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* These three will be very high-level targets next year. From the IL GOP…
A Time for Choosing
It’s time for Sen. Forby, Rep. Bradley, and Rep. Phelps to stand up for taxpayers instead of President Cullerton and Speaker Madigan
Last week, Democrats in Springfield passed a budget with a $4 billion hole. Last year, they passed a budget that was unbalanced by $1.6 billion. The Democrats controlled by House Speaker Mike Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton reject reform and pass unbalanced budgets.
After more than 80 years in power, Mike Madigan and John Cullerton wield unmatched power over their House and Senate members. Sen.Gary Forby, Rep. John Bradley, and Rep. Brandon Phelps claim to represent Southern Illinois, but they are controlled by the heavy hand of John Cullerton and Mike Madigan.
It’s time for Forby, Bradley, and Phelps to stand up for Southern Illinois taxpayers instead of their Chicago bosses Madigan & Cullerton.
Sen. Gary Forby
The Budget Constructed By Madigan And Cullerton For FY2015 Was Unbalanced By $1.6 Billion. “Illinois lawmakers moved Monday to plug a gaping $1.6 billion hole in this year’s state budget after weeks of tense negotiations between a Republican governor and Democratic-led Legislature over authority to transfer funds as money runs out for social programs such as subsidized day care. (”Illinois House Passes Plan To Fill State’s $1.6 Billion Budget Hole,” The Associated Press, 3/24/2015)
Forby Voted To Pass Madigan And Cullerton’s Unbalanced FY2015 Budget. (Illinois General Assembly Records, Accessed 6/7/2015)
The Budget Constructed By Madigan And Cullerton For FY2016 Is Unbalanced By More Than $3 Billion. “House Democrats worked into the evening Tuesday to push through major parts of a new budget they acknowledge is at least $3 billion short in an effort to force new Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner to eventually go along with a tax increase to fill the deficit.” (Monique Garcia and Kim Geiger, “Illinois Democrats Push Ahead With Budget That’s $3 Billion Short,” Chicago Tribune, 5/26/2015)
Forby Voted To Pass Madigan And Cullerton’s Unbalanced FY2016 Budget Bills.(Illinois General Assembly Records, Accessed 6/7/2015)
Forby Has Taken $695,131 From Madigan, Cullerton And Committees They Control. (Illinois Board of Elections, Accessed 6/7/2015)
Rep. John Bradley
The Budget Constructed By Madigan And Cullerton For FY2015 Was Unbalanced By $1.6 Billion. “Illinois lawmakers moved Monday to plug a gaping $1.6 billion hole in this year’s state budget after weeks of tense negotiations between a Republican governor and Democratic-led Legislature over authority to transfer funds as money runs out for social programs such as subsidized day care. (”Illinois House Passes Plan To Fill State’s $1.6 Billion Budget Hole,” The Associated Press, 3/24/2015)
Bradley Voted To Pass Madigan And Cullerton’s Unbalanced FY2015 Budget. (Illinois General Assembly Records, Accessed 6/7/2015)
The Budget Constructed By Madigan And Cullerton For FY2016 Is Unbalanced By More Than $3 Billion. “House Democrats worked into the evening Tuesday to push through major parts of a new budget they acknowledge is at least $3 billion short in an effort to force new Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner to eventually go along with a tax increase to fill the deficit.” (Monique Garcia and Kim Geiger, “Illinois Democrats Push Ahead With Budget That’s $3 Billion Short,” Chicago Tribune, 5/26/2015)
Bradley Voted To Pass Madigan And Cullerton’s Unbalanced FY2016 Budget Bills.(Illinois General Assembly Records, Accessed 6/7/2015)
Bradley Voted To Pass Madigan And Cullerton’s 67% Tax Increase. (SB2505, 1/11/2011)
Bradley Has Taken $71,979 From Madigan And Committees He Controls. (Illinois Board of Elections, Accessed 6/7/2015)
Rep. Brandon Phelps
The Budget Constructed By Madigan And Cullerton For FY2015 Was Unbalanced By $1.6 Billion. “Illinois lawmakers moved Monday to plug a gaping $1.6 billion hole in this year’s state budget after weeks of tense negotiations between a Republican governor and Democratic-led Legislature over authority to transfer funds as money runs out for social programs such as subsidized day care. (”Illinois House Passes Plan To Fill State’s $1.6 Billion Budget Hole,” The Associated Press, 3/24/2015)
Phelps Voted To Pass Madigan And Cullerton’s Unbalanced FY2015 Budget. (Illinois General Assembly Records, Accessed 6/7/2015)
The Budget Constructed By Madigan And Cullerton For FY2016 Is Unbalanced By More Than $3 Billion. “House Democrats worked into the evening Tuesday to push through major parts of a new budget they acknowledge is at least $3 billion short in an effort to force new Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner to eventually go along with a tax increase to fill the deficit.” (Monique Garcia and Kim Geiger, “Illinois Democrats Push Ahead With Budget That’s $3 Billion Short,” Chicago Tribune, 5/26/2015)
Phelps Voted To Pass Madigan And Cullerton’s Unbalanced FY2016 Budget Bills.(Illinois General Assembly Records, Accessed 6/7/2015)
Phelps Has Taken $74,815 From Madigan And Committees He Controls. (Illinois Board of Elections, Accessed 6/7/2015)
*** UPDATE 1 *** The governor will speak in that area today…
Daily Public Schedule: June 8, 2015
What: Governor Discusses the Turnaround Agenda’s Impact on Williamson County
Where: Black Diamond Harley Davidson
2400 Williamson County Pkwy., Marion
Date: Monday, June 8, 2015
Time: 12:00 p.m.
What: Governor Discusses the Turnaround Agenda’s Impact on St. Clair County
Where: Eckert’s Belleville County Store & Farm
951 S. Green Mount Rd., Belleville
Date: Monday, June 8, 2015
Time: 2:45 p.m.
*** UPDATE 2 *** As noted in the above update, the governor also plans to be in the Metro East today…
A Time for Choosing
It’s time for Metro East Democrats to stand up for taxpayers instead of President Cullerton and Speaker Madigan
Last week, Democrats in Springfield passed a budget with a $4 billion hole. Last year, they passed a budget that was unbalanced by $1.6 billion. The Democrats controlled by House Speaker Mike Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton reject reform and pass unbalanced budgets.
After more than 80 years in power, Mike Madigan and John Cullerton wield unmatched power over their House and Senate members. Sen. Bill Haine, Sen. James Claybourne, Rep. Jay Hoffman, Rep. Jerry Costello, and Rep. Daniel Beiser claim to represent Southern Illinois, but they are controlled by the heavy hand of John Cullerton and Mike Madigan.
It’s time for Haine, Claybourne, Hoffman, Costello, and Beiser to stand up for Southern Illinois taxpayers instead of their Chicago bosses Madigan & Cullerton.
Sen. Bill Haine
The Budget Constructed By Madigan And Cullerton For FY2015 Was Unbalanced By $1.6 Billion. “Illinois lawmakers moved Monday to plug a gaping $1.6 billion hole in this year’s state budget after weeks of tense negotiations between a Republican governor and Democratic-led Legislature over authority to transfer funds as money runs out for social programs such as subsidized day care. (”Illinois House Passes Plan To Fill State’s $1.6 Billion Budget Hole,” The Associated Press, 3/24/2015)
Haine Voted To Pass Madigan And Cullerton’s Unbalanced FY2015 Budget. (Illinois General Assembly Records, Accessed 6/7/2015)
The Budget Constructed By Madigan And Cullerton For FY2016 Is Unbalanced By More Than $3 Billion. “House Democrats worked into the evening Tuesday to push through major parts of a new budget they acknowledge is at least $3 billion short in an effort to force new Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner to eventually go along with a tax increase to fill the deficit.” (Monique Garcia and Kim Geiger, “Illinois Democrats Push Ahead With Budget That’s $3 Billion Short,” Chicago Tribune, 5/26/2015)
Haine Voted To Pass Madigan And Cullerton’s Unbalanced FY2016 Budget Bills. (Illinois General Assembly Records, Accessed 6/7/2015)
Haine Voted To Pass Madigan And Cullerton’s 67% Tax Increase. (SB2505, 1/11/2011)Haine Has Taken $295,821 From Madigan, Cullerton And Committees They Control. (Illinois Board of Elections, Accessed 6/7/2015)
Sen. James Clayborne
The Budget Constructed By Madigan And Cullerton For FY2015 Was Unbalanced By $1.6 Billion. “Illinois lawmakers moved Monday to plug a gaping $1.6 billion hole in this year’s state budget after weeks of tense negotiations between a Republican governor and Democratic-led Legislature over authority to transfer funds as money runs out for social programs such as subsidized day care. (”Illinois House Passes Plan To Fill State’s $1.6 Billion Budget Hole,” The Associated Press, 3/24/2015)
Clayborne Voted To Pass Madigan And Cullerton’s Unbalanced FY2015 Budget. (Illinois General Assembly Records, Accessed 6/7/2015)
The Budget Constructed By Madigan And Cullerton For FY2016 Is Unbalanced By More Than $3 Billion. “House Democrats worked into the evening Tuesday to push through major parts of a new budget they acknowledge is at least $3 billion short in an effort to force new Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner to eventually go along with a tax increase to fill the deficit.” (Monique Garcia and Kim Geiger, “Illinois Democrats Push Ahead With Budget That’s $3 Billion Short,” Chicago Tribune, 5/26/2015)
Clayborne Voted To Pass Madigan And Cullerton’s Unbalanced FY2016 Budget Bills. (Illinois General Assembly Records, Accessed 6/7/2015)
Clayborne Voted To Pass Madigan And Cullerton’s 67% Tax Increase. (SB2505, 1/11/2011)Clayborne Has Taken $63,194 From Madigan And Committees He Controls. (Illinois Board of Elections, Accessed 6/7/2015)
Rep. Jay Hoffman
The Budget Constructed By Madigan And Cullerton For FY2015 Was Unbalanced By $1.6 Billion. “Illinois lawmakers moved Monday to plug a gaping $1.6 billion hole in this year’s state budget after weeks of tense negotiations between a Republican governor and Democratic-led Legislature over authority to transfer funds as money runs out for social programs such as subsidized day care. (”Illinois House Passes Plan To Fill State’s $1.6 Billion Budget Hole,” The Associated Press, 3/24/2015)
Hoffman Voted To Pass Madigan And Cullerton’s Unbalanced FY2015 Budget. (Illinois General Assembly Records, Accessed 6/7/2015)
The Budget Constructed By Madigan And Cullerton For FY2016 Is Unbalanced By More Than $3 Billion. “House Democrats worked into the evening Tuesday to push through major parts of a new budget they acknowledge is at least $3 billion short in an effort to force new Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner to eventually go along with a tax increase to fill the deficit.” (Monique Garcia and Kim Geiger, “Illinois Democrats Push Ahead With Budget That’s $3 Billion Short,” Chicago Tribune, 5/26/2015)
Hoffman Voted To Pass Madigan And Cullerton’s Unbalanced FY2016 Budget Bills. (Illinois General Assembly Records, Accessed 6/7/2015)
Hoffman Has Taken $351,178 From Madigan And Committees He Controls. (Illinois Board of Elections, Accessed 6/7/2015)
Rep. Jerry Costello
The Budget Constructed By Madigan And Cullerton For FY2015 Was Unbalanced By $1.6 Billion. “Illinois lawmakers moved Monday to plug a gaping $1.6 billion hole in this year’s state budget after weeks of tense negotiations between a Republican governor and Democratic-led Legislature over authority to transfer funds as money runs out for social programs such as subsidized day care. (”Illinois House Passes Plan To Fill State’s $1.6 Billion Budget Hole,” The Associated Press, 3/24/2015)
Costello Voted To Pass Madigan And Cullerton’s Unbalanced FY2015 Budget. (Illinois General Assembly Records, Accessed 6/7/2015)
The Budget Constructed By Madigan And Cullerton For FY2016 Is Unbalanced By More Than $3 Billion. “House Democrats worked into the evening Tuesday to push through major parts of a new budget they acknowledge is at least $3 billion short in an effort to force new Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner to eventually go along with a tax increase to fill the deficit.” (Monique Garcia and Kim Geiger, “Illinois Democrats Push Ahead With Budget That’s $3 Billion Short,” Chicago Tribune, 5/26/2015)
Costello Voted To Pass Madigan And Cullerton’s Unbalanced FY2016 Budget Bills. (Illinois General Assembly Records, Accessed 6/7/2015)
Costello Has Taken $192,851 From Madigan And Committees He Controls. (Illinois Board of Elections, Accessed 6/7/2015)
Rep. Daniel Beiser
The Budget Constructed By Madigan And Cullerton For FY2015 Was Unbalanced By $1.6 Billion. “Illinois lawmakers moved Monday to plug a gaping $1.6 billion hole in this year’s state budget after weeks of tense negotiations between a Republican governor and Democratic-led Legislature over authority to transfer funds as money runs out for social programs such as subsidized day care. (”Illinois House Passes Plan To Fill State’s $1.6 Billion Budget Hole,” The Associated Press, 3/24/2015)
Beiser Voted To Pass Madigan And Cullerton’s Unbalanced FY2015 Budget. (Illinois General Assembly Records, Accessed 6/7/2015)
The Budget Constructed By Madigan And Cullerton For FY2016 Is Unbalanced By More Than $3 Billion. “House Democrats worked into the evening Tuesday to push through major parts of a new budget they acknowledge is at least $3 billion short in an effort to force new Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner to eventually go along with a tax increase to fill the deficit.” (Monique Garcia and Kim Geiger, “Illinois Democrats Push Ahead With Budget That’s $3 Billion Short,” Chicago Tribune, 5/26/2015)
Beiser Voted To Pass Madigan And Cullerton’s Unbalanced FY2016 Budget Bills. (Illinois General Assembly Records, Accessed 6/7/2015)
Beiser Voted To Pass Madigan And Cullerton’s 67% Tax Increase. (SB2505, 1/11/2011)
Beiser Has Taken $242,997 From Madigan And Committees He Controls. (Illinois Board of Elections, Accessed 6/7/2015)
*** UPDATE 3 *** From the twitters…
.@GovRauner to legislators: are you loyal to Madigan or are you going to vote for taxpayers and homeowners?
— LTrover (@LTrover) June 8, 2015
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:00 am
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A Time For Choosing? Really?
If these un-Reagan-like Republicans are going to rip-off Reagan, shouldn’t they at least give attribution?
Comment by too obvious Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:02 am
===After more than 80 years in power, Mike Madigan and John Cullerton wield unmatched power over their House and Senate members. Sen.Gary Forby, Rep. John Bradley, and Rep. Brandon Phelps claim to represent Southern Illinois, but they are controlled by the heavy hand of John Cullerton and Mike Madigan.
It’s time for Forby, Bradley, and Phelps to stand up for Southern Illinois taxpayers instead of their Chicago bosses Madigan & Cullerton.===
This. Is. So. Tired.
Dear ILGOP, 1996 called, they wanted their Chicago Politican theme back.
Man, what Durkin and Radogno could actually DO with a million a seat, with diverse candidates, tailored for the districts… Sen. Neil Anderson, hello?
There’s so much right about this, so much wrong about the way Rauner wants it, and so much tired in this 1996 messaging. Do better, please.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:05 am
==Dear ILGOP, 1996 called, they wanted their Chicago Politican theme back.==
It’s targeted at Southern Illinois. If you’re successful labeling them as such, it very much works down there.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:07 am
Yup, the 100 years of Quinn/Madigan/Cullerton schtick from the last election was *so* effective. As was the “Fire Madigan” campaign. So, to quote Reagan (and attribute it to him too), “There you go again.”
Comment by Skeptic Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:10 am
They sure use a lot of capital letters
Comment by steve schnorf Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:11 am
Blow the dust off those “Fire Madigan” buttons. What a joke.
Comment by Orland (D) Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:12 am
All three have 10 years representing Southern Illinois.
After facing the voters time and again, now this shtick that they are beholden to Chicago machine politics WILL work?
There is a big difference in running micro and macro campaigns, especially against seasoned incumbents.
The 1996 tired thoughts tell me no one is really concerned about the micro or 2016.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:13 am
Then again, it’s Rauner who is making cuts and threatening closures and layoffs in their districts. If they’re out front fighting the gov on the ground, that’s something real and tangible right in front of people. That’s powerful in overcoming attack ads with negative claims that may seem immaterial in contrast.
Comment by Reality Check Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:14 am
Anonymous– not really. It would only work on an unknown candidate down here. Down here we know these guys.
Comment by hakuna matata Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:15 am
A lot of people are missing how Rauner may well be a fundamental gamechanger in Illinois politics. The Republicans now have not only a very visible platform from which to call out Democrats on their records, but also the money to back up the contentions come election time.
Comment by Percival Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:15 am
I agree with Willie. The Madigan/Slave-to-Chicago attack has failed against all three of these guys many times before. Sure, Madigan is better known and even more hated now than he was ten years ago, so it might resonate better than in the past. But I think the Dems might be able to counter that by running against Rauner. He just gave them a great issue by saying he’s going to close the Hardin prison work camp.
Comment by Fred Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:15 am
This portends cookie cutter campaigns. Which means easy money for little work for some campaign consultants.
It also plays right into Madigan’s strength: running local, rather than statewide, campaigns.
But, hey: maybe cookie cutter campaigns will work if you just turn up the volume. I wouldn’t bet the ranch on it, though. Or any of the other eight residences.
Comment by the Other Anonymous Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:16 am
Percival : But can the learn how to win individual House races? It takes years to learn how to win in these districts, its not always about money..
Comment by Not Rich Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:17 am
The Dems here dislike it? Good. #LotsMorePlease
Comment by Georg Sande Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:18 am
They blast Madigan’s budget as $4 billion out of whack while citing articles saying it is $3 billion out of whack. Maybe an introductory class on working with sources is necessary.
Comment by Precinct Captain Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:18 am
=== has failed against all three of these guys many times before===
Bradley and Phelps haven’t had real races in years and years.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:19 am
- Percival -,
This is Raunerite, not Republican or even for the GOP. See the Owl Sandack, “who” now says and does things as a Republican mayor he’d never sign off on. How do I know? See Muni Bankruptcy.
If you are fooled to believing this is about the ILGOP, that’s on you.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:19 am
And so it begins. Conflict is the life blood of democracy.
Comment by old-pol Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:19 am
Are the NRA and ISRA going to put their muscle behind their very good friends here? It would be quite a thing if they did not.
Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:19 am
Rich - it would also depend on the Repub candidate. So far, haven’t seen any worth mentioning.
Comment by hakuna matata Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:20 am
It’s all about getting quality opponents against them and coughing up the bucks they need to effectively campaign.
These seats CAN be taken by the GOP if they give voters a better alternative.
“Bringing home the bacon” for their districts will get them re-elected, but sending the bacon to Chicago and NOT bringing it home to their districts could get them beat.
The question here is how much pork is Madigan willing to take from Chicago to feed these districts.
Comment by Arizona Bob Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:20 am
===So far, haven’t seen any worth mentioning. ===
Yeah, Skip said the same thing for months.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:20 am
===Bradley and Phelps haven’t had real races in years and years.===
That’s should scare the heck out of these guys. They should be very nervous… running against these 1996 talking points aren’t the scary part.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:21 am
Tell us TeamBungle was too busy in Tampa to really plan anything so the turned Pat Brady for an oldie
Comment by Anonin' Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:21 am
Remember, Rauner already has the funds set aside to outspend Madigan 10 to 1, and more if he needs it. He’s going to run out of effective things to do with it downstate.
New ballgame.
For Bradley, for instance, it will be a good test to see if overwhelming money actually can buy a legislative seat, where the incumbent has been popular among voters, and earned that loyalty with outstanding public service.
Comment by walker Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:22 am
Seriously? Exactly what has BVR done for that part of the state? (Wearing a Carhartt and dropping your G’s doesn’t count)
Comment by Slippin' Jimmy Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:22 am
===Yeah, Skip said the same thing for months.===
“Skyhook in reverse”
The question to follow the Saviano move is, all that money, will Rauner realize that MJM went street to street, block to block, apartment to apartment in araprtmebt buildings.
Micro.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:23 am
$70,000 doesn’t strike me as a bought-and-paid-for politician. But a challenger with Rauner’s millions behind them sure does.
Comment by Monday morning Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:26 am
The resources and opposition should concern them more than the talking points.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:28 am
Not overly familiar with Skip, but did he have the Speaker’s backing?
Comment by hakuna matata Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:28 am
hakuna, that question means you aren’t familiar with Skip at all.
lol
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:33 am
The RaunerBucks can be effective as hell if he learns 2 numbers: 80 and 20. If Rauner drops the hard right-wing purity test and recruits candidates who will go along with him most of the time, the GOP could pick up a bunch of seats over the next couple election cycles.
Comment by SAP Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:33 am
If these three GA legislators are puppets to their party’s leaders, what would their three campaign challengers be since they completely depend upon ONE person for their political existence?
Rauner could sell himself as an independent leader last year, but couldn’t today. He couldn’t get reelected if he ran now. So any of his input into a legislative race shouldn’t be assumed as a good thing, even if it means a million dollars.
Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:34 am
Strategically, why are the Raunerites starting this now? Don’t you normally wanna keep a challenger quiet then blindside a comfortable incumbent (ideally) around petition season?
Comment by Centennial Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:36 am
None of the three have faced a serious, well-funded challenge in at least the past 6 years. The message may be old, but the ability to broadcast it is new.
Comment by Snucka Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:36 am
Not Rich - you can buy the expertise. I acknowledge that you can’t buy local connections, which is why candidate recruitment will be crucial for the GOP in this effort.
OW- I think you are the one stuck in time. The days of “Good Republicans” meaning the ones who take scads of union money for elections then roll over and play dead when Mike Madigan walked by are very likely over. At least for the next four years, Bruce Rauner IS the Republican Party in Illinois, and unquestionably the ILGOP. I can’t think of a Republican leader who would even think of crossing him at this point. The GOP in the General Assembly now fear him (slightly) more than Madigan, which is probably a good thing.
Comment by Percival Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:38 am
The three conservative Dems will enjoy endorsements from the NRA and probably prolife groups as well. It will be hard to credibly depict them as big liberals.
Comment by nona Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:40 am
Word beat me to it: The gun people VOTE and Phelps has a LOT of friends there.
Comment by downstate commissioner Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:40 am
Unless something has changed, Bradley and Phelps are pretty darn beloved in southern Illinois. They’re also DINOs on a lot of issues, especially socially. And you can anti-union thump all you want, but the big employers down there remain the state, the University, and the hospitals. Not a lot of private capital coming into the area.
Forby…I think Forby can be had. I really thought he would be 8 years ago. There’s a segment of that population embarrassed by Forby and I can see money and a decent candidate shoving him overboard.
Comment by Concerned Observer Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:42 am
Maybe Phelps never has serious opponents because he’s well liked. Tack on the last cycle’s gun bill and he’s untouchable.
Durkin blew how much two years ago IN A PRIMARY to keep Sandack in the House? I don’t think Madigan and Cullerton are going to lose any sleep over sabre rattling and owl hooting from the Durkin/Radogno brain trust.
Comment by Tourés Latte Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:43 am
Discussion of The Turnaround Agenda’s Impact on Williamson and St. Clair Counties, aka World’s Shortest Political Events.
Doesnt something have to happen for it to have an “impact?”
Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:44 am
Vanilla Man, I would (will) be Very suspicious of a new candidate backed by Rauner. At this point he/she would appear to be bought and paid for… The next election will be very interesting: personally, in the rural areas, I believe that Rauner’s money will mostly impact open seats. Upstate, it might make more of a difference…
Comment by downstate commissioner Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:46 am
===Bruce Rauner IS the Republican Party in Illinois, and unquestionably the ILGOP.===
No, Rauner bought the ILGOP, making it the Raunerite base by which the Blago Plan that Rauner is following.
===I can’t think of a Republican leader who would even think of crossing him at this point. The GOP in the General Assembly now fear him (slightly) more than Madigan, which is probably a good thing.===
The rub in that? The autonomy of a diverse GOP Caucus is now lost to a bought Raunerite Caucus focused on Rauner.
The loss of the autonomy of Caucuses to another branch of government is never a good thing.
===OW- I think you are the one stuck in time. The days of “Good Republicans” meaning the ones who take scads of union money for elections then roll over and play dead when Mike Madigan walked by are very likely over.===
Welp, how do you explain thise who “walked” on RTW in the House? Why would they walk?
You put a think on that and get back to me.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:48 am
Hmm…60/30
So the Raunerbots throw a bunch of RaunerBucks at these 3 and take them out. And they might get Franks and a couple of other House D’s.
Might get 1 other Senate D…still leaves them short of 60/30.
That’s for 2016, then come to 2018, when Rauner owns all the budgets, social service cuts and tax increases (2x)…..
It’s going to be a LONG 3 1/2 more years.
Comment by Are Ya Kiddin' Me? Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:58 am
==- Wordslinger - Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:44 am:==
Maybe he has run a simulated model, similar to Paul Ryan’s never-before-seen unemployment number and Sam Brownback’s economic growth.
Comment by Precinct Captain Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 11:03 am
so there’s 3 of the 20 million. Who else is on the receiving end of the other 17 million? Who? Who? 20 million is just a start.
Who thinks there is way more behind that? Who? Who?
: )
Comment by Anon2U Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 11:07 am
What are the odds he rides his Harley onto the stage at this show?
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 11:13 am
=== has failed against all three of these guys many times before===
===Bradley and Phelps haven’t had real races in years and years.===
For very good reasons. One of them is that union sentiment here runs very deep. Another is that the GOP organization in these parts is pretty weak, except along the river counties…where the population is low in number. And yet another is that Forby and Bradley and known and liked. They should be able to weather the storm easily…if you want to call it a storm.
Comment by Deep South Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 11:13 am
I heard Rob “Judas Priest” Halford used to do that.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 11:13 am
Riding the storm out was Kevin “REO” Cronin’s area of expertise…
Comment by Anon Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 11:17 am
@walker 10:22 =…it will be a good test to see if overwhelming money actually can buy a legislative seat…=
Overwhelming money bought the governor’s office. Overwhelming money will buy endless attack ads, researchers digging for dirt, and if they can’t find any, they will invent something.
Comment by DuPage Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 11:18 am
Percival is absolutely correct. Rauner is the IL GOP, especially its message. Sit back and watch because that message is about to be made very well known, repeatedly. This won’t be some toothless “Fire Madigan” part deux either, because this is about the war for Illinois. And Rauner has the armaments. #ItsOn
Comment by Georg Sande Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 11:20 am
- Georg Sande -,
Rauner engineered a hostile takeover of the ILGOP because he could. It’s his base of operation for a shell corporation while dabbling, at the tune of tens of millions of dollars, in Democratic Primaries, in hopes of getting 60 and 30 Raunerites in both chambers to move a Raunerite Agenda.
Bruce Rauner, himself, personally, has said its his goal, and put money in place to implement Rod Blagojevich’s dream.
If you honestly think… honestly think… it’s about moving the GOP in Illinois, I can’t help you with your blinders on.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 11:25 am
=He couldn’t get reelected if he ran now=
What makes you say that? He won a statewide race easily only six months ago, and when he has to run for re-election he will again run a very good, well funded campaign. I can’t believe there are still people who underestimate him.
And by the way, he DOESN’T have to run for re-election right now, or in 2016 for that matter. His money will be very helpful, and anyone who doesn’t want $1 million for a winnable race does not deserve the seat in the legislature.
Comment by Snucka Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 11:33 am
What Snucka said.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 11:34 am
Dale Fowler for State Senate
Comment by wrangler Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 11:36 am
Black Diamond Harley Davidson has given money/in kind to Gary Forby.
Comment by 1776 Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 11:42 am
OW - I suppose there could be a separate “real” Republican Party hidden in a shoebox in your closet, but outside of that it is hard to see what you are talking about. Not liking a reality is fine, but denying it is silly.
Why did they walk? Real simple: it was a sham bill and more than a few of those leguslators regularly accept Union contributions. It is interesting that you talk of Rauner buying the GOP but ignore those little union contributions that make such a difference.
P.S. “Whelp”? My goodness, we are a bit sensitive. I must suggest that you may be spending a little too much time on this blog.
Comment by Percival Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 11:52 am
Wrangler - that would explain Fowler’s need to be in every picture and be annoyingly self promoting. I thought it was just his narcissism shining through again.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 11:53 am
===Why did they walk? Real simple: it was a sham bill and more than a few of those leguslators regularly accept Union contributions.===
No, please pay attention. Why did 7 GOP members walk on RTW. Think harder. Hit the search key. Learn why.
===It is interesting that you talk of Rauner buying the GOP but ignore those little union contributions that make such a difference.===
That makes Raunet a special interest? lol
Pick a lane. Please. Bruce Rauner took over the GOP GA. He has. You can deny it until you’re blue in the face, but it doesn’t change that fact, at $400K a clip, hours before a vote.
It “welp”, and it’s easier then just sighing, lol.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 11:58 am
To UpdateX2,
LOL.
Nothing like going cookie-cutter when it’s really all about the micro aspects of winning districts, not the overall messaging delivering individual districts.
Please, do better.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 12:02 pm
I wonder how popular Rauner will be, come election time? That will make a difference for his hand-picked candidates.
Comment by Aldyth Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 12:04 pm
“Welcome, my friends, to the campaign that never ends…”
Comment by Roadiepig Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 12:16 pm
==I wonder how popular Rauner will be, come election time?==
Better question is, “How popular will he be with a 2016 electorate?”
Comment by Arsenal Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 12:39 pm
I have no doubt that Rauner could put his money to use and back formidable challengers. But these wouldn’t be the typical moderate Republicans that tend to get elected around here. These would be hard core Raunerites beholden to their financial backer. It remains to be seen how willing voters are to support this type of candidate particularly when the governor himself didn’t have the courage to run on the “turnaround agenda” he’s now advancing.
Comment by pundent Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 12:40 pm
=Better question is, “How popular will he be with a 2016 electorate?”=
Yes. That is a legit concern for anyone taking Rauner’s mone in 2016. That said, it will not stop anyone from taking his money and anyone who takes his money has a shot.
Rauner’s approval rating also won’t be as much of a problem outside the Chicago area.
Comment by Snucka Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 1:01 pm
If Rauner finds a credible candidate to run against Forby and seems poised to back him/her to the hilt does Forby have it in him to take on the fight of his electoral life next year? I really have my doubts. It seems like he’s been on the cusp of retiring for years. Maybe this would nudge him into retirement.
Now Phelps and Bradley I see hanging in for their toughest reflection campaigns regardless.
Comment by Call Me Crazy Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 1:09 pm
OW - Your mantra is Rauner “bought” the ILGOP. First of all, it is a political party not a college debating society, and second even if you don’t like him he’s putting a whole lot more into the GOP coffers, while getting other wealthy donors to follow. The GOP is finally getting the financial support required to defeat Madigan & Co. (over time, no immediate miracles expected), while having the courage to stand on his principles. Apparently you don’t like his principles, so to you it is all a bad thing. But in politics half a loaf beats starvation. I’ll leave you to think on that.
Comment by Percival Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 1:11 pm
But gahhhh I’m still so mad about that 4,000 from Rauner.
Comment by Anonymouse Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 1:15 pm
“OW - Your mantra is Rauner “bought” the ILGOP. First of all, Rauner bought a political party not unlike a college library or dorm at Dartmouth, and second even if you don’t like him he’s putting a whole lot more money into the bought legislators’ account so they will stay bought , even hours before votes, while getting other wealthy donors to finance his hostile takeover.
The ‘GOP’ is finally getting the financial support because investments need money to keep something you bought going, and keeping free-thinking Republicans away from those who want Owls. Rauner bought the ILGOP and by buying the ILGOP, Rauner will try to use that leverage to marginalized Madigan & Co. (over time, no immediate miracles expected), to create the Blago dream; a caucus owned by a governor, outside of either party.
Rauner has no courage to stand on this Blago Caucus principle, even though over and over Rauner touts how he plans to have his own Caucuses. Apparently you don’t like his Blago plan, so to you it is all a bad thing. But in Raunerite ideals, it’s full loaves of bread for Raunerites, everyone else, starvation. I’ll leave you to think on that.”
lol, better.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 1:24 pm
@ Percival
OW is right. Rauner actually did buy the ILGOP. His budget is a sham and also thinks he is above everyone. The Supreme Court says your responsible for the pension payments, but he thinks otherwise. There is a huge difference between principles and making union members look like they are thugs who hurt their members if they disagree with them. Also, you forget to mention his business record speaks for itself, including going after those who are not able to fend for themselves. He’s trying to bust unions in this state, plain and simple.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 1:25 pm
+1 to Roadie Pig for the Emerson, Lake and Palmer reference.
Comment by Skeptic Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 1:34 pm
Anyone who adds up separate time in Springfield to claim Madigan and Cullerton have been in power for more than 80 years - before either one was born - just loses me when they try to use numbers in their argument. If they can’t do simple math, how can I trust them when they talk big numbers. (At least they didn’t talk about the “Democrat” party.)
Comment by West Side the Best Side Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 1:40 pm
Let’s stick to facts.
1. Down ballot races always rely on turnout in Presidential races from that race and US Senate.
2. Turn out will favor the democrats
3. Rauner will fund these republican challengers and no doubt they will have significant money.
4. Cullerton/Madigan will fund the democrats.
5. Democrats will have a stronger ground game period.
6. If Forby, Pholps and Bradley work–big if–they should be very competitive.
7. Most non target politicians don’t like to work hard for re-election.
8. Under Rauner, almost every democrat could be a target.
9. They better work, or they will get picked off.
10. How do I know? Been there, done that!
Comment by Tom Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 1:54 pm
Um. - Tom -…
Rauner is going to fund Democrats.
You’re welcome.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 1:56 pm
To UpdateX3;
@FakeLTrover - .@GovRauner to all legislators: are you loyal to your districts or your party, or are you going to vote the way Rauner tells you. Don’t ask for a $&@#% problem #RaunerWillOwnYouToo
lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 2:00 pm
@FakeLTrover - Legislators; Vote Bruce’s way and no one gets hurt. #ThisIsBrucePlayingNice
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 2:05 pm
who are the Republican targets for the Dems? that will be very interesting!
Comment by Amalia Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 2:25 pm
the question that he should be asking is, do we want to be like kansas or do we want to be like minnesota?
Comment by bored now Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 2:30 pm
I don’t get it. The day you announce you are going to recruit a challenger against someone and finance the challenger to the tune of one million bucks is the day that incumbet loses all incentive to work with you to make your governorship a success.
What is Rauner playing at? Let’s say these three get scared and become Raunerbots. Does that mean he won’t recruit a challenger and work against them? I am missing something.
Comment by Guzzlepot Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 2:47 pm
Bored Now:
Kansas doesn’t want to be like Kansas.
Moderate Republicans have joined forces with Democrats to raise revenue to stop the hemorrhaging in Kansas.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 2:48 pm
And let’s say he recruits challengers, finances them each to the tune of a million bucks, and those challengers lose. What does Rauner do then? Those three Will have lost all reason to be afraid of him.
Comment by Guzzlepot Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 3:05 pm
OW - rewriting my comment to suit your reality is not only pretty odd, is just a striking example of bending whatever one sees to confirm to one’s own version of reality. It all gets obsessive to the point of losing credibility. Comparing Rauner to Blago? Please. What’s next, Rauner as Jack the Ripper? Why not turn it on Madigan & Co.? They are the ones who have the state facing fiscal disaster, not Rauner.
This “Rauner wants to bust all unions” bit stated by others on this blog strikes me as a paranoid as well. I can’t see any dispute that Rauner thinks unions hold too much sway in Illinois political life, and I sure wouldn’t bet against him wanting to follow Walker on public employee bargaining, but the idea of him even having the ability to eliminate unions, or the votes, is farcical but people here keep eating it up like potato chips. If anything, Rauner can be portrayed as embodying a more aggressive push by the business community and monied class but - here comes the match in the fireworks factory - that doesn’t mean he’s always wrong on every issue. Rauner was elected, after all, and the Chicago Democratic Machine has pulled the wool over voters’ eyes far longer and more selfishly than Rauner ever can.
Comment by Percival Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 3:05 pm
===Those three Will have lost all reason to be afraid of him. ===
Few enjoy working harder than they have to. They’ll still fear another race. And what would happen if they weren’t challenged? Would they fear him still? I dunno.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 3:09 pm
==Comparing Rauner to Blago? Please. ==
It’s not a totally inaccurate comparison. Granted, the Governor isn’t anywhere as close to the mental health status of Blago, but the way he operates administratively is comparable.
==They are the ones who have the state facing fiscal disaster, not Rauner.==
Can we not, just once, have an argument where it doesn’t resort to the tactics of a 3 year old? “You started it!” That’s oh so very helpful.
==This “Rauner wants to bust all unions” bit stated by others on this blog strikes me as a paranoid==
You are correct that it is unlikely that he will be successful in what he wants to do. But he does want to do it, nonetheless. So, I don’t think it’s all that paranoid to believe that he wants to bust the unions because his actions and words indicate otherwise.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 3:14 pm
John Bradley, Brandon Phelps and Gary Forby aren’t afraid.
Comment by Juvenal Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 3:15 pm
- Percival -,
Rauner is running the Blago playbook. Either you are blissfully unaware or willingly ignoring what Rod Blagojecich wanted, and what Bruce Rauner is actually doing. That is the mocking you got in just re-writing where your “errors” occurred.
Your over the top rhetoric on criminals really puts into focus that maybe you are blissfully unaware.
===This “Rauner wants to bust all unions” bit stated by others on this blog strikes me as a paranoid as well. I can’t see any dispute that Rauner thinks unions hold too much sway in Illinois political life, and I sure wouldn’t bet against him wanting to follow Walker on public employee bargaining, but the idea of him even having the ability to eliminate unions, or the votes, is farcical but people here keep eating it up like potato chips.===
lol, if Rauner stops prevailing wage, collective bargaining, and institutes RTW, there will be NO unions. Seriously, if you don’t see how Rauner’s goal is to utterly gut all unions, please catch up to the rest of us.
Rose colored glasses are leaving you with thinking Rauner isn’t getting a fair shake, but in reality, he’s getting the blowback any and every governor does get, Rauner just goes beyond pushing to start, and is unwilling at times to want to find public common ground.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 3:16 pm
What’s with all the repitition and redundancy in that second update? Is that intended to be read by anyone, or is just like some cult chant around the fire?
Geez, some effort and style, please, superstars, before you give everyone a migraine.
Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 3:21 pm
Rauner wants to make over the GOP in his image. He might have the bucks to do it by brute force, but he’d move sheer numbers a lot farther by recruiting candidates who fit the district profiles and supplying them with seed money. It’s turnaround or bust as far as Rauner is concerned.
Comment by SAP Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 3:23 pm
===He (Rauner) might have the bucks to do it by brute force, but he’d move sheer numbers a lot farther by recruiting candidates who fit the district profiles and supplying them with seed money.===
Here lay the difference in building a party or building their own personal caucus;
Rauner wants the seats. He wants them for him, voting his personal way, at, possibly, the cost of finding candidates that mirror a district but will only back Rauner (gulp) 80% of the time.
It’s the Blago model, not running or building any party, especially the ILGOP
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 3:34 pm
Juvenal -
Come on, man.
Forby had two very tough races in 2004 and 2008. But the other two haven’t had tough races in years. Being caught flat-footed is never a good way to fend off a well-funded and viable challenger. Jay Hoffman learned that the hard way. Rep. Kay and the HRO spent a king’s ransom against Jay Hoffman in 2008, and then built on that to take the 112th District in 2010.
I’m not trying to pick a fight, and I’m not saying that either man doesn’t work his district. But the prospect of a well-funded, viable challenger popping up after years of not having any challengers at all has to be daunting. And this isn’t Chicago. Those areas are repped at the federal level by Mike Bost and John Shimkus. There will be a retention and open seat at the 5th District Appellate Court. The groundwork is there for a groundswell.
Comment by Team Sleep Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 3:44 pm
Percival said ==This “Rauner wants to bust all unions” bit stated by others on this blog strikes me as a paranoid==
I guess Percival has never had a conversation with the governor about unions.
Comment by PTR Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 3:45 pm
===never had a conversation with the governor about unions===
I have.
Whew.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 3:51 pm
Percival is kind of missing the point of that whole Turnaround Agenda, the attempted fair-share grab, the proposed pension snort, the muni bankruptcy bill…
Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 3:57 pm
To change the conservation Democrats need only remind voters that Rauner is connected to Wall Street Bankers who ruined the economy.
Comment by Enviro Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 4:27 pm
Here’s a daily reminder of just how much Oswego Willy knows: back in July of last year, when the Rauner campaign was 30 offices deep and pounding the pavement, Willy harped on about how they were still making robocalls and didn’t have an infrastructure. Remember that as you ponder whether you should take any of his analysis for a grain of salt.
Comment by Daily Reminder Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 4:30 pm
Out of curiosity, does anyone know how much the governor paid in taxes last year, or the year before? Would be interesting to note if he’s actually a tax payer.
Comment by Name Withheld Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 4:31 pm
- Daily Reminder -,
And Rauner, flipped ONE seat.
You’re welcome. lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 4:35 pm
Name Withheld: You’ll probably find some stories on Rauner’s tax filings. Google it.
From memory: my impression is that he paid goodly sums, more than I would have expected from many in his economic peers.
Comment by walker Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 4:55 pm
- walker - is On It.
It was indeed never the amount of taxes paid, it was that Rauner never released his schedules.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 4:57 pm
@Percival
What planet are you from? Google any videos in where Rauner talks about unions. He calls them “financial tumors”, “I would pull a Ronald Regan on them like he did with the air traffic controllers”, “the unions are like “this” with members of the legislature”, etc. He pushes his money around like he owns the state, comes off as very narcissistic, and paranoid. Grow up already- unlike in his world, you don’t extort people with money to sway votes your way.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 5:01 pm
Well
I hope the gov spends all his war chest and looses every race he engages in. People won’t let him buy another election.
Comment by bluegrass boy Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 5:30 pm
Rep. Bradley’s support is softer than you might think. Rauner got almost as many votes in Bradley’s Williamson County home county than John did, despite Bradley having pretty much a non existent opponent. The GOP won almost every contested race in November in Williamson (Jesse White was the exception) and the margins were not close.
Looking at Franklin County, which is the other big county in the district…Oberweis, Rauner, Cross, and Bost all won - and Topinka almost did. Franklin had always been the Democrat stronghold in the district but certainly not as strong anymore.
Bradley has not been on the rubber chicken circuit much locally of late. He probably needs to step up his game.
I don’t think Phelps is as vulnerable. He’s the poster boy for the gun lobby, loved by labor, and actually does a darned good job.
Comment by dr. reason a. goodwin Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 5:30 pm
For those of you trying to counter OW comments, don’t waste your time. No one outside of this blog pays any attention to his comments.
Comment by Apocalypse Now Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 5:53 pm
… says the guy who has to post that.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 6:11 pm
… says the guy who has to post that.
I never think anyone reads what I comment. Why all the worry. You can always skip them.
(Stupid phone went to ‘Say It!’ before I wanted to say it, lol)
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 6:14 pm
come on rich… what I said is in the public record.
Comment by like um... Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 6:33 pm
Team sleep:
It is kinda hard to catch someone flat footed when you announce you are coming after them 17 months in advance.
Hoffman’s loss MIGHT have had something to do with Rod Blagojevich’s arrest. Not to take anything away from Kay, of course….
Look, every time he is up for election, folks say this is the year they are gonna take Forby out. He is still here.
And the Metro-east? You will have so many presidential ads running on St Louis TV, followed by U.S. senate, no one will even know there is a legislative election.
Look, if it were 2018 and not 2016, it would not be a bad plan.
But all the money in the world cannot change the calendar.
A better strategy for Rauner at this point is to strike a deal on the budget and then push for his Turnaround agenda. The budget clock is his worst enemy.
Comment by Juvenal Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 7:44 pm
Anonymous 5:01 pm - I looked for that tape and found it on the AFSCME site. He was talking about public employee unions with their benefits, early retirement and pensions as the financial tumor, not all unions. From a strictly economic perspective he has something of a point. I recall that a few years ago members of the Cook County Sheriff’s Departement, sergeants if memory serves, considered it a big concession to allow their retirement age with full benefits to be raised from 52 to 53. With terms like that and a private sector where most have no pension and can expect to work into their 60s and even 70s, I sure hope you are not looking for sympathy. He is also on record stating that he thinks collective bargaining by private workers is a good thing. It would appear that his problems are with the government intervening to force workers to pay the union when they are not members, and for industry employers to be forced to pay union wages in non-union shops. As a person who values liberty, I have some sympathy for those positions. Either way, the role of public employee unions is going to be a matter of large scale debate in this country going forward as deficits mount, Rauner or no Rauner.
Comment by Percival Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:51 pm
Junvenal - your position on Rauner’s options has merit, but I don’t think he can back down yet still have credibility on reform, and I’m quite certain that Madigan and Cullerton have no intention of backing down. So I suspect we are going to undergo yet more intense PR games, not unlike the ballet of a knife fight in an alley, until the public and media get fed up. Exactly who will win that fight remains to be seen, and may not even be decided for many months after it finally stops.
Comment by Percival Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 10:56 pm
OW- still waiting on the specifics of the Blago-Rauner bit. Never actually thought I’d get them, since Madigan couldn’t articulate any and he should know, but I’ll ask again since you talked so big.
Comment by Percival Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 11:01 pm
– He is also on record stating that collective bargaining by private workers is a good thing.–
So good, apparently, that his first action out of the box was a sad little statewide dog-and-pony show pushing for right to work zones, a direct challenge to federal labor law, something he said during the campaign was “not a priority.”
Little advice: Pay more attention to what politicians do, not what they say. Some of them will say anything.
Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 11:04 pm
Little advice back: he is one man, albeit the Governor. He can’t rewrite the entire state (and federal) collective bargaining structure of Illinois.
Comment by Percival Tuesday, Jun 9, 15 @ 6:47 am
- Percival -,
I didn’t know you asked. Again.
Blago and Rauner are the same in running the political.
It’s documented here on Capitolfax, I explained it many times, if you are willfully ignoring that Bruce Rauner IS running the Blago playbook with ILGO PAC, the Turnaround Agenda PAC and the $20 million to hold hostage the GOP GA, that is on you.
You seem to be missing lots of points that put Rauner in a light you don’t want to see.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 9, 15 @ 7:25 am
percival, for someone who can go on and on about what the governor’s intentions, you obviously haven’t been following his actions too much.
Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Jun 9, 15 @ 7:29 am
Wrangeler-Dale Fowler promotes to help others period!
Comment by RickyD Thursday, Jun 11, 15 @ 8:40 pm