* From Facebook…

* Jak is the Walter Cronkite of Illinois Statehouse news. There is nobody better.

Speaker Madigan, for instance, doesn’t sit down with many TV reporters, but he knows Jak is fair and asks insightful questions, so despite the fact that Jak has put him on the hot seat numerous times with tough questions, Madigan regularly submits to Tichenor’s interview requests. Jak isn’t a “gotcha” guy looking for cheap ratings boosts. He’s a real, honest to goodness journalist.

I’ve been privileged to appear on Jak’s “Illinois Lawmakers” show for years. Our friendship developed partly because of a mutual acquaintance, Jak’s wife Monica, who I’ve known since my early days in Springfield. But it grew strong because of our mutual respect. I cannot possibly say enough good things about the man. He’s decent, he’s honest, he’s trustworthy.

Here we are in 2014…

A congratulatory caption contest perhaps?

*** UPDATE *** Jak just called and said he hoped to continue with the Illinois Lawmakers program. That’s a relief.

       

53 Comments - Tournaround Agenda - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 1:35 pm: Congratulations, Jak. - Ray del Camino - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 1:41 pm: Jak is not just a good journalist but he is good people. ¡Felicidades, Jak! Caption? How about “Rich and Famous!” - The Colossus of Roads - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 1:42 pm: Scotch, make mine a double. - Wordslinger - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 1:43 pm: Real Before and After photos from Modern Manscapers. - Anonin' - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 1:46 pm: Jak is probably the best in the biz and has been for decades. SIU and WSIU are very lucky to have had him in the shop for so long - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 1:48 pm: Congrats Jak. I’ve always learned more from the questions he’d ask. All the best. OW - John A Logan - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 1:53 pm: Jak gave me a tour of the SIU school of Radio Television when I was considering SIUC. I did graduate from there, but it was with a degree in Advertising/Marketing. Jak is a staple in the Southern Illinois / Carbondale scene. Seeing him and chatting him up about politics at the Sunset Concerts or in the mid town Schnucks is a regular occurrence. Growing up I remember him presiding over the WSIU pledge drives on channel 8. He is a great teacher, listener, reporter, radio voice, interviewer, writer, citizen, and friend. God Speed Jak, your a connection to the glory days of SIU. You will be missed. - Commonsense in Illinois - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 1:59 pm: The Statehouse is losing a gentleman AND a scholar. Jak is one of the few really good ones! - Finally Out (and now very glad to be) - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:02 pm: Just watched Jak and Rich this morning from the Friday night Illinois Lawmakers. Was looking forward to his weekly updates throughout this session, which could have been one of his most interesting. Thanks for all your great work Jak and enjoy your retirement! - birds - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:07 pm: Caption: Jak tries to hide his disappointment when learning his retirement surprise isn’t a gold watch. Seriously, Jak is one of the greats and he will be missed. - Mittuns - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:19 pm: The News Brothers - illini - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:21 pm: Best wishes in your retirement, you will be missed on WSIU. One of my proudest moments was when I prompted Rich to open a thread on the passing of both Senator Dixon and Rep. Gray, and you added a comment. Thank you. - Boone's is Back - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:30 pm: Congrats Jack! And the best beard goes too… - VanillaMan - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:32 pm: The Illinois Corsican Brothers - VanillaMan - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:35 pm: “Its Click and Clack, from NPR’s Bar Talk!” - Precinct Captain - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:35 pm: Rich Miller has already lined up support of the capos to takeover as Don - Tommydanger - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:43 pm: They roared when they must And tried to be just A purpose to be done True stories hard won True from the start True to the end Started as colleagues Leaving as friends Their stories contained facts Very little filler I’m sorry we’re losing our Jak I’m glad we still have our Miller - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:52 pm: To the update, Thank goodness. OW - Norseman - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 3:09 pm: === Jak just called and said he hoped to continue with the Illinois Lawmakers program. That’s a relief. === The session has to end before the program can end. Jak is just acknowledging the reality of the times. - Anonymous - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 3:32 pm: Good for you, Jak. I hope your brother, Lawrence O’Donnell makes it to the party. - Anon. - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 4:01 pm: “I don’t always drink beer, but when I used to, I looked like Miller.” You’ll be missed. - Anonymous - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 4:19 pm: “It ain’t all about Jak.” - Concerned Observer - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 5:03 pm: Jak is just a great guy, and I learned a lot just by watching him when I was at SIU. Good on ya, Jak! - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 5:05 pm: “… after their Cough Drop empire was squandered… “ - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 5:07 pm: “… authorities say the two men then hijacked a Vespa, doing donuts in Lot B at the Capitol…” - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 5:09 pm: “… then after leaving the balcony, they gave the session two really big thumbs up…” - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 5:12 pm: “… and another thing; any youse Mushrooms see dees two; Don’t. Say. Nuthin.” - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 5:14 pm: “… and that’s why you never leave your Bill Analysis up in the balcony, unattended.” - Union gal - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 6:11 pm: Stay thirsty for knowledge of your government my friends - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 6:13 pm: “Although an interesting concept, a ‘buddy-cop’ sitcom around mysteries of the legislature wasn’t pick up by the networks…” - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 6:38 pm: “These two? You want these two to sit in on ‘Vegas’ meetings?” - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 6:42 pm: “… and their 2-part seminar; Nothing Good Happens in Springfield After Midnight…” - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 6:44 pm: “… if you can get past these two with your Raunerite talking points intact, Bruce will fund your campaign… “ - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 6:50 pm: “… and their celebrated routing ‘What Bill’s On First Reading?’, a show-stopper…” - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 6:57 pm: “… and their 9-part series, ‘Mapping Out The Dance Floor starring their Mushroom “Jerry Mandering”…’…” - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 6:59 pm: “Jay and Silent Bob Talk to the Other Mushrooms” - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 7:02 pm: “… and their 6-part lecture; Saying Less Is More Except to Us…” - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 7:10 pm: “What happens in Vegas will probably be reported by these two” - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 7:16 pm: “… Sponsored by… Burma Shave… “ - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 7:21 pm: “… We’ll report no whine, before its on the record… “ - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 7:29 pm: “… Next… on ‘True Detective’…” - Lt. Guv. - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 7:57 pm: OW, that’s all? Inspired. - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 8:06 pm: “… watch out for that Mike Madigan, he loves to photobomb… “ - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 8:30 pm: “The Chit-Chat Caucus” - Union gal - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 8:35 pm: Aw OW ya had me at jerry mandering let’s draw some districts - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 8:45 pm: A nicely drawn map, brings a tear to my eye “Caption?” “… and their weekend seminar “Have All Voted Who Wish; Understanding Illinois Voter Turnout…” - Jak Tichenor - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 8:45 pm: When someone tells you “you’ll be fine,” believe it. Especially when it’s the all the crew at Capitolfax.com! p.s., OW, do you ever sleep or eat? Because, DAMN! - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 8:47 pm: Sleep is for the weak … or tired, I forgrt how that quote goes… You’re a good sport, Jak, I’m a big fan. - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 8:55 pm: “… and from their Platinum Edition Lecture Series; Flacks Taking Flack; Responding Like a Pro…” - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 9:00 pm: Think this is it… “… and their Sack Lunch Series; M.O. Wha? The History and Understanding MOUs…” - Norseman - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 9:15 pm: Jak Tichenor, that’s the best response I’ve ever seen to Oswego Willy comment(s). Enjoy your semi-retirement. Lawmakers is the session show to watch. - Jak Tichenor - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 9:22 pm: Good Lord, I need my inhaler I’ve been laughing so hard! Catch you all in the morning… - Jak Tichenor - Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 10:21 pm: …and one more thing, thanks to everyone for the kind words today. I am forever in your debt. I’ve learned so much from everyone here over the years from all ends of the political spectrum. This is the one forum where it all comes together. Special thanks to my friend Rich Miller and the entire Capitolfax family of political practitioners, pundits, and everyday people who care enough about our state enough to head into the arena everyday in this space and fight the good fight. Can’t wait to read what you have to say tomorrow! Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.