2015 was a pretty good year for Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner. He was inaugurated Illinois Governor and earned taxable income of $176 million. He may well exceed that healthy total in 2016. But Rauner couldn't achieve what he covets most: a pro Rauner concept of government in Illinois that favors the rich over everyone else. He calls it his 'turnaround' agenda and it requires the legislature to approve reduction of union and middle class earning power, end to prevailing wage, right to work for local communities, and reducing the social safety net for the needy.  

After a year long stalemate with the Democratic legislature which refused to approve this draconian agenda, Rauner sought to flip the legislature the rich man's way: buy it. Since the $28 million Rauner spent to buy the 2014 gubernatorial election succeeded, why not spend a little more and flip the Illinois legislature his way. Rauner upped his personal contributions by nearly 70% to $46 million. 

It didn't work. The Republicans picked up only 2 Senate seats and 4 in the House, leaving Democrats with sizable majorities that will never pass his turnaround agenda. And Bruce Rauner can add this corollary to the truism Money can't buy you love: Money can't buy a legislature, either. 

Walt Zlotow

Glen Ellyn