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“Reclusive, dishonest, Ryanesque, tie-loving no-show” governor battered on all sides today

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Illinois

* The Daily Herald has a brutal front-page story on our “stay at home” and “reclusive” governor today, including a photo of his house. Click the pick for a better look…

Oof.

Some highlights…

The reclusive governor doesn’t appear in public much, often avoids questions when he does surface, and appears to rely on a few senior staff members and small cadre of fundraising lobbyists for counsel. […]

Mostly, though, Democrats are worried the governor’s disengagement is damaging their party’s chances to make progress on key issues. […]

During his most recent public appearance at a health care rally, Blagojevich asked a staff member if he should answer reporters’ questions, but was told no. The governor also mistook a… Chicago political writer for the publisher of a political blog and insider newsletter. […]

“The governor is here half a day a week to work with the legislature. Maybe he should expand that schedule,” Steve Brown, spokesman for Democratic House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, told the State Journal-Register in Springfield last week.

* A Sun-Times article today wonders whether Blagojevich is the next George Ryan and also takes a whack at him for avoiding the press…

Blagojevich is doing little to squelch speculation that federal prosecutors might make him the next George Ryan. […]

Meanwhile, his credibility with lawmakers in Springfield is eroding.

Blagojevich entered office in 2003 repeatedly vowing to end “business as usual” in state government.

Right now, his silence is deafening.

* Bernie Schoenburg jumps on the pile with a column entitled “History of untrustworthiness haunting Blagojevich”

It may not be easy for the rarely-in-Springfield governor to get a vote of confidence from lawmakers. Perhaps his combination of broken promises and stalled initiatives give a clue why.

Bernie also wacked the guv for railing against lobbyists in “Gucci loafers” while being devoted to wearing very expensive ties.

* But wait, there’s more. The State Journal-Register editorial page dropped in this line today…

But just as importantly, he has failed to gain trust because he is simply not in the game enough.

* And then there’s the AP…

The subpoena could create a distraction for the governor when lawmakers already complain he does a poor job of working with them at the Capitol. Blagojevich was not at the Statehouse Wednesday.

“It was hard enough to keep his attention when it was just us,” said Sen. William Delgado, D-Chicago. “His timing is bad. I don’t envy him.”

Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson, D-Crete, said the news doesn’t help the governor’s credibility on budget plans, but it doesn’t matter much because, “we haven’t embraced many of them anyway.”

* Kristen McQueary wonders whether the feds are closing in, and employs a Cicada analogy…

Because the next time we hear about “bugs” and the Blagojevich administration, it might not be the ash borer or the cicada.

Discuss.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 9:13 am

Comments

Fear the reaper Rod. The “iceman cometh”. His day in the sun, actually his day in court, will come. I think it will be very, very near the end of this 4-year term - but he will have to answer for his crooked ways. He will probably spend the next several years after that out on bail while his lawyers appeal his convictions. But his political career will be dead. Good riddance.

Comment by Jechislo Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 9:22 am
Only in “blue” Illinois …

Comment by Patriot Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 9:27 am
I almost feel sorry for the guy. Stand in the way of an income tax increase, and receive the full ire of the left/media axis.

Argue for punishing “business,” and you certainly can’t get any love from the right, particularly with the extremely socially liberal record.

He’s either the gutsiest politician in the state, or a numbnut.

No one can help him with the Feds, but if he’s looking for political points and an opportunity to “lead” creatively, why not offer an aggressive “HB750 Compromise?”

Pass DJW’s idea of a big deductible tacked to the 67% hike (from 3 to 5%). But then, offer “real” property tax relief as his price for HB750 taxes. Instead of the CTBA/A+ scam, he could bargain hard for;

A) an independent charter school authority and NO caps on charters.

B) A real, permanent, cut in property taxes. You know, somthing robust enough that everyone in Cook & Collar notices on THIS YEARs second installment.
___

Rod’s good on the stump. Sticking it to fat administrators while talking about education reforms that REALLY help children will suit him well.

His poll numbers will rebound the moment the second installment bills come with 1/3 cut off THIS YEAR and out to the future.

Oh, well. A man can dream, can’t he?

Comment by extrawise Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 9:33 am
Let me guess! Rich Miller and Rick Pearson separated at birth!

Comment by Anon Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 9:38 am
I think the most interesting article is the breakin and missing computer at the Blago campaign headquarters. Very interesting. Just when the feds are closing in.

Comment by Lula May Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 10:10 am
I was about to say I’d be amazed that the governor wouldn’t know Rich Miller if he saw him.

Comment by Levois Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 10:21 am
Rich - this may be more appropriate for a “Question of the Day,” but why is there so much animosity against the Governor on this website? I may disagree with a lot of politicians in this state but I do not wish to see any of them carted off to jail. Maybe this question is naive but I can’t help but wonder when I read the mean-spirited comments, which to be fair, seem to be aimed at everyone. Just wondering.

Comment by paddyrollingstone Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 10:29 am
I’m waiting for a tell-all book from Gabby Oftenoff or Rebecca RushtodefendBlago. They are only there for the paycheck and if a publisher would offer them big bucks, a lot of what we suspect would become truth. Blago is paranoid and/or delusional and that is being proven by being holed up in his Chicago governors mansion. Who wouldn’t want a job like he has? No time sheets to fill out, no one keeps track of his vacation/sick days, no one to answer to except naive voters who believe what he tells them. The computer theft is not even believable, nor do I believe that sensitive material was not on it. But what Elvis is clueless about is that Fitzgerald and his people are miles ahead of anything Blago can think up to try to cover his tracks. Bring it on Fitz, bring it on - quickly.

Comment by Little Egypt Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 10:39 am
The irony is that, prior to being elected Governor, Blagojevich’s biggest political asset was his accessibility.

Blagojevich is a charming and likable guy in person, who could bring together very diverse parties and get them talking. (Being an intellectual lightweight helps in this regard, because he never had strong convictions.)

The big reason he is so ineffective and reviled is that, instead of using his personal charm to get compromises, he (and/or his advisors) have locked out pretty much everyone with experience or an interest in state government.

I think most of the people who read and comment on this site are used to policy disagreements, and can deal with losing on an issue. What’s frustrating about this administration is that you can’t even make a case for a policy position to the Governor; it’s like losing a softball game because the ump doesn’t let your team bat.

Comment by the Other Anonymous Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 10:45 am
Laptop that was stolen from Blago’s campaign office………. Quite the coinkadink. About the same time the federales came sniffing around, a thieve passes through a coded secure undamaged door, up a couple of flights of stairs through a door or two, past multiple other offices and floors over the hill and through the woods and find a Blago laptop computer!!! I will bet anyone 25 cents that it will later turn out that perhaps other items will turn up missing as well. Conspiracy theorist ………you bet

Comment by Larry Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 10:49 am
paddyrollingstone - To anyone living south of I-80, the reason for animosity towards Rod Blagojevich should be inherently obvious.

Comment by Jechislo Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 10:50 am
To paddyrollingstone

I can offer a response others may disagree with Many of those on this blog have spent years in and around the statehouse. They have witnessed winners losers, statesmen and thieves. Blago came in with guns blazin, promise after promise, press release after glamorous press release, but he has been mostly talk to this point. He has hurt people, he has hurt agencies and he has hurt programs. Now, failed program after failed program, deficit after deficit, damming audit after damming audit, investigation after investigation., I think people are completely disgusted with him his people and their dishonest antics. His supporters are disgusted and the naysayer are saying see I told you so….

We see through the Chicago centered campaign commercials and witness the poor leadership. Time and time again! It makes people angry when they are soooo disappointed and the spin and lies just keep comming ….stay tuned

Comment by Larry Mullholland Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 11:01 am
Larry Mullholland - Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 11:01 am:

Amen and Amen.

Comment by Jechislo Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 11:14 am
[…] Wow, is the media ever piling on poor Rod Blagojevich. Over at Capital Fax, Rich Miller posted on how beleaguered our Governor is. […]

Pingback by Extreme Wisdom » Blog Archive » Some Advice for Governor Rod Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 11:20 am
I wonder how the Governor’s fundraising is going this year.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 11:26 am
A break-in, did you say? Gee, this sure sounds familar…just can’t seem to place it…. I’m sure it will come to me later. (nudge-nudge, wink, wink)

Oh for the days you could just erase an audio tape and walk away. Nowadays, thanks to emails, backup files, etc. nothing on a computer ever really goes away “forever”… Those files will be recovered, one way or another. This is an area where the feds excel.

Comment by Techboy Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 11:31 am
Like someone suggested yesterday, now’s a good time to go to Cuba.
Down there, the media is state owned.
If only in Illinois Milo.

Comment by Baldfaced Liar Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 11:35 am
That was quite a performance in the elevator yesterday Gov.
Ask me no questions, I’ll tell you no lies.
It’s just beginning.

Comment by Big Squeeze Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 12:30 pm
Freedom of Information Act requests should be a last ditch effort at getting the citizens’ information made public. Why does the governor consider it his first line of defense? Obviously he and his administration have things they do not want divulged or to be seen in the light of day. Why is this? It is unacceptable. He even has defied Lisa Madagin’s directive to release info. His arrogance is dispicable. And not in the public interest.

Comment by A Citizen Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 12:43 pm
Gun owners do not like Blago because he is at war with them and lies about it.

Comment by Pro-gunner Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 1:13 pm
Paddy,

I continue to believe the single greatest reason is their ability to do it anonymously. You don’t see many outrageous, unsubstantiated, stupid comments from people who sign their names.

Comment by steve schnorf Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 1:31 pm
Talk about opportunities missed. Stay in Springfield for several months and do the weekend “man of the people” trips home that many people do. Have the leaders over for brats at the mansion. Be available. Talk compromise. Good at pressing the flesh? Do that with the public at the Capitol and with various GA members in their offices. When the GRT hearings went on he could have easily arranged a prominent place to sit in the chamber, listen, act like he was interested, and thank all the speakers even if he hated/disagreed with 100% of what they said. Working the crowd and taking some heat is part of the job to get a message out, not avoidance. Just showing up is half the game.

Comment by zatoichi Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 1:44 pm
- zatoichi

It’s to LATE! He had 4+ years to that, instead he stayed home watching cartoons.
Enter the feds……

Comment by Gravy Train Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 1:52 pm
Press coverage about Rod’s failed leadership has been really devastating lately. Rod seems not to have learned any lessons from serious mistakes he made during his first four years. Ryan was crooked , but at least he was competent. If you believe what you read in this blog, now we have an incompetent crook. I agree with the observations that the theft of a laptop from the campaign at this juncture appears highly suspicious.

Comment by Captain America Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 2:26 pm
Some folks think that the commentary on this site is rough? These are the cleaned up versions of what people say to each other in person.

Comment by i d Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 2:54 pm
The gov is having a bad week. I bet he is thankful there is no school Monday.

Comment by Garp Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 2:58 pm
All this recent bad publicity about the administration makes me wonder if these attitudes are endemic? Silly me! Of course they are! The fish rots from the head.

Comment by A Citizen Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 3:02 pm
Its as plain as the hair on his head and I don’t know why it can’t be stated in simple terms.

Rod is a total failure. Can’t govern, can’t keep his word and can’t be ethical.

That may be why there is so much animosity on this site. The visitors here know the Guvs actions.

Comment by Papa Legba Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 3:20 pm
Steve said “I continue to believe the single greatest reason is their ability to do it anonymously. You don’t see many outrageous, unsubstantiated, stupid comments from people who sign their names.” Steve it is important to keep in mind that this administration retaliates, big time, with layoffs, firings eg the CMS 2. The anonymous nature of this blog and others like it allows the truth to be spoken . . . and yes along with a healthy measure of vitriol. However everyone is aware of the nature of it so I really see it as an advantage not a disadvantage. Rich could have it either anonymous or not, I think he chose wisely.

Comment by A Citizen Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 3:26 pm
I always heard the legend that he would go on morning jobs at 9:30 in the morning. I guess that legend is somewhat true!

Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 3:27 pm
Rich, the system is doing it again- “Sorry, you can only post a new comment once every 15 seconds. Slow down cowboy.” - I am flattered it thinks I am that fast but I’m really not! Has been happening for a few days now at least.

Comment by A Citizen Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 3:30 pm
Shnorf baby, give that tired old line a rest: you worked for years under people who (and this is documented in the SJ-R) sent out employee surveys asking employees what they really thought, except the surveys were found to have been secretly tagged so every anonymous person filling out the survey could be identified at leisure and dealt with. Take your smug self-righteous attitude about anonymous posters and send it to someone who cares.

Comment by Tell me another Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 4:24 pm
A Citizen -

Pretend it’s the Illinois State Employee Ethics Test. Compose your post, take a 10 minute break, send.

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 5:04 pm
This guy gives a $13 million check to a school and it bounces. He refuses to work in the offices provided and paid for by the citizens of this state or live in the historic governor’s mansion. He lies, he still blames his father-in-law for his problems. He ignores FOIA requests which are legal, he ignores the people who have experience running state government and sends in his inexperiences and arrogant flacks. He blames everyone else for his own missteps and mistakes. He does nothing wrong. He takes money from people in return for contracts and state employment. He spends MILLIONS on getting his name out in the guise of providing information on All Kids, Vet Care, etc.

I could go on for an hour but you get the gist. THAT’S why there is so much animosity. He could have been a contender but his ego got in the way.
He’s toast.

Comment by Disgusted Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 5:33 pm
Could someone tell me if all these stories regarding the gov are reported on the Chicago tv stations because Central Illinois channels act as if none of the legal events are happening. They seem to be silent on almost anything political.

Comment by i d Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 5:44 pm
Why are people so negative on this blog? Blago is simply a lousy governor. Lots of people seem to have had very high hopes for him, and they are very, very disappointed. Even those of us who thought little of him but felt he deserved a chance have long ago turned against him. Sorry I can’t sign my name, Steve, for obvious reasons.

Comment by Decatur Dave Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 7:17 pm
Maybe our gov is bipolar. He doesn’t seem to have a handle on reality.

Comment by Nearly Normal Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 7:27 pm
Hey!! Good News! MM EJ and guv met for 40 minutes today and decided nothing. Guv still wants grt and Univ.Health. Delusional seems like such a compliment when characterizing hizzoner. No report on future meetings.

Comment by A Citizen Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 7:37 pm
Somehow i sense that MM the statesman is running real short on patience - suffering the gubernatorial fool does have its limits. We may see fireworks in Springfield long brfore the Fourth of July. Don’t tug on superman’s cape and don’t mess around with Mike.

Comment by A Citizen Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 7:49 pm
Well since people are saying nasty things about Rod and not getting zapped today I have noticed something.

Rod’s eyes are so close together, if he needed corrective lenses he could get by with a monocle.

Comment by Papa Legba Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 8:41 pm
And if his hair was a tumor it would be more like a threemor. LOL Beady eyed monocle. Hee hee hee.

Comment by A Citizen Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 8:52 pm
steve schnorf - I met you personally years back. I had, and still have, the highest respect for you. It confuses me though for you to not understand why some of us must remain anonymous. Payback with this Governor is way, way to costly to come out in the open. Our comments are nonetheless valid even though we must remain hidden. I’m sure you must understand.

Comment by Jechislo Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 9:18 pm
With the governor and Emil Jones both under a cloud these days, Mike Madigan looks to have the strongest hand in what is to come. I predict a maintenance budget with a few minor upgrades so as to give the weaker dem members a little pork to dole out for political cover and defend against inevitable election campaign negative commercials. They will throw Watson and the House republicans a bone with a few well-distributed capital projects, just enough to satisfy their honor. That’s all going to be fueled by some limited gambling expansion into Chicago to appease Daley, the free ride on the gas tax, and a one percent tax increase in sales tax, and 1.5 increase on corporate taxes.

It will not be enough to pay for All kids or Universal health or Education funding. Emil will fuss but eventully take half a loaf and go along if the health care gets back-burnered for some token increases in education funding. Once the Wonder Twins powers activate, they will override Blago’s veto and marginalize him into a corner for the rest of the year.

This gives Blago the two leaders as his public opinion fall guys: “I did all I could for the people of this state, but they overrode me”. Since the leaders hate Rod’s guts by now, it’s all good by them.

Comment by Gregor Thursday, May 24, 07 @ 11:28 pm
Blagojevich has become the quintessential reason why the Illinois Democrat Party will not retain the power that they have finally acquired. Mike Madigan sees this but seems to be powerless to act for some reason. Emil Jones is and has been a boot-licker (for Blagojevich, for ComEd, and for anybody else that will help butter his bread)so don’t expect Emil to try and save the Democrat Party’s hold on power in Illinois state government. Mike Madigan has many of us stymied though?

As a Republican, I can handle it when I see Democrat politicians that I respect vote in favor of something I disagree with. That is why I have supported Madigan several times. But, the fact that Madigan supported Blagojevich in his re-election bid and is silent regarding his outrageous actions (and lack of actions), has caused many of us Illinois voters to question whether Madigan deserves our continued respect. It now appears that Mike Madigan is really not his own man much like Emil Jones. He is simply Emil’s twin brother.

Comment by Beowulf Friday, May 25, 07 @ 7:53 am
Mr. Madigan needs to start the impeachment process and get rid of Governor Blagojevich once and for all. If Governor Blagojevich does get indicted, let his defend himself on his own dime after he is impeached.
If Mr. Madigan doesn’t lead the charge on this crucial act his party in Illinois will be damaged for many years to come.

Comment by Cuts Like Knife Friday, May 25, 07 @ 8:08 am
Tell Me, in response to your (anaonymous) comment, I think I know the incident you’re referring to, and it happened befor Gov Edgar took office.

By the way, I don’t mind people saying they don’t like an elected official, they wish they hadn’t voted for him/her, they don’t like Democrats, they believe the governor isn’t doing his job, etc. What I object to is people from the shadows of anonymity making charges such as “he is corrupt’, or he is a crook, or he sells state contracts and jobs, and things such as that. If you KNOW that to be true, you don’t need to post it, you need to turn it over to the US Attorney. If you don’t know it to be true, then qualify it with “I think” or something like that.

I could make terrible untrue allegations about any of you anonymously. When you are anonymous, no one can judge the credibilty of your statements. I consider them cheap shots and pay them no heed.

Comment by steve schnorf Friday, May 25, 07 @ 2:52 pm
Sorry Stevie,
Many others are reading, digesting, listening and occasionally commenting.

Comment by Entitled to One's Opinion Friday, May 25, 07 @ 4:42 pm