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Davis causes a stir on eve of national convention

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Rodney Davis has shifted on Trump since 2016. He said shortly before that election that he could not vote for Trump after the release of the “Access Hollywood” tape in which Trump talked of grabbing women. But he’s now an honorary co-chair of Trump’s Illinois campaign. […]

“I certainly hope the president is re-elected,” Davis said. “I think outside of this pandemic, we would have had historic economic growth. We would have continued (the) sustained, lowest unemployment levels in my lifetime. I believe that working with the president, we’ve enacted good policies.”

* August 22nd…

In a year of interesting political twists, here’s another one: U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, is an honorary co-chair of President Donald Trump’s campaign, but won’t say if he’ll vote to re-elect the president.

“I clearly chair the president’s campaign, but I’ve learned a valuable lesson from 2016,” Davis said on a recent edition of “The 21st,” an Illinois Public Media show hosted by Brian Mackey. “Unless you tell me who you’re going to vote for up and down the ballot, I’m going to exercise the same right you and every other American has to cast my vote in the privacy of the ballot box.” […]

His position about not revealing his coming vote for president hadn’t changed as of Friday, spokesman Aaron DeGroot said.

* Today…

Rep. Rodney Davis, an honorary co-chair of the Trump campaign, told Playbook through a spokesman Sunday that he “supports the president’s re-election.”

* Meanwhile…

Already political underdogs in a decidedly blue state, holding no statewide offices and serving as the minority party in a veto-proof Democratic legislature, the GOP had fears of seeing its ranks further diminished in legislative and congressional offices in November due to the controversial Trump.

But Republicans in the state have gained a modicum of momentum in recent weeks when House Speaker Michael Madigan, who also is the state Democratic Party chairman, was implicated in an alleged federal bribery scandal involving ComEd and Democratic infighting began over Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s handling of looting and violent protests in Chicago amid racial strife.

“The Republican Party is really getting charged up over all the things going on in Illinois, not just the Chicago issues but the political issues, Springfield issues,” [Bolingbrook Mayor Roger Claar] said. “That’s getting people hyped up.” […]

Now, Republicans are scrambling to keep any momentum and deliver messaging particularly aimed at voters in the suburban collar counties that were once reliably Republican but have shifted ever increasingly toward Democrats.

* Also…

Former Gov. Jim Edgar joins a growing list of Republican leaders who are voting for Democrat Joe Biden over President Donald Trump.

“I think a president should be someone we can point to our children and say: ‘That’s someone we can respect,’” Edgar said when asked by Playbook who he was voting for in November. “I don’t agree with some of his policies, either. But the real issue is character. The president of the United States isn’t going to be perfect. But you don’t want to be embarrassed.”

Four years ago, Edgar would say only that he wasn’t voting for Trump. He wouldn’t say if he backed Hillary Clinton. This time, he’s taking a stand, following in the steps of former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who endorsed Biden last week at the Democratic National Convention.

“I know a lot of people say, ‘but look at the economy.’ Well, the economy wasn’t terrible before,” said Edgar, also ticking off Trump’s handling of Covid-19 and international relations as problematic. “I don’t trust Putin. And I don’t understand why [Trump’s relationship with the Russian president] doesn’t rattle Republicans more.”

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 9:36 am

Comments

I think a governor is a person we can point to our children and say: “That’s someone who didn’t kick the can on state pension funding”

Comment by iggy Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 9:41 am
If the choice going forward in a Raunerite or Republican future
…

I’m with Edgar, all day, every day, twice on Sunday… and the disappointment that is Rodney Davis continues to misread what is happening now, and what future will exist in the party formally known as the ILGOP, and the shrinking of the Raunerite Party because it’s too important to pander to old angry white rural voters instead of doing the right thing beyond the simple politics of division.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 9:44 am
We are not electing a Pope. Besides, most Popes in history have their own problems.

Comment by Hippopotamus Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 9:50 am
=== We are not electing a Pope===

That’s *never* been a standard, but supporting an overt racist, a divider of our nation, and a man who lacks sympathy and empathy and sees 1,000+ deaths a day as… “it is as it is”…

If that’s *still* cool with folks to support that candidate, that’s on their *own* character, not on the known president’s persona.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 9:53 am
“And I don’t understand why [Trump’s relationship with the Russian president] doesn’t rattle Republicans more.”

Good question, this.

Comment by Rich Hill Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 9:53 am
Always impressed by Rodney Davis’ jellyfish like spine.

Comment by ILPundit Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 9:55 am
We’re not electing a Pope, but we’re not electing the head of The Outfit either.

Comment by West Side the Best Side Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 9:57 am
I have no doubt that when it ultimately serves Davis’ own interests that he’ll claim he was never on board with Donald Trump. But for many it will be a bell that will never be un-rung.

Comment by Pundent Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 10:01 am
Well, the economy was good in the 1990s, but Republicans wanted Clinton out because of moral failures. What’s the difference now?

Comment by Steve Rogers Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 10:06 am
Why would anyone be an honorary co-chair of a campaign If they can’t publicly admit they are voting for that candidate?

Comment by thoughts matter Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 10:07 am
Thank you Gov. Edgar for being reasonable and acknowledging the damage this president and his supporters caused. The country needs more leaders like the former governor.

More Republicans are not rattled by Trump because the base loves him, for one. It’s easier to be outside of politics like a former governor, president and congressperson, and oppose Trump. But still, it’s great to see our former governor not supporting this president.

Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 10:08 am
Rodney Davis and Darrin LaHood will never be profiles in courage.

About 6 or 7 years ago the district I was working for at the time went through a minor outrage when the high school Scholastic Bowl Team shirt featured a depiction of a shirtless Putin riding a bear. It was a comedic representation, the kids found it, thought it was funny (it was) and put it on a T-shirt.

The community was a very conservative and religious one. Some of our more pious members were outraged that such a horrible despot was featured on the t-shirt.

Fast forward a few years and these are the same folks with trump banners in their front yard and believe Putin when he says he didn’t mess with our elections.

Like Jim Edgar, I will never ever understand that.

Comment by JS Mill Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 10:11 am
I have never bought into the Rodney Davis bi-partisan façade. No big deal. Edgar’s observation on the other hand is something I have also wondered about. Hypocrisy in politics is a given. But the fact that Republicans have overlooked and passed on things in this Administration that would have had them marching on the Capitol with pitchforks had they been done in a Clinton Administration is unreal. How many credible people have to tell them something is wrong before they believe it?

Comment by Bemused Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 10:17 am
I give Jim Edgar lot of credit. He is being honest about where he stands politically. Jim Edgar is for big activist government. Why wouldn’t he support Joe Biden ? Jim Edgar’s voice doesn’t hold much sway with most Illinois Republican voters in 2020.

Comment by Cook county thinker Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 10:23 am
Not publicly stating that he will enthusiastically vote for the Dear Leader? That deserves a mean tweet from Trump bigly.

Comment by Can Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 10:29 am
=== Jim Edgar is for big activist government.===

LOL, you don’t know Jim Edgar.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 10:29 am
== Not publicly stating that he will enthusiastically vote for the Dear Leader? ==

It doesn’t matter if he votes for Dear Leader as long as he votes *with* Dear Leader. And that he does consistently.

Comment by olddog Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 10:32 am
=== We are not electing a Pope===

That’s good because I don’t think the Pope has enough children to take over all those nepotism jobs the White House has created in the last three years

Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 10:32 am
Looks like the pancake house is running a special on waffles again. How can you be an honorary chairman for the campaign of somebody you’re not going to vote for? Seriously, Rod? In or out.

Comment by The Ford Lawyer Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 10:35 am
===Jim Edgar is for big activist government.===

Thanks for the belly laugh. Reading that nearly cured my hangover.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 10:51 am
Davis better hope that there are enough committed republican voters in the district because he offers no rationale for reelection other than the fact that he is a Republican who wants stay in congress.

Comment by slow down Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 10:53 am
=== But Republicans in the state have gained a modicum of momentum in recent weeks when House Speaker Michael Madigan…===

I’m gonna stop ya there.

Who are these *new* voters that “because Madigan” will now magically become Raunerites?

“I’m unemployed”… “I’m going to be evicted from my apartment (my home)”… “I was sick. Family and friends, sick”… “my business is close to failure”…

…

“But… forget all that. Madigan? Yeah. This is the year I vote against Madigan”

- says no one.

Pathetically foolish, sadly expected, and lacking vision or thoughts to leadership, policy, or politics.

“Because Madigan”

The Trib has learned ZERO

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 10:55 am
While RapidRodney was doin’ a great job on his exit interview tour of the 2020 election cycle he really stole his own show with the “secret ballot” trick.
Very smooth. Why would GOPies of any shape or size give this mope a vote? BYEEEEE

Comment by Annonin' Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 10:57 am
Hoping that come 2021 we won’t have Rodney Davis to kick around any more.

Comment by Collinsville Kevin Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 11:00 am
As much as I dislike Davis, I still think he’s going to win. If I were Londrigan, I’d urge an outside group to run ads highlighting the fact that he won’t commit to voting for trump (i.e., “Rodney secretly supports Joe Biden”). Probably won’t make any difference, but it’s worth a shot considering the number of hardcore Trump supporters in this district. After all, this will likely be Betsy’s last chance at the seat.

Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 11:14 am
I figured Rodney’s embrace of Trump this cycle was as much about trying to excite his base for 2020 as it was for him laying the ground work to be able to win a three way primary in 2022 when he is lumped in with Mary Miller and Mike Bost but I guess not with his recent coyness.

Comment by Concerned Dem Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 11:15 am
^. old angry white rural voters ^

For someone that decries regionalism, you sure like to dish it out. If acting like a democrat is what it takes to win in Illinois, why bother having a Republican Party? Its not a club, its a group of individuals with similar ideals. In the Republican Party, those ideals are largely conservative.

Comment by MIS Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 11:15 am
And that is my thinking on why I am a Republican Against Trump. It is no longer the idea that Trump is immoral but I believe voting for him is an immoral act.

Comment by R. A. T. Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 11:21 am
==We are not electing a Pope. Besides, most Popes in history have their own problems.==

When someone admits they have crossed the rubicon.

Comment by supplied_demand Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 11:24 am
Anyone paying attention knows that “Where’s Rodney” likes to have it both ways. His bipartisan schtick wore thin years ago. Have the courage of your convictions, dude.

Comment by Jibba Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 11:36 am
The answer to Edgars question is fear of a mean tweet. None of the nstionsl R’s will be getting chapters in an updated edition of Profiles in Courage.

Comment by The Way I See It Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 11:37 am
“he’ll claim he was never on board with Donald Trump”

This alternative fact was disproven when he agreed to be tramp’s honorary campaign chair.

Comment by Huh? Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 11:45 am
==In the Republican Party, those ideals are largely conservative==

I think you’re being generous. The republican party literally doesn’t have a platform this year except for “elect Trump and whatever he wants to do, we support”

Comment by Woof Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 11:57 am
=== For someone that decries regionalism, you sure like to dish it out.===

Good on you not denying the old, angry, white, rural… thanks for that.

=== Its not a club, its a group of individuals with similar ideals. In the Republican Party, those ideals are largely conservative.===

So… consecutive means… old, angry, white, rural?

No wonder the Raunerites are not only supporting an overt racist in Trump, the traction towards brining in diversity or women isn’t a thought.

You said it yourself;

“Its not a club, its a group of individuals with similar ideals. In the Republican Party, those ideals are largely conservative.”

Self owning is the gaslighting of foolish thinking.

The goal of a party is to find majorities to govern, not be “thrilled” of “like minded people”

Thank you. You proved my point. Congratulations.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 12:03 pm
Trump got less than 39% in IL in 2016. Not a lot of main streamers lining up to head that campaign knowing they have no intention of putting resources here.

Trump is playing margins most don’t understand. If your in the 2-7% of undecideds in the 8 or so battle ground states and 1500 days of Hate Trump 24/7 hasn’t swayed you, it won’t sway you in the next 75 days. So he just bates the haters into the name calling that pushed him to win in 2016.

Its been 4 years and liberals have still not figured out that Trump baits them into reactions and completely controls the narrative.

Comment by the Patriot Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 12:22 pm
=== Trump is playing margins most don’t understand.===

“David Axelrod”… we all here get it, it’s the electoral college.

=== If your in the 2-7% of undecideds in the 8 or so battle ground states and 1500 days of Hate Trump 24/7 hasn’t swayed you, it won’t sway you in the next 75 days. So he just bates the haters into the name calling that pushed him to win in 2016.===

So think on this;

Supporting an overt racist who can’t win a majority of voters in the country is using division and hate to win “by a vast minority” by feeding all that is bad in dividing the country…

… and you’re cheering it.

Tell me more about not understanding the electoral college and spin towards hate. Educate.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 12:28 pm
-We are not electing a Pope.-

Well that’s good, because I think they have to go to church and know how to hold a Bible.

As for Rep. Davis, totally spineless.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 12:51 pm
I used to be a big tent Republican. After Rauner and Trump I support moving to a new tent. I don’t think the Republican Party can be shifted from its core troglodytes.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 12:52 pm
I mean, it’s nice I guess that former Republicans like Edgar and Kasich and others have endorsed Biden, but let’s be real. NONE of them could’ve won a Republican Primary in 2020, let alone an actual election as a Republican. In other words, they’re not bringing anyone along with them.

Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 12:58 pm
…I don’t agree with some of his policies…
Specifically which one of Biden’s policies do you agree with.

Comment by Blue Dog Dem Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 1:01 pm
=== they’re not bringing anyone along with them.===

They are part of the Republicans (like me) who wont support an overt racist who sows fear and alienates moderates and conservatives, and even some religious conservatives who see Trump’s use of a Bible in front of a church after tear gassing protesters as wrong.

“they’re not bringing anyone along with them.”

It’s not about leaders, it’s about en masse saying “we don’t support a man who doesn’t represent the best of a party or America.“

Narcissistic thinking wonders about individuals

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 1:06 pm
=== NONE of them could’ve won a Republican Primary in 2020===

That’s a good thing.

It highlights how thin and small Trump has made the former GOP.

Edgar or Davis?

Choosing Davis is not understanding Edgar.

I like knowing folks who dismiss Edgar for Trump. It helps.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 1:08 pm
I’m glad Gov. Edgar gave the handling of COVID as a reason for his intended vote. If people don’t bring up the body count I don’t give a fig about the rest.

Comment by yinn Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 1:09 pm
=In other words, they’re not bringing anyone along with them.=

I think you’re missing a much larger point. We know that Trump has almost unprecedented support among those that identify as Republicans. November will be just as much of a referendum on the GOP as it is on Trump. Whether it’s staffers, strategists, and former party stalwarts each day we see another group of “Republicans” speak out against the President and the danger he represents to democracy. There’s no doubt that the President has unprecedented support within the party. The real question is how viable is the party at this point. We’ll have our answer in November.

Comment by Pundent Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 1:17 pm
“Jim Edgar’s voice doesn’t hold much sway with most Illinois Republican voters in 2020.”

“In other words, they’re not bringing anyone along with them.”

The problem for the GOP is that they don’t have to bring anyone with them because they have already left the party. Even if Trump somehow manages to win again, the GOP has moved out of the mainstream, and I’m not sure they are ever coming back. You can win with a hyper-partisan approach for a while, but I don’t think that is a viable long term strategy.

Comment by Pelonski Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 1:38 pm
“Former Gov. Jim Edgar joins a growing list of Republican leaders who are voting for Democrat Joe Biden over President Donald Trump.”

The firm and steady voice of true Republicanism…once again.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 1:43 pm
Gov. Edgar is not concerned about the economy because he’s got the golden public employee pension(maybe more than one) plus the state health insurance. Very disappointing.

Comment by Old Lobster Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 4:12 pm
==Gov. Edgar is not concerned about the economy==

And you get that from where? Because someone doesn’t support Trump you must automatically not care about the economy? I agree with Edgar. The economy wasn’t bad before.

Comment by Demoralized Monday, Aug 24, 20 @ 4:46 pm