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* Bernie…
MIKE COFFEY JR., who ran for Springfield mayor in 2011, has joined the field of people wanting to be the Sangamon County Republican Party’s choice for the Illinois House in the 99th District.
“I think I can make a difference,” Coffey, 47, told me. “People are hurting in the 99th District, and … I’ve got the personality to go over and fight for the taxpayers. … We’re looking at one of the poorest economies in Sangamon County in my lifetime, quite possibly in my parents’ lifetime. I think the last budget crisis was detrimental. … This is the first time, I think, that you’ve really had a major downswing in the last few years.”
The 99th House seat is now held by Rep. SARA WOJCICKI JIMENEZ, R-Leland Grove, who announced recently she will not run for a new two-year term in 2018. The 99th is within Sangamon County, and ROSEMARIE LONG, who chairs the county GOP, said the party would review applications before deciding who to back.
Coffey, who helps run his family’s businesses, Saputo’s restaurant in downtown Springfield and Papa Frank’s on the west side, didn’t say if he would have voted — as Jimenez did — for a budget this summer that ended a two-year impasse and also raised the individual income-tax rate from 3.75 percent to 4.95 percent. Jimenez was among Republicans who joined Democrats in voting for the budget bills, and later to override Gov. BRUCE RAUNER’s vetoes of the plan.
“I think Sara’s a very nice person,” Coffey said, but “without having all the information, I can’t determine if she made the right or wrong decision. I think she believes she made the right decision for the 99th District, and that’s all you can do. … These decisions are very difficult.” […]
And he said Illinois is now “at the maximum tax level,” and going forward, he would not be for raising taxes. He said the state does need to seek additional revenue, perhaps via casinos in Chicago and elsewhere.
Ah, yes, the ol’ magic revenues line.
Anyway, since he’s a Republican, I kinda doubt we’ll see an ILGOP press release denouncing him as “Mike Madigan’s favorite restaurant owner,” even though it could actually be true. But if he does win the seat, imagine how weird it’ll be when Speaker Madigan shows up for dinner.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 10:59 am
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He’s taken tens of thousands of dollars from Mike Madigan…
Comment by Fax Machine Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 11:07 am
Perhaps the Speaker will dine out in the friendly atmosphere of Alexander’s Steakhouse.
Comment by SAP Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 11:08 am
who will get the nod from governor proft? Or should I say who will pledge the most allegiance to governor Proft?
No mention of Theilen? Or Van Meter(the Michael madigan of the Sangamon county board)
Comment by Publius Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 11:10 am
**He’s taken tens of thousands of dollars from Mike Madigan…**
THIS^^^^
I cant wait to see the Dem candidate in the General running mail about the thousands of dollars Coffey has taken from Speaker Madigan.
Comment by JoeMaddon Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 11:11 am
Saputos is well known for their complaints about Downtown Food Trucks, resulting in the ridiculous and arbitrary regulations on them now.
Other cities and restaurants have embraced the food truck trend and use it to drive downtown traffic while Mr. Coffey is more concerned about shutting down competition instead of making a better product.
It’s pretty clear he is stuck in the past and is very anti innovation in the business world. I’d hope the GOP looks elsewhere for a candidate.
Comment by AimtoMisbehave Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 11:16 am
Whoever gets the nod will still be opposed to the interests of the district’s major constituency group. Vote accordingly.
Comment by Norseman Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 11:21 am
“We’re looking at one of the poorest economies in Sangamon County in my lifetime, quite possibly in my parents’ lifetime.”
Given the Sangamon County GOP party loves to eat at his place, maybe he can ask them why the local economy is so bad if he thinks that is true. They run the county, maybe they will tell him.
Another downstate GOP candidate crying about taxes. I would lay money he wants smaller gvt. but that would mean less state employees spending money with him. So which is it Mike, smaller gvt. and less taxes or people spending money eating at Saputos?
Comment by Give Me A Break Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 11:28 am
Rep. Sara, who isnt exactly the strongest personality in the GA was able to capture 61.5% of the vote in a presidential year. to me that says anyone with a pulse, an ability to say they would have voted against the tax hike, and an R next to their name, will have no problem winning this seat.
Comment by iggy Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 11:31 am
===…fight for the taxpayers…===
We’re all taxpayers… even the state employees that eat at Saputo’s.
Big fail. A lack of understanding.
“…fight for the taxpayers…”
For me?
I’m not mad, or upset… I’m just disappointed.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 11:35 am
Publius, you may want to look at how well the heavily R dominated Sangamon County board is ran. Dems can only dream of operating any function of government so efficiently.
Comment by Piece of Work Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 11:37 am
If Coffey wins the primary he will win the election, no matter what ideas he supports or their impact on the Springfield economy.
Comment by AC Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 11:40 am
Saputo’s. I enjoyed myself there. Didn’t see the big guy though.
Comment by Mr B. Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 11:58 am
Has Madigan stopped eating there?
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 11:59 am
Mike Madigan and the Saputo’s he controls.
Ok, I’m going to take this opportunity to say something that would get me arrested in Springfield. Saputo’s is awful. Terrible. The food - especially the red sauces - are so bad the place wouldn’t make it five minutes in Chicago. I’ll never understand why Madigan or anyone else loves the place.
There. I feel better now.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:08 pm
At least he knows his way around a smoky back room…
Comment by Jibba Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:11 pm
When Coffey ran in the Mayoral primary, he had a Democratic Party base supporting him. Democrats may stop going there.
Comment by Winnin' Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:29 pm
“Publius, you may want to look at how well the heavily R dominated Sangamon County board is ran. Dems can only dream of operating any function of government so efficiently.”
Well I admit they keep running in the black but then again, how many consent decrees or mandated programs do they have to operate? Not many. Comparing state to county government does not make sense and can’t be done.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:34 pm
Sorry, the one above was me.
Comment by Give Me A Break Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:34 pm
Chicago Cynic, I’m from Springfield and I agree with you. The allure of the place cannot be the food.
Comment by LTSW Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 12:40 pm
Could not agree more with AimtoMisbehave’s take on Coffey. Springfield needs to diversify its economy and the food truck scene is incredibly popular with residents here. We need more innovation in the Capital and better options for folks to choose from.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 1:09 pm
Cynic - you and I are in complete agreement. I like Saputo’s appetizers but their entrees are awful. Mangia is much better.
Dave Kelm is easily the best choice - if anything because he already works for Jim Durkin and is one of the more pleasant (and funny) staff persons I have ever known.
Comment by Curl of the Burl Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 1:44 pm
Saputo’s pasta is garbage and overpriced, but I like the atmosphere. I’ve heard the steak is OK, but I’d just go to Fritz’s if I want beef.
Comment by Marty Funkhouser Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 2:46 pm
I am with others down on Saputo’s: it is overpriced and underwhelming. Not sure what the attraction is.
Comment by Nick Name Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 3:45 pm
Junior is mostly at Papa Frank’s….plus all report he was an awful candidate
Comment by Annonin' Monday, Sep 11, 17 @ 9:15 pm
No wonder no one wants to run for any elected positions. The bashing that is completely unrelated to his ability to do a good job is horrible. At least he is willing to try and make a difference. He has effectively been on the convention board for a long time.
Comment by State Worker Tuesday, Sep 12, 17 @ 10:24 am