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* Derrick Blakely at CBS 2 on why some House Republicans are retiring…
But Barb Wheeler, who’s also walking away, says those Republican defectors — like [Rep. Mike Fortner, who voted for the budget and tax hikes] — wiped out Rauner’s leverage.
“That’s why I felt that strong betrayal. We were so close to getting real compromise in a budget that was so desperately needed. And our own members had cut that conversation short,” she said. […]
Another reason Wheeler’s leaving: She’s lost hope for Rauner shaking up Springfield, saying, “I’m not optimistic towards further reforms during his tenure.”
With a lack of GOP reforms so far, Wheeler said she believes Rauner will face significant headwinds in his re-election bid. Furthermore, she said she expects, in a non-Presidential year, Republicans will face losses nationally, as well.
* The DGA sent out a press release with that CBS 2 link, without the stuff about the “defectors,” of course, and added this comment at the end…
“Governor Bruce Rauner’s failed leadership has become so obvious members of his own party can no longer defend him,” said DGA Illinois Communications Director Sam Salustro. “Under Bruce Rauner, the state is doing worse as debt soars, jobs and people flee, and the state’s education system is pushed to the brink. Illinois voters have already turned on Rauner - it was only a matter of time before his own party did too.”
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 2:24 pm
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And the incompetence. Don’t forget the incompetence.
Comment by Porgy Tirebiter Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 2:27 pm
Then… It’s a really good thing Ms. Wheeler is leaving… when an obstructionist leaves… more gets done.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 2:30 pm
Doesn’t help when the house dems block you at every turn.
Comment by Annonymous Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 2:30 pm
What does she have planned? I’ve heard rumors that she wants to go run her local school district. I assume she will like herself up a nice second pension there. Double dipping is the Illinois way after all. I guess if you can’t pass reforms, you may as well benefit from the broken system!
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 2:31 pm
== “That’s why I felt that strong betrayal. We were so close to getting real compromise…” ==
C’mon, Barb. Go ahead and criticize your fellow Republicans for supporting a tax increase if you wish, but spare us the nonsense about a “real” compromise being close.
Comment by Roman Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 2:31 pm
Anonymous @230p, also helps when the person being blocked has a) a clue about coequal branches and the legislative process and b) an actual plan as opposed to lurching like a drunken sailor from one populous idea to the next with zero clue how to actually enact said idea…
Comment by Fixer Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 2:33 pm
“Why so harsh, OW?”
===”That’s why I felt that strong betrayal. We were so close to getting real compromise in a budget that was so desperately needed. And our own members had cut that conversation short.”===
No, Rauner undercut Leader Radogno… twice.
That’s why it couldn’t get done.
Maybe Ms. Wheeler can think on that once retired.
“We were so close to getting real compromise in a budget that was so desperately needed. And our own Governor had cut that conversation short”
Right?
Exactly right.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 2:33 pm
Tell you what Rep. Wheeler, how about you come visit a mental health or substance abuse clinic or CILA home. Look in the eyes of the staff and residents and make that comment about betrayal. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
Comment by Give Me A Break Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 2:33 pm
Rauner might have got some of his reforms considered if he had not tied them to unrelated budget items. Rauner = Failed Governor
Comment by DuPage Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 2:36 pm
OW, well said. The GOP legislators that saved the state from the impasse deserve respect while the others should get derision.
Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 2:37 pm
Last one out in the GOP caucus, turn out the lights!
Comment by Precinct Captain Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 2:37 pm
Face it Wheeler, Rauner gambled everything on this tactic and it didn’t pay off.
You know very well that losses will be enormous this next election.
Perfidy doesn’t pay
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 2:38 pm
Yep, gonna be all better when Rauner is gone and Madigan has full control again. Maybe this time we’ll see universal healthcare, universal preschool, universal gun control, and taxes doubled again so that the state union employees can continue to make outsized salaries and pension benefits. I’m sure the budget deficit will go away, the outstanding debt will go away, Chicago will pay all it’s outstanding bills. Can’t wait to see what this state looks like in a couple of years.
Comment by NeverPoliticallyCorrect Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 2:38 pm
My goodness neverpoliticallycorrect that was some hairball you just got up. Feel better?
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 2:42 pm
===The GOP legislators that saved the state from the impasse deserve respect while the others should get derision.===
And you also are On It, bud.
The Raunerites crying about the blatently phony reality of Rauner’s making will not be missed.
Ms. Wheeler’s embarrassing quote that flies in the face of what happened to Leader Radogno, those thinking that way, they aren’t helping in the GA now, won’t be missed once they leave the GA in 2019.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 2:43 pm
== Doesn’t help when the house dems block you at every turn. ==
Minorities don’t get to demand things. If you don’t have the votes, and aren’t willing to horse trade or compromise on your wants, you don’t get anything. That’s just how it works.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 2:50 pm
So why didn’t they follow up on why Rauner faces strong headwinds in her mind? If the Madigan angle is what the GOP is banking on that message has only gotten stronger, right?
Seems to me while she blames her own folks for voting against the captain, she is stating the ship is going down and she’s bailing out.
Comment by DuPage Bard Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 2:52 pm
== Yep, gonna be all better when Rauner is gone and Madigan has full control again. ==
No, it won’t be. But maybe some of state government will once again work for the citizens and we won’t have all the pinstripe patronage (consulting contracts instead of delivering human services) we do right now.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 2:55 pm
“So close”? My god, what flavor was the kool-aid? We were close to nuclear meltdown
you were “betrayed”, so you quit? Thank god for the “betrayers”. And ba-bye.
Comment by Langhorne Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 3:00 pm
= Seems to me while she blames her own folks for voting against the captain, she is stating the ship is going down and she’s bailing out. =
My thoughts exactly. Rauner’s coat tails don’t seem so strong anymore, with the BTIA ™ running the show, the budget veto over ride and now the SB1 AV debacle. Sure, money talks. But it doesn’t vote.
Comment by House of Cards Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 3:04 pm
(What on Earth did I say wrong to get my post blocked?)
Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 3:07 pm
So Rep. Wheeler lacks the courage for her alleged convictions. Oh, and she’s scared of headwinds facing the “governor” and the GOP nationally.
Ok, don’t let the door hit you in the can on the way out Barb. Yet another profile in courage.
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 3:08 pm
Another frustrated anarchist returning home with the same matches and gasoline she showed up with, all excited to burn the witch until cooler heads prevailed.
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 3:10 pm
Barb Wheeler - “Governing is *hard*. I’m outta here”
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 3:11 pm
So 2 years of holding a budget hostage until the Governor’s ever changing list of demands were met wasn’t long enough for you? I’m glad you are leaving. Just one question for folks who think like Wheeler, was the intentional 2 year impasse orchestrated by the Governor worth all the damage?
Comment by The Dude Abides Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 3:16 pm
It’d be kind of cool to view some comments, once in awhile anyway, from other than state government workers, public sector union officials, Democratic electeds or lobbyists, or surrogates of all or some of the above.
In other words, it’d be just great to occasionally hear from private sector taxpayers.
Comment by Lance Mannion Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 3:20 pm
==Barb Wheeler, who’s also walking away==
’nuff said. Speaking of betrayal, ask Barickman the number of the bus that ran over him. Was it the same one that hit Rauner’s staffers?
Comment by Jocko Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 3:20 pm
“What am I most proud of? Trying to close social services by voting against paying them is up there, sure… trying real hard to close Eastern Illinois, that’s a highlight… I think I’m most proud of my votes that hurt the overrides, the ones that hurt people most, that, I hope, will be my legacy… Leveraging real pain to real people for 1.4% and $500 plus million a year in reforms” - Fake Rep. Wheeler…
…
===But Barb Wheeler, who’s also walking away, says those Republican defectors — like Fortner — wiped out Rauner’s leverage.
“That’s why I felt that strong betrayal. We were so close to getting real compromise in a budget that was so desperately needed. And our own members had cut that conversation short,” she said===
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 3:21 pm
And now people who didn’t ever hear of or know of Rep. Barb Wheeler…well, now they do. /s
Comment by A guy Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 3:29 pm
Don’t let the bronze door hit ya on the way out, Barb.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 3:30 pm
===Yep, gonna be all better when Rauner is gone and Madigan has full control again. Maybe this time we’ll see universal healthcare, universal preschool, universal gun control, and taxes doubled again so that the state union employees can continue to make outsized salaries and pension benefits. I’m sure the budget deficit will go away, the outstanding debt will go away, Chicago will pay all it’s outstanding bills. Can’t wait to see what this state looks like in a couple of years.===
Actually, if the R’s go the way of the Whigs, I’d expect “something” to rush in to fill the vacuum. Maybe a further factionalization of the D’s into centrist and progressive wings. Hey, look at what is happening with Ms. Preckwinkle’s Soda Pop Tax…it’s dividing the party into two camps.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 3:31 pm
Rep. Wheeler: If the budget was so important to you, why did you miss every one of Gov. Rauner’s special session days but the last? How in the world would you know that they were “this close” to a deal. You weren’t there. AWOL. While your colleagues were working, you were on vacation. Yep, your were very concerned. Nice.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 3:32 pm
Lance, well yes but this is an echo chamber which does not tolerate others well.
Comment by Julian's Melange Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 3:32 pm
===…state government workers, public sector union officials, Democratic electeds or lobbyists, or surrogates of all or some of the above.===
I’m not any of those.
I’m a private citizen, a “taxpayer”, but, everyone is a taxpayer, so there’s that too…
If you want to be a victim of commenters, that’s your choice.
Make an argument, try that.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 3:36 pm
“Lance, well yes but this is an echo chamber which does not tolerate others well.” Speaking for myself, if the argument has substance and is not just “But…Madigan!” or “Waste, Fraud and Abuse”, I’m willing to listen. So far I haven’t heard any though.
Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 3:37 pm
>In other words, it’d be just great to occasionally hear from private sector taxpayers.
Me too, as long as they address the issues and not the messengers. Lots of great debates to be had. (And, for me, as long as they use real numbers.)
Comment by Earnest Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 3:41 pm
Snowflakes gonna snowflake
Comment by Morty Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 3:47 pm
Btw Lance, I’m pretty sure you can get all the comments you need for self-validation over at the IPI page
Comment by Morty Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 3:48 pm
Langhorne homers.
Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 3:50 pm
Lance, as well demonstrated in the follow up comments, tolerance is not a key virtue here. But then they self-validate themselves here as well.
Comment by Julian's Melange Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 3:55 pm
===self-validate themselves===
Redundancy. Or am I being too intolerant for you?
Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 4:20 pm
I know Rauner is loaded with cash and put millions in his fund. I know he can run a campaign.
But, for the love of God, why no republican can stand up to him as a primary challenger is beyond me? They have to know it’s not looking good.
Comment by raus hier Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 4:26 pm
“Yep, gonna be all better when Rauner is gone and Madigan has full control again. Maybe this time we’ll see universal healthcare, universal preschool, universal gun control, and taxes doubled again so that the state union employees can continue to make outsized salaries and pension benefits. I’m sure the budget deficit will go away, the outstanding debt will go away, Chicago will pay all it’s outstanding bills. Can’t wait to see what this state looks like in a couple of years.”
I know it was afternoon when you wrote this, but still, isn’t it a bit early in the day to be knocking ‘em back?
Comment by Nick Name Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 4:35 pm
Lance:
The thing about feeling like you are in echo chamber: It will always feel like that when you are on a side losing so bad that few are still with you.
I am sure the Blago defenders (circa 2008) felt pretty similar.
Comment by raus hier Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 4:43 pm
raus hier-
You knucklehead. We are ALL losing here in IL, unless you’re an IL government employee with a killer pension, or a Democratic lobbyist/political consultant raking in big bucks from IL’s governing largess. Or, maybe you’re an electric Democrat elected big-deal eating steaks and drinking wine between worthless committee meetings.
The state is literally imploding but the folks here are just … fiddling around with themselves and thinking they’re “winning.”
Like I said– echo chamber.
Comment by Lance Mannion Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 4:52 pm
===We are ALL losing here in IL, unless you’re an IL government employee with a killer pension, or a Democratic lobbyist/political consultant raking in big bucks from IL’s governing largess. Or, maybe you’re an electric Democrat elected big-deal eating steaks and drinking wine between worthless committee meetings.===
Then how did Rauner, “retired” make $144 million last year?
“No, no, I’ll wait for my answer”
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 4:54 pm
=In other words, it’d be just great to occasionally hear from private sector taxpayers.=
I am pretty sure there is no test of employment status to qualify as a commenter. Are you implying otherwise?
Maybe you should consider a detailed comment versus tantrum next time.
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 4:57 pm
To bring this back to Ms. Wheeler…
I find it amusing that “betrayal” for Ms. Wheeler consists on continually hurting, on purpose, Illinois most needy, most vulnerable, students, higher education…
Ms. Wheeler thinks betraying is actually trying to save Illinois from destruction.
I’m relieved Ms. Wheeler isn’t coming back in 2019, for Illinois’ sake.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 4:57 pm
What is there to say? Salvi’s gonna Salvi.
Comment by Juice Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 5:12 pm
Lance, there are plenty of comment boards out there, you have your pick of dozens that cover Illinois politics. Why do you come here to call us names and denigrate our host? Seems like a dumb way to spend time if you ask me.
Why don’t you try the Tribune or SJ-R? You might be happier somewhere else, somewhere less echoey.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 5:20 pm
Neverpoliticallycorrect @2:38
Union members have not forgot,(unlike you), that it was Madigan and Quinn who froze wages and attacked pensions. In fact, many members are still owed thousands of dollars of back pay. The union offered a concession (on pension contributions) which was rejected by Madigan saying it wasn’t enough. Should have taken what was offered and came back again later. However with Rauners attacks on Madigan AND unions from the onset, unions were forced into Madigans corner. This was Rauners biggest mistake. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. When Rauner is finally gone, we are sure that Madigan will again try his attacks on pensions and wages. It seems that both parties like to use employees as pawns
Comment by Generic Drone Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 7:01 pm
When the going gets tough, ths, oh wait, nevermind
Comment by Shemp Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 9:42 pm
Gee, Lance, you get sad when people don’t think like you? Life must be tough.
Just be happy you have a forum to whine about it. I’m sure that keeps you busy.
Not exactly a John Wayne type, are you?
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 10:38 pm
The way i see it. Everyone is doomed, particulary those barely making ends meet.
Comment by Blue dog dem Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 10:50 pm