Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: Credit Unions – A Smarter Choice!
Next Post: “Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please”
Posted in:
* Subscribers have a copy of this mailer, plus another harsh one from the Stratton campaign…
The Democratic lawmaker who broke with Michael Madigan, depriving the House speaker of his supermajority and ability to override gubernatorial vetoes, is the target of a new campaign flyer out today in his district, and there’s only one word for it: “brutal.”
The flyer, prepared and paid for by Ald. Brendan Reilly’s 42nd Ward Democratic Organization, features what apparently is an old police mug shot of Rep. Ken Dunkin. It talks about jail sentences, being a “deadbeat dad” and more. And it prominently notes that Dunkin, who faces a difficult primary race against the union-backed Juliana Stratton, is getting tons of financial help from allies of Gob Bruce Rauner.
“Why are groups tied to Governor Rauner and the Republican Tea Party spending $750,000 to re-elect ‘Democrat’ Ken Dunkin?” the flyer asks on one side, picturing Dunkin with a “thumbs up,” hiding behind a pile of cash.
The flyer then answers its own question: “To help Ken Dunkin hide from his very disturbing record.”
On the back side, next to the mug shot, it says the representative’s “legislative record is disturbing but his criminal record is even worse,” with Dunkin allegedly having “twice violated orders of protection and served jail time.” He failed to pay child support and voting against a bill to make it easier to collect interest on delinquent child support, the flyer says.
From the Twitters…
Democrats launch brutal attack on Ken Dunkin, lawmaker who defied Mike Madigan: https://t.co/S3meTVPJIX pic.twitter.com/vnZL9iOnYz
— Zoe Galland (@zoegalland) February 12, 2016
* Also, this…
In [a radio ad] that debuted Wednesday, Rep. Ken Dunkin was criticized for allegedly colluding with Gov. Bruce Rauner and Mayor Rahm Emanuel and acting against the interests of his constituents.
“Ken Dunkin has sold you down the river to Gov. Bruce Rauner and his boys,” the ad by Citizens Against Corruption chairman William J. Kelly says.
The ad is here.
Here we go, campers…
*** UPDATE 1 *** Could a walk-back possibly be in the works? I’m told by IllinoisGO, which has spent a ton of money supporting Rep. Dunkin, that they’ve seen the pieces and are looking to establish the facts.
*** UPDATE 2 *** The Sun-Times has Dunkin opponent Juliana Stratton’s response…
“He [Ald. Brendan Reilly] did not consult with me before those were sent out,” Stratton said.
But Stratton added: “The information is relevant. It’s relevant to the voters of the 5th District who have a right to know all of the information to help them make an informed decision in this race about who should represent them in Springfield.”
Stratton said she’s heard “rumblings in the community” about the allegations in the fliers, but “I didn’t know any of the details.”
Asked if it’s fair to bring up alleged incidents that, in some cases, occurred two decades ago, Stratton said she’s “an advocate for a second chance,” but also believes that candidates and those holding public office should be held to “a higher standard.”
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 11:51 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: Credit Unions – A Smarter Choice!
Next Post: “Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please”
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
The “Democratic Raunerite” Ken Dunkin is now facing what Democrats need to do when a stranger is in your house; you need to make certain you clarify Dunkin winning is not in the best interest of his district, or his Party, the Democratic Party.
“What are you prepared to do?”
Ald. Reilly is doing exactly what needs to be done when a stranger wabts to infect your party with Raunerite ideals.
Labor, Social Services and Advicates…
It’s Dunkin and McCann. That’s your ball game now. Reilly is handling one prong for you on the Dunkin side.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 11:56 am
That thumbs up photo is hilarious!
Comment by Colin O'Scopey Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 11:58 am
And William J. Kelly pipes in. This anti-Dunkin coalition might be the oddest collection of political strange bed fellows in Chicago history.
Couldn’t happen to a more deserving target too. LOVE the mug shot!
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 11:59 am
Is this what Obama meant that we need to improve our political discourse. MM is the worst
Comment by Sue Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:02 pm
===Is this what Obama meant that we need to improve===
No, it’s what he meant when he told Dunkin to “sit down.”
lol
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:03 pm
“Gob” Bruce Rauner. Was it actually spelled that way in the mailer?
Gob — that’s interesting. Apt … and interesting.
Comment by Macbeth Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:04 pm
“… lawmaker who defied Madigan.” Unmistakable praise.
Comment by Georg Sande Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:07 pm
Re: Dunkin. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.
Comment by Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:09 pm
The mailer is just an interesting lesson in politics. Dunkin had protection and friends, but in about a month, all of that is going to be gone.
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:10 pm
===Is this what Obama meant that we need to improve===
No, it’s what he meant when he told Dunkin to “sit down.”–
That’s about, right.
Sue, I’m sure your admiration and concern for Rep. Dunkin is sincere, if only recently discovered.
But don’t worry. He’s the incumbent, and no one is going to outspend his new pals.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:10 pm
I wonder what the Democrats have said about Dunkin in years past? My guess is that when he was “One of the Boys”, it was all “Praise be upon him” time. Was his past known then?
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:11 pm
The mug shot is a mistake. It’s pandering to the wort part of electoral behaviour that President Obama decried in his speech. It will outrage people, but some for the reason you might expect, some for a different reason altogether.
The other side, with the pile of cash and the thumb’s up picture, is pretty well on the mark. Bipartisan work is one thing; selling your seat to the opposition to fund your campaign - and there are few other ways to see this - is entirely another. When I see that picture, I think of a certain politician from the TV series The Wire, and hear his trademark word (not repatable here…)
Comment by Mr. Smith Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:12 pm
” - Anonymous - ” (Seriously, pick names, please)
Dunkin is the President, avd twice winner of the Century Club Award.
That speaks volumes as to the institutional knowledge members already had about the newly minted Democratic Raunerite Ken Dunkin.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:14 pm
Disgusting.
Reilly should be ashamed of himself, and Stratton should’ve shut it down.
Dunkin has plenty of aboveboard and recent material to attack.
Comment by crazybleedingheart Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:14 pm
Mr. Smith, I’m told this was poll tested.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:14 pm
What’s the likelihood of Dunkin going independent if he loses the primary? I see independents have till 6-27-16 to get ballot access for the general. Is there a petition requirement? We know he’ll have plenty of money…
Comment by There is power in a union... Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:15 pm
=== twice winner of the Century Club Award.===
Thrice.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:15 pm
===What’s the likelihood of Dunkin going independent if he loses the primary?===
Check the Election Law here in Illinois.
===Thrice===
My bad, thrice. Apologies.
One more, Dunkin gets a set of steak knives.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:18 pm
The surest way to get a comment deleted here here is to criticize that phony full of baloney Brendan Reilly, but Reilly will certainly have it coming to him when he gets asked questions like why with Dunkin’s “troubled” history its ok to have him chairing important committees in the House.
This also looks really bad in the eyes of Democrats who champion the rights of reformed ex-offenders like Dunkin.
Comment by Don Draper Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:18 pm
=== Dunkin going independent if he loses===
Please use teh Google. Illinois has a sore loser law. He can’t run in the general if he loses the primary.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:18 pm
Haha this will be a case study into why Dems don’t vote against Madigan. “Don’t get Dunkin’d”
Comment by NixonHead Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:19 pm
Draper, c’mon. How much thought will people put into this? You know better. You may not like the brutality, but this stuff generally works, unless it’s false.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:20 pm
- Don Draper -
Is all that self-righteous going to be helpful to Social Service groups Dunkin refused to vote to help, or the people Dunkin left out in the cold?
Is all that self-righteous going to ease Labor concerns that Dunkin, as a Democratic Raunerite, will push to decimate Collective Bargaining or Prevailing Wage, when Rauner demands it?
Dunkin is a Raunerite. Democrats need to be clear that Raunerites infesting the Democratic GA Caucuses are unacceptable in Democratic Party politics.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:22 pm
the mug shot is not a mistake, neither is the radio ad. Ken Dunkin burnt too many bridges during his tenure in Springfield. And now his only bridge is with Rauner.
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:22 pm
“Please use teh Google. Illinois has a sore loser law. He can’t run in the general if he loses the primary.”
I did use “teh” Google. Didn’t see any mention of it. Many apologies for wasting your time and I thank you for your patience.
Comment by There is power in a union... Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:23 pm
Is there MJM $ in any of these ads?
To “Mr. Smith” you probably know Dunkin’s district better than I but your statement “It will outrage people, but some for the reason you might expect, some for a different reason altogether”, is a bit troubling to me, not that you care. If I lived in the district that statement would certainly be offensive, why? Because it implies a majority of the voters are deadbeat dads and “order of protection” violators. Or am I missing something about your comment?
Comment by nadia Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:23 pm
Don Draper, Dunkin is chair of the House Appropriations Higher Education committee…and just look at what he has done with funding for higher education. It is awful, he’s bungled it LOL
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:25 pm
They tried this stuff with Harold Washington too. There is no mention of it on the library or college named after him in the Loop.
Comment by Don Draper Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:28 pm
360, Madigan, Reilly’s former boss, put him there.
Comment by Don Draper Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:29 pm
- Don Draper -
Raunerite Ken Dunkin is not Harold Washington.
Period.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:29 pm
what goes around comes around.
Comment by Facts are Stubborn Things Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:30 pm
Oswego, maybe he isn’t but Reilly sure is looking a lot like a 1984 version of Fast Eddie Vrydolyak.
Comment by Don Draper Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:32 pm
“They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind.”
Hosea 8:7
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:32 pm
Don’t think Ken can buff out the mark this one’s going to leave.
Comment by How Ironic Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:33 pm
Don Draper, Madigan was just giving someone with a criminal record, Ken Dunkin, a second chance.
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:34 pm
Ken Dunkin hits women. A true fact.
Comment by Albany Park Patriot Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:35 pm
Ed Vrdolyak attacked Harold Washington for colluding with a Republican to infest the Democratic Party, weaken Democratic ideals, and was funded by a Republican governor’s hatchet group.
Wow, that’s news to me.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:36 pm
He’s Harold Washington now?
OK. Stick with that one.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:36 pm
Maze - can you explain the rationale for why you chose a white TV chacater’s name for your comments?
Comment by AlabamaShake Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:37 pm
They say revenge is best served cold… wonder who has been keeping this stuff on ice for 20 years?
Comment by Pawn Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:37 pm
Julianna Stratton better be pretty darn sure she doesn’t have anyone associated with her campaign with a criminal record (other than the 13th Ward guys I mean).
Comment by Don Draper Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:38 pm
He needs to get that resume together for his interview at Nieman Marcus
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:40 pm
Dunkin is either Harold Washnigton or Bobby Rush. I can’t make up my mind.
Comment by Don Draper Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:40 pm
- Don Draper -
Raunerite Ken Dunkin’s name is in the ballot.
That’s the candidate with the mugshot.
Trying to equate a “13th Ward guy” to the actual candidate is desperate at best, and a defeated attitude as to knowing this stings and hurts at worst.
Anything else…
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:41 pm
Quite flattering! /s What goes around, comes around…
Comment by State Worker THX 1138 Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:44 pm
Raunerite Ken Dunkinis now Bobby Rush?
Bobby Rush taking a Republican’s money to destroy the Democratic Party?
That’s fun
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:44 pm
==Ken Dunkin hits women. ==
Interesting use of present tense. Is it justified?
Call him a $ellout. Call him worse. I hope Dunkin goes down in flames.
But running people’s past against them like this, in support of a candidate I had previously thought understood rehabilitation, is beyond disappointing.
Comment by crazybleedingheart Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:46 pm
Could be Cliff Kelley too I suppose. All guys who overcame their criminal history to contribute to their community.
Comment by Don Draper Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:46 pm
Absolutely brutal mailer, as is the spirit of Kelly’s ad, which is so poorly produced it doesn’t end up being very effective in my mind.
And the personal attacks against Dunkin? Fair game. He battered women and he was a deadbeat dad. No one made him do those things. No one made him lie about supporting the full restoration of childcare services either. Yet, he did.
Comment by Precinct Captain Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:46 pm
Voters should have all the facts before going to the booth. How about this, now Liberty Principles has given $750,000 to a known criminal. How do you think that will play in the McCann race? “Bryce Benton accepted donations from an organization that is politically supporting someone who hit a woman”.
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:53 pm
How can Cliff Kelly be seen as a Raunerite in all this?
That’s the prism… Raunerite Ken Dunkin is not Cliff Kelly in the politics of a Raunerite.
Not the same.
Anyone else…
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:54 pm
Maybe some journalist could ask these people:
1) if there are any other currently elected politicians (Dem or Republican) whom they know to have skipped child support (I once worked for an agency that helped women recover from such deadbeats), or violated an order of protection?
2) Do they screen their employees for these things?
I have no problem with the ads, but these are serious issues. If Mike Madigan in the past did what he could to keep such a monster in a position of power because he was still useful to him, doesn’t he deserve some contempt too?
Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:57 pm
Photo illustration for the saying:”Politics ain’t beanbag.”
Comment by Tommydanger Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 12:58 pm
===How do you think that will play in the McCann race? “Bryce Benton accepted donations from an organization that is politically supporting someone who hit a woman”.===
That’s takes cash.
McCann is better served with limited reserves to focus on Rauner/state workers/Local politics as his driving wedge to keep his seat.
If financials allow, you dump that in the 1st week of March to make McCann’s opponent and Crew scramble.
Waste of cash until then.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:00 pm
Dunlin’s missed vote has done incredible damage to social services, higher education, college students, and state vendors far beyond his district.
Comment by DuPage Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:00 pm
Politics ain’t bean-bag.
Comment by IllinoisBoi Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:00 pm
He has a great fashion sense back in the day it seems. Love the turtle neck. Is that turtle neck Cross Colours Ken?
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:01 pm
===If Mike Madigan in the past did what he could to keep such a monster in a position of power because he was still useful to him, doesn’t he deserve some contempt too?===
Oh please. Direct your faux outrage to the voters who elected Dunkin, repeatedly, as well as to the organization from which he came. Hint: it wasn’t the 13th Ward Regular Democratic Organization.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:01 pm
Typo, Dunkin, not Dunlin.
Comment by DuPage Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:02 pm
OW - I agree it would take cash. But, you could hold a press conference with groups that work with domestic abuse victims and call upon Bryce Benton to give Liberty Principles’ money back. that is nearly free.
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:05 pm
Mailer was fun. Can’t wait until they take the gloves off. This makes my day, I hate smug sell outs…
Comment by Mouthy Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:05 pm
==Ken Dunkin hits women. ==
“Interesting use of present tense. Is it justified?”
Ok then. Ken Dunkin used to hit women. When did he stop?
Comment by Michael Westen Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:07 pm
–They tried this stuff with Harold Washington too. There is no mention of it on the library or college named after him in the Loop.–
Somebody’s having a long, liquid lunch.
Couple more drinks, and you’ll work Frederick Douglas, MLK and Mandela into the story.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:08 pm
Who else has accepted domestic abuser supporter liberty principle money?
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:11 pm
“All guys who overcame their criminal history to contribute to their community.”
If voters believe that Dunkin has contributed to their community, this won’t be a problem. But Rauner’s team will have a very difficult time making that case.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:12 pm
The $500,000 Dunkin got from Proft is actually so large that it appears Dunkin has to change his paperwork and list Proft’s group as his official sponsor. So far, he hasn’t yet. I don’t know how it will play in is district, listing Proft’s far right group as his official sponsor, but it will be pretty funny.
Comment by The Captain Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:13 pm
===But, you could hold a press conference with groups that work with domestic abuse victims and call upon Bryce Benton to give Liberty Principles’ money back. that is nearly free.===
You do that March 1st.
It’s a two day story in the best of circumstances.
It just is. With respect.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:13 pm
OW - agree completely.
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:14 pm
To IllinoisGO…
Toothpaste - Tube
Horse - Barn
Genie - Bottle.
Lemme understand this, the Raunerite group, IllinoisGO, a phony front group for Bruce Rauner designed to create Raunerite Caucuses… on the sly…
… is going to do Fact-Checking for the Raunerite Ken Dunkin.
How much more delicious can this get?
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:17 pm
“Leave the gun, take the canoli”
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:18 pm
Brutal mailer, for sure, but I have NO sympathy for Dunkin. He declared war. He will have to live with the consequences.
Also you’re a public official. You have those kind of skeletons (that can be verified by public documents and mug shots) you know this is coming one day.
Comment by Centennial Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:19 pm
Look, this is going to get caught up in the Rauner/Madigan/budget battle but it should be revisted after that’s settled.
Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:19 pm
===it should be revisted after that’s settled. ===
In 2023?
lol
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:20 pm
Brendan Reilly would not be attacking Ken Dunkin unless the Speaker approved.
Comment by Just Me Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:20 pm
I look forward to the Illinois GO response.
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:20 pm
Fake Illinois GO Fact Check:
“The woman who alleged Ken Dunkin hit her, actually fell down the stairs in a domestic accident”.
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:24 pm
“I’m told by IllinoisGO, which has put a ton of money supporting Rep. Dunkin, that they’ve seen the pieces and are looking to establish the facts.”
IllinoisGO is supporting a candidate of whom it cannot immediately say, “These allegations of violence against women are not true.”
I don’t know if that says more about Ken Dunkin or IllinoisGO.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:25 pm
===IllinoisGO is supporting a candidate of whom it cannot immediately say, “These allegations of violence against women are not true.”
I don’t know if that says more about Ken Dunkin or IllinoisGO.===
Restaurant-Quality.
Speaks to both Dunkin and IllinoisGO. Well done.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:29 pm
There’s certainly a long court history with Dunkin related to child support if you do a search on the Cook County court website.
Comment by AC Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:33 pm
“I’m told by IllinoisGO, which has put a ton of money supporting Rep. Dunkin, that they’ve seen the pieces and are looking to establish the facts.”
LOL, yes and unbiased high credibility organization like Illinois GO is going to establish the “facts”. This is first rate stuff.
Comment by JS Mill Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:41 pm
Dunkin has rolled the dice with the hope and a prayer that he could convince some other Democratic African-American legislators to cross over with him to the Republican side. Throughout history there are the stories of individuals who have attempted to grasp power; some have won, but more have failed. In all probability it appears Dunkin will be nothing more than another entry on the “defeated” side of the ledger.
Comment by Buzzie Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:44 pm
Dunkin should be offered a really good federal position so that we can get him out of here.
Comment by kenny16 Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:44 pm
How dare those damned Republicans interfere with a Democratic primary contest!
Of course, it is perfectly fine for Burke, Lipinski, Madigan, et al., to insert shills in Republican primaries or to sponsor fakes for ward committeemen to assure that there will be no Republican activities in their bailiwicks and that good Democrats pose as GOP election judges in the precincts.
Comment by Nevertheless Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:46 pm
Dear Governor,
Many of us support reshaping Illinois future. However, please stop with the amateur hour, self inflicted, rookie, unforced errors.
Thanks!
Big Muddy
A
Comment by Big Muddy Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:50 pm
===Of course, it is perfectly fine for Burke, Lipinski, Madigan, et al., to insert shills in Republican primaries===
The last time MJM did that, he got called out on a regular basis by the Illinois GOP, the Tribune and many others, including here.
Stop whining. Mail follows polling. And Rauner is polling horribly bad in districts like this one. Deal with it.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:50 pm
- Nevertheless -
Please, keep up…
An “alleged” Republican Executive is supporting a Democratic Legislative member to infest Democratic politics with a win by the “Democratic Raunerite” and undermining the Democratic Caucus in the Legislature.
It’s infiltrating the governmental process by creating a Raunerite Caucus beholden to the Executive, and the Executive corrupting the Legislative by manipulating the opposite party’s own Caucus.
Do you have it now?
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 1:54 pm
I wonder how IllinoisGO(P) is going to push back and establish the facts? They better not talk to Dunkin to get his explanation — that would constitute co-ordination, which is illegal.
Comment by To the update.... Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 2:02 pm
What is taking so long for the “facts” to come out? it is five o’clock somewhere.
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 2:05 pm
A systemic process of targeting the perfect double spy. He’s a community icon. Carefully background checked. Approached cautiously. Establish the amount and perks that would be an “offer he couldn’t refuse.” The perfect wedge to change history. Naw. Get me this Dunkin’ guy - his name has no “g”! Isn’t it great! It fits my narrative! We’re goin’ to shake up…everyone! Ain’t it great? Right, am I right! Sure I am. They’ll never see me comin’.
Comment by Nothin's easy... Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 2:08 pm
We’ll talk later Dunkin, sit down!
Comment by nadia Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 2:11 pm
What’s next? Another mailer with several photos of a battered woman with the caption “Ken Dunkin did this”. Now that would be effective especially if the woman was actually battered by Dunkin.
Imaging the fun his fellow Democrats will have with this on the House floor. I can. Yaha!
Comment by Mouthy Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 2:12 pm
As Oswego Willy has pointed out, Dunkin is not a Dem or Republican, he is a Raunerite.
He is also a Dunkinite — a politician more concerned with helping Ken Dunkin than advancing any political point of view. When Blagojevich was on the ropes, Dunkin stood with him. Not because Blago was innocent, but because it was good for Dunkin. Today, Dunkin stands with Rauner, not because he believes in term limits and workers comp reform, but because it’s good for Dunkin.
Comment by FIreFighter Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 2:13 pm
Walter Burnett represents part of this district in the Chicago City Council. Governor Edgar had to pardon him for his youthful felony (bank robbery)in order for him to continue to serve in elected office.
In the poorer neighborhoods, it is not uncommon for politicians to have arrest records.
Comment by West Side Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 2:13 pm
Mouthy - I agree. I would go one step further and add, what if the woman he battered would cut an ad against Dunkin closer to the election? What if she cut ads against anyone taking Liberty Principle or IllinoisGO money?
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 2:14 pm
“The last time MJM did that, he got called out on a regular basis by the Illinois GOP, the Tribune and many others, including here.”
Indeed, Madigan did, during the last election cycle, but not too much during the preceding decade when he did so repeatedly.
Check out the Chicago Board of Elections web site for the lengthy series of petition challenges for ward committeeman. The Chicago Republican Party made a real effort to scrutinize the petitions of Democratic plants this year.
Comment by Nevertheless Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 2:18 pm
===it is not uncommon for politicians to have arrest records===
Stipulated. No argument there. At all.
The question is not that, the question is whether Dunkin can survive this. And, keep in mind, this barrage is only beginning. Also, it’s a different sort of allegation we’re talking about here. We’re not talking taxes (Harold Washington) or bank robbery, we’re talking alleged domestic violence and failure to pay child support and a guy who has allied himself with perhaps the most unpopular politician in his district.
Burnette never had that double burden. Neither did Washington. If Harold Washington had run for mayor as a Reagan supporter, would he have won? Heck no.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 2:22 pm
===The Chicago Republican Party made a real effort to scrutinize the petitions of Democratic plants this year. ===
Good for them. Now, stop whining.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 2:23 pm
===…but not too much during the preceding decade when he did so repeatedly.===
Do you self a solid, check with Mr. Peabody and Sherman so you can go back, arbitrarily “the preceding decade” and whine then and there…
In the meantime, Dunkin, a Raunerite, with a Domestic Abuse and child support allegation in a mailer intended to help defeat the Raunerite Dunkin from the Democrats serving in the GA, will still face scrutiny you are currently ignoring, - Nevertheless -…
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 2:32 pm
Illinois GO is going to check the facts? And after they establish the facts, will they distort them at will per the advice of Donna Arduin?
Comment by Eugene Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 2:32 pm
==Ken Dunkin has sold you down the river to Gov. Bruce Rauner and his boys==
Does Kelly know the origin of that phrase? It certainly sounds like an in-kind response to Dunkin’s “plantation” complaint and Maze’s screeds about Madigan. Does everyone need to sink to this level?
Comment by Whatever Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 2:33 pm
Also, NOW they’re checking the facts? With all that money, they didn’t think to oppo research their own candidate to avoid getting blindsided by this?
Comment by Eugene Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 2:34 pm
Maybe Ken Dunkin can pay his child support with that $500,000
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 2:35 pm
As has been said before, Rauner couldn’t have picked a worse “ally” from among legislative Dems. There could have been others with more credibility available, at least on certain specific issues — if only Rauner had not chosen to take an “all or nothing” approach initially. He preemptively burned bridges under construction.
The tragedy here is that Rauner might well have gotten at least some of what he wanted with an incremental strategy.
Comment by walker Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 2:39 pm
===Rauner couldn’t have picked a worse “ally”===
Rauner didn’t choose Dunkin, Dunkin chose Rauner.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 2:40 pm
===Couple more drinks, and you’ll work Frederick Douglas, MLK and Mandela into the story.===
And then you sober up and realize he is some sort of gross combination of Greg Hardy and Joe Walsh (Congressman).
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 2:41 pm
As someone else said, Dunkin does what’s best for Dunkin. In fact, I seriously doubt he’s ever made a decision for any other reason than what’s best for Ken.
But did he really do that here? Will Rauner reward loyalty if he loses? He sure didn’t reward loyalty in the private sector and he downright threw legislative Republicans under the bus on K-12 funding when they showed him loyalty.
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 2:44 pm
The Chicago GOP didn’t know they exist!!!
Comment by 19th ward Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 2:49 pm
Rich said: “Dunkin chose Rauner.”
Exactly right. That’s the point I was try to make above @2:13. Dunkin chose Blago, too!
Comment by FireFighter Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 2:50 pm
I heard of running on your record, but this is ridiculous
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 2:51 pm
“Will Rauner reward loyalty if he loses?”
He has to especially since there’s another AFSCME binding arbitration bill in it’s early stages. He’ll have to reward him with something for that no or no vote for the rest of the year..
Comment by Mouthy Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 2:52 pm
Why is he smiling in the mug shot?
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 2:53 pm
I bet Ms. Stratton was vetted very thoroughly. I once was contacted by House Dem staff about a possible candidate, I was amazed by the level of detail on what seemed to be a very miniscule issue that may or may not have even been a problem.
Of course in big business if a mistake is made in selecting employees, partners, executives, etc. management either quietly sends them packing or promotes them. What’s the best guess for Rep Dunkin’s future in big business, he goes away or he gets a promotion?
Comment by nadia Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 2:59 pm
===He has to especially since there’s another AFSCME binding arbitration bill in it’s early stages. He’ll have to reward him with something for that no or no vote for the rest of the year.. ===
The real test of whether Rauner will show Dunkin loyalty won’t occur until Dunkin has no more House votes to cast.
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 3:02 pm
Did Jesse White promote both Derrick Smith and Dunkin?
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 3:02 pm
I’m kinda surprised Team Madigan didn’t first leak this info to the press to get a free media hit. Then they could attribute the attacks in the mail pieces to the media outlet that ran the story. This is no run-of-the-mill state house race. Chuck Goudie or Dan Mihalopoulos would have run it, provided it all checks out.
Does that mean the facts are a little shaky? Maybe. Then again, the House Dems are usually very careful about legally vetting these hit pieces before they’re mailed out.
Comment by Phil Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 3:12 pm
March 16, 2016:
Dunkin: Yo Bruce, I didn’t get much love yesterday. I’m gonna need a boost!
Rauner: Ken who? How did you get through? Oh, I remember you! Sorry, I told you that I was going to drive career politicians nuts! Gotcha!
Comment by out of touch Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 3:14 pm
- out of touch -,
Actually, it WILL be the opposite of that, if Dunkin loses.
“Why?”
Rauner will only have Dunkin’s switch until January, so Dunkin has leverage of a threat to resign early, which won’t help Rauner at all, and Dunkin can make his votes be worth more the farther the day he gives up the seat stays.
Dunkin wins…
The “new status quo” continues…
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 3:21 pm
@”Oswego Silly:”
Since it is Lincoln’s Birthday and a Leap Year, will you reaffirm your Republican affiliation?
We would need a “Hot Tub Machine” to recall the last time that you declared your party preference.
Then you could resume your role as an apologist for Madigan and decry every GOP position for the next four years as usual.
Quit your opining.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 3:28 pm
The - @MisterJayEm - rule of just ignoring ” - Anonymous - ” has its merits.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 3:32 pm
“I’m told by IllinoisGO, which has spent a ton of money supporting Rep. Dunkin, that they’ve seen the pieces and are looking to establish the facts.”
we hear the facts they are checking is if they can erase all traces of Resolute from this saga. We hear they going over to amend the filings to make ILGO a branch of Proft Psychiatrics - A Center Devoted Helpin’ 1%ers cleanse themselves of Excess Wealth
Comment by Annonin' Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 3:36 pm
Then my advice to Resolute…
“Hang In There”
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 3:41 pm
Hey, I just learned that today is Ken Dunkin’s birthday. If Reilly knew that, then the timing of this flyer has extra, added meaning, sort of like twisting the knife.
Well played Alderman. Well played.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 3:43 pm
Happy Birthday Ken!
Comment by 360 Degree Turnaround Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 3:57 pm
Well that sure was a nice gift “a over sized card reminding people how special a person he is”
Comment by 19th ward Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 4:06 pm
Some ads are knuckleballs.
This one is a 102MPH heater right under Dunkins chin.
Game on.
Comment by btowntruth Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 4:08 pm
Great post and great discussion. This is why I love watching politics.
Comment by Politix Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 4:13 pm
In the words of Leader Lightford, “Good luck, Ken!”
Comment by The Muse Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 4:14 pm
So typical Illinois/Chicago. This guy was a great democrat, a peoples candidate, a regular guy you can vote for. Right up until he crossed the boss Madigan.
Why didn’t madigan the the hooligan dems bring all this stuff up before?
This state is a joke, and the punch line ain’t Bruce Rauner.
Comment by allknowingmasterofracoondom Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 4:23 pm
Evidently Dunkin and the ex-offender advocates knew this was coming from Reilly. Could there be some ministers and other community members are planning a Sunday press conference to condemn Reilly and Madigan? Stay tuned.
Comment by Don Draper Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 4:24 pm
===Could there be some ministers and other community members are planning a Sunday press conference to condemn Reilly and Madigan? Stay tuned.===
I do hope they compare his abuse and neglect to Harold Washington, Bobby Rush, Cliff Kelly, especially the physical harm towards women…
===Why didn’t madigan the the hooligan dems bring all this stuff up before?===
Why didn’t Dunkin years ago admit this and run “clean and clear”?
Dunkin isn’t a ….
I’ll stop there.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 4:30 pm
If Dunkin is going to play plantation politics, well, you asked for this.
Comment by Wensicia Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 4:30 pm
Not to be lazy … but can someone explain the Century Club reference. I did use the search feature and got page after page saying that Ken Dunkin was president of the Century Club without saying what it is.
Just wanna get in on the reference, thanks!
Comment by The Way I See It Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 4:37 pm
- The Way I See It -
https://capitolfax.com/2013/05/15/patience-please-2/
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 4:41 pm
The Century Club refers to a small but notorious group of legislators who’ve had the unfortunate experience of sponsoring bills that received 100 or more NO votes when called on 3rd Reading in the House.
Most Reps can count, and few allow their bills to go forward with so much opposition. But Ken Dunkin has earned a lifetime achievement award for his efforts.
I really hope Rauner lets him sponsor the Turnaround Agenda.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 4:41 pm
Definitely brutal. I agree with so many of the comments here. I especially like OW’s analogy @ 11:56. There’s a stranger in the Dem House and the gloves are off. This mailer hits Dunkin where it will hurt. As a woman, I would have a hard time voting for someone who was violent towards women as well as a deadbeat dad.
Comment by NSideLady Friday, Feb 12, 16 @ 4:59 pm