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* This excerpt from a story about yesterday’s Obama inauguration is perhaps the most endearing item I’ve ever seen about Governor-in-waiting Pat Quinn…
Not all of the seating for the Illinois delegation was so glamorous. Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, the top state official in Washington for the festivities, had a ticket in a standing-room-only section.
After a security agent told those in his group to get down because they were blocking the views of others, Quinn was forced to kneel on the Capitol grounds next to a tree.
“I was on my knees, literally,” he said. “But I was happy where we were.”
Blagojevich would’ve thrown a fit and dispatched his state police entourage to snag him a seat with the VIPs. Quinn just kneels down next to a tree and is happy about it. I mean, even Mel Reynolds got into the good seats. Mel Reynolds, the former convict, for crying out loud.
Unless Blagojevich can convince a federal judge to step in and halt the Senate’s impeachment trial, we’re literally just days away from an entirely new era in Illinois government. And no matter what you think of Pat Quinn’s ideas and his leadership style (or lack thereof), that’s not a bad thing.
Discuss.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 9:36 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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“The first shall be last and the last shall be first. For many will be called, but few are chosen.” — Matt 20:16
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 9:43 am
Rich, that story is amazing. Nut you are quite correct as to how Blago would have responded.
Comment by fedup dem Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 9:43 am
“A public office is a public trust.” Remember that one? Music to my ears. Whoever got tickets for Mel Reynolds should be strung up by his or her thumbs and forced to listen to an endless loop of Dubya’s greatest bloopers at ear-splitting volume.
Comment by Excessively rabid Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 9:44 am
When President Obama said “the time has come to set aside childish things” yesterday, I could not help but think of the man presently occupying the office Pat Quinn will soon have.
Comment by Boone Logan Square Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 9:45 am
I agree with your conclusion. Mr. Quinn may or may not be many things, but he has never demanded the kinds of commonly expected extravagences usually expected by the elected class.
Comment by Plutocrat03 Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 9:46 am
I always considered Pat Quinn to be Illinois’ Jerry Brown. I think that after Blagojevich, voters will like Mr. Quinn.
His challenge will be making the difficult decisions ahead without losing support.
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 9:55 am
My inclination toward any “new eras” in Illinois government is to remain very reserved. We have one Governor in the can, and the current one who campaigned and won(!) under the “reform and renewal” banner possibly on his way to a new home in Wisconsin or South Dakota. Trading one lemon for another still gives you a lemon.
On the optimistic side, perhaps Illinoisans will get a good governor in Patrick Quinn since we did not elect him to the office. The electorate’s track record for choosing chief executives sure does not give us any bragging rights.
Comment by Captain Flume Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 9:56 am
I’m become an big fan of Pat over the years. I used to think he was just a guy with a bag of tricks (Sunday pressers etc.), but I really have come to admire him over the last several years. Becoming governor will be a big test for him. However, I am optimistic that he will be up to the task. We need him to be.
Comment by Niles Township Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 10:00 am
Sometimes, attitude is everything.
Comment by Concerned Observer Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 10:00 am
The attitude PQ exhibited is refreshing.
Comment by Nuance Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 10:04 am
Kneel before his holiness, Obama. Get in line, Quinn
Comment by Wumpus Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 10:10 am
Nuance took the words right out of my mouth. I don’t care who you are, kneeling in the grass like that and not putting up a fuss about it shows class and humility.
Comment by J boogy Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 10:11 am
It is hard to get excited about any political people. They say one thing when they get in office and then they do something else…Many of them end up in jail like our great Illinois leaders do. Mr. Quinn might be a good guy…I don’t know..When the present governor and his cronies took my job at IDOT that I had for 19 years, I wrote Mr. Quinn and told him what happened. I never got an answer. I guess that’s OK.. Reporters aren’t interested in what I have to say either. I could have been a good choice for Mr. Quinn’s new group to study state corruption, because I was victimized by it.
When my retirement checks start coming, they will be a lot less than what my former co-workers will be getting.. They also enjoyed having insurance all these years too since May of 2004. By the way, when that group starts it’s work, I could supply a few more names of people who need to be locked up along with the present governor…
Comment by John Ghrist Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 10:13 am
The problem with a LOT (Not ALL) but a LOT of politicians is their EGO gets way too big and they forget where they come from. The act as if they are more important than their voters.
The Lt. Gov’s attitude is very refreshing and I hope he doesn’t change as he becomes the GOV.
Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 10:15 am
Pat Quinn should be studying up on the career of Richard Ogilvie.
He may not be around for long. But he’s got an opportunity here to become one of Illinois’ better governors of the past half-century - precisely _if_ he’s willing to make some choices that alienate the electorate, in the short run. Madigan would love to shovel off some unpopular fiscal choices onto Quinn before Lisa gets set for her run.
He might never be a great politician (there are plenty of those in IL Democratic circles anyways), but he might yet secure his spot in IL history as a great statesman. We haven’t had too many of those.
Comment by ZC Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 10:17 am
Character is what you do when no one is looking; finally something to look forward to.
Comment by lifer Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 10:22 am
Can I also say, on a slightly unrelated note, what a strange, wonderful world it is? In terms of unpredictability, this is better than March Madness. Better than _Survivor_. How many people, in January of 08, had penciled in, “Governor Pat Quinn and US Senator Roland Burris”?
Comment by ZC Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 10:22 am
Hey John,
Did you mention in your letter that you were a republican flack who got his job through patronage? Live by the sword and all that. Why was getting rid of you corrupt? It seemed like good gov’t to me.
Comment by Bill Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 10:23 am
I have a friend who used to work in Quinn’s office when he was state Treas. My friend would tell me about some of the ideas Quinn would come up with. Many sounded quite off the wall to me. However my friend pointed out to me that Quinn always had the best interest of the citizens at heart and he was an honest man.
Comment by Leave a light on George Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 10:24 am
lol, Bill, that war is over, man. Move along.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 10:24 am
what an excellent reminder that real citizens still remain in politics.
Comment by publius Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 10:26 am
I’m at the point where I don’t care who takes over for Blago, just as long as Blago is gone. I’ve saved only one front page newspaper in my life and that is the one with the headlines “IMPEACHED”. I look forward to adding a second to my collection - “CONVICTED AND REMOVED”.
Quinn is inheriting a mess for sure but if he shows true leadership and makes tough fiscal choices for our state, I can’t help but think it will not be held against him should he decide to run and earn 4 years from the voters. I believe Illinois has a better informed electorate than we were even just 2 years ago.
Comment by Just My Opinion Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 10:26 am
Coming up with an off the wall idea isn’t bad, it’s when you push too many of them when people are telling you it’s off the wall.
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 10:26 am
Pat Quinn carries his own luggage and gets his own coffee. Such a man is likely to do his own thinking as well.
Comment by Ahem Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 10:31 am
Bill, lots of people (including Democrats - gasp!) got their jobs through patronage. LOTS (probably a lot of your friends, too). If John was qualified and good at his job and was fired simply for being hired by a Republican, then letting him go was just wrong.
Okay, enough about that subject. The story about Quinn is refreshing. I used to hate that guy, but I am starting to respect him more every day.
Comment by Anonymous ZZZ Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 10:31 am
==lol, Bill, that war is over, man. Move along.==
OK. Old habits die hard. I guess there is no point to it anymore. Anyway, in the spirit of yesterday, I am looking forward to the future, where the Governor, Speaker, and President of the Senate and even some Republicans will work together to solve our state’s fiscal problems. It is time to put aside childish ways and get down to doing the people’s business. Quinn, I think, will give it his best shot, bite the bullet and raise taxes. If he succeeds in putting our state on the right fiscal path, he will win re-election. The Olgilve syndrome is a myth.
Comment by Bill Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 10:37 am
Good morning Bill. Back from Washington so soon? How was the inauguration from your view and how about those 10 inaugural balls?
Comment by Little Egypt Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 10:42 am
Could there be any greater sign of a new era than the comment above (Bill - Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 10:37 am:) from Bill?
Comment by Lakefront Liberal Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 10:44 am
Hey Bill,
Removing one and replacing with five or six isn’t good government Bill.
Not all of us are political.
Comment by Another state employee Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 10:48 am
OneMan, absolutely right. Pushing off the wall ideas when people tell you they’re off the wall is terrible.
You know, like trying to import flu vaccine illegally, and ignoring the legislature by unilaterally attempting to expand health care coverage, and attempting to sell a U.S. Senate seat for personal gain, and banning violent video games despite constitutional protections, and mandating free public transit rides for seniors who didn’t ask for or want them, and vetoing ethics reform legislation, and………
:)
Comment by Concerned Observer Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 10:58 am
Hey Bill,
I agree. Removing one patronage employee and replacing with your patronage guy is okay. It’s when your guy has to submitt his/her application 2 or 3 times, lying porgrssively worse on each one that makes it wrong ( and very interesting to the feds).
Comment by Leave a light on George Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 11:02 am
Quinn will certainly not have to do much to be considered a vast improvement.
The bar has be set mighty low.
Comment by FlatRockTommy Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 11:02 am
progressively….jeez
Comment by Leave a light on George Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 11:03 am
I am surprised by Quinn’s actions–they contradict my experience. A few years ago, I was at a function with Mr. Quinn and left just behind him. He allowed the exit door to shut right into me. I was 9 months pregnant and hard to miss. My feeling then was that the man was so self absorbed that he had no idea about what was going on around him. Other than this story, I’ve seen nothing since to contradict my opinion of him. It will be good to be rid of Blago, but I am not looking forward to Quinn. The only saving grace here is that he will be so heavily scrutinized, he may have to rise above his character.
Comment by Cinho Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 11:17 am
===left just behind him===
Maybe that’s why? Not making excuses, I wasn’t there, but you were behind the guy.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 11:20 am
Quinn proved himself smart and used humor to shrug off any indignities, that’s all.
When he says “where we were” he must be referring to the front row of the standing-room-only section where he was blocking the view of others who were (potentially) equally important people. If Quinn objected to kneeling in a standing-room-only section, it might have sent him to the back row. Throw a fit? That would ensure a seat in the parking lot. This is Washington folks, not Chicago, so don’t be too crazy with your praise.
Actually I kind of wish Blago had appointed himself freshman senator, because his ego would have received an incredible smack down from his colleagues. “Oh unfortunately, the last available office is under renovation sir. You wouldn’t mind working from that closet next to the public bathroom for a few months would you? Thank you sir, we’re sure you understand”.
Comment by KeepSmiling Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 11:25 am
Not making excuses, I wasn’t there, but you were behind the guy.
He made a half turn to open the door and I was within his line of sight. You’re right, he didn’t see me. But not because he couldn’t see me.
Comment by Cinho Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 11:27 am
I don’t know much about Quinn aside from his involvement in the cutback amendment back in the early 80s and the his attachment to the gov, especially in the last election. That concerns me. Aside from that, I hope he does well. We all need it.
Comment by Cranky Old Man Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 11:31 am
KeepSmiling, you’re making a lot of assumptions about the seating in D.C.
Comment by Little Egypt Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 11:46 am
Blago would have wanted a throne to sit in yesterday…and I don’t man the kind you find in a bathroom…
Quinn has no entourage, is on time for meetings, is well informed, and his staff works their fingers to the bone…I have enjoyed working with him immensely the past three years and look forward to his tenure…
He may just cause Ms. Madigan to wait until 2014 to make her bid…by then I hope Daddy Madigan is retired…the only way I will vote for her is if this requirement is met…we do not need two members of the same family in IL constitutional positions…
Comment by Loop Lady Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 12:00 pm
Similar story from Denver at the convention. There was a long line to enter Mayor Daley’s party. Behind me in line was Lt. Gov. Quinn and a short ways behind him was AG Lisa Madigan. Some “offical” from the event came out and walked straight up to Quinn and said “Lt.Gov. you and your party can come with me.” As Pat was saying, “no, I am fine where I am at, I’ll wait with everyone else…” Lisa stepped out of line and began to walk to the front without a word. The “official” was a little confused and got control of himself and said “right this way General Madigan” and ushered her inside in front of the line. Pat stood and inched forward with me and the rest of the line.
Some see election as evidence of their entitlement. The confirmation of their status as some cut above the rest. A license to run red lights, travel with a big enourage, or… cut to the head of the line literally as well as figuratively. Some, are, well, Pat Quinn.
Comment by Anonentity Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 12:04 pm
Little Egypt, you’re right. Considering the article says “grounds”, there might not have been rows in the standing-room-only section for which he had tickets. Perhaps his “group” shouldn’t have even been by the tree in the first place!
Comment by KeepSmiling Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 12:04 pm
Similar story from Denver at the convention. There was a long line to enter Mayor Daley’s party. Behind me in line was Lt. Gov. Quinn and a short ways behind him was AG Lisa Madigan. Some “offical” from the event came out and walked straight up to Quinn and said “Lt.Gov. you and your party can come with me.” As Pat was saying, “no, I am fine where I am at, I’ll wait with everyone else…” Lisa stepped out of line and began to walk to the front without a word. The “official” was a little confused and got control of himself and said “right this way General Madigan” and ushered her inside in front of the line. Pat stood and inched forward with me and the rest of the line.
Some see election as evidence of their entitlement. The confirmation of their status as some cut above the rest. A license to run red lights, travel with a big enourage, or… cut to the head of the line literally as well as figuratively. Others, are, well, Pat Quinn.
Comment by Anonentity Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 12:04 pm
Cinho,
9 months pregnant “a few years ago”? Quinn is too smart for that. He plans on being around for a long time and knows that would cost him 2 future votes. I wasn’t there but I bet he couldn’t see you, too. Rich, maybe a possible qotd?
Comment by beagle Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 12:06 pm
If his history/pattern of behavior is one in keeping with the humility noted (kneeling by the tree), then good for him, and better for us - as long as that attitude does not change once hoisted to a higher position.
Comment by You Go Boy Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 12:23 pm
I’ve never doubted Quinn’s relative decency. I do have doubts about his ‘attention to detail’.
We’ll know soon enough. I wish him luck.
Like Obama he can’t be any worse than the last guy.
If he plays this right, and I suspect he will, the Madigan’s may have to wait for Lisa to become Gov. That ain’t a done deal.
One beauty of this whole Blago mess is that the folks who supported him at one time or another, MJM and Daley, are now suffering some of the “blowback” from their blow dried wonderguv.
Comment by IrishPirate Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 12:24 pm
Something tells me this story will be brought up up at a presser the Sunday before Arbor Day.
Comment by Jake from Elwood Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 12:38 pm
He definitely won’t be as pretentious and imperial as Blago. He’ll work hard. He’ll be engaged. And he won’t use his office to shake down people or make money.
He’s been around a long time. What you see is what you get.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 12:53 pm
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/01/20/us/politics/2009-inauguration-zoom-photo.html
If you zoom in, top left center, the mayor is sitting in the same row as lisa madigan, emil jones, and hynes-look for a guy in a green baseball cap. They are 2 rows behind former california governor Gray Davis. John Cusack is in the nosebleed area to the far left. Chelsea Clinton is 3 rows behind with an awful look on her face.
Comment by shore Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 1:01 pm
shore, is that Cullerton in the green Sox cap? lol He looks cold, man.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 1:10 pm
This is an amazing post Rich - CinHo - time to get over the door situation - you said Quinn didn’t see you - no one is perfect and he certainly could of had many things on his mind.
Soon my prayers of Governor Quinn will come true - and we will be able to pull ourselves out of the hell Blago took us to.
Comment by Collar Observer Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 1:45 pm
Does anyone actually have bumper stickers or other items from the last election proclaiming “a vote for Blago is a vote for Quinn,” or something to that effect? Those might be pretty bleeping valuable today!
Comment by Secret Square Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 1:50 pm
Is that Mike Madigan next to Lisa in the picture?
Comment by Little Egypt Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 1:51 pm
Quinn is the guy who substitute hosts the Mike North show and holds his own on sports trivia and all matters white sox. He is not a “prima donna” like most of our other constitutional officers. He is a lifelong diehard season ticket holder for the White Sox - and his seats are nosebleed seats in the upper deck. I know this because I have sat in them with him. Even when I knew him when he was in private law practice and could afford far better seats, he chose to sit in the upper deck with the regular working people of Chicago. Even as Lt. Governor he STILL sits in these same nosebleed seats when he could have free seats right behind home plate because Reinsdorf and Sox management/marketing have grown to like him so much. He is no showboat and a real regular guy who is humble. This story made me think of him at the Sox game in the upper deck during the world series. That is why he will be a great governor.
Comment by illinois insider Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 2:04 pm
John G
Couldn’t have said it better myself, oh, and Bill - Bite Me!!!!
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 2:13 pm
Mr. Grass-roots Quinn stood on the grass with the commoners…and I am sure he honestly WAS happy with it. It also means either he was not offered a seat ticket (which would say more about all the other pols) or he was offered a ticket and turned it down (which would say a bunch about him). And see for yourself, there were open seats in the Illinois section. Open seats!?! I wouldn’t be surprised if he also stayed at a discount hotel. Super 8 or Best Western?
But if/when Quinn becomes Guv, he should definitely feel free to sit closer to home plate every so often! When it comes to cheering the Sox, we’ll cut you some slack!
Comment by Uncommonly common Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 2:27 pm
Cinho, a “half turn” = 180 degrees, so I’m having trouble visualizing the choreography behind your compliant, unless he spun around to open the door like a doorman.
Maybe you meant that he “turned slightly” before opening the door, which many of us do. And maybe that wasn’t enough for him to take your resplendent self in through his peripheral vision.
This is a very odd compliant. I cannot imagine what subway rides must be like for you.
Comment by Zora Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 2:51 pm
Love him or hate him, Quinn is clearly a very different sort of politician that Illinois is used to. At least some of that difference willbe good.
Comment by doc Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 2:57 pm
Quinn doesn’t have a vanity problem the way Blago and Burris do. A little humility can go a long way.
Comment by reformer Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 3:07 pm
Quinns not a bad guy, but it’s a sad day when we get excited about NOT having a bad governor, rather than choosing a governor that is good for the state.
Maybe he can change the state motto to the “Land of people who aren’t really as bad as you heard”
Comment by DisenfranchisedConservative Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 3:15 pm
I don’t know a lot about Quinn bur I will support Lt Gov Quinn as Governor (as I did Blagojevich initially) until he proves that is does not deserve my support. I hope that day never comes. I welcome a fresh start
Comment by this voter will remember Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 4:09 pm
A fresh day dawning in America, and Illinois. Next time I’m 9 months pregnant, I’m staying home!
Comment by Vote Quimby! Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 4:24 pm
Some of us more critical types of that “other political party” seem to remember that Quinn was kneeling at the Altar of Blagojevich for nearly six long years without complaining.
Nice of him to show that he still knows how to kneel on command.
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 4:32 pm
Obviuosly it is now time to commence the planning for an exquisite inauguration festival for Governor Inherit , the Honorable Pat Quinn! We should hold the cost down though - at least less than for the new president. Let the parties begin!
Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 4:33 pm
All right, all right, maybe he didn’t see me. I’ll get over it. That was my only contact with the man and I am encouraged by what the rest of you have to say about him. By the way, this happened in the fall of 2003.
Comment by Cinho Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 4:35 pm
- Cinho -
You have proven yourself a better person by giving him the benefit of the doubt and reserving judgement until we have more experience with him.
Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 4:54 pm
Agreed
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 4:56 pm
===He is a lifelong diehard season ticket holder for the White Sox - and his seats are nosebleed seats in the upper deck===
I’m wouldn’t be to quick to always put Quinn in the upper deck. I have seen him plenty of times in good seats between home and third. I always thought those were his seats. I always say something to him but I don’t get much more than a quick hi back.
Comment by Been There Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 5:14 pm
back in the days when mel reynolds worked advance in a presidential campaign, he was code named “excuse me, but I
don’t think you know who I am.” some people never let go of his Kennedy connections (college). but the rest of us don’t forget his arrogance, never mind his crime.
Pat Quinn…..really great.
Comment by Amy Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 5:29 pm
DANG!
Comment by Levois Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 6:42 pm
Rich, do you have tickets for P. Quinn’s inauguration yet? Will you be making them available to your loyal bloggers?
Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 6:52 pm
Somewhat off topic: Mixed in with a NY Mag article about inaugural celebrity sightings: “Roland Burris in a newsboy cap briefly joining said balcony addicts, though, endearingly, looking like a kid who just couldn’t believe he got to be up there. When we shouted, “Wave to the camera, Senator Burris!” he seemed surprised and flattered, and obeyed.”
Comment by Cheswick Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 6:56 pm
So far, I can’t find yesterday’s picture of Burris in the newsboy cap. I did find Comedy Central’s picture of him in a tux last night. Love the caption: “The hottest name in Washington … Roland Burris, the brand-new Senator from Illinois. Here he is caught off guard by a man wearing a wet cat on his head, whom he mistook for Governor Rod Blagojevich.”
Oh look, a kitty? (Apologies if this was posted already today.)
Comment by Cheswick Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 7:25 pm
In August I worked at the Biden announcement at the Old State Capitol as a volunteer. My job was to check credentials in the VIP area and only allow in those who had the proper credentials. All day long people who were turned away complained and complained and protested how important they were.
When Lt. Gov. Quinn arrived he did not have the proper credentials. I told him I knew who he was and I apologized for not being allowed to let him in. He was the most reasonable person you could imagine. He apologized to me for putting me into a difficult position. Ultimately we were able to get him the proper credential and he was allowed in. He was just a real class act.
Comment by John Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 7:50 pm
As far as offering up “benefits of doubt,” let’s all just assume that Mel got in close due to the “purple, blue, and silver ticket SNAFU.”
See, don’t you feel better already.
Two other points-
Senator Burris had to wear that silly hat to sneak Bill in without a ticket.
Amy, AA can’t even imagine working advance with a creep like Mel.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 7:57 pm
I’ve mentioned this before but it bears repeating here. As a newspaper reporter I had a couple of minor contacts with Quinn’s office concerning local environmental and energy issues. His staff always returned calls promptly and answered any questions I had. I was genuinely impressed with them.
Comment by Bookworm Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 7:57 pm
If the impeachment trial wraps up as quickly as Rich indicates it might, Gov. Quinn could have an inauguration/Super Bowl Sunday party at the Executive Mansion!
Comment by Bookworm Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 8:34 pm
The password to get into Quinn’s shindig will be “Bill from CapFax sent me”.
Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 9:28 pm
Always liked the guy, even though I’m R and he’s D. Came here from out of state just after his work on shrinking the GA. Amazing how people still complain about that after 20X years. If it was such a big deal, how come it hasn’t been changed back? Did’t the voters ratify it? How come the GA didn’t reverse it? Con-con could have given the people the opportunity. Didn’t he support that option?
Comment by Bobs yer Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 9:49 pm
Agree with ZC. “I, Claudius” Quinn could shine as bright as Simon and the Stevensons. You can already see the chess pieces in motion from Mike and John for a tax increase and/or swap, and I think few would deny it is overdue as a means to fix the budget. Quinn is a god-given fall guy to hand this to.. *if* he puts the state’s long-term interest ahead of re-election in 2 years. That’s not all bad - the list of powerful people that will be in his debt will be long, Quinn will later see rewards and appointments to other offices, a future Burris replacement perhaps? An ambassadorship after Durbin puts in a good word with B? Who can know? What about a Lisa-Pat ticket in 2 years?
Whichever way the dice roll, it is going to be historic.
Comment by Gregor Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 9:58 pm
Kneeling next to a tree? This should lock up the Sierra Club vote.
Comment by Lefty Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 10:03 pm
Lt Governor Pat Quinn will ascend to the Illinois Governorship before the 2010 Elections. Whether or not he runs for a full term as Governor is a big question. Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Comptroller Dan Hynes and Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias has higher office ambitions of their own. Lisa Madigan is very interested in becoming Governor of Illinios- She will be the Democratic Nominee for the 2010 Illinios Governors Race. Pat Quinn run for a third term as Lt Governor- remain as a second banana. Dan Hynes will run for Attorney General which is a higher profile position than Comptroller. Alexi Giannoulias who is a Obama protege will run for the US Senate.
Jesse White retires. The Secretary of State,Comptroller and Treasurer position will be open.
Comment by NEKIPA Sunday, Jan 25, 09 @ 12:48 pm
Cinho, you are proving yourself to be a class act. Pat Quinn is a workaholic who habitually puts pressure on virtually every moment of the day. Maybe he didn’t notice you simply because he was too focused on where he was going next.
Rich Miller, I have noticed that you also seem to be an exceptionally classy act yourself. Your assessment of Quinn is spot-on. If you are doing this to get me to spend $350 for a subscription to the Capitol Fax by worming your way into my confidence, your devious plan is working!
Finally, to “Been There” ===I’m [sic] wouldn’t be to quick to always put Quinn in the upper deck. I have seen him plenty of times in good seats between home and third. I always thought those were his seats. I always say something to him but I don’t get much more than a quick hi back.===
There are several people who share those seats, one of whom is a relative of his and another of whom is a close friend, so on occasion the Lt. Gov. sits in the lower deck but they are NOT his seats. 90% of the time if he’s at the game, he’s in the upper deck. And I’d say that a “quick hi back” sounds like a pretty appropriate response to someone you don’t know. That’s what I’d do.
Comment by Mighty M. Mouse Tuesday, Jan 27, 09 @ 12:10 am