"The first shall be last and the last shall be first. For many will be called, but few are chosen." --- Matt 20:16
fedup dem
· 11 months ago
Rich, that story is amazing. Nut you are quite correct as to how Blago would have responded.
Excessively rabid
· 11 months ago
"A public office is a public trust." Remember that one? Music to my ears. Whoever got tickets for Mel Reynolds should be strung up by his or her thumbs and forced to listen to an endless loop of Dubya's greatest bloopers at ear-splitting volume.
Boone Logan Square
· 11 months ago
When President Obama said "the time has come to set aside childish things" yesterday, I could not help but think of the man presently occupying the office Pat Quinn will soon have.
Plutocrat03
· 11 months ago
I agree with your conclusion. Mr. Quinn may or may not be many things, but he has never demanded the kinds of commonly expected extravagences usually expected by the elected class.
VanillaMan
· 11 months ago
I always considered Pat Quinn to be Illinois' Jerry Brown. I think that after Blagojevich, voters will like Mr. Quinn.
His challenge will be making the difficult decisions ahead without losing support.
Captain Flume
· 11 months ago
My inclination toward any "new eras" in Illinois government is to remain very reserved. We have one Governor in the can, and the current one who campaigned and won(!) under the "reform and renewal" banner possibly on his way to a new home in Wisconsin or South Dakota. Trading one lemon for another still gives you a lemon.
On the optimistic side, perhaps Illinoisans will get a good governor in Patrick Quinn since we did not elect him to the office. The electorate's track record for choosing chief executives sure does not give us any bragging rights.
Niles Township
· 11 months ago
I'm become an big fan of Pat over the years. I used to think he was just a guy with a bag of tricks (Sunday pressers etc.), but I really have come to admire him over the last several years. Becoming governor will be a big test for him. However, I am optimistic that he will be up to the task. We need him to be.
Concerned Observer
· 11 months ago
Sometimes, attitude is everything.
Nuance
· 11 months ago
The attitude PQ exhibited is refreshing.
Wumpus
· 11 months ago
Kneel before his holiness, Obama. Get in line, Quinn
J boogy
· 11 months ago
Nuance took the words right out of my mouth. I don't care who you are, kneeling in the grass like that and not putting up a fuss about it shows class and humility.
John Ghrist
· 11 months ago
It is hard to get excited about any political people. They say one thing when they get in office and then they do something else...Many of them end up in jail like our great Illinois leaders do. Mr. Quinn might be a good guy...I don't know..When the present governor and his cronies took my job at IDOT that I had for 19 years, I wrote Mr. Quinn and told him what happened. I never got an answer. I guess that's OK.. Reporters aren't interested in what I have to say either. I could have been a good choice for Mr. Quinn's new group to study state corruption, because I was victimized by it. When my retirement checks start coming, they will be a lot less than what my former co-workers will be getting.. They also enjoyed having insurance all these years too since May of 2004. By the way, when that group starts it's work, I could supply a few more names of people who need to be locked up along with the present governor...
He Makes Ryan Look Like a Sain
· 11 months ago
The problem with a LOT (Not ALL) but a LOT of politicians is their EGO gets way too big and they forget where they come from. The act as if they are more important than their voters.
The Lt. Gov's attitude is very refreshing and I hope he doesn't change as he becomes the GOV.
ZC
· 11 months ago
Pat Quinn should be studying up on the career of Richard Ogilvie.
He may not be around for long. But he's got an opportunity here to become one of Illinois' better governors of the past half-century - precisely _if_ he's willing to make some choices that alienate the electorate, in the short run. Madigan would love to shovel off some unpopular fiscal choices onto Quinn before Lisa gets set for her run.
He might never be a great politician (there are plenty of those in IL Democratic circles anyways), but he might yet secure his spot in IL history as a great statesman. We haven't had too many of those.
lifer
· 11 months ago
Character is what you do when no one is looking; finally something to look forward to.
ZC
· 11 months ago
Can I also say, on a slightly unrelated note, what a strange, wonderful world it is? In terms of unpredictability, this is better than March Madness. Better than _Survivor_. How many people, in January of 08, had penciled in, "Governor Pat Quinn and US Senator Roland Burris"?
Bill
· 11 months ago
Hey John, Did you mention in your letter that you were a republican flack who got his job through patronage? Live by the sword and all that. Why was getting rid of you corrupt? It seemed like good gov't to me.
Leave a light on George
· 11 months ago
I have a friend who used to work in Quinn's office when he was state Treas. My friend would tell me about some of the ideas Quinn would come up with. Many sounded quite off the wall to me. However my friend pointed out to me that Quinn always had the best interest of the citizens at heart and he was an honest man.
Rich Miller
· 11 months ago
lol, Bill, that war is over, man. Move along.
publius
· 11 months ago
what an excellent reminder that real citizens still remain in politics.
Just My Opinion
· 11 months ago
I'm at the point where I don't care who takes over for Blago, just as long as Blago is gone. I've saved only one front page newspaper in my life and that is the one with the headlines "IMPEACHED". I look forward to adding a second to my collection - "CONVICTED AND REMOVED".
Quinn is inheriting a mess for sure but if he shows true leadership and makes tough fiscal choices for our state, I can't help but think it will not be held against him should he decide to run and earn 4 years from the voters. I believe Illinois has a better informed electorate than we were even just 2 years ago.
OneMan
· 11 months ago
Coming up with an off the wall idea isn't bad, it's when you push too many of them when people are telling you it's off the wall.
Ahem
· 11 months ago
Pat Quinn carries his own luggage and gets his own coffee. Such a man is likely to do his own thinking as well.
Anonymous ZZZ
· 11 months ago
Bill, lots of people (including Democrats - gasp!) got their jobs through patronage. LOTS (probably a lot of your friends, too). If John was qualified and good at his job and was fired simply for being hired by a Republican, then letting him go was just wrong.
Okay, enough about that subject. The story about Quinn is refreshing. I used to hate that guy, but I am starting to respect him more every day.
Bill
· 11 months ago
==lol, Bill, that war is over, man. Move along.==
OK. Old habits die hard. I guess there is no point to it anymore. Anyway, in the spirit of yesterday, I am looking forward to the future, where the Governor, Speaker, and President of the Senate and even some Republicans will work together to solve our state's fiscal problems. It is time to put aside childish ways and get down to doing the people's business. Quinn, I think, will give it his best shot, bite the bullet and raise taxes. If he succeeds in putting our state on the right fiscal path, he will win re-election. The Olgilve syndrome is a myth.
Little Egypt
· 11 months ago
Good morning Bill. Back from Washington so soon? How was the inauguration from your view and how about those 10 inaugural balls?
Lakefront Liberal
· 11 months ago
Could there be any greater sign of a new era than the comment above (Bill - Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 10:37 am:) from Bill?
Another state employee
· 11 months ago
Hey Bill, Removing one and replacing with five or six isn't good government Bill. Not all of us are political.
Concerned Observer
· 11 months ago
OneMan, absolutely right. Pushing off the wall ideas when people tell you they're off the wall is terrible.
You know, like trying to import flu vaccine illegally, and ignoring the legislature by unilaterally attempting to expand health care coverage, and attempting to sell a U.S. Senate seat for personal gain, and banning violent video games despite constitutional protections, and mandating free public transit rides for seniors who didn't ask for or want them, and vetoing ethics reform legislation, and.........
:)
Leave a light on George
· 11 months ago
Hey Bill,
I agree. Removing one patronage employee and replacing with your patronage guy is okay. It's when your guy has to submitt his/her application 2 or 3 times, lying porgrssively worse on each one that makes it wrong ( and very interesting to the feds).
FlatRockTommy
· 11 months ago
Quinn will certainly not have to do much to be considered a vast improvement.
The bar has be set mighty low.
Leave a light on George
· 11 months ago
progressively....jeez
Cinho
· 11 months ago
I am surprised by Quinn's actions--they contradict my experience. A few years ago, I was at a function with Mr. Quinn and left just behind him. He allowed the exit door to shut right into me. I was 9 months pregnant and hard to miss. My feeling then was that the man was so self absorbed that he had no idea about what was going on around him. Other than this story, I've seen nothing since to contradict my opinion of him. It will be good to be rid of Blago, but I am not looking forward to Quinn. The only saving grace here is that he will be so heavily scrutinized, he may have to rise above his character.
Rich Miller
· 11 months ago
===left just behind him===
Maybe that's why? Not making excuses, I wasn't there, but you were behind the guy.
KeepSmiling
· 11 months ago
Quinn proved himself smart and used humor to shrug off any indignities, that's all.
When he says "where we were" he must be referring to the front row of the standing-room-only section where he was blocking the view of others who were (potentially) equally important people. If Quinn objected to kneeling in a standing-room-only section, it might have sent him to the back row. Throw a fit? That would ensure a seat in the parking lot. This is Washington folks, not Chicago, so don't be too crazy with your praise.
Actually I kind of wish Blago had appointed himself freshman senator, because his ego would have received an incredible smack down from his colleagues. "Oh unfortunately, the last available office is under renovation sir. You wouldn't mind working from that closet next to the public bathroom for a few months would you? Thank you sir, we're sure you understand".
Cinho
· 11 months ago
Not making excuses, I wasn’t there, but you were behind the guy.
He made a half turn to open the door and I was within his line of sight. You're right, he didn't see me. But not because he couldn't see me.
Cranky Old Man
· 11 months ago
I don't know much about Quinn aside from his involvement in the cutback amendment back in the early 80s and the his attachment to the gov, especially in the last election. That concerns me. Aside from that, I hope he does well. We all need it.
Little Egypt
· 11 months ago
KeepSmiling, you're making a lot of assumptions about the seating in D.C.
Loop Lady
· 11 months ago
Blago would have wanted a throne to sit in yesterday...and I don't man the kind you find in a bathroom...
Quinn has no entourage, is on time for meetings, is well informed, and his staff works their fingers to the bone...I have enjoyed working with him immensely the past three years and look forward to his tenure...
He may just cause Ms. Madigan to wait until 2014 to make her bid...by then I hope Daddy Madigan is retired...the only way I will vote for her is if this requirement is met...we do not need two members of the same family in IL constitutional positions...
Anonentity
· 11 months ago
Similar story from Denver at the convention. There was a long line to enter Mayor Daley's party. Behind me in line was Lt. Gov. Quinn and a short ways behind him was AG Lisa Madigan. Some "offical" from the event came out and walked straight up to Quinn and said "Lt.Gov. you and your party can come with me." As Pat was saying, "no, I am fine where I am at, I'll wait with everyone else..." Lisa stepped out of line and began to walk to the front without a word. The "official" was a little confused and got control of himself and said "right this way General Madigan" and ushered her inside in front of the line. Pat stood and inched forward with me and the rest of the line.
Some see election as evidence of their entitlement. The confirmation of their status as some cut above the rest. A license to run red lights, travel with a big enourage, or... cut to the head of the line literally as well as figuratively. Some, are, well, Pat Quinn.
KeepSmiling
· 11 months ago
Little Egypt, you're right. Considering the article says "grounds", there might not have been rows in the standing-room-only section for which he had tickets. Perhaps his "group" shouldn't have even been by the tree in the first place!
Anonentity
· 11 months ago
Similar story from Denver at the convention. There was a long line to enter Mayor Daley's party. Behind me in line was Lt. Gov. Quinn and a short ways behind him was AG Lisa Madigan. Some "offical" from the event came out and walked straight up to Quinn and said "Lt.Gov. you and your party can come with me." As Pat was saying, "no, I am fine where I am at, I'll wait with everyone else..." Lisa stepped out of line and began to walk to the front without a word. The "official" was a little confused and got control of himself and said "right this way General Madigan" and ushered her inside in front of the line. Pat stood and inched forward with me and the rest of the line.
Some see election as evidence of their entitlement. The confirmation of their status as some cut above the rest. A license to run red lights, travel with a big enourage, or... cut to the head of the line literally as well as figuratively. Others, are, well, Pat Quinn.
beagle
· 11 months ago
Cinho,
9 months pregnant "a few years ago"? Quinn is too smart for that. He plans on being around for a long time and knows that would cost him 2 future votes. I wasn't there but I bet he couldn't see you, too. Rich, maybe a possible qotd?
You Go Boy
· 11 months ago
If his history/pattern of behavior is one in keeping with the humility noted (kneeling by the tree), then good for him, and better for us - as long as that attitude does not change once hoisted to a higher position.
IrishPirate
· 11 months ago
I've never doubted Quinn's relative decency. I do have doubts about his 'attention to detail'.
We'll know soon enough. I wish him luck.
Like Obama he can't be any worse than the last guy.
If he plays this right, and I suspect he will, the Madigan's may have to wait for Lisa to become Gov. That ain't a done deal.
One beauty of this whole Blago mess is that the folks who supported him at one time or another, MJM and Daley, are now suffering some of the "blowback" from their blow dried wonderguv.
Jake from Elwood
· 11 months ago
Something tells me this story will be brought up up at a presser the Sunday before Arbor Day.
wordslinger
· 11 months ago
He definitely won't be as pretentious and imperial as Blago. He'll work hard. He'll be engaged. And he won't use his office to shake down people or make money.
He's been around a long time. What you see is what you get.
If you zoom in, top left center, the mayor is sitting in the same row as lisa madigan, emil jones, and hynes-look for a guy in a green baseball cap. They are 2 rows behind former california governor Gray Davis. John Cusack is in the nosebleed area to the far left. Chelsea Clinton is 3 rows behind with an awful look on her face.
Rich Miller
· 11 months ago
shore, is that Cullerton in the green Sox cap? lol He looks cold, man.
Collar Observer
· 11 months ago
This is an amazing post Rich - CinHo - time to get over the door situation - you said Quinn didn't see you - no one is perfect and he certainly could of had many things on his mind. Soon my prayers of Governor Quinn will come true - and we will be able to pull ourselves out of the hell Blago took us to.
Secret Square
· 11 months ago
Does anyone actually have bumper stickers or other items from the last election proclaiming "a vote for Blago is a vote for Quinn," or something to that effect? Those might be pretty bleeping valuable today!
Little Egypt
· 11 months ago
Is that Mike Madigan next to Lisa in the picture?
illinois insider
· 11 months ago
Quinn is the guy who substitute hosts the Mike North show and holds his own on sports trivia and all matters white sox. He is not a "prima donna" like most of our other constitutional officers. He is a lifelong diehard season ticket holder for the White Sox - and his seats are nosebleed seats in the upper deck. I know this because I have sat in them with him. Even when I knew him when he was in private law practice and could afford far better seats, he chose to sit in the upper deck with the regular working people of Chicago. Even as Lt. Governor he STILL sits in these same nosebleed seats when he could have free seats right behind home plate because Reinsdorf and Sox management/marketing have grown to like him so much. He is no showboat and a real regular guy who is humble. This story made me think of him at the Sox game in the upper deck during the world series. That is why he will be a great governor.
Anon
· 11 months ago
John G Couldn't have said it better myself, oh, and Bill - Bite Me!!!!
Uncommonly common
· 11 months ago
Mr. Grass-roots Quinn stood on the grass with the commoners...and I am sure he honestly WAS happy with it. It also means either he was not offered a seat ticket (which would say more about all the other pols) or he was offered a ticket and turned it down (which would say a bunch about him). And see for yourself, there were open seats in the Illinois section. Open seats!?! I wouldn't be surprised if he also stayed at a discount hotel. Super 8 or Best Western?
But if/when Quinn becomes Guv, he should definitely feel free to sit closer to home plate every so often! When it comes to cheering the Sox, we'll cut you some slack!
Zora
· 11 months ago
Cinho, a "half turn" = 180 degrees, so I'm having trouble visualizing the choreography behind your compliant, unless he spun around to open the door like a doorman.
Maybe you meant that he "turned slightly" before opening the door, which many of us do. And maybe that wasn't enough for him to take your resplendent self in through his peripheral vision.
This is a very odd compliant. I cannot imagine what subway rides must be like for you.
doc
· 11 months ago
Love him or hate him, Quinn is clearly a very different sort of politician that Illinois is used to. At least some of that difference willbe good.
reformer
· 11 months ago
Quinn doesn't have a vanity problem the way Blago and Burris do. A little humility can go a long way.
DisenfranchisedConservative
· 11 months ago
Quinns not a bad guy, but it's a sad day when we get excited about NOT having a bad governor, rather than choosing a governor that is good for the state. Maybe he can change the state motto to the "Land of people who aren't really as bad as you heard"
this voter will remember
· 11 months ago
I don’t know a lot about Quinn bur I will support Lt Gov Quinn as Governor (as I did Blagojevich initially) until he proves that is does not deserve my support. I hope that day never comes. I welcome a fresh start
Vote Quimby!
· 11 months ago
A fresh day dawning in America, and Illinois. Next time I'm 9 months pregnant, I'm staying home!
Louis G. Atsaves
· 11 months ago
Some of us more critical types of that "other political party" seem to remember that Quinn was kneeling at the Altar of Blagojevich for nearly six long years without complaining.
Nice of him to show that he still knows how to kneel on command. :-)
A Citizen
· 11 months ago
Obviuosly it is now time to commence the planning for an exquisite inauguration festival for Governor Inherit , the Honorable Pat Quinn! We should hold the cost down though - at least less than for the new president. Let the parties begin!
Cinho
· 11 months ago
All right, all right, maybe he didn't see me. I'll get over it. That was my only contact with the man and I am encouraged by what the rest of you have to say about him. By the way, this happened in the fall of 2003.
A Citizen
· 11 months ago
- Cinho - You have proven yourself a better person by giving him the benefit of the doubt and reserving judgement until we have more experience with him.
Rich Miller
· 11 months ago
Agreed
Been There
· 11 months ago
===He is a lifelong diehard season ticket holder for the White Sox - and his seats are nosebleed seats in the upper deck=== I'm wouldn't be to quick to always put Quinn in the upper deck. I have seen him plenty of times in good seats between home and third. I always thought those were his seats. I always say something to him but I don't get much more than a quick hi back.
Amy
· 11 months ago
back in the days when mel reynolds worked advance in a presidential campaign, he was code named "excuse me, but I don't think you know who I am." some people never let go of his Kennedy connections (college). but the rest of us don't forget his arrogance, never mind his crime.
Pat Quinn.....really great.
Levois
· 11 months ago
DANG!
A Citizen
· 11 months ago
Rich, do you have tickets for P. Quinn's inauguration yet? Will you be making them available to your loyal bloggers?
Cheswick
· 11 months ago
Somewhat off topic: Mixed in with a NY Mag article about inaugural celebrity sightings: "Roland Burris in a newsboy cap briefly joining said balcony addicts, though, endearingly, looking like a kid who just couldn't believe he got to be up there. When we shouted, "Wave to the camera, Senator Burris!" he seemed surprised and flattered, and obeyed."
Cheswick
· 11 months ago
So far, I can't find yesterday's picture of Burris in the newsboy cap. I did find Comedy Central's picture of him in a tux last night. Love the caption: "The hottest name in Washington ... Roland Burris, the brand-new Senator from Illinois. Here he is caught off guard by a man wearing a wet cat on his head, whom he mistook for Governor Rod Blagojevich."
Oh look, a kitty? (Apologies if this was posted already today.)
John
· 11 months ago
In August I worked at the Biden announcement at the Old State Capitol as a volunteer. My job was to check credentials in the VIP area and only allow in those who had the proper credentials. All day long people who were turned away complained and complained and protested how important they were.
When Lt. Gov. Quinn arrived he did not have the proper credentials. I told him I knew who he was and I apologized for not being allowed to let him in. He was the most reasonable person you could imagine. He apologized to me for putting me into a difficult position. Ultimately we were able to get him the proper credential and he was allowed in. He was just a real class act.
Arthur Andersen
· 11 months ago
As far as offering up "benefits of doubt," let's all just assume that Mel got in close due to the "purple, blue, and silver ticket SNAFU."
See, don't you feel better already.
Two other points-
Senator Burris had to wear that silly hat to sneak Bill in without a ticket.
Amy, AA can't even imagine working advance with a creep like Mel.
Bookworm
· 11 months ago
I've mentioned this before but it bears repeating here. As a newspaper reporter I had a couple of minor contacts with Quinn's office concerning local environmental and energy issues. His staff always returned calls promptly and answered any questions I had. I was genuinely impressed with them.
Bookworm
· 11 months ago
If the impeachment trial wraps up as quickly as Rich indicates it might, Gov. Quinn could have an inauguration/Super Bowl Sunday party at the Executive Mansion!
A Citizen
· 11 months ago
The password to get into Quinn's shindig will be "Bill from CapFax sent me".
Bobs yer
· 11 months ago
Always liked the guy, even though I'm R and he's D. Came here from out of state just after his work on shrinking the GA. Amazing how people still complain about that after 20X years. If it was such a big deal, how come it hasn't been changed back? Did't the voters ratify it? How come the GA didn't reverse it? Con-con could have given the people the opportunity. Didn't he support that option?
Gregor
· 11 months ago
Agree with ZC. "I, Claudius" Quinn could shine as bright as Simon and the Stevensons. You can already see the chess pieces in motion from Mike and John for a tax increase and/or swap, and I think few would deny it is overdue as a means to fix the budget. Quinn is a god-given fall guy to hand this to.. *if* he puts the state's long-term interest ahead of re-election in 2 years. That's not all bad - the list of powerful people that will be in his debt will be long, Quinn will later see rewards and appointments to other offices, a future Burris replacement perhaps? An ambassadorship after Durbin puts in a good word with B? Who can know? What about a Lisa-Pat ticket in 2 years? Whichever way the dice roll, it is going to be historic.
Lefty
· 11 months ago
Kneeling next to a tree? This should lock up the Sierra Club vote.
NEKIPA
· 11 months ago
Lt Governor Pat Quinn will ascend to the Illinois Governorship before the 2010 Elections. Whether or not he runs for a full term as Governor is a big question. Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Comptroller Dan Hynes and Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias has higher office ambitions of their own. Lisa Madigan is very interested in becoming Governor of Illinios- She will be the Democratic Nominee for the 2010 Illinios Governors Race. Pat Quinn run for a third term as Lt Governor- remain as a second banana. Dan Hynes will run for Attorney General which is a higher profile position than Comptroller. Alexi Giannoulias who is a Obama protege will run for the US Senate. Jesse White retires. The Secretary of State,Comptroller and Treasurer position will be open.
Mighty M. Mouse
· 11 months ago
Cinho, you are proving yourself to be a class act. Pat Quinn is a workaholic who habitually puts pressure on virtually every moment of the day. Maybe he didn't notice you simply because he was too focused on where he was going next.
Rich Miller, I have noticed that you also seem to be an exceptionally classy act yourself. Your assessment of Quinn is spot-on. If you are doing this to get me to spend $350 for a subscription to the Capitol Fax by worming your way into my confidence, your devious plan is working!
Finally, to "Been There" ===I’m [sic] wouldn’t be to quick to always put Quinn in the upper deck. I have seen him plenty of times in good seats between home and third. I always thought those were his seats. I always say something to him but I don’t get much more than a quick hi back.===
There are several people who share those seats, one of whom is a relative of his and another of whom is a close friend, so on occasion the Lt. Gov. sits in the lower deck but they are NOT his seats. 90% of the time if he's at the game, he's in the upper deck. And I'd say that a "quick hi back" sounds like a pretty appropriate response to someone you don't know. That's what I'd do.
All Comments
His challenge will be making the difficult decisions ahead without losing support.
On the optimistic side, perhaps Illinoisans will get a good governor in Patrick Quinn since we did not elect him to the office. The electorate's track record for choosing chief executives sure does not give us any bragging rights.
When my retirement checks start coming, they will be a lot less than what my former co-workers will be getting.. They also enjoyed having insurance all these years too since May of 2004. By the way, when that group starts it's work, I could supply a few more names of people who need to be locked up along with the present governor...
The Lt. Gov's attitude is very refreshing and I hope he doesn't change as he becomes the GOV.
He may not be around for long. But he's got an opportunity here to become one of Illinois' better governors of the past half-century - precisely _if_ he's willing to make some choices that alienate the electorate, in the short run. Madigan would love to shovel off some unpopular fiscal choices onto Quinn before Lisa gets set for her run.
He might never be a great politician (there are plenty of those in IL Democratic circles anyways), but he might yet secure his spot in IL history as a great statesman. We haven't had too many of those.
Did you mention in your letter that you were a republican flack who got his job through patronage? Live by the sword and all that. Why was getting rid of you corrupt? It seemed like good gov't to me.
Quinn is inheriting a mess for sure but if he shows true leadership and makes tough fiscal choices for our state, I can't help but think it will not be held against him should he decide to run and earn 4 years from the voters. I believe Illinois has a better informed electorate than we were even just 2 years ago.
Okay, enough about that subject. The story about Quinn is refreshing. I used to hate that guy, but I am starting to respect him more every day.
OK. Old habits die hard. I guess there is no point to it anymore. Anyway, in the spirit of yesterday, I am looking forward to the future, where the Governor, Speaker, and President of the Senate and even some Republicans will work together to solve our state's fiscal problems. It is time to put aside childish ways and get down to doing the people's business. Quinn, I think, will give it his best shot, bite the bullet and raise taxes. If he succeeds in putting our state on the right fiscal path, he will win re-election. The Olgilve syndrome is a myth.
Removing one and replacing with five or six isn't good government Bill.
Not all of us are political.
You know, like trying to import flu vaccine illegally, and ignoring the legislature by unilaterally attempting to expand health care coverage, and attempting to sell a U.S. Senate seat for personal gain, and banning violent video games despite constitutional protections, and mandating free public transit rides for seniors who didn't ask for or want them, and vetoing ethics reform legislation, and.........
:)
I agree. Removing one patronage employee and replacing with your patronage guy is okay. It's when your guy has to submitt his/her application 2 or 3 times, lying porgrssively worse on each one that makes it wrong ( and very interesting to the feds).
The bar has be set mighty low.
Maybe that's why? Not making excuses, I wasn't there, but you were behind the guy.
When he says "where we were" he must be referring to the front row of the standing-room-only section where he was blocking the view of others who were (potentially) equally important people. If Quinn objected to kneeling in a standing-room-only section, it might have sent him to the back row. Throw a fit? That would ensure a seat in the parking lot. This is Washington folks, not Chicago, so don't be too crazy with your praise.
Actually I kind of wish Blago had appointed himself freshman senator, because his ego would have received an incredible smack down from his colleagues. "Oh unfortunately, the last available office is under renovation sir. You wouldn't mind working from that closet next to the public bathroom for a few months would you? Thank you sir, we're sure you understand".
He made a half turn to open the door and I was within his line of sight. You're right, he didn't see me. But not because he couldn't see me.
Quinn has no entourage, is on time for meetings, is well informed, and his staff works their fingers to the bone...I have enjoyed working with him immensely the past three years and look forward to his tenure...
He may just cause Ms. Madigan to wait until 2014 to make her bid...by then I hope Daddy Madigan is retired...the only way I will vote for her is if this requirement is met...we do not need two members of the same family in IL constitutional positions...
Some see election as evidence of their entitlement. The confirmation of their status as some cut above the rest. A license to run red lights, travel with a big enourage, or... cut to the head of the line literally as well as figuratively. Some, are, well, Pat Quinn.
Some see election as evidence of their entitlement. The confirmation of their status as some cut above the rest. A license to run red lights, travel with a big enourage, or... cut to the head of the line literally as well as figuratively. Others, are, well, Pat Quinn.
9 months pregnant "a few years ago"? Quinn is too smart for that. He plans on being around for a long time and knows that would cost him 2 future votes. I wasn't there but I bet he couldn't see you, too. Rich, maybe a possible qotd?
We'll know soon enough. I wish him luck.
Like Obama he can't be any worse than the last guy.
If he plays this right, and I suspect he will, the Madigan's may have to wait for Lisa to become Gov. That ain't a done deal.
One beauty of this whole Blago mess is that the folks who supported him at one time or another, MJM and Daley, are now suffering some of the "blowback" from their blow dried wonderguv.
He's been around a long time. What you see is what you get.
If you zoom in, top left center, the mayor is sitting in the same row as lisa madigan, emil jones, and hynes-look for a guy in a green baseball cap. They are 2 rows behind former california governor Gray Davis. John Cusack is in the nosebleed area to the far left. Chelsea Clinton is 3 rows behind with an awful look on her face.
Soon my prayers of Governor Quinn will come true - and we will be able to pull ourselves out of the hell Blago took us to.
Couldn't have said it better myself, oh, and Bill - Bite Me!!!!
But if/when Quinn becomes Guv, he should definitely feel free to sit closer to home plate every so often! When it comes to cheering the Sox, we'll cut you some slack!
Maybe you meant that he "turned slightly" before opening the door, which many of us do. And maybe that wasn't enough for him to take your resplendent self in through his peripheral vision.
This is a very odd compliant. I cannot imagine what subway rides must be like for you.
Maybe he can change the state motto to the "Land of people who aren't really as bad as you heard"
Nice of him to show that he still knows how to kneel on command. :-)
You have proven yourself a better person by giving him the benefit of the doubt and reserving judgement until we have more experience with him.
I'm wouldn't be to quick to always put Quinn in the upper deck. I have seen him plenty of times in good seats between home and third. I always thought those were his seats. I always say something to him but I don't get much more than a quick hi back.
don't think you know who I am." some people never let go of his Kennedy connections (college). but the rest of us don't forget his arrogance, never mind his crime.
Pat Quinn.....really great.
Oh look, a kitty? (Apologies if this was posted already today.)
When Lt. Gov. Quinn arrived he did not have the proper credentials. I told him I knew who he was and I apologized for not being allowed to let him in. He was the most reasonable person you could imagine. He apologized to me for putting me into a difficult position. Ultimately we were able to get him the proper credential and he was allowed in. He was just a real class act.
See, don't you feel better already.
Two other points-
Senator Burris had to wear that silly hat to sneak Bill in without a ticket.
Amy, AA can't even imagine working advance with a creep like Mel.
Whichever way the dice roll, it is going to be historic.
Jesse White retires. The Secretary of State,Comptroller and Treasurer position will be open.
Rich Miller, I have noticed that you also seem to be an exceptionally classy act yourself. Your assessment of Quinn is spot-on. If you are doing this to get me to spend $350 for a subscription to the Capitol Fax by worming your way into my confidence, your devious plan is working!
Finally, to "Been There" ===I’m [sic] wouldn’t be to quick to always put Quinn in the upper deck. I have seen him plenty of times in good seats between home and third. I always thought those were his seats. I always say something to him but I don’t get much more than a quick hi back.===
There are several people who share those seats, one of whom is a relative of his and another of whom is a close friend, so on occasion the Lt. Gov. sits in the lower deck but they are NOT his seats. 90% of the time if he's at the game, he's in the upper deck. And I'd say that a "quick hi back" sounds like a pretty appropriate response to someone you don't know. That's what I'd do.