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* Click here to watch the video. Gov. Rauner’s speech that he hopes will “frame the election”…
Four years ago, I ran for governor on a bold plan to change state government, and unlock Illinois’ potential.
I was a political newcomer. A private citizen who was called to serve, to fix the biggest problems in our state.
Serving as your governor is an honor. It’s also the hardest thing I’ve ever done. To lead Illinois at this critical time, when our challenges as a state are so large, and our politics are so tragically small.
But the cause of fixing the great state of Illinois is worth the stress. Because short of being a good husband, father, and grandfather, building a stronger future for the 12.8 million people of our state is the most important thing I’ll do with my life.
To get Illinois back on track, we have to be honest about the changes we need to make. I have been criticized over my time in office for speaking too negatively about Illinois. I don’t need to list here today all the challenges we face. But I do believe it’s my responsibility as governor to tell the truth about the situation we find ourselves in.
It’s impossible to fix a problem by pretending it doesn’t exist.
The people of Illinois know our system is broken. It was true four years ago. It’s still true today.
I passionately believe that we can reform state government under the principle of public service, making government work for the people rather than for the insiders. Taking power from the politicians and giving it back to the people is the key to driving the change we need.
When I arrived in Springfield, I leaned on my decades of experience in the private sector. I was successful in business because I brought “out of the box” thinking to existing problems. I rose to the top of my field because I challenged the status quo and thought of new ways to do old things. I brought that mindset to Springfield, and sought to turn Illinois around by changing everything at once. I believed a dramatic, aggressive approach could shock state government into shape and bring Illinois back to life.
While it was true – and remains true – that Illinois needs massive reform to get back on track, I underestimated how difficult change can be in government.
You all know this truth: spending more money we don’t have and taking more money from taxpayers in hopes it will cover the bill, will lead us to disaster.
But you should know this as well: I have learned from my years on the job.
I have learned that the two most important things for success in public service are courage and understanding.
Courage to do what’s right regardless of the political consequences and understanding that there are different points of view, different priorities and approaches, even when we share the same goal of wanting to improve Illinois.
And by embracing courage and understanding, we can chart a new path for Illinois. That’s what I pledge to do over the next four years.
Admittedly, I may have overdone it on the courage part at times. I’ve done things that cost me politically, because I was more focused on doing what was right.
I know the budget impasse was painful. It kept me up at night worrying about the disruption that many families experienced. All of us elected officials let you down in that struggle.
But the budget impasse was a fight for reform. The people of Illinois have suffered for decades under a political system that cares less about the people it represents, than about keeping special interests happy to win the next election. A system that does what’s politically easy instead of what’s right.
It takes courage to stand up to the special interests and the status quo. But I’ve learned that it’s equally important to build mutual understanding – to find common ground with those elected officials who want to change things for the better.
It’s no secret that real divides exist between our political parties. That’s why I’ve learned to listen. It takes wisdom to listen to those who disagree with you, wisdom that can be gained only through years of tough political fights.
I have learned that building consensus around ideas … hammering out policy details … clearly communicating to the people of Illinois why they matter … these things take time in government. Sometimes more time than we’d like.
And I have learned that there are countless areas where we can work together – with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. When we put aside our partisan differences and focus on the good of the people, we can get great things done.
That’s how we’ve made progress for the people of Illinois. We have made important progress in many areas, including:
Education reform, achieving record levels of K-12 and early childhood investment, greater equity in school funding, and more school choice.
Healthcare reform that improved access to quality care for Illinoisans, saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, and makes us a national leader in behavioral health.
Groundbreaking criminal justice reform, reducing recidivism and increasing public safety by addressing the root causes of criminal behavior.
A future energy plan that puts Illinois on the forefront of efficiency and independence.
A major expansion of the U of I, to make Illinois a world leader in economic growth through technology, research, and innovation.
And by cutting through red tape and supporting entrepreneurs, we’ve created over 210,000 net new jobs since I took office.
After years of tough political fights, Republicans and Democrats came to the negotiating table and worked together to pass a budget. It isn’t perfect; that’s the nature of compromise. But it’s bipartisan momentum we will build on in a second term.
These are OUR successes – bipartisan and with meaningful, measurable, lasting impact for the people of Illinois. Achieving these things required courage … and they required understanding.
I stand before you today a man of no less courage, but perhaps greater understanding.
In divided government, you can’t fix things all at once. You have to be willing to accept incremental improvements. You can’t sacrifice progress for the sake of winning an argument.
But the disruption, the arguments, the negotiations of the past four years have laid the groundwork for real and necessary change. We can continue to move, albeit more slowly than I’d proposed, towards the change that Illinois needs. We can build on the bipartisan successes to move our state forward.
I’m a better governor now than when I took office because of what I’ve learned. And that experience makes me uniquely qualified to lead Illinois.
Today, I ask voters to allow me to continue the work we started, to unlock Illinois’ unlimited potential.
The pillars of this work remain the same: reducing taxes, growing jobs, and ending corruption in state government.
My goals for a second term are the complete opposite of my opponent’s. Pritzker’s plans for more reckless spending and another round of devastating tax hikes would spell disaster for our state. We cannot tax our way to a better future.
The reforms we need aren’t partisan or unreasonable. Our neighboring states have flattened and reduced taxes for their residents. Bluer states than Illinois have put in place the same common sense reforms I’ve proposed: Rhode Island Democrats achieved bipartisan pension reform, Massachusetts Democrats reformed their worker’s compensation and government healthcare systems, California Democrats passed term limits and have tackled gerrymandering.
We’ve proposed these things before, but Speaker Madigan has pulled the rug out from under reform. Even when his fellow Democrats desired the same changes, he has stood in the way.
But Speaker Madigan and his political machine are weaker now than at any time in recent memory. The scandals and controversies, the fiscal reality of our state, and the appetite for reform on both sides of the aisle make this moment an opportunity for change.
I’ve tried to empower and strengthen the many voices for reform. And with a few more reformers in the General Assembly, we will break through. Reformers who pledge to vote for new leadership in the General Assembly, and hold themselves accountable to the people.
Together, through courage and understanding, we can fix our biggest problems.
Unfortunately, my opponent disagrees.
I’m committed to freezing property taxes and removing mandates from Springfield to restore decision making to the local level, to reduce property taxes over time.
Mr. Pritzker opposes a property tax freeze. And mandate relief.
I’m committed to lowering income taxes over time – as I outlined in my budget proposal this year – by enacting genuine pension reform that puts us on a sustainable path.
We can come to a compromise on the consideration model that allows hardworking state employees to choose a compensation structure that works best for them.
It’s something policy-minded Republicans and Democrats agree on – and we can do it.
Mr. Pritzker believes it’s a non-starter, and he’s proposed nearly $11 billion in new spending with another big tax hike to pay for it all.
I’m committed to creating more good-paying jobs through smart regulatory reforms like fixing the broken workers’ compensation system, which is twice as expensive in Illinois as in neighboring states, and by reducing the massive regulatory burden on our job creators.
Pritzker doesn’t think excessive regulations are an issue.
I’m committed to putting term limits on all state elected officials and agreeing to independently drawn legislative maps to end the corruption and conflicts of interest that have held Illinois back for decades.
The University of Illinois at Chicago released a study this spring that ranked Chicago as the most corrupt city in America, and Illinois the third most corrupt state.
Ask yourself why Mr. Pritzker has voiced zero concern for the corruption in our state. He might be the only person in Illinois who doesn’t think corruption is a problem.
In any other state, these reforms wouldn’t be like pulling teeth. They wouldn’t create conflict; they would be bipartisan no-brainers.
They are all things that the people of Illinois want and deserve: a government that’s more efficient, effective, and accountable to the people.
This November, Illinois voters have the chance to send a message. They can tell the political class that we refuse to go back to a system controlled by a few insiders and that we want common sense reform.
I’ve grown in office … I’ve changed. We’ve made progress. I know we can work together to get even more done.
The people of Illinois have a clear choice in November. Will we continue the hard work of reform, aimed at making this state a place where our children and grandchildren can thrive? Or will we return to the status quo: a government controlled by insiders, hellbent on hiking taxes, with little regard for the consequences felt by ordinary citizens?
I’m here to tell you the truth: Pritzker doesn’t have what it takes.
Exchanging campaign cash for political favors, and using his inherited wealth to get what he wants out of state government are not prerequisites for being governor. They’re disqualifications.
A man caught on FBI wiretap trying to buy political office from a criminally corrupt politician is not worthy of the highest office in our state.
A man who inherits billions of dollars, but hides it in offshore bank accounts in the Bahamas to avoid paying taxes, won’t work to give YOU the tax relief YOU deserve. His actions are unpatriotic. He’s not paying his fair share.
A man who ripped toilets out of his Chicago mansion to dodge his property taxes won’t work to reduce your taxes. His deceitful action just puts more burden on other property taxpayers.
What sort of person would do that?
His behavior shows him to be a person utterly lacking in the integrity and character we need in public office.
If elected, he WOULD get big things done: BIG spending, BIG tax hikes, and BIG support for self-dealing.
Imagine what another tax hike would do to your family budget. Imagine what a new tax on every mile you drive would do.
I’ve talked to dozens of families and job creators who have told me that if Pritzker gets into office, and raises taxes as he’s promised, they will leave Illinois.
My opponent doesn’t have the courage or understanding to lead. He’ll only be another insider working for the special interests and against the people.
My opponent thinks he can hide from the media, avoid their questions, and buy this election. I don’t often agree with the media, but I respect them enough to address their questions. Because that’s what you do when you serve the people.
My opponent thinks he can hide from the truth. But we won’t let him.
My opponent thinks he can rail against Washington, and make this election about what’s happening over there. But this election is about Illinois, what’s happening here, and the future of our state.
I’m not perfect, but I’ve grown … and I’m still committed to doing what’s right for Illinois.
Serious challenges require serious leaders, willing to listen and willing to do what it takes.
State government of the insiders, by the insiders, and for the insiders is destined to fail the people.
But I believe in the potential of Illinois, I believe in the people of Illinois, who make us the greatest state in the greatest nation on earth.
This election isn’t about me. It’s not about Republican vs. Democrat. It’s about the people vs. the corrupt political machine. It’s about the taxpayers and job creators vs. the insiders.
It’s about you, and finally delivering the tax relief, the jobs, and the healthy economy you deserve.
It’s about delivering the future our children and grandchildren deserve.
I humbly ask for another four years to finish the job we started, to save our state. I hope you’ll join me in our fight.
Illinois is OUR home. It’s OUR fight. And it’s OUR future on the line.
God bless you, God bless the great state of Illinois, and God bless the United States of America.
Thoughts?
…Adding… I’m posting rapid responses from the Pritzker campaign on the live coverage post.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:07 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: Cullerton pulls TV ads touting “term limits for leaders like Mike Madigan” as Batinick calls for special session on “no budget, no pay”
Next Post: *** UPDATED x2- Long does radio interview - Long refuses to resign *** House Republicans pull all resources from Rep. Jerry Long’s campaign after harassment investigation, urge him to resign
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===I know the budget impasse was painful. It kept me up at night worrying about the disruption that many families experienced. All of us elected officials let you down in that struggle.===
He didn’t learn anything.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:11 pm
Was he laughing when he said this?
Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:11 pm
Wow - where do we begin?
Comment by i Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:13 pm
===I’m here to tell you the truth: Pritzker doesn’t have what it takes.===
… says the governor who held a whole state hostage… for a whole General Assembly… with no budget… to also… purposely hurt all of Illinois.
Rauner never had what it takes to be governor.
How do i know? Isn’t that hyperbole?
The Perfect 10, the Brave 15… the 152-20 budget vote…
Bipartisan legislators knew after the 99th GA…
Rauner never had what it took to be governor of Illinois.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:14 pm
He has too much courage. That’s like telling a prospective employer your greater weakness is working too hard.
Comment by Reality Check Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:14 pm
Sorry, @2:13 was me.
Comment by illini Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:15 pm
===The people of Illinois know our system is broken. It was true four years ago. It’s still true today.===
Bruce Rauner calls Bruce Rauner a failure too…
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:15 pm
===I know the budget impasse was painful. It kept me up at night worrying about the disruption that many families experienced.==
(Ron Howard voice: “It didn’t”)
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:17 pm
So…his only mistake is being too courageous.
Wow, just wow.
Comment by Steve Rogers Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:17 pm
Isn’t he saying the Raunerites are going to take back the GA in November? Why does he need to deal with divided government?
Comment by Reality Check Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:18 pm
Rauner has grown? If anyone still believes anything he says, that might work.
Trouble for him is, nobody believes,anything he says anymore,so why believe this.
Comment by SOIL M Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:18 pm
===I’m a better governor now than when I took office because of what I’ve learned. And that experience makes me uniquely qualified to lead Illinois.===
26/52 approval-disapproval… trending downward… polling indicates… as you are labeled the “Worst Republican Governor in America”… you are worse at every measure.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:19 pm
== I’ve grown. ==
That’s a euphemism for “I’ve made mistakes,” which he can’t bring himself to say. I have more respect for pols who admit their mistakes, instead of always blaming the other party.
Comment by anon2 Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:20 pm
Don’t pat yourself on the back too hard, you might break your back.
Comment by Anon E. Moose Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:20 pm
===…but Speaker Madigan===
Rauner pretends to be contrite… “but Madigan”
Bruce Rauner has learned nothing… it’s foolish to think otherwise.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:21 pm
I think this is the most message control I’ve seen since before the first purge.
Comment by NIU Grad Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:21 pm
It’s an excellent reset. He has to go to camera soon to explain why he did what he did. It’s a hail mary but it really is his only hope. That and bashing the bejesus out fo JB. I can’t wait to see if his TV is as good as this speech.
Comment by Howdy Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:23 pm
“All of us elected officials let you down in that struggle.”
No, just 1.4%
Comment by Huh? Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:23 pm
A lot of G’s were dropped.
Comment by Les Nessman Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:23 pm
This is about the only speech he could make to justify his actions and seem reasonable. Too bad it will only be effective for people who lived in another state for the last 4 years. Wish he meant a word of that stuff about learning, bringing together, etc.
And to spend a third of the speech criticizing his opponent belies this deathbed conversion.
Comment by Jibba Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:24 pm
His stewardship has been a complete disaster but at least Rauner has “grown” and learned from his mess?
What an embarrassment.
Comment by WSJ Paywall Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:24 pm
===His behavior shows him to be a person utterly lacking in the integrity and character we need in public office.===
Diana Rauner, President of The Ounce of Prevention?
===”More than three decades of experience have led us to identify some big bets that have the potential to transform early learning. We are so grateful to the J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation for sharing our belief in these innovations,” said Diana Rauner, president of the Ounce of Prevention Fund. “By developing strong leaders and programs, empowering parents and strengthening early learning systems, together we can change lives for children and families.”===
Why would Diana Rauner and The Ounce work with the Pritzkers and JB?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:25 pm
-9%
Comment by blue dog dem Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:25 pm
You lost me at “Hello”.
Just entirely bizarro world with this speech.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:25 pm
You lost me at “Hello”.
Just entirely bizarro world with this speech.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:25 pm
How convenient of Bruce to have “grown” at election time after failing horribly. Who believes this ish?
“I’m here to tell you the truth: Pritzker doesn’t have what it takes.”
Says the worst Republican governor in America.
“but Speaker Madigan has pulled the rug out from under reform.”
Like when Madigan offered to further reform workers comp to make it more to Rauner’s liking? Rauner pulled the rug out from the entire state by refusing to accept *nonbudget* reforms after maliciously hijacking budget negotiations with them. Who pulled votes from the grand bargain?
Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:26 pm
“I don’t often agree with the media, but I respect them enough to address their questions.”
Anyone ask Amanda if she agrees?
Comment by Jibba Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:26 pm
===This election isn’t about me. It’s not about Republican vs. Democrat. It’s about the people vs. the corrupt political machine. It’s about the taxpayers and job creators vs. the insiders.===
No.
This election is about you, Raunerism, and you hurting Illinois.
Lest we forget? “Pat Quinn failed”?
You don’t want it about you… as you failed too.
A failed governor. Unlikeable. Willing to hurt people… for an agenda.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:26 pm
At least he wore a suit and tie to his job interview. That’s a pleasant surprise.
Also, this reminded me of the scene in Stripes when Anita dumps Winger.
“Growth? Who has more potential for growth than me? I’m the acorn that becomes the oak.”
Also, “So the basic problem is that I’m still here.”
Yep.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:28 pm
Woof, the focus groups that prompted this speech must have been like an all-day root canal.
Rauner admits he failed — because too much “courage” — and says he’ll do it the opposite way in a second term.
So, if you’re down on Gov. Rauner, vote for Bizarro Bruce.
His internals must stink for him to go the humble-pie route. Doesn’t exactly ooze sincerity.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:28 pm
First half are good words that I don’t believe. The second half is typical crap.
Comment by Lt Guv Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:29 pm
The only thing he’s grown is more arrogant
Comment by It's the Economy Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:31 pm
He lost me after the words, “bold plan”. What plan? In 4 years, I have yet to hear a plan from Governor Rauner. He was always anti-Madigan, but never FOR our state. This is no way to govern.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:33 pm
The consummate critic without a clue on how solve even the simplest of problems. We’ve all worked with this guy. Always whining but utterly useless in developing or implementing solutions. Moreover, he has absolutely no credibility or history to cause anyone to believe he’s changed, can change or wants to change. Waaaaaaay too little tooooo late Bruce.
Please go critique Italian government and the EU. Next!
Comment by El Conquistador Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:34 pm
He lost any standing to talk about “politics as usual’ and “taking care of insiders” when he created a job for Munger and found Dunkin a commissioners job on the MWRDB.
Comment by btowntruth from forgottonia Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:34 pm
The people in that room already look defeated.
Comment by Reality Check Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:34 pm
It doesn’t make him more likeable.
It’s not a mea culpa, it’s a mea floppa
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:34 pm
What’s unpatriotic is not fixing the conditions that
killed 14
of my fellow veterans
His use of patriotism
Makes me livid
You are so perfidious
Comment by Honeybear Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:37 pm
It remains odd that a candidate takes credit for “achievements” that he vetoed.
Comment by ILPundit Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:39 pm
I just kept thinking one word the whole time, “fallimento.” It’s a word Bruce can use to explain to his new Italian neighbors why he’s there.
Comment by pasta Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:39 pm
Is any one else humming the song by Def Leppard “To Late” anytime Rauner tried to defend himself now days?
Comment by It’s that time Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:40 pm
“I’ve grown in office … I’ve changed.”
By “grown”, do you mean like, Pinocchio?
Comment by Hieronymus Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:41 pm
The only thing that grew under Rauner were our unpaid bills
Comment by Concerned Dem Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:41 pm
I will leave it to others to parse his self deprecating mea culpa.
This may be the only time when I do commend our Governor for not making matters worse and for doing the right thing -
The initial funding for the DPI is a major accomplishment and one that will produce tremendous results. Although only in its infancy, we should be proud of the fact that it is finally off the ground and has not been messed with so far.
Comment by illini Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:42 pm
Ok
Good they used cough switch to take lyin’ laughs.
Exit interview tour onto the home stretch
Comment by Annonin' Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:45 pm
“I do believe it’s my responsibility as governor to tell the truth”
Too bad truth is such a foreign concept to you.
Comment by Huh? Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:46 pm
Insincere sounding humility and contrition followed by more of the same blaming and projection we’ve seen from this governor since day 1 with lots of untruths and misrepresentations sprinkled generously throughout.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:47 pm
===A man caught on FBI wiretap trying to buy political office from a criminally corrupt politician is not worthy of the highest office in our state.
A man who inherits billions of dollars, but hides it in offshore bank accounts in the Bahamas to avoid paying taxes, won’t work to give YOU the tax relief YOU deserve. His actions are unpatriotic. He’s not paying his fair share.
A man who ripped toilets out of his Chicago mansion to dodge his property taxes won’t work to reduce your taxes. His deceitful action just puts more burden on other property taxpayers.
What sort of person would do that?===
Diana Rauner?
======”More than three decades of experience have led us to identify some big bets that have the potential to transform early learning. We are so grateful to the J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation for sharing our belief in these innovations,” said Diana Rauner, president of the Ounce of Prevention Fund. “By developing strong leaders and programs, empowering parents and strengthening early learning systems, together we can change lives for children and families.”===
Why is Diana Rauner praising JB and his family?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:52 pm
Reminds me a bit of Blagos “what’s the governor up to these days” 06 ad
Comment by Wellll Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:53 pm
Nothing new. Rauner doubled down on his “reform” agenda for which there is no mandate in IL. I doubt that he will elaborate on RTWFL, elimination of prevailing wage laws and the ability of public sector employees to collectively bargain during any public Q&A.
Comment by kitty Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:55 pm
The cognitive dissonance is deafening.
==I’m committed to freezing property taxes and removing mandates from Springfield to restore decision making to the local level, to reduce property taxes over time.==
Freezing property taxes and restoring local control are kind of opposite.
Lots of talk about working together followed by bashing the guy he’ll have to work with.
==Exchanging campaign cash for political favors, and using his inherited wealth to get what he wants out of state government are not prerequisites for being governor. They’re disqualifications.==
Talk about the pot calling the kettle black…did he say that with a straight face?
Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 2:55 pm
Way way way too late
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 3:01 pm
>I’ve grown in office … I’ve changed.
I hear the words, but have not observed any behavior or actions that would indicate this is so.
>I’ve talked to dozens of
Please never use that phrase again.
>His behavior shows him to be a person utterly lacking in the integrity and character we need in public office.
This and the lead up to it are very strong. This, much more than the “Madigan” and “he’ll raise your taxes” stuff, is what makes me think he could still win reelection.
Comment by Earnest Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 3:02 pm
What a joke. He’s going to take on the insiders? Meanwhile he’s making up positions to hand out jobs to under-/inexperienced children of GOP donors at state agencies. Literally creating non-union jobs out of thin air. Well done, Governor Gaslight.
Comment by Notorious RBG Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 3:11 pm
I choose to fight
or
beg
either way
Comment by DuPage Bard Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 3:11 pm
==Republicans and Democrats came to the negotiating table and worked together to pass a budget==
==These are OUR successes==
Did he just take credit for the budget that he vetoed?
==I know we can work together==
How in the world do you intend on “working together” with a guy you spend 24 hours a day 7 days a week vilifying?
==His actions are unpatriotic.==
Now we’ve gone full Trump. Embarrassing.
==He’s not paying his fair share.==
I think that’s his argument about both he and you. Neither of you are paying your “fair share.”
Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 3:13 pm
Still with the pension reform daydream … He hasn’t learned a thing.
Comment by RNUG Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 3:19 pm
I would say that what a good governor needs are (1) a knowledge of how actual governance works, and (2) a willingness to compromise with political opponents for the good of the state and its citizens.
Given that the gov doesn’t seem to have figured this out, I’m worried about how much he’s learned.
Also: courage is not a synonym for destructive and utterly pointless stubbornness.
Comment by dbk Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 3:23 pm
About the only thing Rauner has learned is he didn’t buy the entire State, just part of the GOP.
Comment by RNUG Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 3:25 pm
Parts of that speech would have been really useful after one year of failure. Clearly his polling and focus groups ripped the living crap out of him - thus the mea culpa. But it’s too little, too late, wrapped in a bunch of lies and distortions.
Pro Tip: If you want to seem like you’ve changed, maybe stop taking credit for things you vetoed. Just a smidge of honesty might go a long way.
Comment by Anon0091 Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 3:28 pm
Desperate words from a desperate man. We already know Rauner has no qualms about saying anything. Embarrassing, even for him.
Comment by get real Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 3:36 pm
Rauner’s “growth” in his ability to compromise resulted in a 32% tax increase. It will cost me tens of thousands of dollars over the next couple of years.
Unfortunately, that’s the future best-case scenario, because the new guy will make it exponentially worse.
Comment by Occam Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 3:37 pm
This is not a speech from a candidate who thinks he has a good chance to win. This is a Hail Mary from a candidate who knows he’s done, and is going to lose by a wide margin.
Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 3:39 pm
==Admittedly, I may have overdone it on the courage part at times.==
This line is hilarious.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 3:41 pm
His speech reminded me of the “mea culpa” speech Rahm Emanuel gave before the last runoff election.
Comment by GA Watcher Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 3:43 pm
So if I am understanding him correctly, his fault of being “overly courageous” caused him to be an utter failure of a Governor.
This guy is a piece of work.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 3:50 pm
Sorry, 3:50 was me.
Comment by Ole' Nelson Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 3:52 pm
Persistent rascal is mature now, don’t want people to hold a grudge
Comment by Rabid Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 3:53 pm
This whole speech is pathetic.
He’s begging for votes.
Yeah, that’s what we need now.
Comment by Bobby T Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 4:07 pm
If this were a relationship, Bruce’s bags would have been on the front lawn ages ago. He forgot to say his biggest flaw is that he loves Illinois too much.
Comment by Jocko Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 4:15 pm
He was right on one thing. If JB gets in and raises taxes, I will leave Illinois.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 4:28 pm
===He was right on one thing. If JB gets in and raises taxes, I will leave Illinois.===
How can we miss you if we don’t know who you are?
Comment by Cubs in '16 Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 4:33 pm
Was Rauner lying to us all along?
Wow, from Illinois Working Together tweeter…
===RAUNER: “I know the budget impasse was painful. It kept me up at night worrying about the disruption that many families experienced.”
REALITY: “my wife tells me she hasn’t seen me this happy in 20 years.” (6/25/17, weeks before impasse ended)===
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 4:35 pm
Rauner rails against the status quo but by every measure he’s made things demonstrably worse, willfully and deliberately. Why would anyone believe anything that he says at this point?
Comment by Pundent Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 4:36 pm
This old expression comes to mind, “If his lips are moving, he’s lying.
Comment by don the legend Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 4:39 pm
Where’d he get that roomful of sycophants in the middle of a weekday murmuring “uh huh”, “that’s right”.
Comment by James Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 4:49 pm
Well, JB is likely going to win. It will be interesting what comments are posted when that guy pretends to know what side is up.
God help us all, at least the ones who remain residents.
Comment by Pick a Name Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 5:26 pm
“Incremental Improvement” = $6 billion to $12 billion bill backlog.
Comment by Deadbeat Conservative Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 5:28 pm
“This election isn’t about me.” Oh yes it is. Your name is at the top of the ballot
Comment by Rabid Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 5:31 pm
=After years of tough political fights, Republicans and Democrats came to the negotiating table and worked together to pass a budget. It isn’t perfect; that’s the nature of compromise. =
You didn’t compromise, you vetoed the budget.
= Rhode Island Democrats achieved bipartisan pension reform. =
Still hasn’t read the Illinois Constitution.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 5:50 pm
–”I do believe it’s my responsibility as governor to tell the truth”–
But, as you know, I’ve been blowin’ off my responsibilities as governor since Day One…
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 6:25 pm
Cut from the speech for time:
“All those reforms, will be lost in time… like… tears… in… rain…”
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 6:44 pm
- “I was successful in business because I brought “out of the box” thinking to existing problems. I rose to the top of my field because I challenged the status quo and thought of new ways to do old things.”
Bending and breaking the status quo is easy for Rauner. Being ruthless, breaking the rules and lacking any moral compass made Rauner wealthy, but not respected by his peers.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/edwardsiedle/2014/10/29/big-fun-big-money-eating-pension-advisory-firms-with-bruce-rauner/amp/
- “Lessons Learned From Rauner
In short, I learned from my experience with Rauner that you don’t have to be brilliant to be successful in the silly business of buying and melding together established businesses—businesses you really know very little about—using state workers’ retirement savings. Access to public pension assets is the key prerequisite”. - Edward Siedle
Comment by Chicago 20 Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 6:53 pm
–God help us all, at least the ones who remain residents.–
What should God do to the ones who don’t, in your hyperventilating diva opinion?
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 6:56 pm
I know it was reported (finally) earlier, but will he have to walk thru the heat lamps?
Comment by Taxedoutwest Thursday, Sep 13, 18 @ 7:30 pm
It took courage to put lipstick on his pigheadedness
Comment by Rabid Friday, Sep 14, 18 @ 7:01 am
Word, I am an old dude. First time I’ve been called a diva. LOL
Comment by Pick a Name Friday, Sep 14, 18 @ 8:50 am
“Even when his [Speaker Madigan] fellow Democrats desired the same changes, he has stood in the way”
What changes would those be? Dems were never going to make IL a right to work state.
“A man [Pritzker] caught on FBI wiretap trying to buy political office from a criminally corrupt politician is not worthy of the highest office in our state.”
That is outright slander. Blago all but asked JB for a $50,000 bribe and JB turned him down. Granted Rauner didn’t use Pritzker’s name so maybe it doesn’t count as slander, but it makes me mad.
Comment by Perrid Friday, Sep 14, 18 @ 9:38 am