* Dictating to the media doesn’t usually turn out very well…
Video is here.
* And then…
It looks like U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam doesn’t think much of Alabama U.S. Senate hopeful Judge Roy Moore after all.
A few hours after refusing all comment on Moore and his alleged sexual misconduct toward teenage girls, Roskam is calling on Moore to step aside and let someone else fill the Senate seat that was vacated by fellow Republican Jeff Sessions when he became U.S. attorney general.
“The allegations leveled against Roy Moore are disturbing,” Roskam said, according to an NBC News tweet sent after Roskam refused to talk about Moore in a meeting with Crain’s editorial board.
“My office takes allegations of sexual assault and harassment very seriously, and I call on Moore to step aside (as GOP nominee) as a distraction to Senate and House members so they may continue focusing on serving the people,” the statement added.
Roskam’s office confirmed that it issued the statement, but said it was doing so only for media outlets that separately asked about his views. Roskam had told Crain’s that he was meeting with the edit board to talk about tax policy, and not other matters.
That wasn’t so hard, was it?
* In other news, this is from the Pritzker campaign…
Yesterday, Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin joined Governor John Kasich of Ohio and countless Republican leaders in calling for disgraced candidate Roy Moore to drop out of the Alabama Senate race, but Bruce Rauner continues to say nothing.
Five women have now bravely come forward alleging Moore pursued sexual relations while they were underage, with a woman yesterday alleging Moore sexually assaulted her when she was 16. Nearly the entire Republican party has spoken out, but Bruce Rauner remains characteristically silent.
“This is another clear case of right and wrong, but maybe we shouldn’t be surprised by Bruce Rauner’s silence,” said Pritzker communications director Galia Slayen. “Whether it’s Rauner refusing to speak out about Donald Trump trying to sabotage Obamacare, failing to immediately denounce the anti-Semitism, racism, and violence in Charlottesville, or even acknowledging a racist cartoon printed by his supporters, time and again Bruce Rauner has chosen political expediency instead of standing up to his party and speaking out for what’s right.”
*** UPDATE *** From the ILGOP…
Hi Rich,
I wanted to pass along Mary Ann’s reporting from last night on Roy Moore (video attached). The Pritzker camp falsely stated that Governor Rauner has been silent on Moore, which is not true. The governor believes that Roy Moore should step down immediately.
Speaking of silence, where are J.B. Pritzker’s tax returns? 214 days have elapsed since Pritzker first pledged to release them.
Thanks,
Aaron
That report is here.
* Related…
* Kinzinger: ‘Republican Party ought to disown every aspect’ of Roy Moore
* Roskam at the Center of Political Fight Over Taxes
* Roskam defends GOP tax bill—but concedes it’s ‘not perfect’
* Durbin: Illinois Republicans Must ‘Stand Up And Say No’ To GOP Tax Plans
- Fax Machine - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 10:11 am:
Anyone ask Rauner yet?
- People Over Parties - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 10:13 am:
So, what is Pritzker implying with that statement? Has Rauner been asked?
- JoanP - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 10:14 am:
@Fax Machine -
Don’t need to ask him. We know he’ll just say it’s all Mike Madigan’s fault.
- Ron - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 10:16 am:
It’s like Roskam doesn’t want to be a congressman anymore.
- Perrid - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 10:25 am:
@ People over Parties - There’s an argument to be made that he shouldn’t have to be asked, that a leader might take the initiative to comment on a story this big and widespread, relating to a alleged child molester taking on one of the most powerful jobs in the country. That might not be 100% fair, lots of things happen in other states, but the argument is there to be made.
- Honeybadger - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 10:26 am:
Has anyone has Jeannie Ives what she thinks about the Roy Moore situation?
- Galena Guy - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 10:26 am:
” It’s like Roskam doesn’t want to be a congressman anymore.”
The state of Illinois should be so lucky. (And when he finally talks to Crain’s about taxes, he’s gonna lie to them anyway.)
- Texas Red - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 10:27 am:
Rosakam is in House leadership as Chief Deputy Majority, additionally he is chair of the ways/means subcommittee. As result he should have lots to say about tax policy. The machinations of a Senatorial election in Alabama - not so much. Shame on Crain’s a supposed “business” journal for this set-up.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 10:31 am:
Roskam always seems to be on the verge of a nervous breakdown, jumping out of his skin over any tough question.
- Curl of the Burl - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 10:34 am:
I’m getting really tired of these “guilt by association” tactics. What’s an Illinois Congressperson supposed to do? Go down to Alabama and ask Roy Moore to quit the race? Why is this important? I’m obviously not going to defend Roy Moore and he’s clearly an “off the reservation” kind of guy who isn’t well-liked. But to think that Peter Roskam’s opinion of weirdo, disgraced Senate candidate from ANOTHER state is important is baffling.
Did anyone in the media go after our Democratic gubernatorial candidates for their thoughts/denouncements after that awful pro-Ralph Northam ad? I don’t think any media types did. Even the WaPo went after the ad:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/ralph-northam-should-repudiate-this-offensive-anti-gillespie-ad/2017/10/31/a69c47e0-be6a-11e7-959c-fe2b598d8c00_story.html?utm_term=.3387ec819aa5#comments
Not everything has to be a story.
- Curl of the Burl - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 10:40 am:
Now - and something I thought of after I posted my musings - if Roskam had given to Roy Moore’s campaign then that is fair game. I get going after the soundbite and quite if there is meat to the matter. But how does Peter Roskam’s ability to function as an elected official hinge on a fringe party candidate’s checkered past and problems? He was not even the NRSC’s or President Trump’s preferred candidate.
- hisgirlfriday - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 10:41 am:
Rodney Davis deserves some time in the spotlight too with his comments he is worried all these sexual harassment allegations will result in fewer women getting hired to work in Congressional offices.
Maybe we should just elect fewer male predators to Congress?
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 10:41 am:
===fringe party candidate’s===
The dude is a Republican.
- @MisterJayEm - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 10:43 am:
To be fair, as the political protégé of a man who described his extramarital affairs at the age of 41 as “youthful indiscretions”, Pete is understandably uncomfortable with age-related sex scandals.
– MrJM
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 10:43 am:
===Shame on Crain’s a supposed “business” journal for this set-up. ===
Take a breath. 35 minutes into the interview, they asked a simple off-topic question. Politicians don’t get to decide what questions reporters ask. If you really believe that, move to Russia.
- Curl of the Burl - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 10:45 am:
Rich - sorry for phrasing that wrong. I meant to say that he was a fringe candidate and tripped over my wording. My apologies.
- hisgirlfriday - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 10:49 am:
@Texas Red - If Roskam has so much clout on tax policy why is he letting his constituents get hurt so badly under elimination of the state and local income tax deduction and restrictions on mortgage interest deductions just to eliminate the estate tax for mega-millionaires and billionaires?
- Harvest76 - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 10:50 am:
I’m trying to think of all the times I struggled to call child molestation an abomination….
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 10:52 am:
Geez, the Delicate Daisy chain is out in force. Poor congressman gets asked a question on the news of the day that he doesn’t want to answer; life’s so unfair.
You’re really not doing Roskam any favors making him out to be a frightened victim.
- @MisterJayEm - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 10:55 am:
“You’re really not doing Roskam any favors making him out to be a frightened victim.”
Sadly, Roskam’s body-language in that video leaves very few alternative interpretations.
– MrJM
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 11:05 am:
- awful pro-Ralph Northam ad -
I forget, when did that ad get accused of molesting a 14 year old?
- A guy - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 11:17 am:
Not sure why he didn’t just ask them to leave it for the very end of the interview and then issue one line. There’s no downside to suggesting Moore step aside. In fact, it’s everywhere.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 11:18 am:
===Why is this important?===
LOL, this “fringe” candidate took over 50% in a Republican statewide primary. We have an admitted p****-grabber in the White House. There was a Republican Party County Chairman in Alabama who said even if the allegations are true, he’d still vote for Moore because he’s not a Democrat. The alt-right/Nazis are some of the most ardent supporters of 45.
Sorry Republicans, but that is your party now, and it ain’t fringe. And as long as you stand with it, it *is* you. Reporters should ask every Republican candidate for every position about the abhorrent members of the party they choose to align themselves with.
- @MisterJayEm - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 11:19 am:
“I’m getting really tired of these ‘guilt by association’ tactics.”
But nobody is saying Peter Roskam is guilty of anything “by association”.
People are merely observing that Peter Roskam declined to opportunity to shun/denounce/rebuke someone facing multiple, credible accusations of serial child molestation.
The ability to address the biggest political story of the week does not seem like an unduly onerous expectation.
– MrJM
- walker - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 11:27 am:
A guy’s suggestion to circle back at the end, often works well at group interviews and even town halls. But then your closing on the tough topic better be good.
- Jocko - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 11:45 am:
Judging by his body language (and the fact that prominent Republicans are being asked) Peter can’t act too surprised.
Has Moore explained his rationale for writing in Beverly’s yearbook?
- Highland Il - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 11:47 am:
Guess I shouldn’t wait much longer for the Illinois Review staff to weigh in on the morality of Roy Moore….
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 11:48 am:
Rauner makes a strong statement about Tough Talkin’,
Bible Thumpin’, Hang ‘Em High, Mall Sniffin’ Judge Roy Moore: “I wish I had thought of wearin’that white hat….cool.”
- Try-4-Truth - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:07 pm:
===* Kinzinger: ‘Republican Party ought to disown every aspect’ of Roy Moore===
I’m sorry, I just have to say this again…
Republicans own Roy Moore… They own Donald Trump… They own Bruce Rauner…
Democrats had to eat Rod Blagojevich… and Jesse Jr… Republicans, it’s time for your medicine…
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:15 pm:
===Democrats had to eat Rod Blagojevich… and Jesse Jr… Republicans, it’s time for your medicine…===
Yeah, um, no.
Those who denounce Trumpism, who stand up to Raunerism, you seem to think their denunciation(s) are less than yours.
The reckoning for Raunerism and Trumpism will be decided by voters. The blanket you want wrapped will be a possible wVe, but there are Republicans willing to stand and be counted.
Your blind partisanship pushes aside a pressure needed.
You only do that if being partisan is more important than changing what is wrong… with those willing to stand with you… no matter the party.
- Da Big Bad Wolf - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:16 pm:
Good for Rauner. What does his opponent Jeanne Ives say?
- Ron - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:16 pm:
Raunerism is nothing like Trumpism.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:19 pm:
===Raunerism is nothing like Trumpism.===
Both are about divisiveness, about hate, about a self defining set of political mores that are thrust upon a party they have retaken control of and see those outside their thinking as enemies.
They are the state/national mirror of each other
- Ron - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:42 pm:
Rauner signed the most liberal immigrant protection law in the nation. Rauner is pro choice.
Trump is about as socially progressive as a cave man.
- Ron - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:42 pm:
Rauner is pro sanctuary cities. Trump hates non whites.
- Ron - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:43 pm:
Trump loves Roy Moore.
Rauner doesn’t
- Ron - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:43 pm:
Trump hates free trade.
Rauner loves it.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:44 pm:
- Ron -
Asked. Answered.
A few times now.
I fed you. Good luck.
- Ron - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:45 pm:
Oswego was owned on this one.
- Ron - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:45 pm:
Keep your head buried deep in the sand.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 12:50 pm:
===Oswego was owned on this one.===
No - Ron -, made the mistake of feeding you, that’s the only mistake made.
Good luck.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 3:12 pm:
Where has Rauner said anything about Moore? All I see is an offhand email statement from some flack.
As a white male, I know those don’t always accurately reflect the governor’s views.
Until Rauner actually says something, he remains silent on the matter.
I’d also like to know if
Rauner thinks Moore’s cowboy costume is cooler than his.
- TruthTeller - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 3:34 pm:
If you care more about virtue and value signaling (e.g. “what’s your stance on [an issue over which your political office has absolutely no power],” this type of questioning seems important.
- words - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 3:51 pm:
– virtue and value signaling–
LOL, that phrase itself is a signal to those who share your point on view.
I bet you hear it a lot on your favorite TV-for-shut-ins programs.
- Rufus - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 4:11 pm:
Look, I don’t like Roy Moore, never did, he is just way, way out there. But we do live in a country where you are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Even if the allegations are made about incidents that may have happened 45 years ago. Personally, I think he is person who should go crawl under a rock.
- MyTwoCents - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 5:44 pm:
Rufus, Mitt Romney said it best when he tweeted that innocent until proven guilty is for criminal convictions not elections. This is not a criminal case, it is allegations against a US Senate candidate and Alabama voters have to decide if is fit. That’s an entirely different standard.
- FormerParatrooper - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 5:51 pm:
I am not understanding here. Moore has not been tried and he is being found guilty without a trial? Pause for a moment, what if he is innocent? Will you reap the same hate on the accusers if these are false allegations? Or will Moore still be guilty in your mind?
Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying he is innocent, or guilty. What I am saying is that we have due process and that we can have opinions, but we should not make decisions based solely on accusations, no matter how much they sound true. There is always the possibility they may be wrong. It doesn’t matter who the individual is, we all are afforded the same consideration.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 5:59 pm:
–I am not understanding here.–
You’re not trying.
Many Republicans are trying to get him to quit because they don’t want to be associated with him. They can’t make him do anything if he doesn’t want to.
Your trial analogy is ridiculous. He’s not in any danger of being tried or convicted of anything.
- Lucky Pierre - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 8:13 pm:
Sorry but I missed all of the questions to elected Democrats at Crains and other publications, about disassociating themselves from ex President Bill Clinton, husband of the Democratic nominee for President last year, because he paid $700,000 to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit and had numerous other allegations about him.
There is a good reason Gallup says trust in media is at a 20 year low.
Selective outrage instead of universal condemnation.
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 9:53 pm:
It’s simple.
No one wants to elect someone who has been accused of what Moore supposedly did, to the US Senate.
Who does he think he is?
Bill Clinton?
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 10:00 pm:
Vman, “no one” may not include
Alabama voters. Moore won the GOP nomination and he still may win the general election,
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Nov 14, 17 @ 10:34 pm:
No one is voting for Moore because of how he has treated girls. He would have lost to Strange if Moore’s history was exposed sooner.
Would-a, could-a, should-a isn’t reality. Strange should demand that the Alabama GOP boot Moore out. It was a primary, not a General.