Posted on 01/11/2011 8:21:12 AM PST by KeyLargo
the times
Daniels compares Ill. government to 'The Simpsons'
By Times Staff | Posted: Tuesday, January 11, 2011 7:30 am
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels compared Illinois government to the television show "The Simpsons" while speaking to a Chicago radio station Tuesday morning.
"You guys are nothing if not entertaining over there," Daniels told Don Wade and Roma by phone on their show on WLS 89 AM. "It's like living next door to 'The Simpsons,' you know, the dysfunctional family down the block."
Daniels was responding to questions about Illinois' proposal to raise income taxes by 66 percent and corporate taxes by 8.4 percent.
"Raising taxes on people who are struggling anyway is a very bad thing to do," Daniels said, adding that to do so without creating jobs is particularly difficult.
He went on to say that he shouldn't joke about the situation in Illinois.
"We're rooting for Illinois," Daniels said. "We are all part of one region. Long term, it's not good for the Midwest, it's not good for America if Illinois and Michigan stay as inhospitable to growth as they are."
Daniels' comments came hours before his State of the State address, which he said will focus on three areas of reform and improvement, including the criminal justice system, local government and education.
On the criminal justice front, Daniels said he wants to see the incarceration time better fit the offense.
"Low-level property offense (prisoners) are only in our system long enough to meet some real criminals," he said.
Instead, Daniels said he would like to see non-violent offenders, "closer to home and direct our resources to the really bad guys and put them deeper in the hole."
Daniels said when he took office six years ago, one of the first things his advisors told him was he would have to build new prisons.
"Six years later, we've never built another cell," he said, crediting smart fiscal management.
Daniels also spoke on a number of other issues, including the appointment of former Commerce Secretary Bill Daley to White House chief of staff.
"I think it's a good sign," Daniels said. "I know his reputation well and he's a very well-balanced, responsible fellow."
Daniels suggested Daley's appointment, given his background in the business sector, could point to a great emphasis on the economy.
"We've got to get the private economy growing at a very fast rate," he said. "This administration, it's almost like they were on a mission to kill the private sector. It's a very positive sign and I hope it's not the last one."
Addressing speculation he may be seeking a run at the White House himself, Daniels said, "I wouldn't hold your breath for that."
"We're thinking about it," he said. "A lot of people have asked me to think about it, so we will."
Those of us who live in the Dakotas feel the same watching Minnesota self-destruct.
At least MN elected a Republican legislature——though I don’t know how conservative they over there.
Illinois businesses, come to Indiana; we won't tax you to death!
"Follow me" Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels
I am favorably impressed by Daniels. While he is not a pure conservative, he cares about what many voters care about, and would probably have wide appeal.
He is short and bald, and that’s an advantage in this environment.
Daniels won’t be laughing when the Dem rats from IL flee their sinking ship and infest Indiana.
“Raising taxes on people who are struggling anyway is a very bad thing to do,” Daniels said ...
Daniels has raised Indiana’s sales tax. He has mentioned the possibility that the federal government may need to adopt a national sales tax to close the deficit. He has even suggested that Republicans have paid much too attention to social issues.
How so? IIRC, the last semi-bald guy elected as President was Ike.
Budget Hawk Eyes Deficit
By DAVID LEONHARDT
Indianapolis
Of all the Republicans talking about the deficit these days, Mitch Daniels, the governor of Indiana, has arguably the most credibility.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/05/business/economy/05leonhardt.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print
Actually, he called for a "truce" which may work to the conservative advantage since liberals are the ones who raised social issues to the Federal level. Without social issues, liberals would be bereft of causes. That sounds good.
The voters are fed up with romantic young messiahs. An accountant type who tells them they have to live sensibly and work hard would be just the ticket in 2012.
The difference between The Simpsons and Illinois State Government is that the Simpsons are occasionally funny.
Well, Quinn bears quite a resemblence to Homer.
Daniels was responding to questions about Illinois’ proposal to raise income taxes by 66 percent and corporate taxes by 8.4 percent.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.