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Rauner statement rated “Half True”

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Illinois

* The Better Government Association and Politifact Illinois take a look at Gov. Rauner’s attempt to blame the media for misreporting the dangers at the Quincy veterans’ home…

Rauner insists his administration did not drop the ball, and recently spent seven days living at the home to make a public show that it was safe.

He also took aim at the media for casting blame his way without telling the whole story.

In an interview with the editorial board of the Joliet Herald-News, Rauner said news reports failed to explain that the source of the disease is basically everywhere.

“The reality is, and this is what’s not getting into the reports, the Legionella bacteria is in most water systems in Illinois,” Rauner told the paper. “There were just two infections of Legionnaires at Northwestern Hospital, which is not even an old facility and I think is regarded as a really well-run facility. These things happen.”

* Conclusion…

The governor’s statement glosses over the reality that any such contamination is likely present at low and non-threatening levels. The use of the word “most” is also questionable since there’s no real quantifiable evidence. The CDC avoids quantifying the presence of the bacteria, which thrives on slime in poorly maintained internal water systems.

The governor has a point that the bacteria lurks in a number of water systems. But his statement makes an unprovable claim about the extent of the contamination.

The governor’s claim is overbroad and lacking in context. We rate it Half True.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jan 16, 18 @ 12:13 pm

Comments

–The governor’s claim is overbroad and lacking in context. We rate it Half True.–

High praise for Rauner, way out of character.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Jan 16, 18 @ 12:17 pm
“We rate it Half True.”
High praise for someone who is honesty challenged.

Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Jan 16, 18 @ 12:20 pm
It shouldn’t surprise me that my first reaction was the same as so many others who have followed this factually challenged politician. Rauner should take his credentials and apply for a Trump administration job.

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Jan 16, 18 @ 12:22 pm
===“These things happen.”===

While maybe true, what is half true is…

===The governor’s claim is overbroad and lacking in context. We rate it Half True.===

In Rauner World, it’s an “Up Day”.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 16, 18 @ 12:25 pm
Who cares about the veracity of this statement. It’s not the issue. The issue is whether the state took appropriate action in a timely manner with regard to the Quincy residence. His response is an attempt to deflect blame and the BGA just validates the diversion. Can we please stay focused?

Comment by NeverPoliticallyCorrect Tuesday, Jan 16, 18 @ 12:25 pm
I’d be more interested in a fact check on his statement that his administration had done everything it could.

Not sure how he stands by that statement when he then follows it up with an announcement that the plumbing will be replaced and possible new buildings built.

And after more than two years of the CDC complaining about the testing, only now is the testing being sped up.

Seems like a lot is being done NOW, well after he claims he did everything he could.

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Tuesday, Jan 16, 18 @ 12:35 pm
The BGA and Politifact marriage is a good one.

Comment by walker Tuesday, Jan 16, 18 @ 12:36 pm
A new personal record for the Governor.
I hear that he’s in training to try for a “60% true” later this year.

Comment by Keyrock Tuesday, Jan 16, 18 @ 12:47 pm
When you are not in charge, you also do not have to take responsibility. “These things happen” is a really lame attempt to make himself feel better.

Comment by Retired Educator Tuesday, Jan 16, 18 @ 12:55 pm
I give him credit for not blaming Madigan

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Jan 16, 18 @ 1:05 pm
===Rauner said news reports failed to explain that the source of the disease is basically everywhere.===

Um yeah. And if you don’t treat your water properly and maintain the distribution system, then the bacteria thrive. What an absolutely daft observation. Hey, everywhere people live, there is oxygen and they will only die if they stop breathing it.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Jan 16, 18 @ 1:07 pm
We rate this claim “half pregnant.” It either is, or it isn’t. No wonder the value of truth is being degraded, when there are organizations like these that give cover to lying dissemblers like Rauner by granting there’s something to what he’s saying. No credit for using a little bit of truth, which is in fact irrelevant, in the service of a bigger lie.

Comment by Moe Berg Tuesday, Jan 16, 18 @ 1:12 pm
Keep trying Bruce. Maybe someday you’ll actually achieve the truth.

Comment by PublicServant Tuesday, Jan 16, 18 @ 6:22 pm
How about a fact check on his “I’m not in charge” claim.

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Tuesday, Jan 16, 18 @ 6:58 pm