* From the Illinois Policy Institute…
Madigan is the longest-serving House Speaker in Illinois history and in the nation currently. Madigan became an Illinois legislator in 1971 and has been Speaker of the House in Illinois for all but two years since 1983. During the time Madigan has been Speaker, Illinois has had six different governors, more than 200 state senators and more than 500 state representatives.
The power Madigan wields as Speaker has caused many to refer to him as the “King of Illinois”.
But Illinois voters statewide don’t get to pick who holds that position. If they did, they certainly wouldn’t choose Madigan. Nearly two-thirds of registered voters in Illinois disapprove of the speaker.
So how has he stayed in power for so long? Illinoisans should ask their representatives.
Just as voters elect state representatives, state representatives elect the speaker of the House every two years. To become the speaker, Madigan just needs a majority vote.
“I don’t become the speaker because someone issues an edict,” Madigan said in a 2004 interview. “I become the speaker because there are at least 60 members of the House, generally Democrats, who vote for me to be the speaker.”
The Democratic Party has held a majority in the Illinois House for all but two years since 1983. They can select anyone to be the House speaker. But they choose Madigan every time.
In fact, there is not a single sitting House Democrat who has ever voted for someone other than Madigan for the speakership. (Note: In 1995, a House Republican majority made Lee Daniels the House speaker by acclamation, which means Democrats in attendance technically voted for Daniels.)
Nearly two-thirds of registered voters in Illinois disapprove of Madigan — it’s time for representatives to respect taxpayers by not re-electing Madigan as Speaker of the Illinois House. That’s why Illinois Policy is holding a protest to demand that Illinois lawmakers vote for a new Speaker of the Illinois House.
Date
Wednesday January 11, 2017
Time
12:00 Noon
Place
University of Illinois - Springfield
Sangamon Auditorium, UIS
One University Plaza
Springfield, IL 62703
Agenda
TBD
Love that “agenda.” I suppose they’ll just howl at the wind.
* Meanwhile, from the ILGOP…
Following the release of Boss Madigan’s New Year’s resolutions, the Illinois Republican Party continued its countdown towards Jan 11th, the election for Speaker of the Illinois House. With seven days left until Decision Day, the Illinois Republican Party is launching the Boss Madigan Quiz to test just how much Illinoisans really know about Mike Madigan’s decades of failure.
Boss Madigan has presided over so much of Illinois’ downfall that some of these answers are downright shocking, but absolutely true.
Can you ace the test?
Take the quiz at http://bossmadigan.com/quiz/
The party also appears to have a new Boss Madigan account on Twitter. ADDING: The ILGOP says it’s not their account.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:20 pm:
What’s the independent, non-partisan, think-tank IPI theme of the protest?
Hack Lives Matter?
- bossy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:23 pm:
Someone should quiz the bossmadigan folks about who was elected to the legislature. They’re calling out Eddy Jackson who didn’t run for re-election. He can’t vote for Speaker. Are they outsourcing the content production to Canada?
- illini97 - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:24 pm:
No agenda.
So they just yell “get off my lawn” and then shake their fists at the sky?
Yeah, that’s getting things done.
- Mouthy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:24 pm:
No budget, just fool’s games. Captain Ahab will never slay Moby Dick. Maybe he should just settle for Cod
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:24 pm:
Meh, I blew it.
“Hack Lies Chatter.”
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:25 pm:
This isn’t going to help IPI get a pass for the House media gallery.
- Annonin' - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:28 pm:
Does IPies have a deadline for spending all of Rauner’s money? Will the agenda be to determine the dollar value of the gift card door prizes?
- Belle - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:32 pm:
Lame move.
Like the IL 1% is going to show-up for a protest, in-person? Maybe they can send their Maids, Admin Assts and Butlers?
- Highland Il - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:34 pm:
Will there be t-shirts?
- A guy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:35 pm:
They need to learn they don’t have to do something all the time. To be conspicuous by your presence isn’t an asset.
- FirstGentleman - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:38 pm:
I’m with Highland, if there are t-shirts I’ll go. Those ‘Boss Madigan’ ones they handed out last year were pretty impressive.
- Signal and Noise - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:43 pm:
This obsession is boarding on mental illness
- Wading in... - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:47 pm:
Coincidence that IPI booked the auditorium a week or so before the semester starts, when students that might disagree with what’s happening to higher ed would be present and perhaps spoil the party?
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:48 pm:
–They need to learn they don’t have to do something all the time. To be conspicuous by your presence isn’t an asset.–
–This obsession is boarding on mental illness–
Huh? They’re getting paid to do this.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:52 pm:
===Coincidence that IPI booked the auditorium a week or so before the semester starts===
Um, dude. That’s where the House is holding its inauguration. Try to keep up.
- Fixer - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:56 pm:
Maybe they’ll break triple digits for turn out this time. The last “rally” they had was had a pathetic turn out.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 12:58 pm:
Oh the complexity of it all! Same o, same o!
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:00 pm:
I believe if anyone in the Dem Caucus starts to place on line some of Rauner’s history, litigation against him and his Golden Fund, it would cut deeper than anything the Illinois Policy Institute could/would place forward.
- Albany Park Patriot - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:06 pm:
“Boss Madigan.” Funny, but this IPI outfit is more beholden to one man and his checkbook than any other subservient bunch in town. It’s all a charade to remove rights from workers and get them crawling on their knees to the REAL bosses.
- Arsenal - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:10 pm:
Man, leave it to the IL Republican Party: Finally find a halfway effective message and then beat it into meaningless submission with a bunch of dumb stunts.
- Gooner - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:12 pm:
Given that the IPI apparently believes the Speaker is responsible for the state budget, maybe they should burn copies of the IL Constitution as part of the protest.
- anonymous - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:16 pm:
More waste and silliness. Rauner & Co. must be bored.
- Keyser Soze - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:30 pm:
Great venue. The January wind will be howling off the prairie. Snow may be falling sideways. Parking is a quarter mile from the event. Home viewing is recommended.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:31 pm:
Vertical Integration…
Protest
Covered by IPI Radio
Written about in Raunerite newspapers
“BossMadigan.Com”
Editorial Boards
Rauner press releases
ILGOP press releases
IPI press release
Coverage of ALL the press releases….
…
Vertical Integration.
It’s about keeping fresh the stale.
Raunerites, unencumbered with an actual narrative from the Dems, will again “own the day”… up and down the integration.
- Commonsense in Illinois - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:32 pm:
IPI ignores several years when Republicans offered a motion to elect Mr. Madigan Speaker by acclimation…it did happen in Mr. Daniels’ case, and the make of that motion was Rep. Michael Madigan. Hmmm.
- cgo75 - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:34 pm:
The majority of Illinoisans don’t want to be critical of the Speaker….they want all the players together, on one page and agreeing on a budget. The Speaker has devoted his life to the State, time to recognize his contributions in a positive way on both sides of the aisle.
- State IT - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:41 pm:
Wasn’t the last IPI “protest” numbered in the tens of people attending?
- DHSBob - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:47 pm:
It is interesting that the GOP thinks this is the year for destroying Madigan; however, if they aren’t careful they will completely overlook the GOP being destroyed by Gov Rauner.
- Give Me A Break - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:48 pm:
Would be fun see to human service providers stage a rally at the same time and place.
I suspect the IPI “band of followers” would not enjoy facing people who are impacted by IPI’s ideas.
In fact, I’m pretty sure IPI followers are cowards who would run at the first sign of having to face their opposition face-to-face.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:52 pm:
===Would be fun see to human service providers stage a rally at the same time and place.===
There was one in May. The day before IPI had dozens show up for their rally.
Outside. With thousands. Blocking Streets.
- Kathryn - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:56 pm:
Wimps. Cant even hold a protest outside. Too cold? All those silk boxers they wear would freeze.
- Interesting - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 1:59 pm:
I am confident Tim Mapes is working on tickets for the IPI folks right now.
- Lucky Pierre - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 2:04 pm:
that was AFSCME OW nice misdirection
- Pundent - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 2:05 pm:
Rauner and IPI continue to win the messaging war. While the democrats stay silent and try to remind us of the responsibilities of governing these guys are having their lunch. This is the new reality of politics and it’s foolish to ignore it. Voters aren’t interested in governing they want a pound of flesh and they don’t care how they get it. It’s about destroying “institutions”. The “establishment” is the target and in Illinois Madigan’s the proxy. Trump rode this sentiment nationally to victory. Until the democrats can mount a credible response they’re in deep trouble.
- Ahoy! - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 2:12 pm:
I don’t like Madigan anymore than IPI does, but their protest is going to be about 35 middle aged white people standing around. If they get to 75, I will be shocked. Either way, it’s going to be a little sad and awkward.
- Pawn - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 2:23 pm:
Ok I get the hilarity of mocking the IPI for their turnout - I enjoy the schadenfreude as much as the next guy - but when, oh when, will the Dems even open a frickin’ twitter account? Talk about death by 1000 cuts. I begin to think they don’t deserve to prevail if this is how they fight. Did the 2016 national election have no lessons at all?
C’mon Dems. WAKE UP.
- Deplorable_one - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 2:44 pm:
I find it amazing how brain washed you Madigan supporters are. Simply amazing. Is it possible you can take a step back and see what is before your eyes? Truth is that Madigan has devoted his life for POWER only. We all know what that does. And it has corrupted him absolutely!
- Pawn - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 2:46 pm:
Deplorable, please explain how Rauner is not about power and reference his bought ILGOP. Does the ILGOP have ANY supporters beyond Rauner and his buddies? What happens to the ILGOP if he decides to take his marbles and go home?
BTW, being against Rauner does not make people Madigan supporters.
- Gooner - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 2:57 pm:
Deplorable, you must be new here.
We actually take pride in having the highest quality comments section around. Although at times people do go after the ideas of others, we avoid things like ranting that political opponents are “brain washed.”
If you want comments like that, you probably should check out the Sun-Times.
In any case, no, those of us who support the Speaker are not brain washed. Although many of acknowledge he’s been less than perfect, we do appreciate his efforts over the years to stand up for union members and the working class generally.
Further, while we are also aware that he did not write the budget. That’s the Governor’s job. While he can talk about how many votes he can put on it, the result is not the Speaker’s. Instead, from 1976 to 2002, the long series of budgets that failed to fund pensions came from GOP governors. Was he wrong to agree? In hindsight, of course. But he sure did not author them.
So Deplorable, next time you feel like ranting, you should do two things: 1) Ask yourself if you are on a page where ranting is generally accepted and 2) Check your facts.
- My New Handle - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 3:01 pm:
Please detail how Madigan is “corrupt absolutely.” Thank you.
- BK Bro - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 3:05 pm:
Deplorable: It’s not that many on this blog are “brainwashed” by Madigan. Many simply just prefer to the current political/legal system instead of the type that Rauner is proposing. Both Madigan and Rauner probably believe in the causes they’re fighting for. Madgin = organized labor, regulating biz, public institutions, etc. Rauner = business friendly, less spending, less reliance on public institutions, smaller govt., etc. Both are simply just playing traditional politics, which involves wheeling and dealing, money, and political hacking.
- Deft Wing - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 3:06 pm:
Pundent is right.
While most of the audience here lampoons IPI, the point of what they’re doing, incessantly, is largely lost or ignored by the partisan crowd here. IPI is messaging, constantly and consistently, as is Rauner, that it’s all Madigan’s fault. Period.
And this is the GOP flip side to Noonan/Reyes’ “it’s all about winning” strategy. Forget whether it’s all accurate, it is digestible and sellable … and it’s working.
Rauner, et al. (certainly inclusive of IPI) is winning the messaging war, big time.
- GOPgal - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 3:22 pm:
I really wish Rauner and his minions would stop wasting time whining about their opponent who beats them all the time and actually do THEIR job for a change. Like how’s that balanced budget coming Governor? You’re only 2 years behind on performing this basic constitutional duty.
It’s really embarrassing being a Republican in Illinois. While GOP in other states making great progress, all we get is in Illinois is childish complaining. No leadership whatsoever. Some things never change.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 3:28 pm:
–Ok I get the hilarity of mocking the IPI for their turnout - I enjoy the schadenfreude as much as the next guy - but when, oh when, will the Dems even open a frickin’ twitter account? –
Very true. IPI has to show they’re doing something for the money they’re getting — part of the performance review when you go ask the Sugar Daddies for more money.
The lack of any coherent opposition messaging to Rauner’s actions is just bizarre. Lot of material to work with there.
It’s not like his the Superstars are any good at it, they’re just the only ones in the ballgame.
- Sir Reel - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 3:33 pm:
Lemme see, Rauner spends millions and millions. Result: nearly two thirds disapprove of Madigan.
Madigan spends a fraction of that. Result: three out of five disapprove of Rauner.
Some savvy businessman.
- Bear3 - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 3:42 pm:
I like the boss and not the antagonist.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 3:51 pm:
Rauner has a low approval rating by Illinois voters even without continuous campaign of bashing by the opposition.
- filmmaker prof - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 4:39 pm:
That’s interesting. All the media characterize them as a non-partisan organization (snark).
- MAMA - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 5:56 pm:
This is all about Rauner wanting the public to think the tax increase that Rauner needs to pass is the Dems fault. Nothing more - nothing less.
- justacitizen - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 7:10 pm:
My son who generally leans democrat is one of the younger generation who thinks Madigan is a joke and that democrats nationwide need new blood. So no, Madigan isn’t the sole problem but he’s past his prime.
- maryis60 - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 7:58 pm:
Mike Madigan be gone…your time is over. The citizens don’t want you. You have proven yourself to be inept and greedy.
- Lalaland32 - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 10:32 pm:
I think many people think Madigan has harmed the state so much that the most sensible solution is to leave the state. Rauner is trying hard to fix things but the courts have made reform impossible. Many people my age have discouraged their kids from returning to Illinois after college.
- The_Equalizer - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 11:13 pm:
And yet, the governor will continue to tell us this all has nothing to do with him. Nope, the hands are completely clean. Just coincidence!
- Just Me - Wednesday, Jan 4, 17 @ 11:46 pm:
I think it is interesting how many people on this blog make fun of Rauner and company’s message. Please tell me, what is Madigan and company’s message?
Mr. Madigan has allowed this to become personal, and it’s all about him and his legacy and not an alternative to Rauner, and that just plays into the Boss Madigan campaign even more.
- Deplorable Mom - Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:37 am:
For those who uphold the status quo: look at my sister and tell me what this state is turning into is OK. She was losing her job here at one of the major homegrown companies and was forced to move her family to Texas. Now, she finds Texas, albeit, A Republican run state; which she hated initially has; no sales tax, a reasonable property tax and guess what, her kids college tuition is what Illinois college tuition was in the 1990s! She’s way better off now, out of Illinois. Now maybe you can see why some of us want change! Not only may my sister still be near me, but living here would be much, much cheaper and better!
- Fed up - Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 4:13 am:
He needs to go the state Illinois is in has taken years and he has been at the helm. Pretty soon all will be left will be people who can’t afford to leave.
- Pundent - Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 8:20 am:
=Mr. Madigan has allowed this to become personal, and it’s all about him and his legacy and not an alternative to Rauner, and that just plays into the Boss Madigan campaign even more.=
Just as importantly, if you take away Madigan what’s Rauner’s message? I agree that the Dem’s have done a lousy job in responding to Rauner’s rhetoric and they will justifiably continue to be punished as a result. But the reality in all of this is that Rauner can’t get the votes to support his agenda. The “Boss Madigan” campaign is a great distraction but ultimately doesn’t change the governing equation. There could be a new “boss” tomorrow and things would be no different. Personally I think the Dem’s would be well advised to have Madigan step down. He’s become somewhat of a Sears in an Amazon world. The longer it takes the Dem’s to realize this the more damage it will cause.
- theq - Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 8:48 am:
if they are handing out gift cards, t-shirts and maybe cookies and juice boxes this time I am in