Rauner, First Lady appears at casual inaugural concert

Posted on January 13, 2015

Bruce Rauner (far right) was sworn in as Illinois' 42nd governor on Monday. (Photo courtesy Facebook/Bruce Rauner)

By John Gregory/Illinois Radio Network
 
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ new governor seems to prefer country and blues to ballroom dancing.
 
Rather than hold the traditional black-tie ball on the night following his inauguration, Gov. Bruce Rauner opted for a concert with Buddy Guy and Toby Keith. To Steve McClure of Springfield, that’s a much better option.
 
“Seems to me that he’s trying to send a message, that hey, I’m just like everybody else,” McClure said. “He would rather be amongst the people than to have a sort of stiff ball sort of thing.”
 
The acts managed to pack the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield. Politicians were among the crowd, and some were even on stage. The opening act was a band called the Boat Drink Caucus, which features three state lawmakers: State Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park), State Rep. Chad Hays (R-Catlin), and State Rep. Mike Tyron (R-Crystal Lake).
 

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…