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The constant campaign

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* You really should read the whole thing because today’s Quad City Times editorial was uncharacteristically brutal toward Gov. Bruce Rauner…

Rauner twice visited the Quad-Cities in the past week. He twice reiterated well-worn talking points. He twice pinned the blame for Illinois’ failures on the other side of the aisle.

At some point, the bluster becomes destructive. It’s little but positioning for a re-election bid.

Rauner offered one piece of wisdom Monday.

“I tell these folks every day, let’s not think about the next election,” he said. “Let’s think about the future of Illinois.”

If only Rauner took his own advice.

Ouch.

* By the way, you’ll recall that reporters tried to get Gov. Rauner to explain last week why his campaign was paying for a statewide tour if he wasn’t actually campaigning…

(T)he governor insisted [last week] 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.”

“I’ve traveled many times over the last couple years and this trip is not an election announcement,” Rauner said.

The governor struggled to explain the difference.

“Here’s what we’ve got to do. Whether it’s social media, whether it’s visiting with you, a few earned media, whether it’s meeting with the people of Illinois directly, whether it’s running advertising, paid media to get the communication out, we need the people of Illinois, we need the people of Illinois to know what’s going on,” Rauner said after touring a suburban vitamin factory where workers took selfies with him.

Asked why the event didn’t fall under his government duties, Rauner replied: “We want this to be separate and just paid for independently from any government operation.”

* The Tribune put one and one together today…

Gov. Rauner’s press shop didn’t shed much light when asked why last week’s two-day statewide tour was paid for by the campaign while similar stops Monday in Moline and Peoria were paid for by taxpayers.

On Tuesday, a clearer answer emerged: The governor was filmed during the tour, and the Illinois Republican Party promoted a web ad with footage.

The short commercial clocks in at over three minutes, and features generic uplifting music and plenty of sound bites from the governor.

* The video…

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 9:13 am

Comments

== we need the people of Illinois to know what’s going on ==

If only the public would wake up and realize the damage Rauner has caused.

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 9:20 am
I’m not Campaignin’, I’m Communicatin’ and Reachin’ out. Why is it so hard for you rubes to understand that?

Comment by PublicServant Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 9:23 am
=== we need the people of Illinois to know what’s going on ===

Too bad the people will not know what’s going on by listening to Rauner or his minions.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 9:30 am
>If only Rauner took his own advice.

Brutal, and accurate, with references to “well-worn talking points” and “pet issues” and campaigning versus governing. He also hasn’t managed to pass off blame for killing the Grand Bargain to Madigan. But, they do support the need for changes for the state, which is at least some positive takeaway for Rauner.

Comment by Earnest Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 9:39 am
The change the state needs most should occur in November of 2018 when JB or Kennedy beats Rauner. ‘Til then, it’s just more gaslighting, obfuscating, and blaming.

Comment by Ratso Rizzo Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 9:46 am
Thank you QCT for an honest, fact-based, non-partisan editorial. It’s a refreshing change from the rhetorical, spoon-fed garbage other editorial boards are publishing.

Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 9:49 am
A budget? Furgetaboutit!

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 9:59 am
Am I wrong in feeling even slightly optimistic that the established media is finally becoming as tired of the the BVR hypocrisy as the rest of us?

Comment by illini Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 10:02 am
So it wasn’t campaigning, just filming a campaign commercial. Got it.

Maybe this is a sign that editorial boards are finally starting to get sick of Gov. Gaslight and his horse hockey.

Comment by Nick Name Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 10:10 am
Rauner only knows how to sell. But this time he is selling way past the close and his customer(the voter) is going to walk away and buy somewhere else.

Comment by don the legend Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 10:30 am
Were the people who attended the events that were filmed and paid for by campaign staff informed they were attending a non-governmental event and did they execute releases ?

Were any Gov staff present ? If so, did they take leave time to attend the filming of this campaign commercial ?

Looks like some FOIAs may be in order…

Comment by Scott Cross for President Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 10:53 am
===“I tell these folks every day, let’s not think about the next election,” he said. “Let’s think about the future of Illinois.”

If only Rauner took his own advice.===

Right on.

Comment by Boone's is back Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 10:57 am
For the Springfield event, he went to a local eatery owned by a long-time GOP supporter and office holder.

One of the pics looked like he was in the middle of Sangamon County GOP state workers, may of who tried to hide when Rod took office and claim they weren’t really GOP members.

Have to love Springpatch.

Comment by Give Me A Break Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 11:03 am
Each day I find him less tolerable. The constant non campaigning is wearing thin.

Comment by Flynn's mom Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 11:03 am
So if DopeyDuct sez duct tape it is campaignin’ otherwise we are on the hook for the wanderin’
BTW the Quincy editorial is harsh too. It notes he gave up on tax freeze and term limits during his camp fire there

Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 11:12 am
Where is the death march music video of Rauner saying negative things?

Comment by Rabid Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 11:12 am
== Am I wrong in feeling even slightly optimistic that the established media is finally becoming as tired of the the BVR hypocrisy as the rest of us? ==

== Maybe this is a sign that editorial boards are finally starting to get sick of Gov. Gaslight and his horse hockey. ==

One can hope so. It’s going to take lots and lots of public pressure to maybe, just maybe, change Rauner’s mind.

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 11:14 am
I cannot wait for 2018

Comment by Shrek Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 11:15 am
Turnaround budget 3.0 update from budget less brucie

Comment by Rabid Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 12:23 pm
Fulgenzi’s during the uncampaign tour …

Me: Are you on the campaign payroll today?
Guv’s staffer, unhappily: I’m volunteering.

Comment by Dave Dahl Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 12:25 pm
The QCT editorial is strong. The message of Rauner campaignin’ and blamin’ others while the state is burning is strong, especially when it’s combined with the Crain’s editorial that says the state is worse in nearly every measure under Rauner, or something like that.

Speaking of the state burning, here is another casualty. A social services organization that helps the elderly is discontinuing a program that assists low-income elderly people with grooming, dressing, meal prep and other necessities. The cut will affect around 265 seniors and will eliminate 86 jobs. Brutal. How can we brag to the world that we’re a model to follow when we allow this stuff to happen?

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/skokie/news/ct-skr-senior-life-program-to-close-tl-0420-20170420-story.html

Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 12:44 pm
Well-well look. I already told you: I deal with the gosh darn constituents so the Legislators don’t have to. I have people skills; I am good at dealing with people. Can’t you understand that? What the hell is wrong with you people?

Comment by PlatK8 Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 2:12 pm
I don’t understand why people are upset that the Governor used campaign funds for his recent tour. Would they have preferred taxpayer dollars be used?

Comment by Just Me Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 2:20 pm
=== I don’t understand why people are upset that the Governor used campaign funds for his recent tour. Would they have preferred taxpayer dollars be used? ===

Yes, you don’t understand. The complaints are not about the use of campaign funds. The complaints are about Rauner continually campaigning instead of governing. His lack of governing has harmed people, social services, education, state facilities and state finances. Rauner has failed and needs to go.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 2:26 pm
It’s up to Democrats, with “one voice” and one cohesive message aimed at Rauner to find its voice to blunt the outright silliness by the Rauner Crew, and hold accountable Rauner and the constant campaigning that covers the lack of governing.

When will this Democratic messaging begin?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 2:38 pm
What’s the point of lying about the purpose of the trip? The Rauner campaign was soliciting contributions to support it, for crying out loud.

It’s creepy when people lie when they don’t have to, and when they know that people know they’re lying.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 2:44 pm
Someone tell the governor:
1. Legislature can pass whatever budget they want.
2. Governor can call leaders together to decide what cuts to make and what revenues may need to be raised.
3. If no agreement on cuts or revenues, Governor makes cuts. If he is unwilling to make cuts on his own, he can use duct tape.

Comment by Winnin' Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 3:29 pm
Some media, like the QTC, are beginning to realize that there is no news in Rauner’s continual “Ring-Around the TurnAround”. He repeats the same old tired victim lines so often now, reporters and editorial boards know them by rote. All the duct tape in the world, even if it has a “money” print, ain’t gonna make more of the same news anymore.

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 6:27 pm
“Lookit all these white people, they love me!”

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 8:36 pm
Good for QCT. If it starts to look bad for Rauner’s re-election (who knows) as we approach Nov 2018, does the ILGOP start to distance itself early ?

Comment by peon Wednesday, Apr 19, 17 @ 11:04 pm