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Sherri Garrett responds to Mapes’ resignation

Wednesday, Jun 6, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Press release…

Following is a statement from Sherri Garrett following the news that her sexual harasser, Speaker Michael J. Madigan’s Chief of Staff Tim Mapes, has resigned:

“I am relieved that Mr. Mapes has resigned. I know victims of harassment throughout our state government and political sphere share that relief. I am hopeful that more individuals will now feel safe coming forward, knowing that their words can make a difference and force change.

“While Mr. Mapes resignation is an important symbolic and substantive change, however, the conditions that led to my harassment and the mistreatment of so many others have not changed. I remain steadfast that we need effective and independent mechanisms to ensure accountability to fix the culture of sexism and abuse that I have endured.”

  25 Comments      


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.

  75 Comments      


*** UPDATED x1 *** Sen. McConnaughay won’t seek reelection

Wednesday, Jun 6, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller

* This is a big surprise…

June 6, 2018
SENT VIA EMAIL
The Honorable Bill Brady
Illinois State Senate Minority Leader 309G Capitol Building
Springfield, Illinois 62706
Dear Leader Brady:

The purpose of this letter is to inform you that I have decided to not seek re-election this fall and will instead be pursuing other opportunities. Rest assured that as long as I remain a State Senator I will be doing my utmost to represent the taxpayers of the 33rd District and the State of Illinois—including continuing the work we’ve started in reforming this state’s ethics regulations.

Sincerely,
Karen McConnaughay

Sen. McConnaughay (R-St. Charles) was first elected in 2012. She is a member of the Legislative Ethics Commission and has fought this year to improve the General Assembly’s sexual harassment policies. She also unsuccessfully sought the minority leadership job after Christine Radogno announced she was resigning last summer.

Karen is good people. I’ll miss her.

*** UPDATE *** Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady…

Throughout her tenure in the Illinois Senate, Karen McConnaughay has been an outspoken advocate for the families of Illinois. Her leadership in helping raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking, her support for our transportation infrastructure and her dedication to protecting the taxpayers of Illinois will leave a lasting legacy.

Most importantly, the work and leadership she demonstrated this past spring to bring about needed ethics’s reform will never be forgotten.

I have valued Karen’s insight as a member of Senate Republican Leadership and I have no doubt that she will be successful as she writes the next chapter in what’s already been an inspiring and successful career.

* Sen. Jason Barickman…

Karen is a great legislator who will be missed in our caucus and in the Illinois General Assembly. She’s played an important role on the Legislative Ethics Commission and by being a vocal proponent of much-needed sexual harassment and ethics reforms in our state. I’m glad that she will continue that work in her time left in the State Senate. She’s also been a leader on transportation issues since her first day in the legislature. On any given issue, Karen was effective because of her ability to build bridges with colleagues across the aisle. I wish her well.

  19 Comments      


Rauner calls on Dunkin to resign from MWRD

Wednesday, Jun 6, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From Sherri Garrett’s press release about Tim Mapes

In Spring 2013, former State Rep. Ken Dunkin approached the House Well and said to Ms. Garrett and another woman–“I want to take both of you home and see which one will be the naughtiest.” Ms. Garrett reported the incident. Ms. Garrett later heard that when Mr. Mapes was told about the incident, his response was that it would blow over. While the incident was appropriately addressed by other members of Ms. Garrett’s team ultimately, it later became clear to Ms. Garrett that Mr. Mapes did not take appropriate action to address Rep. Dunkin’s comment, and if it had been left up to Mr. Mapes, the entire incident would have been swept under the rug.

* Rauner administration press release…

For too long, a culture of abuse has been permitted within state government – we must not tolerate it. Our Administration has acted decisively to change it in the executive branch through administrative action and Executive Order. We have also called on Ken Dunkin to resign from the MWRD.

In recent months, women have stepped forward to share their stories involving the legislature – we applaud their bravery. To the women who haven’t stepped forward, who have their own stories to tell, know that we plan to act swiftly to ensure an independent process is in place to investigate future allegations and the culture Speaker Madigan has created.

Rachel Bold
Press Secretary
Office of Governor Bruce Rauner

Rauner appointed Dunkin to the MWRD not long ago.

  40 Comments      


Mapes coverage roundup

Wednesday, Jun 6, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller

* What’s out there so far…

* Sun-Times: Woman says top Madigan aide harassed her: ‘Speaker’s office is a locker room’: “Over the course of the last several years, I have endured and have personally witnessed bullying and repeated harassment that was often sexual and sexist in nature In my workplace,” she said, noting Mapes had made “repeated inappropriate comments to me, both in the office and on the House floor.” Her voice faltering at times, Garrett described how difficult it has been to come forward. “I’m loyal to (Madigan). This is very hard for me, but I’ve just suffered one disappointment after another with how things are handled,” she said.

* Tribune: Aide accuses Madigan’s chief of staff of making sexually inappropriate comments: Garrett said in September 2015, a colleague complained of being sexually harassed by a member of the House Democratic caucus. Garrett said she raised the issue with Mapes, who responded, “Are you reporting this situation because you are upset the representative isn’t paying attention to you?” Garrett said she and the other person who heard the comment were “totally taken aback,” and that she told Mapes it was his responsibility to look into the issue. She cited an example from December 2014, as staff was in the midst of planning inauguration logistics. Mapes said “completely out of nowhere that I needed to make sure that I was not showing my pink bra,” because, “girls on the second floor like to leave little to the imagination,” Garrett said.

* NBC 5: Statehouse Employee Accuses Madigan’s Chief of Staff of Harassment: Beginning in spring 2013, Garrett said she reported former state Rep. Ken Dunkin for making inappropriate comments after he told her and another woman, “I want to take both of you home and see which one will be the naughtiest.” After reporting the incident, Garrett said she heard that Mapes’ response was that it would “blow over,” leading her to believe he would not take appropriate action.

* WLS AM: Speaker Madigans right-hand-man accused of harassment by House employee: Garrett says Madigan has given Mapes too much power and the speaker needs to step up for the victims.

* AP: House Speaker’s top aide accused of mishandling harassment: Sherri Garrett is a $42,000-a-year account technician for the House. She said Wednesday that Madigan chief of staff Timothy Mapes was dismissive of harassment complaints on two occasions and made untoward comments to her and others in incidents from 2013 to just a few weeks ago.

* One more…


  9 Comments      


Pritzker calls on Mapes to be suspended, fired

Wednesday, Jun 6, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From Galia Slayen at the Pritzker campaign…

JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton are calling on Tim Mapes to be suspended without pay from all roles within the Democratic Party of Illinois and the Speaker’s Office as an immediate and thorough independent investigation takes place.

Upon completion of the investigation, JB and Juliana believe Tim Mapes should be fired from the Speaker’s Office and step down from any roles within the Democratic Party. It’s clear our state government needs to take concrete steps to make women feel safe when coming forward with stories of sexual harassment and without fear of retaliation.

…Adding… I received an early, texted version of the campaign statement ahead of everyone else. The formal statement has been revised to say this…

Upon completion of the investigation, if the allegations are proven true, JB and Juliana believe Tim Mapes should be fired from the Speaker’s Office and step down from any roles within the Democratic Party.

That makes more sense.

* Also…

Representative Sam Yingling (D-Grayslake) issued the following statement:

“I am calling on Tim Mapes to step down while an independent investigation takes place. I believe Sherri Garrett and have great respect for the courage it took for her to come forward to report the harassment and bullying she has experienced.”

…Adding… This was mentioned in comments earlier. Since Pritzker is a big contributor, he will therefore have a lot of say in this matter…



…Adding… Press release…

REPRESENTATIVE SCOTT DRURY’S STATEMENT REGARDING SHERRI GARRETT’S ALLEGATIONS

I commend Ms. Garrett for having the courage to come forward with her detailed allegations against Mr. Mapes. While repeated calls for a truly independent investigation into the steady-flow of sexual harassment/abuse allegations continue to be made, they are met with relative silence. On November 8, 2017, I filed legislation (HB 4156) that provides for an independent – Bob Mueller-type – special counsel to conduct a thorough investigation into these allegations. Speaker Madigan killed the legislation. Had Speaker Madigan allowed the legislation to move forward - and had an investigation begun in 2017 - instead of learning of new allegations on a weekly basis, we already could be addressing them and implementing real ways change the culture of harassment and abuse long-condoned in Springfield. If Speaker Madigan will not allow HB 4156 or similar legislation proposed by others to move forward, I call on him to step down so we can elect a House Speaker who shows through actions that he or she truly values all people within our State.

…Adding… Press release excerpt

Today, State Representative Jeanne Ives called for House Speaker Michael J. Madigan’s Chief of Staff Tim Mapes to step down over allegations of sexual harassment. Ives additionally advocates for a transparent reporting process in Springfield.

“The office of House Speaker is powerful and carries with it a great deal of responsibility. Tim Mapes, like Kevin Quinn, abused that power,” said Ives.

“And it is because of Speaker Madigan’s failure to carry out the responsibility of his leadership position that we’re at this point. He failed to do his job and ensure that a Legislative Inspector General was in place and that complaints were handled in a timely manner.”

…Adding… Illinois Say No More…

First and foremost, we want to acknowledge Ms. Garrett’s bravery in coming forward. Her experience further underscores the deep pervasiveness of sexual harassment throughout our collective political systems. There is no arguing that we are long overdue for systemic change so that women can do their job in safe and supportive environments.

Eight months ago more than 300 women and allies signed the Illinois Say No More letter in a show of solidarity to shine a bright light on sexual harassment in Illinois politics. And while some progress has been made since then, much, much more needs to be done. Culture and behavior cannot change unless the masses rise up and demand better from everyone in the system. That means more women having a seat at the table. And it means that these kinds of behaviors can no longer be tolerated.

To all the women who have spoken up publicly or have endured these experiences in silence, we hear you, we see you and we stand with you.

  52 Comments      


Rep. Kelly Cassidy on Sherri Garrett: “Folks should feel safer coming forward”

Wednesday, Jun 6, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) just called me after I asked her if she had any comments on Sherri Garrett’s press conference accusing Speaker Madigan’s chief of staff Tim Mapes of harassment and bullying.

Rep. Cassidy was at Garrett’s event today because Garrett had come to her about what was going on weeks ago. “I told her to get legal counsel and make her decision,” Cassidy said. “And with each thing that happened over the weeks that followed, she just grew more resolved.”

What sort of things? “Responses she saw and things continuing to happen. She just became more resolved,” Cassidy said. Garrett finally came to the conclusion that “the only way to make change was to act on it.”

So, what should happen now?

“This sends a solid signal that folks should feel safer coming forward and demanding the change in our culture that will allow us to work without fear,” Cassidy said. “This is a woman that we work with every single day and I suspect that most people don’t even know her name, and she has put up with this for several years, quietly making sure that our lives run smoothly. And that’s sickening.”

But what about Tim Mapes? What should happen to him?

“I’m not Mapes’ employer, the Speaker is. He needs to act like it.”

  17 Comments      


Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Political events calendar

Wednesday, Jun 6, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller

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*** UPDATED x2 *** Tim Mapes named in harassment allegations

Wednesday, Jun 6, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Press release…

Madigan staff member comes forward about harassment by Chief of Staff Tim Mapes

Long-time State House employee cites repeated incidents of bullying, harassment in Springfield

CHICAGO (June 6, 2018)–A long-time member of Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan’s Office came forward on Wednesday to detail multiple instances of bullying and harassment in the workplace by Madigan’s Chief of Staff, Tim Mapes.

Sherri Garrett, who is an Account Technician and Minutes Clerk for the Speaker’s Office, said she decided to speak out after many years of harassment and bullying.

“I have decided to come forward because we have a serious and pervasive problem in our state government, and I could no longer remain silent about my own mistreatment,” said Garrett, who resides in Springfield. “My hope is that by coming forward, I can help to create space for others to do the same.”

“I want to make sure that the workplace environment is better in the future for our daughters, and our sons,” she said. “We need to force fundamental change–not just lip service, not a quick hit solution, but real cultural transformation.”

Garrett detailed several incidents:

    In Spring 2013, former State Rep. Ken Dunkin approached the House Well and said to Ms. Garrett and another woman–“I want to take both of you home and see which one will be the naughtiest.” Ms. Garrett reported the incident. Ms. Garrett later heard that when Mr. Mapes was told about the incident, his response was that it would blow over. While the incident was appropriately addressed by other members of Ms. Garrett’s team ultimately, it later became clear to Ms. Garrett that Mr. Mapes did not take appropriate action to address Rep. Dunkin’s comment, and if it had been left up to Mr. Mapes, the entire incident would have been swept under the rug.

    In December 2014, Ms. Garrett was participating in a conversation with several of her colleagues in the Speaker’s Office, planning inauguration logistics. They were discussing the proper drop-off location for a judge at inauguration. In the middle of the conversation, Tim Mapes said that Ms. Garrett needed to make sure she was not showing her “pink bra” to the judge on Inauguration Day, because he “knows how us girls on the second floor like to leave little to the imagination,” Ms. Garrett said. Ms. Garrett said there was no context for this comment, which she found entirely inappropriate. “As anyone can tell you, I never dress provocatively. But even if I did, this would have been a completely inappropriate comment,” said Ms. Garrett.

    In September 2015, Ms. Garrett had been approached by a young woman who had previously worked with her in the Clerk’s office. The woman was being sexually harassed by a member of the House Democratic Caucus and had come to talk to Ms. Garrett because she was afraid. Ms. Garrett spoke to Mr. Mapes about the details of the situation, told him she was concerned and asked him to talk to the Representative and tell him to stop. Mr. Mapes then said to Ms. Garrett: “Are you reporting the situation because you are upset the Representative isn’t paying attention to you?” Ms. Garrett was astounded at the comment, and continued to advocate for the young women’s safety. Another colleague was present, and that person was also taken aback by the comment.

    A fourth incident took place just a few weeks ago. Ms. Garrett was in the House Well preparing for the start of session. Mr. Mapes approached her and another colleague and started a conversation about another individual. He discussed how the individual “wouldn’t do something because the person was married.” Without full context, Ms. Garrett did not understand what Mr. Mapes was saying. He then looked at Ms. Garrett and said “We know that doesn’t matter around here, does it, Sherri?” Ms. Garrett said something to the effect of, “Yes, this place does have a reputation.” Mr. Mapes then said, “Now, I am not implying that you are running around on Jim [Ms. Garrett’s husband].” Ms. Garrett was again stunned, confused and uncomfortable. Ms. Garrett’s colleague, standing next to her, said something to try to defuse the conversation. Mr. Mapes said to Ms. Garrett’s colleague, “So you’re implying that Sherri is running around on Jim?” Ms. Garrett’s colleague was also stunned. He said no. Later, Ms. Garrett turned to her colleague and said, “Why did that conversation take place?” Ms. Garrett’s colleague said he found the conversation “very awkward and uncomfortable, but not unusual.” Ms. Garrett’s colleague also noted that he did not understand why Mr. Mapes continued to stare at her throughout the interaction.

    In April of this year, Mr. Mapes came on the floor. Ms. Garrett heard him say to a colleague: “Are you going to sex training today?,” jokingly referring to sexual harassment training. The Chief of Staff was apparently making light of the training, even in this moment, in which this training is so critical.

    On the day of the State of the State Address, many people in Springfield were wearing black in solidarity with the #TimesUp movement. Mr. Mapes wore navy blue. Ms. Garrett noted Mr. Mapes stated: “I’m wearing blue today because there’s not a woman on the House floor that would want me to tell them what to wear.” It was clear that he viewed this as a way for him to thumb his nose at the entire #TimesUp movement.

Mr. Mapes is the Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House. He is also the Clerk of the House and the Executive Director of the Democratic Party of Illinois.

“[Mapes] has an inordinate amount of power in this state,” said Ms. Garrett. “And the Speaker’s Office, which he helms, is charged with leading the effort to reform the system to address concerns like mine. They should be held to the highest standard.”

Ms. Garrett plans to file a complaint detailing her harassment with the Legislative Inspector General following the press conference.

*** UPDATE 1 *** A few quotes from Ms. Garrett’s press conference today…

I’m loyal to him. This is very hard for me. But I’ve just suffered one disappointment after another with how things were handled. I feel it’s time to do better. I feel it’s time for him to pay attention to us.

There are all kinds of people who are behind me right now that you can’t see because they’re too afraid to come forward.

Please step up for the victims. In reality, we are Democrats. We’re supposed to protect the people who can’t protect themselves.

I would just ask him to help the victims, to believe that we really are victims.

It’s just time for this to stop. I would just challenge him to come forward and take a different path than he’s taken for the last six or seven months.

He has the power to do something for us and make it better for us.

*** UPDATE 2 *** From Ms. Garrett’s written statement at the beginning of her presser…

I have not felt that I have had a safe path to report my experiences. I’m speaking out because victims of harassment like me, men and women alike, just want to go to work, just want to do our jobs with dignity and we want to go home at the end of our day. But, instead, we have a culture of sexism, harassment and bullying that creates an incredibly difficult work environment.

I feel strongly that if we had a human resources office that represents the interests of employees and not the people in power. I wish I would’ve had someone that I could have trusted and to whom I could’ve said, ‘Hey. This happened to me. Is this supposed to happen?’

If there had been a true professional human resources team, they could have said ‘No’ and perhaps we could have nipped it in the bud right then and there.

Mr. Mapes is the chief of staff for the Speaker of the House. He is also the Clerk of the House and the executive director of the Democratic Party of Illinois. He has an inordinate amount of power in the state. And the Speaker’s office which he helms is charged with leading the effort to reform the system to address allegations like mine. They should be held to the highest standard.

Instead they behave like they’re above reproach and like the Speaker’s office is a locker room.

It is scary to come forward and speak out about his behavior. But I feel strongly that employees do not have any protection.

The legislative reforms that have been passed thus far are a good step forward, but they don’t go nearly far enough. And until we see a meaningful commitment to culture change in our state from those at the very top, I fear nothing will improve.

  98 Comments      


Turnabout is fair play

Wednesday, Jun 6, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Pritzker campaign…

Today, the JB Pritzker campaign launched “Sham Ribbon Cutting Alerts” to highlight Bruce Rauner’s election year stunts after spending years failing to invest in Illinois’ crumbling infrastructure.

In 2014, Rauner criticized election year ribbon cutting and promises saying, “what I won’t do… is fail to invest in our infrastructure for years and run around at the last-minute making promises.” Now, with a record lacking any accomplishments and a reelection campaign in shambles, Rauner is doing just that — running around at the last-minute and making promises.

In today’s sham ribbon cutting, the failed governor “unveiled” a train project started in 2012 using money from a Department of Transportation Rauner decimated during his budget crisis, stalling $3.3 billion worth of projects and laying off 20,000 workers.

“As our failed governor runs around making last-minute promises and taking credit for other people’s accomplishments, Illinois’ infrastructure crumbles,” said Pritzker campaign spokesman Jason Rubin. “Bruce Rauner stood by as our state’s roads, rails, and waterways fell into disrepair, and a sham election year ribbon cutting tour won’t change that fact.”

* The accompanying video from 2014

* Transcript

RAUNER: “Right now he’s running around the state right now committing hundreds of millions of dollars to projects to buy votes with taxpayer money. He’s going to, I think it’s Southern Illinois. Just promised a project down there cause he’s going for an endorsement in a local paper. Went to Quincy, promised money for a project there cause he wants the endorsement of the paper. He’s running around making promises with taxpayer money to try to buy votes and influence folks. That’s what he does, that’s what these politicians do, use taxpayer money to buy votes.”

REPORTER: “So you’re not gonna have any projects to announce when you’re governor? You’re not gonna do an infrastructure plan? Every governor does in infrastructure plan.”

RAUNER: “I will have a detailed infrastructure plan, it will grow our infrastructure. What I won’t do with Pat Quinn, like Pat Quinn is, is fail to invest in our infrastructure for years and run around at the last minute making promises where he doesn’t have the money to keep them.”

Quinn did that because it usually works. Same for Rauner. Rauner criticized Quinn four years ago, and now he’s getting it in return. Standard campaign operating procedure.

  9 Comments      


Infant mortality rate gap has narrowed between blacks and whites, but big problems remain

Wednesday, Jun 6, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From Anna Rowan at Voices for Illinois Children

Our recent analysis of CDC cause of death data shows that Illinois’s overall child death rate masks disparities across groups and across the state. Our state’s overall child death rate puts us at about the national average, but we have among the highest Black-White gaps in the entire country. Additionally, the county-level rates span a large range. For example, the child death rate is four times higher in Marion County than in DuPage County. Child death rates are highest in Illinois’s large central metro counties and rural counties and are lowest in the suburban counties.

Causes of Death Vary by Age and Race/Ethnicity. Across age groups, the top causes of death differ. Infants are most likely to die from disorders related to short gestation and low birth weight, children are most likely to die from diseases, and teens are most likely to die from accidents (including motor vehicle accidents). There are also large racial disparities in certain causes of death:

    * Black infants are over three times more likely than White infants to die from disorders related to short gestation and low birth weight.
    * Black children are over three times more likely than White and Hispanic/Latino children to die from diseases.
    * The homicide death rate for Black teen boys is more than six times the suicide rate of White teen boys, which is a leading cause of death for that group.

Trends. From 2000 to 2015, the overall death rate for children ages 19 and under in Illinois decreased from 74.5 to 52.2 per 100,000 children, so we have made significant progress as a state. But that progress has been uneven. Encouragingly, from 2005 to 2015, the infant mortality rate decreased for all groups, and the Black-White infant mortality rate gap narrowed. In that same time period, the overall teen death rate decreased, as did the rate for White and Hispanic/Latino teens. Alarmingly, though, the rate increased for Black teens.

More details here.

  2 Comments      


Downstate secessionist rails against “northern liberal oppression”

Wednesday, Jun 6, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Check out the sing-songy teevee profile

One man has started a petition to have the state of Illinois secede from the city of Chicago, allowing every county eligibility to join except for Cook County.

Collin Cliburn proposed this because he said he feels those who are in more rural areas of the state are being given higher taxes they can’t afford and are unequally represented. […]

“Myself, I’m a White Sox fan and I hate giving up that territory. But when it comes down to it, this state is a sinking ship,” Cliburn said.

Yep. Just an ordinary citizen concerned about his beloved state. More

“We don’t want $578 sticker for our car and we don’t want a new progressive income tax and we don’t want a recommended one percent property tax,” Cliburn said. […]

While he has an attorney, Cliburn said all he needs is for one county to vote this into effect with a majority on their Illinois county ballot before he would take it to the federal level.

The far-right is screaming online about this mythical “one percent property tax.” You’d think they could find something real to hate. It’s Illinois, after all.

* Clyburn was apparently a Jeanne Ives supporter in the primary. Check out the manifesto for his group, The Illinois Separation

For far too long has the Illinois government disgraced our citizens land and its now time to demand change. Let the people of southern Illinois enjoy their constitutional liberties without the northern liberal oppression we must deal with. Any law to regulate guns is treason and our officers should protect us from this tyrannical government. Let us stand together and make change. Ask your representives to split the state. Its the only hope for southern Illinois to escape the inevitable collapse of our once great state. What politician should be able to make laws against the people they have governed right into the dirt.

Whew.

* Here’s his proposed county resolution

We the people of ———— County ask the board of commissioners to provide a referendum to lobby US congress to allow Menard county to leave and form a new state with other county’s that wish to follow federal law. Chicago and it’s politicians have total control over Illinois law while not following their own laws in our Illinois Constitution. Gun control laws have been implemented since the 1970s that infringe American rights in Illinois. More and more bills are being passed to guard Illegal aliens along with take care of them better than the average citizen. With new Chicago ID card available for voting privledges we will never have a chance to provide an opinion again. Our 4th amendment has been violated in multiple ways with support from both isles. This petition for a referendum granting departure from Illinois is still only a statement, if we win we will wait for the federal government to acknowledge it. We the people of Illinois and ———- county seek legal departure as we are law abiding concerned citizens.

That Chicago ID card is also a big topic among the far right, including Ives. They’re convinced the city is going to register kabillions of undocumented immigrants to vote and (white) people on the right will be drowned out.

* And here’s his “petition,” which is on ThePetitionSite.com

It’s time to draw the line with Chicago area politics. Sign this petition and demand the separation of Illinois from Cook, Lake, Dupage, and North Will counties.

For quite some time our Illinois Government has been bossed around by a tiny piece of land far far away from most of Illinois in miles and ideas. I cannot stand for our bill of rights to be trampled any more. The city of Chicago takes better care of those here illegally than their own citizens. When so many districts are packed up there it’s hard for the rest of Illinois to voice their opinion. When researching the separations in the past both West Virginia and Maine are nearly alike with the reasons of the 98 counties with less districts than the 4 mentioned. With the current gun control including the foid program I deem it mutiny against the federal government and ask to be separated from this treacherous city and area that rules over us like lords. An Illinois without this super city can make better decisions that are likable by the people living here.

* More coverage…

* ABC 7: Group pushes for state of Illinois to secede from Chicago

* KTVZ Odd News: Man wants Illinois to secede from Chicago

  91 Comments      


Rauner campaign releases new version of TV ad that aired during primary

Wednesday, Jun 6, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Press release…

Rauner Campaign Launches Updated Pritzker-Blagojevich Ad: “That’s The One I Would Want”

Today, the Rauner Campaign is launching the latest in the Pritzker-Blagojevich wiretap series: “That’s The One I Would Want.”

This new version of an earlier Pritzker-Blagojevich ad focuses on Pritzker’s prior donations to Blagojevich before asking for an appointment to the State Treasurer’s position. This wiretap clearly shows the corrupt relationship that Pritzker had developed with the now imprisoned, ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich.

This ad will join the one released yesterday, “Hilarious,” in a television rotation airing across the state.

Check out yesterday’s ad release HERE.

* Rate it

  39 Comments      


House employee will come forward today “about repeated sexual harassment in Springfield”

Wednesday, Jun 6, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From Joanna Klonsky Communication Strategies

WEDS, 11AM: State House employee to come forward about repeated sexual harassment in Springfield

WHO: State House of Representatives employee who has repeatedly experienced sexual harassment and bullying at work

WHAT: Press conference in which State House employee will detail her experience with sexual harassment in the workplace, and will call for changes to improve accountability and change the culture of sexism in Springfield

WHERE: 50 E Washington St., 5th Floor, Chicago, IL 60602

WHEN: Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 11AM

As always, speculation will not be tolerated in comments. Don’t get yourself banned for life.

* Related…

* Madigan asks for dismissal of sexual harassment lawsuit: In Tuesday’s filing, Madigan’s legal team contended Hampton fails to establish an “employment relationship existed” between her and the party during the “relevant time period.”

  26 Comments      


*** LIVE COVERAGE ***

Wednesday, Jun 6, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Follow along with ScribbleLive


  1 Comment      


Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today’s edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)

Wednesday, Jun 6, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller

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* Reader comments closed for the weekend
* Isabel’s afternoon roundup
* The Waukegan City Clerk was railroaded
* Whatever happened, the city has a $40 million budget hole it didn't disclose until now
* Manar gives state agencies budget guidance: Cut, cut, cut
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