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The never-ending mess

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* Sen. Dick Durbin has been far more vocal about Illinois politics than any member of the state’s congressional delegation. He kept it up over the weekend…

“I really, really think we ought to stop and catch our breath and say, ‘Is this the future of Illinois - that every time we want to do something, we’ll just build more casinos?’” he said. “When that becomes the answer to every question, I start to worry about it.”

He said most casino visitors are not tourists.

“Most of the people who go in are low-income people and elderly people who lose money that they can’t afford to lose,” Durbin said. “That to me seems like a wrong way to finance the important programs that we need in this country.”

* And he had some harsh words for the Powers that Be…

“I think they should be more honest with people,” he said. “Selling off state assets and building casinos will only take you so far. […]

“I wish I could blame the Republicans, but I can’t figure out how to do it,” Durbin joked. “I hope that they’ll come to their senses and that the Democratic leaders down there will get together and compromise.”

* Meanwhile, the Sunday SJ-R editorial was all over the place, but it was partly about Senate President Emil Jones’ refusal to call the House’s veto override motions on the budget, and its conclusion didn’t make much sense…

In a just world, Jones would not have the right to simply block democracy like this. But justice and the General Assembly often part ways. So Jones can block this vote if he chooses to put loyalty to Blagojevich above what is right. Some people in Gov. George Ryan’s administration operated that way. We know what eventually happened to them.

Dragging out the George Ryan bogeyman when someone disagrees with your position is a bit bizarre, but whatever.

* A much more apt George Ryan comparison was written by Mike Riopell….

Ryan’s conviction on federal corruption charges have been well-documented, but his reputation as a deal maker could be seen in the existence of the Illinois FIRST program.

* Ryan may have been a crook, but he was smart enough not to fire the wife of Madigan’s chief of staff. My syndicated newspaper column has more details on this event…

Ironically enough, the firing came the day after all four legislative leaders met with Gov. Rod Blagojevich for the first time in months. The meeting was arranged by House Republican Leader Tom Cross and was specifically designed to try and convince the five men to set aside their personal and political differences and attempt to work together on solving the state’s numerous problems. The Democrats, who control all of state government, have been fighting like cats and dogs this year, and just about nothing is getting resolved. […]

But taking action like this against the wife of Madigan’s most trusted aide is wholly unprecedented at the Statehouse. Not only is she Mapes’ wife, but she’s the political version of a noncombatant. The political honor code dictates that family members are not supposed to be messed with.

After trying three times to explain the firing, the Department of Human Services finally claimed that the federal government made them do it. But DHS’s story is so full of mysterious holes, the timing of the dismissal is so questionable and the governor’s office has told so many lies that even if this one is true, nobody will ever believe it.

Plus, any explanation the governor’s office provides, no matter how legitimate it may sound, will simply not be trusted in Room 300 - Madigan’s suite of Statehouse offices. Madigan’s press spokesman labeled the administration’s explanation as “an absolute lie,” which was not unexpected. Nobody with real power trusts anybody else with real power in Springfield these days.

And that is the most important aspect of this story, not the DHS response. As I’ve been trying to tell people all year, the three Democratic leaders (Madigan, Blagojevich and Jones) believe they are engaged in a fight to the political death. So they’re always on the lookout for any tiny slights. And this thing is way beyond tiny.

It probably doesn’t help matters that some of the governor’s top guys have been heard chuckling and bragging about the firing to intimates.

Madigan, contacted after the firing story leaked out, did not want to speak about the situation on the record, but the man was more thoroughly angry and disgusted than I have ever seen him in all my years.

If you think the Madigan vs. Blagojevich fight was bad before, you ain’t seen nothing yet.

* Capitol Fax came up at a recent legislative luncheon…

[Rep. Rich Myers] read from a column by “Capitol Fax” writer Rich Miller, which also listed the uncle of Madigan ally Rep. John D’Amico. Representatives Gary Hannig, D-Litchfield, Eddie Acevedo, D-Chicago, and Careen Gordon, D-Coal City, all had brothers employed by the state who have either been fired or demoted.

In addition, Myers, said, the Blagojevich vetoes targeted the Illinois Arts Council, which is chaired by none other than Madigan’s wife, Shirley.

“When you put together all of the incidents, then you start to see a pattern that anyone who is connected with (Madigan) becomes a target,” Myers said.

* More mess stories, compiled by Paul…

* Editorial: Six years running IL has no capital construction plan

* McQueary: Channeling the governor via Rep. McCarthy

* Editorial: Jones needs to shut door on one-man show

* Schoenburg: You can count on the governor to fudge the numbers

* Statehouse Insider: Blagojevich’s remarkable string of coincidences continue

* Gaming bill not winning over some in GOP

* Editorial: Gambling, please lose more

* Opinion: The cost of gambling is higher than you probably think

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 10:01 am

Comments

Madigan vs. Blago, the biggest personality clash in the state ever!!!

Comment by Levois Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 10:14 am
Lincoln v. Douglas was pretty good, too.

Comment by gulag Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 10:20 am
Durbin knows that a mess like this translates into talking points for the opposing team.Why do you think he keeps getting reelected.

Comment by DOWNSTATE Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 10:23 am
Probably the reason that Blago and staffers aren’t losing any sleep over ending Ms. Rains’ contract is that they have, since they came into office, been very clear about considering both state jobs and state contracts as tools of the political process. Rutan, Schmutan, so to speak.

Early in Blago’s first term there were a rash of stories about political hirings and political firings but little public outrage. After a while,
the press stopped writing about them. And Blago got re-elected with a clear if not stunning majority.

This is classic Chicago Machine politics, from which our Blago sprang; some might say he was
a complete fabrication of that Machine. He had no other qualifications for high office. Mayor Daley, I would point out, continues to demonstrate his contempt for the Shakman decree; Todd Stroger is
emblematic of the old-time Democratic political bosses. Only friends and rels get jobs. Shakman, Schmakman, sayeth Daley and Stroger.

So, in Illinois, you take one of those government jobs or contracts at your own risk. And as to the citizens–well, they’ve voted with their feet.
It’s not a big deal.

Comment by Cassandra Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 10:25 am
Blago makes me yearn for George Ryan. There is always something worse out there.

Comment by irishpirate Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 10:30 am
How did his wife get the job, probably via MAdigan. Oh well

Comment by Wumpus Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 10:52 am
Wumpus, she started her job before she married Mapes. Long time ago.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 10:53 am
They must be havign snow-ball fights in Hell, cause I actually agree with Dick Durbin!

Comment by grand old partisan Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 10:54 am
What the Governor’s office did was assure themselves of gridlock for the next 3 years. Madigan has the keys and unless the Republicans take both the house and the senate (unlikely), this mess will continue.

Comment by He makes Ryan Look like a Saint Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 11:01 am
When Dick Durbin is the voice of reason and rationality in Illinois politics, it’s clear to see the direction the state is headed.

Comment by DC Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 11:09 am
Senator Durbin is completely right and I applaud him for speaking up. Take away the need to fund the capital program and ask the question. Does Illinois need more casinos? Is this our most urgent public policy priority? No, and it shouldn’t be our revenue source either. I hope some cooler heads, like perhaps the House Democrats put the breaks on this plan.

I go to the casinos, I like to gamble, but we don’t need anymore. This is a bad idea.

Comment by beavis Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 11:20 am
[…] Quote of the day comes from our state’s Senior US Senator, Dick Durbin (via Rich Miller): “I really, really think we ought to stop and catch our breath and say, ‘Is this the future of Illinois - that every time we want to do something, we’ll just build more casinos?’” he said. “When that becomes the answer to every question, I start to worry about it.” […]

Pingback by Quote of the Day: Bring in the grown-ups « Illinois Reason Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 11:20 am
As Steve Neal said, “Dick Durbin is the Pudgy Huxter.” He should focus on keeping the promises he made on a federal level and keep his nose out of IL state politics. If he wants to get involved, let him run and take some responsibility himself. Again, when I see the U.S. Senate as a body worthy of respect, I’ll take his criticism more seriously. Until then, continue to be the pudgy huxter.

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 11:24 am
She’s been doing the same job for 24 years!

Time to bring in the young blood that can do the job cheaper and better. That will save the taxpayers $$$.

Comment by Leroy Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 11:25 am
Anon, no offense to the departed, but Neal wrote that column after Durbin had shed a whole bunch of weight. And I’ve seen plenty of comments here about how Obama should speak out more on the Statehouse mess, which I tend to agree with.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 11:28 am
Hey g.o.p., that makes two of us. Mark this day down in the annals (or anals) of history. I actually agreed with Dick Durbin once, Oct. 9, 2007. Weird.

Comment by HoosierDaddy Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 11:58 am
The whole state and all of its citizens have become collateral damage in the civil war among the Democratic triumvirate. It’s a lose-lose situation for all of us. Unfortunately, the principals do not appear to be heeding Senator Durbin’s voice of reason.

Madigan still appears to be the most rational and capable of the combatants. I don’t understand why the Senate Democrats have not rebelled against Senate President Emil Jones’ failed/flawed leadership. A Senate coup d’etat seem like the only way to break the log jam and get something constructive done during the next few years.

Comment by Captain America Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 12:03 pm
Hey Illinois! This is what you get for five years of one-party rule in Illinois!

Maybe look at voting for some Republicans next time, so we can avert this nonsense in the future.

Comment by Super Mega Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 12:07 pm
leroy–what makes you think that ‘young blood’ is going to do this job better? And as far as that goes, even cheaper? If position requires a higher degree than sense would tell you that the higher degree will demand additional pay scale.

Comment by Princeville Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 12:28 pm
Senator Durbin said, “Selling off state assets and building casinos will only take you so far.”

Kudos to Senator Durbin on that one.

Senator Durbin said, “I hope that they’ll come to their senses and that the Democratic leaders down there will get together and compromise.”

The adversarial decision making process itself here IS the issue of the day, and the Green Party is the only party officially promoting a solution–a more cooperative and inclusive decision making process. Where are the Democrats and Republicans on this issue dominating the political environment here in Illinois?

The State Journal-Register wrote, “In a just world, Jones would not have the right to simply block democracy like this. But justice and the General Assembly often part ways.”

Kudos to the State Journal-Register on this one.

Are you sensing a trend here? The democratic process itself is an issue, and the decision making process in Illinois is in need of reform.

Rich Miller wrote, “Nobody with real power trusts anybody else with real power in Springfield these days.”

That’s a terrible shame; and in my opinion, it results in an overall lower quality of decisions made.

The Journal Gazette Times-Courier wrote, “In the interest of good government, and in recognition of what the function of an elected legislature should be, we are hopeful Jones will change his stance and allow the Senate to express its will — whether he agrees with it or not.”

Kudos to the Journal Gazette Times-Courier here. They get it–just because you can do a thing does not mean that you should do it. They understand that support for democracy itself is an acceptable criteria by which a legislator should be judged.

Downstate wrote, “Durbin knows that a mess like this translates into talking points for the opposing team.”

Opposing TEAM? Who are you talking about, the Libertarian Party or the Socialist Party? Maybe you’re talking about the Green Party, or all of the “teams” that aren’t the Democratic Party?

Super Mega wrote, “Maybe look at voting for some Republicans next time, so we can avert this nonsense in the future.”

I don’t think people are particularly happy with the Republican Party in Illinois either. In fact, most people with which I speak are pretty disgusted by both the Democratic and Republican parties; and I have seen a marked willingness to listen and learn about other political parties.

Comment by Squideshi Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 12:35 pm
I may not agree with Durbin most of the time, but I respect him for his hard work and candor. He works the state hard and says what’s on his mind, whether it’s partisan BS or his opinion.

If Ms. Rains knew about the additional requirements, she should have entered into a PhD program and completed her doctorate. It would have saved many headaches. If I made $102,000 a year and my continuation of employment rested upon my ability to complete a degree, my butt would be in the front row of the classroom for each session.

Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 12:37 pm
Team,
She would have gotten fired regardless. Don’t buy the phony Phd story. By the way, what kind of contract can be “cancelled” at the whim of one of the parties. Did they have to buy her out?

Comment by Bill Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 12:48 pm
Bill shows once again how far he’s strayed from the company line. Amazing.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 12:49 pm
Make it three because Durbin was right *shudder* on that one. I guess every dog has its day.

Comment by jwscott72 Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 12:54 pm
Just calling them as I see ‘em, Capt..

Comment by Bill Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 12:55 pm
Bill wrote, “By the way, what kind of contract can be ‘cancelled’ at the whim of one of the parties.”

I can think of a few.

Comment by Squideshi Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 1:12 pm
He makes Ryan….

Three years? You’re dreaming. Try seven. No question but that he’s going to run again. And he’ll likely win. With no viable Republicans on the horizon, the race will be over in the primaries. And I really doubt the Dems will exacerbate their obvious divisions by letting anybody significant run against him.

And no, I don’t think Obama is going to save the Illinois Dems. Highly unlikely that somebody who has mounted a real campaign for the Presidency would consider the governorship of a Midwestern state to be a viable alternative. Besides, when Hillary takes over, he’ll be sure to be offered the next Supreme Court vacancy.

Comment by Cassandra Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 1:12 pm
Good grief….. I actually have to take my hat off for Durbin on this one! You know it’s bad when he has to speak out about it. I think he and many other Democrat leaders are past the ‘unbelieving shock of the absolute madness of our governor’ and are now in the mode of realizing the damage he is causing all of the democrats and all the Illinois citizens. And he is spot on in his realization that we shouldn’t be funding a Capital bill on the backs of the old and poor through more casinos. We sure seem to have an over abundance of weak leaders!

Comment by Justice Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 1:26 pm
Seven more years? Not exacerbating their divisions? Supreme Court vacancy? On what planet do you live Cassandra?

Comment by jwscott72 Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 2:42 pm
Cassandra, please!! Barack will be Hilary’s VP candidate. He’d be a fool to say no…I think Dan Hynes would be a great Gov. He has begun to position himself to run…note his apology for the way State government had been conducted at the Dem Day Picnic…

Comment by Loop Lady Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 3:17 pm
Arguing over the future of political candidates with absolute certainty is never a good idea. Just sayin’

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 3:20 pm
There’s no doubt in my mind that a Dem alternative candidate would challenge Rod if he chooses to run again…whadda say Rich?

Comment by Loop Lady Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 3:27 pm
I’d vote for Rich! Wait a sec, I just thought of a new QOTD. What agency would you want to head in a Miller administration? LOL

Comment by jwscott72 Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 3:48 pm
Bill, why shouldn’t I believe that the feds wanted her to get her PhD? When the feds have job descriptions, they typically follow hiring and contract guidelines in a very strict manner. And yes, I know many higher-ups within federal agencies are not always a mirror image of what the job requires, and many contracting companies know how to skirt bidding and hiring rules. But for the most part, routine lower-to-midlevel federal jobs have plenty of requirements and the agencies hire as such.

Like many Dems do with the Bush Administration, I tend to not believe what Blago’s people tell the press.

Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 3:50 pm
Well, in a Miller Administration, at least we wouldn’t have to worry about his living in Springfield.

But, I do wonder about the new “floating” State Capitol Building, or at least the Governor’s offices.

Comment by Judgment Day Is On The Way Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 4:48 pm
I think I’d move back to Chicago to incite mass hatred. lol

Never gonna happen. Never. I like it on this side of things.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 4:55 pm
Hey Kids

I few things. One the Green Party won’t contend until they can raise money. If you need help see Blago’s play book. Second, this stuff happens. If you are related to a high ranking official and they help you get your job or help you keep it, you live and die with their loyalty to certain people. Rains is loyal to Madigan so Rains family pays the price. Also on a seperate note. Careen Gorden and Gary Hannig’s brothers were in DOUBLE EXEMPT or as we normal people call it appointed positions. They serve at the pleasure of the governor so once again we get back to the loyalty issue. Careen and Gary hurt the gov and G-Rod puts the hammer to their family.

Comment by Smart Money Tuesday, Oct 9, 07 @ 7:39 pm
Loop Lady: Hynes was a dismal candidate for US Senate and Madigan couldn’t get the job done with him despite almost every county cahir on his side. Hynes made a fool of himself at the Chairman’s breakfast on Gov’s Day. You can’t claim that you want to fight for people’s paychecks when AFSCME has to take you to court to be sure folks are paid. Hynes — no thanks! Illinois will reject him as they did Madigan’s other failure - Mangeri.

Comment by anon Wednesday, Oct 10, 07 @ 3:57 am
Loop Lady: Hynes was a dismal candidate for US Senate and Madigan couldn’t get the job done with him despite almost every dem county chair on his side.

Hynes made a fool of himself at the Chairman’s breakfast on Gov’s Day. You can’t claim that you want to fight for people’s paychecks when AFSCME has to take you to court to be sure folks are paid. Hynes — no thanks! Illinois will reject him as they did Madigan’s other democratic primary failure - Paul Mangeri

Comment by anon Wednesday, Oct 10, 07 @ 3:59 am
Hey anon,
You better get some sleep. Rod wants to jog early today.

Comment by Bill Wednesday, Oct 10, 07 @ 6:17 am