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* From a memo sent this afternoon to House Republicans…
Dear Members,
It is with great displeasure that I read today’s Capitol Fax with an article which, by all measures, memorializes yesterday’s “confidential” caucus discussions with the governor’s staff.
This has been an ongoing concern for many years and it is a violation that undermines the sanctity of our caucus meetings, particularly those with high-level members of the administration.
My question to the individual or individuals responsible for this is simple, why would you subvert the caucus, particularly at this time in session?
With few precious weeks before the end of session, we will need to meet more regularly and, most likely, with key members of the administration. How can we expect them to be candid with us ever again? Should I expect this message to show up on the “Blog” this afternoon?
Jim Durkin
House Republican Leader
People occasionally ask why they should subscribe to Capitol Fax. That memo is a pretty good reason.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:32 pm
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“Should I expect this message to show up on the “Blog” this afternoon?”
Dumb question
Comment by OkComputer Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:34 pm
Wonder how many people replied “yes”? /S
Comment by RNUG Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:35 pm
Thanks Rich!
Just a note though…”the sanctity of our caucus meetings”…lol
Comment by Shankz Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:36 pm
Soon they’ll be holding meetings in underground parking garages.
Comment by Ratso Rizzo Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:37 pm
Good one, Jim
Comment by Anonymous Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:37 pm
This is THE place for Illinois politics because of Rich Miller’s tireless work, years and years of trust between himself and members, some trust even greater than leaders have with members.
It’s not as bad as yesterday’s Steve Harvey memo leak, but… lol
Good on you Rich, thanks for all you do.
OW
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:38 pm
“How can we expect [the administration] to be candid with us ever again?”
At this point, how can anyone in the state expect that the administration is ever being candid about anything at all?
Comment by Father Ted Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:38 pm
It’s is almost Onion-like that anyone thinks you could trust the work of the Rauner Administration.
That’s where I first this was a gag, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:40 pm
Rich, you naughty boy. Don’t you realize that we’re in the Trump age where the media is supposed to report only what they are told to report. Tsk, tsk, tsk.
Comment by Norseman Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:40 pm
Sounds like one of the Superstars tore into Durkin. Lol.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:41 pm
===This has been an ongoing concern for many years===
Since about 1993.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:41 pm
Trust me on this, the IGOP and current administration have lot bigger internal problems than this.
Comment by RNUG Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:42 pm
===Since about 1993. ===
1990, if you count the Hannah Report days. lol
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:43 pm
So the substance of today’s Fax is not in dispute, they’re just mad that now everybody knows there are cracks in the HGOPs’ firewall.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:43 pm
When Durkin (or M. Madigan, for that matter) is angry for disclosing something, it’s a pretty good sign that disclosure is a Good Thing [tm].
Comment by thunderspirit Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:44 pm
This absolutely got sent because Mike Z ripped into Durkin this am, isn’t it?
The Leader has been around far too long to think he can prevent members of a public body discussing their work.
Comment by Truth Squad Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:46 pm
Why is blog in quotation marks?
Comment by WSJ Paywall Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:46 pm
Well played, sir, well played.
Asking the question was begging for a “yes” answer.
If they were smart, everyone of those would be different.
Comment by The Way I See It Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:47 pm
===because Mike Z ripped into Durkin this am, isn’t it?===
Highly doubtful. I talked to Z this morning. He never even mentioned the piece.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:48 pm
Rich:
I think Durkin should be pointing the paw at Rauner’s dog. Its entirely plausible that the governor’s dog threw Oscar a bone and gave him the inside scoop.
Wag the dog indeed!
Comment by Tommydanger Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:48 pm
Keep it up HGOP don’t be Rauner’s mushrooms. The guy is an idelaogue who is making this state worse. Cut him loose!!!
Comment by Longsummer Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:48 pm
I’m paranoid, but you somehow confirmed that every caucus member got the memo, right Rich? The administration can be pretty Machiavellian, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they concocted something with the Leader to only send it to the people they think might leak it to you, or some other subset of the caucus.
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:49 pm
Rich Miller, OG
Original Gangsta
( que gangsta rap beat )
Comment by Honeybear Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:50 pm
Memorandum
5/12/2017
Raunerite Hedquarters
State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
To: Management Trainees
From: Middle Management / JD
Raunerites,
Our ownership has become aware that you trainees are passing on trade secrets for “Operation Beast Squeeze”, making ownership very upset, so upset, that all middle managers got whistled in with a threat of using that $50 million to find new middle managers and management trainees.
I’m writing this memo at headquarters so ownership will see my commitment, and that will scare the bejesus out each and every one of you.
Stop thinking for yourselves. Do what you’re told, don’t talk to anyone outside your approved list, attached.
A more official-looking, governing, memo will follow…
Do us all a favor, be good Raunerites, or else.
Your middle manager, and EVP of this Raunerite subsidiary,
Jim
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:50 pm
“Why is blog in quotation marks?”
The blog is actually a blog — if anything, “Fax” should be in quotation marks.
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:50 pm
Every year I feel like a different caucus leader freaks out about this. They’re all grown ups and have been around long enough to know this happens. Gimme a break.
Comment by Boone's is back Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:53 pm
===How can we expect them to be candid with us ever again? ====
Didn’t “them” run for office touting that he would shake up Springfield and stop the backroom closed door decisions?
Comment by Been There Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:57 pm
When will tricky Dick’so plumbers be deployed to plug the leaks in the IHOP?
Comment by Huh? Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:58 pm
Well that worked out well, didn’t it?
Comment by Ron Burgundy Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:58 pm
This reminds me of that saying “loose lips might sink ships”.
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:59 pm
great work Rich, another sign the your blog is second to none when it comes to IL politics
Comment by frisbee Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:59 pm
How soon before we get a leaked copy of the who leaked my anti-leaking memo?
Comment by Ron Burgundy Friday, May 12, 17 @ 1:59 pm
Meh,
I liked it better when it was written as “who threw the palm tree overboard”.
Boy, no Liberty for that Crew.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:00 pm
Rich, do you still fax out any editions?
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:00 pm
===do you still fax===
Yep.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:01 pm
If i was him you send that email to each person at the meeting with a slight change to it. When it gets posted you know who sent it. But hilarious!!!! Love You Rich and love the “blog”
As if that was a slander?
Comment by Hit Em With the Hein Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:01 pm
Oswego Willy, are you saying:
. . . Jim Durkin is to Ensign Pulver as Bruce Rauner is to Captain Morton? . . .
Comment by Hamlet's Ghost Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:05 pm
Didn’t Fritchey live-tweet house dem caucus meetings?
Comment by 100 miles west Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:06 pm
And Michael Madigan doesn’t look anything like Henry Fonda.
Comment by Hamlet's Ghost Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:06 pm
Meh, I’ve been warning people about you for years.
Comment by The Captain Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:06 pm
Durkin should’ve put the scare quotes around “Leader”.
Comment by Reality Check Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:07 pm
In the history of this blog, this is one of those unforgettable posts. Print this one off and frame it.
Comment by Saluki Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:07 pm
Just tell them that the Russians leaked it.
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:07 pm
Just do your job Jim, or do what the Governor wants you to do.
Comment by Valvino Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:09 pm
Jim, a “Blog” is something you get on the “inter-net”. But I agree, they are both fads.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:09 pm
Where is the warning?
Comment by Phenomynous Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:11 pm
Hysterical. But seriously, this was only 100% predictable. What was Durkin thinking????
Comment by Chicago Cynic Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:12 pm
Jim Durkin is “Doc” - blase’ about the Captain, really just riding the tour out
There is neither a Frank Thurlowe Pulver, or a Mister Roberts.
Just the Old Bucket
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:12 pm
Doc wouldn’t have sent out this afternoon’s email.
Comment by Hamlet's Ghost Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:14 pm
Doc woulda warned the Crew… so they’d stop hearing bells…
“Ding-Dong, Dong-Ding, or Dong-Dong”
Doc was about Doc
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:16 pm
This thread only confirms the value of this Blog for anything and everything if importance regarding Illinois politics.
For all the news and political junkies like me, thank you Rich for sharing and for allowing us ( and even the trolls ) to participate.
Comment by illini Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:18 pm
On the second day of my time as a Madigoon, we were explicitly warned not to let you buy us drinks, Rich.
Comment by AlfondoGonz Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:19 pm
LOL, it’s good to know there is at at least one independent thinker in that caucus. Term limits will create a continuous stream of independent thinkers. Rauner and his $50 million will be long gone and wasted after 2018. The Raunerite caucus ought to reflect on that.
Comment by Markus Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:20 pm
Dueling can go. Miller stays!!
Comment by Citizen A Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:23 pm
“- AlfondoGonz - Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:19 pm:
On the second day of my time as a Madigoon, we were explicitly warned not to let you buy us drinks, Rich.”
Yes, but they were smart enough not to put that in writing. Durkin????????
Comment by Chicago Cynic Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:28 pm
So Rich can talk with Mike Z today (& probably other Rauner higher ups) but Legislators can’t speak to Rich. It’s hilarious hypocrisy!
Comment by Hello Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:36 pm
To Leader Durkin, some advice…
“Don’t write anything you can phone. Don’t phone anything you can talk. Don’t talk anything you can whisper. Don’t whisper anything you can smile. Don’t smile anything you can nod. Don’t nod anything you can wink.” Earl Long
Comment by Anon221 Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:38 pm
What a hypocritical phony. Like he never violated the “sanctity of the caucus” by leaking to the press.
I’m guessin’ Boss Rauner gave him a $50M spankin’.
Maybe he should have a pro-rata burning at the stake to show he means business.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:39 pm
Glad this is all one big game for you, Richie. Expect when you’re playing Madigan’s shill. Fortunately no one listens to the “politicos” of IL. They have made this state a basket case. We can claim success in one area: pumpkins - thanks to the very same people and communities the established powers are destroying. I can’t wait to watch the coming revolt. It’s happening in DC. It will happen here. Keep all your well-compensated heads in the sand…
Comment by Observant27 Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:40 pm
>> Fortunately no one listens to the “politicos” of IL. They have made this state a basket case.
… Such as Governor Bruce Rauner?
Comment by ZC Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:42 pm
[The following is way more better than paid advertisement.]
Dear Members, It is with great displeasure…
Comment by Kippax Blue Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:42 pm
Observant27, bite me.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:46 pm
Just Great. Totally Agree with “Saluki” this one’s getting a spot on the wall.
Comment by The Facts Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:53 pm
I thought republicans advocated for transparency?
Comment by Sigh Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:54 pm
Observant27,
Congrats on your nomination to be the Ambassador to Kenya! #MAGA #amirite? #youarecrazy
Comment by Hit Em With the Hein Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:58 pm
–I thought republicans advocated for transparency?–
Boss Rauner, his Frat Boys, his frightened GOP caucuses and his bought-and-paid-for outside propagandists are painfully transparent if you pay attention to what they do, not what they say.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, May 12, 17 @ 2:58 pm
“Rich better hope the tap with him and me doesn’t come out”
better Durkin quote /s
Comment by a drop in Friday, May 12, 17 @ 3:00 pm
“I can’t wait to watch the coming revolt. It’s happening in DC.”
Yes, the President of the United States threatening to blackmail the former director of the FBI on Twitter this morning is quite the revolt.
Comment by Nick Name Friday, May 12, 17 @ 3:00 pm
The “sanctity of our caucus meetings”??? OMG is Durkin the Pope now??
Comment by Flynn's mom Friday, May 12, 17 @ 3:00 pm
“We would’ve gotten away with it too…if it hadn’t been for that darn kid and his “blog”
Comment by Cubs in '16 Friday, May 12, 17 @ 3:03 pm
Websters:
Sanctity, noun, the state or quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly.
Yeah, I don’t think so, with any partisan Springfield caucuses that I’m aware of….
Comment by wordslinger Friday, May 12, 17 @ 3:04 pm
This absolutely made my week. Thank you, Rich.
Comment by Politix Friday, May 12, 17 @ 3:08 pm
**Fortunately no one listens to the “politicos” of IL. **
Clearly Leader Durkin does.
Comment by JoeMaddon Friday, May 12, 17 @ 3:09 pm
Rich, it’s official, you are a subversive!!! Celebration time!
“sanctity of our caucus”?? Durkie, it’s the state house not he United States Supreme Court. Get over yourself. I have.
Comment by JS Mill Friday, May 12, 17 @ 3:09 pm
So the caucus meeting was “memorialized”? Interesting choice of words…
Comment by Fiercely Independent Friday, May 12, 17 @ 3:18 pm
I triple-dog dare the ILGOP members to all bring a Rich Miller ‘Fat Head’ to the next caucus meeting.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Friday, May 12, 17 @ 3:18 pm
A Republican lamenting a free and open press.
Go figger.
Observant 27-how much is a subscription to Pravda these days?
Comment by efudd Friday, May 12, 17 @ 3:21 pm
=== I triple-dog dare the ILGOP members to all bring a Rich Miller ‘Fat Head’ to the next caucus meeting. ===
LOL. Love the idea. Perhaps we can entice someone with promises of donations to Lutheran Social Services.
Comment by Norseman Friday, May 12, 17 @ 3:23 pm
I can’t decide which is the identifier between the “confidential” and the “Blog.”
Comment by Dirty Red Friday, May 12, 17 @ 3:23 pm
When did the party of Charleton Heston and Clint Eastwood become so spineless and whiny?
Comment by efudd Friday, May 12, 17 @ 3:24 pm
I keep re-reading this and laughing. I’m imagining Durkin kicking Lucy’s football again.
Comment by State worker Friday, May 12, 17 @ 3:26 pm
The funny thing is that Durkin is comfortable enough to meet in the Capitol and expect it to be private. Heck Madigan probably has it bugged anyway.
Comment by Been There Friday, May 12, 17 @ 3:26 pm
=== I thought republicans advocated for transparency? ===
Only for Democrats.
Comment by Norseman Friday, May 12, 17 @ 3:27 pm
AS far as the “sanctity of the caucus” stuff goes, Durkin didn’t invent that. I’ve been hearing it for years. Always thought it was goofy, which is why I decided early in my career to “violate” it. Madigan even stopped having caucus meetings for a while because I had people in there taking notes. lol
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 12, 17 @ 3:29 pm
Speaker Durkin: Word on the street is your ‘Operation’ has been hacked.
May be time to wise up and cut your losses. (While it’s still possible)
Comment by Slippin' Jimmy Friday, May 12, 17 @ 3:33 pm
This post wins the internet today.
Comment by Kyle Hillman Friday, May 12, 17 @ 3:36 pm
Rich - your new site/subscription tagline should be “Leaks - they’re not just for basements!”
Comment by Curl of the Burl Friday, May 12, 17 @ 3:39 pm
The caucus members trust Rich more then they trust Rauner. It’s no wonder, Rauner has given them (and EVERYONE else in the state) good reason not to trust Rauner at all.
Comment by DuPage Friday, May 12, 17 @ 3:40 pm
== Should I expect this message to show up on the “Blog” this afternoon?===
Just sayin’ man, but you practically willed this to happen by daring ‘em to do it.
Comment by A guy Friday, May 12, 17 @ 3:45 pm
Dear Rep. Durkin, it is not hard to figure out why the person(s) sent the info to Rich. They want their peeps back home to know they have grown a spine since last year, and can stand up for what is right for the people of IL.
Rich, you are the top banana in reporting on IL’s political game! Keep up the good work.
Comment by Mama Friday, May 12, 17 @ 4:09 pm
==- Curl of the Burl - Friday, May 12, 17 @ 3:39 pm: Rich - your new site/subscription tagline should be “Leaks - they’re not just for basements!” ==
Love it.
Comment by Mama Friday, May 12, 17 @ 4:11 pm
And the House GOP wonder why they aren’t taken seriously.
Comment by Lance Mannion Friday, May 12, 17 @ 4:12 pm
=- Rich Miller - Friday, May 12, 17 @ 3:29 pm: =
Rich, I love it that you are an equal opportunity Blog Master for the Left and the Right Leakers.
Comment by Mama Friday, May 12, 17 @ 4:15 pm
== “Don’t write anything you can phone. Don’t phone anything you can talk. Don’t talk anything you can whisper. Don’t whisper anything you can smile. Don’t smile anything you can nod. Don’t nod anything you can wink.” Earl Long ==
And even then you may not be safe because, when you ask someone to do something questionable, there will be people who will email you back with your request in writing to create an audit trail to cover their rear end.
Comment by RNUG Friday, May 12, 17 @ 4:16 pm
Rich, Observant27 will have to bite through me first.
And RNUG — that is true and true again. (And they may send you that email even if that wink they thought they saw was just a dust speck under your contact lens.)
Comment by Soccermom Friday, May 12, 17 @ 4:42 pm
Right; because THIS is the major problem in the state…Rich and his dastardly penchant for bringing us the news!!
Comment by Ma'at's Feather Friday, May 12, 17 @ 5:14 pm
In the Dem caucus we pretty much knew who was texting somebody else during the meeting. More than one person. The occasional pointed complaints to them didn’t come from Madigan, but from other reps who thought the culprits were “grandstanding” and “showboating.”
To think Rich Miller wouldn’t quickly find out something was laughable.
“Sanctity?” What is this the Masons?
Comment by walker Friday, May 12, 17 @ 5:26 pm