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* UPDATED x2 - Pritzker “Did Chris Kennedy Just Endorse Bruce Rauner?” - Kennedy campaign tries to explain * Kennedy says Rauner “should be applauded” for “trying to do what he thinks is best for the state of Illinois”

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* Tribune story on the Tribune editorial board meeting with the Democratic gubernatorial candidates…

“It’s important to recognize that if people who voted for Rod Blagojevich had known that he was engaging in the activities that he was, nobody would have voted for him, nobody would be supporting, nobody would have spoken with him, and hundreds of people did at the time,” Pritzker said.

“And I’ve not been accused of any wrongdoing. I have not done anything wrong. And I’ve been proud of the work I’ve done in public service for many, many years,” Pritzker added.

That prompted Biss to reply: “If that phone call is your definition of public service, you’re doing it wrong.”

After the forum, Kennedy backed Rauner’s ads highlighting the Pritkzer-Blagojevich recordings.

“I think Bruce Rauner is trying to do what he thinks is best for the state of Illinois,” he said. “And we may disagree on what that is, but his willingness to speak truth to power, to take on the powers that have been strangling our economy for decades in this state is something that I think he should be applauded for.”

They’ve officially merged.

* From the Rauner campaign…

During today’s Chicago Tribune editorial board meeting with Democratic candidates for governor, JB Pritzker claimed that he has “not done anything wrong” regarding his conversations with Blagojevich.

Watch the video HERE.

The wiretaps tell a different story, as Pritzker was caught making shady deals with Blagojevich, and even called just 6 days before Blagojevich’s ultimate arrest.

You be the judge as to whether JB Pritzker did anything wrong in his conversations with Blagojevich. The full wiretaps are available HERE.

Pritzker lobbied Blagojevich to be appointed to the Treasurer’s seat
Pritzker advised Blagojevich to engage in a ‘morally repugnant’ quid pro quo with Mike Madigan
Pritzker does not “rebuff” Blagojevich’s suggestion of an appointment to Attorney General
Despite claiming that “nobody knew the FBI was investigating the man” just last week, Pritzker acknowledges Blagojevich needing to “get the legal thing behind” him.

Governor Rauner summed it up best yesterday: “Anyone who would use an excuse and say, ‘Well, I did something immoral, unethical, disgusting and self-dealing but I didn’t go to jail, so it’s OK.’ Are you kidding me?”

* Text from a pal…

Team Rauner laser-focused on becoming Kennedy’s super PAC effectively. Anti-Rahm, Blago tape and MJM prop tax lawyer stuff

…Adding… Some Twitter react…

*** UPDATE 1 *** Kennedy campaign…

Chris has been calling out Rauner for ever. Chris thinks JB is the poster child for what is wrong in Illinois. He’s the poster child for everything Rauner wants to run again. And when he agrees with someone, he says it. He agrees that these tapes should be out. He agrees that voters should know how JB Pritzker really operates.

*** UPDATE 2 *** Pritzker campaign…

Did Chris Kennedy Just Endorse Bruce Rauner?

Following the Chicago Tribune Editorial board session Chris Kennedy said: “I think Bruce Rauner is trying to do what he thinks is best for the state of Illinois. And we may disagree on what that is, but his willingness to speak truth to power, to take on the powers that have been strangling our economy for decades in this state is something that I think he should be applauded for.”

As governor, Bruce Rauner is responsible for nearly 1 million people losing access to social services, vetoing a historic equitable school funding formula, holding funding for children and families hostage to his far-right, Koch brother funded agenda, standing by while Donald Trump attacks immigrant families in Illinois and health insurance for children and families, and just this week failing to call former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke a racist… or as Chris Kennedy sees it, speaking “truth to power.”

“The Worst Republican Governor in America unleashed devastation across this state and is standing in silence as the lives of immigrant families and healthcare for children hang in the balance, but don’t worry, because according to Chris Kennedy, Bruce Rauner is just speaking ‘truth to power,’” said Pritzker communications director Galia Slayen. “Throwing bombs and creating crisis is not speaking truth to power, but it’s clear that Chris Kennedy has failed to understand that throughout this campaign.”

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 1:55 pm

Comments

If the idea is to defeat Rauner, Kennedy isn’t helping with those remarks.

Comment by Christopher Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 1:58 pm
==the powers that have been strangling our economy for decades==

Madigan and the unions he controls?

Comment by Jocko Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:00 pm
Kennedy is a joke if he thinks Rauner is speaking truth to power.

Comment by Real Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:01 pm
Mr. Kennedy needs to specify what “powers” he is talking about, what he and Rauner agree about.

Comment by The_Equalizer Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:02 pm
Time for Mr. Kennedy to throw in the towel.

To salute the most miserable failure of a republican governor in illinois history CONFIRMS beyond all doubt that Chris is totally unqualified to lead the democratic party in any capacity.

I’m done giving him a chance. Thanks,
A Lifelong Democrat

Comment by Sugar Corn Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:02 pm
All this means is that Pritzker is winning and everyone knows it. They all want to be governor. Attack the leader with the clear path to victory is a common theme. It won’t work.

Comment by Illinois Resident Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:03 pm
That quote will be mailed out to all democrats very soon.

Someone needs to ask Rauner what Pritzker did wrong, specifically what was immoral in that conversation?

Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:05 pm
“I think Bruce Rauner is trying to do what he thinks is best for the state of Illinois,” he said. “And we may disagree on what that is, but his willingness to speak truth to power, to take on the powers that have been strangling our economy for decades in this state is something that I think he should be applauded for.”

If there’s video of this quote a few thousand points of it on TV will effectively end his chances at the Democratic nomination. Now the question is who should be paying to air it, Biss or Pritzker?

Comment by The Captain Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:06 pm
Regarding Biss, he comes across as a bit of a “purity test” candidate. If you look at actual policies, Pritzker is very progressive as well. They will all line up behind Pritzker in unity after the primary.

Comment by Illinois Resident Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:06 pm
Kennedy..really? you can’t become friends with the devil to win the primary and then face that devil again… you have betrayed your base, and you deserve your loss

Comment by angry beaver Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:06 pm
Kennedy is done..made friends with the devil

Comment by joe bloe Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:07 pm
At this point, Kennedy avd Biss continue to be “Mutt and Jeff” instead of individuals making a case to be the governor of the 6th largest state in America.

If they both are fine with that, then that’s the choice they will live with March 21st.

===Team Rauner laser-focused on becoming Kennedy’s super PAC effectively. Anti-Rahm, Blago tape and MJM prop tax lawyer stuff===

“PAC by Proxy”

This was the reason ILGO was created, but tainted so badly by the Rauner brand… so the Rauner Crew cut out the middle man and decided it’s important to directly be IN the Dem Primary… ‘cause they can.

Dunno if trying to make Rauner more palatable to voters, or get him under his own under waters problems is a concern, but trying to manipulate (very effectively too) the Dems, that’s the short term thinking.

That thinking had Rauner get congratulated by David Duke, because of a lack of focus at the campaign at hand, but…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:08 pm
Chris Kennedy’s campaign the last coupke months is really good at making me sympathize with Democratic pols I don’t otherwise much care for.

It’s really bad at giving me a reason to vote for him in a Dem primary.

He can go hug Rauner as a private citizen all he likes but he’s not gonna get to do it on the Democratic ticket this November.

Comment by hisgirlfriday Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:09 pm
–“I think Bruce Rauner is trying to do what he thinks is best for the state of Illinois,” he said.–

This might actually get Kennedy on TV. But it will be a Pritzker-produced spot.

Going to be some closeup on those famous choppers in the standard b&W negative head shot.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:09 pm
If Kennedy were to somehow win the primary he would change his tune the day after. But in the meantime, take advantage of Rauner’s money since his own campaign is running on fumes. Politics sure does make strange bedfellows.

For those that think the Blago and JB tape is nothing to worry about, try again. Rauner is going to tie that around JB’s size 23 neck and see if it can sink him. A tall order, but JB is not looking good on this. For once Rauner sounds better than JB.

Comment by SSL Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:13 pm
What was Kennedy smoking prior to the editorial board??? This guy’s not ready for prime time. Did he forget about all of the social service agencies that CLOSED their doors or shut off services because of Rauner? Should he be applauded for that too? Time for a come to jesus meeting at Team Kennedy.

Comment by Shytown Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:13 pm
When Rauner said this: ‘Well, I did something immoral, unethical, disgusting and self-dealing but I didn’t go to jail, so it’s OK.’ was he talking about his nursing home deals? /s

Comment by G'Kar Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:16 pm
==What was Kennedy smoking prior to the editorial board???==

Whatever it was, he’s against legalizing it. Dumb move.

Comment by Lt Guv Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:18 pm
“I think Bruce Rauner is trying to do what he thinks is best for the state of Illinois…”

Rauner has tried and failed, and instead has caused tremendous and long-lasting damage to the state of Illinois. Why should we applaud a failure? Bye bye Mr. Kennedy. You failed too.

Comment by IllinoisBoi Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:18 pm
===Governor Rauner summed it up best yesterday: “Anyone who would use an excuse and say, ‘Well, I did something immoral, unethical, disgusting and self-dealing but I didn’t go to jail, so it’s OK.’ Are you kidding me?”===

The USAO is wondering aloud how the Tribune got the tapes, and Rauner is still going to play it in its entirety.

Is it unethical, amoral or just illegal to release them in the open? Or is it worse than that by making an ad?

Why taunt the US Attorney?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:19 pm
Kennedy’s the chicken running around with its head cut off… Not pretty.

Comment by Ray del Camino Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:19 pm
—For those that think the Blago and JB tape is nothing to worry about, try again. Rauner is going to tie that around JB’s size 23 neck and see if it can sink him. A tall order, but JB is not looking good on this. For once Rauner sounds better than JB.—

SSL - So you think Democrat voters are going to vote for Rauner now? Democrats will still vote Democrat, Repulicans will still vote Republican. Much to do about nothing.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:19 pm
Looks like Sen. Biss is already piling on - see his tweet @2:11 pm in the Scribble feed. Biss may get his wish for a 1-on-1 matchup against Pritzker after all.

Comment by cover Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:22 pm
Good god… its time for Chris to just drop out. This is embarrassing.

Comment by SaulGoodman Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:23 pm
Wordslinger 2:09. Oh, BAM. Worst smile in polit….worse smile, period.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:23 pm
==For those that think the Blago and JB tape is nothing to worry about, try again. Rauner is going to tie that around JB’s size 23 neck and see if it can sink him. A tall order, but JB is not looking good on this. For once Rauner sounds better than JB.==

Because?

Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:23 pm
===For those that think the Blago and JB tape is nothing to worry about, try again. Rauner is going to tie that around JB’s size 23 neck and see if it can sink him. A tall order, but JB is not looking good on this. For once Rauner sounds better than JB.===

Rauner is vulnerable, not because Pritzker or others are wildly popular.

Rauner is vulnerable because Rauner is the worst Republican governor in America and is polling 30/55 in approval-disapproval.

The tape and that damage is one thing.

Getting out from under a 25 point underwater approval is another.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:24 pm
Kennedy might as well become a Republican. He’s applauding Rauner. He has the most conservative views by far on Cannabis on the Democratic side. Just go away.

Comment by Illinois Resident Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:24 pm
Kennedy continues to prove he’s not ready for prime time.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:25 pm
JB’s represents what’s wrong with Illinois, and Chris Kennedy applauds Rauner’s efforts to fix that?

Seriously?

Comment by Hamlet's Ghost Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:26 pm
I have tried to convince myself that Kennedy was the best man for the job. But this comment, along with other stumbles, has made me definately leaning against him. Any Democrat who can say that about Rauner will have trouble with the primary voters.

Comment by Fayette County Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:26 pm
Rauner has tried and failed, and instead has caused tremendous and long-lasting damage to the state of Illinois. Why should we applaud a failure? Bye bye Mr. Kennedy. You failed too.

-Umm Rauner was not trying to do what’s best for the state. He was trying to do what’s worse for the state. He knows the things he wants to do are not best for Illinois. Please understand

Comment by Real Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:28 pm
I’ve taken the long approach on deciding who to vote for in the Dem primary. There are things I like about each of the major candidates.

Kennedy just made my choice considerably easier. If he doesn’t get who Bruce Rauner really is, then he cannot be a real alternative to him. It’s Biss or Pritzker for me.

Comment by slow down Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:30 pm
===Chris has been calling out Rauner for ever. Chris thinks JB is the poster child for what is wrong in Illinois. He’s the poster child for everything Rauner wants to run again. And when he agrees with someone, he says it. He agrees that these tapes should be out. He agrees that voters should know how JB Pritzker really operates.===

… just like the Rauner Crew wrote it.

This is embarrassing.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:31 pm
If Kennedy thinks that these tapes need more sunlight, then why doesn’t his campaign just do what Rauner’s campaign did and get some illegal copies for their own campaignin’. I’m sure someone somewhere would accommodate them. May not be legal, but what the hey, right??? /S

Comment by Anon221 Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:31 pm
That Kennedy response is so riddled with typos … it’s clear Kennedy is in full panic.

Comment by CatAttack Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:32 pm
Rauner has stopped answering FOIA - what ishehiding. There is a binding PAC opinion against him. And I have 3 non-binding opinions against him.

Comment by mhsheikh Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:33 pm
That Kennedy statement in the update is weak sauce.

Comment by cover Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:33 pm
– He’s the poster child for everything Rauner wants to run again. –

Shaky fingers pressing “send” on an incoherent statement rationalizing an inexplicable screwup.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:33 pm
==For those that think the Blago and JB tape is nothing to worry about, try again.==

Based on the last GE polls we’ve heard about, if the tapes close the JB-Rauner gap by 10 points- and that’d be pretty huge movement!- JB would still be up by 4. That’s definitely a race, but it shows how much work Rauner has to do.

Anyway, the thing here is that Kennedy is so lacking in a core message of his campaign and so desperate to finally score a point on a fellow Democrat that he’s forgetting who he’s got to ultimately beat.

Comment by Arsenal Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:36 pm
==Chris has been calling out Rauner for ever. Chris thinks JB is the poster child for what is wrong in Illinois. He’s the poster child for everything Rauner wants to run again.==

We couldn’t run this by a copy editor first?

Comment by Arsenal Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:37 pm
mhsheikh what are the foias about?

Comment by Sugar Corn Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:38 pm
Reminds me of Richard Gere’s tapdancing scene in “Chicago.”

But then again, Kenilworth and Winnetka are next door; perhaps Kennedy and Rauner attend some of the same cocktail parties.

Comment by Northsider Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:38 pm
Kennedy “Well team is what good while it lasted” the 2 team members walk out

Comment by fly on the wall Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:38 pm
Any wavering I was doing between Pritzker and Kennedy just ended. I’m sure I’m not the only Democrat Kennedy just sent to Pritzker.

Comment by Because I said so.... Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:39 pm
“He’s the poster child for everything Rauner wants to run again.”

What does this even mean?

Comment by Centennial Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:39 pm
I guess if I were Biss and looking to separate myself away from Kennedy…

“Kennedy is the Rauner candidate” would be a good way…

… same with Pritzker too.

And, I was letting it go, but too many went after it…

The writing by the Kennedy Shop here… yikes, that’s like “High School - Late Homework” awful.

Did a pro even look at it?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:45 pm
Kennedy’s notorious Foot in Mouth Syndrome strikes again… no wonder Rauner wants desperately to run against him. Though Biss would be an acceptable alternative for Rauner… considering he’s the only person in the race that has cast a vote for Madigan to be Speaker and taken his money to start his own PAC.

Comment by Concerned Dem Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:46 pm
Not at the same level, but Kennedy just joined an exclusive club:

–“You know, when I came back from Vietnam, I’d just had the greatest brainwashing that anybody could get.” … George Romney, 1967

“There is no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe”… Gerald Ford, 1976

“yahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh”… Howard Dean, 2004

–“There are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the president no matter what…who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims. …These are people who pay no income tax. …and so my job is not to worry about those people. I’ll never convince them that they should take personal responsibility and care for their lives.”… Mitt Romney, 2012

The postman can cross Kennedy hq off his route. The checks ain’t in the mail.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:51 pm
How can Kennedy be this naive and ham-handed? Is there no one on his payroll who can tell him that Rauner wants to use him to win re-election? Even if Kennedy thought he still has a chance of winning the primary, how can he be so careless in teeing up a falll commercial for Rauner? Good grief. Pritzker will have to spend time and energy in the fall campaign explaining away his phone call with Blagojevich, but at least he isn’t prone to making the very stupid moves that Kennedy seems to excel at. (I’ll confess that about a year ago, I thought Kennedy might have the mojo to win. No way in hell would I offer that opinion these days.)

Comment by Steve Downstate Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 2:54 pm
Mr. Kennedy, please take a seat with Mr. Pawar over here. Thanks.

Comment by Dee Lay Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 3:00 pm
At first I thought it was very likely Rauner would throw dark money at CK as a way to attack Pritzker and Madigan.

Then I thought they must not think Kennedy has a chance and they’re holding fire/resources (for the most part).

But I have never been able to shake the feeling that either 1) the polls are soft, JB’s support is shallow, nobody knows who is going to turnout, CK may make a late surge or 2) Bill Daley has some backchannels. So I’m not shocked. I may just be giving Rauner’s team too much credit for thinking strategically and not reacting emotionally.

BUt why would JB run ads attacking Kennedy? He’s at the point where any publicity is good publicity these days, and it just draws attention to the tapes. I suspect he’ll keep the attacks from going much beyond the radar of pols and political junkies.

Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 3:07 pm
Just saw some pretty defensive Chris Kennedy tweets - damage control.

Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 3:09 pm
===“The Worst Republican Governor in America unleashed devastation across this state and is standing in silence as the lives of immigrant families and healthcare for children hang in the balance, but don’t worry, because according to Chris Kennedy, Bruce Rauner is just speaking ‘truth to power,’” said Pritzker communications director Galia Slayen. “Throwing bombs and creating crisis is not speaking truth to power, but it’s clear that Chris Kennedy has failed to understand t===

“Questions?”

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 3:11 pm
“…failing to call former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke a racist… or as Chris Kennedy sees it, speaking “truth to power.”

The implication here is just, whoa.

Comment by Cubs in '16 Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 3:14 pm
Kennedy’s “I am not in charge” moment. So funny it should be in defense of the guy who says he’s not in charge.

A major unforced error from a campaign that has been half-a**ed from jump.

Kennedy should go outside the current circle and hire a new consultant exclusively to help him craft the most face-saving excuse possible to exit the race. Probably the best use of his meager warchest, which, in truth, is more like a musical ballerina jewelry box.

Comment by Moe Berg Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 3:15 pm
Well.. Kennedy’s campaign does need the money. But Rauners?

Comment by Generic Drone Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 3:15 pm
I guess Kennedy would rather have Rauner than Pritzker or Biss as Governor?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 3:17 pm
Kennedy’s campaign has been a big temper tantrum ever since Pritzker announced and started pulling support from him. First he lashed out at Madigan, then it was Berrios, and now he’s on to Rahm. All people he expected to have support from until Pritzker showed up. He’s totally on tilt and blinded by reason. He’s so happy someone is finally swinging at Pritzker that he doesn’t even care it’s Rauner.

Comment by TopHatMonocle Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 3:17 pm
Unless Rauner has a tape of JB doing the polka with Rod I don’t think it will change any votes.

Not a euphamism

Comment by jeffinginChicago Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 3:18 pm
–BUt why would JB run ads attacking Kennedy?–

Because he has the money to do so and he is still in a primary. He also has the money to go after Rauner as well. I go back to the policies. I like Pritzker’s policies. The fact that he has money to go after his opponents makes it even better. Money is not necessarily a bad thing if it is on the right side.

Comment by Illinois Resident Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 3:19 pm
—Kennedy’s campaign has been a big temper tantrum ever since Pritzker announced and started pulling support from him. First he lashed out at Madigan, then it was Berrios, and now he’s on to Rahm. All people he expected to have support from until Pritzker showed up. He’s totally on tilt and blinded by reason. He’s so happy someone is finally swinging at Pritzker that he doesn’t even care it’s Rauner.—

TopHatMonocle - Exactly.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 3:23 pm
Betcha JB’s thinking a lot about Lefty Gomez right now. “I’d rather be lucky than good.”

Comment by Arsenal Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 3:28 pm
“BUt why would JB run ads attacking Kennedy?”

They’re not. They haven’t run ads attacking any other Democrats. Just Rauner. It’s only Kennedy who’s confused.

“Is there no one on his payroll who can tell him that Rauner wants to use him to win re-election?”

Nobody can save you from yourself when you’re a lousy candidate. How would that work anyway? Would the staffer throw themselves in front of the live microphone as Kennedy praised Rauner?

Comment by Anon0091 Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 3:31 pm
CK kinda overshot that whole “say crazy stuff to get free airtime” strategy, huh?

Comment by Arsenal Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 3:33 pm
“I think Bruce Rauner is trying to do what he thinks is best for the state of Illinois,”

This surprises me with Kennedy being against legalizing marijuana. I figured Mr. Kennedy more of an Ives supporter. I guess Rauner will get Kennedy’s vote in the primary.

Comment by Turn Around For What? Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 3:35 pm
There were reasons that Bruce Rauner won the governorship of IL. There were reasons he prevailed in the R primary and there were reasons some Democrats joined Republicans to elect him in the general. Those reasons were in part, if not largely related to the public’s deeply held perception that machine politicians who have made the backroom deals that helped run IL into the ground for decades had to be challenged.

It is easy to argue that Gov. Rauner has not been effective in changing much of that. And it is easy to see that he’s made some mistakes. It is also easy to see that some voters who gave Rauner a chance may not be willing to vote for him a second time. But–and this is a big but–does anybody honestly think that the pendulum has completely swung back? Have the core issues and dis-satisfactions about Illinois politics that got Rauner elected miraculously dissipated so they are no longer in play or on voters’ minds? I don’t think so. Without naming names I think much of it is still very much in play, and for better or worse it looks like Chris Kennedy is the only candidate who is woke enough to realize that and is trying to walk a more middle path of partisanship because he knows JB has, and will continue to have a problem. Kennedy is recognizing the zeitgeist–not praising Rauner. Very different things.

Comment by Responsa Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 3:46 pm
==Kennedy is recognizing the zeitgeist–not praising Rauner.==

He said Rauner should be “applauded”. That’s praise.

Comment by Arsenal Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 3:51 pm
==Have the core issues and dis-satisfactions about Illinois politics that got Rauner elected miraculously dissipated so they are no longer in play or on voters’ minds?==

No, the problems that were plauging IL circa 2014 have not been solved since Rauner took office. Most of them have gotten worse.

Which makes Rauner an exceedingly funny guy to “applaud”.

Comment by Arsenal Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 3:52 pm
‘’In other news tonight, Chris Kennedy, in an unusual fashion, tried to increase his standing in the polls by praising the worst governor in the world, Bruce Rauner. He congratulated Rauner for ‘speaking truth to power’, while the gathered members of the press dropped their jaws, spit their coffee, bulged their eyes, and otherwise, nearly s—t themselves.’

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 3:57 pm
Has anyone else unsubscribed from the CK campaign email list, only to continually receive campaign emails?

Comment by Jockey Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 4:10 pm
Kennedy, Rauner and Biss all acknowledge Illinois is broken and must be fixed. They disagree about how to fix it. All think the Speaker is the reason Illinois is broken.

JB thinks everything is ok as is and all we need is a progressive income tax to magically solve Illinois problems. He is a Madigan rubber-stamp

Comment by Lucky Pierre Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 4:15 pm
Responsa - those are some convoluted logical gymnastics right there.

Chris K applauded Bruce Rauner for “speaking truth to power and tak[ing] on the powers…”

WHAT?!

This is appalling. Rauner’s M.O. has been to enrich and empower himself, often at the expense of the powerless- for his entire adult life.

Chris Kennedy made a huge mistake that will be hard for rank-and-file democrats like myself to EVER forgive.

Comment by Sugar Corn Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 4:28 pm
So I’m not seeing the big folks who endorsed Kennedy coming out and backing him up- where’s Chuy and his slate of Progressive Chicago Democrats saying Rauner is good for the State?

Where’s Danny Davis talking about the Kennedy legacy and how Chris is just like JFK and Bobby, you know how they both endorsed Republicans who hated the poor and unions?

Comment by DuPage Bard Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 4:30 pm
=They’ve officially merged==

Great line, Rich.

I would expect Rauner to direct some dark money Kennedy’s way, so he can get on TV.

Comment by James Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 4:33 pm
===JB thinks everything is ok===

That’s not true.

Pritzker doesn’t think holding a state hostage to destroy labor is helping, Rauner does.

Rauner is the status quo. Rauner IS the Governor.

You keep forgetting. Rauner is today. If everything is ok, than Rauner wouldn’t be at 30/55 Approval-Disapproval.

Rauner has failed. Everything isn’t ok… with Rauner.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 4:34 pm
==JB thinks everything is ok as is and all we need is a progressive income tax==

He thinks everything is ok…but we need to completely restructure the state’s tax code.

“X is not X” - Lucky Pierre.

Comment by Arsenal Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 4:40 pm
===Have the core issues and dis-satisfactions about Illinois politics that got Rauner elected miraculously dissipated so they are no longer in play or on voters’ minds? I don’t think so===

Finally, someone gets it.

Comment by People Over Parties Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 4:41 pm
“JB thinks everything is ok as is and all we need is a progressive income tax to magically solve Illinois problems. He is a Madigan rubber-stamp”

You have serious listening skill issues. JB said the property tax system is badly broken. He said he strongly favors independent maps (which is 100% opposite of Madigan’s position). He’s criticized all kinds of issues with the state. So no, but thanks for playing.

Comment by Anon0091 Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 4:42 pm
–Did Chris Kennedy Just Endorse Bruce Rauner?–

–“I think Bruce Rauner is trying to do what he thinks is best for the state of Illinois,” he said.–

What’s the question?

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 5:03 pm
–I don’t think so. Without naming names I think much of it is still very much in play, and for better or worse it looks like Chris Kennedy is the only candidate who is woke enough to realize that and is trying to walk a more middle path of partisanship because he knows JB has, and will continue to have a problem. Kennedy is recognizing the zeitgeist–not praising Rauner–

You kids, with your beatnik “woke” and “zeitgeist” lingo, and the Beatles with the hair and the “yeah, yeah, yeah….”

What are you babbling about? The dude just stepped on it, then jumped up and down on it. There were no principles or plan in play. He didn’t mean to. It was an epic screwup.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jan 19, 18 @ 5:13 pm