Madigan: Mapes resigned “at my direction”
Wednesday, Jun 6, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Press release…
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Speaker Michael J. Madigan released the following statement Wednesday:
“At my direction, Tim Mapes has resigned as my Chief of Staff and Clerk of the Illinois House of Representatives. Jessica Basham has been named Chief of Staff for the Office of the Speaker effective immediately. Further, Mr. Mapes has resigned as the Executive Director of the Democratic Party of Illinois and all other roles with my political committees.
“Regarding Ms. Garrett’s concerns shared earlier today, neither I or the House Democratic Ethics Officer had been made aware of Ms. Garrett’s complaints against Tim Mapes. My office was aware of the comments made by then Representative Dunkin and took action to handle the matter. That issue had been disclosed publicly earlier this year by my office along with all other known allegations of harassment. It is clear that the culture needs to change and we need to ensure all issues are dealt with quickly and appropriately.
“I have stated my commitment to eliminating harassment of any kind in the Capitol, as well as all political committees, and my desire to ensure we create a culture where individuals feel secure in making a complaint. I intend to appoint an individual with extensive experience conducting investigations to review all operations of the House of Representatives, including but not limited to the Clerk’s Office where Ms. Garrett works.”
Jessica will be a breath of fresh air over there.
…Adding… Comptroller Susana Mendoza…
The resignation of Tim Mapes was the right thing to do and frankly the only option. If we truly want to change the behavior and culture in government and politics, we have to hold everyone to the highest standards, especially those in positions of leadership.
- Colin O'Scopy - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:44 pm:
What’s shocking is that Jessica is the third Chief of Staff since 1983.
- Linus - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:45 pm:
Jessica is smart, capable, and a hard worker. She will do well.
- Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:47 pm:
Does this move mean the LIG loses jurisdiction over the complaint announced today? I wonder, given that the two people named are no longer affiliated with the Legislative Branch.
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:47 pm:
So, off Timmy goes to collect a $165k GARS pension plus whatever comes in on the side. Life is tough.
- Colin O'Scopy - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:47 pm:
I should have led with: “He gone!”
- Iggy - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:47 pm:
I love how this is what the third or fourth time Madigan has had to give a statement like this this year? Every time he promises swift change, maybe this will be this resignation in disgrace that will finally bring about meaningful change. But I won’t hold my breath.
- Little Changes - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:48 pm:
Tough break for the ruling class….I guess there’s gonna have to be more “client sharing” in the Third House now, huh?
- jim - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:49 pm:
Madigan doesn’t wait to act when his power is threatened — it’s under the bus you go.
- Ahoy! - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:49 pm:
The problem is that Madigan will remain the man will somehow always avoid accountability… kind of like Trump.
- SAP - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:50 pm:
Good move putting Jessica Basham in there.
- Jen - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:50 pm:
With no disrespect to Jessica Basham who is eminently qualified, Madigan would do better to bring in someone from outside of his organization if he wants to demonstrate a commitment to change.
- Texas Red - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:52 pm:
No admission that MJM was not aware of Mapes reprehensible behavior, only a denial of knowing the charges ..”neither I or the House Democratic Ethics Officer had been made aware of Ms. Garrett’s complaints against Tim Mapes”
Blaming the culture is a nice dodge as well, who sets the culture if not the leader ?
- Truthseeker - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:54 pm:
Sara Feigenholtz, where are you? Ann Williams, where are you?? Kathleen Willis, where are you??? Huge difference between marching with nameless folks in the City and standing up for those you work with it seems . . . . . . . Scott Drury heard from ahead of you because his last name comes first in the alphabet??
God bless Kelly Cassity for having the intestinal fortitude that you clearly lack . . . . . .
- MusselMan - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:54 pm:
Oh, Tim, there’s some empty boxes on the second floor of Stratton if you need them…..
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:54 pm:
*With no disrespect to Jessica Basham who is eminently qualified, Madigan would do better to bring in someone from outside of his organization if he wants to demonstrate a commitment to change.* I’m not sure I agree. He’s bringing in a well respected woman.
- Responsa - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:58 pm:
== neither I or the House Democratic Ethics Officer had been made aware of Ms. Garrett’s complaints against Tim Mapes.==
Based on all the comments posted about Mapes’ known reputation and character on this site today this statement seems almost unbelievable. Following is a sincere question to those closer to the situation — do the Madigan underlings work and succeed that well in hiding all bad news from the boss? Does the specific mention of Garrett’s name serve to mask that he may in fact have known of other complaints about Mapes which were ignored?
- AlfondoGonz - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:58 pm:
Mapes was always a drip.
- Lt Guv - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:02 pm:
and Mapes was more “correct” than LaPaille. My, how times have changed.
- Mod Dem - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:02 pm:
Speaker Madigan, please take ownership of the issue and resign. You more than any single person owns the culture that you say needs to change. Please do the right thing and step down so that Dems can feel a sense of pride again in our Party’s Leadership.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:06 pm:
Who is going to pick the paint colors for the Capitol redesign and enforce the ban on eating/drinking on the House floor…
- Larry Mullholland - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:06 pm:
The Culture of an organization is set by the worst behavior leadership will allow. Speaker Madigan, Where does the buck stop?
- PJ - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:06 pm:
Couldn’t happen to a more deserving guy
- Amalia - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:06 pm:
Mapes was/is a bully. I see my past more clearly now. You were wrong.
- Jen - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:08 pm:
@ anon 2:45 p.m., I agree she is well respected and deservedly so. But she is part of the Speaker’s organization, and that organization has repeatedly mishandled allegations of harassment and bullying. If they brought in someone from outside it would send a clear signal that things will change.
- Chris P. Bacon - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:08 pm:
If someone has an index card, wouldn’t it be faster just to get list of men who HAVEN’T said something inappropriate to women in Springfield?
- don the legend - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:09 pm:
So now D-day will have to share June 6 with this historic event /s
- Stark - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:10 pm:
Couldn’t be more happy for Jess.
- Jake From Elwood - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:11 pm:
This was the obvious play.
He gone.
- State worker - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:15 pm:
Madigan and Mapes handed out all those laws to new legislators to pass so they could SAY they do something to combat sexual assault.
After all, cynically exploiting sexual violence is a proven tactic to consolidate party power and win elections.
Nearly all the legislators in Springfield are part of this racket. They all know these laws are politically motivated. Many legislators even admit they don’t reduce victimization and probably increase harm.
- don the legend - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:16 pm:
JB: Tim Mapes is a dead man. You don’t object?
MM: He’s small potatoes
- Cubs in '16 - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:17 pm:
Leadership is being proactive, not reactive. I don’t see much true leadership from either MJM or the governor.
- Long Time R - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:17 pm:
It’s amazing that Mendoza waited till after the firing to make a statement. Now she back in her office trying to figure out a way to blame Rauner
- Outsider - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:19 pm:
So he’s off the official state payroll. Let’s see what his role with DPI is going forward.
- Bumblin stumblin rumblin - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:19 pm:
The fact that Mapes is out the door before close of business and Rep. Lang temporarily stepped down from leadership says to me that these allegations are real and the top knew they were real. I’m not sure why everyone is applauding the firing. Smoke in mirrors.
- Etown - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:20 pm:
Not surprised at all. Mapes has acted like he is chief of staff for life for way too long and got way too full of himself and his power. It keeps getting closer to Madigan but still think it will take something major for him to resign on his own volition.
Good Riddance Mr. Mapes
- Texas Red - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:22 pm:
=So he’s off the official state payroll. Let’s see what his role with DPI is going forward.
“Further, Mr. Mapes has resigned as the Executive Director of the Democratic Party of Illinois
- PJ - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:23 pm:
==Let’s see what his role with DPI is going forward.==
Might want to keep reading: “Further, Mr. Mapes has resigned as the Executive Director of the Democratic Party of Illinois and all other roles with my political committees.”
- TNR - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:23 pm:
I agree that Jessica is top-shelf, but staying in-house is very risky for Madigan. She’ll be immediately asked by the press if she was aware of complaints against Mapes. And if new complaints arise in the coming weeks against another member or staffer, Madigan better hope none of it occurred within Jessica’s current chain-of-command. If so, things will only heat up for the Speaker.
- Where are the legislators? - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:24 pm:
Interesting how they love the marches and banging the drum but the moment it gets even the slightest bit hot, nowhere to be found. Williams. Feigenholtz. BFC. The silence is amazing, quite frankly.
- Downstate - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:27 pm:
“It is clear that the culture needs to change…”
And who better to do it than the one that created it!
- Will never be missed - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:29 pm:
Good riddance, Tim
- Return to Sender - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:35 pm:
I so appreciate the courage of all the women who’ve stepped forward, starting with Alaina Hampton. They’re the ones who are laying the foundation for a change in culture in Illinois politics, and that’s something that very few in power have been selfless enough to do. I’m also intrigued by the shift in support (anonymously and openly) for Ms. Garrett over some of the other women. It was incredibly helpful to the movement for a woman who has more career experience (read: a little older than some of the other women who have come forward) to share her experience. Hard to dismissively say, “I paid my dues, these women should too.” any longer. Thank you, Sherri, Alaina and everyone whose courage doesn’t have a limit, everyone who uses their voice on this matter to reach beyond their own professional benefit. All of the women who stood blindly next to Lou Lang last week can learn a thing or two from you.
- cdog - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:41 pm:
Madigan will continue to try and hang on as a leader of an establishment that has long over-stayed its usefulness, and is overdue for a bottom-up anti-establishment movement.
It’s very fascinating to watch.
- Texas Red - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:43 pm:
That pesky culture ! Both MJM and Mendoza alluded to it today. Seems you can blame anything on the culture and get a free pass. These excuses work for the short term - but the Rauner folks will be all over this come the fall.
- Last Bull Moose - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:45 pm:
With the Democratic legislative party in disarray and Pritzker underwater, the Republicans would have a chance to reshape the political landscape. Rauner is a millstone around their neck and will drag them down to defeat.
Were Rauner a patriot instead of an egoist, he would orchestrate his own withdrawal and his replacement by a strong candidate, probably female. Not Jeannie.
But patriots are scarce and egoists plentiful.
- Violet Seepage - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:49 pm:
Does anyone else find t it amazing that the most fastidious, detailed-oriented Speaker of the House in the history of Illinois didn’t know what was going on five feet in front of his podium?
- Rutro - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:52 pm:
He was fired would’ve been a lot better than resigned at my direction. Also, some free advice, go fire anyone else on your staff who you know has engaged in the same behavior BEFORE the next press conf.
- The Most Anonymous - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:57 pm:
Whenever these stories hit the news, I think about women in the press corps. They undoubtedly have had countless experiences facing sexual harassment, yet have largely remained silent on the issue, per expected journalism protocol. Thank you for all you do and sorry for all you have to deal with in order to do your job (for our benefit, really). You’re fierce and that’s not lost on some of us out here.
- City Zen - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 3:58 pm:
Will Mapes have to return his 2011 Golden Horseshoe Award?
https://capitolfax.com/2011/12/
Cast your vote for the “Best Mapes Recommendation” in the “Hindsight 20/20″ category:
https://capitolfax.com/2011/12/20/question-of-the-day-golden-horseshoe-awards-7/
- Downstate - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 4:00 pm:
–most fastidious, detailed-oriented Speaker of the House in the history of Illinois didn’t know what was going on five feet in front of his podium?–
“Buffers. Yeah, the family had lots of buffers.”
- JS Mill - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 4:01 pm:
=Does anyone else find t it amazing that the most fastidious, detailed-oriented Speaker of the House in the history of Illinois didn’t know what was going on five feet in front of his podium?=
No, not really amazing. There are many explanations but I think the two most likely are as follows:
He may have known all along, that is a definite possibility, and allowed/condoned the practice until it became a political liability.
He legitimately may not have known. Mapes was probably a gate keeper that used intimidation to run the show and therefore people were so intimidated they didn’t speak up (which definitely happened) and didn’t make their concerns known to the speaker for fear of reprisal (a distinct possibility).
Regardless of what the reality is, it in no way whatsoever absolves Madigan of his responsibilities as the leader of the house and his various organizations of creating a culture of fairness, respect, professionalism, and equality.
This is still on him completely.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 4:02 pm:
The Rauner crew is feverishly working on the next set of TV ads.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 4:03 pm:
The president can grab them by the p. Pink bra resignation? I thought illinois politics was a blood sport? I get being pc and respectful but our president says far worse things daily. When did illinois politics turn into a Nickelodeon cartoon?
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 4:06 pm:
Absolute power corrupts absoltuely.
- PJ - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 4:08 pm:
==Republicans would have a chance to reshape the political landscape.==
Ok, slow the roll. This is still a state Hillary won by double-digits. Madigan scandals aren’t going to somehow turn the state red.
- Downstate - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 4:11 pm:
Given her position, I’m guessing that Ms. Garrett knows of other women to potentially come forward. She got Mapes to “resign at MJM’s direction”. Is that all she was looking for? Would love to be a mouse in the MJM office tomorrow. Even the June heat won’t warm up the chill of that room.
- Altgelds Ghost - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 4:15 pm:
MJM knew He was informed of Mapes and others behaviors this year during his “listening tour” meetings with women on the different staffs he controls. It’s time for MJM to exit the building
- Downstate - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 4:16 pm:
JB: “Mike, is’s JB calling. Just checking to make sure my most recent check cleared.”
MJM: “He’s already decided to resign at my direction.”
JB: “Okay. Have a nice day.”
- Not Your Girl - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 4:17 pm:
=Return to Sender=
So it’s ok for women to speak up about an issue if it creates a platform for a movement in which you must believe in but not ok for women to stand beside a man they believe in, who mentored them? See how that doesn’t work? You can’t advocate giving women a voice and then tear down the women who risked their reputations to speak about the character on behalf of a man they respect? That falls under hypocrisy and this type of behavior perpetuates this particular culture everyone is talking about. Women should have the freedoms to speak freely for whomever and whatever cause they deem worthy and appropriate without feeling ashamed. My hat goes off to Tiffany Elking and the other women who stood for Lou Lang because that was brave too.
- BothSidesofHisMouth - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 4:22 pm:
I know this is about the COS and it should be, but there are also multiple mentions of staffers who were harassed by legislators in this woman’s statements. That is completely unsurprising to most of us who have worked in the building. The rank and file legislators are not employers or employees in terms of their legal relationships with legislative staff, lobbyists and agency employees - but they are in positions of authority over all of those groups. If a female staffer complains that the chairman of the committee she staffs continues to hit on her despite her telling him to stop… nobody is in a position to put the legislator on leave or fire him. Elected officials answer only to their voters and legal authorities. Leadership COULD reassign the perpetrating chairman to a different committee, but then they would have to explain WHY publicly and neither the legislator nor the leader’s office wants to have to deal with that dumpster fire…more likely the female staffer will get reassigned to a less desirable committee and then she will be expected to feel grateful to her employer for having removed her from the “uncomfortable situation” even though nothing happened to the perpetrator and now she - the staffer - has a less desirable work assignment. He will eventually ascend to a leadership position, she will find her opportunities for advancement limited as she no longer staffs a critical committee that would have positioned her for either inner staff advancement or lucrative lobbying work. It’s hard to legally prove or solve a lot of it..but it’s there. And it happens ALL. THE. TIME.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 4:23 pm:
===The president can===
Stop right there.
If it wasn’t plain to your pea brain before, try to concentrate on the following sentence: Nobody can get away with the stuff President Trump says and does other than President Trump.
It’s a truly weird phenomenon, but it’s a fact of life.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 4:31 pm:
Rich you apparently missed the Nickelodeon comment. Smh
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 4:37 pm:
===Rich you apparently missed===
Nope. I let that through so I could mock the moron. You apparently missed that. lol
- Last Bull Moose - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 4:41 pm:
PJ. Reshaping the landscape doesn’t mean Republican dominance. They could win the race for Governor and avoid veto proof majorities.
Now they face four more years in the wilderness.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 4:42 pm:
Reach higher
- Return to Sender - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 4:45 pm:
@notyourgirl
==See how that doesn’t work?==
No, I don’t see how that doesn’t work. And just because he’s a mentor to these women, doesn’t mean he didn’t sexually harass other women. The process is flawed, sadly, and to have those women up there with Lou Lang same-day discounts the message that the process is flawed. “Brave” is a big, important word. That’s nice they have your support. They lost mine.
- Honeybear - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 5:00 pm:
I feel a sense of trepidation.
Instant firings and resignations
Without an adjudicating process
Give me that feeling.
I worry about the use of such power
To blow things up.
Yes there are truly good things about #metoo
But I don’t want power or unpopularity
Being equated with guilt.
I would like there to be a process.
That’s all.
- Duopoly - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 5:04 pm:
=The Rauner crew is feverishly working on the next set of TV ads.=
Will the new ads feature Rauner’s harrasser buddies Eric Grietens and Ken Dunkin?
- Responsa - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 5:07 pm:
==I would like there to be a process.
That’s all.==
Many people might say it’s been the total absence of an appropriate and working process for this sort of thing for years and years that has brought us to this place. When is waiting for a “process” to miraculously appear just a bridge too far? I think that’s where a lot of women in and around state government are right now. Can’t say I blame them.
- Last Bull Moose - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 5:32 pm:
Honeybear, This is not a legal adjudication. An at will employee was fired. OK. Asked to resign. All the process needed.
If there are lawsuits for damages, the legal process will kick in.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 6:06 pm:
Of course there are no Republicans who have uttered anything other than biblical phrases in Springfield over lo these many years. Canonizations should follow soon hereafter.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 6:12 pm:
– but the Rauner folks will be all over this come the fall.–
“Can I have a hug?”
“You’ve got that red dress goin’…It’s a good..very….”
“I will bury her…..”
Sen. Radogno.
Yay, Rauner, women, yay….
- justacitizen - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 9:22 pm:
We the people of IL keep electing jailhouse governors and 40 yr politicians like Madigan so we are the definition of insanity.
- Not the only place in Govt - Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 11:56 pm:
Sexual Harrassment happens in other state agencies as well and is overlooked by many but “everyone” ignores the behavior because they are afraid of the backlash on their own career. I have reported allegations and they also went on deaf ears. Powerful people do what they want to do.
- Rod - Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 6:35 am:
All pretty sad, and since the Speaker controls who get committee chairs along with the Democrat leadership positions.It is not surprising so many liberal House Democrats are laying low during this explosion.. The committee chairs, earn stipends of more than $10,000 for their roles. About 67 percent of all Illinois lawmakers receive a stipend,
Speaker Madigan has drawn many into his web and it includes many liberals who denounce regularly corruption. JB is too in this web and it could prove to be a problem even running against Governor Rauner.