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Just how much did that recall vote cost? * UPDATED X3 *

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Illinois

* First there was the millions of dollars in agriculture-related money magically released the day before the recall vote in the Senate…

“The Senate president (Emil Jones of Chicago) came on the floor today and told us we could go ahead and start making notification of our soil and water districts and extension offices,” Demuzio said.

Sen. Demuzio voted “No” on the recall proposal. [UPDATE: Sen. Demuzio did say a few weeks ago that she was going to be a “No” on recall.]

* Then there was today’s announcement that IDOT was moving an office with 150 jobs out of Springfield to Benton and ignoring state law in the process.

Sen. Gary Forby of Benton missed the recall vote, but has a good excuse.

* Now comes word that Stateville prison in Joliet may remain open….

MEDIA ADVISORY

State Senator AJ Wilhelmi will be joined by Senate President Emil Jones to make a major announcement regarding the proposed closure of Stateville Maximum Security Correctional Center.

Sen. AJ Wilhelmi (D-Joliet) voted “Present” on recall.

* As a side note, Rep. Brent Hassert has been downplaying impeachment talk lately…

But until there is more evidence of wrongdoing by the governor, some critics of Blagojevich oppose impeaching him, including the second-highest ranking Republican in the Illinois House, Rep. Brent Hassert (R-Romeoville).

“Somewhere down the line that might change, but right now I don’t see anything that’s impeachable,” Hassert said.

Hassert is on the list of invitees to the Stateville press conference.

*** UPDATE 1 *** The Joliet Herald News has more…

Legislators have found a way to keep Stateville Correctional Center open.

“The word is out that Stateville is not going to be closed,” said state Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi, D-Joliet. “I am proud that we have been able to accomplish this.” […]

State Rep. Brent Hassert, R-Romeoville, said good news is coming.

“Based on my conversations with the governor’s office over the week, I feel we’re going to be in good shape,” said Hassert, whose district includes Stateville.

*** UPDATE 2 *** More magic money discovered since the Senate’s recall vote…

Blagojevich also released an additional $32 million for programs such as medical research grants and community college grants for veterans.

The governor has been saying for weeks that there just wasn’t any money in the budget for these otherwise worthwhile programs and that he had to focus on other priorities, like healthcare… and, apparently, not being recalled.

*** UPDATE 3 *** Legislators, governor’s office flatly deny any pressure was exerted on recall…

On Friday, word spread that the Blagojevich administration was backing off plans to shutter Stateville — the massive state prison in Joliet. An announcement is planned Monday, but Wilhelmi said one has nothing to do with the other.

“Absolutely not,” he said. […]

Asked why he didn’t vote “no” if he felt so strongly, Wilhelmi said, “I didn’t want to engage in what I think is a silly debate. It didn’t deserve any of us engaging.” [..]

Spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff said the projects had been held up because there isn’t money. If senators decide the projects are a priority, the state would consider delaying payments to health-care providers and schools to get around budget constraints. But she denied there was any connection between the local funding and the recall vote.

“No!” Ottenhoff insisted when asked the question.

* But Pat Quinn disagrees…

“The governor really let us down here,” Quinn said. “He was working behind the scenes to keep the recall amendment off the ballot. Voters should be very upset. Instead he was out there opposing it.”

* And…

“I don’t think it is a coincidence at all,” said Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, a prominent proponent of the drive for recall. “[The governor’s office] basically told senators if you want this money back, then you have to vote ‘no’ on recall.”

* And what the heck?

The southern Illinois city of Benton, apparently the leading candidate to become the new home of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s division of traffic safety, has no building that would accommodate the agency, according to Benton Mayor Gary Kraft.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, May 2, 08 @ 2:35 pm

Comments

the slime spreads, and a few glide to what they hope will be opportunism at it’s worst…a photo op at a prison: how appropriate.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, May 2, 08 @ 2:43 pm
A “Friday Night Massacre” at IDOT. How typical of Blago to do this on a Friday.

Comment by Little Egypt Friday, May 2, 08 @ 2:47 pm
He may be subject to impeachment just by virtue of how he handled the recall vote.

Comment by Here's irony for you Friday, May 2, 08 @ 2:53 pm
The bright side is that the governor does seem capable of cutting a deal when it serves his interests. lol

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 2, 08 @ 2:54 pm
So he bribed people to vote no one the recall…he’ll need a ton of money to defeat the con-con.

Comment by Crimefighter Friday, May 2, 08 @ 2:55 pm
The workers probably aren’t that happy, but they have a job….a good job with great benefits, lifetime job security, and a reasonable, no-stress workload. If they don’t want to move, there will
no doubt be plenty of takers.

Besides, 150 jobs would seem like an awfully small number compared with the total number of state jobs in Springfield, still very numerous, I assume, despite the shift to Chicago under Blago.

I suspect most of the incumbents will make the move.

Amazing that things are in such bad shape for the
middle class economically that there would be all this fighting over a tiny number of government jobs. Government work has come a long way. As someone pointed out with respect to federal jobs, they have become like Manhattan apartments. Once
people get one, they won’t give it up.

Comment by Cassandra Friday, May 2, 08 @ 3:09 pm
I heard about this IDOT move over 1 1/2 years ago, now suddenly it is supposed to be something new and tied to a recall vote? Give me a break. Anyway, anyone who moves to southern IL - Benton area - will have access to Illinois’ best kept secrets in natural resources, Rend Lake.

Comment by I love Southern Illinois Friday, May 2, 08 @ 3:13 pm
Rich,
I am not sure what you are insinuating, but this Administration does not do those things. This administration does not trade pork and or political favors for votes. That is not how this administration operates, and you should be ashamed of yourself for suggesting any such thing.

Comment by Jaded Friday, May 2, 08 @ 3:17 pm
:)

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 2, 08 @ 3:17 pm
what is the saying? birds of a feather flock together.

Comment by b-dogg Friday, May 2, 08 @ 3:19 pm
Definitely an “up” week for the governor.

Comment by Macbeth Friday, May 2, 08 @ 3:21 pm
Here’s to Blago for confirming the definition of government as all of my colleagues see it: the inefficient allocation of resources for the benefit of political careers.

Comment by Greg Friday, May 2, 08 @ 3:27 pm
I have the image of a small man throwing little bits of meat to the lion to keep from being eaten. At some point the man runs out of meat, or the lion gets bored with the game.

Either the way, the end seems, inevitably, the same.

Comment by Downstater Friday, May 2, 08 @ 3:30 pm
If cost cutting and opening up jobs in an underserved area is the goal then Blago should forgo daily flights from Chicago to Springfield and move all his Staff and adminstration officials to Benton. That would really boost the local economy with the influx of 6 figure salaries. As a side benefit those same folks could sell the Cook and Collar county residences and build estate mansions in the Rend Lake /Benton area. I-57 could then become their one way ticket to Paradise.

Comment by curious george Friday, May 2, 08 @ 3:30 pm
===At some point the man runs out of meat===

We’re talking about a $59 billion budget.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 2, 08 @ 3:31 pm
===We’re talking about a $59 billion budget.=====

Then I guess it will come down to the Lion becoming bored (or motivated). What will it take to keep Forby on board next week (next month, or next year)?

Comment by Downstater Friday, May 2, 08 @ 3:34 pm
Random thoughts:

On the one hand, this move does not seem to have any basis in logic. I’m sure there are less expensive offices to lease in Springfield than this one. Bill Holland could probably tell you how much the state has spent on leases, and how much they could have saved by buying the buildings outright (some have paid for themselves 2 and 3 times over during the term of the lease, and renewals). And if the work can be done anywhere, why move away from where people already live and are in close proximity to the main office?

On the other hand, private industry seemingly relocates people on a whim, due to “restructuring”, etc., sometimes wisely, sometimes inanely. Most people move and adjust, or find other employment if it is a better option for them. Even private employers are struggling with relocation of one-half of a 2-wage earner family, and often lose valuable employees when their spouse can’t give up their sweet gig.

The private sector analogy: It’s doubtful the stockholders would “impeach” Bill Gates or Jack Welch if they reorganized and 150 employees would be transferred.

Also: IDOT, Corrections, SOS, lots of agencies have a state-wide presence where many if not most of their employees do not work in Chicago or Springfield.

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Friday, May 2, 08 @ 3:35 pm
Would you like to have to relocate for YOUR job? What about the families involved? If an employee relocates, that means his/her spouse needs to find a new job, too. In what everyone agrees is an economically disadvantaged area of the State. Not to mention putting homes on the market in this economy. Springfield is the Capitol - the Capitol is where most State jobs are in other States. And, yes, there are still other State jobs in SPI - but not like there used to be? Doesn’t any one of you actually read blogs by State employees? GRod doesn’t FILL most vacancies, there aren’t that many jobs out there. Most jobs that get filled are Rutan-exempt appointments that he can put his own people in. State jobs don’t exactly grow on trees in Springfield!!!

Comment by Mary Richards WJM Friday, May 2, 08 @ 3:51 pm
Good job stout keep up the good work

Comment by IDOTER Friday, May 2, 08 @ 3:57 pm
Does anyone know if the elite executive staff at TS will be moving with the ones who do the work
I bet not and i bet they all end up with jobs in springfield i agree good job stout

Comment by Anon again Friday, May 2, 08 @ 4:04 pm
You know what the stupidest thing about this IDOT “relocation” is? Traffic safety is a policy wing of the department. They are not field engineers or people who need to be deployed around the state. They are policy people and they NEED to be in Springfield to work with ISP and SOS, and god forbid, the Governor’s office.

This division has great and dedicated professionals, with JDs, PhDs, and MAs, and they do not deserve to be treated as pawns. I wonder how many of these fine public servants we will lose to this dung.

Start impeachment next week. At the very least, have it ready for when the campaign fund gets indicted (coming soon). This guy must be stopped!

Comment by Bud Man Friday, May 2, 08 @ 4:13 pm
There are only 224 openings on work.illinois.gov.

Comment by Crimefighter Friday, May 2, 08 @ 4:16 pm
This is great for Southern Illinois! For those who say the governor has ignored that part of the state, they are wrong. Sparta, the baseball stadium in Marion, and now this bold move. Southern Illinoisans have just as much right to access state jobs as Springfield residents.

Besides, its not like he was popular in central Illinois anyway. Good work, governor!

Comment by Anon Friday, May 2, 08 @ 4:17 pm
Bud Man, I beg to differ. The STUPIDEST thing about the supposed relocation is there’s the Hanley Bldg - aka DOT HQ - right near the leased building. It has MORE than enough room for these employees to just move in there!

Comment by Actually, Friday, May 2, 08 @ 4:19 pm
Government (using that phrase VERY loosely) in IL continues to be a disgrace. Apparently there’s LOTS of ways to achieve pay-to-play. Just lovin’ every minute of it.

Comment by Oh, Gee..... Friday, May 2, 08 @ 4:20 pm
Southern Illinois does NOT have as many rights to these jobs - the capitol is HERE in SPRINGFIELD. If you wanted to work for the Fed’s, you’d move to D.C., right? If you want a job in Springfield, move on over!!!

Comment by Mary Richards WJM Friday, May 2, 08 @ 4:22 pm
Nothing like fear to motivate people to do/not do something. Here are the results of not following the leader.

Comment by Douglas M. Friday, May 2, 08 @ 4:25 pm
Stateville is now going to stay open? Do they mean NRC only? Does anyone here know what the details of this decision are?

Comment by The Toughest Beat Friday, May 2, 08 @ 4:42 pm
[…] Calling it “Magic Money”, the Capitol Fax Blog has details here. […]

Pingback by Ora et Labora » Blog Archive » Hasset, Wilhelmi Keep Stateville Open Friday, May 2, 08 @ 4:51 pm
Extort - to obtain from a person by force or undue or illegal power or ingenuity.

What will it take to keep Forby on board next week (next month, or next year)? NOT MUCH. Forby is more shallow than the baby end of a swimming pool.

Patrick Fitzgerald, are you reading/watching/listening to all of this?

Comment by Little Egypt Friday, May 2, 08 @ 4:52 pm
Does anyone really now how much “magic money” this state has? Somehow I think we’re not in the dire straits that we’ve been led to believe. Perhaps we should have a recall bill every session if that is what it took to get POA to release money already budgeted.

Comment by Just My Opinion Friday, May 2, 08 @ 4:56 pm
The recall vote was a bargain at twice the price. The extra benefit is that the deal irritates Springfield residents.

Comment by Bill Friday, May 2, 08 @ 4:58 pm
Now IDOT is saying they will cover moving costs for employees. Since when does the State do this? Source: Springfield Channel 20 5 p.m. news.

Comment by Little Egypt Friday, May 2, 08 @ 5:02 pm
Bill, heck you irritate us and it costs nothing. So where’s the bargain?

Comment by Little Egypt Friday, May 2, 08 @ 5:03 pm
Lol

Comment by Bill Friday, May 2, 08 @ 5:09 pm
If blago gets indicted before the move is complete will the move still happen.

Comment by fed up Friday, May 2, 08 @ 5:10 pm
gotta love a good shakedown…hope everyone is lawyered up

Comment by Wild Bill Friday, May 2, 08 @ 6:12 pm
State Senator AJ Wilhelmi has proven to be a huge disappoint for many of us that originally voted for him. He is a politically ambitious young man who has let his political ambition override his sense of doing that which is right. He has proven to be a state elected official who willingly serves as the “waterboy” for Emil Jones & Rod and whatever they command him to do. When it comes to making the tough decisions, Wilhelmi manages to always hide by voting “Present” or being absent. Is he a nice guy? Yes but one who lacks the spine necessary to serve the people in Will County. What a shame!

Comment by Charlie Friday, May 2, 08 @ 6:16 pm
Interestingly, this story drew 4 comments on the Southern Illinoisan website — in the very region that stands to benefit from this move — and ALL of them are negative!
Two commenters questioned whether it would benefit local residents since either 1) those currently holding the jobs would move with them, or 2) any jobs that did open up would go only to politically connected people.
While not every state job has to be or necessarily ought to be in Springfield, I cannot for the life of me see how this move can possibly promote “efficiency.” If it’s a policy making office, they ought to be near the other agencies in the capital city. If travel is a factor, they ought to be in the middle of the state.
I suppose the only consolation for the employees is that just because Blago says it doesn’t make it a done deal.

Comment by Bookworm Friday, May 2, 08 @ 7:50 pm
Where was the Facilities Closure Act when those thousands of square feet of office space were being vacated in downtown Springfield and the jobs shipped to Chicago???

Comment by BehindTheScenes Friday, May 2, 08 @ 8:00 pm
Wow, I wonder where all this magic money will be during the contract negtiations that are currently ongoing with many of the state’s union employees?

Hard to say do more with less, when the state reps will get there raises (unless they vote not to), and the gov appears to be handing out vote money like campaign workers hand out cash to contractors to keep them from putting liens on houses.

Comment by Concerned Voter Saturday, May 3, 08 @ 7:03 am
Mary, while the nations’s capitol is DC, not every federal job is in DC. Think through your answers before hitting send.

Comment by Anon Saturday, May 3, 08 @ 7:54 am
Amen to anon 7:54 am, Benton is a beautiful area and Springfield should begin to look at additional ways to increase commerce like the rest of the state. As for Stateville, it is my understanding that the decision was made long before the recall waste of time. What I really want to know is when these reps, who claim to care about jobs, are going to get serious about a capital bill? There is a recall date looming for the House Democrats in Nov.

Comment by t-rex Saturday, May 3, 08 @ 8:06 am