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* AP…
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner is hardening his anti-tax stance as he readies a re-election bid following a major legislative defeat, replacing key staff with leaders of a conservative group that blasted the Republican just a few weeks ago for even considering a tax hike to end a years-long budget impasse.
Rauner’s new chief of staff and a top policy aide, among others, come from the Illinois Policy Institute, a think tank that has advocated for deep cuts to the Medicaid program for the poor and mass layoffs of state workers to fix the state’s finances without new taxes. The overhaul also has included Rauner’s communications director and other communications staff and longtime loyalists, and more changes are expected this week.
If you’re a solid anti-taxer, that’s a pretty darned good lede. If you’re more moderate than that, then it is probably a bit disconcerting.
* Back to the story…
Illinois Policy Institute CEO John Tillman said appointing former organization President Kristina Rasmussen his chief of staff is an “unmistakable signal” that Rauner intends to fulfill a promise to make Illinois “prosperous and free.”
“With the governor’s decision to add Kristina to his team, Illinois taxpayers and families have an effective and proven champion on their side,” Tillman said.
We’re all gonna be prosperous and free now that our champion is on our side. Hooray!
Some people will rejoice, others may scratch their heads and wonder what that dude is talking about.
* On to Sneed…
“Everyone was in shock,” said a Rauner staffer who asked to remain anonymous.
“I mean everyone came to work Monday morning. But when we were told Richard [Goldberg] was out, we had a feeling if he could do that to him — who was a leader and fiercely loyal — who wouldn’t they do that to?
“Over the next 24 hours everyone was a wreck,” the source added.
“Staff fear was at its height. Doors were shut. People were crying. We then watched one person’s head roll after another. When you see a friend you respect who has worked so hard get dismissed just like that, it’s very difficult.” […]
“It’s been tough. The morale is bad. People are afraid. It has been a coup d’etat type of environment. The conservative Illinois Policy Institute has taken charge.”
Sneed hears Rauner and his wife, Diana, were planning on making these changes earlier — especially in the communications department — but surprised some of their advisers on how quickly they moved to do so.
…Adding… Something Sneed left out was that Goldberg insisted on staying in the office all morning until he had the opportunity to walk the entire 16th floor and personally thank every staff member for their hard work on the governor’s behalf. That classy move may have led to some of the crying.
* From what I hear, the governor has chafed at all the bad publicity and has hit the pause button on the high-level firings. I think that may have been why that Wednesday morning premature leak to Mary Ann broke down.
But that apparently doesn’t apply to IDOT…
The administration of Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner issued layoff notices to eight employees of the Illinois Department of Transportation Wednesday, saying there was a “lack of work” for them to do, but also saying the action is part of “cleaning up past hiring mistakes and personnel practices.”
Don Craven, a lawyer representing the members of Teamsters Local 916, said the union would “take all appropriate actions to defend the rights” of the members.
Notices informed the workers their last day would be Aug. 15. Those being laid off include the wife of the business manager of Laborers Local 477, and the wife of Bill Houlihan, state director for U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill. Bill Houlihan is also an elected member of the Democratic State Central Committee. […]
Another layoff notice was sent to Cindy Houlihan, 60, of Springfield, whose salary is listed as $85,464 annually. She said she has been on disability due to multiple sclerosis since April, but has hoped to return to work. She said her job has been statewide coordinator of the adopt-a-highway program. She didn’t comment directly on the layoff notice. Comptroller’s records show she worked for the state since 1998.
* Also, by way of contrast, I’m told that Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady has asked Phil Draves to stay on as chief of staff and asked Patty Schuh to remain as press secretary.
* Related…
* Bernard Schoenburg: Some new hires, like Rauner, challenge public unions
* Who’s in and who’s not in Rauner’s administration
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:04 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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===Patty Schuh to remain as press secretary.===
Solid move, a no-brainer, one of THE best around.
Glad she’ll be there to help Leader Brady.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:09 am
Policy goals are one thing but politics matter, too. How does this help get to 30/60, let alone 50% plus one?
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:10 am
“Rauner and his wife, Diana, were planning on making these changes”….not really shoring up her “I’m a democrat” image.
Comment by Flynn's mom Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:12 am
==“Staff fear was at its height. Doors were shut. People were crying. We then watched one person’s head roll after another. When you see a friend you respect who has worked so hard get dismissed just like that, it’s very difficult.” […]==
I do not rejoice at anyone’s suffering, but please, folks, you were advocating policies that included mass lay offs and cuts affecting some very vulnerable people. Have a little self-awareness.
Comment by JPC Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:12 am
===Sneed hears Rauner and his wife, Diana, were planning on making these changes earlier — especially in the communications area===
Et tu, Diana?
Did Diana’s staffer survive or does IPI have an experienced, small government, free market, First Lady Coordinator waiting in the wings?
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:12 am
==Sneed hears Rauner and his wife, Diana, were planning on making these changes earlier==
Diana is making these changes with the Guv? Really? Even when he is firing his most loyal soldiers he needs to bring up his wife?
Comment by Henry Francis Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:13 am
Mass firings? Now this is the happiest he has been in 20 years.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:14 am
good one ducky
Many commenters here have been harsh on Bill Brady over the years. I think he may end up looking like the only adult in the room very soon.
Comment by filanges Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:19 am
The Governor chafed and hit the pause button. Then he was immediately told that the De facto Governor Proft was calling in….” Bruce, Bruce now don’t get weak on me”
Comment by Inspector Gadget Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:20 am
Diana is probably upset that the charade of her benevolence has been exposed and like her husband she can’t do anything but blame the staff for improper “messaging”.
The message is out there, people just don’t like it. Deal with it.
Comment by Daniel Plainview Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:20 am
To the Post,
I find that Sneed bit so fascinating.
Not that Diana is involved, or that they (Bruce AND Diana both) see a need for a change, not even that Diana was consulted by Bruce.
What is just flat-out fascinating is Sneed saying it openly that the “Democrat” Diana Rauner sees the IPI as the needed change for Bruce.
When you give in and you give up that “phoniness” that IS Bruce, that IS Diana, this Right turn is more “Real Bruce” than anything, and the undeniably phony Diana facade as a Dem is over too. Wow.
Sneed buried the lede.
The President of The Ounce…
… all along…
… cheered, wanted, encourage, and is now upset that the destruction of Ilinois isn’t done, and the IPI “Draconian Budget” and this turn to IPI is the real Diana Rauner.
Makes all that “No social agenda” and “I’m a Democrat” look just as outright foolish as when Bruve wears one of his ridiculous costumes.
Sneedless to say, Diana Rauner is with Bruce 1st, last, always in the governing.
Thinking otherwise, being fooled otherwise, is a mistake.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:21 am
This is starting to look like “getting emotional” and vetoing the CPS money all over again.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:21 am
These are more signs that Rauner completely blew it.
Who, as a governor, couldn’t have put a happy spin on this budget passage? Rauner went Jim Jones, instead of presenting himself as a battling hero that fought the good fight and show his supporters that he kept the income tax from returning to its original high?
“Thanks to your support, we kept the income tax below where it was at when I began. Could you imagine where we’d be if the Democrats beat us? Not only would our income taxes be at 5%, you could bet that today, if Madigan was in charge, our income tax would be over 7%!”
How hard would that have been? Yet, Rauner is determined to play a victim, not a governor.
What’s happening is due to Rauner’s political failure. ILGOP you’re getting shafted by this guy.
Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:22 am
“Sneed hears Rauner and his wife, Diana, were planning on making these changes earlier …”
Are the Democrats going to revoke Diana’s membership card? /s
Comment by Huh? Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:23 am
“YearS-long budget impasse.”
Comment by G'Kar Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:24 am
Lack of work? I know of a lot of potholes that need filling, and a lot of areas that could use a clean-up of the road ditch. Maybe Bruce and Diana could do something useful, adopt these state highways and personally go out clean them up. Put the trash-can van to good use.
Comment by DuPage Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:25 am
“From what I hear, the governor has chafed at all the bad publicity and has hit the pause button on the high-level firings. I think that may have been why that Wednesday morning premature leak to Mary Ann broke down.”
This is emblematic of the Governor’s problem. He cares too much about how things “play” with the insider and Springfield crowds. I would venture that fewer than 5-10% of voters have any awareness of these staffing changes, and those that do are already committed to a camp.
Comment by Yaz Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:25 am
“If you’re a solid anti-taxer, that’s a pretty darned good lede. If you’re more moderate than that, then it is probably a bit disconcerting.”
The IPI’s take on how to fix Illinois is not something I agree with. Rauner surrounding himself with these IPI individuals and them helping shape policy going forward is a huge red flag for this moderate Republican.
If Rauner moves further to the right and his dismal performance managing the state doesn’t improve, I’ll be voting D or not at all in 2018.
Comment by Nowhere To Go Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:26 am
. Those being laid off include the wife of the business manager of Laborers Local 477, and the wife of Bill Houlihan, state director for U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill. Bill Houlihan is also an elected member of the Democratic State Central Committee. […]
Wonder how they got hired? Probably strictly on merit, right?
Comment by jim Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:27 am
Loyalty is undervalued in business. Politics remains essentially feudal with obligations going both ways.
During the Spanish Civil War it is reported that the Communists turned on their Anarchist allies and shot them in the trenches. Franco won, Communists lost, and were never trusted again.
Comment by Last Bull Moose Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:28 am
One of the layoffs at IDOT was an employee who just lost the ability to use their legs due to a surgery mishap. They found out they were laid off by reading Bernie’s article.
Rauner is noting but class…
Comment by UISer Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:29 am
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:29 am
==this Right turn is more “Real Bruce” than anything==
Is Mr. Willy conceding that Bruce is a real Republican or just a real right winger like most of the Republican party?
Comment by Memo From Turner Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:30 am
===“It’s been tough. The morale is bad. People are afraid. It has been a coup d’etat type of environment. The conservative Illinois Policy Institute has taken charge.”===
Translation: The beatings will continue until morale improves.
Comment by Gruntled University Employee Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:31 am
Nowhere to Go, welcome to my dilemma. We seem to be a dying breed in this party.
And it seems to be a problem with both sides. The far ends of both parties make a ton of noise, but I’d hazard a guess and say that most people tend to fall closer to center.
Comment by Fixer Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:31 am
Rauner is a Raunerite.
Rauner is a Raunerite 1st, last, always… Diana Rauner tells me so.
Raunerism isn’t even in the neighborhood of the parking lot of the ball park of Republican ideals.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:32 am
– “But when we were told Richard [Goldberg] was out, we had a feeling if he could do that to him — who was a leader and fiercely loyal — who wouldn’t they do that to?” –
The above is the biggest mistake they made of all. They are replacing folks who were fiercely loyal to Rauner with folks who have shown no loyalty - and have also shown no ability to see past the first 3 hours of their Monday morning coup. It’s been a train wreck ever since.
Comment by Brutal Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:33 am
If we get to the point where Bill Brady appears to be the adult in the room that is beyond Stephen King scary. I have often thought Dan Brady’s biggest problem was having the same last name and getting tarred with the same brush of willful ignorance.
In a local radio interview in January Bill expressed his heartfelt belief that changes brought by Trump, his chosen education secretary in particular, would be wonderful for all of the states including IL. http://wglt.org/post/senator-brady-eager-trump-changes-illinois#stream/0
Comment by former southerner Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:34 am
Patty is the best. Good move Leader Brady.
Comment by Eire17 Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:35 am
– hardening his anti-tax stance–
LOL, little late for that.
Rauner could have put a brick on the tax increase bill for sixty days. For two months, he could have spent his millions on media and traveled the state looking to pick off votes.
Instead, he publicly asked members to stay in town to address his immediate veto.
Those are the actions of man who wanted to be overridden.
I think Rauner was all on board the plan to let the tax increase take effect without taking the blame.
But when media coverage painted him as a loser to Madigan, he got honked and lashed out at his peeps.
Emotional fella, as he’s said in the past.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:37 am
If Governor Rauner really believed the IPI kool-aid, then he shouldn’t have filled the positions he just terminated. Or Rasmussen and her crew should work for no salary too, just like Rauner. Then Illinois would be that much more free from the tyranny of big government.
A bunch of hypocrites if you ask me.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:38 am
Who is giving the Governor this awful political advice?
Rauner is behaving like a complete loser. His tax temper tantrums are innappropriate for any governor. He is clearly showing us that he is a political weakling and unable to do the job after 30 months in office. His blame Madigan scenarios are pleas of pity. Citizens don’t want to vote for an incumbent out of pity. What’s his bumper sticker - a bawling imogee with the words, “Give me another chance”?
Rauner’s horrible political moves kill any chances ILGOP has for any state reforms they seek.
ILGOP has to get rid of Bruce Rauner before he completely nukes whats left of Illinois, ILGOP or the Office of Governor.
Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:38 am
==I know of a lot of potholes that need filling, and a lot of areas that could use a clean-up of the road ditch.==
Probably not going to make someone with MS and someone needing a Kidney transplant do that work, but I take your meaning.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:41 am
===Who is giving the Governor this awful political advice?===
Himself.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:42 am
I’m with JPC. Universities and social services have issued layoffs, all because of Rauner. If you work for him you are complicit in the damage he caused.
Comment by Rogue Roni Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:42 am
Rauner’s actions are obviously patterned after the Trump administration.
Bring in a bunch of inexperienced ideologues. To heck with knowing about the operations of government.
Let ‘em say and do outrageous things. Their supporters don’t appreciate the importance of good governance.
It’s going to be fun to watch the ethics and integrity meltdowns.
You think there’s crying now, just wait.
Comment by Winnin' Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:45 am
==Himself.==
Did he keep his own counsel during the ‘14 campaign? ‘Cause if so, y’know, maybe he’s earned the benefit of the doubt…
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:45 am
===Himself.===
Well, he’s been successful at everything he has ever done… NOT.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:45 am
Kudos to @VanillaMan for this line: “Rauner went Jim Jones.” That’s the best summation I’ve heard yet.
Comment by Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:47 am
Sounds like Rauner has echochamberitis. As VM and others are saying, the failure to be able to salvage the political silver linings from the budget/spending bills is telling.
Comment by lake county democrat Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:47 am
==Translation: The beatings will continue until morale improves.==
Translation: The beatings will continue. Period.
Fixed it for you.
Comment by Name Withheld Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:48 am
=== ===Who is giving the Governor this awful political advice?===
Himself.===
When Z, Goldberg, Lance, the Crew that understood what needed to be done, but tried to do it “Rauner’s Way” found the path difficult at best… the only person Rauner could turn to is himself, because rational politics isn’t something Rauner on his own is willing to see.
Rauner’s worst counsel is his own counsel.
Think on that.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:48 am
Rauner touted himself as an outsider non-politician, which I never believed due to his behind-the-scenes political involvement for years, and since being elected has focused on nothing but politics. Its a good thing for him that his base consists of so many uninformed voters.
Comment by illinoised Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:49 am
==prosperous and free==
Does IPI have a clue how many men, women and children on this planet are living under oppressive totalitarian regimes?
Comment by Can Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:51 am
Rauner is doing what he does best. When he cannot get an adequate return, he merges entities and throws carcasses to the side of the road.
It’s in his DNA.
Comment by Winnin' Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:51 am
How come lucky Pierre is not chiming in today?
Comment by ILGOV2018 Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:51 am
==How come lucky Pierre is not chiming in today?==
Hoping that IPI calls him with an soon-to-be-open position at the Guv’s office.
Comment by Name Withheld Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:54 am
“They were careless people, Tom and Daisy- they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made.”
Comment by FSF Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:55 am
Woof, that Gatsby reference stings.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:00 am
LOL. I know who was crying
Comment by Freedom Sammich Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:00 am
Rauner’s gonna spend $150M…and lose big.
Comment by Chucktownian Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:01 am
“on disability due to multiple sclerosis ”
Well, there is a fight they could have avoided.
Comment by Dee Lay Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:01 am
For anyone who knew Rauner prior to his run for governor this move is completely consistent with who he is. He is going all in on what he believes… that the state needs to be torched and then rebuilt. He was not elected on his turnaround agenda. He was warm and fuzzy Bruce with his Democrat wife by his side. Those days are gone. Its gonna be ugly and this election will now truly be for the soul of Illinois. Who are we as a people and what values do we hold? A definite line in the sand has been drawn.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:04 am
Chuck - you mean like last year when you were 100% certain that Reggie Phillips was gonna get blown out? How did that work out for ya?
Comment by Curl of the Burl Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:05 am
OW-”Raunerism isn’t even in the neighborhood of the parking lot of the ball park of Republican ideals.”
It’s sure getting close though and the GOP could be tailgating in that parking lot by the next election. The growing tribalism within both parties is leading to rationalizations and compromising of core principles at a rate not seen in decades.
Comment by Markus Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:05 am
IPI are Bannonites they believe in the destruction of the “administrative state” ie government.
They destroy functioning government for the benefit of the privileged owner/investor class to produce big business profit.
Rauner hasn’t worked for GTCR since he took office.
How come his income more than doubled?
$90,000 an hour
Simple …..investments
Manipulated while in office
It’s why he needs IPI folks to aid/speed up the removal of the remaining barriers to corporate profit and thus investor profit.
Kill the unions
Lower wages
Lower benefits
Destroy regulations
Kill the administrate function of government
Look at Rauners agencies for proof
Starved
We aspire to skeleton crew
Comment by Promachus Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:05 am
After keeping Kirk safe in 2008 and getting him elected statewide in 2010 it goes without saying that the old Kirk staffers knew what they were doing. Same with JBT’s people. Keeping them around would have been smart for several reasons - one of which would have been the massive (and expensive) election around the corner. This timing is silly. Rauner is enough of an idealogue that he should have just taken the ax to his staff before or during spring session and been done with it.
Comment by Curl of the Burl Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:07 am
well it is a good distraction from what happened in the legislature. The Economist wrote an article in the June 10 issue entitled “Brownback to Black.” this was about some Republicans voting with Dems in Kansas to override a veto by Gov. Brownback. and the article goes on to discuss the tax cuts that Brownback said would spur growth etc and which did not work. “The parliamentary newcomers, who account for about one-third of the Kansas legislature, helped to scupper Mr. Brownback’s tax agenda” The Economist has written an article on finances in Illinois of late. They could well write one on politics and Rauner’s “parliamentary” losses of late.
Comment by Amalia Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:12 am
Governor Carhart. Ever the compassionate one
Comment by Generic Drone Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:12 am
You can be also free and not prosperous. I think that is what the IPI is goin’ for.
Comment by Dr X Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:13 am
Equating higher taxes to less freedom is dangerous.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:17 am
=== @MisterJayEm - Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:29 am: ===
Perfect…
Jeez I miss Monty Python…
Comment by Springfield Since '77 Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:18 am
At least the “Aw Shucks” mask is off.
Comment by walker Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:19 am
======Who is giving the Governor this awful political advice?===
===Himself.
This is quite clear. Rauner is the smartest guy in the room and those who don’t see it are losers. If you don’t agree with him, it’s not a disagreement, it’s something wrong with you.
Comment by ArchPundit Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:27 am
Lucky Pierre is struggling to reconcile what Rauner says he stands for, and Rauner’s complete failure as a governor. Over the past months, LP reaffirms Rauner’s campaign promises, and writes excuses why Rauner failed to achieve any of them.
LP is Linus, sitting in a pumpkin patch, waiting for The Great Pumpkin to appear and give him everything he wants. Like Linus, LP exhibits all the traits found with people whose faith is exposed as a fraud.
I never believed Rauner, so hadn’t reason to put any faith in him. Once he revealed himself in Decatur as a dishonest governor, I never bought a passage on his sinking ship. But folks like LP did, and as Rauner’s ship goes down, they are blaming the water inching up to their chins, instead of the guy who told wild tales to get them on board.
I don’t dislike LP. I just hope he can get over the fact that Rauner isn’t his Great Pumpkin.
Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:28 am
===Perfect…
==Jeez I miss Monty Python…
One might look to the Governor’s office for a modern version.
Comment by ArchPundit Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:28 am
===Who is giving the Governor this awful political advice?===
–Himself.–
Same question asked; same answer given with Blagojevich.
Comment by King Louis XVI Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:30 am
There are parts of this purge that make total sense - outsourcer-in-chief Bruce outsourcing his government to IPI. It’s radical right and totally disconnected from his 2014 persona, but exactly as he’s governed.
But I am really having trouble reconciling the Diana wanted these changes piece. That’s just not consistent with what people that have worked with her over at the Ounce believe about her. I’m wondering if he’s using her again as cover. Either that or Willy is 100% right.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:33 am
Now, now, dont be so upset, campers.
Bruce has succeeded at everything he has done. He is energized, happy, persistent. Every ingredient of his message is poll tested. Just need some new folks, bec its not a failed message. Thats not possible. Its a failed bunch of messagengers.
Comment by Langhorne Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:33 am
Arsenal - he listened to his political advisors during the campaign. It changed immediately after he won. Suddenly he was governor and knew better than everyone else. Z, Goldberg and crew did best to save him from himself but every mistake has been his own.
Comment by Counsel Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:33 am
That was perfect. Still very sad.
Comment by @ FSF Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:38 am
The Python stuff and the Gatsby stuff are both, to borrow a phrase, restaurant quality.
Comment by SAP Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:43 am
Where is Mike Mahoney left in this transition? What about the other staffers communicating with the General Assembly?
Is the goal to go full on Blago and shut down communication 100%?
Comment by Nobody nobody Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:48 am
Blago’s loyalists stayed with him through the first term. Some even returned after the reelect. However, during the second term, with the loyalists gone (the people who truly cared about Rod), the wheels came off. I would expect the same outcome for Governor Rauner.
Comment by Anon Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:52 am
“The conservative Illinois Policy Institute has taken charge.”
What human being talks like this?
Comment by weird Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 12:00 pm
==Did he keep his own counsel during the ‘14 campaign? ‘Cause if so, y’know, maybe he’s earned the benefit of the doubt…==
I do–I think Rich is right in saying that he’s a good, underrated retail politician whose approach to getting elected is far better than anything Dems have had–but he had zero political baggage and was running against an incredibly unpopular incumbent at a time when people were (in many ways justifiably) frustrated with IL Dems.
Rauner now has two years of a destructive autopilot budget which was solved by everyone other than him. There are ways he might be able to make an omelet out of that egg (and while his approval numbers are bad, they’re not doomed, Quinn-Blago bad), but he’s got a much different field. Might require a different approach than ‘14, and not sure if he’d evolve.
Comment by whetstone Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 12:01 pm
Eight whole layoffs at IDOT? Wow! Is anyone still waiting for the Quinn “fumigation” to purge the remaining patronage hacks that were planted there and elsewhere. Many have now become vestd and retired with a pension. Is the guv following recommendations of the court-appointed IDOT monitor?
Comment by Sideliner Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 12:06 pm
Lucky Pierre isn’t commenting today because he’s one of the people Rauner fired???
Comment by Porgy Tirebiter Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 12:09 pm
Hey, Cynic —
“State filings show the governor and wife Diana Rauner donated an additional $9 million Thursday to the campaign fund of House Republican leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs.”
Money talks.
Comment by Soccermom Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 12:16 pm
The fallout from Rauner’s firing/hiring of key staff is an admission of his failure as Governor of Illinois. In fact he has made some progress in reforming state pensions and has retained the pro-business Edge program. His failure is in not recognizing and appreciating these small successes so he can build on them. Does the Governor want to rebuild Illinois or tear it down?
Comment by Enviro Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 12:23 pm
Cynic, I would also remind you that history generally is not kind to people who say all the right things and look sad when bad things happen — but do absolutely nothing to stop those things from happening.
Comment by Soccermom Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 12:25 pm
I too found the Sneed reference to Mrs. Rauner to be interesting. Whether accurate or an attempt to deflect the appearance of a radical move by Rauner, the bottom line is the true problem with the administration can be viewed in the mirror.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 12:30 pm
Do Downstate voters pick up that all this action is taking place in Chicago? That’s where the big dogs live and work, not Springfield, as promised.
All that stuff about moving to the fairgrounds, foxes under the porch, that’s just to fool you.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 12:35 pm
==Who is giving the Governor this awful political advice?==
==Himself.==
Wondering what that means on the campaign side of Rauner’s operation. More Proft, less Z? More national consultants from the Koch Bros orbit?
Comment by TR Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 12:35 pm
===It’s sure getting close though and the GOP could be tailgating in that parking lot by the next election. The growing tribalism within both parties is leading to rationalizations and compromising of core principles at a rate not seen in decades.===
My take now, with Diana being so instrumental in the IPI taking over, corporate takeover style, the Executive… is this…
It’s truly now… openly now…
Raunerites and Non-Raunerites… and Republicans like an Edgar or even me… Where do we fit?
With respect.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 12:36 pm
===Raunerites and Non-Raunerites… and Republicans like an Edgar or even me… Where do we fit?===
Radogno 2022?
Comment by Robert the Bruce Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 12:39 pm
Porgy, I was thinking the same thing
Comment by Nick Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 12:45 pm
Halfway expect the Governor to come out and say “Fire anybody? I have no idea what you’re talking about. We never fired anybody. Anybody’s that leaving is just leaving because they’re tired of watching Mike Madigan ruin our beautiful State by allowing unions, and not having term limits and not having workers comp reform”.
Then IPI and “news outlets” around the State repeat and repeat the lie…..
Comment by Biscuit Head Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 12:46 pm
===Radogno 2022===
1) I want whatever makes Ms. Radogno happy. She’s done her part and asking her to come back is grossly unfair.
2) I’d be the third to last person in the whole state that Ms. Radogno would listen to, if I even thought that to myself or said that out loud. Even that moves me up 2 unearned spots.
First, face the reality of today, I guess, Raunerism.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 12:50 pm
OW - “Where do we fit?”
For me, at least temporarily, with the Democratic Party. Until the cancer of Proftism/Raunerism is marginalized, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
With respect.
–BH
Comment by Biscuit Head Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 12:50 pm
People losing their jobs is never easy on the individual or their family. The same goes for how the ‘frat boys’, plus advisers, chose who is in or who is out when this administration started. Experience, skill knowledge, loyalty and dedication are considered bad traits with these people. It is the usual ‘do as I say - yes man syndrome.’
As said before, they are locusts and will pop up again when another politician buys into their game. If Rauner is serious about turning the battleship, then his next moves should be diving into the agencies for those appointments that were recommended to him under the guise they are part of the team. Though their placement was only for the benefit of a few - not good government. Next stop would be to restructure his political operation (State Party) to be relevant once again. Finally, cutting the pipeline of moneys to the lobbyist(s) that benefited the most from his election win. I think this speaks for itself and should fit in with the IPI philosophy.
These are easy steps and may bring some people back in his corner.
It’s tough, hurts and turns families upside down. It’s politics and is expected. Maybe now, they understand the true destruction they have caused. I wish them the best.
Comment by Black Balled Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 12:53 pm
- Biscuit Head -
Understood. Godspeed.
I’ll wait to see how Edgar and other conventional GOPers fall for now, but you know what your plan is with Raunerism. I’m still waiting.
Respect,
OW
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 12:56 pm
So Rauner fires the Republicans that are loyal to him but has left in place the Democratic non-union managers who despise him. Makes sense to me….not.
Comment by Anon Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 12:57 pm
Radogno 2018. Let the GOP civil war begin.
Comment by CLJ Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 1:01 pm
People talking about the impending demise of the IL GOP or a GOP civil war are 10 years too late to the party. It is more clear to me now the distinction between Republicanism and Raunerism than I would’ve previously admitted in conversation. Raunerites are like Republicans claiming to be the most “Reagan-esque”, when the truth is more likely that their beliefs would have repulsed him.
Comment by Downstate43 Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 1:30 pm
MrJM, Does this mean that Goldberg his being pummeled by fluffy pillows while Kelly is forced into a comfy chair?
Comment by PlayK8 Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 1:48 pm
“He who represents himself has a fool for a client”.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 1:49 pm
I suggested Radogno yesterday. Rauner needs to be primaried.
Comment by ILGOV2018 Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 1:53 pm
I’d love to see Radogno primary the Governor, although I can’t imagine it would be fun for her…
Comment by Soccermom Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 1:58 pm
“The conservative Illinois Policy Institute has taken charge.”
How can that statement be true? Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t Gov. Rauner own the Illinois Policy Institute?
Comment by Mama Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 3:18 pm
= Promachus - Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 11:05 am: =
Promachus, you hit Rauner’s ball right out of the park. You just gave us the best explanation of what is happening in IL & at the federal level right now. Thank you
Comment by Mama Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 3:37 pm
This governor continually perplexes me. In what world does taking a putative/spinable “win” (budget override) and then panicking with a hard right turn in a moderate-to-liberal state make any sense to anyone who hasn’t totally drunken the Kool Aid? VanillaMan’s Jim Jones reference is weirdly appropriate. I just can’t believe what I am seeing here.
Comment by OMG Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:19 pm
Black Balled: I admire commenters who try to give Governor Rauner good sensible advice on how to best reach his publicly stated goals. A lot of folks here sincerely did that for his first year. Very responsible and hopeful. Problem is he hasn’t seemed to listen well to wisdom from experienced Republican hands, and his actions haven’t matched his stated goals very well.
Comment by walker Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 7:40 pm
===Blago’s loyalists stayed with him through the first term. Some even returned after the reelect. However, during the second term, with the loyalists gone (the people who truly cared about Rod), the wheels came off. I would expect the same outcome for Governor Rauner.===
This is an interesting point. The difference is the Blago people realized *he* didn’t have personal loyalty and starting abandoning ship. GovGaslight’s people were made to walk the plank. Even Blago had more personal loyalty than this schmuck.
And, soccermom’s comments about history’s view of enabler is especially relevant re Diana. And it extends to the people axed in recent days - they enabled an agenda that crippled the state and endangered the social safety net, i.e., PEOPLE. I won’t engage in schadenfreude at their oyster but neither will I mourn their loss of position. Frankly, they all can take a hike as far as I’m concerned. They advanced an agenda that damaged illinois and the people of Illinois. They got what’s coming to them, no matter how much Rich says they’re nice and friendly and have beautiful fiancées.
Finally, if anyone needs further proof that Gaslight is both unhinged and under the control of people he can never hope to match in wealth, we have it.
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 10:09 pm
Dianna packed a 2×4 in Bruce’s lunch box, it was a business decision
Comment by Rabid Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 7:07 am