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Under the bus he goes * UPDATED x2 *

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Illinois

* The governor throws Mayor Daley under the bus…

Blagojevich, who was roundly criticized last week for attending a hockey game in Chicago while the Illinois House was defeating a transit bill in Springfield, points out that Daley is traveling to Italy this week instead of joining the fight for a transit bill.

“It would be very helpful to have the mayor help us during crunch time to get the legislature to pass a solution for the Chicago Transit Authority,” the governor said.

While a good point, it’s probably not the best idea Blagojevich has ever had. Daley said he’d be back soon and didn’t expect anything to happen between now and then.

* Blagojevich went on to criticize Speaker Madigan…

Daley’s trip and Madigan’s refusal to attend high-level summit meetings is infuriating the governor, who launched into an expletive-filled tirade against the mayor and the speaker after ABC7’s taped interview. Blagojevich said he is wondering why everybody criticizes every move he makes while the other leaders seemingly get a pass.

Again, another good point, but it looks awful whiney. [Emphasis added]

* After tossing hizzoner to the wolves, the governor hopes to get his cooperation…

“I intend to call Mayor Daley (Thursday) and ask him to go with me to Springfield early next week to lobby the legislature and get this done,” Blagojevich said. “I hope to have a long conversation with him (Thursday) about this.”

* Apparently, the guv did interviews with three of the four “major” network affiliates. No such luck for Channel 2, which did the big expose on him last week that’s gotten Blagojevich into so much trouble. Fox News Chicago also scored an interview. Watch their story here.

In that story, Daley clearly states that transit funding should not be linked to gaming expansion. But he did say during his press conference yesterday that capital projects are very important. You can listen at WBEZ or below…

[audio:cityroom_20071205_newsintern_Chic.mp3]

* More stories, compiled by Paul…

* Daley demands stop to CTA doomsday merry-go-round

* Daley, union pushing for a transit fix by year’s end

* Press Release: Do nothing proponents strike again

*** UPDATE *** From the AP…

Illinois Senate President Emil Jones assured a Chicago civic group that lawmakers want to bail out the Chicago Transit Authority.

But Jones says lawmakers shouldn’t be blamed for the CTA’s financial crisis, which he says was caused by years of mismanagement.

*** UPDATE 2 *** From an IL GOP press release…

In light of yesterday’s news report that Rod Blagojevich launched into an “expletive filled tirade” against Mayor Daley and Speaker Madigan over the never-ending transit crisis, the Illinois Republican Party today is launching a statewide soap drive to help clean up the Governor’s language — and the mess in Springfield. […]

All Illinoisans are invited to send as much soap as they choose to the Illinois Republican Party offices in Springfield or Chicago. At the end of the drive, the soap will be donated to local homeless shelters. The soap drive will run through December 20

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 10:34 am

Comments

Daley has already refused to carry the hairbrush.

Comment by A Citizen Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 10:39 am
The trains run on time in Italy.

Comment by Punley Dieter Finn Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 10:48 am
The good people of Illinois are so looking forward to when Governor Blagojevich gets his Christmas / New Years present from United States Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald.
If not this year, we can wait, we are a patient bunch.

Comment by Junior's Boys Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 10:59 am
“The trains run on time in Italy.” - when there isn’t a strike.

Comment by GoBearsss Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 11:07 am
I can’t be the only one hoping that the tape (or at least audio) was still rolling after the interview ended.

Comment by Sacks Romana Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 11:13 am
Blagojevich has no one but himself to blame for the “crunch.”

This guy is a classic. The fact that he’s launching into expletive filled tirades just reinforces his image as a dumb child.

Ad hominem attack? You bet. I’ve had it with the governor. Never again.

Comment by Macbeth Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 11:15 am
I have no pity for the Gov, but Daley pretty much has ignored the CTA and let it be mismanaged during his long term as mayor. Why he doesn’t get more blame is beyond me.

Comment by tom73 Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 11:19 am
The Governor can expect the usual consequences of personal criticism of Richard M. Daley. Hizzoner has a thin skin on personal attacks. Just ask Gary Skoien.

If the Govenor had a brain, he would point out the Mayor’s policies and politicalization of the CTA is a big part of the problem that Springfield is being called upon to fix. The Mayor has gotten a complete pass on that from the Chicago media, for reasons that are beyond explanation. I suppose digging up the facts would be too much work.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 11:19 am
The brilliance of the Governor never cease to amaze me, well that and his ability to act like a spoiled child and his seeming belief that getting less than 50 percent of the vote some how counts as a mandate from the people.

Comment by RMW Stanford Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 11:26 am
So….is Emil taking a whack at Frank Kruesi here?

Anyway, years of mismanagement by hundreds of highly paid Democratic patronage employees (who are mostly all still there, financial crisis or no, I would note)would be a more accurate description of past travails at the CTA.

And I would guess they’ll still be there after the inevitable, if last minute, “bailout.” Perhaps even more of them. With higher salaries for all.

Comment by Cassandra Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 11:27 am
How convenient - we once again have a critical issue at hand that has the blame being passed around among the pols like a hot potato - just the way they like it. Nobody ends up taking the brunt of the political hit for the sad inadequacies of all of the idiots involved.

Comment by BigDog Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 11:27 am
Jones is right, the CTA was mismanaged.

Comment by Levois Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 11:27 am
Hey can we get the tape of me talking dirty on the blog…Meanwhile let’s blame Madigan for putting those swear words in my mouth.
Get Fumbles & Slick Willie draft up another law suit.
No more cussing — unless it is during the Rose Bowl.

Comment by DumberThanYouThink Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 11:30 am
This isn’t good.

We are not seeing a functioning government. The longer we witness a weekly crisis that cannot be resolved by our political leaders, the angrier the electorate will become towards those in power. We are tired of these guys, and they were just re-elected! Talk about voter remorse!

The volumne, longevity, and political fighting we have been seeing is abnormal, even to those whose cynicism is pinned at 10 on their disgust dial. There is a difference between a major crisis making news every few months and what we are experiencing. Voters slough off most crisis events as an expected political occurance. Partly, this is because voters see some kind of resolution or compromise which takes it out of the news and out of their faces. They may even slough off a rate or tax increase if the mood is right, and there is little political negatives.

But what we have been witnessing this year has been what appears to be a meltdown that has lasted so long, and has made news for so long, voters simply cannot slough it off. Worse, there appears to be no end in sight. Voters just don’t like to see this. We hate political problems that are forced on us! When a political leader’s inability to resolve community issues forces voters to deal with it - they will. They will punish the leaders who force them to step away from their busy lives and handle a problem they expected their elected leaders to handle, usually by punishing the elected officials.

This has been going on for far too long to be forgotten. It is in the best interest of the Illinois Democratic Party to demand their their elected officials end the negative parade of voter woes as soon as possible. Even without a GOP, the Democrats have to stop being stupid and start doing their jobs. The stalemates we are seeing are on their heads and voters will start head rolling in November if Blagojevich continues to fail.

Blagojevich has been recently re-elected, and any garbage that he throws at others will not affect him until 2010. By stripping the political environment of bipartisanship and compromise, he has created a negative swamp his opponents must deal with as they seek re-election next year. This political gamesmanship may end the careers of Blagojevich’s opponents as voters react with anger over issues he has massaged into forest fires.

He might be the source of our State’s endless stream of disasters, but he is politically protected from facing voters. And he knows this, doesn’t he?

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 11:30 am
Amazing how it is never Gov. B’s fault…

A quote from a comedian(Steven Wright?) sums it up well. “Sometimes I go off into my own little world, but that’s OK, they know me there.”

Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 11:32 am
Do you ever notice how none of Illinois’s or Chicago’s problems are ever Rod Blagojevich or Emil Jones’s problem’s.
Rod and Emil have been driving the bus for the past five years and just blame everyone else.

Comment by Bassboosa Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 11:32 am
Lets be clear that the governor is the governor for ALL of illinois. While it is important for him to helpo resolve the transit issue, he needs to work with downstate members as well to help get them a capital bill. Therefore, this is everybody’s problem, but, in my opinion, its mostly Mayor Daley’s problem.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 11:37 am
“Jones is right, the CTA was mismanaged”

The CTA might well of been mismanaged, but it is still a government agency that receives tax dollars and the government had a duty to supervise it management.

Comment by RMW Stanford Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 11:43 am
Tom - The reason Daley doesn’t get any blame (and won’t) is because we conveniently have a governor we can demonize.

If Balgo’s approval rating was in the 60s, who to blame for the CTA would be quite obscured.

Blame the bad stuff on the scapegoats. Always a prudent political strategy in Illinois.

Comment by Leroy Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 11:49 am
Oh, and here is the CTA mess summed up courtesy of the Simpsons. Now everyone can understand it:

Homer: Oh! This is a map of nuclear sites around the country. As a safety inspector, I’m responsible for changing most of these light bulbs.

Lisa: Why are there so many burnt-out ones?

Homer: Because they won’t hire me an assistant.

Comment by Leroy Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 11:55 am
Why not antagonize everyone GRod can? He doesn’t have an 08 election (and can demonize his alleged enemies)… Unless hell freezes over, he’s a lame duck for 2010… He’s probably plotting how he can turn his 2 terms into a lucrative career in the private sector.

But Daley + Madigan don’t forget people that have crossed them. EVER. Even if GRod is in a ‘Do you want fries with that’ job, they’ll find a way to get him fired for putting the sandwiches in the bag the wrong way.

Dumb Da Dumb Dumb…

Comment by 312 Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 12:01 pm
ANON

If Blago is the “Gov. for all of Illinois”, then why doesn’t he recognize it, and act accordingly?

His behavior has convinced me, and I believe the majority, that he thinks he is the emporer or king of Illinois. A Gov. is suppose to act in the best interest of the states citizens, not in the best interest of ones self. Thus , the Gov. must not only be concerned, but also be fiscally responsible.

This Gov. has failed completely!!!!!!!!

Comment by MOON Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 12:07 pm
312,
Does Rod seemed scared of Little Dick and Mikey to you? He will be around long after both of them are gone from the scene.

Comment by Bill Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 12:26 pm
VM,
Who’s we? Do you have a mouse in your pocket?

Comment by Bill Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 12:29 pm
Yes, Rod will be around alright, passing his time for the rest of his life in federal prison.
While Richard and Mike enjoy retirement as honorable politicians.

Comment by Territory Ahead Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 12:35 pm
Ask Emil if ComEd was mismanaged before he bailed them out on the backs of Illinois families

Comment by anon Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 12:36 pm
The problem with not being scared of anyone is that you ultimately believe that it’s not possible for anyone to put a boot in your behind. In that context, Ravenswood Rodney reminds me an awful lot of the “Brad Wesley” character from the movie Roadhouse. I know it’s a dumb movie, but Wesley thought he owned the town, exerted financial and physical pressure to put down those who might oppose him, but in the end, a few locals managed to take back their town — with the help of a strong out-of-towner who wasn’t intimated. Perhaps the Illinois version would star Patrick Fitzgerald as “Dalton”.

Comment by DC Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 12:37 pm
“Blagojevich said he is wondering why everybody criticizes every move he makes while the other leaders seemingly get a pass.

Again, another good point, but it looks awful whiney. [Emphasis added]”

Good point? Could it possibly be that virutally “…every move he makes…” seems to be designed to make him, the gov., look like a goofball and designed to cast him in the poorest light possible?

Comment by Let's See Now.... Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 12:51 pm
Where’s all of that testicular fortitude he was talking about?

Comment by ChampaignDweller Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 12:58 pm
I think the virility was not appropriately funded by the GA - maybe it’s part of the BIMP.

Comment by DC Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 1:02 pm
“VM,
Who’s we? Do you have a mouse in your pocket?”

Your question is a good one!

Bill, most people know other people and listen to them. This is called “socializing”. Now, they don’t always talk about the weather, as a matter of fact, they talk about many, many things! Sociologists and Psychologists recognize socialization as an important part of maintaining a healthy mental state of mind.

Give it a shot? Pry your fingers off of that grubby snot-stained mouse and keyboard of yours and talk a walk around. You may see other people! First check to see if they are REAL. If they are, speak to them, (try English), and see if they respond to you. Most won’t - but don’t give up!

Listen to them. By listening to them, you may discover differing views on opinions you hold. You just may hear that some folks believe that taxes are bad, that big government is bad, and that our current Governor is a wackbag. This might cause you some dizziness, so make sure you can run back to your padded cell when you feel faint. Take deep breaths and you will discover that fresh air might clear your Blagojevich-fogged brain.

By socializing in this manner - go slow at first - you will discover that there is a real world out there that is far more enjoyable than the fantasy virtual one you live in. We call this “reality”!

Who knows? Perhaps one day you will become a VanillaMan! Now, I’m not promising you anything - but if Fabio can, I bet you can too!

Don’t give up Bill! We’re pulling for you!

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 1:12 pm
Bill -

Thump. Thump Thump. That’s going to be you going under the bus if you don’t lay off the Kool-Aid. Especially if you’re posting political stuff on state time.

In a strange way, I do admire your enthusiam to defend the indefensible - you may want to consider a career as an attorney for Michael Vick, Larry Craig or Drew Peterson.

Don’t think I’m naïve - I’ve been in politics since 87, when Rod was delivering pizzas - and will be still, when he’s doing it again - in Club Fed.

Comment by 312 Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 1:28 pm
“At the end of the drive, the soap will be donated to local homeless shelters. ”

… those dirty homeless people.

Only Republicans.

Comment by GoBearsss Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 1:45 pm
312
I think that in 1987 Rod was working at the criminal courts building. Since you are a relative newcomer to politics I’ll overlook the remark about state time and assume that you are sitting in your basement while you post.

Comment by Bill Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 2:37 pm
Rod’s reminds more and more of the legendary Chicago Cubs Manager Lee Elia.

Comment by Remembering Lee Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 2:50 pm
Bill -

IF you got out more, you’d know that most/all basements in the 312 area code (a) aren’t residential and (b) don’t get any cellular reception.

Except for the Billy Goat.

BTW, they’re looking for you to defend your ‘hero’ on the newest post. Good luck on that one.

“Wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round…”

Comment by 312 Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 3:13 pm
MONKEY….You’re Brilliant!!

Comment by He makes Ryan Look like a Saint Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 3:48 pm
While Daley has a large hand in the CTA as the mayor of Chicago and while he is a very large scale political figure, I can’t figure out why people want to place all of the blame one him. The CTA/RTA are STATE sponsored agencies that affect a REGION. While the CTA is mostly based in Chicago, its reach is into the suburbs and provides a large link for commuting suburbanites when coming to the city. This is a regional issue - not a Chicago issue; therefore this is a state responsibility. Should Daley be doing more? Of course. This hurts olympic dreams and visions of Chicago being the “greenest city.” Is Daley to blame? In some ways, but not really.

Comment by michael_k Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 3:53 pm
Ok, I’ve got to know. Is it just me or does the press releases and contests coming from the Illinois GOP seem like there are 6 years olds running the place? Illinois Dems are awful…but is this all we got?

Comment by RightGirl Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 4:13 pm
Since when do Republicans give handouts to the poor? If you give them soap, what is the incentive for them to work?

Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 4:38 pm
Michael K: I don’t know of many people who place the entire blame for the CTA on Daley. I don’t as there’s plenty of blame to go around. However Rod has a point when he says Daley has received a pass. Daley should have spent some his abundant political capital on the CTA instead of distancing himself from it for years. Unfortunately the CTA isn’t as sexy an issue to him as the Olympics.

I don’t understand how someone who has shown so little interest in the CTA or a functional recycling program is hailed as a “Green Mayor”.

Comment by Independent Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 5:15 pm
Oh my!!! The soap thing is a GREAT idea. Donate that soap to homeless shelters. The ILGop might actually be on to something.

Comment by Levois Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 5:44 pm
The State GOP should be recruiting, financing and supporting candidates for offices at as many levels as possible opposed to stupid gimmicks such as “Governor for a Day” or “soap.”

They are missing opportunities like there’s no tomorrow, and there is no tomorrow. Their future is now.

It’s like when the Riverside Township GOP used party money to sponsor an elephant at the Brookfield Zoo because “it’s our symbol.”

Or the stuffed elephant collection in the window of the Evanston Township GOP.

Or Gary Skoien’s “bounty” on Mayor Daley which could not be paid by the County GOP treasury if it had to be.

Stop dressing up as Gumby outside the Thompson Center, competing for sidewalk space with the homeless folks passing out Sbarro coupons and think about winning some elections for once.

Now, for the first time in years, you have a chance in some of these races. Stand for something besides power in and of itself.

Rod has already created one circus in town. That’s enough for one state, don’t you think?

Comment by Babar Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 6:19 pm
An “expletive-filled tirade”?

From a guy known to refer to the speaker as “that [effing] leprechaun”?

You’re kidding me.

Comment by A naughty moose Thursday, Dec 6, 07 @ 7:13 pm