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* Not feeling well this morning. Nothing serious and I may try to get something going later, but I’m not sure. Keep it Illinois-centric and be nice, please.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 9:42 am

Comments

Don Harmon is a good endorsement for Biss

Comment by Fax Machine Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 9:44 am
I’m running our of popcorn with this Ives fiasco…and wine.

Comment by Baggs McCoy Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 9:47 am
Take care of yourself Rich. Lots of nasty upper respiratory stuff going around.

Comment by Cubs in '16 Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 9:47 am
Chicago Bulls are a joke but Lauri Markkanen looks like the real deal.

Comment by Stones Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 9:47 am
Feel better Rich!

Comment by John Rawlssss Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 9:48 am
Do you regular commenters have to enter your nickname each post? My ignorance of simple tech is epic.. it seems any auto name would be my own name, not nickname - I use an IPAD, so not sure if that makes a diff… thanks for any help.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 9:49 am
Feel better, Rich.

Don’t push too much.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 9:50 am
Wishing you a quick recovery, Rich. Take care of yourself first.

Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 9:50 am
Had an off day, yesterday. A couple other 50-somethings I know did too.

Sleep, anti-histamine, low expectations for the day was the treatment plan. Somewhat effective.

We all want you feeling better!

Comment by cdog Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 9:53 am
Rich, if you feel compelled to post but don’t feel up to commenting upon the week, old Oscar pics will do quite nicely.

Comment by Anyone Remember Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 9:54 am
Feel better Rich.

Looks like the next big issue in the ongoing Legislative IG saga will be this one year limit on bringing cases. Seems too restrictive to begin with, let alone now where exhausting the limits by allowing complaints to languish in the office is out of the control of the complainant. Also, legally is this something they could change retroactively? The courts may have to determine that.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 9:54 am
I hope you feel better soon. Lot of stuff going on out there.

Comment by Retired Educator Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 9:55 am
What ever happened to the woman who spread salt at the governor’s office the day of the budget vote? Did she ever have her day in court? Did she go to jail? Who was she?

Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 9:55 am
Wonder if Rauner actually believes he has a chance in 2018? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Comment by Biasucci Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 9:56 am
Get well soon and feel better, Rich.

Comment by Scott Cross for President Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:00 am
make sure someone checks on you today, k?
You are precious to so many.
But seriously somebody check on Rich

Comment by Honeybear Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:00 am
Did you see what the Northwest Herald did to Jeanne Ives’ photo? They colored her skin red and made her eyes bright blue. She looks possessed, doesn’t she?

There’s no excuse in this day and age of digital photography to accidentally do this, is there?

It’s an official portrait. It doesn’t look like that where it is used elsewhere. Someone jacking with it?

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:04 am
From ProPublica Illinois — “Downstate-of-Mind: Your Responses to Defining ‘Downstate’ Illinois”
https://www.propublica.org/article/responses-to-defining-downstate-illinois

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:05 am
Rich, you’re not waiting in line for the release of the iPhone X, are you?

Comment by Dome Gnome Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:09 am
Listening to the sounds of silence regarding Mursachko coming from the Guv office.

Comment by Obamas Puppy Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:13 am
Now that the Ives campaign has gotten up and running, how do folks see it affecting Rauner’s chances in the general? I think there are a couple possibilities:

a) Ives loses; her stances on social issues allow Rauner to look like a moderate, helping him retain some of the independents and fed-up democratic voters who voted for him last time. Ives has net positive effect on Rauner.

b)Ives loses; her attacks on Rauner’s credibility and on red meat issues damage Rauner’s hold on the right wing base and depress turnout in the general; net negative effect for Rauner.

c) Ives loses; both a) and b) occur, mostly a wash for Rauner — his chances are about as good (or bad) as they would be without a primary challenge

d)Ives wins; and gets trounced in the general election

I think scenario C is probably most likely, but would like to hear other people’s thoughts. Are there any other ways Ives candidacy may impact Rauner’s campaign?

Comment by Actual Red Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:13 am
Anonymous @ 9:49
Yes, I enter my nick each post.

Comment by Skeptic Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:17 am
Anonymous @ 9:49
Double-clicking the box gives me a drop-down menu of names, etc. that I can pick from, but I use Opera on a Linux machine, so that information might not be of any utility at all to you.

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:22 am
“Did you see what the Northwest Herald did to Jeanne Ives’ photo?”

http://www.nwherald.com/2017/11/02/illinois-rep-jeanne-ives-confident-she-will-be-on-ballot-against-gov-bruce-rauner/atkvx5z/

Gadzooks!

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:25 am
College basketball starts next week. Will the Illini be the 3rd or 4th best team in the State this year?

Comment by Donnie Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:26 am
get feeling better buddy

Comment by raunersmyBae Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:29 am
Dear Actual Red,

I think if Ives focuses on the Excelon bailout, she could really hurt Rauner’s chances in the general. The pro-life people already dislike Rauner, the bailout makes him look like a hypocrite.

Comment by DarkHorse Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:33 am
Jason Plummer must be the next Ronald Reagan according to his facebook posts…

Comment by Highland Il Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:35 am
Community question here.. how much percentage do you think the Rauner Brand will hurt Republicans south of Chicago this year?

Comment by JoanielovesChachiandRauner Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:36 am
I am all that is man

Comment by therealJasonPlummer Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:37 am
The Capitol is a great place to spread a cold. A whole bunch of Springfield-types brought the flu bug home from the first week of Veto last week — including me. Maybe we should institute a hand-shaking ban?

Comment by Roman Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:39 am
The best part of Jason Plummer is everyone knows it’s so phony but Jason.

That’s the joke.

I’m excited he’s running.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:39 am
Perhaps we need to pitch in to get Capt Fax a Y membership? We will offer the first shiny silver dollar

Comment by Annonin' Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:43 am
Not an Illinois-centric post but the NFL injuries this year are brutal. I feel bad for Deshaun Watson.

Comment by Curl of the Burl Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:44 am
Next Tuesday Stratton bldg room C-1 9am the Legislative audit committee meeting. Wonder if there will be any discussion of silly building leases?

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:47 am
Wishing you a quick return to normal from your “bug”.

Comment by illini Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:49 am
Jason Plummer is the man we deserve, not the one we need

Comment by Batman Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:52 am
Clearly someone snuck off to see Thor and eat salted Carmel movie popcorn…. clearly

Comment by Ghost Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:55 am
Woe to the Democratic gubernatorial candidate who does not fight tooth and nail for suburban Cook County women voters. Failing to do so, and taking voters for granted, would be Clintonesque malfeasance.

Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:56 am
@FakeJasonPlummer - my Dad once said I should try to share my gifts with others instead of just him. Voters won’t let me #CantPickYourFamily #VotersPickedWise

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:56 am
…What ever happened to the woman who spread salt at the governor’s office the day of the budget vote? Did she ever have her day in court? Did she go to jail? Who was she?…

I thought I read where no charges were filed.

Comment by don the legend Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:57 am
Sorry to hear Rich that your are ill. IL politics will hold for a day or two until you get better. Rest and stay hydrated.

Comment by Rich's Mom Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:57 am
Rich is under the weather, DNAInfo is gone, I don’t pay for the Trib and the Sun Times keeps things online for weeks, guess I’ll be cleaning the basement on my day off.

Comment by West Side the Best Side Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:59 am
@Donnie - the Illini basletball team this year will surprise a lot of people and next year they will be even better.

Comment by illini Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 10:59 am
Oswego… In real life, I’m positive you would like me very much if given the chance. I am a great guy, kind to everyone, stronger than most, and super humble.

Comment by RealJasonTheManPlummer Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 11:01 am
@FakeJasonPlummer - I chose to run for state senate not because it’s a seat that is open, (whatever that means), I chose it cause I still have the IL House left if I lose. #LowerExpectationsWithLoses

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 11:04 am
Anonymous 10:47
Not according to the agenda.
http://www.ilga.gov/commission/lac/lac_home.html

Comment by Anyone Remember Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 11:08 am
MrJM and Skeptic. Gracias

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 11:08 am
- Actual Red -

I think you’re right. One other thing to consider: Ives puts a bit of a scare into Rauner and forces him to move right in order to avoid losing the primary, making him more vulnerable in the General.

Comment by Roman Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 11:09 am
–Actual Red–

I think that Ives close association with the Illinois Family Institute and her “colorful” past remarks will be quite damaging. She can’t play the “fiscal issues” card when her support comes from that social conservative part of her base.

Ask Ives if she supports a Constitutional Amendment to make marriage one man-one woman, and she’ll show her true colors.

Comment by ste_with_a_v_en Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 11:09 am
Rauner won’t lose the Primary.

Ives helps Rauner by allowing Ives to seem unreasonable and sometimes out of step.

Rauner will pivot off Ives for the General.

Will it help Rauner win in the overall? Dunno.

None the less, it helps Rauner.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 11:12 am
Oswego… Do you think I chose this life? I didn’t ask to have this perfect body and amazing leadership abilities. I didn’t ask to have my pristine speaking skills that come out of my mouth hole, and I didn’t ask to be destined for political greatness, but we just have to work with the hand we’re dealt.

Comment by RealJasontheLegendPlummer Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 11:16 am
@Highland - In his own mind he certainly is the next RR. Have you noticed that many of his Dads subdivisions have streets named after iconic Republicans. And he lives on Oglesby Drive.

My cousin did buy a home in one of the subdivisions not named after a Republican politician. He debated, but could not bear the thought of living on Bush Drive.

Comment by illini Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 11:17 am
@FakeJasonPlummer - when I win, my office in the Capitol is big enough to hold my Slurpee machine and my Ms. Pac-Man #ClubhouseOffice

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 11:19 am
Totally agree with Willy. Ives is a gift that the governor probably wanted.

Comment by Not me Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 11:19 am
I was wondering when marijuana might become legal in Illinois. Was it a good idea for Pritzker to support this?

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 11:25 am
I think Illinois basketball will be better than expected. And I also think it will be a team that will be fun to watch, unlike the John Groce philosphy of one guy dribbling for 23 seconds then heaving a 30-foot jump shot.

Comment by Steve Rogers Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 11:25 am
===The best part of Jason Plummer is everyone knows it’s so phony but Jason.==

OW it’s all giggles & grins until Jason is my senator.

Comment by Highland Il Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 11:28 am
Saluki Basketball got some bad news. Thik Bol, the 6′ 8″ forward is out 6 - 12 weeks to have knee surgery. The swingman transfer from STL is out as well.

Comment by Saluki Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 11:29 am
===…it’s all giggles & grins until Jason is my senator.===

He’s not your senator yet. Plummer isn’t running unopposed…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 11:31 am
@Donnie - Besides Northwestern, who do you have ahead of Illinois?

Comment by Bogey Golfer Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 11:34 am
@Willy - you and I have had a lot of fun with Jasons’ campaigns over the years.

Yet I hope you will commiserate with me when I say that in all likelihood he will probably become My State Senator. I have gone from Sen. Dave to Kyle McC and now the prospects of Sen. Jason would appear to be almost a certainty.

Have pity, but we can both continue to enjoy and appreciate his leadership skills, keen grasp of the issues and his masterful rhetorical abilities.

Comment by illini Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 11:45 am
- illini -

Fear not.

As a junior state senator in the minority, Jason Plummer’s damage to this state will be minimal.

Plus, the more he talks, the less likely anyone will take him seriously. That’s a plus.

Just hope your state Rep and the other state Rep in that district realize they will be saddled with Jason Plumner too.

More work for them.

Parking Jason Plummer in the state Senate might be the best way to protect us all.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 11:50 am
“On Thursday, Link called Madigan’s comments “a bald-faced lie” and said he has no knowledge of what is in the complaints. “Never once was any of them taken to me directly. Did Mr. Erford say to me there were complaints? Yes. (But) I have never seen one complaint.”

Comment by Stand Tall Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 11:51 am
I believe the current version tax reform bill eliminates the deduction for state and local taxes, except for property taxes up to $10,000. Will that effect the Illinois tax “environment” as they say.
Will citizens become more resistant to state tax increases as a result?

Comment by Cassandra Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 12:00 pm
@Willy - I realize that 3 others have announced their candidacy in the Republican Primary, but given Dads $$$$ and, so far, the lack of an announced, and viable, Dem opponent it seems to be almost certain that this District will elect him.

I doubt that Charlie Meier and whoever wins the other seat will make any attempt to curtail his dreams of grandeur and respectability.

Stay tuned.

Comment by illini Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 12:03 pm
Raoul wins Cook County Dems AG endorsement.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 12:05 pm
- illini -

Like Oberweis learned, the smaller the office, the better chance people will tolerate who he is.

Jason may think he can move after this. In reality, it will expose more of who Jason is.

Plummer is no Mike Bost, for example.

What might even funnier is if Plummer thinks after losing as LG and a congressional candidates, that falling back will help him, in his chances.

The delusional thought of that is delicious.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 12:10 pm
=== I believe the current version tax reform bill eliminates the deduction for state and local taxes, except for property taxes up to $10,000. Will that effect the Illinois tax “environment” as they say.
Will citizens become more resistant to state tax increases as a result? ===

It depends on how your overall deduction situation shakes out, but I think that the citizenry is already pretty darned resistant to increased state taxes.

Comment by Too Much to Handle Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 12:11 pm
==Besides Northwestern, who do you have ahead of Illinois?==

Depaul could be interesting with a couple really good freshmen and transfers. Will be interesting to see if their new arena makes any difference. Illinois State has a lot of unknowns, but they’ve been recruiting pretty well lately. The sleeper could be Loyola. I’m seeing a lot of predictions mentioning them as a top 100/potential tournament team.

On a national scale, the State will be a bastion of mediocrity.

Comment by Donnie Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 12:14 pm
Hope you feel better. I gave an upper respitory thing and it is not good.

Comment by I said it Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 12:20 pm
Anyone know Ives’ stance on the ERA Amemdment? The Illinois Family Institute is doing a “Russian”…

http://wglt.org/post/hate-group-lobbies-against-era-b-n-robocalls

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chicagoinc/ct-jeanne-ives-lgbtq-0805-chicago-inc-20170804-story.html

Comment by Anon221 Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 12:26 pm
Oswego and Illini…. I sense a lot of pessimistasticy towards me and I’m not sure why,but Dad always said when people don’t like me it’s because they are jealous of my intellectualityness.

Comment by RealPlumdogMillionaire Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 12:27 pm
@FakeJasonPlummer - people need to realize I’ll keep running until they like me. So just like me already

#NeverGiveUpUntilVotersGiveUp

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 12:32 pm
Does Rauner’s pro abortion position hurt him more with Republicans than it helps him with Democrats. Are Republicans likely to sit this one out.

Single issue pro abortion voters are what gifted us with Carol Mosley Braun years ago.

Comment by Southside Lou Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 12:34 pm
12 month window to investigate claims have run its course. Is this right? https://www.ilnews.org/news/justice/former-legislative-ig-most-uninvestigated-ethics-complaints-will-go-nowhere/article_f548d7a0-bfff-11e7-b2df-8bf7141a8212.html

Comment by Some Anonymous Dude (S.A.D.) Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 12:35 pm
How will Plummer find the time to be a State Senator???

http://www.hardwareretailing.com/2017-young-retailer-year-jason-plummer/

Comment by Anon221 Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 12:38 pm
I mean-affect-above post.

The combination of the changes in the mortgage interest deduction and the property tax deduction could make it more expensive for middle class families to move into wealthier neighborhoods and suburbs, which they often do at great fiscal sacrifice in order to get better schools for their kids. And practically impossible for low-income famlilies unless there is an increase in low-income housing construction in those places-somewhat doubtful.

Comment by Cassandra Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 12:40 pm
- Anon221 -

Rearranging stuff and pickin’ out new “faw-sades” is time consuming, I’ll give you that.

I looked at the video as Jason being Lt. Weinberg, having no responsibilities whatsoever, but we’ll pick busy work things and spruce it up a bit.

The pictures are ones I’d pick for @FakeJasonPlummer, so…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 12:43 pm
Will democrats encourage cross-overs to pressure Rauner with Ives? They encouraged union members to do it in 2014 but it was too little too late.

JB should donate 10 mil to Ives to force Rauner into making moves he may have to defend later. (and for pure entertainment).

Maybe the biggest factor is the one we won’t know about until election day. Does the trump waive push conservatives to the polls? In many downstate counties republican votes were higher in 2016 than in decades. The democrat can win losing down state 47-53, but if it goes 40-60 all bets are off.

Comment by the Patriot Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 12:43 pm
Oswego … I have a better chance now because of my name recognition from my past races, plus people need someone who has achieved as much as I have to look up to.. If everyone was a little bit more like me and would put in the hard work they could become successful, I mean not as much as me though..#lilPlummers …#NeverGiveUpNeverSurrender #GalaxyQuest

Comment by RealPlummingtoAmerica Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 12:45 pm
===Will democrats encourage cross-overs to pressure Rauner with Ives? They encouraged union members to do it in 2014 but it was too little too late.===

Tough to see it happening, given the AG race… then they also have their own Guv’s primary.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 12:46 pm
Why is service so poor at D’Arcy’s Pint at lunchtime on a weekday? Asking for a friend.

Comment by Bud Grant Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 12:48 pm
If the tax plan passes, housing prices will change quickly. At least at the price level affected by the limits on deductions.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 12:51 pm
The tax plan will also put further pressure on capping property taxes particularly if deductions are limited to $10K. The market for house valued at or above $500K (which typically have high property taxes) will take a direct hit.

Comment by Pundent Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 1:04 pm
The shuttering of DNA and Gothamist is just another reason why you can’t rely on billionaires to protect our country. This goes for gubernatorial candidates and silicon valley wunderkinds alike. #BSBS

Comment by Millennial Worker Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 1:05 pm
hope you get feeling better

Comment by average joe Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 1:08 pm
Comment about real estate - in the greater Chicagoland, realtors are increasingly sitting on the higher end product. Watching what is happening..

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 1:11 pm
Oswego your plum convo is redonk

Comment by totempull Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 1:13 pm
Biss is BSBS

Comment by Real American Man Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 1:14 pm
Ives helps Mickey Straub against Durkin. Ives helps any Proft primary candidate to spread a message of failed Governor and failed leadership.
Now with that said Proft candidates haven’t fared so well once in the General election. Plus any GOP, including Rauner, can be painted as extreme GOP like Jeanne and others.
Not all GOP are Proft minions just like not all Dem are Madigan ducks, millions of dollars from both sides will try to say a different story.

Comment by DuPage Bard Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 1:18 pm
Rich, in the immortal words of future Senator John Blutarsku, my advice to you is to start drinking heavily.

Comment by regnaD kciN Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 1:20 pm
Wonder if GovJUnk is bankrollin’ Ives. Allow GovJunk to prance around various libs and indies with that hang dog victim look. Perhaps someone can explain why Proft emptied out IOP clown car and left “SingleMom” at the curb. They steer Ives to attack Madigan …just too curious
Hope someone took Capt fax some chicken noodle soup to aid in the recovery

Comment by Annonin' Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 1:25 pm
Illini will be better than most expect. The early question will be how Coach Underwood’s preferred style of play translates to B1G. If Illinois can keep fresh legs in the game at all times, there aren’t many teams in the conference that will be able to keep up with them (Michigan State is the only one that comes to mind immediately). I think 12-6 in the conference is likely and 22-23 wins overall.

Comment by Osborne Smith III Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 1:33 pm
“I was wondering when marijuana might become legal in Illinois. Was it a good idea for Pritzker to support this?”

It’s hard to say when. There are probably some Democrats who won’t support it now, but there are bills or a bill coming up for next year.

Illinois voters strongly support marijuana legalization, according to a poll earlier this year. Voters are probably more supportive than politicians on this issue. Legalization in other states was done by ballot measures and not state governments, I believe.

Like same sex marriage and I believe medical marijuana, it took more than one attempt to pass. So it will probably pass eventually.

Yes Pritzker should absolutely support marijuana legalization in my opinion and does support it as part of criminal justice reform. It’s a great opportunity to spur small business growth—as a different way than giving huge corporations big tax giveaways to locate here.

Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 1:40 pm
“Does Rauner’s pro abortion position hurt him more with Republicans than it helps him with Democrats?”

Yes.

Consider the universe of Democratic voters — how many of them will vote for Rauner or skip the race if their preferred candidate doesn’t win the primary? Vanishingly few.

Now consider the universe of Democratic voters — how many of them will skip the race if both candidates for governor are “pro- government-funded abortions”? If the anti-choice crowd genuinely believes that abortion is the killing of a human being, you’d have to think it would be a substantial number.

“Are Republicans likely to sit this one out?”

Yes.

And more importantly, Rauner (and the Republican president) are teaching Republican voters that it’s okay to skip races.

Traditionally, Republican candidates have been able to expect Republican voters to cast a vote for each and every Republican on the ballot. It’s a habit that both sides have taken for granted for decades. That habit is being eroded.

It’s highly unlikely that ballot drop-off will ever be as big a problem for Republicans as it is for Democrats, but in close races, it could start making a difference.

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 1:41 pm
OW- “The pictures are ones I’d pick for @FakeJasonPlummer, so…”

Be sure to include the child labor forklift pic. That’s a RTW winner;)

Comment by Anon221 Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 1:43 pm
–Wonder if GovJUnk is bankrollin’ Ives. Allow GovJunk to prance around various libs and indies with that hang dog victim look.–

I doubt if Rauner would want to risk a one-on-one GOP primary with anyone except Madigan. Way too risky, given his record and approval rating.

For Ives, it doesn’t appear that anyone is really bankrolling her yet: $8,500 in the bank at the end of last quarter, according to ISBE.

Since then, $15K in contributions: $10K from Proft’s Liberty PAC, $2K from the docs PAC, $1K from the worker comp laywers PAC, $1K from Comcast, and Facebook leans in with $1K.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 1:50 pm
MrJM: your above answer is on target, and thorough. Unlike your usual, concise and on target. Question: Does the Rich’s
Absence have any bearing? And I have a follow up …../s

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 1:56 pm
Rauner is not going to lose a primary to Ives. Moreover, the more “right” she gets, the more he can make his moderate vibe seem legit heading into a general which does not hurt in Illinois. Rich–get well lots of kids sick with flu and other junk right now.

Comment by Eire17 Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 2:32 pm
“I think 12-6 in the conference is likely and 22-23 wins overall.”
“I was wondering when marijuana might become legal in Illinois.”

It was too precious these sentences were posted back to back. 12 conference wins?!

Comment by IMissBentohs Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 2:57 pm
Blago tries yet again for an appeal:

http://www.sj-r.com/news/20171103/blagojevich-appeals-to-us-supreme-court-in-likely-last-gasp?rssfeed=true

Comment by Leatherneck Friday, Nov 3, 17 @ 4:28 pm