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* From the Tribune earlier this afternoon…
Even as parts of the Chicago area clean up from torrential rains that deluged waterways, streets and basements, the worst could still be yet to come for some areas as stormwater flowing from the north could bring with it record flooding in the coming days.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources said Thursday that unprecedented water levels flowing downstream from Wisconsin are expected to cause problems in northern Illinois in the coming days — even if there’s no additional rainfall.
“Flooding of this magnitude has not been seen before,” a statement from the department warned. [Emphasis added.]
* From Twitter…
Lake County SMC has changed our flood status to red, meaning major flooding is occurring in Lake County. See Update: https://t.co/630yIsvbFe pic.twitter.com/6wcOhSsWf1
— Lake County IL Gov (@LakeCountyIL) July 12, 2017
Des Plaines, Fox rivers reach flood stage; Lake County issues 'disaster' declaration https://t.co/g9W54uN1ZK pic.twitter.com/moKHQClAtb
— Pioneer Press (@ThePioneerPress) July 13, 2017
Des Plaines, Fox rivers reach flood stage; disaster declared for Lake County https://t.co/2ozKrKUSHO pic.twitter.com/xGIkFi08xZ
— Lake County News-Sun (@newssun) July 13, 2017
* You would think the governor’s new crack PR team would be all over this. As the old saying (from Gov. Rauner himself) goes: “Crisis creates opportunity.” Yeah, he just vetoed the budgets for IEMA, ISP and IDNR, so that might be tough to explain, but I doubt any local reporters will bring it up.
As a former Rauner staffer said today, going to Lake County would allow Rauner to look like he’s “in control” and “gubernatorial,” and could help deflect questions about his recent staff hires.
The governor has only one event on his schedule today, an appearance this afternoon with the First Lady at Chicago’s Lurie Children’s Hospital (no media availability, by the way). But even if he wants to avoid Lake County to let people do their work, he hasn’t sent out any statements about the flooding, even though Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital was evacuated yesterday. I mean, he hasn’t even mentioned the floods on his Twitter page.
…Adding… As a buddy of mine points out, he could also just fly over the area in the state helicopter.
* To give you an idea of the usual protocol, this is what the governor’s office sent out on May 1st…
Governor Rauner this morning activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Springfield to ensure state personnel and equipment are ready to be quickly deployed if needed to help local emergency responders with flooding-related public safety issues in several areas of the state.
“Several inches of rain has caused our rivers to swell, which has caused flooding in some communities. In order to expedite any state assistance to protect residents and critical infrastructure, I activated the State Emergency Operations Center with personnel from several key agencies to quickly react to any requests,” said Governor Rauner.
Representatives from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), Illinois State Police (ISP), the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois Department of Public Health, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the American Red Cross (ARC) have reported to the SEOC to coordinate deployment of state resources and personnel to assist communities preparing for or already battling floodwaters.
Nothing like that was issued either today or yesterday as far as I can tell.
Shortly before 3 o’clock, I asked the governor’s office whether the State Emergency Operations Center had been activated and what else the governor is doing. I delayed this post for an hour to allow them time to respond. I’ll let you know if they ever reply.
…Adding… From a “senior Illinois Republican leader”…
He’s replaced major leaguers with single A amateurs. What do you expect from them?
*** UPDATE 1 *** From a link posted in comments…
* Gov. Scott Walker called for National Guard in southern Wisconsin to help with flooding cleanup: Gov. Scott Walker declared a state of emergency and called up the National Guard to assist residents in parts of Racine, Kenosha and Walworth counties in dealing with flooding after yesterday’s historic rains. Eighty-five National Guard members were helping at various areas in southern Wisconsin, including Burlington, which was heavily flooded.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Mary Ann Ahern tweeted she’s hearing Rauner may show up in Lake County tomorrow, days after the flooding started on Wednesday.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:05 pm
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Doesn’t want to get his Carhartt messy
Comment by LizPhairTax Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:07 pm
Give Rauner a break. He’s been busy radicalizing his office.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:09 pm
I’m guessing the old trash can van has to many rust holes in it to drive thru standing water! /s
Comment by WhoKnew Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:10 pm
He is waiting for IPI approval
Comment by DuPage Saint Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:10 pm
See, pass a tax increase and we have flooding. It’s Madigan and the rivers he controls.
Comment by ArchPundit Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:11 pm
“Lake County? Meh, they’ll figure it out”
When Governors “care”, you don’t have to wonder…
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:13 pm
Rauner has been awfully quiet this week. You don’t even see him responding to the Prizker press releases.
Comment by Real Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:14 pm
It’s like he’s been in a full-on Quinn-esque pout ever since last week’s overrides.
Comment by Nick Name Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:15 pm
For a guy who was happiest as he’s ever been as Guv of a state that was failing on his watch, there has definitely been a change with him. No schedules, no tweets, the poor guy doesn’t seem to be his typical happy go luck self.
The fact that he isn’t puttin’ on his waders and hanging out with victims up in the North Shore is really surprising.
Comment by Henry Francis Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:15 pm
State Police haven’t had a Helicopter since the late 1990’s. IDOT still has one or two that are rarely used.
Comment by Mickey the Dem Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:16 pm
===Rauner has been awfully quiet this week. You don’t even see him responding to the Prizker press releases===
There’s no one in-house (Gov slide) to respond.
Who is running the Raunerite Party apparatus right now?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:17 pm
Catherine Kelly wasn’t there to tell Rauner what to do in this type of situation.
Comment by Real Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:17 pm
This is the equivalent of missing a lay up.
I get why Rauner might want to shake up his political/legislative staff, but why would he gut his communications shop? They seemed to be a pretty capable crew. In fact, the coverage Rauner got from the Chicago broadcast news outlets often bordered on fawning.
Comment by Roman Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:18 pm
==he could also just fly over the area in the state helicopter==
As long as it made only right turns
Comment by Flapdoodle Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:22 pm
None of his new IPI crack communication team consider this a disaster of the magnitude of, say, the recent state tax hike? I doubt Rauner was told about this continuing crisis.
This happened very fast yesterday. We got over 7 inches of rain during round after round of T-storms during a 7 hour period, following a deluge during the night before. The record breaking crests of the two rivers are expected in a couple of days. Perhaps that’s what Rauner is waiting for before he speaks.
Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:25 pm
== This is the equivalent of missing a lay up. ==
I agree. This is definitely a missed opportunity for a guy who loves the spotlight and typically does not miss a chance to spin his talking points tape.
I’ve zero love for Governor Rauner and could do without seeing him for a good while longer. But he and his people are usually smarter than to let something like this appear to go unnoticed.
Comment by thunderspirit Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:25 pm
==Yeah, he just vetoed the budgets for IEMA, ISP and IDNR, so that might be tough to explain, but I doubt any local reporters will bring it up.==
On the other hand, after doing that, visible actions like this could be even more valuable.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:25 pm
Kanye West voice: Bruce Rauner doesn’t care about Lake County.
Comment by Libertad Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:28 pm
He probably thinks this is Madigan’s doing.
Comment by Flippy Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:30 pm
===Yeah, he just vetoed the budgets for IEMA, ISP and IDNR, so that might be tough to explain, but I doubt any local reporters will bring it up.===
Yep.
“Rauner vetoed that”
All day. Every day.
Rauner vetoed any and every single thing that requires budgetary funds.
That’s who Diana and Bruce Rauner are…
… and Diana… and Bruce Rauner are letting the IPI Alums run the Governor’s Shop.
Sneed told me so.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:31 pm
Has anyone seen the pics of the Guv at the Chicago Police vs Chicago Firefighters baseball game from last night? You can see them on his twitter.
Curious that he thinks he might have their support after his vetoes of their pension help. Also curious that he thinks his “biker boy of maximum flair” was the costume to wear for that crowd.
Comment by Henry Francis Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:31 pm
Maybe he still needs to take some governing lessons from his mentor… https://tinyurl.com/ybsb9etp
Oh wait… Didn’t Rauner just hire a Walker Superstar???
Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:31 pm
Now *that* would be a bail-out.
Comment by Skeptic Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:33 pm
It’s not a hurricane but it’s a start.
Comment by don the legend Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:33 pm
Kristen McQueary wanted a Hurricane Katrina to hit Chicago — she’ll have to settle for this, I guess.
Comment by IllinoisBoi Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:34 pm
- Anon221 -
The shorter url… thanks bud. Appreciate that.
Great link too.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:34 pm
The IPI must have at least one right wing evangelical who can compose a statement that the Lord is sending his wrath upon Illinois to show his displeasure with the Madigan tax hike. I well remember as a kid growing up on the MS coast in 1969 that some local Baptists were blaming Hurricane Camille on the moon landing that occurred nearly a month earlier. Surely the IPI can stir up similar images of wrath and ruin.
Comment by former southerner Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:35 pm
@FakeStatehouseChick - lil farther South, lil more devastating. I mean, it’s just water, or a metaphor.#HurricanesAreForClosers
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:37 pm
Don’t bother them. They have 600,000 people to kick off of Medicaid!
Comment by Michael Westen Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:38 pm
==From a “senior Illinois Republican leader”…==
So THAT’S where Evelyn went…
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:39 pm
I don’t know BR’s ### in Lake but 20 years ago it was going Dem and the R’s vote very low in a Primary.
Comment by scott aster Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:40 pm
Perhaps the new leadership believes that the free market will take care of the flood.
Comment by Robert the Bruce Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:40 pm
Open opportunity for JB, Kennedy, Biss et al to go out to Lake County and look gubernatorial.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:41 pm
OW- you are most welcome:)
Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:42 pm
===He’s replaced major leaguers with single A amateurs. What do you expect from them?===
From a senior Republican…
All I read here is Rauner destroying not only the Guv’s Office, but is unattentive to the state and ruining the GOP image.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:46 pm
–He’s replaced major leaguers with single A amateurs. What do you expect from them?–
If we’re using baseball as a reference, that might be too kind, these folks are not out of the traveling league that a lot of 10 - 12 year old’s play in. In fact, they are more like the 10 year old kid who just sits in their parents basement, plays baseball on their Xbox and hasn’t seen the sun for 2 weeks.
Comment by Ahoy! Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:46 pm
Hey guys be nice. The new team is busy with “staff meetings” and discussions regarding radical candor. It’s important stuff and will set the tone for future success.
Remember success is mindset!
Have a good day on purpose!
Comment by Honeybear Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:47 pm
= He probably thinks this is Madigan’s doing. =
I expect as soon as the nihilists become aware of the situation, the Crain’s and Tribbie comment sections will be loaded with “Madigan and the Democrat majority won’t let the Governor address the flooding”.
BTW - that wouldn’t be the craziest thing I’ve seen on those comment sites.
Comment by Deadbeat Conservative Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:47 pm
Um, new guys, you’re up to bat. The phrase “unprecedented flooding” was your walk-up music.
Somebody should have told you.
I’m afraid the invisible hand of the market will not restore balance if the waters are only allowed to run free from government interference and regulation.
“Creative destruction” doesn’t work here, either.
And fight the urge to ask your buddy Katrina for advice.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:49 pm
At the direction of his IPI staff, Rauner is holding off on making an appearance until he can find a way to blame Madigan for the rain and subsequent flood.
Comment by Winnin' Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:50 pm
Rauner’s not there because Rauner doesn’t have any empathy for 99% of the people effected by the flooding. For some reason when people lose their possessions due to flooding feel they have some kind of entitlement and expectation from the Government.
Just remember, Rauner’s not a giver, he’s a taker.
There has to be something for Rauner for Rauner to care or appear to care.
Comment by Chicago 20 Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:52 pm
I’d call this a cascading failure of a response by the New Crew…
… but that’s me.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:53 pm
Totally unfair charge. Fake News. Hell, do you know how far his house in Winnetka is from Lake County? That’s 3.6 MILES. Do you know how long it takes to be driven 3.6 Miles??
Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:53 pm
Isn’t Leslie Munger from Lincolnshire (currently underwater)? Maybe she could contact the governor…
Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:55 pm
When Katrina hit, Blago sent the Illinois National Guard within days of the disaster after the magnitude was known. Rauner can’t even find the time to mobilize the National Guard for an in state emergency? And by the way, the Illinois National Guard has plenty of helicopters in Peoria and Chicago that could fly him over. He is in charge of them as Governor, in case he didn’t realize that part of the job.
Comment by A Jack Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:57 pm
The IPI folks can’t bring themselves to admit there’s a role for government during natural disasters.
Comment by AC Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:59 pm
I’m sure that IPI budget counted on no emergencies during the fiscal year, so facing one now on Staff for the Governor, you can’t expect them… prepared.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 5:01 pm
Maybe the IPI libertarians are assembling a bucket brigade.
Comment by Nick Name Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 5:03 pm
@AC: I think you nailed it. There’s no greater expression of liberty than handling a flooded home and neighborhood on your own without the oppressive intrusion of emergency relief services from the government.
Comment by Veil of Ignorance Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 5:06 pm
Seemed like the old crew was a little quicker on dealing with Rich posts. Maybe the IPI bunch consider Rich to be fake news and will only speak through their propaganda arm.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 5:19 pm
Don’t know where they store the voting machines in Lake County but I bet they will still be very very damp in March 2018.
Comment by jimk849 Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 5:19 pm
===Mary Ann Ahern tweeted she’s hearing Rauner may show up in Lake County tomorrow, days after the flooding started on Wednesday.===
I hope Rauner can “find the time” to visit unprecedented flooding…
… tomorrow…
… maybe.
Pathetic.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 5:23 pm
In a moment of radical candor, new chief of staff Kristina Rasmussen announced that only cities that have voted to approve the turnaround agenda are eligible for IEMA assistance.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 5:34 pm
I think Rich should add a weekly Radical Candor Moment…could be good stuff.
Comment by Veil of Ignorance Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 5:37 pm
Your article pointedly refers to a governor who really has no clue.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 5:37 pm
Watching MSNBC and Gov McAuliffe on tv talking about Trumpcare. Said he is at the National Governor’s Association meeting in Rhode Island and “all the Governors are here.” Maybe that’s where Rauner is???
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 5:37 pm
You know, when he said he wasn’t going to take a salary as Governor I don’t think people thought he wasn’t going to do any work as well
Comment by Morty Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 5:40 pm
=== Maybe that’s where Rauner is?===
Read the post, for crying out loud. He was at a Chicago children’s hospital this afternoon.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 5:47 pm
These people expect big government to literally come bail them out? Pfffft. Massive bungling by the Rauner folks. WGN Morning News had more boots in the ground.
Comment by Sonny Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 5:54 pm
Chicago is about an hour drive away. But Riverside does have National Guard copters. And there are hundreds of National Guard soldiers in the area.
On national news they were showing citizens filling sand bags in that area. Not a National Guard uniform in sight.
Comment by A Jack Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 5:55 pm
“Perhaps the new leadership believes that the free market will take care of the flood.”
If the free market is going to take care of the flooding, prices have been slashed to “we’ll pay you” and nobody is taking.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 5:59 pm
“Do you know how long it takes to be driven 3.6 Miles??”
Can’t get there, all the roads are flooded. /s
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 6:02 pm
5:59 and 6:02 was me.
Comment by Huh? Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 6:04 pm
Bruce “Dewey” Rauner on how they got lost on their way to the flood: “Well sir, we were going to this bingo parlor at the YMCA, well one thing led to another, and the instructions got all fouled up…”
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 6:05 pm
Rich-tried to post 2 comments and they did not make it. What did I do wrong?
Comment by ILGOV2018 Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 6:09 pm
It’s OK. Our taxes in Lake County are low so we don’t expect much. /s
Comment by Responsa Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 6:10 pm
===What did I do wrong? ===
Exclamation points are banned unless I decide otherwise on a case by case basis.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 6:12 pm
The National Guard sent a team up to save the town of Rockridge but they got stuck on the tollway. Somebody needs to go back to Springfield and get a @&$/ load of dimes.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 6:17 pm
Ok, did not know that. Sorry.
Comment by ILGOV2018 Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 6:20 pm
As someone living in the flooded area, I’m grateful that we don’t have elected officials doing PR tours of the damage.
First, it’s really hard to get around. Lots of streets are closed–one block here, one block there–so you have to zig zag to get anywhere. Second, we need volunteers who will sit at a sandbagging station for 2-3 hours, not an elected official who will stop forward momentum to shake a few hands and put one shovel of sand in a sandbag for the TV cameras.
I’m on unprecedented flood number 5 here, so we have plenty of competent and experienced people on the ground here doing a fantastic job managing the disaster.
Comment by Backbencher Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 6:27 pm
My apologies Rich, the younger in cheek didn’t come through when I suggested he was at NGA meeting and I failed to include /s after. The point I was also trying to make is that he wasn’t with the other 49 governors who are talking about the devastating effect the proposed repeal and replace of ACA will have on states. Radio silence on effects to Illinois before and after the staff shakeup. He has history of missing these meetings as I recollect he failed to attend a similar meeting during the inauguration.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 6:35 pm
Tongue in cheek
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 6:36 pm
I’m sure the rich folks on the North Shore who voted for Rauner are super happy about how this “Government is the enemy, not the solution” thing is working.
Comment by Blue Bayou Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 6:37 pm
This is a perfect example of why people in think tanks are rather useless. They can’t work in a crises mode like this one. The old hands would have gotten the ball rolling right away. Great for photo ops, good press. But Bruce is a day late and a dollar short. This proves that IPI and other like them are good at talking but not so good at running the state. On top of that those people up north need help. Pronto. Actions not words.
Comment by Ginhouse Tommy Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 6:50 pm
You can bet that IDOT and IDOC are involved. They always are and provide the majority of resources that one normally sees. ISP and other minor agencies not so much.
Comment by Anon Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 6:59 pm
Maybe the Trib editorial board will finally get the Katrina its been praying for.
Comment by Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 7:08 pm
Seriously, this silence is weird. Historic flooding, state of emergency declared, a hospital evacuated and not a peep?
Scott Walker is in action up north lookin’ like one of the Avengers by comparison.
It ain’t a heavy lift to put out a press release stating the governor is aware of and monitoring the situation and has directed the appropriate state agencies to get on it.
That’s all true, is it not?
To be radically candid, I want to hear them say that it’s true. The silence is disconcerting.
Historic floods in major population centers are kind of a big deal.
What else are they doing?
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 7:12 pm
Nothing like an unresponsive governor to a historical flood…
How about just a media advisory for tomorrow?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 7:16 pm
I’m guessing the completed staff work process hasn’t yet resulted in the staff telling Kristina what to sign for a flood. /s
Seriously, have to agree he’s pouting.
I think it’s
Comment by Thoughts Matter Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 7:23 pm
Ignore the extra words at the end of my prior post. Changed my thought mid-typing.,
Comment by Thoughts Matter Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 7:25 pm
is new team focusing on more layoffs at IDOT or other agencies and the floods will still be there tomorrow?
Comment by baloneymous Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 7:45 pm
Walker has Paul Ryan coming back to Wisconsin to survey damage in his home state tomorrow . Top that IL Gov.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 7:51 pm
Last night saw BR at the Honor Flight return ceremony at Midway shakin hands and thanking Vets not sure what he did during the day.
Comment by NorthsideNoMore Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 8:20 pm
The superstars are unaware of the flooding in Lake County bc they are too focused on the Rich Miller “The End is Near” cartoons.
Life is always easier when your the critical one on the outside. I’m sure KR is busy writing a memo asking staff to present their ideas on how to deal with the flooding.
Meanwhile.. I bet the Governor stopped by Farm and Fleet in Springfield to pick up a pair of hip waders and some snazzy gear so he can tour Lake County tomorrow.
Comment by LouLecture Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 8:26 pm
Wpuldn’t it be great to be like other states with a real governor?
Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 8:26 pm
Our Governor is crying like a loser when in fact he won a bipartisan compromise budget that was more generous than he deserved.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 8:28 pm
Governor Rauner continues to make broken government look good.
Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 8:28 pm
This is off the subject but I’m quoting a baseball announcer that said when it rains that hard you get rope burns from your rosary beads.
Comment by Ginhouse Tommy Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 8:32 pm
–The superstars are unaware of the flooding in Lake County bc they are too focused on the Rich Miller “The End is Near” cartoons.–
I saw that from IPI, very strange.
IPI has been preaching doomsday for as long as I can remember. They still do.
Lack of self-awareness probably gets them through the day.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 8:33 pm
Rauner can’t help because he sees himself as the victim, and doesn’t believe in bail-outs of any kind.
Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 8:33 pm
Where’s Rauner? is the new “Where’s Waldo?” going forward.
Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 8:39 pm
==Paul Ryan coming back to Wisconsin to survey damage in his home state tomorrow==
While we’re comparing states and flood reax, have Durbin, Duckworth or Schneider come to Lake County yet? I haven’t seen so. Schneider on facebook did tell people in flood area to stay home and off the roads yesterday. Thanks Brad. We never would have thought of that.
Comment by Responsa Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 8:54 pm
Rich, am I over stepping in my remarks.
Comment by Living it daily Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 8:55 pm
Bob Dold would have been on top of this at least a full day before the county chairman finally got around to declaring a state of emergency.
Comment by SweetTart Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 9:27 pm
To: Chief of Staff, Office of the Illinois Governor
From: Lowly, humble staff member
RE: Idea/recommendation assignment
Thank you for the link to the doctrine of completed staff work. Very helpful. Here is my recommendation for action.
You should go fill some sandbags.
Now.
P.S. I’ll be taking Friday off.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 9:28 pm
Total genius, Michelle.
Comment by Cheswick Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 9:38 pm
Governors would care and act accordingly, but it’s just natural destruction so he’s obviously not too concerned as he and his new radical right staff are just too busy focusing on ramping up his scorched earth ideologue agenda to further that destruction.
Comment by XDNR Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:41 pm
I’m in Wisconsin and every newscast started off with US House Speaker Paul Ryan surveying the damage. If a busy guy like the Speaker of the US House of Representatives can do it, you’d think so can Governor Rauner.
Comment by Nutella Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:05 pm
New chief of staff making sure all are outfitted in the appropriate SCARF for the situation.
Comment by Amalia Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:22 pm
Just in case KR’s new team needs another “template” for their file “How to Deal with Floods” Completed Staff Work, here’s a recent history lesson:
https://tinyurl.com/y9zygmbz
Comment by Anon221 Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 6:13 am
1.4% doesn’t care because he can’t see the flooding from the deck in his back yard.
Comment by Huh? Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 6:34 am
1.4% dreams of conflagration have been doused by inundation.
Comment by Huh? Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 7:10 am
That governin’ is hard.
Photo ops with sick children are so much easier.
Comment by Aldyth Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 7:36 am
If there is reporters present, ck isn’t going to say finale question when he starts confabulation
Comment by Rabid Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 7:47 am
IPI Response: Who told you to build there sucker?
Your on your own. Here’s a freedom bucket. Start Bailing! We’ll need the bucket back after you’re done along with a five buck rental fee.
Comment by PublicServant Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 8:15 am
Now that House Republicans and Democrats came together to over ride Ruinors veto the Gov can run around with the flood zone with state relief checks.
Comment by Relief Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 8:19 am
You’re doing a heckuva job Raunie
Comment by Whatever Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 8:19 am
Everyone going to have their recommendations for ‘fixing the state’ done in completed staff work format done by 3 p.m.?
Comment by Sonny Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 8:45 am
This is a classic failure of one of the most important rules of elected officials: few things can get you praised or burned faster than poorly handled disaster response. This is even more important given the fact that most Illinois disasters occur in central/southern regions and this is in heavily populated Lake County where the opportunities to demonstrate leadership are limited.
Comment by Beltway warrior Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 8:58 am
Not likely he can make up north tonight, it’s bike night in Springfield. /s
Comment by Finally Out Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 9:02 am
I wonder if Rauner will so up in a fishin’ vest.
Comment by Chicago 20 Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 9:07 am
“At this point, an IEMA response would be just another Lake County bailout.”
Comment by Das Opinionator Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 9:16 am
He doesn’t have the proper costume.
Comment by Flynn's mom Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 9:20 am
==While we’re comparing states and flood reax, have Durbin, Duckworth or Schneider come to Lake County yet?==
Nope. They’re in session, so I would expect some staff to represent them. Haven’t seen a thing.
==Bob Dold would have been on top of this at least a full day before the county chairman finally got around to declaring a state of emergency.==
And his staff would have been all over the place, helping residents. Dold’s staff was such group of rock stars that moving to Schneider has been painful, to say the least.
Comment by Backbencher Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 9:28 am
Do we know yet if the WI National Guard is come to assist Illinois as ours is AWOL?
Comment by Annon3 Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 9:38 am
Isn’t Lake County part of Wisconsin?
Comment by Keepin' Track Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 9:52 am
@Keepin’ Track they’re probably wishing they were right about now.
Comment by Das Opinionator Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 10:08 am
They either don’t know or don’t care what the state can do to help.
Comment by Anonish Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 10:42 am