* No surprise here, the Tribune believes that House Speaker Michael Madigan should step aside if Attorney General Lisa Madigan decides to run for governor…
But tension between the two branches protects the citizens much, much better than coziness between the branches. Illinois leaders, unfortunately, have managed to come together often enough to sink the state into massive debt by borrowing, spending and promising money they didn’t have.
The risk here is that a father and daughter cannot, will not, serve as fundamental checks on each other.
Simply writing off conflict-of-interest concerns under “trust me” proclamations will not suffice.
There is real risk that politics would trump the effective functioning of the state during a campaign. If Lisa Madigan runs against fellow Democrat Quinn, Michael Madigan will be in the position of actively seeking to crush the incumbent — and his policy agenda — at the same time they attempt to co-manage the state. Every government action by Michael Madigan will be suspect: Is he putting Illinois first or Lisa first?
There are plenty of questions for Lisa Madigan, should she run for governor. Does she support an extension of the state income tax increase that was shepherded through the House by her father? Will she support pension reform, which has stalled in her father’s House?
But the key question will be the concentration of so much power in one family.
A decade ago, when then-state Sen. Lisa Madigan was elected attorney general, she was able to navigate questions about potential conflicts between her new role and her father’s role as speaker. She has from time to time signaled political independence, most notably when she stood firm against a heavily clouted bid to steer a casino to Rosemont amid questions about the influence of organized crime in the deal. She did well under pressure and she prevailed; we remember that.
But the relationship of a governor and House speaker does not come down to the occasional disagreement. It’s a daily do-si-do. People must have confidence that these two leaders can serve as checks on each other.
Lisa Madigan’s campaign announcement — if she makes one — should include the addendum that her father plans to step aside.
* And NBC5 looks at the historical hurdles…
Even though Quinn is trying to ignore Madigan, the 2014 primary is only 14 months away, and the campaign has begun. There’s an old saying in politics that AG doesn’t just stand for attorney general, it also stands for aspiring governor. That’s certainly the case in Illinois. If Madigan runs, she’ll be the fourth consecutive attorney general to seek the governorship. Here’s how her predecessors fared.
Neil Hartigan: won the Democratic nomination for governor in 1990; lost to Jim Edgar.
Roland Burris: lost Democratic primaries for governor in 1998 and 2002.
Jim Ryan: won the Republican nomination for governor in 2002; lost to Rod Blagojevich.
In fact, no Illinois attorney general has ever gone on to serve as governor, although Ninian Edwards, who served in 1834 and 1835, was the son of a governor, and Otto Kerner Sr. (1933-38) was the father of a governor.
LIVE special session coverage...
- Mike M - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 8:08 am:
So I guess we get the answer to the question “Speaker Madigan, you control everything politically in Illinois as far as the eye can see, what *else* do you need?”
Lisa as governor.
I suppose we should give that to him, too. Then maybe something will get done in Illinois.
- Will Caskey - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 8:22 am:
I keep this YouTube bookmarked for specifically situations like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LL-8aTVl0Qc
- Kana - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 8:25 am:
Mike Madigan is the most powerful political figure in a state that is failing. For his daughter to become Gov while he is Speaker would add another punch line to the state’s list.
- Will Caskey - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 8:30 am:
And just to elaborate: Madigan controls one state legislative chamber in a colossally dysfunctional state government. I’m sure he’s pleased with that and will have it etched on his tombstone Roland Burris style, but that doesn’t make him the “most powerful political figure” in Illinois.
Once again, I’ve worked in over 20 states and nowhere else have I seen such a bizarre cult that a caucus leader is of any consequence whatsoever, let alone the subject of editorial hissy fits that his relative totally shouldn’t be governor because um POWER or whatever.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 8:41 am:
I think the Editorial might have more impact if the said;
“Lisa Madigan, candidate for governor, and Speaker Madigan, still holding the Gavel. Voters, you decide, is that all good?”
At least that might draw out more discussion(?) At least you are puttin gin the minds of your scant readership, “Hey, yeah, let me think about that…”
The days of effective Editorials from the Tribune, (How many Tribune endorsed candidates ‘won’ last November?) are over. The young crowd, and their ’social media’ don’t even consider you Dad’s Mother Tribune relevent, as declining circulations seem to indicate.
When was the last time someone said, with considerable weight, “The Trib Editorial Board says …” and others thought it resonated?
“Lisa Madigan, candidate for governor, and Speaker Madigan, still holding the Gavel. Voters, you decide, is that all good?”
At least you are provoking thought, and turing away from you past of being in the Dopey lock-step of “Fire Madigan” or a John Kass Beer Chicken rant.
Show a little thought and thoughtfulness of your (Tribune’s) recent history of “pulpit pounding to the choir” al the while ineffectively having that Editorial and recent endorsements fall on deaf ears.
The Tribune is a willing conspirator to its own Editorial demise.
Which is more perplexing;
The Tribune making a point of MJM stepping down, or …the relevence of the Tribune…. asking that MJM step down if Lisa runs?
The Madigans, Lisa and Michael, are going to do, what they are going to do, and the tooth-less Tribune Editoral asking for MJM to step down is not causing any pause in their decision.
That … is where you are, Mother Tribune. How about them Apples?
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 8:48 am:
Point of fact, Mike M: The Speaker tried to talk the Attorney General out of running.
The speculation around the AG’s run will create some interesting side shows. Much of Madigan’s influence comes from the belief his Speakership is indefinite. That could change.
Secondly, the rumors are likely to stir some jockeying in the ranks, and among various interests, to line up a successor. Mayor Emanuel and organized labor are the ones to watch.
I think it is worth pointing out that should he decide to retire, Madigan will undoubtedly remain one of the most influential people in state government. Knowledge is power, and Madigan knows a lot of people and more about the innerworkings of state government and state and local politics than anyone.
finally, I think most insiders take it as a given that Lisa can’t win unless MJM announces he is stepping aside. I want to see poll numbers. How many Illinoisans are going to switch their vote to an anti-choice, anti-gay, anti-gun rights Republican over the issue? Probably not that many: remember, polling shows that the anti-Madigan sentiment is mostly among folks who are already Republicans.
Ironically, Lisa’s future depends largely on Quinn’s success. If the state’s budget problems aren’t fixed in the coming months, it hurts any Democrat’s hopes of winning the governor’s race, much more I think than MJM’s retirement decisions.
- Sir Reel - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 8:54 am:
Willy’s comment makes sense. Let the voters decide.
Everyone telling Speaker Madigan he has to step down may have the opposite effect. It also would make him a “lame duck” Speaker so to speak.
Simply raising the issue, no demands, may allow him to leave with some respect.
- Red Ranger - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 9:01 am:
OW is again 100% right. If Lisa runs, and wins a primary, the IL voters will be FULLY aware that she would be Governor and her father will be Speaker of the Illinois House. The Illinois voters can decide if they are fine with that situation. I am not aware of any law or article in the Constitution that prohibits such an arrangement, and certainly NO ONE in IL will wake up in January of 2015 and be surprised to learn that Illinois has a Madigan as Governor and Speaker. If the Trib wanted to argue that for the political benefit of Lisa it would be wise, that might make some sense. But creating a “parade of horribles” to make their case is an intellectually weak argument.
- Boat Captain - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 9:03 am:
I agree with all of oswego willy’s points. The younger are more tech savvy and that is why the blogs like capitol fax are growing every year. The newpapers are becoming more irrevelent every day and part of that is from their editors sometimes thinking so narrowly that it finds fewer people agreeing with their point. Society seems to want instant news, not something that is 24 hours old. Thankfully I am tech savvy enough to read the capitol fax and I find it an unbiased and informative place to find the news and what everyday people’s opinions are. Thank you Rich!
- PublicServant - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 9:04 am:
What Willy said pretty much summed up what I was going to say…The Chicago Trib-who-ne?
- Anthony - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 9:11 am:
I agree with the Trib, but not from the goo-goo perspective of “too much power in one family.” I agree because I want to see Lisa elected and the chances of that happening are extremely compromised if her father holds the gavel. I’m okay with both a Speaker Madigan and a Governor Madigan…but I’m a jaded hack. The voters just won’t accept it.
- really? - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 9:32 am:
So apparently nepotism is ok in Il… but only for elected officials?
- Mike M - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 9:33 am:
“Point of fact, Mike M: The Speaker tried to talk the Attorney General out of running.”
Wow, I didn’t know that. That changes EVERYTHING!
My snark is cheerfully withdrawn.
Thanks, Yellow Dog Democrat!
- dupage dan - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 9:37 am:
I heard MJM’s other daughter, Shirley, is eyeing a run for Damayor of Chicago. A tripartite pact made in the heaven that is Illinois (snark).
The appearance of impropriety may be at work here, real or not. I will repeat, isn’t there someone else qualified and able to govern who can facilitate the saving of Illinois? Someone with the cojones to challenge the seemingly inevitable coronation of the Madigan family as the lone power structure here?
I get it that we should allow the voters to decide - I am not aware of any specific legal barriers to what may happen. It may even benefit the citizens. Unfortunately, the track record of the voters in this state would augur otherwise.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 9:38 am:
===So apparently nepotism is ok in Il… but only for elected officials?===
If Lisa Madigan gets on the ballot, goes in front of the voters, wins, and then, as the Democratic Nominee, goes in front of the voters, wins again …
Where is the Nepotism?
Lisa ain’t getting slated, she is going to have to go through two gauntlets of “Michael’s Daughter” and other Dopey thoughts, all the while, there are going to be other choices, in both races, than Lisa Madigan.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 9:43 am:
===I will repeat, isn’t there someone else qualified and able to govern who can facilitate the saving of Illinois? Someone with the cojones to challenge the seemingly inevitable coronation of the Madigan family as the lone power structure here?===
You can’t be governor, unless you RUN … If you can talk someone else to run other than Quinn or Lisa, more power to you.
You also will have the choise of the Republican Nominee come November. We have a Swearing-In in January 2015, not a coronation. There are going to be choices, so choose someone other than Lisa, or Pat, or Bill Daley, or the Republican Nominee, but don’t think we aare all victims because others won’t run, or the others that do run, can’t win.
Find a candiadte if you don’t like any choice listed above and get them elected.
With respect …
- langhorne - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 9:46 am:
how about if she-madigan runs for governor, destroys quinn in the primary, and advances. and he-madigan says, enuf with the criticism already, i wont be speaker, i will just be a rank and file member, like anyone else? or he could lapaille himself into the senate (not).
- Demoralized - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 9:51 am:
==The voters just won’t accept it. ==
The “Fire Madigan” campaign worked out quite well. The voters in Illinois have done the following: re-elected a Governor that was clearly a criminal, re-elected a State Rep that had been indicted and thrown out of the House, gave the Democrats more seats than they had before in the last election even with the problems the state has, and I could go on with even more examples. Illinois voters have “accepted” a lot and I sincerely doubt that this would be an issue for 99% of the voters who would vote Democrat.
- walkinfool - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 9:54 am:
“I’m okay with both a Speaker Madigan and a Governor Madigan — but I’m a jaded hack. The voters just won’t accept it.”
Hear, Hear
@really?: nepotism is rampant throughout the private sector, and in our society in general. Look at any small company. It occurs less in the government, but I agree that we hold them to a higher standard.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 10:01 am:
===nepotism is rampant throughout the private sector, and in our society in general.===
Heck, Jason Plummer is in Lumber, “owned” s ell tower, now is a bank trustee … Who is that HR Department … Dad?
Lisa has at least faced the voters, the ILGOP the last 2 races had … fast, name her GOP opponents! … no one of significance run against her because of her own hard work, and an assist of the Madigan name, not visa-versa.
That is one reason I rail on Jason Plummer so when someone of his ilk runs as a Dem, no one will say, “Well, you would give the Repub a pass…”
No, no I haven’t …but Lisa is not that “Plummer”. Not. Even. Close.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 10:03 am:
===“owned” s ell tower===
“owned a cell tower.
My bad.
- shore - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 10:04 am:
-ryan lost twice they left out the 2010 primary
-ask jack and jim ryan how good that same last name as a statewide power who no one likes thing goes.
-it’s up to voters as the earlier commenter said. the tribune really doesn’t have any credibility with anyone anymore and it would save gop campaigns money because you could just make every ad-defeat madigan.
- Will Caskey - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 10:12 am:
YDD, asking for polling numbers on a bloviated political topic is like asking for proof from vaccine skeptics. You can ask but you may as well go make a sandwich for all anyone is going to answer.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 10:17 am:
I will “bite” …
===I want to see poll numbers. How many Illinoisans are going to switch their vote to an anti-choice, anti-gay, anti-gun rights Republican over the issue? Probably not that many: remember, polling shows that the anti-Madigan sentiment is mostly among folks who are already Republicans.===
Agreed.
I was silent because I concur with this observation.
The ILGOP’s poor image is far greater than the image the ILGOP gives to specifically MJM and the possible Lisa Madigan candidacy and MJM still in state government.
Last I heard, Lisa … she polls pretty good, and I am willing to bet, against the GOP Nominee YDD describes, would poll really good then too.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 10:21 am:
–So apparently nepotism is ok in Il… but only for elected officials? –
It’s not nepotism if you’re elected.
MJM does not have the power to grant Lisa the governorship. She’ll have to beat an incumbent governor and the the GOP candidate in elections.
- Meaningless - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 10:22 am:
I agree with the comments that some have made regarding the failed attempts and diminished influence of the Tribune editorials. The Tribune’s editorials have basically become a joke and their professionalism and journalistic credibility is at the same level of the National Enquirer. I’m sure that Michael Madigan is already laughing at anything the Tribune suggests he should do.
- walkinfool - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 10:28 am:
It’s likely that Speaker Madigan has already worked out two or three possible scenarios, including quietly testing and evaluating his possible back-ups for Speaker. I just don’t see him leaving.
But he’s tough to predict.
- Really? - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 10:39 am:
Let’s see if I understand this correctly: There has been only one person who has been around for the majority of the pension mess problem — and he has been leadership for most of that time. In fact, he has been the de facto dictator for the last 10 years or so.
So doubling down on that legacy by nominating Lisa as Governor is a good thing? If anything could get the IL GOP off the ventilator, this is it!
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 10:44 am:
===So doubling down on that legacy by nominating Lisa as Governor is a good thing? If anything could get the IL GOP off the ventilator, this is it!===
Unless, the candidate is so unappealing to conservative Democrats or moderate Republicans, then you are on the right track.
If you have a GOP candidate, that forces social issues at Litmus Tests, and requires those social values and mores be concrete, and that opposing views are not tolerated, then Lisa is in real good shape.
- VanillaMan - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 10:45 am:
Any political party comfortable with the possibility of a speakership and a governorship being held by the same family is not thinking about what is good for that state.
Believing that a government problem should be handled this way has forgotten why we fought the Revolution, why we have checks and balances in our constitutions, how we have survived since 1789, and what American governance means. People advocating a family-based approach to governance are choosing short term solutions that don’t really solve.
Happy kingdoms and dictatorships never remain happy. That’s been a lesson for say, thousand years?
Shameful. Anything for political power over a bankrupted state.
- dupage dan - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 10:52 am:
=== If you have a GOP candidate, that forces social issues at Litmus Tests, and requires those social values and mores be concrete, and that opposing views are not tolerated, then Lisa is in real good shape ===
I agree. My comments above, at least in my own mind, are consistent. Mine was a plea for someone who can buck the trend which, given the past, has not worked out well for our state. That’s not to say the Lisa Madigan can’t do a good, independent job. I just don’t know. I believe there should be a robust loyal opposition that is engaged and willing to take on the tough task of campaigning despite the challenges. I worry that the GOP won’t be able to make the shift necessary to address the issues that are important to a majority of voters - and seriously consider losing the strident tone re the social values and mores. Without that shift, pretty much any democratic candidate will be in good shape.
- Robert the Bruce - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 10:55 am:
I agree that Lisa still would likely beat Quinn and then the republican nominee even with Mike as Speaker.
But Lisa would be MORE likely to win if Mike resigned than if Mike stayed on, as that would take away a line of attack on her.
And I also imagine that Mike wants to increase Lisa’s chance of winning, not decrease it.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 10:58 am:
- dupage dan -,
I guessed. I was making clear the pitfalls as well.
All good.
- Really? - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 11:04 am:
If the economy keeps chugging along — ie, jobs start getting created, housing values continue to increase — there is one VERY BIG elephant in the room that still needs to be addressed during the 2014 gubenatorial election: Pension reform.
So the question is this: Who has the intestinal fortitude to solve this issue? Answer? Well, I don’t think having the last name of the Speaker will help convince voters that Lisa is the answer.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 11:09 am:
===Well, I don’t think having the last name of the Speaker will help convince voters that Lisa is the answer.===
Lisa is beyond the “Madigan” name being the “end all, be all” of her existence. Time will tell is you are right, but I remember the “Fire Madigan” stuff and I remember, how big Lisa’s plurality in the last elections. I thnk more and more its going to come down to match-up, Lisa versus “X”, more than the very simple fat of a last name.
If she runs, we will see…
- circularfiringsquad - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 11:12 am:
DuPage dan
Shirley Madigan is Mrs. And chair of the arts council….another huge domain controlled by the Speaker :)
- Really? - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 11:16 am:
Yes, OW, time will tell…that and several million $$$ slung by what will likely be several challengers to the throne, as my guess is she will be viewed as the front-runner from the very beginning. In other words, she will be damaged goods once the election comes around, similar to Romney.
- Esquire - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 11:23 am:
What’s in a name? Lisa has so many options available to her… she could opt to resume use her own last name (Murray) rather than that of her adoptive parent or identify herself as Lisa Murray Madigan as she did before entering the political arena. Maybe she could use her husband’s name (Byrnes).
I doubt that the name game will stop Lisa from running. Her minimal entry level credentials as a practicing lawyer did not deter her from running from AG. She has done a fair job in that office.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 11:38 am:
===In other words, she will be damaged goods once the election comes around, similar to Romney.===
Lisa Madigan … is no Mitt Romney …if you think that, and they would be the same in campaign mode, then you are underestimation Lisa Madigan.
Just saying …
- dupage dan - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 11:39 am:
cfs, I know - I was just making a funny.
- Really? - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 11:44 am:
Yes, agreed OW, Lisa is no Romney. But consider the arguments that will be thrown around in two years: What is the percentage of funds that previously went to DHS, DCFS, etc, that now go to pensions?
Again, she will be the front-runner and whipping girl for all the problems that pensions are responsible for in this state.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 11:50 am:
===Again, she will be the front-runner and whipping girl for all the problems that pensions are responsible for in this state.===
More than possible, agreed, but that also will depend who Lisa draws in the General (If Lisa gets past the Primary), and if they are not going to appeal to conservative Dems and Moderate Indies, then Lisa will be in good shape …that is why time will tell when it comes to Lisa, because of those significant variables.
We aren’t too far off….
- Really? - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 11:58 am:
Agreed, OW. If the pension issue is solved, it will go a long way toward her running. That said, the Guv wears the jacket for all that ails the state, so the reverse is also true. In other words, Quinn will have a solid issue to run on…something even the GOP punted on this past lame duck session.
- Steve Bartin - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 12:24 pm:
In most states in America, this would be an issue. But, this is Illinois where corruption, nepotism and high taxes are widely accepted. So, having the Madigans control two branches of government isn’t an issue for Illinois voters. Anyway, where was the Tribune on the issue of John Daley at the Cook County board while Mayor Daley ran Chicago????
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 1:23 pm:
=== It’s not nepotism if you’re elected. ===
It’s not a purely solo effort either when your father is Chairman of the Party.
Perhaps he will divest himself of any interest or activity in this race due to conflict of interest, just as he claims to with clients of his law firm?
That would be the day.
- ArchPundit - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 1:27 pm:
Someone who has done polling–what is the recognition of Speaker Madigan in polling statewide?
- ArchPundit - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 1:31 pm:
—-It’s not a purely solo effort either when your father is Chairman of the Party.
When are campaigns solo efforts?
On another note, since when does Madigan do anything as party chair besides use it for cheap mailing for his House candidates? It’s not like the Illinois Democratic Party is some giant organizational behemoth.
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 1:43 pm:
On second thought, that’s a legitimate concern and poses a huge conflict of interest.
The Party Chairman position is purely political. Madigan is supposed to get Democrats elected.
If you are Pat Quinn, Bill Daley, an ally, supporter or rank-and-file voter, how is it acceptable to you that flesh and blood of the party Chairman runs directly against you?
By definition, he leads and controls the Democratic party’s electoral apparatus.
And you expect him to be completely impartial, unmoved and inactive when his flesh and blood runs against you?
Do you trust that he is not undermining you at this very moment?
- Steve Bartin - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 1:52 pm:
Has the Tribune written any op-eds about Ed Burke running Chicago’s Finance Committee, while his wife sits on the Illinois Supreme Court, and his brother in the state legislature?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 1:55 pm:
===Has the Tribune written any op-eds about Ed Burke running Chicago’s Finance Committee, while his wife sits on the Illinois Supreme Court, and his brother in the state legislature?===
I think you might be confusing that with Sneed….
“Ald. Burke and the lovely Justice Anne Burke were seen eating some meal, at some restaurant, laughing with Jay Doherty, and they all had a good time.”
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 1:57 pm:
Better yet, do you believe that he will treat hsi daughter’s opponents exactly the same way he treats his own blood?
While pursuing the highest elected office in the Illinois?
That if she asks him for advice or help at his grandchild’s birthday party, he will tell her “Sorry, sweetheart, but I can’t even talk to you about that. I am the party chairman after all.”
“Good luck though, honey. I really want to see you win.”
Does he dare recuse himself temporarily during the primary?
If it’s not such a powerful position, then what’s the big deal? Just a simple gesture to keep the peace among Democratic primary voters and allies. Helps protect the integrity and fairness (or appearance thereof) of the Democratic primary.
And if others feel it is a powerful position, then how can he stay?
At least step down temporarily, go to bat for your daughter and do it out in the open. Don’t pretend to be a fair and impartial party chairman when your daughter is running for Governor.
It’s not fair to Quinn, Daley or Democratic voters.
Temporarily step down as chairman 6 months before the primary, then resume duties the day after the primary.
Even if he is replaced by an ally, it is the right thing to do by the party, the candidates and the voters.
- ArchPundit - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 2:06 pm:
What is Madigan going to do as Party Chair that he wasn’t going to do before he was Party Chair for Lisa?
- cassandra - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 2:19 pm:
It’s way too early to to say she’s even running, but if she runs and wins the primary a year from now (that means the election-it’s Illinois) and her father says he plans to stay on, there would be a few weeks of chatter and then everybody would get used to it. Again, it’s Illinois. We’ve seen everything.
- Endangered Moderate Species - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 2:21 pm:
The polls continue to show Lisa as a favorable candidate. The ILGOP has been trying to stick mud on the Madigan name for a decade, with no negative effect. If anything, the GOP has helped energize the DEM base.
If the ILGOP is serious about winning elections, they will support and stand by a candidate who recognizes we are all different. They will support a candidate who is serious about solving a fiscal crisis which may devastate not only us but the futures of our children and grandchildren.
The GOP has a popular fiscal message; but they allow themselves to be distracted by other issues that do not fit into their neat and tidy box of ideals.
The ILGOP also has to organize at local levels and work the precincts. They need to realize it is not degrading to knock on doors. The sport of politics demands hard work and discipline.
It also wouldn’t hurt to see the movie Lincoln and get a fresh reminder of what the father of the party was all about. If he came back for a visit, he would probably shake his head and wonder what happened.
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 3:20 pm:
If temporarily stepping down as party chair during the primary won’t impact the things he does for Lisa, then replacing him with a neutral chairman agreed to by Quinn and/or Daley, etc. is all upside.
- reformer - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 4:27 pm:
Did Trib editors ever warn about the dangerous concentration of power in one family when Daley was mayor and his brother Bill was talking about running? If not, why not? Lisa’s flirtation with running is certainly less aggressive than Bill’s was at this time four years ago.
- reformer - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 4:32 pm:
The “Fire Madigan” campaign worked so well for the GOP last fall, by all means rerun it in 2014.
- Pfft_-_ - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 5:11 pm:
How about a “two Madigans” scenario as subject matter for this years ethics training? Or does it only matter whose nose it offends?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 6:29 pm:
===If the ILGOP is serious about winning elections, they will support and stand by a candidate who recognizes we are all different. They will support a candidate who is serious about solving a fiscal crisis which may devastate not only us but the futures of our children and grandchildren.
The GOP has a popular fiscal message; but they allow themselves to be distracted by other issues that do not fit into their neat and tidy box of ideals.
The ILGOP also has to organize at local levels and work the precincts. They need to realize it is not degrading to knock on doors. The sport of politics demands hard work and discipline.===
Well said, - Endangered Moderate Species -, well done.
- Just The Way It Is One - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 6:45 pm:
Maybe that’s what the TRIBUNE thinks, but one thing we’ve learned about the Speaker over the Decades he’s been in power–HE will do what HE chooses, and no else’s suggestions or directives to him will mean a hill of beans…
- steve schnorf - Thursday, Jan 24, 13 @ 7:58 pm:
There is no solution which fits their agenda for which the Trib can’t find a problem. Get rid of Madigan??? Hmmm, eureka, run Lisa for Governor! She can’t last more than 20 years there, problem solved.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Friday, Jan 25, 13 @ 8:16 am:
And with all due respect to my good friend Will Caskey, I imagine anyone thinking of running for governor is polling the Speaker/Governor question, just to see if it is a message worth using.