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* From Dan Proft, in his capacity with Liberty Principles PAC…
Governor Rauner’s posture on current Senate budget negotiations notwithstanding, I have heard from many significant donors on the broad outlines of the deal Sens. Cullerton and Radogno are attempting to forge and push through the Senate. Those donors have made it clear to me that Republican senators who want to negotiate the terms of surrender to Sen. Cullerton and Speaker Madigan–and that is precisely what Sen. Radogno is doing at present–should be removed from the battlefield in favor of those who are willing to fight for the most overtaxed families and overregulated businesses in the country.
Gov. Rauner contributed $2.5 million to Proft’s PAC last year. His PAC has raised $11.3 million since January of 2015, and $14.3 million since 2012.
Gov. Rauner gave the largest single contribution along with Richard Uihlein, who has contributed a grand total of $7 million to the PAC.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 11:23 am
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Proft’s language of “removing” is alarming and dangerous. Unhinged people have attacked elected officials with less provocation. Calling out Proft on this Palinesque language.
Comment by molly maguire Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 11:26 am
…negotiate terms of surrender…removed from the battlefield. Here is the reason why we can’t get anywhere. The two parties are not supposed to be at war except on the campaign trail. Stop it.
Comment by Thoughts Matter Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 11:28 am
So…
===Gov. Rauner gave the largest single contribution along with Richard Uihlein, who has contributed a grand total of $7 million to the PAC.===
I can understand Richard Uihlein wants Radogno gone, I can see that.
Gov. Rauner wants Leader Radogno gone? That’s… interesting.
Dear Leader Radogno,
If any of this silliness is true, and you are in the fight so deep Proft is going after you as he is…
… you know where to find me, and many more like me willing to back you, Republicans, seeing you as a Republican.
OW
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 11:28 am
If this isn’t the clearest sign yet to the reality- and math-based business community that they need to engage now in support of the radical concept that paying bills now is *far cheaper* than paying them in two or four or ten years, I don’t know what they are waiting for.
The only surrender that is happening is the surrender to the laws of math.
Comment by Dan Johnson Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 11:28 am
Tells you everything that the voice of a few donors (or only one) matters more than the voice of the people.
Comment by Precinct Captain Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 11:29 am
If we don’t stop the digging now, how high will taxes have to go when we finally or the shovel down?
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 11:31 am
Just what we need right now … more threats from your own (supposed) party.
Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 11:33 am
To Dan’s point, has anyone ever looked at how much business Uline does with the State and how much of that is stacked up at the Comptroller? No, I’m not volunteering to look it up.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 11:33 am
I suspect in 2018 the electret may be ready for a one party try. Dems will hold house and senate and may want a dem. gov. to at least get things done such as a budget.
Comment by facts are stubborn things Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 11:35 am
I have a number of colorful Yiddish terms/expressions to describe Proft and his ilk. But, Rich would find the translation of the terms/expressions and then promptly ban me. Not worth it.
Comment by Yiddishcowboy Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 11:35 am
Kinda gives away the game that all of Rauner’s allies and apparatchiks are fighting the deal.
Problem is, for the politics to work, Rauner really needs Madigan to take most of the blame for it falling apart.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 11:37 am
So Proft’s donors want Radogno’s seat to be held by a democrat? Cool. Keep up the good work, Danny.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 11:37 am
” heard from many significant donors” we know these are the only opinions that count, but what about the other 99%
Comment by NoGifts Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 11:39 am
Part of the problem.
Comment by Oh Boy Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 11:42 am
I want to give Dan Proft the benefit of the doubt that he has positive intentions for this state, but it’s hard to do when he’s trying to actively derail legislative talks between Radogno and Cullerton.
Comment by Chicagonk Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 11:44 am
Someone strap Proft (and McQuery and McSweeney and all the rest of the math denialists) to a lie detector and make him spell out a viable budget that actually funds education. Once he fails, yank his PAC. Yes, I know that’s not legal but it would sure feel good.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 11:44 am
That Proft is something. Using his “donors” and the most “overtaxed” families in the same sentence. Uihlein moved his business 30 minutes up the road to Wisconsin. But he kept his “overtaxed” family here in Illinois. I wonder why.
Comment by Henry Francis Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 11:45 am
Much more likely that Proft is acting on Rauner’s behalf, than Rauner supports Radogno on this.
Rauner is working both inside and outside to pull support from these bills.
Comment by walker Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 11:45 am
–Kinda gives away the game that all of Rauner’s allies and apparatchiks are fighting the deal.–
No kidding. And with his money.
Yet the governor will continue to lie and spout nonsense like this:
“I don’t think it’s right for me to weigh in yet. It’s still evolving. I think there’s a lot of negotiating and compromising going on. I don’t want to push or interfere.”
“I applaud the Senate for taking on the challenges and trying to come up with legislation on a bipartisan basis. I think that’s terrific,” Rauner said. “I’m cheering them on and will help if they ask, and if they don’t that’s great.”
Really, do even the some-of-the-people-all-of-the-time crowd buy whoppers like this? You’re not insulted at the low regard he has for your intelligence?
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 11:46 am
This public statement mirrors private threats that have been building for weeks. This is why the deal is stalled in the senate. Too many GOP members are looking over their shoulders at a Proft-inspired primary challenge. No way more than a 2 or 3 republicans join Radogno on tax vote as long as Rauner allows the Proft saber-rattling.
Rauner could end this, he has chosen not to. That speaks volumes.
Comment by Roman Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 11:52 am
Anyone who opposes moving forward on revenue should be forced to take a calculator and balance the budget with real cuts alone. The IPI budget was a total joke and strikingly similar to the Rauner plans. Smoke and mirrors.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 11:54 am
Not helpful. Illinois Republicans are doing what national Democrats are doing now. Going after your own for the sake of your idea of “purity” is a surefire way of staying the minority party.
Comment by phocion Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 12:02 pm
Wow, what another amazing coincidence, these guys too? So now Liberty Principles PAC, which Rauner gave two and a half million dollars is against the deal. And IPI, the group Rauner gave a half million dollars to is against the deal. And the Illinois Chamber, the group Rauner’s superpac gave a million dollars to so they could run attack ads against Ken Dunkin’s opponent, is against the deal.
I know from reading the newspapers that Bruce Rauner is staying out of it and he’s supportive of the Senate’s efforts and he really, really, really hopes they get a deal done so this is all rather surprising. But by golly here we are with all these Rauner funded groups trying to tank the deal, what are the odds?
Comment by The Captain Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 12:02 pm
All of you who think Rauner is trying to kill the gran bargain - for shame! Don’t you remember Rauner, during his SOTS, praising, thanking and encouraging the Senate leaders for their efforts! He even went off script to do it. It was that heartfelt. And genuine.
Comment by Henry Francis Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 12:04 pm
Just because rich people have lots of numbers on their paychecks doesn’t mean they actually know math. /s
Comment by bulbous1 Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 12:05 pm
===Rauner is working both inside and outside to pull support from these bills.===
Yep. It’s obvious to anyone paying attention.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 12:07 pm
Government deactivation committee of, by and for the donors.
Comment by Vole Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 12:09 pm
>I have heard from many significant donors
Well, we know what Rauner thinks of the grand bargain, I would suppose.
I appreciate Radogno’s work at leading. I’ve also been able to let go my anger at remarks she made regarding human services and can go back to liking my Republican Senator again.
Comment by Earnest Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 12:09 pm
What an unfortunate position Christine is in, and it would have to be demoralizing. She took her cue from the beginning of this administration and walked the walk, talked the talk. And now these modern-day robber-barons have determined that her progress with the Grand Bargain is treasonous.
I think they wanted her to adopt BVR’s “negotiate by not negotiating” philosophy.
Comment by Stumpy's bunker Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 12:16 pm
“I’ve donated millions… ”
Rauner has made it clear; as candidate, governor, back as a private citizen…
… Rauner’s money means Rauner gets his wants.
Governor Rauner spoke in the Well of the House wanting Senate Leaders to succeed.
Rauner donates to Proft to make it “un-so”…
That’s the ball game.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 12:18 pm
Henry Francis, maybe he is staying in IL to keep that cool vanity Illinois license plate… Or maybe its IL’s flat income tax rate of 3.75% versus WI’s top income tax rate at 7.65%?, a savings of approximately 50%.
We will never know.
https://files.taxfoundation.org/legacy/docs/TaxFoundation-FF500.pdf
Comment by fed up Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 12:20 pm
- language of “removing” is alarming and dangerous. -
Straight from the Breitbart script for the laptop revolutionaries. I believe all that is missing is the term “cuck”.
Comment by Daniel Plainview Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 12:21 pm
Meanwhile the Koch Bros astroturf Americans for Prosperity is attacking the Senate as well - a week after Rauner lounged at a Palm Springs spa with the Kochs themselves.
Comment by Reality Check Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 12:28 pm
The sky is fallin, the GOP end is near.
Comment by Red rider Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 12:35 pm
With these anti-democratic, anti-government,free marketers calling all the big-bucks-shots what could possibly go wrong with their drive for pushing regulatory authority down to the states from D.C.? This is just an authoritarian strain of capitalism taking command, a mirror image to what has happened with Trump’s piracy.
Comment by Vole Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 12:37 pm
Battlefield? That’s the moment it becomes unserious.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 12:37 pm
Rauner is trying to sound moderate in recent interviews saying that he is staying out of negotiations now because he doesn’t want to disrupt progress. This is just nonsense. The wealthy donors and the Governor and their extreme views are what has been holding up progress. I’d like to see the donors submit their balanced budget plan without raising any taxes. I’ll bet the rank and file GOP members of the GA would blanche at it.
Comment by The Dude Abides Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 12:45 pm
Sniff sniff- I smell privilege.
Only someone so privileged would say something like this.
Real people are suffering terribly in this state
Proft is not suffering. He says he can take plenty more
State workers. You’re going to need to get right on finding a bank that will give you a PGA loan. Payroll Gap Assistance. Do it now! Mind that some will not give it unless you’ve been a member for a certain time. CMS has a list of banks. I’ll try to post it soon. Maybe Rich could post it for state workers.
Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 12:50 pm
I thought Rauner said he was going to take arrows for his team. Now he’s stabbing Leader Radogno in the back and hiding behind Dan Proft?
What a pathetic coward our Governor is.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 1:05 pm
–Battlefield? That’s the moment it becomes unserious.-
There’s serious Rauner/Uline funder network money behind this pack of Proft/IPI attack dogs.
Do you seriously believe GOP lawmakers don’t know where it’s coming from?
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 1:06 pm
Sling, you should be pleased I commented as I did. I don’t think the framing that IPI laid out is accurate. Calling it a “battlefield” is not moving in a serious direction of solving a problem. I’m absolutely not “on board” with the attacks on our Senate Minority Leader. They’re playing with fire if they lose folks like me. This is foolish and it needs to stop.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 1:11 pm
So that is the Trifecta —IPI/GOPies/Proft all no on grand bargain’ and someone ( BigBrain ) want you to believe he has:
1. nuthin’ to do with it
2. should make no difference
3. is the word for Pro S* or S*head?
Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 1:15 pm
This sums up everything and everyone having issues with this Administration. This Administration wants only what it demands and “nothing” else. Look at the State Police contract, the AFSCME Contract, the Non-Budget deals, CPS funding, etc. I have been wondering just how far the GOP will follow this Administration into the Abyss. If they don’t wake up soon then we will not see another GOP Governor for decades.
Comment by OpenYourEyes Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 1:18 pm
Rauner wants what Rauner wants,,and until he gets it, things will get much, much, mich worse. Either he wins, in which case most of these costs for pensions and contracts and such go away, or he loses. And if he loses, don’t think for a second he’ll stay to clean up. He’s in for over $100 milliom. Personally. He’s fully committed to winning. And he’s willing to lay waste to everything while trying to grasp his goal.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 1:26 pm
Dan is better at throwing bombs than he is at actually governing. He offers no alternative or strategy. Dems have majorities in the Legislature and a biased map. Deal with it.
Comment by Formerpol Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 1:34 pm
This par for the course for Rauner, say one thing do something else. I want state workers to be paid fair wages and and paid on time. Then he fails to negotiate. I want teachers to receive best wages and raises, then he pushes property tax freeze and forcing them to lower their own pensions wake up people
Comment by So tired of political hacks Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 1:34 pm
Didn’t I see here a few days ago Radnogo was considering stepping down and taking a role in the administration? If that is true Proft’s statement is either claiming credit for something already in the works or the cause of the departure.
Perhaps more apropos, could Proft’s comments be seen as face-saving if a Radnogo negotiated tax increase is passed and signed? Proft and his PAC can easily claim they forced the resignation and still provide cover for Rauner.
Comment by Swift Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 2:26 pm
Honeybear:
Here is the link you were looking for:
https://www.illinois.gov/cms/Employees/pga/SitePages/PGALoans.aspx
Comment by Notacop Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 2:40 pm
===But by golly here we are with all these Rauner funded groups trying to tank the deal, what are the odds?
Like there’s someone behind the scenes giving orders….
Comment by ArchPundit Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 2:46 pm
Who pays a higher percentage of state taxes? Someone on a straight salary, or someone making millions upon millions. I’m pretty sure most people don’t have any ability to reduce their tax base or claim losses from other years. They pay the set % and that’s just what it is. Someone like the person who gave the largest single contribution to that PAC can easily manipulate their tax obligations to their benefit.
Comment by Delimma Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 3:13 pm
Proft sounds like a real tough guy. Save the “battlefield” and other war lingo to those who do actual fighting.
Comment by paddyrollingstone Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 3:19 pm
–Calling it a “battlefield” is not moving in a serious direction of solving a problem.–
“Solving a problem” clearly is not the objective of the attack dogs and their paymasters. Blowing up any progress by threatening GOP legislators who show any independence is clearly the goal.
Pay no attention to the governor’s words, pay attention to the actions of his paid-for lackeys.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 4:00 pm
Rest assured…I’m paying attention.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 4:18 pm
–Rest assured…I’m paying attention.–
Meh, where are you going to go?
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 4:33 pm
Proft? Nutty people say nutty things. Kudos to Cullerton and Radogno for showing leadership and being the grow ups in the room
Comment by Oy Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 4:48 pm
“fight for the most overtaxed families”…both of them?
Comment by Rabid Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 5:50 pm
And who are to be the champions of governing?
Comment by Capitol View Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 6:22 pm
Are Proft and Bannon related in some way?
Comment by Winnin' Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 7:35 pm
Dan Profit represents the Trump wing of Republicanism and Radogno is to that camp a RINO (Republican in name only). It is totally logical Sen Radogno is under attack as will other Republicans who support the grand bargain.
Comment by Rod Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 8:24 pm
===Radogno is to that camp a RINO===
… Which is why “Purity” destroys parties.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 8:27 pm
–Dan Profit represents the Trump wing of Republicanism…–
Please. Proft represents the Sugar Daddy Wing of the Republican Party, and has been working it long before Trump ever got into politics.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Feb 7, 17 @ 8:28 pm
And we wondered why Madigan hasn’t engaged. Why show your cards when the other player(s) just keep folding
Comment by Been There Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 1:23 am
My respect for Rodogno went up a significant amount. She knows she will never lose re-election so she’s doing what she thinks is right rather than doing what Rauner and his henchmen are doing. Well done Senator.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 12:13 pm