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* Former Gov. Jim Edgar will campaign with Bruce Rauner today in Bloomington, Springfield, Moline, Rockford and Lincolnshire. The Quinn campaign is attempting to tamp down some of Edgar’s impact…
Top 4 Jim Edgar Quotes on Out-of-Touch Billionaire Bruce Rauner
Quinn for Illinois Responds
CHICAGO - As former Republican Gov. Jim Edgar joins Bruce Rauner on the campaign trail today, the people of Illinois were reminded of how Edgar really views out-of-touch billionaire Bruce Rauner’s candidacy.
This spring, Edgar correctly criticized Rauner’s campaign as divisive and one that was designed to appeal only to top-tiered income getters. Here’s our top 4 favorite quotes from Edgar about Rauner
1. “Governor to a bunch of rich Republicans”
Edgar stated: “If you’re governor for the state of Illinois, you’re governor for everybody. You just can’t be governor to a bunch of rich Republicans,” and time has borne these warnings out.
Confirming Edgar’s concerns, Rauner’s campaign platform has included lowering the minimum wage, giving impassioned defenses of outsourcing American jobs and a very unfair tax plan that would blow a hole in the budget, slashing education for working families while increasing the burden onto the backs of the middle class to give the wealthy tax breaks.
2. “We cannot afford a governor who has to learn on the job”
Edgar also questioned Rauner’s experience to be governor - experience that later was revealed to include outsourcing jobs overseas, laying-off workers and irresponsibly slashing care at hi nursing homes. Edgar said: “We cannot afford a governor who has to learn on the job.”
3. Rauner will “divide the state”
Edgar cautioned against Rauner’s hostility toward workers by noting Illinois can’t afford a leader that will “divide the state.”
4. One Reason Rauner is a Contender in Governor’s Race: “Money”
Edgar also noted - in a single word - the single reason Rauner was in this race to begin with: “Money.”
Below is the response of Quinn for Illinois Deputy Press Secretary Izabela Milkto:
“Governor Edgar had it right when he made clear that billionaire Bruce Rauner would be a candidate who would put the interests of the wealthy like him over the interests of the rest of Illinois.
“Mr. Rauner proposes lowering the minimum wage, defends shipping jobs overseas and has put forth a tax plan that gives himself a $1 million tax break while transferring the burden onto the backs of working Illinois families.
“As Governor Edgar made clear earlier this year, Rauner can’t be trusted to look out for working families. We wholeheartedly agree.”
And they have a video…
You can bet that the Edgar appearance will be a net plus for Rauner, despite Quinn’s attempts to make it a negative.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 10:44 am
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Yep. Folks in those downstate cities will be asked to decide to believe what the Quinn apparatus said Edgar said, OR just listen to Edgar say it today in real time leading or being covered in every newscast in the state.
Edgar might just provide whatever reassurance any wobbly Republican voters downstate need. One thing’s for sure. It can’t hurt.
Comment by A guy... Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 10:49 am
Plus yes, but I wouldn’t expect a lot. But when the race is tight everything counts.
Comment by Norseman Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 10:53 am
Quinn is trying to throw everything against the wall and hope anything sticks. You have to wonder what his internal poll shows, likely not good.
Comment by anon Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 10:54 am
Edgar is incredibly well thought of. His words count on the campaign trail.
Comment by Peoria Guy Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 10:55 am
Edgar has little, if any, impact on the race. It’s been almost 20 years, since he was Governor.
My guess is he senses a Rauner win and wants to be with the winner.
Comment by Apocalypse Now Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 11:00 am
It’s a fool’s errand on the Quinn’s Crew part to try to blunt Edgar.
It’s a fool’s errand to think for the first time, the Edgar Magic, the career politician Jim Edgar, will finally be “enough” when it hasn’t been enough for others that tried to grasp it.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 11:00 am
Lake County Guy
I think that Edgar’s remarks will only play to those already converted in the Republican flock and no more.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 11:04 am
Who is the fence-sitter Edgar is supposed to corral? I guess he’s fine for GOTV, but people that care what Edgar thinks are so old, republican and white that I’m sure they’re voting for Rauner anyway.
Comment by chi Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 11:06 am
Better to ask Edgar substantial questions about how the Rauner budget plan will impact the state, particularly education and higher education.
‘Topinka says the Rauner plan to roll the tax hike back to 3.75% on January 1 will give the state a “heart attack.” Do you agree?’
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 11:06 am
The Rauner supporters turning out to see the flesh needed something fresh.
Comment by Kasich Walker, Jr. Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 11:07 am
….and they got Jim Edgar.
Comment by Kasich Walker, Jr. Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 11:07 am
Jim Edgar at this point in time is also “old hat.”
Not too impressive at all if this is all that Rauner can produce in his last act.
Comment by Lake County Guy Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 11:12 am
I agree with several others above- Edgar’s been out of office and off the scene for 15 years. No one is waiting around to hear what he thinks. Plus “Republican Endorses Republican” is not much of a headline.
If any of you run into Edgar, please tell him that I still want the $50 back for a fundraising ticket that I was forced to buy just before he decided not to run in 1998.
Comment by DuPage Dave Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 11:19 am
Powerful close for a candidate that spent thirty
million dollars out of their own pocket telling
us the dangers of career politicians
Comment by Illinoisvoter Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 11:23 am
Hey, Dave, who forced you?
Comment by steve schnorf Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 11:28 am
Got a robocall yesterday about Edgar endorsing Rauner. It was a very poor recording of Jim Edgar speaking at a rally.
The whole thing was hard to hear and was such poor quality. I could not believe that with all the money thrown into his campaign that Rauner’s crew could not use technology to improve the quality of the recording.
My high school students could have done a better job.
Comment by Nearly Normal Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 11:31 am
It is good to see them pull Edgar out of the wax museum of political antiques for the day. Perhaps BlinkyJim will get to chat it up with Mitt about horse racing and the need for slots at the tracks. Remember Blinky, who left office just before the Go nailed everyone on MSI scandale, has interests in horses and on-line betting company. He also has interests in U of I but seldom talks to pols about that.
If there is anybody left at the Capitol head over to the Pasfield House at noon for the massive GOPie GOTV rally.
Comment by circularfiringsquad Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 11:31 am
Quinn campaign should’ve stayed silent on this. Edgar is still popular. Let him do his tour, stay focused on Rauner.
Comment by Robert the Bruce Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 11:38 am
Speaking of blunting Mitt….WMAQ put the reporter Mitt forced out of the Sun Times on the air and promises more on election nite.
http://www.nbcchicago.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/2014-Election-Day-Preview/281220981
Comment by circularfiringsquad Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 11:42 am
Steve Schnorf - I was told by my supervisor that I needed to purchase 2 tickets if I wanted to keep my job. I plea bargained that down to 1 ticket. This was all done over the phone and nothing was ever put in writing. It was the same under Thompson. That was the system when I started working for the state in 1986.
I thought it was a low move by Edgar since he announced he was not running for re-election about 3 weeks after he cashed my check.
Say what you will about the succeeding Governors but none of them ever asked for a dime from me.
Comment by DuPage Dave Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 11:44 am
Edgar might — might — resonate with old-timers. But with young folks — under 35, under 40 — Edgar means nothing.
And to me (in that demographic) an endorsement by Edgar is akin to some old guy trying to be hip talking about “the Pink Floyd — who is he again?”
Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 11:46 am
I’ve never been a Edgar “hit parade” guy, but I’ve got to tell you, when I shared that a few months ago, the same people who are dissing him today are the ones who were lauding him back then. I think his opinion still matters a great deal to a lot of people downstate. He was a downstate guy. Schnorf has shared that his opinion matters to him in weighing choices. I suspect some old guard Public Employees and retirees may feel the same way. As I stated above; “it won’t hurt”. In some quarters I’m willing to bet it will help. He’s the last former Governor not to occupy a prison cell. I do think that matters here.
Comment by A guy... Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 11:57 am
Frenchie, yes, he influences the demo that votes at the highest rate, and doesn’t have as much impact with the demo that votes the least. Not a bad deal in my mind. Guy, on this one I’m with you 1q00%. If I were a candidate, I can’t think of an Illinois R I would rather have going around the state with me.
Comment by steve schnorf Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 12:02 pm
Steve Schnorf. In my agency an employee contact sheet (name, date of birth, spouse’s name, home address & phone) was created after Edgar took office. Ostensibly it was for Christmas card mailings, etc. The real purpose was to give the ticket sellers access to that data without accessing the agency personnel files.
Comment by Smitty Irving Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 12:06 pm
Dave, I suspect that your supervisor lied. In the 18 years I worked for Edgar, I never saw a single person lose their job because they refused to buy a fundraiser ticket.
CFS, “nailed everyone”? If my recollection is correct (and it is), 3 state employees were indicted and brought to trial, 2 fairly low-level DPA employees were convicted and their supervisor was acquitted by a jury of his peers, although the federal government had already ruined his life- lost his wife, kids, house. You’re a big fan of those federal prosecutors, huh?
Comment by steve schnorf Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 12:08 pm
===I’ve never been a Edgar “hit parade” guy, but I’ve got to tell you, when I shared that a few months ago, the same people who are dissing him today are the ones who were lauding him back then.====
You said Edgar wasn’t popular.
It was pointed out to you, when Edgar ran, he was indeed, very popular.
It was also pointed out the endorsements of Edgar haven’t necessarily meant electoral success for those being endorsed.
Edgar being beyond popular in his own runs, and not having the Edgar Magic rub off on others can both be right, and indeed are correct, with history proving so.
The Edgar DuPage numbers were outstanding, Edgar endorsements haven’t been as such. That’s it.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 12:08 pm
While they’re at it, someone should ask Jim why he blew off that pension payment for 8 years during the “Go-Go 90s”?
Comment by Jocko Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 12:11 pm
Edgar was a better governor than Quinn. Quinn needs to shut up because he suffers by any comparisons.
Don’t make Edgar an issue or you will lose.
Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 12:19 pm
Wilbur, what I said was he wasn’t beloved in the Chicago area (which would include my home county of DuPage). Yes he did well in the elections (I don’t remember him having primaries, he could have, I just don’t remember), but in the Generals, of course the Republicans up here supported him strongly. Roger Claar and Chester Stranczyk would walk in front of a train for him. Thompson was more of a Chicago style guy. People up here were frustrated with Edgar at times for being less grandiose-go figure- with throwing money around. Thank God George Ryan fixed all that and spent his share and Edgars and then some. There’s a bias between Chicago Metro and downstate- is that news to you?
Today all of the Edgar loyalists of a month or so ago are slinging mud at him because he’s being a very loyal Republican. For people who are going to rationalize a vote; Jim Edgar is a big help. For others, maybe not.
I’d sure rather have him with me than against me today. In Illinois. In every city they’re visiting. We’re in a close race. Who’s traveling around the state with Pat Quinn today. Oh wait, he’s not and no one is. OK. I feel you.
Comment by A guy... Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 12:22 pm
To Mr. Schnorf, we’re good Republicans. We can fight again on Wednesday…or not. lol.
Comment by A guy... Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 12:22 pm
===…we’re good Republicans….===
You need to clear that with Jim Oberweis.
Oberweis might be busy backing off SSM now, but Oberweis knows a good Republican.
===OK. I feel you.===
I have no idea what that means… lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 12:27 pm
Wilbur, I was talking about Schnorf and myself being good Republicans. Didn’t have to check with Oberweis, and heaven knows I didn’t have to check with you. If you’re a good GOPer, we sure don’t need any bad ones. wol. (wondering out loud)
Comment by A guy... Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 12:32 pm
=== If you’re a good GOPer, we sure don’t need any bad ones. wol. (wondering out loud)===
I’m a good Republican, because I’m honest with myself with where My Party fails and needs to be better.
There are enough cheerleaders.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 12:35 pm
Vanilla Man - Jim Edgar’s fiscal record was built on the deliberate under-funding of state pensions.
Comment by Smitty Irving Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 12:38 pm
Rauner would be in a lot better shape if he had run as an Edgar Republican. I followed him around a lot back in the day and he had the same message no matter where he was.
It’s easy to keep your story straight when you have one.
Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 12:43 pm
When Jim Edgar was given the chance, he voted against Bruce Rauner.
Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 12:43 pm
===Who’s traveling around the state with Pat Quinn today.===
Looks like Durbin in Moline…
Ya asked…
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 12:47 pm
I have a lot of respect for Jim Edgar, but I believe this race will be decided by the many many downstate union public employees, many of whom are Republicans. How will they go ? Stay tuned.
,
Comment by Wally Kubon Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 12:49 pm
This guy is probably rakin in 10 large a day for this. Good for him.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 1:00 pm
I’m just curious what Edgar thinks of Rauner saying that there has been decades of the Chicago machine running this state. It seems to me that it’s only been 12 years since the Democratic Party took the mansion and for most of those 100 years he likes talking about a Republican was governor.
Comment by MyTwoCents Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 1:04 pm
This is all way to serious. Just a tiny bit of snark:
==“We cannot afford a governor who has to learn on the job”==
Can we continue to afford a governor who can’t learn on the job?
Comment by Anon. Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 1:46 pm
Just remember, Edgar is on the state’s time clock while he’s going around doing these endorsements.
Comment by Filmmaker Professor Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 2:02 pm
Received the call……….very clear, and easy to understand….no problem.
Like Anonymous posting…..Quinn has had seven years to “learn” on the job……….he hasn’t learned a thing except how to continue what was done before him……….cronyism, etc.
Comment by Millie K. Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 2:03 pm
You know a better way to “blunt” Edgar’s impact? Don’t bring it up.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 2:47 pm
Edgar last ran for governor 20 years ago. I don’t know how much influence he still has with voters at this point. His ability to influence Republicans voters at present is questionable; Edgar endorsed Dillard during the last two Republican primaries for governor and Dillard went on to lose both times.
Comment by cheeseball Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 3:04 pm
Most people who have a soft spot for Edgar are probably retired so they most likely already voted.
Quinn should let it slide since so many voters will be “who is that old dude?”
Comment by Belle Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 3:48 pm
======Who’s traveling around the state with Pat Quinn today.===
Looks like Lisa and Jesse were with Quinn in Bronzeville from what I saw on the Tee-Vee
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 4:45 pm
Rauner’’s lucky to have Edgar out there for him, if for no other reasons than to remind folks that there were some prominent Republicans back in the day who had the testicular virility to smack down the crazies, tell the same story no matter where they were in the state, and not demonize working stiffs as parasites for selfish gain.
“Time’s running out” for Bruce and Ty and Big Brain Bruce and Statehouse Chick and Kass and Ferro and all the other hack ignorami who peddle that junk. A “state with hope” and “possibilities” doesn’t need your misanthropy-fueled hysteria and whining, anyhow.
And if you get beat, again, by Pat Quinn in a national GOP wave year, again, consider it double-secret probation rejection of the game you aint got.
Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 4:45 pm
Word, I will have to disagree with you. If Quinn beats Rauner it will show just how Blue this state really is and also how dysfunctional it is.
Comment by anonano Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 6:24 pm
- anonano -,
Bruce Rauner never made his cake about being a Republican;
“Democrats and Independents for Rauner” - that was the cake, and standard and conservative GOP voters? “Be quiet and get in line”
Rauner never ran as a Republican. Rauner ran as the Republican Nominee, courting Dems and Indies, at the COST of Republicans, hoping to increase margins.
That is what happened. We’ll see if it works(?)
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 6:42 pm
Michele Obama blunted the Quinn campaign. The Quinn campaign wheezes into the final hrs, dull as a turd that could not be polished.
Comment by DieboldxWire2.0 Monday, Nov 3, 14 @ 7:37 pm