CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A former top state official has some tough advice for Governor-elect JB Pritzker about passing his first budget. 

Bradley Tusk was deputy governor under the now-jailed Rod Blagojevich, and in his book “The Fixer” said he actually ran the state frequently while the governor was spending days jogging, getting suits tailored or doing his hair.

Tusk thinks highly of J.B. Pritzker and believes he understands that it will take severe measures to resolve underfunding of pensions, education and the like. He said Pritzker should hit hard while he has the political capital.

Tusk thinks incoming Governor J.B. Pritzker is well suited for the job, and suggests he work with the Democratic Leaders to pass a tough, painful, unpopular "castor oil" budget immediately:

He said people are tired of politicians “kicking the can down the road.” 

Political Strategist Bradley Tusk is the guest on our AT ISSUE program this weekend and you can hear a lot more Sunday at 9:30 p.m..