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Hynes jabs top Democrats with ‘fairy tale’
by Mike Riopell
and Kurt Erickson
mike.riopell@lee.net
kurt.erickson@lee.net
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SPRINGFIELD — Some might say the political fighting in Springfield is like a bad dream.

On Thursday, Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes tried to describe the year’s events using a “fairy tale.”

In a speech to a Springfield group, Hynes criticized his fellow Democratic leaders by reading a fable he penned about the feuding that has gone on between Gov. Rod Blagojevich, House Speaker Mich4ael Madigan and others.

Hynes said conflicting egos are at the root of the conflict and described a “black cloud” descending over the capital city, suggesting Blagojevich and other leaders didn’t do anything about it.

Hynes singled out several incidents from this year’s often bitter legislative session, including a heated argument between Blagojevich and state Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline.

“The governor said that God was on his side,” Hynes said, “and then unleashed God’s fury against the senator from Moline.”

“Now, that’s a ridiculous fairy tale,” Hynes said at the end. “And it certainly is absurd in a lot of ways. But the reality is also absurd and is also troubling.”

Afterwards, Hynes called on the House to approve budget legislation that would send $600 million to the state’s schools, as well as ensure the state has money to pay its police force.

Last week, Blagojevich threatened to lay off 1,800 of the state’s 2,000 troopers if the House doesn’t act.

Testimony heard

Hynes comments came as a House committee heard testimony on the Senate version of a statewide construction program that would be funded by the massive expansion of gambling.

The proposal is stuck in the House because of concerns about the size of the expansion and oversight of the casino by the City of Chicago.

And, state Rep. Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley, said the proposal could shortchange downstate road projects because $1.9 billion of spending is not targeted at any specific projects, but could be made available for lawmakers to dip into for pork projects in their districts.

“That’s why I like to see things laid out,” said Mautino.

The hearing found few disagreements over whether the state needs to invest in road, bridge and school construction.

Officials with Chicago-area bus and train systems again outlined problems with their buses and trains, saying the program could help them replace equipment that has been operating for more than two decades.

Rock Island County Board Chairman Jim Bohnsack offered up a laundry list of projects that could be funded if a construction program is put in place, ranging from a light rail system to Western Illinois University’s Quad-Cities campus in Moline.

“We’re asking for a lot, but we need a lot,” Bohnsack said.

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Reader comments on this story - 7 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Mr Ed wrote on Oct 19, 2007 9:50 PM:

" Rep. Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley is Gov. Rod Blagojevich's Whipping Boy. "

BN Demcrat wrote on Oct 19, 2007 3:22 PM:

" All the Democrats should come together. Let us all jion and sing "We Shall Overcome" as we crush the dreams of the Republicans. "

Milorad wrote on Oct 19, 2007 12:23 PM:

" The whole democratic party is a fairy tale. "

WHAT!?!?! wrote on Oct 19, 2007 10:41 AM:

" Chicago Area Bus and Train systems wants to replace their equipment? Then let them pay for it. Why should downstaters pay for their local transportation repair? Let City taxes pay that. The only transportation state funding shopuld cover are highways and roads. This is garbage and you want to know why this State is broke. Since they can do it why can't we? Let's use STATE taxes to pay for the "Big Judy." "

Isn't this sad wrote on Oct 19, 2007 6:59 AM:

" Where are the leaders of the Mc Lean County Demcorats on this issue. Why haven' t John, Betty, Mike, Tom and JJM come out publicly to condemn the actions of Blago and the boys ? When our " leadership " has become the laughing stock of the citizenry throughout the state it is time for others with influence to have a " woodshed " moment with the " children " . If you are trying to make inroads into the GOP stranglehold of this county wouldn't it be productive to correct your own parties failings. Then you can show the people positive results instead of this mess. If you think the GOPers aren't pointing out the negatives at every chance you're mightly mistaken ! "

goodness sakes wrote on Oct 19, 2007 6:30 AM:

" stop the gambling. they said years ago that the lottery was going to help the schools. sure it has! yes, i am being sarcastic. more money for the politicians is how this will work out. just like anything else they accomplish. if you want something screwed up, just give it to the government to take care of it. it will be screwed up in no time. "

BILLY BOB wrote on Oct 18, 2007 11:15 PM:

" Oversight of the Casino by the city of Chicago is like saying Mayor Daley and friends will take the lions share of cash off the top and maybe let the State have some of the crumbs. Do not pass this legislation and allow the city of Chicago to have any control over the Casinos. The Illinois State Gaming Commission should have oversight responsibility. Secondly tie the money to construction projects and funds. Do not leave 1.9 billion dollars out there up for grabs. It will never see the light of day South of I-80. "
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