New Front in Illinois Blue Civil War

[Valin]

Via Meadia:

10/23/12

 

You could probably make a pretty good case that Illinois is ground zero of the collapse of the blue model, which is probably why Democratic Governor Pat Quinn has been looking to cut costs anywhere he can. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done, Quinn has found, largely due to opposition from Democratic lawmakers and unions.

 

His latest cost-cutting plan, which would close seven state prisons and send their prisoners to nearby facilities, will also likely face stiff opposition. Quinn argues that the drop in juvenile detention rates will make it possible for the state to cut back on prisons, but unions and Democratic legislators with prisons in their districts have pledged to block the plans. The Wall Street Journal reports:

 

(Snip)

 

Unfortunately, for Democratic leaders, this will increasingly mean going against a union base that remains one of the party’s biggest supporters. The ugly split between reformist Democrats and their union allies is only beginning.

 

 

Trends that cannot continue...won't.