Governor Blagojevic calls IL lawmakers 'drunken sailors'

[Padraig18]

BLAGOJEVICH CALLS ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS 'DRUNKEN SAILORS'

BY MATT ADRIAN
FOR THE SOUTHERN


SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Rod Blagojevich lashed out Thursday at the Illinois General Assembly, which is controlled by his fellow Democrats, calling lawmakers "drunken sailors" for attempting to reinsert $146 million into the already tight state budget.

Blagojevich's remarks came on the third day of the scheduled six-day session where legislators can opt to override the governor's vetoes on a variety of proposals, including the budget.

"We have an agreed upon budget, I crafted it so that it did not increase the income tax or the sales tax but increased funds for schools, health care and public safety," Blagojevich said.

<snip>

"I vetoed those bills and now the legislature is at it again," Blagojevich said. "It's the type of irresponsibility that got us into this mess in the first place. We are going to keep fighting to change and reform the system and give the people the type of government that stops spending their money like a bunch of drunken sailors."

<snip>

more: http://www.southernillinoisan.com/rednews/2003/11/07/build/top/TOP003.html

In light of the many criticisms leveled at Gov. Dean for his often combatative rhetoric and pugnacious style, I would like to posit that perhaps governors tend to be more plain-spoken than more 'polished', inside-the-Beltway politicians; locally, the Governor's remarks have been well-received by most ordinary citizens.

Your thoughts, please? :hi:

Edit: for clarity

[helleborient]

1. His point is well taken...

And the legislature has to bear the responsibility for much of this mess along with former Gov. Ryan, but I'm not sure the "drunken sailors" comment was really necessary.

I'm not real sure though how you really get through to some of our fellow Democrats here that the budget problem is REAL! Your local park is NOT as important as getting the budget back on track.

I do hope the governor prevails in the budget battles, but I hope it isn't necessary to tear the party apart to do it.

[Padraig18]

2. I do, too!

I don't envy him his task. Ryan was SUCH a liar about the mess the state was in. *sigh* I feel sorry for the Gov, actually; imagine planning to deal with a $2-billion deficit and then getting a 'January surpise' when you find out that the real number is in excess of $5-billion! :scared:

Gov. B. may have spoken bluntly, but it's no time for mincing words, IMO. :)

[lovedems]

3. I live in Illinois

Springfield as a matter of fact. While the Illinois General Assembley made be controlled by "fellow democrats" you wouldn't now it by watching the news. More repugs get news time than anyone else.

The gov. has worked very hard to balance the budget and I admire him for that. If they were to sneak that 146 mil. back in and taxes had to be raised of programs cut, HE would frowned upon, not the general assembley.

[helleborient]

5. Greetings!

Bloomington/Normal here

And you're right if the problem gets worse, the governor will be blamed.

[LuminousX]

4. Not to harp

But he said they were spending LIKE drunken sailors.

I'm glad he is calling them on all the bushit.

[Sinistrous]

6. Now watch him get hammered for disrespecting

the military. Ignoring the fact that "drunken sailor" has been an idiom in common use for years and years.

"...
What shall we do with the drunken sailor, early in the morning?
Put him in the scuppers with a hose pipe on him,
Put him in the scuppers with a hose pipe on him,
Early in the morning."

HMS Pinafore (I think)

[Padraig18]

7. Kick

[jerryster]

8. Good for Rod

And I hope the DNC is taking note of him. He could well be a rising star in the party. He's made a couple of blunders but has recovered well for the most part.

[Padraig18]

9. True.

I heard Paul Simon say that 'He (Blagojevic) has 'president' written all over him' at our Labor Day picnic. :)

[Doomsayer13]

10. Paul Simon - American hero

What a great man. I wish he was still in the Senate.

In the topic of Gov. Blagojevich, I applaud him for sticking to his guns and trying his best to keep the budget in tact. Too often politicians dont take their campaign rhetoric seriously, but Rod is actually trying to keep his promises, which I respect.

[Padraig18]

11. Me, too!

It's hard to be the 'take your medicine' guy, and Mr. popularity at the same time. I admire Rod's firmness greatly.