get on the steps===
I thought Rauner can build consensus. Heck, Diana Rauner, a Democrat said Bruce having no social agenda should attract Dems, lol
So “Because Madigan”, you want to make another excuse?
===Have you forgotten Ken Dunkin or “Clocks” Drury?===
Dunkin voted against his district and the district was watching.
Drury should sit with Raunerites in the House. Drury now wants to run against Rauner, reconcile that.
===Wait until all the tax increases and School closings kick in.===
All on Rauner’s watch as governor, and Chance reminding us all;
Gov. Rauner, #DoYourJob
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 12:23 pm
===Democrats choose labor ahead of students and families and they will wind up on the hot seat very soon===
Actually, the Rauner 2012 quote and the “Pat Quinn failed” meme with #DoYourJob…
Rauner is upside down, losing to an unnamed Democrat by 14 points…
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 12:25 pm
Yesterday I stopped by my local grocery story and saw a delivery of one of Dan Proft’s papers, complete with an “editorial” in which he argues that it is a “real” newspaper. I’m sure the timing of its delivery was just a coincidence./s
Comment by G'Kar Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 12:54 pm
Why aren’t the Democrats quoting the downstate Republicans?
2015 Champaign Mayoral Candidate (Republican)
Joe Petry, a professor of economics at the University of Illinois and the fourth candidate, said the Rauner proposal “doesn’t make any economic sense to me” and “the evidence suggests that it doesn’t impact economic development one way or the other so it seems a little bit gimmicky to me.”
Current Champaign Mayor (Republican)
Feinen said she opposes right to work “because the research and the articles that are out there do not show that here is a benefit to the community.”
Comment by Don Gerard Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 1:29 pm
=A sleepy child can understand that.=
I hope and pray that one of the candidates for governor (not rauner) uses that in an ad.
Best line EVER.
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 1:34 pm
So no budget for Rauner’s entire term, Dems win the Gov in 2018, pass the massive tax increase with the magical 60 & 30 numbers, then what? 4 years of R’s railing on the D’s income tax increase. Are we sure with the current representation that a D-Gov in 2018 can whip the votes? Seems like political death sentence for the D’s to “own” the tax increase.
Comment by Holdoor Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 1:49 pm
$285 a minute!
Comment by gdubya Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 1:51 pm
There isn’t a person in the world who can say with a straight face that the Governor isn’t campaigning. If he wants to campaign, fine. Just don’t try to lie about it by saying you aren’t because that’s an insult to anyone with a speck of intelligence.
Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 2:26 pm
The sleepy child is on the hook for decades of overspending and unbalanced budgets
He will eventually figure that out and likely leave Illinois
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 2:41 pm
Rauner said his administration has done “a phenomenal job” on the things he can control…
Like NOT bargaining in good faith or NOT submitting a balanced budget like the constitution requires, or NOT getting involved in legislative races or NOT stomping on Senator Rodogno. Yeah, those things he can control.
Comment by don the legend Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 2:44 pm
LP:
You let us all know when the Victim in Chief (aka the Governor) has any responsibility for anything. If being a victim is as much as you require of a Governor then I guess we’ve got the perfect guy “in charge” right now.
Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 2:46 pm
LP: He campaigned on “fixing a broken system”, right? Well, the system is still broken. So one way or another, Rauner is still a failure.
Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 3:07 pm
Why aren’t democrats being held to account for the broken system they have enabled for decades?
Instead they line up perpetuating it and throwing roadblocks to any changes
That would make them the failures. The current democratic candidates for Governor also prefer the broken system designed by Mike Madigan and they only call out the Governor
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 3:30 pm
“Why aren’t democrats being held to account for the broken system they have enabled for decades?” Because they’re not the ones calling it “broken” and saying everyone else is “corrupt.” And they’re not torpedoing their own people working on a compromise.
Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 3:40 pm
That is the point. Corrupt politicians who draw their own maps, disregard popular initiatives like term limits, redisticting as well as other reforms and support a leader who is despised by almost all voters outside of his district don’t see the system as broken
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 3:45 pm
Neither term limits nor redistricting help fix the budget. How about we try focusing on what’s important.
Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 4:03 pm
“who draw their own maps, disregard popular initiatives like term limits, redisticting as well as other reforms” … and now we’re back at Square 1.
Lucky, I’m going to ask you explicitly one last time, and either you’re going to answer, or you’re going to be relegated to persona non grata in my book: Exactly what budgetary impact do any of those issues have?
Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 4:05 pm
==Why aren’t democrats being held to account for the broken system they have enabled for decades?==
Probably when you hold the Governor to account for his 2 plus years of failed governance.
I suppose though when all you have is the “I’m a victim” and the other guy is a mean old bad guy then you go with what you have.
Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 4:06 pm
===Why aren’t democrats being held to account for the broken system they have enabled for decades?===
Several of them did last November.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 4:09 pm
In case you haven’t noticed, tough votes that aggravate special interest groups that fund campaigns like permanent tax increases, pension reform and workers comp are almost impossible to pass if a legislator hopes to get funding for their next election from these special interests.
Politicians worried about reelection place their own self interest ahead of the good of the state.
How else did we get here where all of the problems are pushed into the future by cowardly politicians?
Tough votes like these are frequently dragged over the finish line end of session by lame duck legislators.
Politicians picking their voters instead of the other way around protect the status quo the way the insiders like it.
Seems pretty obvious
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 4:13 pm
“special interest groups that fund campaigns” Then why isn’t campaign finance reform at the top of the list?
Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 4:18 pm
Do you think the Governor has the power to change the US Constitution?
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 4:28 pm
==Do you think the Governor has the power to change the US Constitution?==
Well if you believe your arguments our Governor doesn’t have the power to do anything. He’s a victim, remember.
Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 4:43 pm
No the Governor will be ok no matter what happens. He is certainly not a victim
The victims are the residents of Illinois who have the least faith in their state government of any state in the union
Politicians don’t seem to be bothered by this
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 5:24 pm
–Politicians don’t seem to be bothered by this–
The governor said a few days ago that he’s never been happier.
Seriously, give that a think…..
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 5:36 pm
The Speaker is always smiling too and joking with reporters
He and Senator Cullerton mock those who say our state is in crisis mostly caused by terrible policies in Springfield for the decades they have been there
Give that a think
Are any of them really upset?
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 5:57 pm
–The Speaker is always smiling too and joking with reporters–
LOL, yeah, he’s a regular chatterbox, a moth to the TV camera light.
You know, LP, 90 minutes ago, you said this of Madigan:
–That is what we elect leaders to do, solve problems not hide under their desks and refuse to talk to the press–
Are you going to have another voice in your head weigh in to break the tie on this one?
Maybe you should just take a nap.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 6:12 pm
—Maybe you should just take a nap.—
Or another drink of the Kool-Aid.
Comment by illini Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 7:32 pm
He has given. conferences obviously but not recently
Why do you guys always defend the one of the most unpopular politicians in the country?
You are all enablers to a dysfunctional Illinois
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 12, 17 @ 9:09 pm
==Why do you guys always defend the one of the most unpopular politicians in the country?==
Why do you? You know, the Governor with the nearly 60% disapproval rating?
==You are all enablers ==
We’re not defending Madigan. We’re calling you out for your inability to keep your stories straight and your further inability to assign any blame whatsoever to the Governor.
Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Apr 13, 17 @ 7:56 am
The enemy of my enemy is my friend
Comment by Rabid Thursday, Apr 13, 17 @ 8:00 am
“Lucky, I’m going to ask you explicitly one last time, and either you’re going to answer, or you’re going to be relegated to persona non grata in my book: Exactly what budgetary impact do any of those issues have?” Did you see his answer? Dodge, dodge, dodge, obfuscation. Not one mention of facts. Sorry, Lucky, you lose.
Comment by Skeptic Thursday, Apr 13, 17 @ 8:54 am