Diplomatic statesmanship in action
From the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A state senator lashed out at Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Friday, alleging that his fellow Democrat threatened to withhold funding from his local university and to destroy his political career if he did not support a heath care measure.What a flair for the dramatic.
"He blew up like a 10-year-old child. If he had been my son I might have put him on my knee and spanked him,'' Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline, told reporters on the Senate floor Friday, after a private meeting with Blagojevich.
"I was intimidated. I was a little scared,'' Jacobs said. "There's security everywhere in there. I've got the governor doubling his fists, acting like he wants to punch me.''
In an e-mailed response, Blagojevich spokeswoman Rebecca Rausch said, "Of course we deny his description of events." She said Jacobs wanted a $75 million project in his district before voting for the health care plan, but Blagojevich wouldn't agree.
The scuffle came at the end of a contentious legislative session that on Thursday was supposed to have adjourned for the summer. That adjournment never happened because Democratic leaders couldn't agree on competing budget priorities.
And who's lying?
posted by The Inside Dope @ 6/02/2007
52 comments
52 Comments:
I vote for Mike - not just for truth-telling, but let's hope he runs for Governor too! Hairdo is a bully to everyone. He picked the wrong dogs to fight....first with all the legislators when he was first elected ("drunken sailors"), then with his father-in-law, then with House Speaker Michael Madigan! And now with Mike Jacobs and WIU. This sorry bundle of testicular virility has to go! Come on Patrick Fitzgerald! Indict!
Another disappointing page in the book of a spoiled brat appointed, then elected to office because of his daddy.
I feel the Governor will hold a grudge and the only people who will suffer are those that are represented by Rosa. Remember that public outburt. How about let them eat carp, high speed rail, size 12 shoe.
When is Big Mouth Mike Jacobs going to get it?
Maybe Paul Rumler will run again and with some funding, get rid of this Senate clown named Jacobs.
Wasn't it on this site (or maybe qconline.com) that Jacobs publicly stated that he would vote for Blagojevich's tax plan in exchange for Blagojevich voting for the Western campus funding?
Yep.
Sounds like Jacobs knows he can't deliver on WIU and is making a grandstand play to pre-emptively put the blame on Blago and try to portray himself as some sort of hero for failing to get funding for WIU.
Nice trick.
Here is one of the articles. http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2005/02/26/local/export87925.txt
Sounds like Jacobs is doing his job and fighting to benefit the area. Something that too few local politicians have done in the past (can anyone say 'Evans')?
It was right here that you same people were vigorously defending the fact that Jacobs had announced that he'd trade his vote on health care for WIU funding. Now all of a sudden you're glad that he's leaving WIU high and dry by not doing what he said he would do?
You're now praising a guy for NOT getting WIU funding? How does that work?
I never praised the guy.
I think he is worthless.
"Jacobs said he MIGHT BE WILLING TO CONSIDER "revenue enhancements" if the governor fully funded the expansion of Western Illinois University's Quad-City campus, which he put at $14.5 million."
- qc times
26 02 2005
The Dope's mischaracterization of the good senator's words demonstrate biase. "Might be willing to consider "revenue ehancements" is a far cry from "trading a vote on health care for WIU funding." Jesh!
Dope, to answer your question "... And who's lying..?",
I beleive Gov. Rod Blagojevich is lying.
Yesterday on WGN Radio, Rick Pearson reported on this rhubarb. He stated from a credibility standpoint Jacobs would win hands down. In this situation I beleive first Jacobs, second my own history, dealings and research of this Governor, and third, Mr. Pearson- someone known in political reporting circles as a fairly decent and objective reporter. In an austere budget, which I beleive now will happen due to the passing of the midnight deadline, WIU would not be funded. If the Govs' pet program, his GRT, would have been passed by the Democraticaly controlled House, Senate and Executive, then maybe, just maybe the $75 million for WIU would have been included in that type of budget- but even then, based on this Gov's history, I would not have bet on it. Mike Jacobs is often times his own worst enemy, and he knows it. However, he sticks up for himself, his district and what he beleives in, and I beleive those are more times then not, admirable traits. Gov. Blagojevich is now going to attempt to run someone against him? No thank you. I already have a Chicagoan telling me who my State Rep has to be; I do not want another Chicagoan telling me who my State Senator should be. My best to Mike Jacobs and his family. Keep up the good fight, and remember, it aint personal, its business.
Anon 1:53
You can scramble the spin troops all you want, but that is NOT a "far cry" at all.
What's the difference?
What sort of phoney would argue that "might be willing to consider" trading a vote is any different than saying you would trade a vote?
Jacobs clearly was indicating his willingness to trade his vote for funding for WIU. Why pretend otherwise?
What's wrong with you?
Anon 5:48
Kudos to you for doing yeomans work trying to once again dig the good Senator out of the pile of dung he's dove into again.
A pretty masterful job you did, at least of laying out some observations and then drawing simplistic conclusions that the observations didn't support at all.
It can be argued whether or not Jacobs is so devoted to his district, or just devoted to his own preservation. But beyond that, one has to observe these jams he gets into and wonder just how much he's drinking.
I'm certain that he's determined to bring in funding for WIU, but you seem to suggest it's a lost cause due to political and budget complexities, if I read you right.
So is that why Jacobs is bombing all his bridges in such a rash and almost bizarre way?
And I can't help but wonder, just what sort of "Democrat" is Jacobs anyway?
Here we have a supposedly Democratic state senator who's so opposed to providing state funded health care to poor, underpriveleged children and families that he's...... going to scuttle opportunities for thousands of teens and 20 somethings who can't afford private schools to get a quality college education here in the Quad Cities?
That's a Democrat? So opposed to providing decent health care, health care that is priced far beyond the reach of many, to needy kids, that he'd blow up any chance of funding a quality 4 year state university right here in the QCs?
What about all the talk of the great benefits of such a school? What about all the jobs Jacobs has promised it would bring? What about the millions in added revenue it would generate, as touted often by the planners and boosters?
All thrown down the tubes because of a silly feud with Blago? All tossed in the garbage because he can't stand the thought of decent quality health care for the underpriveledged?
What in the wide, wide world of sports is going on here?
I believe that Jacobs went in planning to trade his GRT vote for WIU funding.
My guess is that Blago would not provide some kind of written assurance (which Blago has had to do because he is such a weasel), they got into an argument and Mike ran to the press to try and preemptively explain WIU not getting any funding.
This is pretty much speculation, but the facts that are known provide a pretty sold framework.
To buy a new car when you can't pay your house payment is stupid.
Jacobs saw this and didn't want to mortgage the states future for Blago's insane thought that he can be President.
B lago is forgoing the state for his own selfish presidential notion.
Dope are you for SB5 or not?
This is the real issue and of course you want to cloud the issue.
An answer would be appreciated.
All thrown down the tubes because of a silly feud with Blago?
No, this feud will pass and WIU will open but Gov Blagojevich wants to provide universal health care with a 1.8 Billion dollar tax increase with a risky move. Jacobs voting agaisnt that is not a bad vote especially in the financial shape the state of Illinois is in.
"Bill" at 9:49
All this going on and, for you, it all boils down to what I think about a bill???!
(what the hell is SB5 anyway?)
How does my opinion on this bill have any bearing on this story? I'm not an elected official nor would I ever want to be one.
Anon 10:21
I seem to recall that he was plenty willing to spend a few million to subsidize a fish processor. The dire straights of the budget didn't seem to figure into that scheme.
But I do understand that Blago's health care measure makes a few million bucks pale in comparison.
And obviously, the problem with it lies in how in the world the state could pay for it. Blago says he has a way, though it seems pretty much "faith based" to me.
But the fact that the matter is out there and proposed is a very good step, and one which took a bit of courage for the Governor to go after.
In politics, after you strip everything away, it boils down to who gets what.
The question here is whether it's more important to legislators to provide Illinois residents with affordable health care, or whether they'd rather cling to their thousands of pork projects.
Clearly in a contest between those two, health care for the less fortunate will lose. After all, they don't contribute to campaigns.
Dope, SB5 has everything to do with it. You must be insane to think that bankrupting the State isn't an issue.
You run a political blog. What the Hell are you saying?
"You don't buy a new Cadillac when you can't pay your rent."
- IL Sen. Mike Jacobs
Spike O'Dell show
(this morning)
Can I start a Mike Jacobs for Governor campaign. It would be the best for everyone. Mikey would inflate his ego (even more), Rumler would be our new Senator, and after Jacobs loses, he would go back to making real money as a work from home "liason".
It is a little embarrassing to be represented by someone that would make comments like Jacobs did. I expect more professional behavior from someone serving in public office. My memory isn’t what is use to be. What was the name of the younger man who ran against Jacobs in the Dem primary? I can speak for myself when I say that this old dog is ready for some new tricks! I hope the future brings us something better.
I run a blog that deals with politics. What I'm saying is that I'm not a damned politician and it's not my job (for one thing, I don't get a dime to do this) to analyse and debate every piece of legislation that comes down the pike. If you want to enlighten us, feel free.
Paul Rumler is an employee of a republican organization that is hard core consrvative. His republican leaning views make his Political days in this area over. I would consider Pat Verschoore to be the logical choice to take the Senator seat and fill Verschoore's seat with Mike Darrow.
You think Verschoore would run against Jacobs? hahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Collective Bargaining, Legislative arm-twisting and fights with your wife: Things during which unpleasantness occurs and about which a smart operator never breathes a word. Same two teams play next week.
Pithy and well said as usual UMR. (UMR has his own blog which is highly reocmmended. See link in sidebar.)
No Anon 6/05/2007 1:01 PM, Jacobs for Governor, Verschoore for Senate.
If Jacobs even gets near the governorship, I predict the population of the Iowa Quad Cities will experience a huge increase.
The fact anyone is even thinking of our own local George W. Bush running for governor is scary.
Jacobs for the next leading actor role in the movie WaterBoy II.
I think there is something wrong with his medulla oblongata.
Jacobs is getting great press throughout the state.
"WLS, 890 AM - Chicago's Talk Station" Threatened by Gov. Blagojevich? Sen. Mike Jacobs joins Don Wade & Roma ... What really happened? On June 4th, Don Wade & Roma were joined by Sen. Jacobs. ...
Only a hand full of QC people is on board with Blago's bankruptcy plan.
I agree if Jacobs even gets near the governorship, I predict the population of the Iowa Quad Cities will experience a huge increase due to the overpopulation on the Illinois side.
Only short sided bloggers would not want their own Governor.
Thanks senator. Good to see you're keeping up on your press, but sad to see that you think that just because you make a boob of yourself and people want to exploit it, you confuse it with your actually being popular or effective.
Sad.
No one should want their "own" governor. The governor should represent everyone in the state.
You and Blago should kiss and make up. After all, you have a LOT in common.
You're both empty suits for the most part who labor under the delusion that they're the "next big thing".
You have about as much chance of becoming governor as Blago has of achieving his laughable ambition of becoming president.
You two should get together and play pretend. I bet you'd both love it.
Oh Mikey.........receiving press from making a fool out of yourself only has positive ramifications if your Steve-O from Jackass or a rock star.
the only one who can beat mike and not be tagged with blago endorsement is boland
It is nice to see that our Senator is fighting for our area.
Jacobs had three choices after the Senator was threatened by the Gov.
1. Fold under the pressure and vote to bankrupt the State with an unfunded plan to get a promise for funding for WIU from a Gov that gave a rubber check to the Silvis schools that Jacobs is fighting for.
2. Not fold under the pressure and go back to his desk and pretend like it never happened and let the Gov. take retribution against WIU and Jacobs lying down as to not make waves.
3. Go on the defensive and fight for WIU without bankrupting the State with the Gov. unfunded plan.
I agree that the Senator did the right thing and is fighting for the area and by letting the world know about the blackmail plan puts pressure right back on Blago's shoulders.
Thanks for fighting for us Senator!!
Smoke, mirrors, and misdirection are your game.
Bottom line is you can't get the job done son!
You are making splashing headlines to save your behind.
Wish we had the West Pointer, Mr. Beals, representing us in the State Senate.
Mr. Beal’s is to busy fighting his legal problems which interestingly come from (not metaphorically) rolling around on East Moline taverns floor.
Beals versus Jacobs in an East Moline tavern. This is a match-up for pay-per-view.
Jacobs can even bring the gloves Sieben gave him.
Although Beals pointed out that Sieben was his political coach.
Smart money is on Beals. I heard he can be a real mean m.f.
Beals actually fought on an East Moline tavern floor. Jacobs mearly used the tavern as a metaphore.
Beasl has tavern floor experience over Jacobs, however, Beals has experience being beaten up on the East Moline tavern floor.
My nod to Jacobs.
That is not true, Jacobs has tavern experience.
You can find him drunk somewhere pretty much any given night of the week.
Beals by first round KO.
What a low person anon 6/11/2007 8:22 PM is to say this about our Senator. Beals is the one that was in the bar fight. He is the one sueing everyone. This sounds like the green eyed monster to me.
Jacobs was an allstate defensive highschool football player and state highschool qualifying wrestler and a noseguard at University of Iowa.
Tale of the tape:
Beals 5'8" 165
Jacobs 6'3" 240
Beals could not handle bar fighting a regular guy, how could he hold up to a real athlete like Mike Jacobs.
Jacobs without a sweat.
You seem to be intimately familiar with the senator. Do you know his hat size? Surely it can't be the senator himself that would write a comment bragging himself up.
And surely it couldn't be James Beals himself, bringing up James Beals in this thread. After all, the rest of the voting public forgot about James Beals the second he quit his pseudo "campaign" last year.
Dope, I was Senator Jacobs' wrestlerette in high school, when we refered to him as Big Mike Jacobs. If you knew the power Mike Jacobs showed on the fields of combat, you people, including the Governor, would not be tangling with him. I do not know his hat size, but I do know he would whip all of the above. I saw him in action, and obviously you did not.
Goooooooooooo Big Mike! Get the P-I-N!!!!!
Huck,
Good observation... and true.
Anon 9:28
Glad to see you got all sticky about "Big Mike" back in the day.
I'm not too impressed with how someone wrestles, and frankly, I fail to see how that has any bearing on what sort of politician he is.
I'm also not in the habit of watching sweaty teenage boys in tights grope each other, it's fine sport, but not my cup of tea. Sorry I missed it.
Thanks anyway.
Once a cheerleader, always a cheerleader, eh? Maybe it's time to move on.
Who is an all-state high school defensive player then tries to play nose guard as a freshman in college. No wonder the waterboy got axed then finished up his degree at another college.
Finn, why don't you go BEAT navy. Yuck...Yuck...Yuck
The only thing big on Jacobs is his head and that's why he does not have a hat size.
How many actual Big Ten games did "big" Mikie Jacobs actually play in there at the University of Iowa?
I heard he couldn't handle Hayden Fry's discipline and never actually saw any meaningful time in a meaningful game?
If that's true, Blago just needs to bring Fry our of retirement to handle Senator Junior!
This is some of the most petty stuff I have ever read on a blog. Oh my. No wonder I haven't been here for a while - I forgot how "sophmoric" some commenters are!
My curiosity has been piqued though. A co-worker informed me that a wrestlerette is a female wrestler, not a cheerleader. I'll have to investigate this one!
You are doing a terrible job here!
Thanks for the encouragement. Kiss my ass and keep coming back.
Thanks for the helpful encouragement.
Frankly, you're the one doing a terrible job. You have nothing whatsoever to offer anyone about anything, so this is what you write.
Why am I angry? Gee, I don't know. Maybe having to put up with a gang of shit for brains for two years. Maybe the fact that I can do next to nothing here for weeks and still get daily criticism from the same gang of creeps and ninnys.
That's for starters.
As to my being neglectful, neglectful of what?
Do I have some obligation here? Some sort of "duty" to provide you with things to criticize and bash me about?
I don't think so.
And I'm not neglecting blogging, just not doing it here. There's far greener pastures out there. I was beginning to lose hope.
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