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* Scott Reeder wonders why Gov. Rauner refuses to debate Rep. Jeanne Ives…
I emailed Rauner campaign spokesman Justin Giorgio to find out why the governor is laying low. He did not respond to multiple emails.
Of course, Rauner doesn’t likely see himself as a coward. He’s probably been advised not to give his opponent an opportunity for free publicity since he is leading her in the polls.
But there is a problem with that contention. When there is no debate, the loser isn’t Jeanne Ives. The losers are the voters.
They deserve to know where their candidates stand on the issues. When Rauner thumbs his nose at debating the person he is running against, he is showing contempt not just for his opponent but for the process. […]
Since Rauner’s campaign won’t say why he won’t debate, I asked Ives why she thinks the governor is avoiding facing her.
“Bruce Rauner is not prepared to have a substantive policy discussion with me. There is much he has to answer for during his four years in office. He’s just afraid to debate a woman on the issues.”
They are meeting at the Tribune editorial board next week, but that’s it.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 2:31 am
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Come on Bruce bury her and make her radoactive like the good old days
Comment by Rabid Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 4:39 am
afraid of women, ask his wife
Comment by Rabid Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 4:48 am
low down yellow belly coward prairie chicken hiding in the shadows
Comment by Rabid Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 4:53 am
Representative Ives is comfortable with who she is. Governor Rauner is trying to cover up his true self and convince the citizens of Illinois that he is something else. An open debate between the two might expose Governor Rauner for who he really is.
While no fan of Representative Ives ideology and beliefs, I admire her convictions and ability to be genuine. Governor Rauner on the other hand has no integrity and is not a man of substance. He is comfortable telling whatever lie is necessary to win the moment.
Comment by Ole' Nelson Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 5:27 am
ILGOP its your primary, is the system rigged for Rauner,can’t he come off the porch for the voters
Comment by Rabid Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 6:00 am
remove rauner ASAP don’t give him a second chance
Comment by Rabid Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 6:14 am
Never thought Ives would play identity politics. Has she become what she detests?
Maybe Rauner is just smart enough to know you don’t get in the ring with a crazy person.
Comment by Just Visiting Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 7:22 am
pull a GOP ballot, swing it like a 2×4 into Rauners forehead
Comment by Rabid Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 7:38 am
Just Visiting…Yep!
But I wasn’t surprised at her use of identity politics. LOL! I was kinda waiting on that one! This woman votes against every single initiative for women but when they need to, will pull a Kelly Ann Conway sexist card! Never fails.
Comment by Sideline Watcher Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 7:50 am
What’s Bruce the Big Brave Biker got to worry about? All he has to do is remind people of all… his…. accompli….
…oh, I see.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 8:00 am
https://www.bettergov.org/news/rauner-gop-foe-says-she-shares-obamas-view-on-gun-violence
Why bother, she’s not afraid to blatantly lie while talking about not being a liar.
Comment by ste_with_a_v_en Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 8:27 am
I asked my parents who are strong R’s if they heard of Ives, after intense thought they had a vague idea of who she was. That’s why Rauner will never do this because he knows voters who could be Ives supporters will find out about her.
I keep saying, she better get Trumps attention because if she thinks Rauner & the IRP will give her a fair shake then she really is delusional.
Comment by ItsMillerTime Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 8:49 am
I never had any expectation that Rauner would acknowledge Ives’ participation in the primary let alone debate her. There’s no upside to it. She had to realize this going in and well. It’s funny that Reeder would criticize Rauner for “showing contempt for the process”. That’s been the story of Rauner’s entire tenure. Why would he possibly change course now?
Comment by Pundent Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 8:49 am
Rauner definitely is and should be scared to debate Ives.
She’d beat him like a rented mule on his constant lies and flip-flops, plus HB40, the Trust Act and his complicity in the income tax increase.
Let’s get real, though: Ives was a staunch Rauner supporter when he was destroying state services and piling on billions of debt. She agreed with him then.
Another thing Ives appears to agree with on Rauner: Trump is too radioactive to mention in Illinois, even for the GOP primary.
Ives has been running since November, and I don’t think I’ve heard her mention Trump once. She certainly isn’t wrapping herself in the Trump banner, as I assumed she would.
Trump won the Illinois GOP primary with 562K votes in March 2016. Are there some numbers showing that he’s bad news with GOP primary voters now?
Or are they worried that Independents would flock to pull GOP ballots to vote against anyone who backed Trump?
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 8:50 am
Wordslinger - I’m at a loss to figure out Ives’ motivation in this beyond staging a protest to HB40. It could be that she’s got some other office in mind down the road and doesn’t want to wear the Trump jacket for the remainder of her political career. I have a feeling that the benefits of Trump association, particularly in a blue state, could be short lived.
Comment by Pundent Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 8:57 am
Rauner would be a fool to debate Ives. They are both unable to empathize with less fortunate people, but one is completely Comfortable with not having a social conscience and often times in a debate, confidence means much.
Comment by Redraider Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 9:01 am
== He’s just afraid to debate a woman on the issues. ==
It’s politics, you use the cards you are dealt. Nice play of the gender card by Ives
Comment by RNUG Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 9:05 am
Pundent, Word
Perhaps Ives’ motivation is that it’s no fun being a GA member if you’re in the GOP minority and Rauner is governor. It’s not like the job pays that well. And she seems to have kids still at home, why not spend more time with them and have a job with less frustration. Plus, I think her campaign has elevated her profile and she can move on to something “better” than being a GA member.
Comment by DarkHorse Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 9:05 am
“low down yellow belly coward prairie chicken hiding in the shadows”
No need to casually slur the threatened and endangered Prairie Chicken.
To the Post:
Run and hide. Run and hide. If you should be seen next week campaigning on your feeble accomplishments, I am going to be supremely disappointed. Because I want the media to find you, and when they do, rest assured they are going to be asking questions about your so called blind trust that you don’t control. So my advice to you again is this: run and hide.
Comment by Huh? Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 9:09 am
DH, I haven’t questioned Ives motivation for running. I’ve just been surprised that she didn’t run as a pro-Trump candidate, especially given Rauner’s fear of even saying Trump’s name.
That struck me as the quickest way for a challenger with low-name recognition to make some noise and raise money. But after three months, it’s clear Ives’ campaign wants nothing to do with Trump.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 9:12 am
Guess there are exceptions to taking the arrows.
Comment by zatoichi Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 9:14 am
I’m not sure I understand Representative Ives’ point. Is he afraid to debate the substance or is he afraid to debate a woman? They may not be mutually exclusive, but those are two very different reasons.
Comment by Jack Kemp Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 9:20 am
I am not sure why Governor Rauner has agreed to debate Jeannie Ives ( 68% of Illinois Republicans have never heard of her) who he is leading by 40 points in front of the Tribune Editorial Board but he did.
I can’t wait to hear the one nice thing she has to say about him.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/bruce-rauner-jeanne-ives-illinois-governor-republican-469813613.html
Comment by Lucky Pierre Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 9:38 am
JB start meddling with generic ads on trust, betrayal, true, use Jeanne’s quotes with pictures
Comment by Rabid Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 9:51 am
“No need to casually slur the threatened and endangered Prairie Chicken.
“Run and hide. Run and hide. If you should be seen next week campaigning on your feeble accomplishments, I am going to be supremely disappointed. Because I want the media to find you, and when they do, rest assured they are going to be asking questions about your so called blind trust that you don’t control. So my advice to you again is this: run and hide.”
Wow! Referencing Terry Benedict from Ocean’s 12? That’s obscure.
Comment by The Crane Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 9:53 am
No downside for Rauner to ignore Ives? Only if the media lets him get away with it.
The coverage of the Tribune event will reveal a lot, about a lot.
Why is Ives running? Because the only economic theory Rauner abides is Vulture Capitalism. It’s a 1% frame of mind.
Ms. Ives, with her degree from West Point in Economics, is mostly likely very impressive on this subject.
Pay attention to Trump’s economic policies and the world-wide effects. Ives should embrace Trump and give the left an aneurysm.
Comment by cdog Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 10:03 am
R.E. Trump, embracing him in the primary would help her in the primary, but it would destroy her chances in the general (not that they exist anyway).
Her only chance to get her name out to voters would’ve been to embrace Trump and try to nationalize the race. Get Trump to tweet about her. Get some national money. But then she’d be dead in the water for independents in Illinois.
Comment by Political Animal Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 10:03 am
===Nice play of the gender card by Ives===
Agreed. And she knows a comment like that will get way under the skin of ‘tough guy’ Rauner.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 10:12 am
==Ms. Ives, with her degree from West Point in Economics, is mostly likely very impressive on this subject.==
She worked part time at HR Block and stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanne-ives-470b43a/
Comment by Memo From Turner Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 10:23 am
Well perhaps if the media gave Ives free press coverage it would cause the governor out from hiding.
Comment by Generic Drone Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 10:26 am
It’s to the point where that lowdown sidewinder (thanks for the kickstart, Rabid) is getting nothing but well earned shots from a thoroughly disgusted public. Don’t stop. Keep it up. He deserves all of it and more. The meek press is actually realizing it has a part to play in this disaster called Raunerism.
They need to up their game 99%.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 10:28 am
How about some GOP legislature donate money to Ives? Such as Breen, Morrison, McSweeny, and all the ones retiring?
Comment by Real Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 10:32 am
=I’m not sure I understand Representative Ives’ point. Is he afraid to debate the substance or is he afraid to debate a woman?=
I think RNUG got it right. You play the hand that’s dealt you. And if you can claim that Rauner’s afraid to debate you because you’re a woman it’s a better hand than arguing over substance. And it also invites the press to ask Rauner, “are you afraid to debate Ives because she’s a woman”? Not a good look for Rauner.
Comment by Pundent Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 10:42 am
=Why is Ives running? Because the only economic theory Rauner abides is Vulture Capitalism. It’s a 1% frame of mind.=
Nope. Ives was perfectly fine aiding and abetting this prior to HB40.
Comment by Pundent Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 10:45 am
Well, there we have it. She’s thrown a flag on the Governor.
Until he does debate her to refute it, there’s no reason to believe that what she says is not true.
On the record: The Governor is afraid to debate a woman on the substantive issues.
The Response: None.
Comment by A guy Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 10:51 am
Real “How about some GOP legislature donate money to Ives? Such as Breen, Morrison, McSweeny, and all the ones retiring?”
Now that would be ironic since most of their campaign funds likely came from Rauner in the first place.
Comment by TominChicago Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 10:54 am
===Now that would be ironic since most of their campaign funds likely came from Rauner in the first place.===
What’s Ironic to the point of absurd, is that you think those particular people you named have campaign funds full of Rauner money. That’s nutso to the extreme.
Comment by A guy Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 11:14 am
“He’s just afraid to debate a woman on the issues.”
When life gives you lemons, throw lemons at your opponent.
Just don’t expect them to affect the outcome of the election.
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 11:17 am
If she insists on debating he will bankrupt her with legal fees….
Comment by Joe Biden Was Here Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 11:20 am
–What’s Ironic to the point of absurd, is that you think those particular people you named have campaign funds full of Rauner money. That’s nutso to the extreme.–
Who bankrolls the ILGOP and the House GOP funds? Santa Claus?
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 11:23 am
No upside for Rauner in dabating Ives, she drags him down to her level. He can’t respond to her with the usual “but Madigan!” or some of his other boilerplate responses.
=I am not sure why Governor Rauner has agreed to debate Jeannie Ives ( 68% of Illinois Republicans have never heard of her) who he is leading by 40 points in front of the Tribune Editorial Board but he did.=
LP- I notice you haven’t commented on the back porch meeting. Care to proffer a thought on Rauner doing personal business even though he denied it?
Comment by JS Mill Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 11:31 am
==Who bankrolls the ILGOP and the House GOP funds? Santa Claus?===
Speak to the names highlighted in the post please…Breen, Morrison, McSweeny,
The poster suggested they should all be writing checks to Rep. Ives with all that “Rauner” money. Besides, she’s not generally underfunded. She’s just not got the Brinks truck he’s got.
Comment by A guy Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 11:33 am
I very much doubt that Rauner is afraid of Jeanne Ives or anything else. He might be afraid of further public humiliation, but if that was true, he should not have gotten into the arena in the first place.
No, I don’t think Rauner is afraid of Ives, or even of losing this race. What’s the worst case scenario for him? Going back to a private life to count his money? If the last three years have had any impression on Rauner, it’s probably to regret ever attempting this fool’s errand in the first place.
I suspect he can’t wait until next January to be done with the whole thing. His wife’s cocktail party friends have probably already written him off, but I bet his hunting pals can’t wait until he has more time to bring them back to Montana.
This guy was never made for elected office. He thought he was a master of the universe so his skills would translate. He was wrong. But what exactly will he lose when the voters turn him out in November? What will he miss the most?
Nothing. The only downside that I can see for him is that he’ll have to amend his “I’ve been successful at everything I’ve ever done,” line. Perhaps he can simply repeat “Of the things I had control over, I gave myself an A.”
But since he’s not in charge, that’s a pretty limited A. Politics is a fine hobby and everyone is entitled to their opinion, however mis-informed it might be. But politics ain’t bean bag and it takes more than an opinion to govern effectively.
Rauner was never cut out for this business, but I don’t think he’s afraid of debating or even losing to Ives. He’s probably looking forward to life after this circus. After three years of this, I’m looking forward to that too.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 11:37 am
–The poster suggested they should all be writing checks to Rep. Ives with all that “Rauner” money.–
The money they get from the ILGOP and House GOP funds is Rauner money.
Not exactly a Panama Papers money-laundering trail.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 11:38 am
Memo from Turner: did you just admit you are a stalker?
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 11:44 am
Fair enough Sling. Now go look at those particular Reps and report back how much of their money came from the ILGOP. I already know. Go ahead, I’ll wait.
Comment by A guy Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 11:47 am
–I already know. –
Then post the information. You’re allowed to deal in facts one time.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 12:01 pm
Host a town hall. Invite them both, but be sure to have a cardboard cut-out of Rauner ready to take his place. The choice of costume is up to the host. Davis and LaHood can help with the planning;)
Comment by Anon221 Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 12:08 pm
- A Guy -
Breen wholly admitted he was completely complicit in the destruction of Illinois, but after HB40, he found “religion”
Breen and the rest of the Ives phonies are neither true conservatives, or care about Illinois
Breen at least admitted his fault, but Breen is what’s wrong with the ILGOP.
To the Post,
Rauner is getting the perfect situation.
Rauner will know precisely who supports him where abc st what vote total level, and the silly fake “conservatives” will make Rauner seem palatable.
No way he debates her.
The best thing at the Trib, it will be when Ives implodes, and s her smart points will be overshadowed by some crack pot statement.
The number is 37.5… it might be too high now.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 12:38 pm
==Memo from Turner: did you just admit you are a stalker?==
No, being from Wheaton has given me the front row seat to the Jeanne show of self righteous indignation directed towards others that run against her in political campaigns.
Comment by Memo From Turner Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 12:58 pm
==The best thing at the Trib, it will be when Ives implodes, and s her smart points will be overshadowed by some crack pot statement.==
Mr. Willy, as a Raunerite, I seldom agree with your political opinions, but your political analysis is usually spot on (as it is here). However, she was pretty impressive at her Crains interview. I suspect she will hold her own at the Trib if she can mind her self righteous temper.
Comment by Memo From Turner Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 1:08 pm
I don’t think it has anything to do with being a woman. I think it has everything to do with the fact that Ives could run circles around the Governor in any debate and he knows it. It would be a huge embarrassment.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 1:53 pm
“It would be a huge embarrassment.”
For Ives.
Comment by ste_with_a_v_en Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 3:22 pm
==Breen wholly admitted he was completely complicit in the destruction of Illinois==
Statements like this make me want to refer to you as Oswego Silly.
You’re not following this race carefully enough in my opinion. She’ll do better than you are predicting.
Comment by A guy Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 3:25 pm
===Oswego Silly===
(Sigh)
===You’re not following this race carefully enough in my opinion. She’ll do better than you are predicting.===
She’s polling at 20, I set a number at 37.5
I like my number a lot.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 3:28 pm
The one and only time I’ve agreed with Jeannie Ives.
Comment by Mary Sunshine Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 4:21 pm