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Overtime in Hell

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*** I couldn’t figure out why nobody had commented on this post. Then someone called shortly after one o’clock asking why I hadn’t posted one of the stories listed here. Turns out, I accidentally hit the “private” button when I published the post, so only I could see it. Oops. I’ve bumped it to the top for discussion purposes. Sorry about that, campers. ***

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* As I told Capitol Fax subscribers this morning, this was the hottest topic of discussion at the Statehouse yesterday…

Senate President Emil Jones took a whack Tuesday at a state senator tight with House Speaker Michael Madigan in apparent retaliation for opposing Gov. Blagojevich’s playbook on gambling, health care and a big tax on businesses.

Jones (D-Chicago) told Sen. Louis Viverito, an assistant majority leader, he was not “welcome” in a closed-door Senate Democratic leadership meeting. The unprecedented move sent reverberations through the Statehouse, where feuding Democrats have been unable to pass a state budget or provide utility rate relief.

Stuff like that doesn’t usually make it into the mainstream press. When three of the four Senate Latinos revolted earlier this year, it barely rated a mention. So, why was Viverito dumped? Here’s part of the reason…

Viverito (D-Burbank) voted against the Senate president and Blagojevich on a major gambling expansion bill, on the governor’s cherished-but-floundering universal health care plan and the governor’s failed $7.6 billion gross receipts tax on businesses. […]

Also Tuesday, Viverito was replaced on the Senate Rules Committee, a key legislative panel controlled by Jones that determines what gets voted on and what dies.

Viverito is Madigan’s Senator, and there’s much more to the back story, but you’ll have to subscribe to find out what that is. “Democratic disarray” has become a hot topic ever since the session flopped into overtime. So, we may see more stories like that one.

* The Sun-Times story above has a little more of what it’s like to be a member of Jones’ caucus and so does the Tribune’s blog. Yesterday, Sen. Todd Sieben presented Sen. Mike Jacobs with some boxing gloves on the Senate floor, in honor of Jacobs’ feud with Gov. Blagojevich…

Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) tried on the boxing gloves and started throwing a few playful punches toward Jacobs. Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago) sternly called her name from a few desks away. When they locked eyes, Jones shook his head “no.” Hunter then put the gloves down.

* Meanwhile, the overtime session’s first leadership negotiations began with a whole lot of posturing, with Emil Jones blaming Mike Madigan for the overtime session, Madigan saying that Jones ought to pass the House-approved budget, which Jones derided as inadequate, the Republicans blaming Democrats for having to be in town in the first place, and Gov. Blagojevich demanding that legislators work five days a week until the deal is cut. Here are a few tastes of the day’s activities…

* SJ-R…

Republican legislative leaders joined state budget talks for the first time Tuesday, but the results were the same as when the Democrats kept the party to themselves.

The roughly 90-minute meeting produced a lot of talk and little in the way of a solution to the impasse that has sent the General Assembly into overtime for the second time since 2004.

* AP…

“I’d say we’re far apart. There was listening but there was also a lot of posturing,” said House Minority Leader Tom Cross, R-Oswego. […]

“Everyone in America works five days a week and is expected to put in full-time work in order to complete their jobs,” said Blagojevich spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff. She would not answer any questions.

Jones said the Senate would meet at least five days a week, and he said lawmakers failed to adjourn on time “because of lack of concern in the House basically.”

Madigan argued that rate relief for consumers hit by skyrocketing electric rates would open the door for budget action. Jones has been reluctant to approve rate relief that would apply to customers of both Ameren and ComEd.

* Daily Herald…

In the state’s latest finger-pointing battle, more than 40 newly empowered Republicans took Gov. Rod Blagojevich to task Tuesday for his spotty Springfield presence. They supported a resolution that asks him to remain in Springfield while lawmakers finish state business.

* Tribune…

Madigan noted his chamber passed a budget with a 3 percent increase for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

“There are 37 Democrats,” Madigan said. “All you need is 36 of the 37 to send the bill to the governor.”

In turn, Jones criticized Madigan’s budget, saying it is merely a “base” figure. Cross said the Madigan plan is way out of balance.

A governor’s aide warned that essential state services could be cut by month’s end if a budget is not approved.

* More overtime stories, compiled by Paul…

* Cindy Richards: Legislature’s small-minded failure

* Editorial: Time to play ball with less fighting, more teamwork

* Sun-Times Editorial: Only hard work can overcome Springfield rancor

* Bethany Carson: Baby steps on the budget

* Governor warns of potential government shutdown

* Governor’s expect tighter budgets in 2008

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 1:10 pm

Comments

Wow. No comments?

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 12:00 pm
Cindy Richards giving the Democrats a free pass? Shocking!

Comment by Fire Ron Guenther Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 1:36 pm
If we do comment — don’t we risk losing leadership posts and committee assignments?

Comment by Ch-ch-chilling Effect Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 1:41 pm
There is no fiscal criis in Illinos - it’s a poiitlcal crisis - a failure of leadership and a clash of egos.

I am not a SpeakerMadigan fan, but at least he is a competent autocrat, which is more than you can say for Senate President Emil Jones.

Senate President Emil Jones’ vindictive action against Senator Viverito can not be considered a constructive approach to resolving the Democratic leadership crisis.

Senator Emil Jones has been an obtructionist on the resolution of the elctricity rate issue and has been proven incompetent on the budget issues.

Wake up Senate Democrats! Regardless of how this budget impasse is resolved, it’s time for a change in the Senate Democartic leadership. Senator Emil Jones should be dumped as the Senate President next year.

Comment by Captain America Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 1:41 pm
Rich: I think the real problem here is with the arrogant and condescending attitude our leaders display towards other elected officials. The leaders think the other officials have to get permission from them to go to the bathroom. It is a childish perspective. The elected officials get their authority from the voters; not the leaders. The Dems are on the verge of a full scale revolt.

Comment by one of the 35 Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 1:45 pm
They don’t come any better than Lou Viverito. He is always going to vote the way he feels is best and try to do the best for his constituents regardless of the consequences. He should be treated as an elder statesman of the Senate with the utmost respect. Jones has gone too far this time. I am embarrassed to be a Democrat.

Comment by Bill Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 1:51 pm
Leaders too powerful, members too meek. Term limits?

Comment by Ambulance chaser Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 1:54 pm
To One of 35

By Whatever Means Necessary: PLEASE REVOLT!

Comment by Captain America Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 1:56 pm
Possibly, we are all striving to adhere to you rules regarding inappropriate comments, gratuitious insults and profanity since we would like to be able to comment on future material. The government of Illinois is sliding into the abyss.

Comment by i d Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 1:57 pm
I find it interesting that the same editorial writers who are saying that compromise and teamwork are needed to get a budget done, are the same people who will drill the governor if he were to allow an income or sales tax increase, or if he allows the ga to go home with a no growth budget. They love to put him in lose-lose situations.

I would love to see some balanced reporting in this state.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 1:59 pm
Gov. Blagojevich warned that unless a budget deal is reached, state government could shut down next month. Two weeks ago Gov. Blagojevich threatened massive budget cuts.
Empty threats…………..
Impeach Governor Blagojevich we all can’t wait for indictments!

Comment by Failed Propaganda Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 2:03 pm
Let me see if I got this right. Amy Ottenhof wants GA members to work 5 days a week in Springfield, without per diem because the Governor hasn’t called a special session. So they have to pay their daily lodging, food, etc expenses. Whereas the Governor has a free place to stay (the usually empty Governor’s Mansion), plus free eats, free transportion, etc. That’s fair.

Comment by Doodles Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 2:03 pm
As Rich noted the other day - they’ll never initiate impeachment voluntarily. But just maybe they could lay him off for budgetary reasons.

Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 2:09 pm
And at 1:51 June 6, 2007, Bill came to the defense of someone who ended up in the doghouse for opposing the governor. Good to see.

Comment by Just Saying Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 2:14 pm
Perhaps 8 or 9 Senate Democrats should switch party affiliation to the Greens or revive Meeks’ Honesty & Integrity Party, form their own caucus, and hold the balance of power in the Senate. Jones might be less willing to bully them around. It’s a shame we don’t have 1, let alone 8 or 9, Senate Democrats willing to even consider a change in Senate leadership.

Comment by Jeff Trigg Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 2:14 pm
All the Senate needs to do is settle the electric rate issue so the House can send their almost reasonable (I hate seeing $100 million going to Cook County hospitals with no fiscal controls attached) budget for approval. Then everyone gets to go home. No tax increases necessary. As a moderate Dem, I feel this is the best outcome possible.

BTW - Are we sure that was really “Bill” at 1:51?

Comment by Bluefish Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 2:23 pm
This is bush league stuff. It reminds me of when Denny Hastert kicked a Republican off of the House Ethics “Committee” when he wanted to take action against Tom DeLay. There is no defense what either Denny or Emil did.

I think they’re going to be in session for a while. I really am thinking about renting out my open room. You can’t beat a futon for $10-$15 a night.

Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 2:31 pm
From what the papers have reported, Jones did not even inform Viverito that he was being stripped of his Rules Comm. assignment or that he was not ‘welcome’ at the leadership meeting. Viverito doesn’t deserve that type of treatment - he’s one of the nicest and hardest working legislators under the dome and although he’s this/close to the Speaker, he has also been a close ally to Emil. So Viverito didn’t vote the way Emil wanted to on two or three bills over the past 7 years that Viverito was in leadership. In return, Emil acts like a spoiled brat and tries to punish Viverito. Viverito said he considered Jones a “friend” in the paper. I guess that’s how Emil treats his friends - he’s throws them under the bus.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 2:32 pm
I guess my question is where was the rest of the Senate dem leadership on this.

If Sen. Jones can do that to this guy then who’s next? If I was one of them I would have said, if Sen. Viverito isn’t in the meeting than I will not be in the meeting either.

One of the keys to not being victims of a bully is to stand up to him.

OneMan

Comment by OneManBlog Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 2:45 pm
Classic act of winning is everything - people be damned. They have to get better at electing leaders that will allow dissention but work to compromise. Shutting them out hopefully gets them dethroned.

Comment by game plan Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 2:46 pm
Bluefish,
It was me and I meant every word. I am almost too angry to blog.

Comment by Bill Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 2:48 pm
Okay then we’re all agreed - we’re laying off Emil and the gov for budgetary reasons. Well that’s a good start - we may be slow but we are making progress. And removing contentious elements from the process.

Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 2:51 pm
What happen to the days when the higher ranking politicians would not even campaign for themselves for fear it lacked modesty. Now we have politicians who believe their positions have made them supreme dictator. Can the Senate Dem’s throw Emil out and if they can why haven’t they yet?

Comment by Leigh Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 2:53 pm
If the Dems decided to dump Emil Jones, who should the caucus pick as the next Senate President?

Comment by Carl Nyberg Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 2:56 pm
Bill, my respect for you and your opinions has deepened, you are flirting with elder statesman status. I agree with you, that kind of treatment on either side of the aisle is contemptible. Reputation and trustworthiness is the strength they have or lack. Emil seems to be lacking.

Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 2:58 pm
Speaking to Senator Hunter like she is a naughty child seems to be one more example of a grouchy old man at the helm…..can’t a girl just have a little fun? Obviously there are not too many chances to introduce a little levity these days.

Comment by Former State Employee Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 3:00 pm
Bill, I agree with relatively nothing you say here, but I’ll say to your credit, very good post today. The displays put on by some of our elected officials this session is, when you get right down to it, undemocratic. Each and every representative and senator was voted by THEIR constituents to represent them. I don’t remember seeing on my ballot any caveats that makes my elected officials puppets of the Power Three. This problem of “higher ranking leaders” based on time in office, while more easily seen in the microcosm of Illinois Government, unfortunately is true most likely in every state and federal representative body as well. This is the reason I have long supported term limits. We’re all human, and unfortunately, we’re all too easily corrupted by power, to the point where you don’t think you have to answer to others, and you can make all of the rules. It has got to stop, no matter if it’s democrats, republicans, or whomever. My cynical side has grown so incredibly much over the last 5-8 years, and I am beginning to believe that the ordinary voter has no true representation in our governing bodies anymore.

Comment by schroedk Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 3:35 pm
There is a humorous recording of Rep Black in the House on a “point of personal privilege” asking for a work schedule, in detail, equal to the gov’s -

Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 3:42 pm
While I find it difficult to say nice things about a Dem, I have to admit that Viverito has served his South Suburban district well over the years, as have a number of other South Side Dem “Mavericks” like Rep. Kevin Joyce(D-35th).

Worse than being just plain mean, this is really a bonehead play on the part of Emil.

The BlaJo brothers need Dem “moderates” from the South side and downstate to move their agenda.

This move only strengthens Madigan and weakens Emperor Jones and Blago, IMHO.

I hate to say this, but if Emil puts up someone against Viverito in his next primary, I’d strongly consider helping Viverito out in the primary, the first time I’d have supported a Dem since Vallas. I was right then, too.

Comment by PalosParkBob Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 3:56 pm
It is something how the press fights for open meetings at all levels of local government. Now, we see the state senate hold closed meetings to its own leadership. It is time to introduce the open meetings act to state government and the general assembly. The governor should be in Springfield to settle this or just close down state services until the budget deadlock is over. We might find out how much of state government we can live without.

Comment by decaturboy Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 3:57 pm
Let’s face it folks, Governor Blagojevich is desperately working 24/7 with his huge posse of attorneys and waning loyalists to keeps him from getting indicted. There’s no way he can do both, and that is effectively run the state and keep his butt outta prison. Believe me, he was never that smart. Wonder what the attorney’s billings are, the we don’t see?

Comment by Tracks Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 4:12 pm
I live in Viverito’s District. He has done a great job. Corrupt,ComEd Bought Jones has to go. Is Emil Jones as Senate President the best and brightest this legislature has to offer. I can’t even understand a word he says. What a joke.

Comment by anon Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 4:17 pm
Does anybody know? Can they just dump Emil?

Comment by Leigh Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 4:20 pm
If he’s working with his lawyers 24/7 on defending himself, it’s time he step aside and quit. Pat Quinn would be a better alternative than keeping Hot Rod.

Comment by Crimefighter Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 4:30 pm
Bill, you have gained a lot of respect for your 1:51 post. Emil, on the other hand, continues to lose respect AND credibility (had to throw the all caps in there for ya).

Comment by Little Egypt Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 4:30 pm
Leigh, there have to be some type of rules out there. Look it up.

Comment by game plan Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 4:31 pm
can they dump emil….let’s do the math… with the
3 of the 4 Latino Senators (although I don’t know
what that was about….got a link, Rich?), and
Viverito, we are at 4 votes…who else can we
add to the dump emil list? the senator he
screwed over the electric rate thing? think about
the numbers…they really are adding up.

Comment by amy Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 4:43 pm
Maybe Rich could make the QOTD: would the Illinois Democratic Party be better off if Senate Dems replaced Emil Jones as President of the Senate and passed a bill regulating electric rates?

Comment by Carl Nyberg Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 5:28 pm
Bill, I’m certain that’s the most reasonable comment you’ve made (maybe the only reasonable comment) and you should be applauded. Well done! Jones should be ashamed of himself. He’s proving himself to be not just drunk with power, but also paranoid.

Comment by DeepFriedOnAStick Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 6:13 pm
Hey Emil I control the budget for the agency my girlfriend works for can I force them to give her a promotion and a raise? Is this legal you seem to haveexperiance here what is your opinion. Thanks .

Comment by Fed up Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 6:43 pm
So, a shut-down government is wors than what we have right now how, exactly? Rhetorical question, I know. At least we should get settled the elements that tie into federal matching funds before we lose them. Other than that, though, and the unfair suspension of pay to rank and fire state workers, what those goofballs in the statehouse are doing is like nothing already. And the governor is King of Nothing.

Comment by Gregor Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 7:03 pm
At today’s late afternoon press event post Leadership Meeting, the press had some fun teasing the Gov’s staff about when Governor Nix was going to come out.

Comment by Vote for Governor Nix Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 7:06 pm
Has Bill come to his senses? He really wrote someting that was critical of the dems? I feel faint, the world is getting hazy and going dark . . . . . . . .

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 7:11 pm
I agree totally with Bill today… next thing you know, the sun will rise in the west and hell freeze over too : )

Seriously, though, anybody willing at this point to place odds on the likelihood of a state government shutdown or payless payday… and are any of you who work for the state preparing for that possibility at this time? Do any of you think the Current Non Occupant would have the power to enforce any such shutdown, given that he’s severely credibility-impaired right now?

Comment by Lainer Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 7:27 pm
Is it possible that our fearless leader of a governor could quite possibly be heavily medicated? Good thing he doesn’t have his fingers on any important buttons.

Comment by Grand Prize Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 7:38 pm
I would venture a guess that down in the bowels of the bureaucracy those that understand the mechanics of state government are working on the plans necessary to manage such an event. The gov probably knows nothing about it but those who do are serious.

Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 7:41 pm
Where’s Al Haig when we really need him?

Comment by 'Lainer Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 8:34 pm
Despite all the consternation about Jones’ treatment of his caucus members, he’s perfectly safe in his position. They’re too timid to take him on.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 8:43 pm
OK Let’s not get carried away with complimenting Bill for a lucid, well-thought, agreeable position on the Lou Viverito situation.

Although it was commendable that he took a reasonable position on this one, he needs about another 5,000 of those to be even. I need more proof that he’s coming to his senses.

Comment by Truth Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 8:48 pm
Very well said, Bill. These harsh actions not only temper our enthusiasm for our chosen political party, but also lower the pride we take in our great State. Lou Viverito is as good as they come and he was done wrong.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 8:49 pm
When I saw the preview for this movie I was sure it had to be about our Governor as he was obviously pushing health care need per his first jump but then I saw his hair - http://www.hotrodmovie.com/

Comment by LINK Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 9:27 pm
A citizen - I’m thinking that those in the bowels of Blago-aucracy, Blago’s boys are trying to figure out a way to put a positive spin on his inevitable indictment. I see he is now trying to resurrect his spin on the lottery in an attempt to gain a positive headline for the first time this week. He’s delusional and I’m not so sure he’s also not overmedicated. Doesn’t the head of this state have to show up for work once in a while and what proof do we have that he does report to his Chicago office. We know he’s seldom in Springfield. I just think the taxpayers ought to at least have a governor who comes to work every day, even if he does nothing but play the daily Sudoku puzzle.

Comment by Little Egypt Wednesday, Jun 6, 07 @ 11:47 pm
Party rivals are much more bitter enemies than folks in the other party. Illinois Republicans are irrelevant as Mississippi Republicans were in 1920. Blago, Jones, Madigan have no fear of Republican strength, only their political position. No mater how this ends Repubs are still toast. Maybe the Repubs will do the Edgar dance again. He seems to be smart enough to know, that he would be creamed also.

Comment by Loyal Whig Thursday, Jun 7, 07 @ 1:59 am