CapitolFax.com - Latest Comments in Disunity Day

Re: Disunity Day

sundaymorningnews — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 21:26:52 -0000

I volunteered at the fair for Hillary. There were no bussed in ringers. Rich, your statement has no basis in fact. We all met in Greek Town at 5:45 a.m. and carpooled down to Springfield to be there by 9:00 a.m. I, and many others, worked hard the entire day gathering signatures and passing out materials in 100 degree heat because we believe in Hillary Clinton. Frankly, I resent your comments Rich. Plus, Rich, where would these bussed in ringers come from? There isn't a ward organization in Chicago that would help Hillary. Come on Rich, you are better than this. Make sure it is true before you print it.

Re: Disunity Day

Fed up State Employee — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 18:44:11 -0000

Speaking of "disunity," check out the picture of MJM shaking hands with Rod (Patty sitting next to him) on the front page of the Springfield SJ-R today.

"What were they thinking?"

You can also see it online at http://www.sj-r.com/photogr.... Click the link for "'07 Illinois State Fair - Aug. 15." It's the second picture.

Re: Disunity Day

KantStandit — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 16:23:06 -0000

This may be going back too far in the subject matters covered here, but I can see one or two different ways by which the Governor could constitutionally expand eligibility for health care, which is all he's said he's doing, and get the additional services paid for. I think everyone's confused by his rhetoric and braggadocio. It's really not much of a problem, especially if he doesn't get as much demand for the new program as he's estimated.

Re: Disunity Day

Marbley — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 16:02:43 -0000

Alexi continues to shine. For sure, he is a guy to watch. He makes his Mother and Father proud. Keep up the good work for The People.

Re: Disunity Day

Hmmmm? — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 15:56:14 -0000

Are you saying the govs office lied about bringing people in? No! I can't imagine that. Shocking! That's what it is. Shocking! Mr. Fitzgerald, please help.

Re: Disunity Day

Lula May — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 15:11:25 -0000

Rich,
Why would you call the Hillary supporters bussed in ringers? I don't think you referred to the Obama supporters as ringers ?

Re: Disunity Day

Anon — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 15:03:46 -0000

It was too hot in the afternoon to really enjoy any of the speeches, but in the morning the Governor was the best I've ever seen him. Regardless of where you stand on the content of his remarks, he was passionate and seemingly completely off-the-cuff. I haven't ever seen him give that good of a speech.

I thought that the Speaker came off dignified and classy. It was clear that the day was set up to gang up on him a little and he just came off like the bigger man. Not that he cares much about his own PR, but hat's off to him.

I was impressed that the AG directly challenged the Governor, but really disappointed that she made a point of leaving before he gave his remarks. I'm old fashioned, if you are going to call someone out, don't run away when they have the opportunity to respond.

And Alexi continues to shine.

Re: Disunity Day

FAN of CAP FAX — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:31:58 -0000

What a joke...hollywood hendon calling anyone else a "goof". He does know goofy.

Re: Disunity Day

really now — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:10:44 -0000

Observtions...

Hynes embarassed himself with comments about being concerned about folks getting their paychecks at the breakfast. Thanks to AFSME, we all know the people could have been paid but he wanted to play a political game which he lost. He's finished.

Alexi was a class act speaking at both the breakfast and on the fairgrounds.

Rod was very well received...I watched the popularity of his message grow for healthcare after he spoke.

Clinton people were a minority and Emil shone all day.

Re: Disunity Day

steve schnorf — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 13:39:26 -0000

I don't know whether to laugh or cry at the Southtown editorial.

If they really believe they are accurately communicating what has happened over the last four years with legislative pay raises it's enough to make you cry.

If they are knowingly using facts plus omissions to paint a false picture, then I guess I would laugh at any claim of integrity by the editorial writer (and I fear it may be a writer whose work I have long admired: I certainly hope not).

Re: Disunity Day

Champ — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 13:31:39 -0000

I still can't believe the gov keeps reminding everyone that his health care plan is "as constitutional as it gets." Legislative approval of the plan and the necessary appropriations for it would be as constitutional as it gets.

And on top of that, his spokespersons are complaining about how unbalanced the budget is...just wait until the unilateral imposition of a totally unfunded campaign tactic.

Re: Disunity Day

Check the Contract — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 13:12:14 -0000

The Auditor General reviewed Eddie Read's IDOT contract and now needs to revisit to review the billings. The governor's campaign denied any involvement with him being there - and pigs fly.

Re: Disunity Day

Captain America — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:50:51 -0000

Hollywood,

I agree with Rich that Alexi G was well-received. His hosptality event on Tuesday evening at the Alamo was very well-attended. At least he had a fair-related event - Lisa had to cancel hers for legal reasons. He looks like a guy with a bright political future to me. I'm not xure why you characterize him as a "goof". He seems to being a good job as the State Treasurer.

Re: Disunity Day

Team Sleep — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:20:41 -0000

They have everything: all six constitutional offices, both chambers, both senate seats and a majority in the Congressional delegation. Yet nothing gets done. I think the Dems shot for the stars and are realizing their ship is heading straight back down to earth. I also am curious as to why MJM was a co-chair for Blago's 2006 re-election campaign. It seems as though it was nothing more than face-saving move that wound up backfiring more than helping.

Re: Disunity Day

Rich Miller — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:12:22 -0000

"Hollywood," please. Alexi was very well received there yesterday. Nobody clapped for Hillary because very few there supported her, despite her bussed-in ringers.

Re: Disunity Day

hollywoodhendon — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:08:33 -0000

Hillarywho...80 volunteers IS a lot in any campaign. There is no doubt Obama had more support, but it does illustrate that not everyone from Illinois supports Obama. The reason no one clapped when Alexi referenced Hillary has more to do with the fact that people think he is such a goof than anything to do with Hillary.

Re: Disunity Day

snidely whiplash — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:03:50 -0000

I'd say the Governor has overdosed on testicular virility. He's made some powerful enemies within his own party, and he better prepare to get the H*** out of Dodge in four years.

Re: Disunity Day

Another Pro-gunner — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 11:50:11 -0000

Last time I checked, Jones had the 36 votes he needs to pass anything he wants. If he cannot get members of his own party in the chamber he is supposed to run to vote for measures he feels are critical, then how is that Madigan's fault? But if Madigan CAN exert more influence than Jones in the Senate, both with Ds and Rs, perhaps that simply means Jones needs to find another job, and leave D Senate Leadership to someone more capable. Calling out the guy who you imply is more influential with folks you are supposed to lead, as well as those from the opposition party you both share, just seems a stupid admission that you are woefully ineffective.

Re: Disunity Day

Slugo — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 11:31:13 -0000

It's hard to fathom the extent of wrongness in what's happening in Illinois. Rich's 'disunity' column above is chock full of examples of the depths to which our political leaders have lead state government. The worst of them, Blagojevich and Jones, have no shame. What a pathetic crew. I'll give Dan Hynes some credit for appearing to try to do the right thing.

Re: Disunity Day

Anon — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 11:31:06 -0000

Looks like Rod's political future is as dead as Elvis.

Re: Disunity Day

Captain America — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 11:30:55 -0000

I just can't to dislike the Governor personally. He gave a great campaign speech at the Democratic County Chairman's Breakfast and on the Fair Director's lawn. His staff did an excellent job of orgnanizing the rally on the Director's lawn. Thank goodness, the Governor and Senator Clinton bussed people to the Fair for the rally, or attendance would have been dismal. Even though I am supporting Senator Obama, I welcomed the presence of Hillary supporters since she is a native daughter of Illinois.

I thought Dan Hynes' remarks at the breakfast were entirely appropriate, and I was very sorry he didn't come to the rally at the Fair to repeat them. Neither Lisa and Dan attended the rally. Mike Madigan was a good sport for showing up at the rally - I was sorry he was booed - he doesn't seserve this disrespect, given that he is the most competent of the top three Democratic leaders. Lou Lang was everywhere - Friday evening at Boone's and he was kind enough to tell me about Alexi G's hospitality event at the Alamo. I was disappointed that Lisa's fundriaser at Floyd's Thirst parlor was cancelled because the Senate was in session.

I give the Governor and his staff credit for thinking creatively, if not constitutionally, in declaring their new health care strategy. I enjoyed the SJR editorial yesterday about process. But I recommend that everyone read Eric Zorn's take on the current situation in today's Chicago Tribune for a healthy perspective. Zorn view's the Governor's latest declaration of intent as a "clever poker play" enhancing his bargaining position in terms of giving the Governor some leverage in trying to achieve a scaled back version of his Illinois covered initiative.

Senator Jones will rue the day he double-crossed Mike Madigan. I can't believe that Jones blamed Madigan for sabotaging the capital bill - it lacks the ring of truth and reflects an inferiority complex, as well as political paranoia. My opinoin is that blaming Madigan for his own ineptitude is a convenient rationale for breaking his word to Mike Madigan on the veto override. Senator Jones has become a prevaricator,as wll as a hog feeding at the trough.

Re: Disunity Day

Garp — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 11:23:55 -0000

I never knew state politics was so much fun. I mean this is really starting to get good. When Daley starts chiming in, you know the gloves are off. This has only just begun.

Re: Disunity Day

MTP — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 11:23:40 -0000

I'd really like the Senate President to quit whining about how Madigan won't let him run the Senate the way he wants.

Note to Emil: It's not Madigan's chamber, its your chamber. Step up and be a man.

And consider the fact that part of the reason so many of your members were off the reservation this year was because it was clear from day one you were looking out for yourself, and just throwing your collegues under the bus. Just ask Gary Forby.

Re: Disunity Day

Cassandra — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 11:16:36 -0000

What the Democrats in this state need is a viable Republican party.

Talk about being careful what you wish for. They wanted all the power. They got it.

Re: Disunity Day

VanillaMan — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 11:11:48 -0000

When Blagojevich announces who gets cut from the budget, the political benefits he thinks he is getting will end.

We are broke. There is not enough "pork" in this budget for Blagojevich to take. With each proposed cut, there are representatives and senators that will howl in protest. The news media will begin running stories about how Blagojevich will deny communities infrastructure maintenance, firetrucks, police protection, highways, bridge repairs and other daily necessities.

Enjoy it now Blagojevich. By the way, when Elvis was referred to as "the King", they didn't mean it in a governmental sense. It seems you don't know this.