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* I’ve already told subscribers what I think of this, so let’s do a roundup starting with RAGA…
Pat, are you serious?
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rejected by Illinoisans in 2014, former Governor Pat Quinn is back, and he is running for Illinois Attorney General.
Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) Executive Director Scott Will issued the following statement:
“Haha! Seriously, I thought I was reading the Onion when I saw Pat Quinn announce for attorney general. Under Quinn’s leadership Illinois government spending and budget deficits exploded, leaving taxpayers on the hook. Remember, after Blagojevich went to jail, Quinn allowed the corruption in Springfield and state government to continue, leaving appointees in place - some even received promotions.
“Quinn should be a uniting force for the current Democratic field. It’ll be a good test to see if Drury, Fairley, Goldstein, Raoul, Rotering, Ruiz, and Mariotti, not only denounce the corrupt Madigan machine, but also acknowledge the mess Quinn left behind.”
* Tribune…
“He’s a fighter who never gives up,” [David Vaught, Quinn’s former budget director] said. “He hasn’t won every election, but he’s had the guts to run and I’m sure there is a little buyer’s remorse out there.” […]
At the same time, a Quinn candidacy could help rejuvenate Republicans who have seen their ranks divided following Rauner’s signature on legislation expanding taxpayer-subsidized abortions.
Rauner controls the Illinois Republican Party, which is solidly behind Erika Harold, the Urbana attorney whose winnings in the 2003 Miss America pageant paid for her tuition at Harvard Law School. Harold would face Quinn in the fall if both were to emerge from the March primary election.
Beyond the attorney general’s race, a Quinn candidacy would allow Rauner and the GOP to attempt to tarnish Democrats in general by reusing much of the material from 2014. That includes a flier linking Quinn, his imprisoned predecessor former Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan as “corrupt career politicians destroying Illinois.”
* Sun-Times…
Quinn claims the statewide phone poll of 1,047 likely Democratic voters conducted this month by Public Policy Polling shows him leading six contenders vying to become the state’s top legal eagle, netting him an overall lead with 28 percent of the vote. […]
He also claims he led among all racial groups, with Raoul coming in with 23 percent to Quinn’s 25 percent among African-Americans. For Hispanic voters polled, Ruiz came in with 31 percent to Quinn’s 32 percent.
“Amongst white voters, I led with 30 percent” said Quinn.
“The state needs an attorney general who can get laws passed and do what we did with CUB (Citizens Utility Board) . . . ” referring to the consumer advocacy group, which Quinn created.
“It’s time to make the will of the people the law of the land.” he added.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 9:46 am
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–“It’s time to make the will of the people the law of the land.” he added.–
Gee, never heard that before.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 9:51 am
Who is his fundraising base for this run? I guess since he has a shot to win he’ll be able to raise money, but it would be tough for him to get to $1 Million.
Comment by Fax Machine Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 9:56 am
The will of the people is for Pat Quinn to stay out of public life. How can we miss you when you won’t go away?
Comment by DuPage Dave Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 9:57 am
He’s gonna work night and day….
Comment by Saluki Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 9:57 am
While AFSCME employees made a huge mistake in supporting Rauner over Quinn in the 2014 Gubernatorial race, they will take great joy in reminding each other that Quinn reneged on his word and still owes them backpay from 2011. Mobilizing against him in a Democratic Party primary will not hurt them at all
Comment by Redraider Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 9:57 am
Quinn’s $54.5 million, neighborhood Anti-violence boondoggle and the IDOT hiring corruption scandal are grist for the GOP mill !
Comment by Texas Red Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 9:59 am
Rauner makes Quinn look better every single day.
Comment by Chicago 20 Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 9:59 am
Sometimes he wins, sometimes he loses
But he aint afraid to lose.
I’m thinking that the RAGA doesnt attract the best and brightest among the hacks and flacks hustling a buck in DC. They have to be sucking the bottom of the swamp.
Seriously, in a press release, you don’t quote “ha-ha.” You dont quote any of the involuntary body noises.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 10:00 am
Quinn may be hard to beat in a seven-person Democratic primary. He has proven over many years that he gets more bang for the campaign buck than other candidates.
Comment by anon2 Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 10:09 am
“It’s time to make the will of the people the law of the land.” he added.
I genuinely like Pat Quinn as a human being. But man I wish he would leave politics behind.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 10:13 am
When the news broke on Friday I laughed. The more I thought about over the weekend, I think Pat wins the primary and gives the GOP/Harold fits in the general — see -Chicago 20- @ 9:59 am:
Comment by We'll See Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 10:21 am
A very basic refresher on Quinn’s public life reveals some big successes against long odds. A willingness to fight and lose. Love him or hate him, you have to admit the guy is 1) honest and 2) probably more accomplished than you are.
So to the “go away” crowd - you were never among those inviting Pat to the party. Keep firing away at him with your snark and cynicism and it will probably fuel his fire.
Comment by Sugar Corn Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 10:24 am
In a way Quinn winning the primary could help Rauner in the General. After Rauner spends $100 Million in ads against Pritzker, a lot of people will not want to vote for him even though they want to hold Rauner accountable. Therefore, they might be willing to hold their nose and vote for Rauner by also voting for PQ as AG at the same time - thinking that he’ll be a thorn in Rauner’s side & will hold him accountable.
Comment by Fax Machine Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 10:27 am
Any sober, clear-eyed assessment of Quinn’s performance as governor shows he was far more competent and accomplished than Rauner. Even you just compared the first 3 years of each tenure.
Rich, you’ve knocked Quinn around quite a bit but wouldn’t you say it’s no contest?
Comment by Sugar Corn Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 10:28 am
He lost by less than 150,000 votes against a very well funded candidate. From Pat’s perspective, without a deep pocket opponent, he’s got a good shot.
I have absolutely no idea if Pat is a vindictive individual. But if he is, the AG’s office is perfect perch from which to launch some fireballs.
Comment by Downstate Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 10:29 am
I don’t think voters or media have forgotten Pat’s long-winded usually nonsensical statements no matter what subject he was supposedly on. I don’t think voters and media have forgotten the scandals which came to light during his governorship and last gubernatorial run which forever tainted his previous “good guy” image. Dems are going to have to take care of this problem candidacy and I think they will.
Comment by Responsa Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 10:30 am
I was part of that Public Policy Poll. It was quite thorough, but mostly tested Quinn v Harold. Unfortunately, it did not allow for “vote for neither”.
Comment by Retired SURS Employee Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 10:31 am
Contrary to showing strength for Quinn in the Democratic primary, I think it showed weakness. The other names are mostly unknown in large parts of the state and as a former Governor with 100% name id he could only must 28%? As the other candidates get better known and a couple of them raise and spend big money, there is only one way for Quinn to go in my view, and it ain’t up. It could be similar to Jim Ryan’s ill-fated comeback attempt for Governor.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 10:37 am
Two things. Sure one view is that he is running again to continue his honest crusade for good government. The more cynical among us see it as his never-ending quest to find work and that he sees a crowded field as his chance to sneak back on the public payroll once again.
Second, continue to compare him to Rauner all you want, but that’s not who he is running against. He’s running against a field of very qualified Democratic attorneys who have much more solid in the trenches legal experience than he does. If after evaluating all of those people, you still want him for this particular role, more power to ya.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 10:38 am
Looking at this 8 person race from a Southern Illinois perspective, I would only suggest this -
While all the named candidates have impressive credentials, only one - Pat Quinn - has any name recognition among the typical Democrat Primary voters. Most Committeemen as well have no real understanding of the strengths or weaknesses of any of the other seven candidates that have announced.
Should be interesting to see how any of these play downstate.
Comment by illini Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 10:41 am
I’m not saying I’m voting for him, but I don’t think it’s insane for him to run — in this crowded field, with not a lot of time, I think he definitely has a fighting chance.
Comment by Just Observing Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 10:41 am
==much more solid in the trenches legal experience ==
you’re joking, right?
Comment by Sugar Corn Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 10:43 am
He’s relatively independent, ethical, and prefers working alone.
That’s a better recipe for a successful AG than a successful governor.
Comment by Robert the Bruce Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 10:47 am
–you’re joking, right?–
Not at all. You don’t think candidates like Ruiz and Raoul who maintain law firm practices and the yes, former federal prosecutors in the race have more legal experience than a guy who’s held non-legal executive offices for many years and whose legal career consisted of property tax appeals? I sure do.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 10:48 am
Pat is a decent man, but I must agree with Ron Burgundy…
Comment by Loop Lady Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 10:48 am
===“It’s time to make the will of the people the law of the land.” he added.===
Make it stop! Make it stop!
Comment by Boone's is Back Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 10:52 am
I was one of the Dem voters polled. It seemed to be designed to make Quinn the choice. Every time I said someone else was my choice, the question switched to one about my support for citizen initiatives, then on to one describing Quinn’s work in this area. Also, I was asked about supporting Quinn not just for AG, but also for Governor and Cook County Assessor.
Comment by Rich Township Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 10:55 am
Sorry to say, but even his old sidekick Squeezy the Python turned his back on PQ over the weekend on Twitter.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 11:00 am
=Any sober, clear-eyed assessment of Quinn’s performance as governor shows he was far more competent and accomplished than Rauner.=
Which would be relevant if Quinn was running against Rauner but he isn’t. I don’t doubt that the Quinn name will continue to resonate in some quarters. But there’s a reason that he lost to Bruce Rauner and it’s largely due to his perceived failings as a governor. Similar to my comments on Madigan, my dislike for Rauner doesn’t mean that I like Quinn.
Comment by Pundent Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 11:00 am
Quinn seems rather unsuited for this position…
Guess he has been bored these last 4 years.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 11:03 am
Not satisfied with a quinella or a trifecta, Patsy wants to shoot for a quadrella of statewide constitutional offices. He has lost a primary for Attorney General before and a general election for Secretary of State, but these are the only statewide offices that have eluded him.
Ericka Harold has to be praying for Quinn to be her opponent.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 11:03 am
Anon 1103, Quinn also lost primaries for treasurer and Senate.
Running in statewide races is what he does. Birds gotta fly, fish gotta swim.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 11:58 am
“It’s time to make the will of the people the law of the land.” he added. He seems rather confused about the what the job of Attorney General actually is.
Comment by anon Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 12:01 pm
===Who is his fundraising base for this run? I guess since he has a shot to win he’ll be able to raise money, but it would be tough for him to get to $1 Million.
Remember how he won the Lt. Governor race was to use name ID against a less well known guy. He actually had a few different petitions out that year and then went with Lt. Guv because that’s where he had his best shot. If he gets into the general he gets the money he needs.
Don’t count him out. As much as many of us would like to.
===Running in statewide races is what he does. Birds gotta fly, fish gotta swim.
Perfect.
Comment by ArchPundit Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 12:09 pm
I was wondering how they would get Lisa to reconsider.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 12:35 pm
“It’s time to make the will of the people the law of the land.”
And that’s why he would be a horrible A.G. An A.G. needs to focus first on enforcing existing laws, and not perpetually tilting against windmills, real or conjured. He really needs to run for legislative office if he wants the role of interpreting the will of the people into legislation.
Comment by Johnny Tractor Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 1:24 pm
Any who what to proclaim that vote fraud is past history in Illinois ought to study Quinn’s 2010 election victory in Chicago precincts.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 1:28 pm
Wordslinger has it right. Don’t count Quinn out until the last vote is counted. I actually think that the position might be right for him. Just think him as AG, and Mendoza as Treasurer- Rauner wouldn’t be able to turn around without finding himself being dinged…
P.S. Where’s Willy?
Comment by downstate commissioner Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 4:47 pm
===P.S. Where’s Willy?===
I’m here… just letting the Dems and others to let this breathe.
I strongly feel Quinn’s time has expired. While his gadfly ways might seem more in tune with an AG office that is consumer friendly or better consumer-minded, the time of Quinn is long gone and this, I can see, could be a terrible thorny issue if Quinn were to win and be apart of a possible unity type Dem ticket.
I see where - RNUG - is at in the odds…
I have it 5/3 in the Primary, but 6-1 in the General.
Crazy times continue.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 4:56 pm
I have admired Pat Quinn over his public life, and thought that he was a great governor in spite of the various controversies during his full term as governor. However, as a person involved in politics, he is the wrong candidate for the moment. I think that given the current statewide officers’ backgrounds, there is a need for either a woman, a person of color, or a person from a region other than Cook County or Chicago to be the Democratic nominee. In this era of Rauner funding Republican nominees for executive offices, Quinn will help Rauner’s re-election message & help Harold’s campaign.
Comment by Chicagoan Guy Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 6:49 pm
How much diversity do the Democrats need? With Pritzker as the nominee for Governor they have Jewish male billionaire, a tall white male downstater, a fiery Latina, a black male veteran, and an AG candidate to be named.
Comment by Last Bull Moose Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 9:49 pm
Go ahead Pat, jump on in. The blooper reel will be fabulous.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Oct 30, 17 @ 9:51 pm
I would hope that should he win, we are not subjected to his Lt Gov group of young men.
Comment by Smith Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 10:16 pm