Senate
President Emil Jones talked for several minutes during a media availability the
other day about his war theories.
Among
other things, Jones recalled how Soviet Premier Nikita Kruschev pounded on his
desk during the United Nations debate over whether to allow Red China into the
UN. Kruschev failed to persuade the international body to admit his fellow
Communist nation, but, as Jones said, not long afterwards China detonated a
nuclear bomb in the atmosphere and the UN quickly relented, bringing China in
and forcing Taiwan out.
Jones
claimed the lesson from that historic and tectonic shift was, essentially, the
countries with the biggest weapons are able to get what they want. And Sen.
Jones left little doubt that he viewed his new veto-proof Senate majority as
the biggest gun in the Statehouse and would proceed accordingly. Jones'
organization picked up a slew of Republican district, bringing the Democrats'
total to 37 seats - seven more than the bare majority and one more than is
required to override a gubernatorial veto.
Jones
also appeared to be saying at that press briefing that he intends to lead the
debate this year, particularly on school funding and taxes, and he also intends
to fight back against any perceived enemies with all he's got.
Insiders
say that when Jones first talked about the possibility that he could win a
veto-proof majority back in 2005 he mused about what he could do with such a
prize. And the top item on his dream agenda was education funding reform.
Jones
likes power, but unlike some other politicians, he isn't completely into power
for power's sake. He does want to do other things with his position and make
some changes that will outlive his tenure.
Jones
reminded reporters that in 1973, his first year in office, the top item on the
legislative agenda was how education funding was distributed. The issue has
never died, and Jones has always been frustrated that the political will has
never existed to concoct a longterm solution. That unfortunate situation, he
told reporters, will change this year and the Senate, he insisted, will take
the lead.
Jones
said people like House Speaker Michael Madigan could talk about changing the
school funding situation, but Jones claimed "we intend to act in the
Senate."
Mixed
in with that desire to create a lasting legacy is his obvious desire - by
talking so much about war theory - to settle some old scores. And the two goals
may conflict.
Almost
no story about Jones can be written without mentioning his long rivalry with
Speaker Madigan.
As
I've told you several times before, Jones has always believed that Madigan has
treated him as a junior partner - if not less. Madigan, for his part, claims he
backed up Jones during his many years suffering as the minority leader under
Republican Senate President Pate Philip's rein, but Jones doesn't remember it
that way. The two men have bickered almost constantly since Jones became Senate
President and a final showdown has always seemed in the works.
And
now that Jones believes his veto-proof majority gives him the "biggest
guns" and puts him at the top of the Statehouse pecking order, he seems,
to me at least, to be wary of any attempt - perceived or real - by Madigan (or
anyone else) to undercut his authority.
As
if to underscore this sentiment, Jones pointed to a plaque on his office wall
containing a quote from Sun Tzu, the Art of War. "Do not depend on the
enemy not coming. Depend rather on being ready for him."
That
sort of attitude could mean lots of trouble for the spring session. If Jones
believes his majority gives him the most power at the Statehouse and he is
therefore constantly trying to defend his perceived status as Springfield's top
dog, then he's going to be (figuratively) shooting back at a whole lot of
people all year. And the more conflict there is among Democrats, the more doubt
might be cast on whether they can accomplish any lasting changes this year.
-30-
Rich
Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and
thecapitolfaxblog.com)