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* Umm…
Democrat state Rep. Jack Franks of Marengo is constantly viewed as being vulnerable and his reluctance to back Boss Madigan on all things leaves open the possibility that Madigan and the Dems could sacrifice him if push came to shove.
Franks does represent a heavily Republican district. But the GOP has yet to find a viable opponent. Maybe that’ll change with Rauner’s bigtime money. I don’t know.
What I do know, however, is that while Madigan might possibly, conceivably, maybe, perhaps take a pass on saving a member in an overwhelmingly Democratic district during a primary (cough*Dunkin*cough), he ain’t handing over a seat to the GOP as long as he gets his vote for Speaker, no matter how much of a pain in the rear Rep. Franks can be.
The only conceivable scenario is that Madigan is putting out electoral fires everywhere next November (not hugely likely considering that it’ll be a presidential year) and Franks is so far out of contention that it isn’t worth spending money on him. But, even then, I dunno.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Sep 23, 15 @ 1:42 pm
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The statement assumes that Madigan would be willing to sacrifice a legislator who does not back him due to political reluctance. That really doesn’t make any sense and assumes a stereotype of MJM the Illinois Review has, Rauner has, but doesn’t really comport with reality.
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Sep 23, 15 @ 2:00 pm
I don’t believe Jack Franks is vulnerable to either MJM or Bruce Rauner (or both for that matter). Everyone would spend a lot of money to try and unseat him - but Frank’s would be re-elected all the same.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Wednesday, Sep 23, 15 @ 2:03 pm
What are the House Republicans going to say, “Madigan controls Franks by allowing Franks to be uncontrollable”?
Can’t beat someone with no one, and thst district understands who Franks is, lots of un-learning of what people have know for years.
But…
A million dollars up there, an “Avery Bourne” type candidate with youth and gender to try to highlight differences, you never know…
It’s a Fool’s Errand, but, with $20 million to be foolish with, lightning can strike somewhere I guess…
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 23, 15 @ 2:20 pm
Franks should be like the made guys that Henry Hill and Tommy DeVito left alone. Sure, you don’t like ‘em, but you tolerate ‘em and work with ‘em when you can.
Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Sep 23, 15 @ 2:23 pm
Meh, Cabello, Durkin, Sandack, Radogno, et.al. are “running” oogats when it comes to GA campaigns.
It’s the Boss’ money network and his peeps will call the shots.
Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Sep 23, 15 @ 2:36 pm
OW- “It’s a Fool’s Errand, but, with $20 million to be foolish with, lightning can strike somewhere I guess…”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-creamer/il-governor-rauner-gets-7_b_6742500.html
Rauner only needs to “work” part-time to make it all back./s Only 690 hours will refill the kitty.
Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Sep 23, 15 @ 2:37 pm
===It’s the Boss’ money network and his peeps will call the shots.===
Great point, very true.
It’s Rauner sitting on the $20 million, not Radogno or Durkin.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 23, 15 @ 2:38 pm
From Franks’ perspective, do you feel lucky Rauner punks, well do you!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Op5jke-f-Bw
Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Sep 23, 15 @ 2:39 pm
No way does Madigan abandon Franks.
Franks may not always vote in support of some Dem. issues, but he can be counted on when his vote is crucial.
Comment by MOON Wednesday, Sep 23, 15 @ 2:55 pm
Whoever wrote the original comment is clueless. Between support for Madigan’s position on a given bill, and voting with your constituents in a competitive district, the “boss” always pushes for the latter. Frank’s is more valuable to the Speaker as a Dem caucus member, than as a “gettable” vote on any bill.
Comment by walker Wednesday, Sep 23, 15 @ 2:58 pm
In 2014, a very strong Republican year, in Franks’ district Rauner beat Quinn 65% - 31% and yet Franks won re-election 58.5% - 41.5%.
Comment by The Captain Wednesday, Sep 23, 15 @ 2:59 pm
I’m sure Franks is having a good laugh on all this.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Wednesday, Sep 23, 15 @ 3:54 pm
Did not think much of his recent “present” vote on SB1229, but nobody is going to beat Jack.
Comment by Woodstock willy Wednesday, Sep 23, 15 @ 5:06 pm
Why in the world would Rauner want to replace Jack Franks with a Republican?
I can see spending a little money up there to try to spread out Democrats’ defense, except all you do is push Franks away.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Sep 23, 15 @ 7:13 pm