DISQUS

Dirt Guy · 1 year ago

Oh to be shameless, clueless and living in your own reality. I wonder if there is any stress or worries in Blagoland?

GoBearsss · 1 year ago

How brave of all those legislators to create bans on campaign contributions on everyone except themselves.

Rich Miller · 1 year ago

GoBearsss, how many legislators are currently under multiple federal and state investigations for handing out state government contracts in return for campaign contributions? The problem is the governor. Admit it, move on.

Ghost · 1 year ago

GoBearsss, better they create some needed bans now then ineefectively sit by waiting under an all or nothing approach. Some improvement is far better then no improvement.

They made the right decision, if a little late.

Squideshi · 1 year ago

The Auditor General needed to conduct an audit in order to discover these vacancies? All one needs to do is refer to the three volume "Detailed Organization Report" published by the Legislative Research Unit. The first volume is entitled "Boards and Commissions with Legislative Appointments". The second (2a) and third (2b) volumes (2a) are entitled "Boards and Commissions with Executive and Judicial Appointments".

This publication is required to be listed on the Illinois Documents List. Unfortunately, LRU does not use the Illinois State Library's electronic system to submit copies; so you can't access a copy online, using the Secretary of State's search engine. You will need to contact LRU directly.

GoBearsss · 1 year ago

It is the legislators that need to move on - move on to real campaign finance reform.

Here's the issue: Campaign finance is like a bucket with many holes.

If you plug one hole, it doesn't stop the water from coming out - it just comes out faster through every other hole.

The holes plugged here are named Blagojevich, Hynes and Giannoulias.

The water will now just pour out ever faster from the Michael Madigan and Lisa Madigan holes.

Rich Miller · 1 year ago

GoBearsss, that assumes those two are as corrupt as Blagojevich.

Truthful James · 1 year ago

Unfortunately, and only because the rest of the State loan documents covered such a swetheart deal, Cellini's lawyer may have a legal point. Averaging it over the years is no way, however, to justify a point transaction. Time will tell.

BTW, Rich, is that a scalp doily Bill is wearing in recent pictures or did a small animal die there?

GoBearsss · 1 year ago

There is no requirement that this only applies to corrupt people, Rich.

It just says that contractors can't give directly to the office with which they have a contract.

All I am pointing out is that it puts restrictions only on a handful of offices that award contract - all of which are the potential political foes of Lisa.

Rich Miller · 1 year ago

GoBearsss, if y'all spent even a tenth as much time worrying about ethics in your own office as you do about how to thwart those evil Madigan people, you wouldn't be in this mess right now.

Squideshi · 1 year ago

I agree with GoBearsss that it is time for the legislators to move on to real campaign finance reform. Specifically, we should have full public financing of public elections. Public funds already pay for the printing of ballots, hiring of election judges, and renting of polling places. Public funds also pay for the administration of primary elections, which are candidate selection processes INTERNAL to political parties. The voters' right to be fully informed about all choices on the ballot creates a significant state interest in reducing elections to a competition of ideas on a level playing field, rather than a contest to determine who is the best fundraiser or who has the wealthiest friends.

GoBearsss · 1 year ago

How unusual of you Rich to make blind accusations of corruption.

Why pick a fight with me?

You can't possibly think that Madigan never imagined what I am talking about right now.

Rich Miller · 1 year ago

I don't deny he may have thought of it. He probably did.

What I'm just sick to death of is the absolute refusal of your office to point blame at all others while claiming you're oh so clean and wonderful.

p · 1 year ago

Rich, lay off GoBearsss.

He's out of your league.

Dr. DumberThanYouThink · 1 year ago

There are actually 3 reasons Blagoof is behind in appointments:
1. Board & Commission Staff busy with FBI/DOJ interview
2. No one wants to be named to anything by this crew( i.e. Carol Ronen bailout)
3. The Admin Motto "we don't know and we don't care"

Rich Miller · 1 year ago

p, it's not GoBearsss, it's the entire administration's truly bizarre fixation and insane denial that have got me climbing the walls.

Jaded · 1 year ago

He might be out of his mind, but I doubt he is out of anybody's league.

Ghost · 1 year ago

Both madigans have internal prohibitions far more strict then the ethics act requires both prohibitng gifts and contributions fro their own employees etc. The Madigas are able to dop the right thing on their onw without extra policing, unfrotunetly the Gov is the exact opposite.

GoBearsss · 1 year ago

Thanks, "p".

Let's ask Steve Brown what he thinks about the Speaker's intentions. Dr. Dumber, can you get him on the line?

Me? I am not pointing fingers. I am frustrated by the reality of the Speaker being the wall between Illinois and progressive development for the past couple of decades.

Sorry if that makes me evil and mean.

Rich Miller · 1 year ago

It doesn't make you evil or mean. It just makes your administration obsessed. Do you think you're the first governor to ever have problems with that guy? They all seemed to find a way around the problem without going batty.

Truthful James · 1 year ago

Gobearass --

please define "progrssive development" What agenda is that?

GoBearsss · 1 year ago

"My office"? "My administration"? "Me the first Governor"?

That's really funny. I guess I just won an election. Time to move out of this cubicle. Moving on up!

I don't think they would want me, though.

And I doubt anybody is really obsessed. Probably frustrated like me.

Wonder Boy · 1 year ago

And the Capitol Fax comments section has officially become an endlessly repeating cycle of self-absorption and whining between its creator and a small band of pro/anti commentators.

Come on, it's not fun to read anymore.

steve schnorf · 1 year ago

What practices is Schoenberg wanting to shut down? Fundraising? Fundraising during session? Fundraising from people who hire lobbyists?

Rich Miller · 1 year ago

Relax, it's a generalization. Plus, you're on the payroll, so no big deal.

Dirt Guy · 1 year ago

The Speaker is the only wall between Illinois and total insanity in state government. Imagine Emil and Rod doing as they please. They would resemble 5 year old children who washed down their Sugar Smacks with a large coffee, but their judgment wouldn't be as good.

Rich Miller · 1 year ago

Wonder Boy, considering where you're posting from, that dog won't hunt.

GoBearsss · 1 year ago

Wonder Boy - its fun to read, despite Rich's delusions.

MOON · 1 year ago

BEARSS

Based upon your thesis and position "progressive
development" is the same as spend,spend,spend, regardless of the cost or consequences resulting from such actions.

As far as ethics go you won't see the Madigans trading jobs for political contributions. You
won't see the Madigans accepting gifts that benefit them personally from lobbyist or other parties related to Illinois government. You won't see the Madigans being under a cloud of suspicion for illegal acts.

The Speaker has dealt with both dem. and rep. governors for some 25 plus years, and always was able to reach some accord.

The speaker has never gone agaist his word or broken a promise as has Jones.

It is time to come to grips with reality. This gang which includes Blago, Jones, Hendon, etc.
are a classless bunch of thugs.

Wonder Boy · 1 year ago

Rich, I'm a fan, why does it matter where I'm from? Why make silly battles with your readers? You shouldn't let us rile you so. Or if you do let it get to you, can you be more clever about it?

Dr. DumberThanYouThink · 1 year ago

Too busy reading the Ronen exit interview transcript right now....good stuff....hard to believe so much love was shared in so little time.

Rich Miller · 1 year ago

It matters where you're from, and you very well know why.

This isn't a "silly" battle. It's a fight over whether to sign a decent bill or use your preferred bogeyman to grandstand with an AV. It's about accountability. Sorry if you think that's silly.

Little Egypt · 1 year ago

My first comment - GoBearsss and Wonder Boy, if you don't like what you're reading/posting, then I'm sure Rich would not be offended should you decide to go somewhere else.

Second, Rich, if Blago "improves" the ethics legislation, can it then come back to the House/Senate for an override to take the bill back to its original language?

Ken in Aurora · 1 year ago

As a political outsider, I love Capitol Fax Blog. It's like listening in on bathroom conversations at the Capitol, but without all the foot tapping and hand swipes under the dividers.

Rich Miller · 1 year ago

That's DC. lol

GoBearsss · 1 year ago

Sorry, Rich, but I hope you can at least appreciate that I personally believe that this bill is fatally flawed. Go back to my analogy of the water to see the crux of it.

Plus, I don't think this will stop the flow of contractor donations. Couldn't contractors just set up a "Contractor PAC" that they donate to, with the donation then being transfered to the constitutional officer of their choice.

Or that a legislator could collect as many such contributions while they were gearing up for their campaign to be a constitutional officer.

I can think of a dozen ways off the top of my head that someone can easily get around this law, dutiful contributors could probably think of a dozen more, and the corrupt ones could probably think of another dozen.

Money is like water, it finds every hole, remember?

Who knows what the Governor will do, but you need to at least call a spade a spade.

Rich Miller · 1 year ago

===I can think of a dozen ways off the top of my head that someone can easily get around this law, ===

Ah, now comes the "it's not perfect" argument. An often-used tactic to justify killing just about anything at the Statehouse.

FYI, according to Fritchey, PACs for contractors would be covered by the bill.

7th District Stretch · 1 year ago

Dear Dr. DumberThanYouThink: Is the transcript of Ronen's exit interview available on line? Do share.

GoBearsss · 1 year ago

I agree the it's not perfect argument is often used to avoid making tough decisions.

You employ that tactic a lot, Rich :).

But I would argue, from a policy perspective, that this isn't a "it's not perfect" scenario.

It's a "this is pretend" scenario. It won't accomplish what it even tries to set out to accomplish.

It would be great if it would. But it won't. It is just a way for legislators to say, "See, I did something!"

And it doesn't prevent contractors from contributing to PACs. And those PACs from contributing to constitutionals.

Rich Miller · 1 year ago

===It’s a “this is pretend” scenario. It won’t accomplish what it even tries to set out to accomplish.===

I fully agree that the governor will likely attempt to get around the letter and spirit of this law. But every possible scenario cannot be predicted.

Greg · 1 year ago

It's telling that the governor's only defenders can be explained away by their IP addresses. In the real world--in which I fortunately reside--I hear nothing positive whatsoever. Their opinions of your boss could not be lower, and yet they (as I) have not the slightest axe to grind.

GoBearsss · 1 year ago

Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed today.

I would love to continue this debate, but you really need to start pointing out, you know, arguing for your side...

:)

Rich Miller · 1 year ago

I felt fine this morning. And if you think this is bad, wait until he AV's it. We're just getting warmed up.

:) back at ya.

VanillaMan · 1 year ago

Please!
At least pretend to care about reform and ethics!

You people were elected to fix what Ryan left behind, not benefit from it!

wordslinger · 1 year ago

What does a governor whose pay-to-play fundraising is under federal siege talk about at fundraisers with contributors who are paying in hopes of playing?

Is the place swept beforehand (I don't mean with a broom)? Does everyone do a Sopranos-like hug/patdown-for-wires before talking? Do they speak in some Frank Calabrese/Famiy Secrets-like code ("I got that thing for that guy -- the little guy, not the big guy").

That is was held at Tavern on Rush just adds to the surreality. Original G.

"Testicular Virility Man in the Viagra Triangle." I think that's on Svengoolie this Saturday.

GoBearsss · 1 year ago

For those of you spectators -

I should just break it to you now that this is an act Rich and I put on to entertain you on an otherwise dreary Friday.

If you have read to this point, Congratulations, you have reached the end.

***Bow***

Little Egypt · 1 year ago

GoBearsss, you're not gonna win this one. You're up against a bigger/smarter dog and he's not going to go sit on the porch.

problem · 1 year ago

Little Egypt,

It think you just proved GB's point about Madigan being the wall between Illinois and progress.

Little Egypt · 1 year ago

Problem, I wasn't referring at all to Madigan. You've missed my point entirely but GB and Rich both know what I meant.

problem · 1 year ago

Little Egypt - you're corrupt.

Its true because I said so.

Just My Opinion · 1 year ago

GB, if this is your idea of Friday entertainment, I'd hate to see your idea of torture.

VanillaMan · 1 year ago

I think wordslinger is asking a good question.

How does Blagojevich raise funds? Who could he be milking? For what reason would contributors contribute? What is the story being told?

The conversations taking place must be rather odd, wouldn't they be?

Honestly, and I'm not being overly smart-aleky about it, who and why would someone contribute to Rod Blagojevich?

I'd really like to know.

And nothing silly, please. I mean it.

Little Egypt · 1 year ago

Problem - I get the last laugh on this one. If you only knew..............

Anon · 1 year ago

Gobearss said "Probably frustrated like me."

Try working under this administration.

problem · 1 year ago

I at least give GoBears credit - coming to such a virulently anti-blago environment and trying to stand up for the guy, or at least his policies. I am entertained, at least.

Rich Miller · 1 year ago

problem, I agree. This was good practice for the AV.

Marbley · 1 year ago

It appears that ethic's only applies to everyone else. Not to Elvis. Maybe the State should save some money and dissolve the Ethics Commission (look at that case history and stats?)and the Executive IG who can pick and choose who to investigate? It's a joke on the People again. Keep hurting the working man or women.

BehindTheScenes · 1 year ago

I hear that the boards and commissions are kept at the minimum number of members required for a quorum so that the Gov's staff can pull off a member to control a vote when necessary.


I've also recently heard that there are hundreds of (whatever they call them now - under previous administrations they were called "Exception Forms") sitting in the Governor's Office awaiting signature to hire staff in various agencies. Some have called this a stalling tactic.

Suzanne · 1 year ago

Let’s hold on for one silent moment and recognize that unlike a lot of the busy work that passes for policymaking, this bill, however imperfect, is purposeful both in its specifics and its symbolism.

The symbolic value, on the other hand, was created and served up by Senate leaders when, among other things, they allowed the bill to languish and when they changed the $25K limit to $50K (and called it an improvement).

That legislative leaders witlessly transformed this modest bill, this reasonable proposition, into a crucible-like question---Are the leaders of this state irredeemably corrupt or incompetent?---is a bonus.

Vote Quimby! · 1 year ago

showing my knowledge....whats an AV?

steve schnorf · 1 year ago

VM,
so tell me about the corruption in George Ryan's gubernatorial administration. I was there, and I guess I missed it.

Rich Miller · 1 year ago

Amendatory Veto.

Steve, gimme a call.

Vote Quimby! · 1 year ago

Thanks. Very entertaining today!

Vote Quimby! · 1 year ago

==“This is a beginning,’’ Rausch said. “It doesn’t go nearly far enough. And we urge the House to take this opportunity to make the bill more comprehensive and broader.”==

Is the house planning on voting for this today?

Rich Miller · 1 year ago

The House is adjourned until Tuesday.

Also, this is a House bill, so the governor's office must surely know that once a House bill is amended in the Senate the House's options are: Concur; Nonconcur.

The House bill cannot be amended again in the House unless the House votes to Nonconcur and the Senate refuses to recede from the amendments, at which point the bill would be sent to a conference committee. I think there has been one conference committee appointed in the past five years.

Muskrat · 1 year ago

Foot-tapping and hand waving "in DC"? As an Illinois exile in DC, I resent that. Sen. Craig got in trouble in the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport, thank you. The allegations about him doing the same in DC's Union Station were never proven.

besides, here it's probably seen as a signal for a bribe... tap your foot and get a Pentagon earmark back.....

Bill · 1 year ago

Whew, that was close!
Its back to business as usual. Let's improve this bill for a few years so we can get it right for a change.

VanillaMan · 1 year ago

--VM,
so tell me about the corruption in George Ryan’s gubernatorial administration. I was there, and I guess I missed it. --

If you missed it, you probably wouldn't understand anyway.

interesting... · 1 year ago

i heard poshard on jim leach this morning touting the capital bill. leach asked him about blago and his alleged ethical problems since poshard made that a issue when he ran against george; poshard dodged the question. leach then asked if the gov had been in spfld working on the bill and would he be there next week also. poshard seem to hesitate and then said the gov had been in the capitol working hard pn the bill and was there until 9 last night. according to the trib the gov walked into tavern on rush at a quarter to 8 last night. interesting...

steve schnorf · 1 year ago

Great non-answer VM. Put your information where your mouth is.

PalosParkBob · 1 year ago

What hypocrisy!

While the legislature is trying to restrict "pay to play" for the Guv, they're institutionalizing it in the Senate and House.

SB 2690, sponsored by Maloney (D-18) in the Senate and Joyce (D-35) in the House, would allow Commmunity College boards to ignore the lowest responsible bidder(s) and give the contract to a "local firm" at as much as 5% above the lowest bidders price.

There is no limit on the amount of the contract, so a contractor could make an extra $5 million in profit on a $100 million construction project without providing a penny's worth of additional value to the district.

There is also no restriction on which "local business" the Board can choose to give this patronage gem to amongst bidders.

This means it gives the board the ability to choose a local business of the board's party affiliation instead iof the "other" party's lower bidder.

There is no restriction on campaign contributions from bidders to get this incredible boon.

I've been told that if they can get this bill through quietly, they intend to pull this same deal with the $20 billion K-12 public education system.

The Board said they're pushing this because "local businesses", and heavy campaign contributors to a certain "donkey" party, are complaining that they're only getting 17% of the $90 million construction project in the district, and they don't want to cut their profit margins to win bids.

The bill passed the Senate unanamously in the Senate, and has had Rep McCarthy (D-37) already hold the hearing for the House.

Apparently no one in the State legislature has gotten the memo that "pay to play" is dead.....