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* Tom Kacich…
Remember the furor nearly three years ago when newly elected state Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, was the only Republican in the Illinois Senate to vote for a bill to legalize gay marriage in Illinois?
He was criticized by members of his own party — the Ford County Republican Party passed a resolution expressing its displeasure with his vote and former McLean County Republican Party Chair John Parrott said the young senator had made a lot of enemies.
“The outpouring of dissatisfaction from Republicans in McLean County has been overwhelming, along with other county chairmen calling me and talking to me about how disappointed they are in Barickman’s vote,” Parrott said.
But unless someone files [today] to oppose him, Barickman is going to get a pass in the March 15 Republican primary. Although he hasn’t filed yet, Barickman said he’ll do so on Monday.
We’ll see what happens today, but Sen. Barickman is an otherwise conservative Republican, he diligently works his district and, because of the US Supreme Court gay marriage is a done deal nationally. Ain’t nothing anybody can do about it now. Plus, it was probably an overblown issue to begin with, especially by the time it was passed here.
Also, the very real problems Illinois faces completely overshadow the minor little question about whether two people from the same gender can get married. Live and let live, and all that.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 9:15 am
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Sen. Barickman’s utterly ridiculous handling of the NRI Hearing, trying to outflank Rep. Mautino was so awful, only the “birth” of an Owl has spared him the ridicule he deserved.
I find myself often wondering where the Sen. Barickman and Rep. Sandack I admired and respected went. Not just on SSM, but they both were considered thoughtful and understood thenselves and their districts, and were “with you” 80% of the time.
Sen. Barickmam should be thankful for The Owl. While Sen. Barickman might find the Raunerite politics good for his district, the NRI Hearing is still shillin’, and the bad form hasn’t been forgotten.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 9:23 am
The politicians were way behind the public on that issue.
Ten years from now, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a politician who will cop to ever having been opposed to gay marriage. Yet at one time or another, the great majority were.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 9:47 am
Of course, this budget debacle couldn’t NOT overshadow SSM, given everything it threatens. That said: For some of my family and friends, marrying who they love is anything but a “minor little question”.
Comment by Threepwood Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 10:07 am
Where is Parrott today? I seem to recall his days as chairman were numbered even then. The guy just could not help himself.
Comment by Dirty Red Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 11:05 am
Barrickman demonstrates the the fear of political retaliation on this vote was exaggerated. Other GOP legislators who knew marriage equality was the right thing did not vote their consciences. Profiles in courage are rare.
Comment by nona Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 11:17 am
The populace evolved on the issue. It passed. Hell didn’t freeze over. Good for society for reacting by not reacting.
Comment by A guy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 11:20 am
Mr. Parrott did not seek another term as Chairman in 2014.
Comment by Greatplainser Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 12:48 pm
You know what did happen…. Parrott is now FORMER McLean County Republican Chairman….
Comment by a modest proposal Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 3:10 pm
@Willy- want to challenge you there. Barickman did a phenomenal job trying to rein in some potentially damaging firebrands like Rep. Reis. The event obviously didn’t turn out like a lot of Republicans (or the media) were expecting…but Barickman did not look like a hack in the process.
Comment by Gus Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 9:02 pm
- Gus -,
With Respect,
When Barickman tried to take over for Mautino as Managing Chair and fought for the Rauner Inquisition and was then goading the Owl behavior…
Barickman was a shill, not a legislator.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 30, 15 @ 9:46 pm
I couldn’t be happier that marriage equality now produces yawns in the political realm. Ain’t no thang.
Comment by Dome Gnome Tuesday, Dec 1, 15 @ 8:08 am