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* And there’s more where that came from…
WOW. Bruce Rauner contributes $2 million to his IE, Turnaround Illinois. https://t.co/HQA9ivrWV8
— IL Election Data (@ILElectionData) March 1, 2016
Turnaround Illinois had $2.6 million on hand at the end of 2015. https://t.co/HBPkNVi6VU
— IL Election Data (@ILElectionData) March 1, 2016
.@ILElectionData pic.twitter.com/Y7qdCvg8bV
— bob fec (@BobFec88) March 1, 2016
Turnaround Illinois’ only reported contribution so far was the $1.18 million it gave Dan Proft’s Liberty Principles PAC in January. Most, but not all, of that money has been used to defeat Sen. Sam McCann.
*** UPDATE *** And speaking of McCann…
Congressman John Shimkus has announced his endorsement of Bryce Benton, Republican candidate for State Senate in the 50th district.
“I’ve represented most of the 50th Senate District in Congress, and I know the citizens of Central Illinois will be well served with Bryce Benton in the State Senate,” said Shimkus. “As an Army veteran and graduate of the US Military Academy, I recognize the importance of electing public servants who will sacrifice for the common good and make the tough decisions to get our nation and state back on track. Bryce Benton has demonstrated the utmost integrity as a law enforcement officer and has not fallen victim to the allure of self promotion over honest public service. I wholeheartedly endorse Bryce Benton because he is a man voters can trust.”
Congressman Shimkus currently represents Illinois’ 15th Congressional district, and has previously represented both Illinois’ 19th and 20th Congressional districts (2000 and 1990 Census, respectively). Shimkus is a lifelong resident of Collinsville, a suburb of St. Louis.
“I’m proud and honored to receive the endorsement of Congressman John Shimkus,” said Benton. “Congressman Shimkus has devoted his life to public service. As a US Army veteran and dedicated statesman, he exemplifies honest public service over cynical self promotion. Our records of service to the people of Illinois are clear - we won’t say and do anything to get elected.”
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 10:17 am
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Rauner will spare no expense.
It’s Dunkin #1, it’s defeating McCann #2…
An alleged GOP Governor wants the defeat of a sittibg Republican in the General Assembly, and bankrolling a Democratic GA member to infest Demicratic politics abd governing…
… at the tune of millions of dollars.
Millions.
Rauner is NOT a Republican. Rauner is a Raunerite.
Find the Raunerite, defeat the Raunerite.
“Vote accordingly.”
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 10:22 am
He has failed to earn his governorship, so he returns to his pot of gold in the hopes that he can keep buying it.
He wouldn’t have to do this is he was a real governor with real accomplishments.
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 10:27 am
Is Bruce sending out emails to announce this? I thought he didnt use email.
Comment by Jack Stephens Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 10:27 am
I’m not sure the “not a republican” meme makes any sense at this point. Yes, Rauner is defining what it means to be an Illinois republican. You can call that ‘Raunerite” or you can call it “not a republican” — whatever. You can call it “Wumba Wumba Party” — whatever.
But what’s interesting — and maybe alarming, if your definition of “Illinois Republican” is fixed in the past — is that not only is he (re)defining the term, he’s setting up the structures to make the definition permanent.
So, yeah, he’s a Raunerite — or whatever. But the more important — and probably more radical — historical realization is that he’s redefining the term by redefining the structures that define the term. That’s a pretty big deal.
Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 10:28 am
In my head I still know that Rauner and Griffin and Uihlein and Zell can flip a switch and move their monopoly money around like it’s couch cushion change but it still catches me a little off guard when it happens.
I’m kind of surprised that of the several vehicles Rauner and his allies are currently using he put it into this one. He still has almost $20 million in his campaign committee and he can move that much easier than you can move money in an IE. IE money has to be spent independently and it can’t be given directly to other candidates, the money is in the system but it kind of gets walled off. They must have a very specific purpose in mind here.
Comment by The Captain Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 10:28 am
And of course that specific purpose IE will be TOTALLY uncoordinated … /s
Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 10:37 am
OW did you read the most recent Brooks article? Your take on it?
Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 10:38 am
To the Update,
McCann needs Labor and non-Raunerite support. Shimkus not supporting McCann doesn’t change the dynamic but makes it far more difficult for McCann.
The strategy stats the same, but the hill just grew. Period.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 10:38 am
Perhaps Rauner’s term limit should start with Shimkus.
Comment by A Jack Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 10:42 am
===I’m not sure the “not a republican” meme makes any sense at this point.===
IllinoisGO, Dunkin, Proft…
Nope, Rauner is NOT a Republican.
Rauner wants what Rod Blagojevich craved… Gubernatorial Caucuses, irregardless of party.
That makes Raunerites, loyal to Rauner and Rauner alone.
Sorry, you’re reading this wrong, and the $20 million in hostages for the GOP GA and loads and loads of “yellow” votes and NVs tell me that Republicans are being held hostage. Period.
You’re ignoring what’s happening. That’s on you.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 10:43 am
What? I thought the Gov wasn’t following the primaries. He isn’t interested in politics remember? Must be nice to have so much money you aren’t interested where it ends up.
Comment by burbanite Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 10:45 am
- Honeybear -,
I have not. I’ll search for it. Thanks.
Shimkus is NOT a Raunerite. There’s a great deal of McCann history being ignored with Radogno, the “run” for Governor, “and a lot of other things”
Rauner is trying to take care of “family business” for a great many of people, and using a Rau wrote as the tool is the result. That’s what’s at play.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 10:46 am
OW — I didn’t read it wrong. Read my post.
I know exactly what I wrote. Take a breath.
Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 10:47 am
“we won’t say and do anything to get elected.”
Seriously?
One is trying to paint McCarter as liberal, the other is sending out complete lies and misrepresentations about his opponent.
Comment by m Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 10:48 am
Isn’t Shimkus getting challenged in the primary from the right?
This announcement is more about a played-out, overstaying incumbent, trying to stay relevant and cozy up with the dark money people.
Comment by cdog Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 10:50 am
- Frenchie Mendoza -,
Being an Illinois Republican means supporting Ken Dunkin?
Nope. No way. Sorry.
That’s Raunerite thinking.
Hijacking a party doesn’t mean the members see that hijacking as “Gospel”.
Nope.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 10:50 am
Frenchie — Here’s a question. If Rauner detaches from Trump and Trump becomes the nominee, who is the “real” Republican?
Comment by Soccermom Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 10:56 am
Shimkus endorsed himself with that move.
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 10:57 am
Shimkus is still well-liked in that area. A lot of people in the 13th CD were unhappy with the last-minute remap maneuver that took Shimkus and put him into Tim Johnson’s old district.
Burbanite - sorry to burst your bubble, but Rauner backed Shimkus months ago. That still makes me chuckle - mostly because McCarter was one of two Senators to back Rauner in the 2014 primary.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 10:59 am
The only reason McCann has a chance is because of Rauner becoming an issue in the campaign. Benton really didn’t need Rauner’s help. Sam has given everyone more than a few reasons not to support him.
The only thing Benton needs to do to finish this up is to make a statement that he supports state employees in his district and favors arbitration and negotiation over a strike.
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 11:01 am
Shimkus, like the majority of ‘Representatives’ (HA), should be arrested for loitering
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 11:05 am
Benton was running an ad featuring Raymond Poe on this morning’s Spfld radio.
Comment by LTSW Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 11:16 am
Good fodder for Poe’s Senate confirmation hearing.
Comment by Austin Blvd Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 11:27 am
Bryce Benton - “we won’t say and do anything to get elected.”
A person doesn’t have to say or do anything when another entity is willing to on your behalf. Especially at a tune of $1.5 million.
Comment by NobodysAccountable Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 11:36 am
Oddly, spending this much money is a major sign of weakness. It may very well work, but who cares? The turnaround math still isn’t there. So just buys a few more months of nothing. Kudos?
Comment by From the 'Dale to HP Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 11:38 am
Actually I was referencing the 2 million dollar dump, not the Shimkus thing Team Sleep.
Comment by burbanite Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 11:40 am
What does it mean to be a Republican now, as opposed to a Raunerbot? I understand the view of purists, but really. It’s just a label…
Comment by Independent retired lawyer, journalist Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 11:45 am
To the McCarter apologist whining about Shimkus’ attack: Don’t forget who picked the fight.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 11:46 am
==The only thing Benton needs to do to finish this up is to make a statement that he supports state employees in his district and favors arbitration and negotiation over a strike.==
In other words, you feel he needs to lie and go against the support he currently has…which has him in a good position to win
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 11:47 am
Geez, just think how much Rauner would pour into elections all over the state if he were a political boss instead of a public servant?
Shimkus’ alliance with Rauner makes sense. They’re both fighting for term limits.
Shimkus has been fighting for term limits in Congress for 20 years now.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 11:48 am
===What does it mean to be a Republican now, as opposed to a Raunerbot?===
Thinking helping Ken Dunkin is part of a plan. Having more Ken Dunkins is a strategy. That’s Raunerite thinking.
It’s pretty easy…
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 11:48 am
Monday March 7- livestreaming will be on www.sj-r.com
McCann and Benton
http://www.weareillinois.org/event-calendar/
Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 11:49 am
Wordslinger, do you see how hilarious your comment is? Shimkus has been fighting for term limits for 20 years?
First of all he said he made a mistake and no longer backs term limits. Secondly he’s been there long beyond his term limit pledge.
Rauner (quietly) backed Shimkus because Shimkus brings in the money.
Comment by Skitzzo Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 11:58 am
That’s the most awesome purpose statement I’ve seen for a committee. I feel awed, inspired and threatened at the same time.
/s
Comment by Archiesmom Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 12:00 pm
Shimkus is simply trying to make himself relevant in light of his contested Primary.
Comment by illini Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 12:39 pm
–Wordslinger, do you see how hilarious your comment is?–
Way over my head.
–That’s the most awesome purpose statement I’ve seen for a committee. I feel awed, inspired and threatened at the same time.–
Don’t you think it’s a little modest, benign? How’s about:
Purpose: To crush Gov. Rauner’s enemies. To see them driven before him. And to hear the lamentations of their women.
More in character, don’t you think?
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 12:48 pm
Illini - with respect, a 9 term Congressman who has seniority and is likely in line to be committee chairman doesn’t need to do this to remain “relevant”.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 12:55 pm
Nice Conan quote word! I never tire of it.
Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 12:55 pm
“…we won’t say and do anything to get elected.”
Nope, we’ll just let Liberty PAC do that for us.
Comment by In the Middle Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 1:57 pm
In the Middle- Well Benton better say something March 7;) Otherwise it’ll be a rather one-sided “Meet the Candidate(s)!
Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 2:05 pm
-Shimkus is simply trying to make himself relevant in light of his contested Primary.-
No, I’m sure he was forced to get on board because Rauner endorsed him and is doing a fundraiser in Edwardsville for him next week.
Comment by downstater Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 2:23 pm
-a 9 term Congressman who has seniority and is likely in line to be committee chairman doesn’t need to do this to remain “relevant”-
He thought he was in line 4 years ago for a committee chair, but he lost out to Fred Upton. I don’t see it happening this time around either. He’ll lose out to Greg Walden.
Comment by downstater Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 2:25 pm
Am in Jacksonville since Friday. Couple of things. 1) media blitz incredible. 2) Sam in trouble. 3) had a beer Friday night with a retired operating engineer. Union mobilization apparently non-existent. We have met the enemy.
Comment by Blue dog dem Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 2:30 pm
blue dog:
Go to Leo’s Pizza.
Your taste buds will thank you.
Comment by btowntruth Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 2:39 pm
Team Sleep - I agree to a point. Consider that JS has never had a serious challenge in a Primary in 20 years. Consider that JS, to my knowledge, has never made this kind of endorsement in a relatively local race in 20 years. And consider that he is being challenged by the far right wing of his party - so why not try to coopt the McCarter wing of the party by endorsing Benton. Typical Shimkus pandering.
Comment by illini Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 2:41 pm
BDD, one retired operating engineer does not a union mobilization determine. I know AFSCME 1805’s have been marching north for the past couple of weekends. I can’t speak for the trades. No we’re plugging away at it. But you’re right though. I think he’s in trouble.
Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 2:45 pm
Honeybear,my union is supporting McCann.
And Sam is in trouble.I have gone from “McCann will win” to “Benton might pull this off”.
Benton should win Sangamon County.
If Benton can get enough support in places like Morgan,Jersey,and Macoupin Counties he can win.
Comment by btowntruth Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 3:09 pm
Anon221, agreed.
I also believe McCann has sunk himself with some of this stuff. There’s just too much, and Liberty PAC is loving it.
Benton, however, isn’t making any sort of a case for the seat. Why is he the better candidate? I doubt he knows.
It seems Benton’s strategy is to be quiet and let Rauner get him that seat.
Comment by In the Middle Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 3:15 pm
Btown. Thanks. Honeybear. This is the great divide amongst unions. Public sector vs the trades. My buddy( and apparently his friends) would rather drink skunky beer than pull a repub primary ballot. There is jealousy amongst the unions as you know. As trade union pensions teeter,the rank and file don’t like the fact that illinois public sector unions are not only safeguarded, but grow by 3%. I am not defending that, just stating what I hear daily. On the flip side, the trades see a splintering when it comes to prevailing wages in certain areas.and on certain size projects. Anyway, this morning, I saw no less than 4 anti-Sam ads in a 20 minute time period. Crazy.
Comment by Blue dog dem Tuesday, Mar 1, 16 @ 3:18 pm