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No prisoners in Illinois’ “civil war”

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Illinois

* My syndicated newspaper column takes a look at some developments in the ongoing Statehouse feud.

On the one hand, this isn’t earth-shattering news…

House Speaker Michael Madigan told a firefighters group last week that he, Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Senate President Emil Jones are engaged in a “civil war,” and that “no prisoners” are being taken.

This isn’t exactly a particularly unique insight. The fight between Madigan and the Blagojevich/Jones alliance started long ago and has been vicious, mean and hurtful to a lot of innocent bystanders. It resulted in an 11-month session last year, along with numerous lawsuits, special sessions and hordes of unresolved issues. I’ve heard it called a “civil war” before, and it’s obvious that nobody is taking prisoners. It’s a fight to the end.

* On the other hand, Madigan’s comments give us an important clue to the future…

But it’s rare that a politician will state things publicly in such a stark manner, so when he does, you can easily get the idea that the situation might be even worse than you thought. And if that’s the case, then we’re in for some true nastiness.

* And the field of batttle was expanded last week to include the House Republicans…

Madigan, who also is the state Democratic Party chairman, has become convinced that House Republican Leader Tom Cross somehow is in cahoots with the Democratic governor, and he took some extreme action to punish Cross for his perceived disloyalty.

On Monday, Madigan unveiled a Democratic candidate against state Rep. Skip Saviano, an influential Republican legislator from Elmwood Park.

Saviano has been a friend and ally of Madigan for years. Back in 1997, for instance, Madigan took the rare step of appointing Saviano to a committee chairmanship, even though Saviano’s Republicans were in the minority. They’ve always been close, and Saviano has been an effective go-between in the ongoing “civil war.” He can talk to just about anybody, but Madigan apparently thought he had strayed too far toward the governor’s position.

The move against Saviano stunned the Statehouse, which probably was the point.

Then, Madigan pushed two very anti-Republican bills to the fore. One would re-establish straight party voting in Illinois, which the Republicans eliminated after they lost the House to Madigan in 1996. Considering the very real probability that Barack Obama will be at the top of the ticket this November, straight party voting could imperil a whole bunch of suburban Republican incumbents.

The other proposal would reinstate another law Republicans got rid of during their two-year hold on total power. The first bill on the Republican agenda in 1995 was repealing the Structural Work Act, which let injured construction workers sue someone besides their employers. Business groups hated the law, and now Madigan wants to bring it back.

A pal of mine said he planned to talk to Madigan about Saviano and the rest of the speaker’s new agenda but had some real fears that Madigan might then turn on him. He’s right. And the same thing goes for the other two main characters in this drama, Blagojevich and Jones. If you’re not with them all the way, then you’re against them, and God help you if that’s the case. It’s why nothing gets resolved. Nobody can mediate this war.

Combine all that with Madigan’s refusal last Thursday to attend the leaders’ meeting photo op to talk about the capital plan, his decision to allow a recall measure to the House floor, and his statement on Friday that Gov. Blagojevich was working “outside the constitutionally-prescribed lawmaking process” and we have a pretty good road map of the near future: bumpy.

* The governor, at least for now, is attempting to take the high road in public…

“My heart is filled today, and I have nothing but love in my heart for everybody and we’re looking forward to getting this done,” Blagojevich said after a meeting with former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert and Southern Illinois University President Glenn Poshard on Thursday. Poshard and Hastert are volunteering their time to help facilitate a capital bill.

* But that recall issue will be a thorn in his side for a while. From a press release…

Reminding Gov. Rod Blagojevich of his promise to “rock the system” with landmark ethics legislation that never materialized, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn Sunday called on the Governor to make good on his pledge and lead the fight to pass the Recall Amendment in the Senate and put the issue before voters on the Nov. 4 ballot.

* Quinn and Rep. Jack Franks are none too pleased with the fate the recall measure is facing in the Senate…

State Rep. Jack Franks and Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn are fuming mad that a state senator who called Franks’ proposed recall amendment “stupid” has become its chief Senate sponsor.

Franks, D-Woodstock, is scrambling to get his proposed constitutional amendment to allow voters to recall state elected officials out of the hands of state Sen. Donne Trotter, D-Chicago, who opposes the measure. Quinn, a long-time advocate of recall, and Franks late last week denounced Trotter’s move to become chief sponsor, just days after the amendment passed the House with the needed three-fifths majority.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 8:53 am

Comments

SO basically last year was a preview, this year the State will acutally be shut down as the heavy artillery comes out. And Rich will be able to retire on the proceeds from the upcoming 24 month budget process.

Comment by Ghost Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 9:06 am
In the mean time the only ones that suffer are the people of Illinois. What the Dems are doing is opening the door for the Republicans to take over again. However the biggest question is will the Republicans get the crap together to find good candidates to challange them?
I think all this infighting will push the public for a Con Con.

Comment by He makes Ryan Look like a Saint Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 9:07 am
I see GRIDLOK

Comment by Dan S, a Voter & Cubs Fan Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 9:14 am
A bit of clarification:

The Structural Work Act just didn’t allow construction workers to sue “somebody other than their own employer.” It went much further and declared that the employee has no responsibility for his own safety.

Construction workers now can sue the general contractors without the Structural Work Act, but a court will look to see if the construction worker did something to cause his own injuries.

With the SWA, the contractor is at fault no matter how careless the employee was. So yes, it is a big deal for business.

Comment by Skeeter Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 9:15 am
The basic state machinery will grind on no matter what happens. The poor will get their welfare checks and Medicaid and Link and so on, DCFS and DHS will continue to bungle no matter who is the guv, schools will get zillions of state dollars unconnected to actually educating anybody, and the legislators will no doubt vote themselves another raise as the national economy fumbles. Greedy contractors will contribute zillions to Blago and will be rewarded, as they always are.

For most middle class Illinoisians, all we can hope for is that this legislative stalemate will
make it difficult for our greedy pols to raise our income taxes. The rest of it has little effect on our real lives.

Comment by Cassandra Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 9:18 am
Is it really a civil war if the shots are only being lobbed from one side?

I think grumpy old Mad-again needs to have a little “me” time so he can get over himself.

Comment by GoBearsss Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 9:40 am
===Is it really a civil war if the shots are only being lobbed from one side?===

You’re not serious, right? I assume that was a joke.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 9:46 am
Now Rich,
Rod did say his heart was filled with love the other day.

Comment by Bill Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 9:48 am
Yeah, for one day. One day does not a session make.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 9:49 am
Rich, don’t you know? It’s the Chicago way.

You take away my pork, I take away your healthcare.

You can one of our guys, we try and can you.

You want to work together to get things done? I don’t show up.

Its the Chicago way.

Comment by GoBearsss Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 10:01 am
How is it possible that a man who opposes a bill even wants to sponsor said bill?

Comment by Levois Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 10:01 am
===You want to work together to get things done? ===

I’ll believe that when I see it. Words don’t matter. Actions matter.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 10:04 am
Levois, it’s because the principal sponsor gets to control if and when the bill is voted on.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 10:05 am
Please enlighten me as to what action you think the Governor could take at this point that would get the Speaker to work with him?

It seems the Governor is working just fine with everybody else. The Speaker seems to be feuding with everybody.

Maybe that’s just me, though. I don’t know.

Comment by GoBearsss Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 10:09 am
A pox upon all their houses - Blago,Jones, and Madigan: the citizens of illinois are caught in the crossfire. State government has become dysfunctional collateral damage. I don’t see any light at the end of the tunnel. Looking forward to future turnover in all three leadership offices at some distant point in the future.

Comment by Captain America Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 10:09 am
If last year was “Overtime Hell” what will this years session be. There are some religions which espouse different levels of heaven and hell. I wonder how low it can go?

Comment by Garp Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 10:10 am
Hopefully long enough to reach Nirvana…

Comment by Kevin Fanning Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 10:11 am
GoBearsss, that would not be my responsibility. But thanks for asking.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 10:12 am
You are welcome.

I struggled with it, too.

Comment by GoBearsss Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 10:14 am
Madigan rewrites Clausewitz: Now politics is war by other means.

Whether it’s sports or politics, I find war analogies trite at best and vulgar at worst. Many Americans currently are risking more than bruised egos and hurt feelings in real wars.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 10:31 am
If this goes on much longer the only option will be to punish all of them. That will be hard to do because there will always be a few who try to suck up(curry favor?).
The whole thing is pretty silly and a waste of time. Nothing is getting done. I might as well just stay home and go to Sox games.

Comment by Bill Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 10:32 am
This will not go on forever. The war is scheduled to end by surrender no later than August 21st so that all of the delegates; and even the “super delegates” can hurry off to Denver in order to claim their righteous position on the national stage at the Democratic National Convention.

Having been battle tested in the art of civil war by then, the Illinois delegation will be well suited exercise geurilla warfare in order to secure the Presidential Nomination for their favorite son.

“At a little before 4 o’clock General Lee shook hands with General Grant, bowed to the other officers, and with Colonel Marshall left the room. One after another we followed, and passed out to the porch. Lee signaled to his orderly to bring up his horse, and while the animal was being bridled the general stood on the lowest step and gazed sadly in the direction of the valley beyond where his army lay - now an army of prisoners.

He smote his hands together a number of times in an absent sort of way; seemed not to see the group of Union officers in the yard who rose respectfully at his approach, and appeared unconscious of everything about him.

All appreciated the sadness that overwhelmed him, and he had the personal sympathy of every one who beheld him at this supreme moment of trial. The approach of his horse seemed to recall him from his reverie, and he at once mounted. General Grant now stepped down from the porch, and, moving toward him, saluted him by raising his hat. He was followed in this act of courtesy by all our officers present; Lee raised his hat respectfully, and rode off to break the sad news to the brave fellows whom he had so long commanded.”

Comment by Appamattox Court Clerk Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 10:57 am
Nothing is getting done at those Sox games either Bill!

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 10:58 am
Like I said before. Elevating the dustup in Springfield to the Army of the Potomac’s and Army of Northern Virginia’s battle for the nation’s soul is profane.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 11:08 am
I will find it hard to believe that these politicians will let voters see a repeat of 2006. Continuing a civil war within the Democratic Party is too risky. Voters will be looking for scalps if they do not see a functioning government this year. The only scalps left are Democratic ones.

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 11:08 am
All this started with Elvis. He’s got to go.

Comment by Snidely Whiplash Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 11:12 am
Hey Speaker - Hands off Skippy!

Comment by phocion Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 11:17 am
Snides,
It happened way before Elvis when the Quinn amendment cut the size of the House and pretty much made Mads Speaker for life and beyond with no accountability to the voting public.

Comment by Bill Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 11:25 am
You do have a point, Bill. Still, it’s never been anywhere near this bad. Madigan’s power is a reality that any governor has to deal with. You ignore the Speaker, you ignore the House. He has to be worked with. Blago can’t just pretend that the House doesn’t exist and govern by fiat.

Comment by Snidely Whiplash Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 11:57 am
“It seems the Governor is working just fine with everybody else.”

Who might that be? The Senate Dems who are in utter disarray? The House Dems who can’t stand and don’t trust him?

The 13% (13%?, Good God, bin Laden probably has a higher approval rating) of the public that he has yet to alienate despite all of his pandering?

The truth is that the Governor has worked ‘just fine’ with nobody - other than Rezko and Kelly.

Comment by Too funny Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 12:00 pm
Too Funny -
And Hoffman.

Comment by Truth Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 12:11 pm
Where do I show up to claim my “military issues?” Uh…General Madigan’s side, of course. Am I blue or gray?

Comment by Civil War Enthusiast Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 12:15 pm
Well isn’t nice to know that we might be talking about last years being the good old days pretty soon as that as the Democrats are tearing themselves apart in Springfield, Illinois fiscal condition will worsen and the state will probably continue to get less and less economically competitive with other states.
While Nero fiddled as Rome burned; Madigan, Blagoejevich and Jones are arguing as Illinois burns.

Comment by RMW Stanford Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 12:17 pm
Vanilla Man,

I didn’t elevate the “dust up” to the status of the Revolutionary or Civil War, and agree to an extent with respect to the everyday political maneuverings of the powers that be in Springfield.

The other “dust up” occurring in Springfield however is an actual constitutional “crisis” the outcome of which deals not only with the powers of government, but a separation of those powers amongst the branches of government as well.

Proceeding un-checked, will allow this Governor (government) to spend monies not otherwise appropriated by the legislature, which were also not incoporated within the budget with an associated revenue source either.

The state is both deeply in debt; as well as tremendously cash constrained, and those who are awaiting a release of properly budgetd and appropriated monies are being adversely harmed by the unilateral expansion of government programs and services.

Ask any Medicaid services provider; including your local independent pharmacist if this is a constitutional “crisis” or just a simple “dust up” , and let us know how they respond.

Ask the people at the University of Illinois Extension program, whose funding was previously appropriated if this is a “dust up” or a constituional crisis.

A big part of the reason that there is insuficient money in the current budget is because the Governor has unilaterally handed out money to questionable beneficiaries for political purposes (See Chicago Lab School marked as Exhibit # 1) without any contemplation of the consequences on state agencies or other legitimate recipients entitled to state dollars which were properly budgeted and appropriated for.

This “dust up” you are referring to may not rise to the level of the Revolutionary or Civil War, in terms of violence and bloodshed, but its roots are noth without significant consequence which go well beyond the threshold of politics or “business as usual” in Springfield.

Taxation without representation was a pre-cursor to the American Revolution. I am not sure at what point the citizenry might actually take up arms but when the pain becomes more widespread and perhaps more deeply understood and felt, the call to arms may not be far behind.

In our more civilized approach to problem solving and government, the citizens will re-install their own government that will operate within both the law and the constitution in exherting its powers over the people.

I have seen this happen in other states, and it is only citizen apathy thus far that has precluded this from happening here in Illinois up to this point.

Comment by Appomattox Court Clerk Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 1:35 pm
Has anyone seen a gold ring with a mysterious ancient inscription in the possession of Blago or Madigan lately? Or heard either of them muttering about their “precious”? That might explain what’s going on (at least to Tolkien fans:)

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 1:49 pm
You can work around almost anything except a person who won’t keep his word and can’t be bound by someone who does. How can Madigan agree to a capital budget when the Gov can amendatorily veto items that were agreed to, and Jones won’t keep his word to restore them, or when the Gov just chose not to spend the money that has been appropriated? Say what you want about Madigan’s contributions to the problem, or about how wonderful the programs supported by the Gov really are, but the Gov has put himself in a position where you cannot work with him. He’s a dictator who can only be obeyed or opposed, but not worked with. And Jones is his enabler, so who can work with him?

Comment by Anon Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 2:46 pm
Most believe Madigan’s comment brought some clarity to the confusion caused when the media tries ro call the crisis a “feud” or “dust-up.”

The conduct of Blaggo, Jay Magoo and their allies (you decide who should be in that group) is reprehensible.

They have been the antagonists. Their bellicose eclipses any thing Madgian might have done — real or imagined.

Madigan has been the voice of common sense over the past 17 months (Blaggo’s ungluing began when he went into hiding right before the ‘06 election).
Madigan has tried to work with Cross. Cross has had at least five chances to approve a capital funding plan. To date he is 0-5.

Some “suggest” this means Cross might not really want a capital plan. Cross feigns support, but will ever vote “yes”?
Some also believe in the tooth fairy and that Skip is Rosemont’s version of Joan of Arc.

Given the history of lawsuits, firings and double crosses it does not seem Madigan or the taxpayers gain anything from meeting with Team Blaggo and new sidekicks Hastert and Poshard.

If Denny and Glenn develop a plan to break Cross’ streak of “No” tantrums they can send it along.

Comment by Reddbyrd Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 3:31 pm
Reddbyrd.

I like good fiction.

Can you do some more?

Comment by GoBearsss Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 3:41 pm
“…Madigan has been the voice of common sense over the past 17 months…”
You haven’t been listening lately, Redd.

Comment by Bill Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 3:44 pm
I understand a lot of the talk on this thread is just partisan bs, but the fact is, Blago and Jones broke the only real rule in politics - keep your word. Without it, gov. cannot operate, as we now see.

Comment by Mr. Wizard Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 4:21 pm
From where old AA sits, Mr. Speaker has been a voice of common sense for a heckuva a lot longer than 17 months.

This ain’t the Civil War, guys. It’s called keeping your word. POA wants to argue about what the word is, is the word the “people’s word”, was that word my idea, or what does “word” mean.

Emil says, “what word?”

I would also agree that the two new additions to Rod’s Capital Club don’t add much to the team besides raising the average age and IQ a fair piece. The Coach is past his prime and deserves a peaceful retirement, and Glenn “The Hot Pen” Poshard seems to be able to gin up enough “lawsuits, firings and double crosses” (in Redd’s words) on his own without leaving Jackson County.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 4:40 pm
well, I guess if we’ve got a civil war and Madigan’s next statement is ‘unconditional surrender’, I’m still riding with Madigan. As reasons already stated above, I won’t repeat it , but there is no working with or compromising with team Blago and to think this state should be willing to put conditions on the use of the constitution and/or laws and rules isn’t playing with Ms John Q Public. Was it not like just Friday Rich had the ’story’ on Rod working outside of the constitution which was a statement by Madigan. I’m drained on hearing Blago go on and on about the right thing to do, the good of the people, for the families, ect. I’ve had enough of the empty promises, the stonewalling, the tricks/games. If Madigan is labeled the ‘bad guy’ here, I’m sure he still sleeps well at night.

Comment by Princeville Monday, Apr 14, 08 @ 5:56 pm