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* Subscribers already know what I think this means…
A 22-year-old Washington University law school student has been selected to replace Wayne Rosenthal as state representative in the 95th District.
Avery Bourne of Pawnee, one of 10 people who applied for the job, was chosen Saturday at a meeting of Republican leaders from the four counties within the 95th District: Macoupin, Montgomery, Christian and Madison. […]
She is a law student at Washington University in St. Louis and has volunteered on several candidates’ campaigns, including those of U.S Rep. Rodney Davis, Rauner and Rosenthal.
“Avery shares the conservative values of the constituents in the 95th District. She is very intelligent and has a bright future ahead of her,” Macoupin County Republican Party Chairwoman Terri Koyne, one of the leaders on the committee that chose Bourne, said in a press release. “Avery has shown that she is talented and that she will make it her mission to represent and serve the residents in the district, regardless of their background, experience or views.”
* Check out her “Experience” on her LinkedIn page…
Assistant Field Coordinator
Rodney for Congress
May 2014 – August 2014 (4 months)Taylorville, IllinoisGrassroots Intern
Citizens for Rauner, Inc.
June 2014 – July 2014 (2 months)Taylorville, ILCongressional Intern, Running Start Wal-Mart Star Fellow
Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins
January 2014 – April 2014 (4 months)Washington, D.C.
Etc.
She’s never held a job outside politics, never had a job longer than 6 months, and all but one of her jobs was an internship.
* And subscribers already know what I think this and another possible GA appointment means…
Now, the governor may be poised to launch another set of political dominoes in motion by naming state Rep. Rich Brauer to a job at the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Other than confirming that rumors about Brauer’s departure have been running rampant through the Capitol for weeks, no one is saying the new position is a done deal for the Republican from Petersburg. […]
Already there is jockeying for the seat. Among those identified as possible appointees is Tim Butler, who is currently chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis of Taylorville.
Butler, a Springfield resident who also served as a spokesman for former U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood of Peoria, could have a leg up on the competition since he hails from the county with the biggest percentage of the weighted vote.
I told subscribers about Butler’s possible appointment last week. He’s not high on the list because he lives in Sangamon County, it’s because he’s close to Team Rauner.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:05 pm
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Well, now I know why Bruce hasn’t returned my calls about possible employment — I’m way, way too over-qualified.
– MrJM
Comment by MrJM Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:11 pm
Money is kind of important in politics.
Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:11 pm
That is the smell of power being consolidated in the morning.
Running the state, and his party, ==like a business== since 2015.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:12 pm
Maybe I’m old school but I consider it a plus for a politician to have had a job outside of politics.
My current Congressman (Schock) hasn’t and it shows.
Comment by Sir Reel Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:17 pm
==22-year-old==
==I need green lights==or you are going to have a problem with me===
Sounds reliable.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:19 pm
==Maybe I’m old school but I consider it a plus for a politician to have had a job outside of politics. ==
I think you could shorten that to: Maybe I’m old school but I consider it a plus for a politician to have had a job.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:20 pm
Will she need a note from home to miss class and show up at session?
Comment by Former State Employee Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:20 pm
===… never had a job longer than 6 months, and all but one of her jobs was an internship.===
“Sounds qualified to me!
Signed,
Jason Plummer”
To the Post/Appointment,
I understand what is at play here.
If you worry about an autonomous Caucus, could be…troubling.
If your the Durkin Crew, one less to “worry about”.
I’ll leave it there.
To Ms. Bourne,
All the best to you, congratulations.
Do yourself a solid, check this out.
https://capitolfax.com/2012/11/29/question-of-the-day-1503/
Sincerely,
OW
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:20 pm
Lincoln lacked “experience” before becoming President. Granted, I dont think Avery Bourne will become as great as Lincoln but maybe we should give her a shot first.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:20 pm
Did she at least hold office in the student council?
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:23 pm
==one of 10 people who applied for the job==
I’m trying to imagine how the other nine are feeling about their party. A smart move would be for the Dems to ID the disaffected and make room for them in the big tent.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:23 pm
Just what Springfield needs, more law students, since they are, generally, such pleasant people.
Comment by Gooner Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:23 pm
Do Rich and Moffit get to make a lot of bad votes before they jump to the payroll
Comment by Anonin' Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:23 pm
Wash U is the toughest school to get into in the country. Period. IF she a student there she got smarts. Just saying.
Comment by Ginhouse Tommy Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:24 pm
Lincoln? You couldn’t come up with anyone else?
Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:24 pm
P.S. We need another lawyer like we need another hole in the head. Now that you have a job Avery quite law school before you become possessed with lawyer think.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:26 pm
==Lincoln lacked “experience” before becoming President.==
I can’t believe someone actually typed that and hit “Say It!”
As I recall, Lincoln held several jobs before he ever ran for office (including state rep).
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:26 pm
Wordslinger…Obama then?
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:27 pm
Anon, you’re clueless.
Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:32 pm
WS- I guess the sarcasm wasn’t felt. Oh well. Best of luck to Ms. Bourne. Should be interesting to see who the Dems put up against her, especially with Manar in the district.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:34 pm
=== Wash U is the toughest school to get into in the country. ===
Its a great school. But University of Chicago, Northwestern, and University of Michigan all have better law schools. You could also make the case that University of Iowa and Notre Dame are better law schools.
Comment by Juvenal Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:36 pm
From her LinkedIn Page….oh my….
Project/Honor’s Thesis: Women in the U.S. Senate: A study of the widow effect
- A two semester research project on the 24 previous female Senators, and specifically on the careers of the 11 women who came into office through marital connections.
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:41 pm
She will be making lots of rough votes, not having a long history with the many constituent groups may serve her well.
Good luck balancing law school finals and May exams.
Comment by Annon3 Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:42 pm
So Rep. Bourne takes the tough tax and cut votes for two years and, at the end of her term, either resigns or doesn’t run (and likely goes to work in the Rauner administration or one of his of financial backers private concerns) and then the local Republicans nominate the real candidate for the 2016 race?
What could go wrong here?
I see another “Bourne Identity” sequel on the horizon…
Comment by Beans and Franks Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:43 pm
May votes ….
Comment by Annon3 Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:43 pm
I know Avery fairly well. I think she will do okay. I say “okay” because she is only 22 and is less than 4 years removed from high school. That learning curve is going to be huge, although I would assume that Leader Durkin will assign a top HRO staffer to her district immediately and ensure she has what she needs to succeed.
I know a lot of people dislike Rauner’s heavy-handedness in the caucuses, but prior to his election the state party (including said caucuses) were in major disarray. As a member of the Illinois GOP, I can admit that I prefer such an approach than, say, everyone running around without a coordinated effort. Even in 2010, when the RNC stepped in to greatly assist Mark Kirk and the Congressional candidates, there was just not the coordination there to make a dent. True - the House & Senate GOP did better in 2010 than in 2014 - but that figurehead at the top makes a huge difference.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:45 pm
Can you imagine Madigan or Cullerton consul tun with any Govenor about any appointment to replace a member of their caucus? Come on Durkin get in the game.
Comment by Joe Blow Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:46 pm
Rich Brauer cant even take care of the roads in his home county of Menard (potholes, craters) how is he going to manage roads in the entire state.
Comment by Kathryn Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:47 pm
When will these Raunerbots have time post Capitol Fax comments if they are supposed to be legislating?
Comment by Precinct Captain Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:48 pm
Wash U is not the “toughest school to get into in the country.” That’s ridiculous. But more importantly it’s irrelevant and beside the point.
What part of this young woman is still in school, full time, and IN ANOTHER STATE don’t people understand? You can’t seriously represent a district and be a full time law student at the same time. Beyond absurd to suggest otherwise.
Anyone can see what’s going here. This is the Rauner and Rodney Davis crew putting in a lackey they know they can control. Exactly the kind of political cronyism Rauner said he would end.
Comment by too obvious Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:49 pm
===You can’t seriously represent a district and be a full time law student at the same time. ===
Mike McLain did it for five years when he was in the House.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:50 pm
Anonymous — you’re kidding, right? Lincoln had been a state senator and a congressman as well as an incredibly successful attorney in private practice. He had gone through a bruising Senate election that had made him a national figure. And he was, you know, Lincoln.
Comment by Soccermom Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:50 pm
So this is “shaking up Springfield” can’t wait for the encore.
Comment by Joe Blow Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:53 pm
Ms. Bourne’s youth and lack of record may be welcome qualities at this point…
Comment by Black Ivy Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:53 pm
==What part of this young woman is still in school, full time, and IN ANOTHER STATE don’t people understand?==
We had a guy working in our office in Springfield that worked full time and went to law school at Washington U.
Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:54 pm
===What a JOKE!! She better get some tough skin real quick. I bet she cries the first week!===
Yeah, because we all know our Moms, Sisters, Daughters, Wives…they are all weak and feeble and couldn’t do anything brawny men at 22 could do, and that women cry.
What. A. Dope.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:54 pm
At least it’s an easy D spot to fill in the next election.
Comment by no suprise Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:54 pm
==youth and lack of record may be welcome qualities at this point==
I don’t begrudge her this opportunity. Good for her. But this attitude that knowing little is a GOOD thing is ridiculous.
Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:55 pm
Joe Blow, Rauner bought the Illinois GOP fair and square. There were no other bidders.
He has also proven to have the full support of the GOP donor class. Durkin can get in the game when he can ante up.
Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:56 pm
Working title: “The Bourne Lesson”
Subtitle: “The Power of the Speaker”
Or
Working title: “The Bourne Problem”
Subtitle: “Voting on the 10″
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:56 pm
How will this effect Rich Brauer’s pension?
Comment by A Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:57 pm
No Surprise - I assume you have also predicted the very young male legislators might cry in their first weeks of office?
Comment by Somethingsneverchange Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:58 pm
=== - Black Ivy - Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:53 pm:
Ms. Bourne’s youth and lack of record may be welcome qualities at this point…===
And…
===But this attitude that knowing little is a GOOD thing is ridiculous.===
I know which one of these sentences makes more sense in choosing what actually…makes sense…
I wish her well, but don’t sell me that being young and inexperienced when all I hear is Rauner’s real world experience is invaluable.
Pick a lane, or get the talkibg points squared away.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:59 pm
Joe Blow - I bet that at least President Cullerton would have done that if he thought Governor Quinn were more competent to give good advice.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 12:59 pm
Kind of a crazy observation to anyone who was chiding the whole “law student” business. At the moment, there are very few “lawyers” in the House GOP caucus. I’m counting 5 or 6. Could use verification, but that’s a pretty small number compared to what we’ve had in the past. Could be a good thing, but we should have a few more I’d think.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 1:03 pm
Save that $20 mil for another day; no need to spend it when the representative already owes you. Or spend it on someone else who doesn’t owe you.
Comment by Stuff Happens Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 1:03 pm
To Willy,
I got to your comment, snorted, laughed, gagged, stopped reading further, fondly remembered that distant political blip that was Jason Plummer, and decided immediately to thank you for your reflections of Plummer weighing in on another ridiculously bad political joke. @fakejasonplummer how much did her daddy have to shell out? #ithinkioverpaid
Comment by Midstate Indy Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 1:05 pm
Kathryn - Don’t worry. He’ll be given a nice big office where he can twiddle his thumbs. And then there are those great junkets!
Comment by kimocat Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 1:07 pm
Democrats have to be pretty happy about the Bourne appointment, it gives them a nice opportunity. It’s unfortunate to see the Republican’s back to making horrible decisions… unless you’re a Democrat.
Comment by Ahoy! Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 1:09 pm
Juvenal I’ll agree with you but I meant overall. The acceptance rate is only 17%.
Comment by Ginhouse Tommy Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 1:11 pm
22 is pretty young, but I’m all for more young women representatives on our side. I don’t know her, but I hope she does really well. That way, we may be more inclined to choose and support more like her.
Good luck!
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 1:13 pm
TS so you are saying that it is Rauners competency and not his money? LOL
Comment by Joe Blow Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 1:15 pm
Nothing against her personally. I just like to see people who may have a little business and local government experience. There’s going to be one heck of a learning curve, and hopefully she has surrounded herself with the right people. Not only so she knows what to do, but she knows what to say. Best of luck, Avery.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 1:18 pm
I know Avery and she is a hard working, smart and trustworthy young women from an exceptional family. I think she will do an excellent job and that any doubters out there may be very surprised.
Comment by TiredOfIt Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 1:19 pm
More qualified than Derrick Smith when he was appointed but no whining about that it wouldn’t be PC.
Comment by Chicago cynic Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 1:21 pm
Joe - not commenting on the competency, but Quinn offered neither competency nor cash. Rauner at least has the cash.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 1:29 pm
==What part of this young woman is still in school, full time, and IN ANOTHER STATE don’t people understand? You can’t seriously represent a district and be a full time law student at the same time. Beyond absurd to suggest otherwise.
==
The only law school closer to her district than WashU is ST Louis U….by a couple miles. So it’d bet better if she attended law school IN STATE at a campus that was FARTHER AWAY?
Comment by Anonymoiis Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 1:31 pm
“- Chicago cynic - Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 1:21 pm:
More qualified than Derrick Smith when he was appointed but no whining about that it wouldn’t be PC.”
That was NOT the real Chicago Cynic. Dude, I’ve had this name on this blog for years. PLEASE PICK ANOTHER!
Comment by Chicago Cynic Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 1:39 pm
Wow. Congratulations Ms. Bourne.
From Coffee-Fetcher to Sock-Puppet to RaunerBot to Caucus Shill in what seems one short year.
Kids grow up so fast these days.
Are we done shaking yet?
Comment by Pink E. Kent Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 1:44 pm
==Ms. Bourne’s youth and lack of record may be welcome qualities at this point==
She can’t do much worse than the ILGA has during the past 22 years. Maybe she can teach them about budgets and balancing checkbooks, something she must understand better as a student than they do as legislators.
You might be able to skip pension payments, but you can’t skip tuition payments.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 1:46 pm
Fake Chicago cynic: I’ve met the real Chicago Cynic. I know Chicago Cynic. You sir, are no Chicago Cynic.
Plus, didn’t Smith previously get dumped from a government job over allegations of unethical conduct? That qualifies as experience in my book.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 1:47 pm
Rich, a follow up on Mike McClain.
You said he “did it for five years when he was in the House.”
“Five years” hinted that maybe he went to law school part time, as normal course is 3 yrs.
I looked him up and see he graduated from St. Louis school of law. They do have a night program like many of the lower tier law schools do.
Wash U like almost all of the upper tier law schools do not have part time programs. So that’s not an option for Ms. Bourne.
My point is, if my assumptions re Mr. McClain are correct, he’s not a good comparison here.
Also, wasn’t McClain there when it was common for friends just to press the voting button for absent GA members?
Comment by too obvious Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 1:48 pm
Thanks 47. That was some great Lloyd Bentsen channeling on your part.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 1:55 pm
I hope Miss Bourne has some of the
skills of “Jason Bourne”- she’ll need them.
Comment by Esteban Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 1:59 pm
I would never have considered myself capable of representing my neighbors when I was 22 and never had worked for a paycheck. But she doesn’t lack ambition–her Google images top line photo has her standing in front of the White House.
Comment by orzo Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 2:04 pm
How old was Schock when he showed up?
How has he been doing lately?
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 2:06 pm
- Midstate Indy -,
Oh, we all miss him so. Glad you got a “chuckle”
To that, and Jason, as an example,
Do I want a 22 year old learning the ropes as the 118th “seriored” member of the Illinois House…
Or a heartbeat away from running the 5th largest state in America.
You learn from the “bottom-up”. That fact, just by date of the swearing-in, she will be, indeed, the bottom of the list.
Sink or swim, “Tier 1″ or make herself “safe”, the easy part, if you call it that, was getting appointed. The hard stuff is everything after. If things go according to past history, both Crews, Dems and the GOP, know more about her than she knows about herself, and the scrutiny is only going to be magnified.
I wish her well. Nothing now is going to be easy.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 2:07 pm
Are Shakman and the federal monitor reviewing this appointment along with all the Rauner hires?
http://1440wrok.com/rauner-no-political-hiring-if-im-elected-governor/
Comment by Jocko Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 2:07 pm
Not many people know this, but Soccermom’s maiden name was Cynic. I come from a long line of Cynics, and I am horrified to see an imposter seeking to impersonate my beloved cousin Chicago. No doubt you suffered amnesia after that tragedy on the Titanic? It was your Canadian accent that gave you away– Also your racist undertone
Comment by Soccermom Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 2:11 pm
Nothin’ gets past S Mama. nuttin’
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 2:15 pm
Still silent on why an unqualified Derrick Smith wasn’t a big deal.
Comment by Lincoln's tears Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 2:23 pm
Juvenal@12:36–”Better” law school is subjective. What you are really talking about is “more prestigious” law school in terms of hiring in the legal pecking order. All law schools teach the same core material. There’s a big question whether law school, as we know it, with the immense expenses imposed on students for three years of post-college education, is even necessary for a competent bar (see Lincoln, Abraham).
Comment by Quiet Sage Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 2:34 pm
Thank you for changing your name Lincoln’s tears. And an unqualified Derick Smith was a big deal, as it is every time an unqualified person is appointed. But this one - a 22 year old with ZERO private sector or any real experience - seems pretty antithetical to what Rauner and many GOPers have claimed they want in public office. Again, it’s the hypocrisy that gets people riled up at least as much as the whole unqualified issue.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 2:36 pm
Shows how little the Rauner-driven GOP thinks of state legislators.
Comment by walker Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 2:38 pm
- Lincoln’s tears -,
Tom Swiss will issue the official response.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 2:38 pm
To those who might question the qualifications of any particular member of the General Assembly one must ask…..just how many members have you met?
Comment by Keyser Soze Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 2:42 pm
Admittedly very puzzled on how an utterly inexperienced full time law student in St. Louis can possibly do the job other than mailing it in. Looks like Team Rauner and Team Davis will be buying/doing all needed to make it look like she is doing more than she is. Bizarre, but we have seen worse, much worse.
It is also a clear signal on where Team Rauner is going with the ILGOP: we bought it, and we own it. (It’s actually hard to argue with them, as they do have a point.)
Comment by Percival Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 2:42 pm
Chicago cynic,
I agree the hypocrasy of being silent about Derrick smiths appointment but outraged by Bourne’s is amazing.
Comment by Lincoln's tears Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 2:45 pm
===I agree the hypocrasy of being silent about Derrick smiths appointment===
Smith was a deputy director at Jesse White’s office when he was appointed to the House.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 2:49 pm
Rich “You mean a political job “
Comment by Lincoln's tears Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 2:59 pm
All she has to do (and if I may be so presumptuous, all she will do) is push the button Bruce tells her to push and she’ll have his backing. What experience does she need? She can study in her chair all day. They could have appointed a drinking bird and they’d still get the result they wanted.
Comment by chi Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 3:00 pm
I’ve met this young lady, and she’s very impressive. And, if you look at the list of members of the House Republican caucus, there’s a serious dearth of impressive.
Comment by Gus Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 3:02 pm
===“You mean a political job “===
Kinda different than a “Political Internship”, ain’t it?
Do you really want to go down this road?
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 3:02 pm
Hmm a political job from Jessie white, who is the committee man who got him appointed as state rep. Yeah interesting the lack of outrage at that appointment. I understand the liberal blog wants one set of rules for one party and another for the other.
Comment by Lincoln's tears Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 3:06 pm
Lt, it’s probably doing you no good to justify this appointment because it was somehow better than the lowest rung of the past few years.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 3:08 pm
The liberal blog, LT?
Damn. He’s on to us! If he finds out our connection to the Trilateral Commission, it is all over!
Comment by Gooner Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 3:12 pm
No one is asking who the other 9 applicants were. Just maybe, she is very bright with a ton of upside that made her the best, if not most obvious, choice. If we’re serious about opening the party up (I am), doesn’t this send a strong clear message that we’re open to some different ideas than we have been?
Let’s see how she does. And for God sake, leave Derrick Baker out of this. He has no relevance.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 3:13 pm
“Hmm a political campaign worker for Bruce Rauner, who is now the Governor, helped get her the appointed as state rep. Yeah interesting the lack of outrage at that appointment, since, like Smith, a process was met and followed. I understand your Pavlov talking points on the blog that come across really Dopey since anyone who hangs here longer than 5 minutes understands playing a victim is really pushing the rules instead of adding to the discussion from one commenter to another.”
Better.
Do you really want to go down this road
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 3:14 pm
Make that Derrick Smith. Oops. That’s how irrelevant the dude is. lol
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 3:15 pm
Given some of the recent decisions/appointments/salary bumps etc. - should be a very interesting next 4 years. Our new CEO seems to have his own agenda and is clueless about governing a state like Illinois with all the nuances and complexities that are very important and critical in making progress. Lets see what he has to say tomorrow!!!!
Comment by illini Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 3:20 pm
LT, it was March of 2011 when Smith got appointed to fill Anazette Collins’ house seat. Why don’t you do us a favor, stop your crying and go back and look at the comments, several of which were critical of the appointment.
Ironically, CHicago Cynic’s comments that day were arguably the most critical of Smith. However, Jesse White was on the receiving end of most of the criticism for that pick, as Davis/Rauner should be here.
There’s no crying in hardball politics.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 3:21 pm
I see a lot of assumptions being made in these comments. There were some good names that applied, and at least a couple of these 4 chairmen aren’t people who I could see being bullied by the state party. So, I’m guessing that Miss Bourne is an impressive lady if they chose her. I’m willing to give her the benefit of the doubt and see how she performs before casting any judgment.
Comment by econ prof Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 3:23 pm
To add to Rich’s comment, I don’t think you’re doing yourself too many favors LT by comparing Rep. Bourne to the only member of the House to be expelled in the last century.
Comment by Juice Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 3:26 pm
===…and at least a couple of these 4 chairmen aren’t people who I could see being bullied by the state party.===
State Party? No.
Bruce Rauner, the governor of the state of Illinois, head of the party with $20 million in the bank for discipline?
Yeah, I’m sure that wasn’t a factor.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 3:26 pm
===Why don’t you do us a favor, stop your crying and go back and look at the comments, several of which were critical of the appointment. ===
Yep. And I was on vacation at the time. It was covered by my intern…
https://capitolfax.com/2011/03/24/this-just-inderrick-smith-replaces-collins-in-house/
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 3:27 pm
The General Assembly is supposed to be representative of the population of the State of Illinois. 20-somethings make up a significant part of our state’s population.
Comment by Just Me Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 3:31 pm
Monica - are you serious?! Do you have proof or is that just conjecture?!
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 3:34 pm
Guy - I knew a few of the people who put their names in. I do have a feeling that there will be some serious angst from some locals over this.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 3:36 pm
==State Party? No.
Bruce Rauner, the governor of the state of Illinois, head of the party with $20 million in the bank for discipline?
Yeah, I’m sure that wasn’t a factor.==
It’s not like any of that $20 million is going to be flowing into any of these county coffers, though. One of these chairmen in particular has never been on board with Rauner.
Comment by econ prof Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 3:49 pm
===It’s not like any of that $20 million is going to be flowing into any of these county coffers, though.===
That $20 million is for discipline.
That number is there to remind those unsure who’s in charge.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 3:55 pm
“We want talented people who have expertise, high integrity, real knowledge to come into our state government in Springfield and turn our state around. We need talent and integrity,” Rauner said. “We’re not going to be using this old system of recruiting people in the government who worked on somebody’s campaign or somebody’s brother-in-law, we’re going to bring in talented people.”
….unless it was MY campaign.
I’m not sure how much expertise one has at the ripe age of 22. By virtue of the fact that she hasn’t ever experienced gainful employment, I’m not sure what “real knowledge” she has of the world.
She might work out just fine, but my point is that it’s impossible to reconcile the above quote with the fact that Rauner went balls to the walls for this girl. And despite their denials, that is a fact.
He’s right….they aren’t using the “old system”….they are much worse.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 4:05 pm
Hey Butler,
There’s only one question you have to answer correctly in order to get the appointment: “When faced with an issue in which Governor Rauner’s position differs from that of your constituency, with whom will you side?”
Hint: It both begins and ends with “R”.
Sincerely,
Avery
Comment by P.S. Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 4:13 pm
Lincoln was a U. S. Congressman before becoming President. Read some History about politics!
Comment by Tom Joad Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 4:23 pm
I’m sure all of the anonymous and overly personal hay-makers being thrown at Rep. Bourne will be remembered should she prove up to her new responsibilities. Yes, if she fails the angry peanut gallery that comprises this space will undoubtedly rejoice and say “see, she was a mere hack.” But … what if she does well? Who should she see about retractions?
Comment by Georg Sande Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 4:51 pm
===Who should she see about retractions?===
“Who?” See Rep. Sandack…
===Who should she see about retractions?===
Tom Swiss?
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 5:14 pm
Compare the two posts. One disparages the new rep and the posters here pile on. The other is just a blurb with barely any reaction from the posters. The bias is glaring.
Comment by Lincoln's tears Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 6:05 pm
- Lincoln’s tears -,
You are losing the discussion;
Comparing an intern whose clout is the Governor, with one real job at 22 now looks feeble and weak compared to Derrick Smith.
You did that. Congratulations.
Now you want to make remarks about commenters and the Blog, thinking THAT will help your case? You are only highlighting the glaring youth and inexperience and political maneuvering of another “Green Light” named Rep. Bourne.
“You’re not helping.”
Up to you…
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 6:11 pm
1. Paul Simon was a state rep at the tender age of 26, but it should be noted that he had spent two plus years in Korea during that war and was elected, not appointed.
2. If your best shot is comparing this young lady to Derrick Smith, you don’t have much to offer.
Comment by DuPage Dave Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 6:24 pm
Pat Quinn, the so called king of patronage, gets his campaign people staff assistant position sat IDOT. Rauner shakes up springfield by getting his appointed to the House of Representatives.
Irony?
Comment by Huh??? Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 6:28 pm
Why does this guy keep thinking he’s helping her out by comparing her to Smith?
Dude, give her a break already.
Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 6:33 pm
===Compare the two posts.===
Yep. One (this one) I wrote. The other I did not.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 6:44 pm
Loyal Longtime Active Republicans in Ms. Bourne’s Home County of Montgomery never heard of her. She might not survive a Primary , let alone a General Election. Good News for Local Democrats.
Comment by x ace Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 8:03 pm
Just like a democrat. They like to promote women and then bad mouth them when one succeeds at climbing the latter….Republicans promote women—democrats just talk!
Comment by Sparminer Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 11:46 pm
“Ladder”
Comment by Sparminer Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 11:49 pm
There’s a lesson in this dialog for you Rich. The Rauner people are watching your blog like a hawk (should be worth a few more bucks) and will swoop in when anyone even hints of anti-Rauner sentiments. Should make tomorrow interesting at the very least.
Should I preview their lines of defense?
1) Yes, these cuts are awful but it’s about time someone had the guts to propose a real budget.
2) No, we can’t raise any additional revenue without driving businesses out of the state.
3) It’s all the Democrats [read Michael Madigan’s] fault.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 12:10 am
===- Sparminer - Tuesday, Feb 17, 15 @ 11:46 pm
Just like a democrat. They like to promote women and then bad mouth them when one succeeds at climbing the latter….Republicans promote women—democrats just talk!===
She’s 22. She didn’t climb anything.
Pretty pathetic. Being a victim and ignoring truth isn’t helping My Party.
“Climbed the ladder”… Dope.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 12:52 am
Chicago cynic, boy you are somethin else. The Republicans ran the governors mansion for approx 25 years. So you point the fingers at the Democrats…. Come on man! The Republicans are just as equal to blame too. Edgar is the sole owner of the pension problem because of his ramp up payment deal. It is very easy to point fingers but the party of Rauner who will have a strangle hold on all GOPers in Illinois wil do more harm then good. He sold the best snake oil which everybody bought. So come on man, Buyers remorse with Ruaner, the drum beats will get louder as each month goes by. So now the GOP will be held accountable this time around. So Stick the feather in your Arlington Race track fancy hat….
Comment by Come on man Wednesday, Feb 18, 15 @ 10:17 am