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“We have no involvement in that race”

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Illinois

* Umm…

On Thursday afternoon, Madigan spokesman Steve Brown was asked about the Dunkin-Stratton contest and what role the speaker played in getting the Obama endorsement. “We have no involvement in that race,” Brown said.

A half-hour later, a delivery van pulled up to Madigan’s Southwest Side 13th Ward office and two men unloaded hundreds of blue-and-white yard signs with the message “President Barack Obama endorses Juliana Stratton.”

The driver must’ve had the wrong address. It’s all just a simple mistake, because Madigan would never tell a falsehood, right?

/snark

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:22 am

Comments

Dumb….Madigan staff should have told the truth and moved on…in public eye it looks bad.

Comment by Tumbleweed lines Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:25 am
“We told him ‘around back’… does he not know what ‘around back’ means?”

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:26 am
Well, they have a little involvement in that race.

Comment by The Captain Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:27 am
Come on, you didn’t define “involvement”.

Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:27 am
At times like these, a storage unit off premise is usually a great arms-length solution…

At times like these, I mean…

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:28 am
Hey, a lot can happen in a half-hour.

Comment by CharlieKratos Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:28 am
Brown forgot to end his statement with the word, “yet” - that’s all!

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:29 am
Hey Rich , Just wondering why as a member of the press you hate free speech so much on your blog?

Comment by Tumbleweed lines Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:30 am
hrmm yeah right… nothing here… move along…

Comment by Allen D Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:30 am
I did not have “sex” with that woman.
I did not have “involvement” in that race.

Comment by titan Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:30 am
We, the reporter and Steve, have no involvement in that race (at the moment the question was asked.

Comment by PublicServant Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:32 am
What’s the point of denying it at this point? I really don’t get it.

Comment by Boone's is Back Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:33 am
Come on Rich time to grow up what is your issue with Madigan when we have the king of dirty deeds around Rauner he not only endorses candidates but buys them and you are concerned with signs i think you are scared of Rauner and have sold out

Comment by pwitch00 Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:33 am
That’s just weird. What can possibly be the point of flat-out lying like that?

What’s to be gained, and with whom?

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:36 am
“Whoops! I now see that these are supposed to be delivered to MrJM’s office and not MJM’s office. Have a nice day!”

Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:37 am
why lie about this?

if this is a candidate worthy of obama’s open support then why not madigan’s?

anyone who cares that madigan is involved already believes this. just seems pointless and makes mjm look like he thinks voters are fools.

Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:38 am
Madigan wouldn’t tell a falsehood, that’s what Brown is for.

Comment by Harry Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:39 am
“We have no involvement in that race,” Brown said. “Are you sure there’s an election coming up? Really? No kidding… Huh. Guess I better let Mike know…”

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:40 am
“I couldn’t park in front of Gonzo’s so he sent me to this address.”

Comment by CrazyHorse Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:40 am
Steve Brown: “Who are you going to believe? Me or your lyin’ eyes.”

Comment by Bored Chairman Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:40 am
===What can possibly be the point of flat-out lying like that?===

Agreed, nothing good comes from lying so brazenly. Just grin and say “no comment,” then maybe add a wink. How hard is that?

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:41 am
And as Capt. Fax can vouch the Tribbies always get it right— just ask Katrina & Co.

Comment by Annonin' Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:42 am
Brown is a well known straight shooter, deeply respected by both sides of the aisle, House personnel and the media. What he says has instant credibility.

So what do we now know? Madigan had no involvement. None. End of story. #IsItAprilFoolsYet?

Comment by Georg Sande Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:42 am
===Just wondering why as a member of the press you hate free speech so much on your blog? ===

You know what I hate? I hate idiots who say idiotic things on my website. This isn’t a public park or a street corner. It’s private property. And it’s why your comments have to be approved before they appear. You can’t be trusted to talk like an adult.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:43 am
===i think you are scared of Rauner and have sold out ===

The governor doesn’t think so. lol

Take a breath or go somewhere else.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:44 am
Fix it endorse dunkin?

Comment by Rabid Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:46 am
Madigan clearly wants to keep the image that he doesn’t go after his members, even ones that he disagrees with. I am sure that it’s to his benefit to put the onus on issue groups to put up the money go after legislators like Dunkin.

Comment by Century Club Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:47 am
“These are not the yard signs you are looking for” - Madigan Mind Tricks 101

Comment by How Ironic Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:49 am
This is one of those times when we just have to laugh. The primary is in 5 days. Tensions are high. Posts like this are both humorous and ironic.

Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:52 am
“- pwitch00 - Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:33 am:

Come on Rich time to grow up what is your issue with Madigan when we have the king of dirty deeds around Rauner he not only endorses candidates but buys them and you are concerned with signs i think you are scared of Rauner and have sold out”

This is an idiotic comment. Rich has been covering Madigan for decades and you would like him to pretend there’s no gambling in Casablanca. Rauner may be completely incompetent and buying politicians wholesale, but to suggest the Speaker is above all reproach on campaign matters is beyond silly.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:52 am
–Madigan clearly wants to keep the image that he doesn’t go after his members, even ones that he disagrees with.–

Who do you think doesn’t know this fight is happening? International Space Station technicians? Nagaland tribespeople?

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:53 am
=== Nagaland tribespeople ===

LOL. Love it Word.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 11:00 am
On the other hand, Steve Brown does an amazing Claude Rains impersonation. /Casablanca reference.

Comment by Rod sez I'm pork Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 11:03 am
Sure. Rauner doesn’t get involved either.

Comment by Politix Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 11:05 am
Why lie? Because that has now become the Springfield way. They can’t help themselves. Both sides. Spin has evolved from making the best of a bad situation to saying anything you want, regardless of if there is any truth to it or not. What normal people consider lies, politicians now call spin. It’s really sad and why there is no end in sight to the Springfield meltdown. The revolution is coming and its not going to be pleasant for either party

Comment by Anon Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 11:05 am
Hearsay. Just like Rauner says he is not involved in the Dunkin’ race or had nothing to do with the Gonzalez vs. Madigan race.
Is MJM money involved in the Dunkin’ race?

Comment by Austin Blvd Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 11:05 am
Miller hates free speech!

Comment by Miller is clueless Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 11:06 am
“We are merely acquaintances; there isn’t any involvement.”

Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 11:09 am
I think it was a delivery mistake. It was meant for Stratton’s campaign office. It was probably just a present from the President to Stratton and went to the wrong address./s

Comment by Big Joe Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 11:09 am
As Bill Clinton might say, it depends on what “don’t” is.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 11:09 am
Yeah, and the Speaker allows his Members to vote however they want and will still be supported in their re-election campaigns.

Comment by Not it Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 11:09 am
–Hearsay. Just like Rauner says he is not involved in the Dunkin’ race or had nothing to do with the Gonzalez vs. Madigan race.–

Or the mystery Cincinatti PAC that put out negative spots against Schock, Dillard, Rutherford and Brady.

I get it. Rauner lied. But a lie’s a lie and it’s fair game to call it out, no matter who tells it.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 11:10 am
Steve Brown like most political spokespersons are paid to lie. You know that they have been in the game awhile when they even lie when it is unnecessary.

Comment by Chicagonk Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 11:14 am
It all depends on what you think is the meaning of ‘have’ is. If you mean right now we have no involvement, that’s correct. If you think ‘have’ means we will never order and distribute yard signs, I guess you’d have a point.

Comment by Quizzical Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 11:15 am
Steve Brown does not not know they have involvement in that race.

Comment by Ahoy! Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 11:17 am
=we told him around back=

They should get some tips from Rauner’s security detail.

Comment by Hedley Lamarr Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 11:24 am
Yep - and Nick Saban had no plans to be the next coach at Alabama.

Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 11:28 am
This is an amusing little lie. Unnecessary, but also trivial.

On the other hand, truth has been a real casualty of this cycle all the way from the Presidential (pretty much everything Trump has said) down to state representative. The complete disregard for the truth is a serious issue that should cause us all concern.

I don’t know what the answer is. On the one hand, I hate the idea of regulating political speech. On the other hand, the reckless lies (no other word for some of it) have to stop.

This episode is just a funny anecdote, but behind it lies (no pun intended) auch more serious problem.

Comment by the Other Anonymous Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 11:29 am
Don’t forget Rauner think Capt Fax worked(s) for Madigan
Guessin’ the decision to poor $900+K of Sam Zell’s moolah into Dunkin’ can only be view as a sign that he is slippin’ away.

Comment by Annonin' Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 11:29 am
- Team Sleep -

Roll Tide.

Saban and the Speaker’s involvement were givens…

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 11:33 am
It’s one thing to say something and wink….

This is the other thing.

Dumb.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 11:40 am
The van load with Stratton campaign signs was to be delivered to Terrence Goggin, so naturally the driver assumed the delivery was for Madigan’s 13th Ward office.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 11:54 am
This is so clearly a dirty trick by Rauner to undermine the Speaker. Am I the only one who sees this? Wake up, sheeple.

Comment by Soccermom Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 11:54 am
Maybe a very clever “false flag” attack?

Comment by NoGifts Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 12:06 pm
Madigan gets signs for a lot of democratic and judge races his credit is always good so the sign companies trust him. He runs a kind of Signs R Us business out of his office.
That said anybody interested in Florida real estate please give me a call.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 12:21 pm
Btw, did they ask Governor Rauner what role he played in recruiting and funding Jason Gonzales?

Asking for a friend…

Comment by Soccermom Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 12:29 pm
==Who do you think doesn’t know this fight is happening? International Space Station technicians? Nagaland tribespeople?==

Funny line. Madigan has millions, but he’s spent 0 on Dunkin. Other people are paying to take out one of his disloyal members. My point is that its worth it to him to maintain the fantasy, not that the fantasy is real.

Comment by Century Club Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 12:41 pm
Madigan didn’t arrange the endorsement, but since someone deliverer a bunch of signs to us, we’ll let the volunteers pass them out …

Comment by RNUG Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 12:53 pm
===i think you are scared of Rauner and have sold out ===

If CapFax has sold out to Rauner,I would have to say that Rauner got a terrible deal…

That is perhaps some of the funniest opinion I have read here in a long time…

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 12:57 pm
Why would the signs be delivered to the wrong district,?

Comment by northsider (the original) Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 1:08 pm
Soccermom @ 11:54

+1

Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 1:16 pm
There is a big difference between “involved” in a campaign when you are talking about funding or other direct support vs. one campaign having campaign materials available for people who might want it. That is similar to an endorsement, but less.

I only point this out because it would be wrong to suggest politician X is “involved” in politician Y’s campaign merely because you can pick up a yard sign in X’s offices.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 2:01 pm
I think you have a point, Anon. It seems like a plausible explanation as to the comment from Mr. Brown and the later delivery of the yard signs. It would be even more believable if Mr. Dunkin’s signs were available through the Speaker’s office, although, that seems highly unlikely!

Comment by cgo75 Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 2:10 pm
They were suppose to deliver the signs at night!

Comment by Mama Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 2:15 pm
== Miller is clueless - @ 11:06 am:
Miller hates free speech!==

If you want free speech, become a Capitol Fax member.

Comment by Mama Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 2:19 pm
“We have no involvement in that race,” Brown said.

He just misremembered what race is all.

Comment by FormerParatrooper Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 4:51 pm
That’s odd. I was just at Stratton HQ at 6pm and didn’t see any blue-and-white yard signs with the message “President Barack Obama endorses Juliana Stratton”. Juliana wanted a regular yard sign and I found one in back after a brief search. So if these signs exist what are they doing on South Pulaski four days from the election?

Comment by James Knell Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 8:51 pm