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Rauner calls for “insurrection” and “revolution” against Madigan, says state suffers from “Stockholm Syndrome”

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* Gov. Bruce Rauner spoke with the Belleville News-Democrat about Speaker Madigan and SB 1…

[Madigan] controls the General Assembly. He could’ve passed any budget that he wanted for the last two years. He wouldn’t pass any. Why? He wanted to force crisis and force a bunch of Republicans, so he didn’t have to put his vulnerable, um, members on a, on a bad tax hike vote. That’s why. He, he damaged our human services and our most vulnerable for his most craven political goals. This is just, this is wrong. This is unjust.

And I’ll tell you this, you know, when I first got to know him eight years ago, my second lunch with him, I asked him, because I didn’t know him, he didn’t know me. I was just a private citizen, you know, and I was advocating for school reform. And I raised a PAC and I was supporting money for D’s and R’s, a lot of D’s for school reform. So he met with me. I was no threat to him, he was no, he just wanted some of the PAC money. I asked him at a lunch, I said, ‘What’s your goal for improving the future for Illinois?’ I was like, you know, ‘You’re the most powerful guy, what do you want to do?’ He said, he laughed and said, ‘I got no goal like that.’ And I said, ‘Really? So, what you,’ he said, ‘Bruce, I do two things, I manage power and I make money from managing power.’ I want to throw up my lunch.

I mean, you, this is what we’re dealing with and he’s doing it right now to our, to our children and our teachers. This is wrong. This is wrong. We gotta, we need a, we need an insurrection. The people of Illinois, and this is not about D’s versus R’s. This is about good government and doing what’s right for taxpayers and children and teachers. […]

You know, it’s this Stockholm Syndrome. We suffer from this. And, you know, we’ve been so, we’ve been captive for 35 years. We’re so used to living on, living with this fear and this dictation of terms and, and living on Madigan’s crumbs, that’s what, that’s what people in Illinois have been doing. They’re used to it. […]

It’s not about regular Democrats and Republicans, this is about a power structure designed by one person for the insiders’ benefit. That’s what this is about and I think that with your help and the help of others in the media, we gotta lead a revolution on this and get power back to the people.

I’m told that Rauner has related that story about lunch with Madigan several times over the years, but his comms staff always stopped him from saying it on the record. He’s got a new staff now who either don’t have any control over him or who want to just let Bruce be Bruce.

* Gov. Rauner also dredged up this story about Senate President John Cullerton, which the governor claimed he heard from Cullerton as early as July of 2015…

I spent weeks negotiating with him, and he, he came into my office in, in, in Springfield, one, one day and he said ‘Bruce, I’ve lived in,’ this is a quote, and I’ve said this publicly, ‘I’ve lived in Mike’s shadow for 37 years, I’m not gonna step out now.’ That’s a quote. This is the problem. He’s the President of the Senate. And he, he, he gets his marching orders from one person. This is wrong, this is not democracy. […]

Alarm bells, the sirens have gotta be going off for the people of Illinois. Let’s not tolerate this. This is so clearly, so clearly a power grab and a leverage to on a crisis, that’s what this is.

* On school superintendents and the SB 1 showdown…

Our school funding has never involved pensions at the statewide level. This is a Madigan power play right now… When you look in their eyes how much fear do you see? They are petrified that Madigan will give ‘em less or nothing. And they’re, they, they got a gun to their head. That’s why. They, they are, they are so afraid of him and their schools not opening, they’re like ‘Oh, oh, give me wha, whatever you can give me I’ll take it, it’s fine, it’s fine.’ They, they’ve, this is what Madigan has done, that people live in fear, that’s why they support it. When they see the numbers, they go, ‘Oh, Governor, I love, that’s right, that’s the right answer, ooo I don’t want, I don’t, I don’t want him mad at me.’ This is, this is, this is tyranny, this is, this is, this is rule by fear. This is not right… live in fear that he’ll cut ‘em off. That if they don’t get this, he’ll cut ‘em. He’s cut, he’s done it to ‘em four times over the last ten years before I became governor. That’s what they’re afraid of. It’s better to get a, you know, kind of abused a little bit than maybe really damaged and that’s what he’s threat, that’s his threat to ‘em. And I’m saying, don’t do that any more, stand together as a people, let’s do what’s right.

* The paper followed up with some locals…

“They are petrified that Madigan will give them less or nothing,” [Rauner] said.

Granite City District 9 Superintendent Jim Greenwald doesn’t see it that way.

“We’re not scared at all,” Greenwald said. “… We’re looking for some fairness.”

Belleville District 201 Superintendent Jeff Dosier said the reason he supported Senate Bill 1 was “because it’s passed both houses.” The Illinois House voted 60-52 to approve the legislation, and the Senate voted 35-22.

“We just need to have that solution, and we need to have that sooner than later,” Dosier said. “… There are many schools in the state that depend on that money right away (in the school year). If it’s a couple months late, it doesn’t hurt us as bad as it does some.”

By the way, Politifact called his claims that the Democrats cut education funding four times “Mostly false.”

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 1:51 pm

Comments

How soon before Rauner starts calling Madigan “Moriarity”

Comment by LTSW Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 1:55 pm
He’s completely lost it.

Comment by Demoralized Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 1:57 pm
‘Oh, Governor, I love, that’s right, that’s the right answer, ooo I don’t want, I don’t, I don’t want him mad at me.’

Anyone else have a “When Harry Met Sally” moment when they read that line?

Comment by Anon221 Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 1:57 pm
I’ve noticed that when Rauner gets asked a tough question and he has to go off script he usually makes no sense, tells half truths or all out lies. And he stutters. So when this reporters prints his stuttering when referring to Cullerton
its tough to believe him.

Comment by Been There Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 1:58 pm
Can the legislature mandate that the governor be examined? The paranoia is getting worse.

Comment by Publius Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 1:59 pm
I don’t know who is more facile at lying - Trump or Rauner.

Comment by Archiesmom Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 1:59 pm
He’s going to burn the state down, to the ground, on his way out the door.

Comment by Ryan Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 1:59 pm
This dude has just … he’s lost it. Gone. Deep end. Kablooey. Bye.

Comment by Reality Check Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:00 pm
This sounds like a man pulling all the levers on a speeding locomotive, trying to find the one that works.

Comment by morningstar Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:00 pm
Full circle.
Now he’s blaming us.
We have a syndrone.

We don’t.
We aren’t to blame.
You got elected making promises about plans that weren’t acceptable to a majority of us.

Be gone.
Don’t run for reelection.
Save your money.
Save our sanity and be gone.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:00 pm
Rauber spent $70 million these 3 years to own and keep owned 2 Raunerite Caucuses.

That’s doesn’t sound like a “liberator”, does it?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:01 pm
It’s like he’s saying Illinois is the equivalent of North Korea and we’ve all been brainwashed and/or terrorized by our own dictator = a/k/a Madigan. And he’s sort of started acting like that as well. The staff purge. Twisting reality. It really is scary stuff.

Comment by Demoralized Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:02 pm
Yeah, that’s really going to engender good feelings and cooperation among the people you have to work with.

Comment by RNUG Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:02 pm
== He’s got a new staff now who either don’t have any control over him or who want to just let Bruce be Bruce. ==

Letting Bruce do what he wanted was probably a condition of their hiring.

Comment by RNUG Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:04 pm
Is he really going to go Full Blago?

Comment by Keyrock Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:05 pm
He has really checked out from reality at this point. Pretty sure the following happens:

Stubs his toe: Screams Madigan
Locks his keys in the car: Screams Madigan
Coffee too hot: Screams Madigan
Raining outside: Screams Madigan
Gets a cold: Screams Madigan

Poor Gov, never has Madigan held such power over a man and made him such a complete and total failure.

Comment by Give Me A Break Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:06 pm
Pick apart his style, pick apart tendency to exaggerate, pick apart his lack of political skills.

But, the truth remains, Madigan has been the Speaker of the House far too long, and continues to prove that daily.

Don’t under estimate the folks that vote. They can differentiate and sacrifice their votes for support of certain ends. Good chance the voters will handle the revolution/insurrection in 2018.

In the meantime, keep hammering Madigan and exposing his willingness to overspend and under-deliver.

Comment by cdog Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:06 pm
He has been controlling every republican vote since he took office, even collapsed the grand bargain now he is blaming Madigan for the same thing. He needs a new staff. Oh never mind. This one is doing great.

Comment by So tired of political hacks Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:07 pm
Cullerton and Madigan … I’ve always thought of it as a good cop / bad cop routine where they share the same goal.

Comment by RNUG Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:08 pm
I think the Gov needs a nap.

Comment by Arsenal Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:08 pm
Has he lost it…or has his sanity muzzle just been removed?

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:09 pm
Rauner has become an IPI Facebook poster: Obsessed with blaming Madigan for everything and doing/saying anything he can to beat him.

Comment by Dublin Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:10 pm
Rauner is very similar to Rubio during the RNC primaries where he “malfunctioned”.

Raunerbot 2018

Comment by Rauners Carhart Costume Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:10 pm
I have never said this before- Blago was less dangerous and harmful for the citizens of Illinois than this guy is.

No wonder he hired his new staff…. he talks the same game as their historical comparisons, in my opinion.

He got budgets sent to him. He vetoed them.

His statements in this post need him to make apologies.

Comment by Thoughts Matter Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:11 pm
All these comments are one-sided.

Where are the contrarians?

Comment by cdog Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:11 pm
I agree that he’s gone off the deep end. That Madigan story, he just made the whole thing up. He is beyond desperate. He has no political capital. At best, his approval rating is 40%. He is reduced to making up stories about Democrat leaders. Kind of like a child does to get out of trouble but this is a Governor. He has lost his balance. Since the day the budget was passed the lies have just intensified. Seriously, I don’t think he is mentally fit to hold office. The media owes it to its citizens to start calling him out on all the lies and reckless decisions he’s been making lately.

Comment by The Dude Abides Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:14 pm
Ok that just jumped the Blago with an Evel Knievel rocket over the Grand Canyon full of great white sharks with laser beams attached to their heads

Comment by Baloneymous Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:14 pm
Somewhat serious question:

Is there anything in the Illinois Constitution stipulating that the Governor (or any high ranking state-elected position for that matter) be subject to a “fitness to work” examine? I mean, in some companies/organizations this type of person would be “’suspended with pay’, pending a physical/mental examine”.

Comment by East Central Illinois Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:15 pm
Ok cdog have at it and defend those whacky comments.

Comment by Baloneymous Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:16 pm
==All these comments are one-sided.==

Nice attempt at burden-shifting. It’s not on us to defend the ridiculous. It’s on the Gov to not be ridiculous.

Comment by Arsenal Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:16 pm
Rauner its are out being reprogrammed?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:17 pm
I didn’t think that Rauner was as bad off as Trump. Apparently, I was wrong.

Comment by Aldyth Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:17 pm
Raunerbots

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:18 pm
I think the idea that we all have stockholm syndrome is interesting. He’s doing what many American liberals have done in suggesting that people who vote for Republicans have a false consciousness. (E.G. the book What’s the Matter With Kansas?) In any case, I will allow that people can act against their interests politically. Yet, I think it’s a terrible strategy as a politician to tell people they just don’t get it. That suggests to me that the Gov. is just frustrated and grasping at straws.

Comment by hexagon Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:18 pm
I expected a Howard Dean-like war cry from Rauner at the end of that rant.

Comment by Cubs in '16 Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:19 pm
I have no doubt that Rauner heard those things. I just really doubt Madigan and Cullerton said those things.

And Cdog’, we’re talking about hoe Rauner is looking more and more unhinged. Saying “But Madigan…” doesn make Rauner more sane or effective. If Madigan were going around acting this crazy, I’d be criticizing him, too.

Comment by Simple Simon Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:21 pm
The king wants to dissolve parliament.

Comment by A Jack Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:21 pm
Lol at all the people thinking rauner has gone Cra-cra. Where were you guys 10 years ago with blago?

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:22 pm
Ok, who did it? Who gave Bruce a copy of Rod’s book for his birthday?

Messina, was that you?

Comment by Juice Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:22 pm
CDog, “all these comments” are being made by individuals independently of one another. Why does that bother you?

If you want to make the case that Rauner isn’t telling bald-faced lies or babbling like a punch-drunk club fighter, go for it.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:23 pm
And Cdog, outright, bald faced lying isn’t a legitimate “style” for a governor. Period.

Comment by Simple Simon Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:23 pm
The real Rauner has now been formally introduced to the State of Illinois. Ouch.

Comment by Union Dues Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:24 pm
My, my, how the quality of North Shore cocktail hour conversation has declined. I must away to the fainting couch lest I spill my beverage!

Thanks, Madigan!

Comment by Northsider Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:25 pm
Okay for all rauner apologists/Madigan critics. The argument is that Madigan is the most power hungry micro managing Machiavelli in Illinois history, so on his second lunch, he admits his corrupt intentions? Really? Name anyone else EVER who has related a story containing such self-destructive (alleged) candor from Madigan…..Buehler….Buehler? There isn’t, cuz the Rauner conversation never happened that way. And a person who espouses such impossibilities is either deluded (if he actually believes it) or thinks the world is gullible (if he knows it never happened). Either way, this little tantrum reveals far more about our Governor than appears on its surface. This is not merely politics in the extreme, its scary

Comment by Undiscovered country Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:25 pm
@cdog

I admire your ability to march on to the tune of your message even as your standard-bearer runs off into the hills howling at the moon. Good happy warrior.

But please forgive me if I’m too busy staring at my Governor’s obvious meltdown to debate the finer points of “…but Madigan” yet again.

Comment by Chicago_Downstater Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:25 pm
Let me know when BVR heads off to Harpers Ferry to start his revolution.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:26 pm
===Lol at all the people thinking rauner has gone Cra-cra. Where were you guys 10 years ago with blago?===

Can only speak for myself but I’m guessing they were right here saying Blago has gone “cra-cra”.

Comment by Cubs in '16 Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:26 pm
I’m hoping for an intervention.
I myself am not in the same reality Rauner describes, but’s it’s fascinating to hear his description of his.
And if Madigan had lunch with him twice, did Madigan only go the second time because he had the Stockholm syndrome?
Im hoping the budget hostages will be released via Lima Syndrome. (Hostage takers get a heart and conscience.

Comment by Team Warwick Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:27 pm
Anonymous 2:22

I admit to voting for Blago in his first election, but I saw that he lied about being a reformer and voted JBT in his second election. I admit the mistake I made. Can those who voted for this megalomaniac say the same? Let’s start an online confessional here. Line up for penance.

Comment by Simple Simon Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:27 pm
Rauner sounds a lot like another guy that “hears things”. I’m surprised that no one else has heard the things that Rauner hears. Is it possible that Cullerton and Madigan only shared their deep dark secrets with Bruce?

Comment by Pundent Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:28 pm
Yeah, I definitely said that thing he said I said

Comment by "Senate President John Cullerton" Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:29 pm
“Why? He wanted to force crisis and force a bunch of Republicans, so he didn’t have to put his vulnerable, um, members on a, on a bad tax hike vote.”

Madigan and the HGOP members he controls.

Bruce wants his enemies to self-destruct. Why should Madigan get a Democrat-only tax hike passed?

Republicans and Democrats had enough of the budget

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:30 pm
2 points. Yes we have finally crossed the Blago line. And I would feel safer starting a revolution with Pee Wee Herman leading me.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:30 pm
The Speaker has remained in power for what — 35 years?

Who in the world thinks he would remain in power telling stranger that he just wants power?

If you are going to make up a story, have a bit of credibility. “So Madigan said to me, Bruce, your kids go to CPS. I don’t care about any schools other than CPS. Help me help your kids.”

Now that sort of lie might make Rauner’s point and might be borderline credible.

It is fascinating that Rauner is to terrible at lying.

Comment by Gooner Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:30 pm
Though over the top and self-serving, this much is true: the people of this state have indeed been worn down by the immensity of corruption and unethical behavior over the years, that they are numb to it.

But as Demoralized said, not a great campaign strategy.

Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:30 pm
==All these comments are one-sided.==

Because we’re all sane people and can tell when someone has lost it. He’s gone off the deep end. He’s just in a blind fit of rage right now. And his comments show it.

Comment by Demoralized Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:31 pm
“Mostly false.” sums up the current Governor, quite nicely.

Comment by West Sider Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:31 pm
Rauner has made extremely mad decisions and is now captain of a sinking ship, but he’s not wrong about Madigan and all of Illinois problems.

Comment by Ahoy! Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:33 pm
Perhaps the hashtag should change from #DoYourJob to #GetReal

Comment by East Central Illinois Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:34 pm
Lying Bruce Rauner all day every day

Lying Ted Cruz lost to Trump by 8 points in Illinois

Comment by DuPage Bard Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:34 pm
Sorry, Anonymous @ 2:30 was me.

Rank and file reps from both parties had enough of the budget crisis. Thankfully they stepped up to stop us from going junk status.

Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:34 pm
======Lol at all the people thinking rauner has gone Cra-cra. Where were you guys 10 years ago with blago?===
===Can only speak for myself but I’m guessing they were right here saying Blago has gone “cra-cra”.===
Except for Bill. At least until the day after Blago was arrested.

Comment by Been There Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:36 pm
==Can only speak for myself but I’m guessing they were right here saying Blago has gone “cra-cra”.==

Debatable. Lot of people in “labor” had their eyes turned the other way as they were too busy salivating over the lucrative contracts Blago gave that the state couldn’t afford.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:37 pm
Separation of powers has gone from being something that Gov. Gaslight had a difficult time wrapping his mind around to something that is causing him to lose his grip on reality. Seriously.

Comment by Nick Name Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:37 pm
===Lol at all the people thinking rauner has gone Cra-cra. Where were you guys 10 years ago with blago?===

Use the search key.

For me.., way before Rauner… I swore if there ever was a Blago in the GOP I wouldn’t be silent.

Have I been silent?

Get back to me.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:38 pm
Dude, just quit and retire out of state.

You have nothing to offer the citizens of Illinois but whiny victimhood, fairy tale account of conversations that never happened, and insults of our intelligence. No solutions. No optimism. No accountability. Just a neverending abyss of grievance and blame creating a black hole where atate leadership should be.

Comment by hisgirlfriday Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:38 pm
So if Toni Preckwinkle’s rhetoric was over the top, what do we call this? BSC.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:39 pm
I realize hyperbole has almost lost its meaning, but using the term “insurrection”? It reminds me of IPI referring to death threats a few weeks ago as mean comments. Is his new IPI staff letting Bruce be Bruce, or is he letting them kick up the rhetoric?

Insurrection: “act or an instance of revolting especially violently against civil or political authority or against an established government.”

Comment by Whut Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:39 pm
===Lot of people in “labor”… ===

LOL, is that you Bruce?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:39 pm
Illinoisans are not suffering from a mass mental delusion. Don’t expect votes from people you insist are suffering from a mass mental delusion.

The man with the perpetual “deer-in-the-headlights” appearance on his face is suggesting that Illinoisans are deluded? Where’s that bloviating happy dude charming his way into office from 2013-14? The guy who told us what he had to so he could win? Mr. Millionaire Superstar?

That One-Note Nelly lost his voice?

The last 37 years wasn’t hell here in Illinois, thank you very much. We had a couple damn good governors. I’m sick of Rauner’s rewriting of history. I’m tired of the parroting from his supporters.

Our syndrome was falling for your song and dance. Our needs for reform and government improvement was seized upon by you. You used us to get elected. We’ve been more than patient as you flopped from the Wabash to the Mississippi, creating crisis after crisis.

Your time is up Mr. Stockholm.

Be gone.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:39 pm
Oh please Oswego Willy. Where were the unions criticism a decade ago.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:41 pm
Where was I when Blago was in office?

Oh please dude, use the Google.

We made our bones roasting his.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:42 pm
The IPI sent out a memo for all Raunerbots to delete every tweet for the last 30 years, so they will be unavailable for commenting on Capitol Fax today.

Comment by A Jack Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:43 pm
===Where were the unions… ===

LOL, my bad… A that you Diana Rauner?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:43 pm
Bruce Rauner: defender of the meek. Just ask him.

Comment by backdeckjeff Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:44 pm
This man has boxed himself into a corner and has only himself to blame…pathetic…he reminds me of my 2 year old grandson who throws a fit when he doesn’t get his way…c’mon Bruce, take responsibility for something before you’re history…

Comment by Loop Lady Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:45 pm
Where was the union criticism?
Moving the goalposts isn’t helping you man.
You’re still dead wrong.
Google ought to be your friend, or you won’t make any here.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:46 pm
Will the real Bruce Rauner please stand, please stand up, please stand up. Ahh I think we have a problem.

Comment by So tired of political hacks Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:46 pm
+++ - RNUG - Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:04 pm:

== He’s got a new staff now who either don’t have any control over him or who want to just let Bruce be Bruce. ==
Letting Bruce do what he wanted was probably a condition of their hiring. +++

If I had to guess, the new IPI folk don’t just want Bruce to be Bruce, they want Bruce with even more cowbell.

Comment by titan Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:47 pm
Trump has Obama, Rauner has Madigan. Erie how they obsess about their nemesis to the point of complete paralysis.

Comment by Trapped in the 'burbs Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:47 pm
The governor’s office and the “Illinois” “Policy” “Institute” have finally merged in full.

Comment by Albany Park Patriot Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:47 pm
The Governor’s gonna need a good “body man”, he seems unhinged.

Comment by GOP Extremist Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:47 pm
“Stockholm syndrome consists of “strong emotional ties that develop between two persons where one person intermittently harasses, beats, threatens, abuses, or intimidates the other.”

How 1.4% can claim somebody who rarely makes public comments is the person harassing, threatening, and intimidation the residents of Illinois is beyond me.

Oh, yeah, I forgot, his constant campaigning, complaining, and whining about his victimization.

Comment by Huh? Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:47 pm
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall

Proverbs 16:18

Comment by James Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:48 pm
Where were the unions 10 years ago?

I think this quote sums it up nicely. (regarding AFSCME non-endorsement)

“This is a huge blow to Rod Blagojevich,” said Lance Trover, a Topinka spokesman. “He had the endorsement four years ago, and he couldn’t get it this time. He has simply lost the trust of the people.”

Comment by Juice Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:49 pm
“All these comments are one-sided. Where are the contrarians?”

Okay, let’s presume Bruce Rauner is telling the truth.

I’ll tell you this, you know, when I first got to know him eight years ago, my second lunch with him, I asked him, because I didn’t know him, he didn’t know me. I was just a private citizen, you know, and I was advocating for school reform. And I raised a PAC and I was supporting money for D’s and R’s, a lot of D’s for school reform. So he met with me. I was no threat to him, he was no, he just wanted some of the PAC money. I asked him at a lunch, I said, ‘What’s your goal for improving the future for Illinois?’ I was like, you know, ‘You’re the most powerful guy, what do you want to do?’ He said, he laughed and said, ‘I got no goal like that.’ And I said, ‘Really? So, what you,’ he said, ‘Bruce, I do two things, I manage power and I make money from managing power.’

If he can’t succeed against someone as stupid and reckless as the ‘Mike Madigan’ portrayed in his fable, Bruce Rauner couldn’t succeed under any circumstances.

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:55 pm
===LOL, my bad… A that you Diana Rauner?===

In the 35 years where Madigan has been Speaker, can you offer a few examples where Madigan has “lifted up” the middle class?

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:55 pm
Pick a name.

I’m a Republican, not a Democrat.

I’m not a Raunerite.

Raunerism is destroying Illinois purposely.

Pick that name so you can keep up.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 2:58 pm
The past two weeks have made the contrarians think it is December 9, 2008.

Comment by Smitty Irving Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 3:11 pm
All the comments are typical -why not ask Madigan/ Cullerton why they have refused to submit the bill to the Governor?

Comment by Sue Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 3:12 pm
My comment questioning the lack of contrarian posts was made because my post was held for moderation for awhile, then released.

Rauner is a horrible messenger. He’s squandered his chance for change, most likely.

The message is still valid and we will watch it playout once again with the not so “truthful one” who is ready to “continue negotiating reforms,” and his staller-in-chief in the Senate.

Comment by cdog Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 3:21 pm
“In the 35 years where Madigan has been Speaker, can you offer a few examples where Madigan has “lifted up” the middle class?”

Illinois has full union rights. Union members earn more than non-union members in 82% of all industries and occupations. This is a consistent percentage, per BLS data. Union members likely have better benefits and job security than non-union members. Illinois is a higher-income state. The states Bruce wants us to emulate are lower-income states.

Madigan and Democrats quickly ended any notion Rauner can strip union rights in Illinois through the GA. Rauner didn’t drop or scale back anti-union demands out of being reasonable. Democrats and union members won those concessions by refusing to pass anti-union legislation and voicing their opposition at local government meetings.

Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 3:27 pm
Where were we under Rod? As many have noted, we were right here, saying the emperor had no clothes.

Here’s the thing. Blagojevich - who was a charlatan, a blowhard, a criminal and someone I never supported - he was a more effective governor than the current occupant.

Comment by Reality Check Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 3:28 pm
“All the comments are typical -why not ask Madigan/ Cullerton why they have refused to submit the bill to the Governor?”

Senator Trotter filed a motion to reconsider on May 31st.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 3:31 pm
VM, no one was roasting Rod with a higher, snarkier flame than you. You managed to do it set to music most of the time.
The old timers here all know that.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 3:32 pm
3:31 was me.

Comment by Huh? Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 3:35 pm
Gooner@2:30 hit the nail on the head; I’ve been involved at the Capitol for about 25 years and one can be critical of Madigan on various issues, but even with the criticism I will never believe Madigan would, at a first time meeting with anyone let alone a Republican Governor, tell them he is only out for power and money. No way , no how.

Comment by nadia Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 3:35 pm
“We gotta, we need a, we need an insurrection.”

We had an insurrection in the House, against leaders. Madigan is a lot better about it than Rauner.

Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 3:37 pm
Anon- yea he put it to sleep. What happened to the motion- nothing. What are the Dems afraid of in terms of the AV? If schools have financial issues next month it’s 100 percent on Madigan

Comment by Sue Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 3:43 pm
So Bruce after your lunch meeting, did the PAC check you handed Madigan have your throw up on it?

Comment by Baloneymous Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 3:45 pm
Smart Democrats in swing districts know the Speaker will be an anvil around their necks in the next reelection.

Moderate Democrat Elaine Nekritz offered only mild criticism of the Speaker after resigning in frustration.

Q. What about your relationship with Democratic House Speaker Mike Madigan, who’s called on you to serve in leadership roles in recent years. Did the budget stalemate erode that?

A. I disagreed with much of the strategy he pursued, but I’ve disagreed with Madigan at other times over the years, so it didn’t feel to me like it eroded my personal relationship. But going back to the overall impacts of the impasse, I can’t tell you how hard it was to deal with. I can’t tell you how many times I cried after talking to a constituent. I’d talk with someone who devoted their entire life to assisting victims of domestic violence and here we are, the system is crumbling. To not be able to help people in need is crushing.

How many other rank and file Democrats that aren’t in leadership have disagreed with the Speaker’s scorched earth strategy but can’t speak out because they are not retired?

http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20170721/nekritz-frustration-over-illinois-ongoing-crisis-prompted-resignation

Comment by Lucky Pierre Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 3:50 pm
“I raised a PAC and I was supporting money for D’s and R’s, a lot of D’s”

Hey Illinois GOP, it looks like there’s another candidate for Governor who needs to be added to the Boss Madigan website.

Comment by Juice Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 3:58 pm
“All these comments are one-sided. Where are the contrarians?”

Hey Texas Red, Lucky, Phil King. Cdog is paging you.

Comment by don the legend Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 4:01 pm
===”…I was advocating for school reform. And I raised a PAC and I was supporting money for D’s and R’s, a lot of D’s for school reform…====

… and that my dear friends, is called the Genesis of Raunerism.

It’s not “D” or “R”

The only “D” and “R” in Raunerism… Is…

Diana… Rauner.

End Scene.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 4:02 pm
That’s full Blagojevich right there. I hope more and more Illinois citizens begin to see that. If his credibility is eventually largely eroded it does worry me though what he might do.

Comment by sonny chiss Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 4:02 pm
=== What are the Dems afraid of in terms of the AV? ===

What next, you going to call them chicken. They are using tactics to try and get something done. Perhaps Rauner needs to improve his tactics. Unfortunately, his staff purge shows he still doesn’t get it.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 4:04 pm
Norseman- there isn’t much sympathy south of I-80 for CPS. Dems down south are just as willing to walk from SB1 if given the chance.

Comment by Sue Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 4:16 pm
Where was I when Blago was in office?
– at the Federal Building.

Comment by Keyrock Friday, Jul 21, 17 @ 4:17 pm