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* Brownie last week on the Senate’s attempt at putting together a grand bargain…

“This was neither grand nor a bargain,” said Madigan spokesman Steve Brown. “House Democrats were waiting for something to come about in a final form to even comment on. We never really saw that. We saw a group of bad ideas — harder for workers to take care of their injuries, harder for people to pay police and firefighters and teachers.”

Speaker Madigan has advanced a handful of smallish proposals this year, but he’s shown little interest in sitting down with Gov. Rauner or the House Republicans to try and hammer out an agreement to end the impasse. Rauner has said repeatedly that Madigan is not interested in a deal. I’ve said more than once that if the Senate could pass something, then Madigan would finally be put on the spot.

Yesterday, I asked you if the governor really wanted a deal. So…

* The Question: Do you think Speaker Madigan really wants a deal to end the impasse? Click here to take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 11:35 am

Comments

Madigan wants a different Governor. I don’t think he is interested in anything other than that.

Comment by Saluki Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 11:41 am
Nope. He’ll drag this out as long as he can. There’s less chance of Madigan losing the election in his district than there is of Rauner losing the Gubernatorial election.

Comment by Dude Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 11:42 am
Madigan knows he can wait it out. He knows he will still have a majority and be speaker. He just doesn’t know if Rauner will eventually give in or lose.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 11:44 am
I think he wants a deal, but I also think that he wants Rauner to show him some RESPECT! So far, I don’t blame him for not bowing down to the man that repeatedly called him corrupt for such a long time. Governing takes copoperation with the other side, and so far Rauner has done nothing to even try to cooperate. He just insults the people that he must get along with. Pathetic.

Comment by Big Joe Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 11:44 am
Madigan has no incentive to change his status quo position. He has what he wants and sees no advantage to helping anyone, unless it helps him.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 11:44 am
I think he wants a deal. But only on his terms.. LOL

Comment by Not Rich Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 11:46 am
Voted “no” - just as I did yesterday. Neither wants a deal. Both Madigan and Rauner think they are winning.

Can we just make Cullerton the prime minister of Illinois and have him negotiate a deal with Radogno…you know, have the senate serve as a unicameral state parliament?

Comment by Anon414 Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 11:46 am
Madigan has zero incentive to see a budget passed. No budget means he can use that as an issue for his underlings in legislative races.

Comment by Piatt County Edsel Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 11:47 am
I voted yes, but that comes with a pair of *huge* caveats: he wants a budget largely on his terms (in that respect, he’s not unlike Governor Rauner); and he wants a bipartisan, across-the-aisle acceptance of the necessary tax increase.

All of which means no budget until at least December 2019. Yay.

Comment by thunderspirit Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 11:47 am
No of course he doesn’t want a deal.

Did he work well with Governor Quinn? Nope

Did he work well with Governor Blagoevich? Nope

Did he work well with the Senate Democrats passing a democratic budget? Nope he attempted to steam roll them and they resisted finally

He wins his district by a landslide of course

The bigger question is why do House Democrats follow him like lemmings?

Has he sent an minimum wage bill to the Governor’s desk? Nope

Has he sent a millionaires tax to the Governor’s desk? Nope

What are his accomplishments?

What is his legacy? Bankruptcy of the State

Can the Democrats read polls? Nope

Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 11:49 am
No. I believe Madigan does not want to compromise when only bad choices are offered, but more than that, I believe he wants to “win.”

Comment by morningstar Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 11:49 am
A qualified yes. The Speaker hates to put his targets on tough votes but as the bill backlog increases that becomes more likely and the votes get more unpleasant, whether under this governor or the next. In a generic sense he’d prefer a budget agreement with shared pain in both senses 1) cuts and revenue and 2) D’s and R’s voting yes. However given the firmly entrenched positions I think the type of deal that the Speaker would require would not be forthcoming from the Republican side and I don’t think the Republicans would agree to the terms of a deal that the Speaker would require so it’s essentially a moot point.

Comment by The Captain Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 11:50 am
No way. Governors own. But Madigan doesn’t care about social services collapsing either.

And Brownie is playing right into Rauner’s hands by criticizing the Senate Grand Bargain.

Anon414, sounds like a good idea to me.

Comment by Robert the Bruce Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 11:50 am
No. Anything meaningful fix will require taxation and the jacket that goes with it. The can has been kicked for too long. Madigan and his team will play status quo because that is less unpredictable.

Comment by Cook County Commoner Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 11:55 am
I voted yes. Of course Madigan wants an end to the impasse. Most normal people want an end to the impasse. It is only Rauner and his minions who don’t want an end to the impasse.

Even moderate conservatives (e.g. Radogno) want an end to the impasse. The end to the impasse means passing a budget. Rauner and his minions are the only ones who don’t want a budget.

Comment by Scamp640 Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 11:57 am
I agree with thunderspirit, in that he wants the impasse to end, but wants it his way. So “deal” is questionable. Though I think he wants/needs the impasses to end less than Rauner does.

Comment by Perrid Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 11:57 am
Voted yes. I believe Madigan honestly wants to end the hostage situation. But I also believe he concluded long ago that he’ll never reach a deal with Gov. Gaslight.

Comment by Nick Name Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 12:00 pm
“The bigger question is why do House Democrats follow him like lemmings?”

Apparently you have paid zero attention to the House and Senate GOP the past 28 months.

Comment by Nick Name Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 12:03 pm
Voted No. Both Rauner and Madigan are not willing to budge an inch, because that’s a sign of weakness. So no movement until after the ‘18 election at the earliest.

Comment by Bogey Golfer Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 12:04 pm
Nope. I think he believes that the voters will blame Rauner and that he sees no upside to giving Rauner a win or a deal of any kind.

Comment by pawn Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 12:05 pm
Voted no, although, given the choice, I would have said only on his terms. And after the last two years, the deal would be total humiliation of Rauner or anything else that ensured Democrat wins in 2018.

Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 12:11 pm
Same thought as yesterday. He wants a deal. But he too is not flexible enough to get a deal that would please enough people to pass a bill.

Comment by A guy Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 12:17 pm
Yes. He wants a deal but not on Bruce’s extreme terms.

Comment by A Non Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 12:18 pm
== Has he sent a millionaires tax to the Governor’s desk? Nope ==

Due to the flat tax provision, a bill to just add a millionaires surcharge would be found unconstitutional.

Any millionaires tax would need to be a constitutional amendment presented to the voters; the Governor doesn’t have to sign anything for that to happen.

Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 12:20 pm
Did the Speaker lift a finger to get a constitutional amendment presented to voters on the millionaires tax?

No he is very good at proposing meaningless sham proposals that accomplish nothing more than political gamesmanship.

Democrats should elect someone Speaker who can work to solve the State’s problems through compromise not gum up
the works by passing sham bills for political purposes time after time after time

What is the evidence he wants a deal?

He has barely spoken to Leader Durkin or Governor Rauner

He also has not spoken to the media

Perhaps they should change his title, what good is a speaker who does not speak?

Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 12:33 pm
No. Never. Nada.
Madigan is too vested in this battle with Rauner. He’s convinced public and private unions and trial lawyers that obstructionism and giving no quarter is the way to beat Rauner. He can’t now make a deal with the Governor.

Comment by phocion Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 12:40 pm
No for the same reason that Rauner doesn’t want a deal. A deal now carries profound consequences and blame with it. That’s not to suggest that there aren’t consequences with our current state but neither Rauner or Madigan wants to be tagged with being responsible for the inevitable tax increase. In some respects it’s even worse for Madigan, he’ll be labeled as “tax hike Mike” and will have provided Rauner with the reforms that Democrats as a whole don’t support.

I can’t see this resolving itself until 2019 unless we either shut down state government by court order or don’t fund K-12. Absent that this is the new status quo.

Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 12:40 pm
==No way. Governors own. But Madigan doesn’t care about social services collapsing either.==

Well said. But expect to see future press releases and political ads crafted to help the general public better understand that allowing Illinois’ social services to collapse IS a two way street. People often post here that the governor doesn’t give a rip about the poor and vulnerable or he’d “do something” to end the impasse. The exact same comment can and must be said for Speaker Madigan. If he cared about the poor and most vulnerable Madigan would do something-anything- to help end the impasse.

Comment by Responsa Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 12:48 pm
No. Things are trending his way, why take the risk of signing on to the inevitable revenue package?

Comment by Harry Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 12:49 pm
===The exact same comment can and must be said for Speaker Madigan. If he cared about the poor and most vulnerable Madigan would do something-anything- to help end the impasse.===

That’s adorbs.

Rauner vetoed a budget that only got his signature for K-12 funding.

Rauner continues, tirelessly, to stop veto overrides, keep veto proof numbers from happening for social services, ad you think the Speaker is in on this two way street.

That’s cute, it made me chuckle, really.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 12:55 pm
Voted “Yes”.

“Why”?

The question is “Do you think Speaker Madigan really wants a deal to end the impasse?”

The way to end the impasse is the Rauner Tax mixed with the Rauner Cuts.

Of course MJM wants the impasse to end, with those 2 things, absolutely.

Rauner running with his Rauner Tax and Rauner Cuts saddled to him, that’s agreeing to end the impasse.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 12:57 pm
Ladies and Gentlemen,

“Republican” Oswego Willy defending the indefensible Speaker Madigan once again.

From just yesterday

Why are you the Speaker’s biggest defender?

I’m not

I actually in line with both Govs Edgar and Ryan

Does anyone believe OW is not Speaker Madigan’s biggest defender?

Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 1:07 pm
Yes, he wants a budget deal, dealing with the budget. How much money goes to different items, and revenue to cover the expenses. Madigan does NOT want a budget deal that has unrelated non-budgetary turnaround items thrown in. He realizes if he starts dealing with a hostage taking governor, the hostage taking will continue, year after year. He is doing the right thing, NOT giving in to Rauner.

Comment by Dupage Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 1:08 pm
No.

Comment by Boone's is back Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 1:10 pm
- Lucky Pierre -

Making it about me isn’t making an argument.

Take a breath, what are you saying exactly?

They both want a deal, and Madigan wants the Rauner Tax and the Rauner Cuts.

That’s how Madigan will frame the deal.

Your ignorance isn’t compelling, it’s sad and unfounded.

Also, your ignoring of Ken Dunkin, vetoes of social services and higher education and Rauner stopping them thru Ken Dunkin is noted

Edgar and Ryan worked to get things done, Rauner works tirelessly to impede things getting done.

Governors… Some might say “Apples to Apples”

Also, Rauner is a Raunerite, not a Republican, so there’s that too, lol

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 1:12 pm
The speaker wants a budget; however, it will only happen if it follows the constitutional framework. Attempting to leverage state policy against the budget process is not in the constitutional framework. Therefore, negotiate in good faith on budget issues, only. It’s doubtful the governor has ever negotiated on a level playing field or when the other side has an advantage. He’s out of his comfort zone. Thus, the stalemate.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 1:29 pm
No. Madigan will not permit this Governor to achieve anything which could even be perceived as a win.

Comment by Deft Wing Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 1:46 pm
I voted no. I think he wants to maintain his position as Speaker of the House. I think the only thing that will change his behavior is if he perceives there’s a chance he won’t do that.

I can understand him not supporting TA items having a very negative impact on Democratic constituency. I don’t understand him failing to spotlight the negative impact on higher education, human services and state vendors, or to counter Rauner’s messaging to try to pressure Rauner to negotiate on a budget.

Comment by Earnest Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 1:52 pm
Yes. But there will need to be an acknowledgement that Rauner has backed off his non-budget agenda.
Will that happen? It’s how Rauner achieves his objective of no budget.
Cat and mouse.

Comment by Winnin' Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 2:01 pm
I want whatever needs to happen to stop the “Lucky Pierre vs Oswego Willy” daily p____ matches to happen.
Madigan—out? Rauner—out? Doesn’t matter to me. I’d just like the Buckley v Vidal routine to take a breather already.

Comment by Ace Laredo Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 2:08 pm
Deal? The only deal Madigan wants is the end or Republicans is Illinois, and he is apparently willing to flush the state down the toilet to make the wish come true.

Comment by NeverPoliticallyCorrect Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 2:46 pm
Yes, but only if he gets Republican votes.

Comment by Chicago Barb Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 4:11 pm
I voted Yes because I agree with Madigan when it comes to the budget. Policy issues should not be attached to a budget bill, the purpose of the budget is to appropriate money, period. Policy issues should be voted on separately.

Comment by Dead Head Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 4:21 pm
No. He’s not a very passionate guy. Pinning Rauner to the ground with no budget is more important than social services or folding universities.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Apr 18, 17 @ 4:38 pm
Madigan and his minions will not work on policy issues in or out of the budget frame work so “no”, Madigan ran the State into the ground before Rauner was governor so it seems he has no problem totally burying the State to show who is in charge.

Comment by Arock Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 8:32 am
===Madigan ran the State into the ground before Rauner was governor===

By nearly every measure Illinois is worse since Rauner became governor.

So… there’s that.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 8:37 am
It is worse because Madigan will not entertain any reforms and wants no solution but tax increases. Even with the roll back of the temporary tax increase the income tax is still higher than before the temporary increase. So taxes increased over what they were and we still can’t make it work because Madigan and his minions solved no problems knowing that there was a possibility of the tax not staying at the temporary rate. His plan was keeping taxes at the temporary rate, make no reforms in spending and to continue kiss the unions a**.

Comment by Arock Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 11:16 am