Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Ives spokesperson says no talks yet with Rauner

Posted in:

Illinois

* I asked Rep. Jeanne Ives’ campaign spokesperson today if her candidate and Gov. Rauner have spoken since the primary election. “They have not,” she replied.

The DGA has been persistently trolling Rauner about this while I was on break. From March 26th…

6 Days of Silence: Rauner and Ives Won’t Talk… But Maybe They Text?

It’s been six days since Governor Bruce Rauner was thoroughly embarrassed by state Representative Jeanne Ives, who earned 48% of the Republican primary vote. Despite Rauner’s obvious need to patch things up with his primary opponent, the two have not spoken since the election. In fact, Ives spent most of last week trashing the wounded governor even more.

Rauner said he has not spoken with Ives, but maybe he tried to reach her via text. It probably went something like this:

“Bruce Rauner’s lies and betrayals divided the Republican Party so badly that his primary opponent refuses to speak with him,” said DGA Illinois Communications Director Sam Salustro. “Rauner’s failed leadership turned away Democrats and Independents, and now 48% of Republican voters. With no accomplishments and no supporters, Rauner truly is the most vulnerable incumbent in the nation.”

* March 27th…

Day 7: Rauner’s Latest Failure - Reuniting His Party

GOP Members Keeping Their Distance from Rauner, Local Activists Talking Third Party

One week ago, over 48% of Republican primary voters rejected Governor Bruce Rauner and voted to replace him on the ballot. Rauner’s embarrassing “win” showed just how extraordinarily weak and vulnerable the incumbent governor is, and how far he has to go to reunite the Republican Party.

One week later, Rauner’s reunion tour is not going well. State Representative Jeanne Ives still will neither endorse nor speak with the Governor, and many Ives’ supporters are not falling in line:

State Rep. Allen Skillicorn: “State Rep. Allen Skillicorn said he wouldn’t support Rauner. ‘Absolutely not,’ he said. ‘His campaign was dishonest and dishonorable.’”

State Rep. Steve Reick: “He should be humbled – he should’ve lost. Honor? Calling Jeanne Ives ‘Madigan’s favorite Republican’ may have swayed enough people to put him over the top, but the smell it leaves behind is the smell of mendacity, and it will carry through to November.”

State Rep. David McSweeney: “The question at this point is whether Bruce Rauner wants conservative support. That really is a question. Obviously, he did a number of things, including the tax hike, the SB31 – the immigration bill, sanctuary state bill. And also, the taxpayer funding for abortion, HB40, that angered conservatives. And it’s really unclear at this point if he wants conservative support. He’s going to have to ask for conservative support. He’s going to have to acknowledge some mistakes and just focus on going forward.”

Saline County precinct committeeman Sandra Smith: “For Smith, this fall will almost be a moment of protest. ‘I choose to stand up for those conservative values,’ she said, adding that she may have to find alternatives for her vote … ‘I don’t see reconciliation in any form or fashion (for the party) because this is the breaking point … I personally don’t know that I will vote for Rauner,’ Smith said.”

Patti Howard, president of the Williamson County Republican Women of Southern Illinois: “‘It’s going to be harder to bring everyone back together’ … Howard said Republicans this fall will be faced with a series of questions. ‘Am I going to go with the party even if I don’t agree with the man, or am I going to sit out and not vote or am I going to go with a third party?’ she said.”

“After Bruce Rauner lied to and betrayed Republicans, it’s no surprise that they are unwilling to embrace him again,” said DGA Illinois Communications Director Sam Salustro. “Republicans made clear that Rauner failed them, and his refusal to reach out to Jeanne Ives and her supporters is just making a bad situation worse.”

* March 29th…

Day 9 - #TBT: Four Years Ago, Rauner Had Unity Luncheon the Day After Primary Election

Today, Rauner Still Has Not Spoken with Ives, Even Though She Received 48% of the Primary Vote

It’s now been 9 days since Governor Bruce Rauner was nearly rejected by Republican primary voters, but he still has not spoken with his primary opponent, state Representative Jeanne Ives. Republican State Representative David McSweeney lamented yesterday that “Democrats have already had a unity breakfast” and he did not know “where things stand on the Governor reaching out to conservatives and asking for support.”

Four years ago, it was a different story. The Illinois Republican Party held a unity luncheon the day after Rauner’s 2014 primary win where he focused on an “economic agenda and soft-pedaling social issues such as abortion.” Today, Rauner is still trying to unite the party by downplaying social issues, except this time Republicans aren’t buying it.

“It’s been nine days since the election, and Bruce Rauner has still not held a unity rally or reached out to the 48% of Republicans that voted to oust him,” said DGA Illinois Communications Director Sam Salustro. “Rauner’s campaign is in real trouble – with rock-bottom approval ratings and a fractured party behind him, his decision to ignore Jeanne Ives and her supporters is perplexing. Is Rauner just worried no one will come if he throws a party?”

* March 30th…

Day 10: If Sox and Cubs Fans Can Get Along, Why Can’t Rauner And Ives?

Today marks the 10th day since the Republican primary election, and in that time, Governor Bruce Rauner and state Representative Jeanne Ives still have not spoken. Ives’ running-mate even agreed there was “no love lost” between the two camps, and Rauner has failed to reach out to Ives or the 48% of Republicans that voted against him.

Maybe they should take a lesson from Sox and Cubs fans, who are united in celebrating their Opening Day victories. While both sides play up their storied rivalry, many Sox fans openly cheered on the Cubs during the 2016 World Series, including Chance, Common, and President Obama. Some Cubs fans even crossed partisan lines to cheer on the Sox during their historic 2005 World Series win (though not exactly with the same enthusiasm).

“If Sox and Cubs fans can get along sometimes, why can’t Bruce Rauner and Jeanne Ives?” said DGA Illinois Communications Director Sam Salustro. “It’s clear that Rauner’s failures and lies turned off Ives fans, but if he ever wants Republicans to cheer him on again, he’ll stop ignoring the 48% of primary voters who opposed him.”

Frankly, they’re acting more like Cubs and Cardinals fans than anything else.

I would hotly dispute the notion that Sox and Cub fans are united, however.

* Today…

Day 13: Rauner and Ives Feud Moves into Second Month

It’s no April Fool’s joke – Governor Bruce Rauner’s and state Representative Jeanne Ives’ GOP feud is moving into its second month. Thirteen days ago, Ives nearly knocked off the incumbent Rauner by running a primary campaign on his dishonesty and management failures.

Now, the calendar turns to April and Rauner has still not spoken with Ives or earned the trust of her supporters. Last week, Ives demanded Rauner run ads apologizing for his dishonesty before she would endorse him. And Ives’ supporters do not sound like they are happy with Rauner’s minimal efforts of reconciliation.

“The longer Bruce Rauner lets his feud with Jeanne Ives fester, the harder it will be to bring his divided party back together,” said DGA Illinois Communications Director Sam Salustro. “With his rock-bottom approval ratings, Rauner’s already damaging his failing re-election campaign by allowing this battle to enter its second month.”

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 3:51 pm

Comments

I have never been treated with anything but courtesy and a few friendly digs–entirely in jest–when I have visited Wrigley in all my Redbird finery. More accurately they might have said Rauner and Ives were acting more like Yankees and Red Sox fans.

Comment by Ray del Camino Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 3:57 pm
Here’s the rub.

Raunerites only want actual Republicans and conservatives to be quiet and get in line.

Ives, knowing that fact, doesn’t change the fact… not talking to Rauner is a fracture Rauner brought upon himself… by ILGo and other Raunerite moves to marginalize the actual “ILGOP” whatever that was or whatever Rauner bought.

That’s why… winning by less than 4%, that should flat out scare Diana and Bruce.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 3:58 pm
What’s going to happen when Rauner leaves the Governor’s office? Is he going to keep supporting the ILGOP? If he takes his ball home and goes home (or Italy), does the ILGOP have a plan? IL could be a one party state in the next 4 years.

Comment by Jacketpotato Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 4:02 pm
The DGA’s concern is touching.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 4:02 pm
That text exchange is solid trolling gold…and damned funny.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 4:02 pm
The trolling is top shelf.

The sprinkling of truth within the texts, really good fun.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 4:11 pm
“If Sox and Cubs fans can get along sometimes, why can’t Bruce Rauner and Jeanne Ives?” said DGA Illinois Communications Director Sam Salustro.

Could he get more out of touch? Lemme guess..JB is a “Chicago” fan. Ugh. Puke.

Comment by Canon Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 4:14 pm
Rauner truly believes his money will buy them all back. Bruce; I have news for you. Some people can’t be bought. Save your money and buy that house in Italy. The money will be a lot better spent. (Toast)

Comment by Retired Educator Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 4:15 pm
Rauner will make only a half hearted effort at best to patch things up with Ives. He’ll point to his support of Harold, and vice versa, to show he can get along with conservatives and that they can get along with him. What a joke.

Comment by DarkHorse Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 4:17 pm
Rauner still doesn’t understand the people who voted for Jeanne believe in what she was saying.
Trump and Cruz won 68% of the vote in the Presidential primary in ‘16. Bruce has done everything in his power to alienate that 68%.

He thinks the Republican Party is his and only his, no other dissenting views allowed. It doesn’t help when people like Breen come crawling back to beg for their money and just prove Bruce’s narrative in his own mind.

Comment by DuPage Bard Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 4:17 pm
These DC groups have to produce something to justify their existence. I suspect in most cases, they’re all just trolling each other; not much filters down to persuadable voters.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 4:18 pm
===It doesn’t help when people like Breen come crawling back to beg for their money and just prove Bruce’s narrative in his own mind.===

Phonies like Breen enabled Rauner.

Breen admitted that mistake.

Breen then reverted to being the phony he always was, because when righteous indignation is followed with cowardice, the likes of a Breen will be found.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 4:24 pm
A lot of political staff with cash, looking for ways to amuse themselves.

Comment by walker Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 4:30 pm
I think what happened was Rauner sent a text to “Madigan’s favorite legislator”, which in Bruce’s phone is a group text that goes to 177 people.

Comment by The Captain Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 4:33 pm
==These DC groups have to produce something to justify their existence. I suspect in most cases, they’re all just trolling each other; not much filters down to persuadable voters.==

I’ve never identified more with a comment on capfax. Yes. Thank you. I love this site, but what other outlet is even publishing these random DGA musings? No one sees any of this, from either side. I really do wonder what they go to work every day thinking they’ll accomplish.

Comment by PJ Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 4:43 pm
–I really do wonder what they go to work every day thinking they’ll accomplish.–

Get paid every other week. Which is nice.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 4:44 pm
===The trolling is top shelf.

The sprinkling of truth within the texts, really good fun.===

This is a game, by the nationals, that have never “been” to Chicago, only seen pictures of Chicago, and to waste away the days they practice the really fun trolling that 9 people care about, then show no inclination or want to know about the race or Illinois.

I just enjoy the fun trivial bits because they are being tossed about like bacon bits in the usual word salads they have already written weeks ago, to be used in the coming months.

So… yeah… in context of its nothing-ness… it’s top shelf.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 4:50 pm
Is this the reason why Rauner puts on customs and drops his g’s? The average republican voter is so easily fooled that they elect anyone even based off a lying ad campaign? Maybe it’s time republican voters do some fact checking before taking every campaign ad as the gospel.

Comment by Real Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 4:53 pm
My thing is, don’t dress different when you come down here than when you campaign around Chicago. Stop with the Carhartt vest and big belt buckle when you come to southern Illinois. Blagojevich did the same thing and you look like a big phoney you are.

Comment by Alex Ander Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 5:06 pm
They both need each other. Of course, they’re gonna talk.

In fact, I’m giving Ives 45 days until she starts campaigning for Rauner.

Comment by Bobby T Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 5:49 pm
BTW — Edgar will be back on the stump, too — campaigning for Rauner. Within 45 days.

Comment by Bobby T Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 5:49 pm
===Edgar will be back on the stump, too===

Hard for Edgar to walk back what he’s said, all the things he (Edgar) said.

Unlike Breen, Edgar’s word to himself means a great deal.

Rauner’s money means a great deal to Breen.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 5:54 pm
Edgar is a big reason Illinois is a fiscal basket case. Stay far away Mr. Edgar.

Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 5:55 pm
God there are people on this blog that drive me crazy. The democrats come together and bury the hatchet on some hard accusations that happened in the primary and everyone here is like oh look how on message and unified the democrats are. I swear I heard Kumbaya in the back ground. Breen does the same thing and he is a godless soul. Of course he would rather have someone other than the governor. His passion is the right to life issue. But, he is smarter than most people give him credit for and gets that for any issue he champions a democratic governor would be worse than Rauner.

Comment by Baggs McCoy Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 6:08 pm
===Breen does the same thing and he is a godless soul.===

LOL

Breen, in his righteous indignation, wrote a whole spiel, a manefesto, of aiding and abetting, and a mea culpa for hurting Illinois, “but no more”… lol… what a joke he’s turned out to be.

You can’t say a breaking with a leader is you looking in your soul, so to speak, and regret, and you move forward with your righteousness leading the way… then fold like a photocopy of the writings of Thomas Moore, to be stuffed in one pocket, while using the other pocket for the Raunerbucks needed come November.

I can tell the difference between two parties hashing it out in a campaign on ideology, and when a self-righteous phony decides his high horse can be compromised… after apologizing for it being compromised earlier.

I can tell that difference.

===But, he is smarter than most people give him credit for and gets that for any issue he champions a democratic governor would be worse than Rauner.===

LOL

How’d that HB40 work out?

That’s how this all got started.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 6:17 pm
–God there are people on this blog that drive me crazy.–

Is that a thought or a prayer?

If it’s a prayer, you could use a comma after the first word. If it’s a thought, well I’m sure you know which commandment you’re sideways of.

If not, perhaps Rep. Breen could offer some guidance.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 6:28 pm
Let’s revisit Mr. Breen’s words…

https://bit.ly/2k9Pn0N

===“…The only unique feature left in Rauner’s favor is that he writes big campaign checks. For Republicans whose elections require those contributions, I understand their reluctance to be critical of Rauner. They may even still give him the benefit of the doubt, as I did until today.

In the face of overwhelming evidence of Rauner’s inability to competently administer the Illinois government, inability to stand up to Mike Madigan effectively, and inability to keep his word and his commitments, I can no longer support him. And whether or not they are able to agree publicly, I know hundreds of elected Republicans, along with hundreds of thousands of Republican voters, who feel the same way I do.”===

Breen is (at that time too) the Floor Leader.

You put your thoughts to…

“In the face of overwhelming evidence of Rauner’s inability to competently administer the Illinois government, inability to stand up to Mike Madigan effectively, and inability to keep his word and his commitments, I can no longer support him.”

So, now Rauner is competent, can “now” stand up to Madigan and… Rauner magically has a word that’s good?

You write things like that, when you burn your ships and you’re not coming back. Why? Because your personal credibility is now the question, not Rauner’s.

Mr. Breen can keep his righteousness to himself. I have enough to mock him.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 6:28 pm
Some people are good at trolling.

Comment by Blue dog dem Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 6:56 pm
Just an fyi. Southern Illinois youngster making debut for Marlins. Go Trevor.

Comment by Blue dog dem Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 7:01 pm
She may never get on board and that’s the problem with the ILGOP. Whenever the far right lose a race in the primary they never ever make nice with the opponent. With them its not about winning its about their far right rhetoric and they rather lose then ever compromise.

Comment by Board Watcher Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 7:47 pm
It looked like a downstater. There just are not a lot of downstate Sox fans so we don’t realize the tension in the city. It’s all Cubs v cards here

Comment by Not a Billionaire Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 7:52 pm
Hey 1.4% - way to unite the party. /s

Comment by Huh? Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 8:14 pm
Board- the far right as you call it stand on their principles, win or lose. They are who they are. Your minimizing them by saying they’re the problem shows that you actually don’t understand what they’re looking for or asking for in their representation. Their standard bearer was beat with pure lies and deception. Now you’re asking them to just look the other way from what they hold as principled beliefs so the person who has lied and deceived them can get another turn at lying to them?
Maybe if you actually talked to them and negotiated common ground they’d stick with the party. Until then your just discrediting their beliefs and the work they do.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 8:28 pm
It shows how Rauner thinks…. it’s all about his money and the power it can buy. Little does this guy know, there is a major Republican anti Rauner movement, just listen to his once favored radio show. 650 am…

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 8:56 pm
This is a really weird and disingenuous line of argument. Ives is poisonous; she believes terrible things, as evidenced by her commercials. It would be bad and not good if she and Rauner were cooperating, and it’s morally and intellectually bankrupt for the DGA to pretend that, if they were working together, there wouldn’t be another line of ads about how Rauner is wrong to work with her.

It’s not like Republicans would be any more morally honest. The Democrats just have nothing to offer Illinois, and this post is a great example of why.

Comment by Chris Widger Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 8:57 pm
First off, there’s a stench of failure in Rauner’s “win”. ILGOP was as shocked at the anti-Rauner vote as anyone else. There was a thought that Rauner would defeat Ives handidly, and the reelection facade would remain intact until November. But that didn’t happen, did it?

Pritzker handed won, beating expectations. Rauner barely won, falling so far short of expectations that he actually lost.

Bruce was never a good candidate and what he faces now would be a tough situation for a good candidate.

ILGOP moved on from Rauner two weeks ago. He is a zombie candidate going through the motions. Few expect him to win. Few believers left in Bruce’s church anymore.

Everyone knows he actually lost politically to Ives. What he has now is a funeral, not a campaign.

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 10:09 pm
Anonymous 8:28 - look at Ives first commercial and that’s what the far right stand for. I can’t speak for Board but from my perspective that’s not what I want from our party.
As for talking and negotiating common ground trust me the Proft, Robling, McSweeney group they don’t negotiate it’s one way or highway with them.
As for the standard bearer thanks but no thanks, I never want those commercials to represent my party.
I rather be a Raunerite then a hater

Comment by Old Time R Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 10:30 pm
Old Timer then you must not have been privy to the platform voted on by the committeemen when Brady got canned?
The commercial was unnecessary and in poor taste. Period.
If for one moment you believe it was wrong then your not a Republican. Sanctuary state, government funded abortion, transgender identification, CPS extra funding every single one of those issues is against the party platform. Tell your committeeman that you want the GOP platform to agree with those things. If so why not just pull a D ticket and get it over with?

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Apr 2, 18 @ 10:57 pm
That fake text exchange is a little on the try hard side.Especially when they change “to” to “2″. Pretty Cringeworthy.

Comment by Reggie Redbird Tuesday, Apr 3, 18 @ 9:05 am
===…then you’re not a Republican. Sanctuary state…===
What “sanctuary state”?. Illinois is not a “sanctuary state”. If ICE wants to deport you no on in Illinois will stop it. There is no sanctuary. I see you internalized some of Ives’ talking points. Or what the common folks call “lies”. Maybe Ives should apoligize to Rainer for all the lies she told about him. Then maybe she can get an apology back for the one he told about her.

Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Tuesday, Apr 3, 18 @ 10:56 am