Health & Fitness

2014: Which GOP gov candidate do Democrats fear most?

RAUNERPHOBIA Multimillionaire Republican governor candidate Bruce Rauner has an extremely close relationship with Rahm Emanuel, moderate stances on social issues and a virtually endless personal fortune he can pour into his campaign. Capitol Fax publisher Rich Miller today explains why that makes Rauner the most feared Republican among Illinois Democratic Party leaders. If he wins the primary, he could have lots of crossover appeal with Democratic voters dissatisfied with Pat Quinn. "In other words, if Rauner wins the primary, he could be a nightmare for the Democratic Party," writes Miller. Of course, the very things that might make Rauner appealing to Democrats could hurt him with GOP primary voters. This race just gets better every day. Read Miller's column here.

THE BIG REFORM Political writer Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business sums up the current, politically-charged system for drawing legislative maps in Illinois: "I mean, only your precinct captain brother-in-law really likes the way gerrymandered districts turn out now." Hinz makes that statement in a blog post explaining that all four Republican candidates for governor now have embraced an effort to get party leaders out of the map-drawing process. This is great news for supporters of the Yes for Independent Maps effort, I explain in a blog post today. Read why you should get involved in ending what has become an incumbent protection protection in Illinois. (Find a link to Hinz's column in today's news summary below.)

SEND A MESSAGE There's a groundswell of support building for getting politicians out of the map-drawing business. We want you to be part of it. Send a message to Springfield that it's time voters -- not incumbent security -- came first when legislative districts are created. Use our Sound Off tool to send a message to your representatives in Springfield, Gov. Quinn and the four legislative leaders. Write your own or use the message already there. Click here and see how easy it is to be heard.

Find out what's happening in Barringtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • YES FOR INDEPENDENT MAPS It'll take all hands on deck to wrest the power to tailor comfortable legislative districts away from the state's party leaders. Specifically, it'll take at least 300,000 signatures from registered Illinois voters. We need you to be part of the process to make it happen. This is an effort that spans the political spectrum and will strike a major blow for better government in Illinois. Click here to find out how you can help.

FLIGHT SCHOOL  America's school kids for decades have lagged behind their international peers. Now, there's a new twist: Adults don't do any better. Chicago Tribune cartoonist Scott Stantis is not amused. His cartoon arrived with this note: "If you need any further proof that our public school system is failing us look no further than these recent test scores." His cartoon reaction gives new meaning to the term "flight school." See the whole thing here.

UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES Usually government consolidation is a way to make government more efficient for taxpayers. But in a couple of suburban examples, it only made it more efficient for those in charge to get their hands on taxpayer dollars. Better Government Association President Andy Shaw tells how Lyons Township and the Tri-State Fire Protection District gave consolidation a bad name. Click here!

Find out what's happening in Barringtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 

SCANNING THE STATE Here's what's making news in Illinois today:

  • 5. Illinois GOP gubernatorial candidates are looking for diversity with their selections of running mates. (Chicago Tribune)
    4. Opinion: Illinois will score a big win if it can keep Archer Daniels Midland headquartered in the state. (The Clinton Herald)
    3. It appears the General Assembly's pension panel is facing a partisan split on a proposed fix. (State Journal-Register)
    2. Opinion: The first step to fixing Chicago is to fix the schools. (Chicago Tribune)
    1. Illinois Republicans have stumbled on an issue they can use next year: redrawing legislative district maps. (Crain’s Chicago Business)

This post is contributed by a community member. The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Patch Media Corporation. Everyone is welcome to submit a post to Patch. If you'd like to post a blog, go here to get started.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here