http://capitolfaxcom.disqus.com/NoneenFri, 09 May 2008 18:06:05 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/09/yet-another-banner-day-in-the-illinois-senate/#comment-18156018<p>Senator Susan Garrett is a Democrat and I am Moraine Township GOP Chairman in her District. So we often line up on the opposite site of issues but always in a civil fashion. I have also worked with her in the past on one of her hundreds of Blue Ribbon Panels. She has always been straight, civil and courteous with me.</p><p>And I still campaign against her although she is unopposed this time. There are never any hard feelings.</p><p>I commended Susan Garrett for voting in favor of the failed recall provision last week. It was a pretty gutsy vote on her part in the face of the opposition by her party leadership in Lake County and in Springfield.</p><p>I also commend Susan Garrett for her position on legislative raises. They really haven't earned them after the last legislative session and this one.</p><p>Who would have thought that I would have given Susan Garrett gold stars in back to back weeks? It boggles my mind!</p><p>So Senator Garrett. I have a proposition for you. If your party bosses continue to berate you and disrespect you they way they did yesterday over your positions and votes, give me a call. I'll be more than pleased to help escort you across the aisle. :-)</p>Louis G. AtsavesFri, 09 May 2008 18:06:05 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/09/yet-another-banner-day-in-the-illinois-senate/#comment-18156017<p>How about no raise takes effect until after the next election. How about attaching the salaries of elected officials to a set of fiscal requirements like a balanced budget (certified by a non-partisan designee). How about daily deductions (for the gov and leg leaders) for each day after May 31?</p><p>I always hear talk of pay for performance, I'm sure we could figure something out.</p>Pot calling kettleFri, 09 May 2008 17:02:39 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/09/yet-another-banner-day-in-the-illinois-senate/#comment-18156016<p>How about Garrett and Hendon switch districts for two weeks.<br>Talk about must see reality TV!</p>Michelle FlahertyFri, 09 May 2008 16:27:24 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/09/yet-another-banner-day-in-the-illinois-senate/#comment-18156015<p>That said, I like Hendon's idea of changing the law. If you vote against the raise you don't get it. Why not make it automatic. Although, some would argue that there is some inherit conflict in making a vote on a policy that impacts your finances so directly, voting on the pay raise for legislators is one thing - but with Hendon's idea you're voting on your own personal pay raise. Seems not quite ethical to me.</p>Napoleon has left the buildingFri, 09 May 2008 15:42:30 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/09/yet-another-banner-day-in-the-illinois-senate/#comment-18156014<p>I think Sen. Garrett did a good job of not taking the bait and focusing the discussion on what is appropriate policy. She rightly pointed out that she did not accept the last raise and donated it.</p><p>Hendon's attacks on the House may be legit, but attacking Garrett was totally inappropriate.</p><p>Jones has no business talking about the pay raise at all after what he's done for his family members with our money.</p><p>I would like to see Garrett donate this raise to a family that is on food stamps, maybe one from Emil Jones Junior's district even.</p>Napoleon has left the buildingFri, 09 May 2008 15:40:18 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/09/yet-another-banner-day-in-the-illinois-senate/#comment-18156013<p>Yeah, he's singular, not plural, thank goodness. lol</p>Rich MillerFri, 09 May 2008 15:13:21 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/09/yet-another-banner-day-in-the-illinois-senate/#comment-18156012<p>I guess I can't say whatever I want and get away with it. I know there were not more than one of him.</p>anonFri, 09 May 2008 15:10:38 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/09/yet-another-banner-day-in-the-illinois-senate/#comment-18156011<p>You know what they tell me, his name is spelled Pate Philip</p>Michelle FlahertyFri, 09 May 2008 15:04:29 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/09/yet-another-banner-day-in-the-illinois-senate/#comment-18156010<p>==I guess it is the recognition that he can say whatever he wants and get away with it is what angers so many others.==</p><p>Kinda like Pate Philips. Must be a job qualification.</p>anonFri, 09 May 2008 14:38:50 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/09/yet-another-banner-day-in-the-illinois-senate/#comment-18156009<p>Canard? I don't think so. Hyperbole, maybe.</p>anonFri, 09 May 2008 14:35:45 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/09/yet-another-banner-day-in-the-illinois-senate/#comment-18156008<p>I really hope that Jones' close association with the gov takes him down, too.</p>Cranky Old ManFri, 09 May 2008 14:34:56 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/09/yet-another-banner-day-in-the-illinois-senate/#comment-18156007<p>From the first text block:</p><p>"That would be a change from a bipartisan agreement lawmakers announced last week after more than a year of dickering. "</p><p>Did the Trib really mean "dickering"... I mean it's probably accurate but still. :)</p>John BambenekFri, 09 May 2008 14:13:01 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/09/yet-another-banner-day-in-the-illinois-senate/#comment-18156006<p>It's worth noting that Susan Garrett gave her last pay raise to the special education organization in her district. I appreciate that she practices what she preaches -- a rare action among legislators. As for President Jones and Senator Hendon, they need to tone it down. Too much theater, too little action.</p>Come on, nowFri, 09 May 2008 13:37:10 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/09/yet-another-banner-day-in-the-illinois-senate/#comment-18156005<p>I find Emil Jones pleasantly refreshing.<br>He feels empowered to be himself.<br>And say what he wishes.</p><p>I guess it is the recognition that he can say whatever he wants and get away with it is what angers so many others.</p>VanillaManFri, 09 May 2008 13:19:00 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/09/yet-another-banner-day-in-the-illinois-senate/#comment-18156004<p>Embarrassing.</p>Speaking At WillFri, 09 May 2008 13:10:34 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/09/yet-another-banner-day-in-the-illinois-senate/#comment-18156003<p>Again, let's try to tone it down. It's pretty clear that he was cracking a joke. Yes, his sense of humor leaves many dumbfounded, but that's Emil Jones.</p>Rich MillerFri, 09 May 2008 13:05:13 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/09/yet-another-banner-day-in-the-illinois-senate/#comment-18156002<p>Emil Jones is an arrogant jerk.</p><p>Concern about real poor people?</p><p>Real poor people got hit hard on electric rates.</p><p>Emil Jones is neither poor nor does he use his position to protect the interests of poor people.</p><p>And if Hillary Rodham Clinton wanted to get traction with me she should have hit Obama on the electric rate increase pushed by his mentor. But instead she decided that she'd try to George Wallace her way to the Dem nomination.</p>Carl NybergFri, 09 May 2008 13:02:11 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/09/yet-another-banner-day-in-the-illinois-senate/#comment-18156001<p>===distinguished older white ladies===</p><p>LOL. I really hope Garrett sees that. :)</p>Rich MillerFri, 09 May 2008 12:34:45 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/09/yet-another-banner-day-in-the-illinois-senate/#comment-18156000<p>Is Emil one of Obama's mentors. Maybe he ought to check with the campaign. I don't think dissing distinguished older white ladies is what the campaign says it is planning as we all march together towards change in November. Nice bite for the McCain campaign, though.</p>CassandraFri, 09 May 2008 12:31:27 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/09/yet-another-banner-day-in-the-illinois-senate/#comment-18155998<p><b>OK Folks!<br>Quiet on the set!<br>Lights! Action! Camera!</b></p><p>“Whithering Hype - take 29!”</p><p>Narrator: “The scene - a scene in the Canadian Rockies with our crinolined heroine, Debbie Halvorson, embraced by her political mentor, Emil Jones…”</p><p><b>Duet begins...</b></p><p>Oo-Oo-Oo-Oo, Oo-Oo-Oo-Oo<br>When I'm calling you<br>Oo-Oo-Oo-Oo, Oo-Oo-Oo-Oo<br>Will you answer too?<br>Oo-Oo-Oo-Oo, Oo-Oo-Oo-Oo</p><p>That means I offer my political life to you to be my own, If you refuse me I will be blue, waiting for Ozinga all alone,</p><p>But if when you hear my phone call ringing clear<br>Oo-Oo-Oo-Oo, Oo-Oo-Oo-Oo<br>And I hear your answering machine so dear<br>Oo-Oo-Oo-Oo, Oo-Oo-Oo-Oo<br>Then I will know our future will become true,<br>You'll belong to me and I'll be in DC,<br>Then I will know our fate will become true<br>You'll belong to me and I'll belong to you"</p><p><b> CUT! BEAUTIFUL!<br>Listen up folks! But it would be a lot more believable if you weren’t smirking and snickering Debbie!</b></p><p>DH: “I can’t help it! And you need another breath mint Emil!”</p>VanillaManFri, 09 May 2008 12:24:30 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/09/yet-another-banner-day-in-the-illinois-senate/#comment-18155997<p>FOOD STAMPS?!</p><p>Senator Jones makes approx $90k a year in his position and his wife is a contractor with the State for approx $180k, right?</p><p>$270k a year? And he wants food stamps?! <br>A man of the people. I'm glad he's helping the Governor run the State.</p>Downers DelightFri, 09 May 2008 12:20:06 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/09/yet-another-banner-day-in-the-illinois-senate/#comment-18155996<p><b>Let's try to tone it down a notch or two, please. Thanks.</b></p>Rich MillerFri, 09 May 2008 12:17:59 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/09/yet-another-banner-day-in-the-illinois-senate/#comment-18155995<p>Oh, and not to leave out Ricky. He lists himself as a full time state legislator, but between his full time legislative gig and County gig, he also makes more money than I do. Where do I go to sign up for my LINK card?</p>JadedFri, 09 May 2008 12:15:32 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/09/yet-another-banner-day-in-the-illinois-senate/#comment-18155994<p>Food Stamps should not be provided to those who use more than their fair share of gravity! Emil, need I say more?</p>A CitizenFri, 09 May 2008 12:08:24 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/05/09/yet-another-banner-day-in-the-illinois-senate/#comment-18155993<p>I'll take Emil's household salary over mine right now, and my family will live very well. Further, I'd take his pension right now and live well for the rest of my life, even before he cashes in a top paying job with Blagojevich or Obama (whichever comes first).</p><p>No matter what Gordon Gekko said, or Ivan Boesky believes greed is not good or healthy.</p><p>By the way, Susan Garrett really needs to work on addressing the press. The message was fine, the delivery was pitiful.</p>JadedFri, 09 May 2008 12:08:17 -0000