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Roundup of the ongoing mess

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* The St. Louis Post-Dispatch editorial board has probably been the least critical of Gov. Blagojevich et al than any other paper with wide readership in Illinois. The reason? Their Missouri governor and legislature are dominated by conservatives and the predicament drives them batty. Today, the ed board offered up this interesting bit of perspective on the mass transit mess…

Missouri citizens can only gawk with amazement, and perhaps envy, at all of this. In St. Louis, the perpetually strapped Metro transit system also faces service cutbacks next year. But Missouri’s rural-dominated legislature would sooner see St. Louis residents walk to work in the snow than part with an extra dime for Metro.

* Speaking of transit, former CTA president Frank Kruesi has been hired as Mayor Daley’s top lobbyist in Washington, DC. If he does as “well” in DC as he did in Springfield, Chicago will be bankrupt in two years. The man is not exactly a coalition builder.

* The Pantagraph editorialized today on how it wants to see a final legislative deal done. But two of their suggestions, listed one right after the other, tend to cancel each other out…

– Inclusion of projects in the statewide construction plan should be based on the need for the project, not the need for votes.

– Rank-and-file lawmakers should outline their suggestions and pressure their leaders to reach an agreement.

* Meanwhile, the governor held a press conference with a group of women with breast cancer to illustrate why he was trying to get around the General Assembly…

Cynthia Irvin and other women battling breast cancer came to the news conference to thank Blagojevich for ordering that Illinois tax dollars pay for their treatment.

“I want to thank the governor and the state of Illinois, ’cause I don’t know what would have happened to me if it wasn’t for them,” Irvin said.

The governor was showcasing the women’s plight as an example of why he’s ignoring the general assembly, which failed all year to approve his multi-billion dollar expansion of state-subsidized health insurance.

* He also lashed out at those who would try to stop him…

The governor is calling business leader Gidwitz, whose family owned a cosmetics company, a Scrooge for filing a lawsuit in the Christmas season to deprive women of health care when he has never had to worry about medical coverage.

“It’s mind boggling that the heir of a shampoo fortune would go out of his way to take health care away through the courts. And, yeah, it is Scrooge-like in many ways,” said Blagojevich.

“When you don’t have the facts on your side you resort to name calling. That’s what the governor is doing. It is not about health care. This is about the governor overstepping his authority,” said Gidwitz.

* And then there’s this tidbit from Sneed…

Ho Ho Ho: It must have been a bad case of “Bah, humbug!” that caused House Speaker Mike Madigan to hastily return the red holiday poinsettias sent by Gov. Blago to Madigan’s office.

• • The mistletoe trio: However, Xmas posies dispatched by Blago to the three tops — GOP Senate Leader Frank Watson, GOP House leader Tom Cross and Senate President Emil Jones — were readily accepted.

The trouble with that analysis is that Madigan no longer accepts gifts of any kind. That ended with the Gift Ban Act. He won’t even allow lobbyists to pick up a dinner tab. The Madigan people have asked for a retraction.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 9:55 am

Comments

“The trouble with that analysis is that Madigan no longer accepts gifts of any kind.”

Sorry, that seems like a belated excuse to quiet the press uproar over this issue.

Maybe the question should be asked - has the Speaker ever accepted these Christmas flowers in the past from Blago?

And, if so, why is he flip-flopping now?

We know Mr. Brown isn’t tied to the truth.

Comment by GoBearsss Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:04 am
Rich writes: “former CTA president Frank Kruesi has been hired as Mayor Daley’s top lobbyist in Washington, DC.”

Doesn’t Chicago have about 8 or so “lobbyists” who are elected to represent the city in Washington, DC? (Ten if you include the two representing the entire state, of which Chicago is obviously a big part — economically and demographically.)

Comment by Rob_N Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:12 am
I think that there are several states that are having issues similiar to Illinois. Not so much the specific transit issue, but rather the government being dominated by one party but being unable to reach concensus. Maryland comes to mind.

We are not alone people.

Comment by Anon Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:12 am
Mr/Ms GoBearss:
Thanks for your concerns.
I would have been happy to tell all on the gift policy had anyone asked.
The only media interest I was aware of last night was WMAQ-TV and I sent them a message.
I am not aware of previous gifts. I would expect the same action would have been taken.
Finally I think my batting average on truth is about 1.000. Maybe a little higher
Have a day

Comment by Steve Brown Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:40 am
New scandal erupts!

Steve Brown misleads public - argues batting average can be over 1.000!

I think we should get that tidbit over to Sneed right away.

Back to the subject at hand - do you swear to the the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God, that Mr. Madigan has never accepted flowers in the past?

And, if so, why does he hate the environment?

Comment by GoBearsss Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 10:48 am
Steve,

Thanks for posting…

I guess I will be returning the ‘Thanks for not giving in to the Governor’ cheese basket now…

Comment by OneMan Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 11:04 am
And further-more, this seems to be just another battle in the War on Christmas ™.

It is the season of giving, Mr. Brown, not the season of giving back.

Comment by GoBearsss Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 11:06 am
Frank Kruesi hired by Mayor Daley to be Chicago’s lobbyust in Washington. Forget about the city going bankrupt; with Kruesi on the job, you will probably see the 101st Airborne Division leading an attack on our town after a few of Kruesi’s screw-ups!

Comment by fedup dem Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 11:08 am
If this is true then I’m beginning to like Madigan more and more!

Comment by Levois Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 11:13 am
Anon:
Thank you for pointing out that we are not alone in our dysfunction. We all can find solace in knowing that there are other states as screwed up as ours — NOT!

GoBearsss:
I find you apologists for Milorad just amazing. Try reviewing your missives before you post them sometime. You ridicule Speaker Madigan for returning a poinsettia because it violates his gift ban policy. However, in another post you defend the Governor and his wife for the $200K she collected in fees from real estate transactions involving campaign contributors. Talk about a non sequitor!

Comment by GA Watcher Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 11:13 am
I awlays thought Madigan had the best policy ethicaly. Instead of taking the State plane to a hockey game, taking gifts and trying to fight to show the exception applies, he uses the trues and most ethical system of all. No gifts, ever.

On a side note, Lisa Madigan, although allowed to take contributions from her employees, also prohibits her employees or their families from giving her any campaign contributions. The Madigans have self imposed greater ethics restrictions then any other politician, including Jonees and Blago who seem working hard to stop ethics reform in IL.

Comment by Ghost Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 11:23 am
Guys lets all be really nice and positive. Lets all say really good things about everyone. Lets turn this blog into a love fest where everything is like a trip down candyland. Won’t that be fabulous. Giggles and chuchles all around.

Comment by Golly Ggee Wilakers Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 11:33 am
I always suspected Madagin was susceptible to influence through truth, justice and the American way. Thanks for the clarification of his policy Mr. Brown. It IS refreshing.

Comment by A Citizen Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 11:39 am
It’s well known that the speaker accepts no gifts, and I am pretty confident that previous poinsettias (the Governor’s preferred holiday gift, which keeps his remaining campaign staff busy for a full week driving around to deliver them) were also returned or politely declined.

If I thought they were really that clueful, I’d suspect a set-up — the Governor mentioned it to the press because he knew it would be returned, and they could leak it to a crack journalist. But I don’t think they’re that on top of things.

Comment by Validator Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 11:45 am
I’m sure I’m not totally educated on the IL Gift Ban and the Ethics but from what I could see Speaker Madigan did right. While some gifts under a set amount could be kept, it seems the Speaker has decided to play it safe and accept no gifts. Good for the Speaker. Act said gift should be returned or should be donated to charity. There was something about $50, but then it would be pretty rude to phone the gift giver and say how much they paid for this or that.

And as a side, I’d rather hear Mr Brown than the silly spins we’ve been hearing out of Blago’s spokeswomen lately.

Comment by Princeville Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 11:45 am
It’s a frikkin’ poinsettia!

I am not defending anyone. I am ridiculing the supposed high-mindedness of Madigan and his supporters.

It’s like returning a Christmas card!

Get real and admit that you can’t stop being petty, even for the holidays.

Comment by GoBearsss Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 11:46 am
About Blago’s press moment yesterday. My heart went out to Cynthia Irvin and I wish her all the best, but I rather resent Blago playing the sympathy not here and trying to get citizens to ignore laws, rules and constitutions just because of a healthcare expansion. Worthy or not, it’s got to be legal and follow procedures. Now I feel like a scrooge too, but it doesn’t change my mind that Blago is wrong and needs to be stopped.

Comment by Princeville Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 11:51 am
Go Bearsss so you think a blanket position of no gifts is bad. Instead its better to accept some gifts because you think they are low value? and then get into debates about the value and intent of the item.

AFter all Blago accepted was presented with just a freaking kitten…(worth 3500!!!)

it seems complaining about an easy to follow and apply position of taking no gifts is the smartest way to proceed and avoid the whole debate about the value of the gift.

A large poinsettia runs 75-100 or more with delivery, assuming a basic pot. Put a nice pot on it and your over 100.

Comment by Ghost Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 11:57 am
—It’s a frikkin’ poinsettia!—

GoBearsss, I hate a poinsettia plant. I hate roses too, make me sneeze and itch. And I guess, yes, I can’t stop being petty even for the holidays. I admit I am a Madigan supporter, but sending a gentleman a gift when you know he does not accept them is tacky.

Comment by Princeville Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 11:59 am
To Steve Brown: With a batting average like that you better watch out they will start investigating you for HGH or Steroids.

Comment by He makes Ryan Look like a Saint Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 11:59 am
Go Bearss said: “It’s like returning a Christmas card!”

He does that too from time to time, depending on the card’s sender and the message Madigan is sending back.

You can call it petty, I call it thorough.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 12:06 pm
Something makes me doubt that Blago would spend $100 on Speaker Madigan, but that’s just me.

Look - I can’t believe you guys are all taking this so seriously. I could say it means you are too sensitive and defensive. But I know it is just the knee-jerk reaction around these parts.

What I was trying to do was make fun of the situation - that Madigan would make such a big deal that he wasn’t going to accept a Christmas greeting from the Gov.

Why such a desire to stand-up the Gov over something so pointless and meaningless?

Comment by GoBearsss Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 12:08 pm
- GoBearsss -
In the spirit of the Holiday Season I for one accept your apology.

Comment by A Citizen Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 12:18 pm
How can Sneed get it so wrong so often and still have a column? Her tidbits about what is happening in the Capitol have been way off this year in many instances. I’d trust her to tell me where Madigan was spotted at dinner, but that’s about it.

Comment by Truth Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 12:24 pm
Haha

I’ll see you gathered with me and Steve Brown around the Christmas ham.

Comment by GoBearsss Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 12:41 pm
Say what you will about Madigan, his stance (and stick-to-it-ness on it) is admirable for a public official. As for Sneed, what can I say that several others already haven’t?

Comment by Snidely Whiplash Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 12:48 pm
Anyone else think Sneed uses an eight ball to verify her news stories….clearly a phone call to those invovled is not utilized.

Comment by Ghost Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 1:14 pm
Go Bearsss I think you mean a Holiday Hamflavored-Soy block. Don’t want to offend anyone.

Comment by Ghost Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 1:29 pm
Frank Krusei as lobbyist for Chicago–it does get him far away from Chicago, at least some of the time.

Comment by Bebe Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 1:47 pm
When Madigan received the flowers from blago, he suddenly realized that he had forgotten to get a gift for blago. Madigan did what everybody does, he regifted the flowers.

Comment by Huh? Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 2:00 pm
Mr./Ms GoBearss:
Seems like the real question is why the Gov’s staff decided to announce the gift had been returned?
Let reprise a old line and point out that I am not a psychiatrist so I cannot venture an answer to the question.
Happy Holidays

Comment by Steve Brown Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 2:33 pm
I saw that item in the Sun-Times. There are few posters here as anti-Mike Madigan as I am and if this is true (that his refusal of the gift was consistent with a general refusal) then Sneed should definitely issue a retraction.

Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 2:33 pm
Here is what Sneeds retraction (if it comes) might look like….

I was finding a way to work Ann Burke, Lelie Hidleman and Sugar Rathbord into a item while eating some Yum Yum food at when I learned that Mike Madigan doesn’t accept any gifts…
The Buckshot. I guess he doesn’t like stuff
The backushot. Looks like the governor has an extra flower.
Then again you read this already on the internet, like some of my other items, natch!

Comment by OneMan Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 2:37 pm
Sneedy Journalism?

Comment by Ghost Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 2:50 pm
Did the Gov’s staff announce it or did you announce it Mr. Brown?

If you did announce it, why did you feel you needed to be so bravado about flowers?

If you didn’t announce it, how can we believe what you are saying isn’t just spin after the fact to try and do damage control?

The people of this state are demanding answers on Poinsettia-Gate, Mr. Brown. And don’t you dare place a big red “Return to Sender” on my request.

Comment by GoBearsss Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 2:54 pm
GoBearsss, it was the governor who made a big deal out of this. Let’s move along, shall we?

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 3:17 pm
Rich,

Why move along? This situation is too comical to pass up.

I was just starting to have fun.

Comment by GoBearsss Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 3:23 pm
The truth is this; in the ongoing back and forth between the Governor and the Speaker there is an adult and there is a child. And we all know which is which.

Comment by Truth Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 3:28 pm
This poinsetta thing reminds me of an old funny story explaining how the “Angel” ended up at the top of the tree. Something about ticking off Santa with one too many questions - to wit, ” Santa, where should I put the tree?”

Comment by A Citizen Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 4:10 pm
Go Bearsss - Your humor is steadily growing from mildly irritating to rather annoying.

The situation is not as amusing as you would like to believe. It’s actually fairly straight-forward (from the Speaker’s perspective) and sad (from the Governor’s perspective).

It’s a shame that such a little thing is the latest pawn in the game of “gotcha” going on in the Statehouse these days, but apparently it is.

As Rich said “Let’s move along.”

Comment by Wanna get away Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 5:07 pm
Hey Steve, did Filan calculate your batting average?

Moving along, I can see it now as the Stealth Bombers turn in for a pass over City Hall…”Mr.Mayor,Vice President Cheney just called. He said that he had just put the “no-fly zone” that Frank said you wanted into effect and to sit tight.”

Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 5:59 pm
I think Frank K will do quite well for the city in DC.

Comment by steve schnorf Saturday, Dec 8, 07 @ 12:00 am