Madigan sends Rauner message on anti-union right-to-work proposal

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Chicago Tribune

By Kim Geiger and Jessie Hellmann

Conditions on the Illinois House floor turned theatrical Thursday as lawmakers screamed, cried and even broke out in song during heated debate of a key item on Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner’s pro-business, anti-union agenda.

The emotional display set the stage for a symbolic vote rejecting Rauner’s push to allow local communities to decide if they want workers to be unionized or not.

The idea builds on a national, Republican-led movement to chip away at union power. Rauner’s less aggressive, localized version reflects the political hurdles the movement faces in union-friendly Illinois, where organized labor spreads campaign cash to both Democrats and Republicans.

The new governor has staked much of his first-year agenda on the right-to-work push, pitching the idea to local governments across the state and asking them to pressure lawmakers in Springfield to back the idea.

FULL story at link. Related: Madigan calls vote on Rauner's right-to-work bill: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-madigan-rauner-right-to-work-bill-20150507-story.html

Read more: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-madigan-sends-rauner-message-on-antiunion-righttowork-proposal-20150514-story.html

[JeffHead]

1. Rauner better learn quickly....

That his right wing pipe dream of turning Illinois into a right to work for less state is not going to happen. The fact that his anti union bull shit did not get 1 yes vote in the veto proof house should send the message that you don't fuck with labor in this state.

[LuvLoogie]

2. Madigan is all about Madigan

That encrusted power miser needs to retire.

[Person 2713]

3. Madigan is a powerhouse needed to fight Rauner right now . I hope he DOESN'T retire soon

Dems need all the strength they can to fight Rauner 's evil plan for IL

[murielm99]

4. Madigan is a political mastermind.

He has power and he knows how to use it.

Rauner has been traveling all over the state to pimp his plan to undermine working people and unions. He wants regional and local zones to declare themselves right to work, if the state won't pass it. He is losing big-time.

People here hate Rauner. Remember, he did not win his election, or rather purchase it, by a big majority.

Rauner has cut so many programs already, in his quest to run the state like a business, that he is making many enemies. It should be noted that his cuts are to the poorest and most vulnerable in this state. He has even stopped funerals for homeless and indigent veterans. This needs more publicity. Even the repubbies will balk at this.

Madigan called the vote sooner than Rauner wanted. Rauner asked him to wait until he could tour the state some more and tell more lies to working people. The vote was on a measure "similar" to Rauner's, not Rauner's exact version. And all the repubbies voted "present," not yes. They said the whole exercise was theater, and that was their way of protesting.

Rauner has already tried to take a half-hearted jab at Lisa Madigan. She is one of the best attorney's general in the country. Be careful, Brucie. Blagojevich went after Madigan's family. Look where he is.

If Madigan retires, who will fill that power vacuum? A republican? Is that what you want? It could happen, given the way Ruiner was able to buy the governor's office.

Madigan is much smarter than Rove. Madigan is everything Rove thinks he is. Rove stopped being effective when his name became a household word. Most people in this country don't know who Madigan is. He works behind the scenes. That is one of the things that keeps him powerful and effective.

I don't always like what Madigan does. But this latest vote shows why we need master politicians like Madigan.