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* UPDATED x1 * Will Rauner get a primary opponent?

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* Here’s John Kass…

Some Republicans are already trying to save what’s left of the GOP by finding other conservative candidates to run against Rauner. Among the names being mentioned: state Rep. Jeanne Ives, of Wheaton, a conservative and graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Mentioned as a running mate is outgoing state Sen. Kyle McCarter, of downstate Lebanon.

An Ives-McCarter ticket. I’d pay to see that.

* But, let’s get real for a second…

Several possible GOP candidates tell us their hesitation isn’t a fear of facing Rauner, but a fear of the general election. They say the mid-term could be a Democratic year and if there’s real anti-Trump sentiment, it could spell doom for any Republican running statewide in Illinois. Names floating around, state Rep. Jeanne Ives, state Sen. Kyle McCarter, state Sen. Sam McCann, Dan Proft.

Yep.

* And this is an excerpt from Sen. McCann’s Facebook post yesterday…

Right now, I am being primaried for the third time in five years BY MY OWN PARTY.

Sangamon County Republican Chairman Rose Long said recently that I don’t represent their values. Her hand-picked candidate, Steve McClure is being supported by my own caucus-mates (fellow republican senators and representatives) and members of the Illinois Republican Congressional delegation. So - you’re right, I don’t represent your values!!! Because I don’t believe in selling out to Rauner Inc as you have and throwing your constituents under the bus as you all have!

I don’t believe in disregarding my oath and being party to destroying Representative Governmment, as so many of you have done.

I don’t believe in being anyone’s RUBBERSTAMP! I believe in being a voice and a vote for the People, not a pawn of the party.

So, to the People of the 50th Senate District, if you are looking for a #rubberstamp to go along with four more years of Rauner, then Chairman Rose Long, Steve McClure and the IL GOP are giving you an excellent opportunity to do so.

Sounds like he’s running for reelection, but things can change.

* Back to the bill signing…

Rauner is betting he can still survive a primary challenge. But if he vetoed the abortion bill, how could he survive a general election in a blue state? The move negates the full-page ads, the Handmaid’s Tale protesters who prominently and frequently protest outside the Thompson Center in Chicago and in Springfield will likely disappear. His best argument is what he articulated on Thursday, that abortion isn’t really available equally to all women if there’s no access to it by those who can’t afford it. “No woman should be forced to make a different decision than another woman would based purely on her income,” Rauner said. “I am personally pro-choice, I always have been. I made no qualms about that when I was elected governor. I have not and never will change my views. I personally believe that a woman must have the right to decide what goes on in her own body.”

*** UPDATE *** Greg Hinz…

In a phone interview, state Rep. Jeanne Ives, a social and economic conservative and West Point graduate from Wheaton, said she’s concluded that Rauner “cannot be elected next year.”

“It’s his decision whether or not to run. If he does, I hope we’d put up a primary opponent against him, because I won’t be supporting him,” Ives continued.

Asked who that might be, Ives replied, “That’s an open question.” When I said that sounds like she’s interested, she answered, “I’ve not ruled it out,” noting not only Rauner’s “flip flop” on the abortion bill but also his earlier decision to sign bills boosting funding for Chicago Public Schools and directing law enforcement officials not to cooperate with federal immigration agents in many cases involving those in the country illegally.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 10:21 am

Comments

Heard Sam speak publicly earlier this week. The impression seemed to be he was running again for State Senator.

Comment by RNUG Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 10:24 am
Sam has quite the inferiority complex. Someone is ALWAYS out to get him. That was the case before he ran for the Senate, when he first ran for the Senate, when he got thrown into a new district, when he ran in 2016 and now.

Comment by Curl of the Burl Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 10:25 am
Sam should not be surprised if any of his colleagues throw him under the bus. He has done the same to them on the Senate floor - and he publicly threw Christine Radogno under the bus during the 2016 primary.

Comment by Curl of the Burl Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 10:27 am
… “if there’s real anti-Trump sentiment, it could spell doom for any Republican running statewide in Illinois.”

If? I know this is an Illinois centred political blog but this coming midterm election could be brutal to the GOP. Midterms are almost always a referendum on the party in power and I don’t see Trump getting his act together.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 10:30 am
Sam should take time and think before he speaks. to my knowledge RD and Lahood have not publicly endorsed any candidate in his race.

Comment by Iggy Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 10:32 am
It would be fun to see FreeCollege Ives on full display.
GuessinGovJunk decided hangin’ with the whack jobs just S* too much. Now he must focu on the hate speech on union and Chicago and se what happens.
Or just drop out.
His next task will be to govern and run against the back drop of Trump.

Comment by Annonin' Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 10:33 am
No.

Comment by Blue dog dem Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 10:34 am
I will donate to an Ives-McCarter ticket.
It’s about time we put a taxpayer funded coloring book in every church.

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 10:36 am
Iggy - those two (and Shimkus) did back Benton in 2016.

Comment by Curl of the Burl Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 10:38 am
No, Rauner, Grffen, Zell,& dark money is the backbone of the Illinois Republican Party.

Comment by DeseDemDose Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 10:39 am
I think that this situation absolutely requires a really futile and stupid gesture be done on somebody’s part.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 10:39 am
===An Ives-McCarter ticket. I’d pay to see that.===

Boy, so would I. The theatre alone…

To the Post,

Rauner can’t get anyone to run for SoS, Treasurer, or Comproller.

Trump’s midterm is also a factor, I’m guessing, along with Rauner’s own numbers.

So…

What conservative Republican, in Trump’s midterm, in a blue state like Illinois, is willing first to face an unlimited amount of cash from Rauner to be personally destroyed, and… to be fortunate enough to “win”, after being dragged into the mud by Rauner, you get all the headwinds that is possibly Illinois in 2018.

And someone is going to take that challenge?

Hmm.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 10:40 am
Everyone of those names mentioned - other than Sam McCann - was with Rauner and supported Rauner and knew his pro-abortion views.

Comment by No thanks Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 10:40 am
DDD - hmm…dark money…like what Dan Biss “raised” late last year? To the tune of $10+ million?

Comment by Curl of the Burl Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 10:41 am
Of course, Kelly is also running and regardless of naysayers was against Rauner from the onset.

Comment by No thanks Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 10:41 am
Again, rational thought seems to be the victim of extremism. If not too much, I’d join Rich in paying to the show.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 10:43 am
No. Lots of smoke but no fire.

Comment by WSJ Paywall Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 10:46 am
I had forgotten just how bad a writer Kass is.

Comment by TomiChicago Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 10:47 am
== Sam should take time and think before he speaks. ==

-Iggy-, having attended a number of events where Sam spoke, both planned and off the cuff, I think Sam does think first. But sometimes he just decides to speak his mind anyway and let the chips fall where they may. He is normally diplomatic in that he usually critiszes both party’s policies when he is being critical.

Unlike Rauner’s good old boy routine being just an act, Sam is pretty much what you see is what you get. His supporters seem to like that.

Comment by RNUG Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 10:54 am
I’m starting to buy into the theory that this is carefully orchestrated political theatre designed to make folks forget about the destruction during Rauner’s term, and make him seem like a centrist. Ives would be perfect for the role. Then again, maybe I’m giving BTIA way too much credit.

Comment by AC Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 10:54 am
More likely than not, if there is a primary challenger to Rauner, he will survive the challenge. This isn’t Alabama. The General is another thing altogether and much of that will hinge on what Democratic candidate survives the primary AND how united the Democratic front becomes AFTER the primary. Independent voters will be a key group, as will the Progressive Democrats. Rauner could easily win another 4 years if the Dems fall to infighting and finger pointing. And if a third party candidate gets on the ballot, that may also drain votes away from the Dems as a protest vote against both the Dem candidate and Rauner, making the overall race tighter. The Dems also need to keep doing what they are doing on multiple fronts about Rauner’s failures as a governor. He doesn’t need to be allowed four years of “prep school” for his second term. The “tuition” is far too high for the people of Illinois.

Comment by Anon221 Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 10:56 am
47th, it’s time to watch another movie.

I hear Casablanca is good.

Comment by Soccermom Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 10:57 am
==An Ives-McCarter ticket. I’d pay to see that.==

I was going to opine “That makes one”. But then Willy chimed in, so I’ll amend:

“That makes two”.

Comment by A guy Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 10:59 am
A guy - Make it three.

Comment by ??? Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 11:06 am
“An Ives-McCarter ticket. I’d pay to see that.”

I’d vote for it.

Ives has that in-your-face-with-truth, take no prisoners, warrior mentality.

She definitely has the skills to be an effective disruptor.

People are looking for bold, principled, non-establishment leaders.

I hope this gets some wind in the sails.

Comment by cdog Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 11:09 am
If the past 2 or so years can be defined as ‘disruption’ - I’ve had my fill, thanks. Hows about we work on the task of creation instead of destruction for a change.

Comment by Name Withheld Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 11:20 am
To those who keep saying Rauner will survive a primary.. With who on the republican side voting for him? Take a look at his facebook page after the sanctuary bill and it was littered with his former voters vowing not to vote for him again.

Comment by Real Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 11:43 am
===With who on the republican side voting for him?===

Can’t beat somebody with nobody.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 11:46 am
Anyone wanting to live under disruption then much of central Africa will be to your liking. Here in central IL I would prefer something besides reality TV wannabes.

But if the IL GOP wants to get behind Jeanne Ives I fully support that as a member of the old establishment GOP who would like nothing better than for the modern GOP to finish its current crash and burn cycle so that it can once again embrace logic and rationality. Watching Ken Burns excellent series about Vietnam I was reminded how much Nixon was just a little ahead of his time in the GOP.

Comment by former southerner Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 11:49 am
== The move negates the full-page ads, the Handmaid’s Tale protesters who prominently and frequently protest outside the Thompson Center in Chicago and in Springfield will likely disappear.==

We’ll see about that. I know PP remains livid with him, and Terry Cosgrove ain’t exactly a half-measures kind of guy.

Comment by Arsenal Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 11:52 am
Building on Arsenal’s comment- there are many, many, many more ways Rauner has hurt women and children in this state during his tenure. Remember his compassion-competitive philosophy? That worked out so well during the impasse for rape crisis centers, womens’ shelters, healthcare, childcare, educational opportunities (MAP for example), and on and on. HB40 signing does not absolve him of those “sins”.

Comment by Anon221 Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 12:00 pm
“She definitely has the skills to be an effective disruptor.”

The record of Jeanne Ives ‘effectiveness’ is well-established.

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 12:19 pm
Where can I donate to Ives for Governor?

Comment by Soccermom Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 12:19 pm
This is all such nonsense. It’s just a bunch of attention-starved people — Kass, included — raging into the wind.

No one is going to primary Rauner. We know this. Kass knows this. It’s just not going to happen.

And these same King Lears hollering into the abyss will, when it comes time to vote, vote for Rauner. We know this. We know this. Everybody knows this.

This is all nonsense.

Comment by Macbeth Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 12:26 pm
I’m not sure a lot of everyday Christian conservatives in IL are gonna vote for Rauner, is the thing though. They may just pass him over on the ballot, come November 2018.

Comment by ZC Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 12:39 pm
===Casablanca===

Lol. “Here’s looking at you, kid” didn’t seem appropriate to the situation.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 12:49 pm
Dan Proft is a big talker. His sugar daddy has a lot of money.

Why wouldn’t a brave, principled statesman like himself step up? From his last run, you know he has a solid base of 7% in a GOP primary to build on.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 12:50 pm
Ives-McCarter?

McCarter-Ives.

IVES-McCarter!

MCCARTER-Ives!

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 12:52 pm
“I’m not sure a lot of everyday Christian conservatives in IL are gonna vote for Rauner, is the thing though. They may just pass him over on the ballot, come November 2018.”

In November 2016, there was a contest between Christian conservatives’ principles and Christian conservatives’ partisanship — their partisanship won in a walk.

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 12:57 pm
Everyone of the above said candidates was bought out by the Rauner/Proft money. So, do we really want to elect another puppet of the Chicago money and thus elect Rauner, again. Or better yet, are we willing to fall for another political campaign scam, and Rauner Puppet to the money?

Comment by LoisLearned2much Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 1:12 pm
I shouldn’t have read this post on my lunch hour. I almost spit all over my keyboard when I saw Ives-McCarter.

Thought Shimkus was going to get McCarter a job in Africa….

Comment by Highland Il Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 1:24 pm
==In November 2016, there was a contest between Christian conservatives’ principles and Christian conservatives’ partisanship — their partisanship won in a walk.==

Notable difference though is that Christian conservatives got what they wanted out of the deal, a buncha new right-wing judges. OTOH, Rauner just handed them something they hate.

Comment by Arsenal Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 1:59 pm
Underestimate Jeanne Ives at your own peril!

Comment by Zippity Do Da Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 2:11 pm
MrJM - holding their noses and voting for Trump got conservatives Justice Neil Gorusch. Holding their noses and voting for Rauner got conservatives…hmm…not quite sure…

Comment by Curl of the Burl Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 2:22 pm
Knock-knock
Who’s there?
Opportunity
Opportunity who?
Opportunity for Former Congressman Joe Walsh

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 2:23 pm
I would love to see Ives and Rauner in a debate leading up to the primary. That would be priceless.

Comment by Anon221 Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 2:30 pm
So lemme understand this…

Jeanne Ives might run against Rauner.

If true, she wouldn’t keep her House seat, she’d be done in the GA and….

… not only would she get beat, but would give me such comic glee and joy I couldn’t see straight?

Sign me up

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 2:30 pm
I can imagine an Ives-Rauner debate consisting of Jeanne Ives screaming the whole time and Bruce Rauner looking like he is ready for bed.

Comment by Curl of the Burl Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 2:44 pm
—Underestimate Jeanne Ives at your own peril!

What’s the peril?Laughing myself silly?

Comment by ArchPundit Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 3:11 pm
===Underestimate Jeanne Ives at your own peril!===

They said the same about the Confederacy…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 3:14 pm
What needs to happen is a postmortem analysis of the lies Rauner told to the GOP at the statehouse, for the last 2.5 years.

Until all the lies are accounted for, the man will remain powerful.

Bring the truth. Tell us all the times he lied and succeeded in prolonging the budget stalemate.

It’s so obvious, but needs to be exercised.

Comment by cdog Friday, Sep 29, 17 @ 3:31 pm