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* My Crain’s Chicago Business column…
One of the more colorful stories about Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s relationship with the Illinois General Assembly involves his 2011 threat to burn down a legislator’s house.
The newly inaugurated mayor was trying to pass a pension reform bill, and the House Democrats weren’t all that excited about it. Emanuel, the story goes, became so angry with Chicago Democratic Rep. Greg Harris for refusing to support his bill that he threatened to burn down Harris’ house if he didn’t comply.
Classic Rahm—the same guy who once infamously sent a dead fish to a pollster.
But the house-burning story was an outlier. Emanuel’s relationship with legislators was mostly cordial over the past eight years, particularly with legislative leaders in both parties.
His predecessor, Mayor Richard M. Daley, had his Springfield crew insert themselves into all sorts of Statehouse battles, even going so far as to help the city’s corporate interests pass or defeat bills.
Emanuel mainly limited his Springfield involvement to major asks, like when he needed the General Assembly to help him offer lakefront property to George Lucas for his poorly received “museum,” or when he wanted infrastructure money for the area around former President Barack Obama’s planned presidential center. Both zoomed through the two chambers with lightning speed.
The notoriously tax-averse Daley (to the point of driving his city to the verge of default) was furious about the 2011 temporary state income tax hike. Daley’s negative public comments ahead of the vote contributed to the General Assembly’s decision to nix the traditional cut the municipalities would have expected to receive from the tax increase.
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posted by Rich Miller
Monday, May 6, 19 @ 9:21 am
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Well said. The Democratic unity Rauner helped create was a big help to Rahm. Probably got suburban Dems to go along with Chicago’s agenda in ways they wouldn’t and might not again.
Rahm essentially served as his own lobbyist in Springfield thanks to his close personal relationship with Prez Cullerton and the strong political relationship he forged with the Speaker. The new mayor will not have those advantages, which means she needs to put together a strong Springfield team.
Comment by BC Monday, May 6, 19 @ 9:31 am
Did he also threaten to huff and puff?
Comment by Soccermom Monday, May 6, 19 @ 9:33 am
–Rauner bitterly complained Emanuel wasn’t helping him browbeat House Speaker Michael Madigan into supporting the governor’s anti-union agenda. If he could only get the mayor’s cooperation, Rauner often mused, he could win the fight.–
Such a bizarre delusion. It made no sense at all. Rauner’s agenda drove unions back to Madigan; it was to Madigan’s great political benefit.
And how many GA members did Rauner think Emanuel could muscle? Based on what? Another belief not based in reality.
Not one of the Superstars had the guts to tell the boss the obvious?
Comment by wordslinger Monday, May 6, 19 @ 9:39 am
Soccermom….I can’t resist…No, he did not huff and puff. That is Pritzker’s domain.
Comment by wondering Monday, May 6, 19 @ 9:43 am
===Not one of the Superstars had the guts to tell the boss the obvious?===
Rauner wasn’t exactly known for being receptive to the things he didn’t want to hear.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Monday, May 6, 19 @ 9:47 am
==Soccermom….I can’t resist…==
No one can. We’re all smitten.
Comment by A guy Monday, May 6, 19 @ 10:41 am
Rahm GSD for Chicago, regardless of what anyone thinks of him. I think folks will eventually look back on his tenure and say it wasn’t perfect, but on the whole a good run for the city.
Comment by Shytown Monday, May 6, 19 @ 11:29 am
I just love this quote from the 2011 article:
“It was a really heated exchange, but that’s fine, that’s politics,” Harris said. “People are passionate about their positions, and sometimes things get intense. … I also have a temper, and I know bad words too.”
Comment by Hamilton Monday, May 6, 19 @ 12:56 pm
pretty sure Rep. Greg Harris lives in an apartment, not a house, so there might have been logistical issues in following through on that thread.
Comment by lincoln's beard Monday, May 6, 19 @ 12:58 pm
I think - Wordslinger - hits an important note;
What Rauner did was eschew the way Rahm was going to be seen in his insertion to state politics and governing because Rauner had such unrealistic ideas how he was going to change policy and get votes inherently anti-Dem… vote against labor, raise taxes, AND cut social services all in one swoop, starting with labor, and holding a state hostage.
Rauner complained about Rahm, putting an odd focus on a Chicago mayor and the role any mayor has in working with the state.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 6, 19 @ 4:16 pm
The Rahmfather got downstate Republicans to give him authority for $billions in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) legislation. It is how he is building the gigantic Lincoln Yards project and rebuilding parts of the L train lines with federal matching $billions.Remember speed camera ok too from the General Assembly early in his term. Rahm was very good at getting what he needed from Springfield in a bi-partisan manner.Rauner could have used some of Rahm’s skills but he NEVER listened!
Comment by TIFer Monday, May 6, 19 @ 4:19 pm