Fair Daze

Quotes and notes from Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s ribbon-cutting appearance at the Illinois State Fair:

First off, he was only 10 minutes late, which for him is practically early.

The big news:

Blagojevich blamed 10 Chicago Democrats for blocking his $34 billion construction spending spree, accusing them of being “double-dippers” who hold Chicago or Cook County jobs while also serving as lawmakers and voting for their political interests rather than the state’s. His aides then named the 10 for reporters. The names provide are:

Edward Acevedo (Chicago police officer)
Luis Arroyo (no employment listed)
Richard Bradley (Assistant general superintendent, Chicago department of streets and sanitation)
Annazette Collins (Administrator, Chicago school board)
John D’Amico (Assistant superintendent, Chicago Water Department)
Monique Davis (Chicago public school administrator)
Deborah Graham (Special projects coordinator, Chicago department of planning and development)
Joseph Lyons (Manager, training and education, Cook County Department of Human Resources)
Susana Mendoza (Project coordinator, Chicago Department of Planning and Development)
Cynthia Soto (Administrative supervisor, Cook County state’s attorney’s office, child support division)

Note: The job info I looked up and is according to their bios in the 2007-2008 Illinois Blue Book

Note 2: Some of the people listed above have already said they've never discussed the issue with the governor or denied their county or city jobs play any role. Here's a link regarding those lawmakers and their comments:
http://thecapitolfaxblog.com/2008/08/08/lies-and-complete-fabrications/

Here are the governor’s comments on a variety of topics:

On the unbalanced state budget lawmakers sent him …
“It’s not only wrong, it’s dishonest.”

On abolishing property taxes as key funding source for schools …
“No, I don’t support that.”

On his ability to compromise …
“I don’t support an expansion of gambling.”
The governor said his supporting of gambling expansion to pay for construction shows he’s willing to negotiate.

On whether he’s willing to compromise on tax hikes to pay for construction projects …
“No.”

On whether he’d support higher taxes for education …
“I’m not going to raise taxes on people.”

On those who’ve criticized how he cut the budget …
“You know, you ought to walk a mile in my shoes.”

On his public perception …
“I don’t want to shock you, but once in a while I get negative feedback.”

On why residents of Springfield don’t like him …
“They’re mostly angry at the way things are,” (as opposed to him)

On House Democrats …
“They frustrate me. All they’re interested in is playing stupid games.”

On public dissatisfaction with state government …
“Are people angry? Sure. But so am I.”

On his plans to possibly rewrite 50-some pieces of legislation lawmakers sent him …
“There are several arrows in our quiver.”

On his battles with House Speaker Michael Madigan …
“It’s not a personal thing. It’s nothing personal.”