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This just in… *** Recall debated *** Jones wants pay raise *** RECALL AMENDMENT FAILS *** Rollcall available *** Halvorson slammed *** Halvorson responds ***
Thursday, May 1, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller [Rezko trial updates moved to this post.] * 12:18 pm - The Senate is now taking up the constitutional amendment for recall. Listen or watch it live. * 12:26 pm - If - If - the Senate passes the recall proposal today, the House plans to run it on Sunday. Speaker Madigan told the chamber a few minutes ago that the State Government and Administration Committee will meet at 1 o’clock Sunday afternoon. The House will then take up the constitutional amendment after the hearing. Speaker Madigan claims he can move the bill from 2nd to 3rd Reading during a perfunctory session on Friday or Saturday. The Republicans questioned whether he could do it, but he said the parliamentarian informed him that it was acceptable. I’m hearing that the recall rollcall is “close” in the Senate. Oftentimes, though, when these things hit the Big Board they get a lot more votes than anticipated. We’ll see. Also, keep an eye out for any motions filed. * 12:28 pm - This may not be an extraordinarily long debate. Sen. Trotter just moved the previous question, and there are just eight people seeking recognition. *** 12:45 pm *** The timing on this announcement is somewhat odd, considering the recall vote today…
*** 1:06 pm *** Very quick gavel and the constitutional amendment garnered only 33 votes. It needed 36. It’s dead. *** 1:08 pm *** The Republicans are now attempting to discharge the House version of the recall amendment from committee and move it to the floor. So far, the Democrats are not complying - which is no suprise. *** 1:11 pm *** Sen. Halvorson just moved for adjournment. Wow, they’ve got some chutzpah. While the Republicans are screaming to get the other recall proposal out of committee, Halvorson moves to adjourn until next week. That’ll go over well. *** 1:24 pm *** Sen. Halvorson just said that *** 1:27 pm *** The roll call is now online. *** 1:29 pm *** Democrats voting No: Bond, Clayborne, Collins, Cullerton, DeLeo, Demuzio, Haine, Harmon, Jacobs, Lightford, Link, Martinez, Meeks, Noland, Raoul, Steans, Sullivan, Trotter, Emil Jones. Democrats voting Present: Munoz, Wilhelmi Democrats not voting: Forby (wife had surgery today), Hunter, Sandoval, Viverito Republicans not voting: Lauzen *** 1:49 pm *** From the AP…
*** 2:44 pm *** From the IL State GOP…
*** 3:00 pm *** From the Sun-Times…
*** 4:37 pm *** Majority Leader Halvorson press release…
Nobody said it was your decision, Senator. But you are on record as making the motion.
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- Bill - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 12:30 pm:
Nice hair, Ricky!
- problem - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 12:36 pm:
Dems pass this and they could lose a handful of elections in November.
The Republicans in this State don’t have any reason to show up in November.
Now they will.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 12:40 pm:
Good point.
- S. Illinois - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:00 pm:
I didn’t support recall before, but Jones might have just changed my mind.
- If It Walks Like a Duck... - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:05 pm:
Of course the Senate President wants pay raises, how else would a panderer take care of this stable?
- Belle - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:09 pm:
Exactly what does Jones think they deserve a raise for? Creating more problems and stalemates than were inherited from the GOP? No way they vote this in and stay in office.
- LathamPlace - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:09 pm:
I can’t believe that he actually feels they deserve another pay raise! What a joke!
- Chicago Cynic - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:10 pm:
Just pathetic! Shame on them.
- Bill - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:12 pm:
Phew! This has been a really long week.
Time for a nice long weekend.
- Enough!! - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:12 pm:
Every name of the individuals that vote no just now in the senate against the recall measure needs to be printed on the front page of every page tomorrow as a supporter of the Gov. Time to stop letting these people off and letting them hide. Make them accountable!
- Greg - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:13 pm:
What an embarassment. I’m writing a check for Halverson’s opponent now, religious nut or not.
- Princeville - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:13 pm:
Well, now, doesn’t that just bite, the citizens of Illinois have been told ‘tough, no say for you’.
Yeah, Emil, since we can’t recall you and as you’re into raises this year. Could you drop buy our contrct talks and see if you can’t explain to the state negotiaters that we deserve a raise too!
- Chicago Cynic - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:15 pm:
Anybody want to bet on whether they approve the raises.
- Anon - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:16 pm:
so i guess ozinga is right about Halverson.
- Downstater - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:16 pm:
The Chicago Democratic machine strikes again! People better wake up and soon. Illinois politics is quickly becoming the laughingstock of the country.
- stop drinking the cool aid - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:22 pm:
Downstater:
You cannot say that the Chicago democratic machine struck again because the Chicago machine, unless you really think Jones has more power that Madigan. The Speaker, who is against recall but let the sponsor call it and let his people vote for it, should be commended for his actions and the Senate should be ashamed.
- Enough! - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:24 pm:
Downstater, we are already the laughing stock politically and financially.
I will hold off comment on what the politicians from North of I80 has done to this state.
- interesting - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:27 pm:
Did you notice he first said Senator Link and then switched to Halvorson?
- SuperDave - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:28 pm:
To downstater — I think its safe to say that it’s not becoming a laughingstock — it already is.
Whowouldathunk that George W. Bush would have greater favorability ratings in Illinois than our own in-house constitutional scholar in the Governor’s Office?
- Commonsense in Illinois - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:29 pm:
Here’s the question…Does the House now begin impeachment proceedings as was rumored over last weekend? The gauntlet has certainly been thrown down by the Senate.
- Pat Collins - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:31 pm:
Wonder how Elginites will feel about Noland’s vote.
- Frank - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:35 pm:
Forby voted against this bill because he’d be one of the first people recalled! Unfortunately, Southern Illinois republicans can’t get their act together to run a decent candidate to take him on.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:36 pm:
Forby didn’t vote. His wife had surgery today.
- Reckoner - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:37 pm:
And these clowns want a raise!
- Douglas M. - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:37 pm:
Sullivan has once again sold out his constituents for Emil. Non-voters killed it.
- Moderate Repub - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:40 pm:
Chicago Cynic - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:15 pm:
Anybody want to bet on whether they approve the raises.
THey do not approve of the raises, they only vote to not approve. So if they don’t vote, they become law, Jones decides on whether or not they vote on it. Want to bet if they do?
- Anon - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:44 pm:
We salute you real men of genius.
- Vote Quimby - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:45 pm:
Wow….what a spectacle! Makes me proud to be a taxpayer…excuse me while I wipe away a tear. I’m so proud of our ‘leaders’ for their courage… can we get a ballot measure to double their pay increase!?
- Oh Boy...This is gonna be good! - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:47 pm:
Good job Pumpkinhead - In the back conference room sat Blagojevich’s kitchen cabinet, including, Blagojevich campaign manager Lon Monk, fund-raiser Chris Kelly, Rezko and Jay Hoffman.
- Anon - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:52 pm:
I noticed that Jacobs was the only one that has a real opponent this Fall. Smart move Mikey - real smart!
- merit comp rules - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:53 pm:
They and the governor should follow the merit compensation rules - there is no cost of living at all ever! - they may also choose to follow the percents allowed by the current governor - most will get a max of $1,200
- Gentlemen, behold! - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:53 pm:
A pay raise for reps and senators, when some state workers haven’t had a pay raise in five or more years when the price of everything is going up…??? Nice, real nice.
- Vote Quimby - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:54 pm:
==presumably Blagojevich, though Jones did not cite the governor by name.== He did slip and say ‘not directed at Public Official A’
- Little Egypt - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 1:59 pm:
Forby - we’ve got what we believe we deserve. If we thought we deserved better, we wouldn’t have elected him in the first place.
Pay raise - Heck yes, they’ll vote for a pay raise. Haven’t seen one voted down yet.
Recall - Jones apparently thinks this is the only way to stop the citizenry from getting rid of Blago. Let the impeachment begin.
- Princeville - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 2:01 pm:
Jones’ rant, but wasn’t it Jones rattling just last week or two about taking the admendent and making it “better”, something about ‘taking a bad bill and making it better’. Okay, he got put in the bit about all elected officials subject to recall blah blah and that Lt Gov must go too, but now he rants over being focused on one person and shuts it down.
- Skeeter - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 2:01 pm:
As bad a guy as Blago is (and as bad as Jones is), Jones is right on this one. Recall is a bad idea, particularly for judges.
Do you really expect fair verdicts on tough cases if a judge is going to face recall? With all due respect to Miller, has the press ever been able to cover trials fairly?
I live in Raoul’s district, and I’m glad he voted the right way on this.
Sometimes you have to do what’s right, even if the public is so wound up up in hatred for Blago that they don’t look at the real policy implications of what they are seeking.
The press coverage on this had been pretty lousy. Rather than talk about the mechanics (cost, etc.) and real policy implication (who will vote for something necessary, but unpopular if they have to face voters every six months?), the press only covers “Blago Bad.” That’s a sad reflection on the Illinois media.
- IllinoisIsLost - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 2:04 pm:
Now Rod “A” Blagojevich will have more time to raise campaign/defence contributions.
Taxpayers loose again.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 2:04 pm:
===(who will vote for something necessary, but unpopular if they have to face voters every six months?)===
It’s not covered much because it’s a red herring. Lots of states have recall and things get done.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 2:07 pm:
Also, I tend to lean against recall as a citizen, but I’m mostly an agnostic.
Remember that Illinois House members are sworn into office in January and with the February primary they’re circulating petitions in September.
- wordslinger - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 2:09 pm:
The polls said a vast majority of voters favored the recall amendment. I didn’t, but I’m not rabid about it. I think elections and impeachment can do the trick.
I am, however, a supporter of Con-Con for a number of reasons, and this defeat today could be the hammer to get it approved in the fall. Tribune Co., are you in line?
And if Jones blocks a vote to reject the pay raises, that, along with the daily doses of slime we’re being fed from the Dirksen Building, gridlock in Springfield and a sour economy could be the final kicks in the nether regions that will prompt voters to see it through.
By the way, whatever you think of Jones, the guy is not afraid to take a punch.
GOP, are you feeling better today? Pick up the ball and run!
- Enemy of the State - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 2:12 pm:
Told ya.
- Belle - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 2:13 pm:
Rich -
==It’s not covered much because it’s a red herring. Lots of states have recall and things get done.==
I do believe they have substantially less corruption as well. Of course most of the other 49 don’t take perverse pride in the crooks they do manage to elect (ST article- Sorich Bridgeport Supporters article).
- Skeeter - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 2:16 pm:
Rich,
We have all sorts of bad laws but stuff still gets done.
Just because stuff gets done doesn’t make it good policy.
We have terms for a reason. People need to go back and read James Madison’s notes from the constitutional convention. The idea of terms is to give elected leaders some breathing room to do what is right.
In Cook County, I can tell you that if we had recall for judges, it is likely that fine judges like Locallo might not be on the bench. He made a tough decision in a bench trial to set some kids free a few years ago, and the public didn’t like it. The uproar got him transferred out of crim. court and over to the Daley Center [where he’s one of the best trial judges in personal injury cases), but he remained on the bench. Had he faced a recall vote six months after that decision we might not have him around.
Things might get done with recall, but that doesn’t make it right.
Illinois needs reform. The Senate President has too much power, and the line item veto in Illinois shows why the President should not have that authority.
Still, recall is not the solution.
- Pat Collins - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 2:16 pm:
Do you really expect fair verdicts on tough cases if a judge is going to face recall
They do now, sort of. I can remember at least two campaigns against cook co. judges. One was by police on a judge they thought was too easy on a thug. I forget the other….
- Crimefighter - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 2:19 pm:
The Democrats in the Senate have now virtually guranteed there will be a constitutional convention, and this recall amendment WILL BE RAMMED down their throats.
- Crimefighter - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 2:21 pm:
Skeeter, did you not see the relevations coming out of the Rezko trial? Recall wouldn’t be a solution to get rid of a corrupt as heck governor? Were you angry that California successfully threw out Gray Davis?
- Levois - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 2:21 pm:
Seems to me while Jones might be correct on this issue it seems that he’s only trying to protect his boy. I really wish he’d cut the ole boy loose.
- PPHS - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 2:21 pm:
In states that have recall, it effects everyone all the way down to school board and HOAs. It is good policy.
- Fire Ron Guenther - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 2:23 pm:
Wow, way to show that testicular virility, AJ Wilhelmi!! The Dems just handed the IL GOP a chance to strike back in the fall. Andy McKenna, are you paying attention?
Debbie Halvorson will now have a race on her hands for Weller’s seat, with Ozinga’s cash and the recall issue.
- Pat Collins - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 2:24 pm:
Of course, I am referring to judicial retention.
- Willie Stark - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 2:24 pm:
I do not understand how this amendment could possibly have failed. The governor supported it, after all. To wit: multiple press conferences demanding the Senate pass a recall amendment, a statewide barnstorming tour to encourage the public to contact their legislators, visits with editorial boards from Rockford to Cairo, appearances on call in-shows and morning programs, his courageous apperance before the Senate Executive Committee — after all that, it comes up short 3 votes! How could President Jones betray his closest ally so badly? Will this drive Blagojevich into Speaker Madigan’s arms?
- SuperDave - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 2:25 pm:
If Jones was able to block the recall, we shouldn’t doubt his willingness or veracity to also block any hearing if the House moves forward with impeachment. As much as I generally despise what Rod has done to the State — and absent a formal court ruling acknowleding that he violated the Constitution or was guilty of malfeasance, I don’t see how the House could conduct impeachment hearings. He’s done some really stupid things and his level of competence could not be debated with any level of seriousness, but I would hate to see what a failed impeachment process would do to an already divided legislature.
- Chicago Guy - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 2:30 pm:
Cullerton, Steans, Harmon? Voting no? Wow. These are supposed to be the progressive, good government legislators. Their constituents might not be too happy on this one, especially with the endemic corruption all around–and the tax increases that are paying for it.
- Downstater - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 2:35 pm:
Skeeter - “Bad Blago” Is there any other Blago but bad. If so, give an example. I have never seen anyone as completely inept and dictorial as the present guv including the current occupant of the White House. I have seen plenty of sorry politicians in my time (I have been around over 5 decades), but no one, no one like this poor excuse for a governor.
- thurber - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 2:38 pm:
there needs to be a statewide effort to throw the bums out (dems and repubs) to get thier attention so far the voters are not holding them accountable. Hopefully, that changes in the fall.
- Little Egypt - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 2:40 pm:
Willie, Blago speaks with forked tongue. What he tells editorial boards, etc. is not the same thing he tells Emil. Jones has proven he is still Blago’s water boy. Wow, now that’s a legacy for which to be remembered.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 2:41 pm:
===Andy McKenna, are you paying attention?===
Why would he have anything to do with Wilhelmi’s race? That’s a Senate thing. This all-encompassing focus by some on the state party is more than a bit odd.
Also, Wilhelmi isn’t even up this November.
- fed up - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 2:51 pm:
Rich still feel Halvorson isnt in bed with Jones and Blago
- Rich Miller - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 2:53 pm:
I don’t get the question. Did I ever say she was or that she wasn’t?
- VanillaMan - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 3:03 pm:
No, you haven’t.
I like Debbie Halvorson personally. Rich has always been very fair to her. I feel that he and I both give benefits of a doubt - repeatedly. He definately more than me, even - but then he’s the professional.
But she really screwed up this time. Did she think she could play her typical Senate games as a Congressional candidate and not get caught?
She handed Ozinga a nice fat gift by opposing a popular bill in favor of Rod Blagojevich and Emil Jones, didn’t she?
- Anon - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 3:07 pm:
Damn I was really looking Gary Coleman moving here.
- Little Egypt - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 3:08 pm:
One of the 35 - Amen - preach it brother!
- Macbeth - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 3:09 pm:
It seems to me that we should take pride in this mess. We elected these folks, so it stands to reason that we should at least admire the way government in Illinois plays itself out.
I’ve shifted into heck-I’m-going-to-enjoy-it mode.
True, the state is — literally — crumbling. True, I shiver everytime I cross a rusty bridge or pass under an old overpass. And I’m sick of all the potholes I see everywhere and the crumbling schools.
But if the crumbbums think they deserve a raise — more power to ‘em. I voted for them. It’s my own damn fault. I’m as much an enabler as Jones is Blagojevich’s protector.
- quincy - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 3:18 pm:
iF, RECALL IS SO GREAT MAYBE WE NEED TO RECALL GEORGE W BUCSH IAM SURE THERE WOULD BE 4000 VETS FOR THAT, AT LEST THEY WOULD BE HERE WITH US TODAY.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 3:20 pm:
Please turn off your caps lock when you post here.
- Greg - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 3:27 pm:
But Quincy without the caps wouldn’t sound any better
- Southern Illinois - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 3:30 pm:
Elected by the People, for the People…Guess these words ring hollow, or they are only used to benefit a select few who pay to play. The People of Southern Illinois should be spitting mad right now, however I wonder if they will remember all this in November. Our elected officials, including Governor “Public Official A” Rod have walked away, wiping their brow thinking, “boy that was close, but we will be able to explain it all come November and say we did not vote for a pay raise”.
- Crimefighter - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 3:43 pm:
“I think recall is a giant hoax,” said Sen. Mike Jacobs (D-Moline), who voted against the amendment after calling on the Senate floor for the governor — the implicit target of the recall amendment — to resign.
—————-
Giant hoax? How so? Does he even have a clue what he’s talking about?
- fed up - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 3:47 pm:
Wow after doing all that heavy lifting for Blago I bet E. Jones and Halvoson are meeting the staff from Chicago State for some drinks and maybe a cruise all on the taxpayers dime of course. Why not a pay raise they deserve it.
- Jaded - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 3:50 pm:
Halvorson got screwed no question about it, but what I am guessing happened (having seen it happen before) is that when the fit hit the shan, Rickie looked out and saw Halvorson, and just used her name for the adjournment motion. My guess is that no malice was intended, it was just Rickie being Rickie.
I had already left the gallery when Righter started making his motions, but my guess is they wanted to adjourn quick, and Halvorson was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
- quincy - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 3:52 pm:
Sorry, Rich, I lost a darn good friend thanks to George W Bucsh, and yes Recall is bad for all of us.
- Truthful James - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 3:53 pm:
That picture of the two Govs. I had Blago tell Arnie that he was sitting on Emil’s shoulders. I should have added that Emil was facing the other way,
- Skeeter - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 3:54 pm:
Let’s keep in mind that Halvorson made the decision to be part of the Jones team. I’m a big fan of her, but if you are going to line up with these people, stuff like this is going to happen. Don’t like it? Back somebody else for Senate Pres. I sure hope it doesn’t cost her in her cong. race though.
- steve schnorf - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 4:01 pm:
I believe recall is bad public policy, and that’s why the great majority of state’s don’t allow it. I’m glad the Senate rejected it; I think they showed courage, and the comments on here help prove my belief that recall is bad public policy–we are really angry with their vote, why shouldn’t we recall them?” Well, we get our chance every two and four years.
- Cassandra - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 4:05 pm:
Alas, our Blago probably sees this as a vindication and will pursue what appear to be plans to seek a third term with increased vigor.
Line up those pay to players.
While I’m in favor of recall in general as a citizens’ tool, I’m not sure the timing was so great on this one. Maybe they should have taken a run at term limits.
- Greg - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 4:12 pm:
But plenty of states do allow it, and it would be tough to argue that their governance is inferior to that of non-recall states. Recall elections have been exceedingly rare. The history of recall usage in the many states where it exists suggests that we’d see it used far more exceptionally than opponents fear.
- Crimefighter - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 4:15 pm:
Skeeter, the Senate Democrats have made no attempt to oust Emil during the amend veto fiasco, what makes you think they’ll suddenly make an effort to oust him now?
Quincy, every person who says recall is bad recall is bad, I’m asking you the same question I ask everyone else, and a lot of people have ducked the question. Why was recall of Gray Davis such a disaster in California? That question is relevant because anyones anti-recall stance falls apart when they can’t argue against the success in California.
- Crimefighter - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 4:16 pm:
Steve Schnorf, I’m asking you the exact same question I asked Quincy.
- Pot calling kettle - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 4:17 pm:
Recall is not necessarily bad, but the Senate amended it to make it so broad I didn’t like it anymore.
I also think that legislation crafted to address an individual problem or person is usually bad legislation.
This Spring session on top of last year’s never-ending one, both rooted in personal disagreements among individuals, along with these poorly crafted amendments (recall & income tax come to mind) will be the perfect frame in which to promote a “yes” vote for con-con. The State is broken.
- Elginite - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 4:20 pm:
that knows that Noland’s No was a directive to a bought and paid for by Emil lawmaker, by Emil of course!
- Rob_N - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 4:20 pm:
Crimefighter,
I can’t speak for the Senator but I agree recall is a big hoax.
California’s recall turned into a circus. Michigan hard-line anti-taxers are now going after their state’s Speaker of the House with a recall attempt. Wonder if those who favor progressive tax investments will work to recall the next guy if he’s too much of an anti-taxer? Where does that end?
And, again, if the goal of a recall is to remove Public Official A from office, the impeachment process is much quicker and more efficient and has a 50/50 shot at the same result as a recall.
The House needs to grow some cajones and begin impeachment proceedings posthaste instead of leaning on a cop-out like this quixotic recall banter.
–
All those saying the motion to adjourn by Halvorson is somehow harmful are missing the bigger picture.
Having her do it gives all the others cover. While her Congressional race may be close, she still has to be considered the frontrunner there given both the national mood and political economics between the national parties.
And, the guy at the center of all this (the guv) received nearly $25k from Ozinga, has donated to other Dems across the state, and designed a logo that looks an awful lot like Obama’s presidential logo…
Ozinga doesn’t have much of a leg to stand on when trying to point out how he might be different than Halvorson in the Blagojevich department.
- howdy - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 4:29 pm:
It’s amazying what legislative leaders will do to protect their largess. The recall is a product of a morally bankrupt, constitutionally corrupt official that one legislative body will not stand up to. If the Senate had acted last session in a responsible way then this would never have been filed. Protect one’s turf. All of the democratic Senators deserve crticism. The entire mess makes Illinois look like a joke to the rest of the nation, and in fact we are. Serious problems require serious leaders that come up with serious solutions. No capital bill, no education reform, no funding for higher education, inadequate payments to medical providers, what we need is more programs that cost more money. A little responsibility would go a long way, and I am a democrat, or at least was 5 years ago.
- John Bambenek - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 4:35 pm:
I would like to think the Illinois Senate today for making my push for a constitutional convention a little easier. Come to Illinois Citizens Coalition to learn more.
- jwscott72 - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 4:38 pm:
I have a degree in Political Science, but I think I’m going to need one in Abnormal Psychology to make it through the rest of this session.
- cermak_rd - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 4:39 pm:
Is anyone sure a recall vote, if called, would actually rid the state of Blago? I’m not so sure that on the day of voting, the people who showed up would vote for recall in large enough numbers to remove him. He may have high unfavorability ratings, but that is not the same as those who oppose him getting out to vote, and don’t forget, if it looks like an attack by the GOP or an attack of a region against the Gov, that could well get people to turn out against recall just to oppose that group.
The reason he has high unfavorables has a lot to do with 1. perceived corruption–not sure this is going to get people out to vote against him in this state. 2. not residing in Springfield–this may motivate Central IL residents, but I can’t imagine anyone giving a hoot. 3. Lack of competence–if you are one of the majority of citizens not depending on the state for anything, then you care, why? At least he hasn’t raised taxes.
- Levois - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 4:50 pm:
I got another idea for a constitutional amendment. Voters get to decide whether or not the legislature gets a raise.
- Crimefighter - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 5:00 pm:
Rob_N - Just because someone perceived the recall in California as a “circus”, the most desirable end result was achieved. The “joke candidates” who filed to run just to get the title of “former candidate for governor” as if it would raise their status somehow, hardly were contenders to win and thus didn’t get many votes combined. The ones who were seriously wanting the job got the votes in large numbers, and of course Arnold won. People who take their votes seriously will decide who among the serious candidates will get their vote. The folks who don’t take their vote seriously or rarely vote due to apathy will have their votes split among the 100 joke candidates. Chances are slim and none a joke candidate will ever be elected governor in a recall.
And how do you know the Speaker of the House in Michigan is just an innocent victim and there’s isn’t a lot more to it that just supporting a tax increase?
Sure impeachment is more efficient, but who’s going to impeach Emil Jones to remove the obstacle that will block Blago from being impeached? The Senate Democrats demonstrated today they’ll do anything to keep Blago in power. So impeachment really isn’t going to work either.
A con-con is the ONLY solution to the problem with this badly broken, disfunctional and corrupt state government.
- anon A - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 5:18 pm:
Didn’t they get a double digit pay raise last year? This is not right - they don’t deserve a pay raise. State employees that are not in the union are not getting raises.
- Balderdash - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 5:26 pm:
Halvorson lost 4 votes in my house today.
- quincy - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 5:34 pm:
Crime fighter Why is Recall bad because evety two and for years we have Recall and just because you republicans cant come up a good canidate you cry like little babys. But when yous were running the show it was a differt story was it. you republican force more state employees to pay up or be fired I was told by your little boy jimmy edgar he was more corrupt then even ryan was what a joke he was. But thats ok because your a republican
- Herself - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 6:37 pm:
Of course Jones wants his pay raise. I think he plans to retire in a few years - needs this big bump for his pension.
- steve schnorf - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 6:41 pm:
Crimefighter, we have a mechanism for removing corrupt public officials between elections. I have no interest in Gray Davis at all. He has nothing to do with my feelings about recall.
Quincy, your statements about Edgar are one of the silliest things I’ve read on here (though you are entitled to your silly opinions).
- Bruno - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 7:10 pm:
Rob_N and Steve Schnorf have said “Recall is bad policy,” but have given precious little good argument as to why.
We are told that this is what “terms” are for, but I’d bet both would be against ‘Term Limits’ as well.
On the surface, the argument “That’s why we have elections” sounds reasonable.
In practice, it is pretty thin. Here in IL, districts are gerrymandered, the 2 dominant parties (one now, BTW) have a “non-gentlemen’s agreement” to make sure no independent-minded people get elected, and both parties work to keep out any reform-minded members.
While it wouldn’t be good policy to enact recall just to get Rod, the dynamics of the electorate change for the positive when recall is on the table.
Anything that empowers citizens and puts a check on the political class is good policy - especially in a state like Illinois - where the political class is so insulated that they can act with near impunity.
Rob_N’s arguments re: CA and MI make my point. Why is it that 10 or 15 people on a ballot is a “circus” but the state going into near bankruptcy due to bad energy policy isn’t?
What is wrong with citizens in MI going after tax eating politicians? “Hard line Pro-Taxers” are all we have to look forward to in IL absent a Sword of Damocles hanging over their head.
____
What ever your position on recall (and let’s admit that are arguments on both sides), Illinois needs much more than recall.
It needs a “Yes” vote on the ConCon, and 118 new citizens returning Illinois to citizen oversight.
BTW, I like Levois’ idea about citizens having the right to vote pay increases up or down. Levois should write his(?) own version of the Constitution. We did.
- Skirmisher - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 7:21 pm:
Well, I am of the opinion that the voters always get the government they have coming to them, so I have to agree that recall is a very bad idea. Let the irresponsible electorate live with the consequences of voting trash into public office and let them suffer their punishment until the end of the term. Maybe then they will wise up, unless of-course they are residents of Chicago. They never will get it.
- So Blue Democrat - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 7:48 pm:
Sullivan continues to support Jones. He has done nothing postive for downstate. He better wake up or he will lose in the next election. Many Democrats are watching very closely in his district.
- Truth - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 7:58 pm:
I know Rich doesn’t like us to get on people for minor misspellings, but Quincy’s last post was almost unintelligible.
A quick proofread would be a courteous gesture and the use of punctuation usually helps.
- Big Mama T - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 8:33 pm:
The whole of the Illinois legislature has run amok. What a joke. It is beginning to look like Illinois is headed for receivership and will have to be bailed out by the Fed’s.
Blago has to be removed somehow. The vindictive little twerp has half the legislature in fear of his retributions if they look at him cross-eyed.
I have never seen anything like this before, has anyone else?
- Truth - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 8:49 pm:
Yes. I recently visited the Brookfield Zoo.
- Anonymous - Thursday, May 1, 08 @ 11:14 pm:
That’s easy. Carol Ronen
- Truthful James - Friday, May 2, 08 @ 7:05 am:
I respect Steve, but he is dead wrong about Recall. As it turns out in the States which have it, it is seldom used…but it is there.
Why is it seldom used? Because the incumbents know that it is there and its existence tempers their irrationality. Its existence requires an active electorate. I submit that its absence creates passivity in the electorate because “nothing can be done.” Which is better for the polity?
- AFP - Friday, May 2, 08 @ 8:23 am:
Is Senator Halvorson serious!? The Chicago Tribune is killing her for being Emil Jones’ hack and ensuring that any serious reform minded legislation never see the light of day.
Yet she has the gall to state that she’s for transparency and accountability…
If that’s the case she should call one of the least obtrusive yet most comprehensive transparency legislation HB 4765 for a vote.
Americans for Prosperity (www.afpil.org) worked with lawmakers in the House to pass HB 4765 “The Illinois Accountability Portal” 108-0. Yet this bill which would shine the light on ALL state spending has yet to be allowed out of the Rule Committee.
Halvorson is playing with fire trying to run for Congress while remaining the Chair of the Rules Committee. Her new opponent is going to have a field day attacking her duplicitous comments!
- Beowulf - Friday, May 2, 08 @ 8:47 am:
Why didn’t Lauzen vote? Why did AJ Wilhemi play the role of Chicken Little and simply vote “present”? Is he more concerned about his career than in doing the right thing? Is Debbie Halvorson on a political suicide mission when she throws herself in front of the bus each time to protect Rod Blagojevich and Emil Jones? Is she taking “stupid pills” that Marty Ozinga and the GOP have secretly slipped into her drink? Why is she doing this to herself? It must be the water down in Springfield or else it has to be “mad cow disease” that they have all contracted along with Denny Crain (William Shatner). Strange things going on down there.
- ChiTownGuy - Friday, May 2, 08 @ 8:52 am:
Don’t see what the hub bub about Halvorson is all about. She moved the recall vote forward on the Dem bill and worked/voted for it. Jones and Blago cannot be happy with her.
The real problem here are the many Dems that voted against it especially Steans and Cullerton. Someone should be asking them to explain their votes.
- VanillaMan - Friday, May 2, 08 @ 9:06 am:
The problem is Halvorson appears two-faced, and for some very real reasons. While she voted and voiced approval of the recall bill, she did backflips to kill it.
She allowed the House version to be hijacked. She voted to allow Democrats opposed to the recall bill sponsor it when everyone knew they intended to kill it. And instead of doing what is normally done in these situations, she went along with the hijacking. This allowed the hijackers to prevent the bill from being voted on in committee. She actually has the nerve to say she favored it! Her actions clearly showed otherwise.
Then she made the motion to adjourn to prevent it from being voted on again.
So twice, Halvorson claims she favors a popular bill but ensures it’s death - twice.
That is being two-faced and voters will understand her political games easily. She handed Ozinga real amunition to use against her this Fall.
And now her response. She doesn’t address what we are angry about. Instead she tries to claim virginity again. Nope. We see where she stands - with Jones and Blagojevich. They made her. She owes them, and she is paying them back. The blogger that claims she has enough room in the polls to commit political suicide and side against her voters on this popular issue don’t know Ozinga. He cannot be portraited as a run-of-the-mill greed meister. And now she did this for him.
- Uptown Ga. - Tuesday, May 6, 08 @ 9:37 pm:
Let’s view the play put into action by Chicago’s North Shore Independents. Jan Schakowsky has already stated that she wants Obama’s seat. Blago appoints Obama’s replacement should he move up to President so Jan and Company line up behind Blago.
Blago’s new staffer is former State Senator Carol Ronen, who supported Heather Steans to replace her. John Cullerton, just South also buys into the deal. Thus, the Steans & Cullerton votes opposing the recall so that Blago stays in and Schakowsky gets her shot.
And what about poor little me? I’m just the poor little constituent with craters on Lake Shore Drive and Wilson and Lawrence avenue bridges falling down in Uptown. I guess my needs to influence the Governorship got tossed under the bus so that my legislators can promote their own careers.
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