Reform-minded legislators Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield), Randy Frese (R-Paloma), Margo McDermed (R-Mokena), and Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) today demanded Speaker Madigan resign amid FBI investigations and harassment cases that have tainted his caucus for decades.
Representative Batinick believes Illinois has a culture of corruption, but it’s leadership that sets this culture. “House Speaker Mike Madigan is the longest-serving House Speaker in history, and under his reign we’ve seen a decades-long pattern of unethical behavior and corruption in Illinois government,” said Rep. Batinick. “People all around him are being investigated, searched, recorded, arrested and indicted. To restore trust and accountability in state government, Speaker Madigan must resign.”
According to Batinick, the resignations must extend beyond the Speaker and also include the state’s top financial watchdog, Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino. “Auditor General Mautino has been under fire since his appointment in 2016 when it was alleged he used campaign money for personal purposes for over a decade while serving as a lawmaker,” said Batinick. “He has yet to answer those charges, and efforts to remove him from the position of Auditor General have been squashed by Speaker Madigan and his Democratic Majority. At a bare minimum, Mautino must resign.”
Rep. McDermed said the typical response to scandals by Madigan and his loyalists, which includes denouncing behaviors and floating the illusion of reform while rejecting anything substantive, must end. “Amidst a #MeToo scandal atop the political and legislative sides of Madigan’s operation, the Speaker has again and again promised reforms while simultaneously protecting his allies,” McDermed said. “Their response to sexual harassment and bullying has been to lie and intimidate the accusers while rewarding the harassers. On behalf of the 200 people who signed a letter alleging harassment in Springfield and others too afraid to speak up for fear of retaliation, I am demanding Speaker Madigan’s resignation.”
McDermed pointed to Madigan’s refusal to advance more than a dozen ethics reform bills filed by House Republicans, only to bring forward extremely watered down measures during the 11th hour of the fall veto session. “Legislation that would have brought forth meaningful change were blocked while Democrats approved ethics reform bills that have no hope of improving ethics in Springfield,” McDermed added.
“Speaker Madigan has the power to advance or kill legislation, and he controls the committee process through his House rules,” said Rep. Morrison. “Those who play his game are rewarded with key committee chairmanships and later many receive lucrative lobbying contracts and jobs, while those who stand up to these practices are punished. This culture of corruption denigrates our entire system of government and impacts families on a personal level through the ‘corruption tax’ we pay.”
Rep. Morrison also reiterated the need for Auditor General Frank Mautino to resign. “The condition of state and local government finances are one of the most critical issues facing the state of Illinois and its thousands of local units of government,” said Morrison. “That’s why the Illinois Constitution provides for the position of Auditor General, who oversees state agency spending, grants, and helps ensure compliance with state and federal laws. Illinois residents deserve a genuine and competent watchdog over state finances, an individual beyond reproach. Sadly, this is Illinois, and our current Auditor General, Frank Mautino, remains under a cloud of scandal. Speaker Madigan’s refusal to demand answers from Mr. Mautino or call the bill to remove the Auditor is an example of ‘turning a blind eye.’ For this reason and more we are reiterating our call for Auditor General Mautino to resign.”
Batinick and Morrison are facing serious reelection challenges. McDermed is retiring.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 2:54 pm:
Only 4? I figure the entire HGOP caucus wishes he would resign.
- Professor Longhair - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 2:58 pm:
At a bare minimum Mautino needs to resign is the ultimate negotiate against yourself in a press release.
- Thomas Paine - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 2:58 pm:
Same Tom Morrison that recently wrote an official letter asking for leniency for a friend and former teacher convicted of “unspeakable acts of sadistic physical abuse”?
Or is this a different guy?
Because that Tom Morrison should not be lecturing anyone about moral turpitude.
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 2:59 pm:
yapping Chihuahua’s
- @misterjayem - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 3:00 pm:
The most effective stunt since King Canute’s press release calling for the tide to turn back.
– MrJM
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 3:01 pm:
=== Batinick and Morrison are facing serious reelection challenges.===
In the abstract….
In the primary season, this is fodder and helpful for a sitting member to “defy Madigan”. It’s re-upping the bona fides. It’s pandering and self serving, but it’s politics.
Here’s the rub they may not be thinkin’ on;
“Fire Madigan”… it’s so stale now that the House Dems are at their zenith of seats since Madigan has held the gavel. There was a movie, for cripes sake, over $100 million revolving around M.. J.. M.
What do they stand for, that’s my question.
Ok, you’re against Madigan.
Rauner isn’t here to bankroll that anymore, and anyone looking at the over $100 million can see it a failure… why are these two thinking this could be a building block… when in reality… what do they saying for outside that?
It’s borderline malpractice to *think* the basis of the winning path in the statehouse goes thru Madigan.
There’s too much being done without former Raunerite types being involved… what did they stand for that got done these two years?
You have to wonder… what do *they* think they got done that’s worthy for re-elect… is it only “because Madigan”?
- Annonin' - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 3:01 pm:
Perhaps they should focus the GOPie plan that gives the PAWs jobs plans to their own
- Responsa - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 3:05 pm:
I can’t really see any negative for them to say this. Won’t have any effect on the speaker but won’t hurt the 4 reps either. It’s politics.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 3:08 pm:
I described the fascination with Madigan and Mautino, with the likes of these 4 and Mr. Wehrli as… well, like that SNL skit… “we need more cowbell”.
Do you need more cowbell, or do you have a “feevah”, and the only cure is more cowbell?
The same song, more cowbell.
- Dance Band on the Titanic - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 3:14 pm:
Only 4? What, were the “Magnificent 7″ too busy to sign on?
- Lucky Pierre - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 3:15 pm:
Same cowbell as your perpetual defense of the indefensible Mautino and Madigan
- Henry Francis - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 3:16 pm:
Can someone please buy those representatives one of the IPI’s oh so funny Madigan t-shirts? I think wearing those around their district will garner them more votes than this press release.
- May Soon Be Required - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 3:17 pm:
I’m sure the Speaker is very concerned ….why he may need to bring back all the Com Ed guys to help with this one.
- {Sigh} - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 3:20 pm:
=Speaker Madigan has the power to advance or kill legislation, and he controls the committee process through his House rules. Those who play his game are rewarded with key committee chairmanships=
And this would be different if we had a Republican Speaker? {Sigh} Didn’t the House Republican Leader pull staff and resources from a couple of his members that were critical of his leadership and leadership team?
Can one of these legislators explain to us how the minority spokesperson for committees is determined?
When will the republican members start running on their accomplishments and records?
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 3:22 pm:
=== your perpetual defense of the indefensible Mautino and Madigan===
Friend,
Are ya tired of losing? This is a losing message, it totally imploded the ILGOP, after spending over $130 million, soup to nuts… the former ILGOP has no statewide office, are super-minoritied in both chambers… Madigan has more seats now than ever…
… again, “after” all this… cowbell.
Sometimes, you admit it ain’t workin’… you move on.
I’m not clanking more cowbell, I’m screaming in the wind to change course… to win.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 3:30 pm:
When will the republican members start running on their accomplishments and records?
When they have some to run on.
So let’s just say, that these guys get their Christmas wish, and Madigan resigns. Then what?
Then will they be able to get anything accomplished? No still won’t. The first steps they should worry about are to keep their own seats, finding and recruiting good viable candidates to try to actually pick up more seats, put forth a winning plan instead of whining that all of their problems are caused by one man. Until they can rebuild a party it makes no difference who the Speaker is, it won’t be one of them.
- SOIL M - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 3:32 pm:
Anonymous @ 3:30 was me. Sorry
- PublicServant - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 3:33 pm:
Since we’re busy calling for resignations, I call on these particular 4 Republican grand-standers to step down.
- Demoralized - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 3:48 pm:
==to change course==
I don’t think changing course is something LP understands since he’s been howling at the moon with the same stuff for, what, 5 years now?
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 3:50 pm:
Also…
Winners make policy.
You can’t whine if you can’t put 60 on the stairs to force an issue or demand a vote. Otherwise, you don’t have any leverage.
Governing from the minority isn’t possible. Y’all shoulda learned that in the 99th GA
- Blue Dog Dem - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 3:50 pm:
Sometimes “losing” is winning. Veto proof majorities. JB owns the whole ball of wax. No hiding.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 3:53 pm:
- Demoralized -
All that can be done is try to show the obvious… to the blinded.
Case in point?
Why all this “Fire Madigan” bona fides?
If the caucus doesn’t already have these folks locked in, then isn’t it worse than even I think it is?
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 3:55 pm:
=== Sometimes “losing” is winning.===
I’ve never heard of, been around, read about, or seen… any campaign strategy that spends money and time that sees…
…
Losing Is Winning
Not one time. Ever.
- Lester Holt’s Mustache - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 3:56 pm:
== Sometimes “losing” is winning.==
Official motto of the IL GOP
- rewind - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 4:06 pm:
Random staffer: “Sir, Mark Batinick, Randy Frese, Margo McDermed, and Tom Morrison issued a press statement calling for your resignation.”
Madigan: “Who are they?”
- TheInvisibleMan - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 4:08 pm:
>Representative Batinick believes Illinois has a culture of corruption, but it’s leadership that sets this culture
Oh he believes that, does he?
How’s that investigation going into plainfield township officials in your home district, Mark? You know, like the guy listed as your treasurer on your compaign committee. Any comments on their ‘leadership’ you’d like to add?
This guy just gave his 2020 opponent a perfect election mailer to use against him.
- Fixer - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 4:28 pm:
Have to give these four points for staying on message, I guess. Hasn’t worked for five years running now but surely it’ll work this time around. Right?
- Soccermom - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 4:30 pm:
Mr JM — Um, dude, I wrote that Cnut release, and I resent your implication.
- Chicagonk - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 4:40 pm:
I think Madigan being the Dem leader might be a good thing for Republicans at the voting booth.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 4:43 pm:
=== I think Madigan being the Dem leader might be a good thing for Republicans at the voting booth.===
Sincerely.
What do you base this on? Be specific.
Also, add in the turnout during a presidential year, and explain how the cowbell is heard different since the days of Leader… Tom Cross.
That’s how old and stale this is.
Thank you.
- Chicagonk - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 4:57 pm:
OW - Not sure what Tom Cross has to do with anything, but I base this on the ongoing federal investigation that seems to be pretty clearly targeting those close to Madigan. Unless you think that is a positive??
- Nick Name - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 4:58 pm:
zzzZZZZZzzzz….
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 5:02 pm:
=== Not sure what Tom Cross has to do with anything===
Reading is fundamental. This “Fire Madigan” schtick has been around since the Tom Cross. That’s the point.
=== but I base this on the ongoing federal investigation that seems to be pretty clearly targeting those close to Madigan===
How many folks in Batinick’s district know who Mike McClain is? Further, how are you going to fund all this education, when, with $100 million plus behind it before, Madigan wasn’t enough.
How about the presidential year turnout?
=== Unless you think that is a positive?===
The Republican “brand” in Illinois, in the collars, is that a positive?
Gotta evolve, gotta stand for something, might even have to face presidential headwinds here in this state.
Did I ask you? I asked you. How are you gonna pay for this educating the masses, in micro districts?
- Chicagonk - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 5:25 pm:
OW - There are plenty more important issues that I have no doubt will doom the Illinois republican party in 2020. You don’t have to tell me that the party has serious issues that aren’t going to get fixed any time soon. All I’m saying is that I’d rather run against a Mike Madigan led party than one led by Kelly Cassidy.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 5:30 pm:
===I’d rather run against a Mike Madigan led party than one led by Kelly Cassidy.===
That is most true. Once Madigan leaves the playing field, however that departure happens, the Raunerites AND the GOP folks won’t have much left to be against in a face or persona… that mirrors the boogeyman Mike Madigan.
All that said, this release is not inspiring to winning anything anytime soon either.
Be well.
- Steve - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 5:44 pm:
As Republicans head into an election year. It’s not a bad strategy to target Mike Madigan. There’s not much downside , and plenty of upside. The four might be expecting indictments. Indictments of important people. Those headlines are worth a lot of publicity. Worth a lot of money.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 5:56 pm:
- Steve -
They can count on your vote.
“I have nothing further”
- Steve - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 6:02 pm:
Tom Morrison is a good man. He’s a hero to Illinois taxpayers. He’s not paying into the pension plan.
- DIstant watcher - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 6:03 pm:
There are two schools of thought in today’s IRP. One, in retreat, wants to appeal to voters. The other, ascendent, wants to stay the course and wait for the Dems to implode. But the Dems are imploding and they can’t figure out why.
- Token Conservative - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 6:07 pm:
==Winners make policy.==
And gerrymander Democrat maps.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 6:11 pm:
=== And gerrymander…===
Republican maps in Texas, North Carolina…
You have a point?
Raunerites knew the score. Elections have consequences.
- Steve -
I can get Mr. Morrison to write you a letter of recommendation. I have a template of his somewhere for “someone”…
- Steve - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 6:18 pm:
OW
That’s very nice of you. But, Tom and I used to work in the same building . A building not too far away from 30 N. LaSalle.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 6:19 pm:
- Steve -
Ask him about this.
https://capitolfax.com/2018/10/25/rep-morrison-asked-leniency-for-convicted-child-assaulter-last-month/
#InstitutionalKnowledge
- Esquire - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 6:23 pm:
Just another gimmicky stunt by the no-ideas, no-leadership, no-better Republicans.
- Esquire - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 6:26 pm:
“As Republicans head into an election year. It’s not a bad strategy to target Mike Madigan. There’s not much downside , and plenty of upside.”
—————
Steve: where has the Madigan bashing actually helped them? What have they gotten out of it? Other than Rauner winning one term, the IL GOP is completely ineffective and irrelevant. If you use the same playbook, you’ll get the same results.
- Steve - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 6:38 pm:
- Esquire -
Rauner’s money demonized and raised Mike Madigan’s profile. Now the heat is on. What couldn’t be achieved via the ballot box might be achieved at 219 S. Deaborn. We’ll know more in the coming months. As we get closer to the 2020 election any possible indictments are free publicity that money just can’t buy.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 6:46 pm:
=== Rauner’s money demonized and raised Mike Madigan’s profile.===
…And yet… it translated to Rauner’s loss, before failing to quit, the largest loss for a sitting “Republican” Governor in 100 years, and gave Madigan his largest sitting majority as speaker… ever.
So far, not a good start.
=== We’ll know more in the coming months.===
Or we won’t. You don’t know. We don’t know. For all we know, it could be tomorrow.
Still, the implosion of the ILRaunerites and the Dems, after $130 million spent, at their strongest; statewide, legislature…
Also… where’s the money for it?
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 6:49 pm:
- Steve -
I’m done, Hee Haw at other folks, or better yet, register to vote, as you explain how elections work.
Thank you.
- Pot calling kettle - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 6:59 pm:
===I’d rather run against a Mike Madigan led party than one led by Kelly Cassidy.===
1) Madigan is only on the ballot in 1/118 of the state. Folks who want to vote against him have a really hard time doing so if they don’t live in his district.
2) Lets say Madigan resigns, then what? The one plank in the party platform is gone. Now what do all those candidates stand for? What goes on the fliers?
I’m a solid Dem, so I hope the Republicans keep on keepin’ on with this silly campaign that clearly does not work. Whatever you do, don’t listen to OW.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 7:08 pm:
- Pot calling kettle -
Well played.
Don’t worry, they ain’t listenin’.
Be well.
- Steve - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 8:28 pm:
Bruce Rauner didn’t have the following to work with in his demonization of Mike Madigan when he was spending money on ads.
1) A $275,000 settlement to a federal sexual harassment lawsuit concerning Mike Madigan’s political committees. A #METOO Illinois situation not popular with single /suburban women.
2)The knowledge of the massive Danny Solis investigation which included the “mysterious ” Chinese billionaire who claims not to speak English in Mike Madigan’s office at 30 N. LaSalle.
3)FBI search warrants with Mike Madigan’s name on them concerning some of his top people.
4)The announcement of the touching early retirements of Marty Sandoval, Luis Arroyo and John Cullerton.
Illinois is a different world politically than when Bruce Rauner ran against J.B. Pritzker.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 8:48 pm:
- Steve -
You keep forgetting it’s a presidential cycle.
Continuing to ignore that fact is just Hee Haw wishing.
I’m done. Thank you.
- Nadigam - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 8:56 pm:
Steve,
I have been fascinated by the back and forth you and OW have had. We learned a little bit about you with your reverence to back bencher Rep. Morrison. You list 4 points that potentially could damage Democratic candidates in 2020. How do you pay for the messaging? How do you burn the message of corruption into the minds of voters that may give you 3 seconds of attention. OW has been trying to politely explain to you that this has been tried for as long as former minority Leader Tom Cross was around which started in 2003. This has been a multifaceted campaign against one person with millions spent. What is the result? Look at the Democratic elected officials landscape at any level of government is Illinois. Stop beating your head against the wall of futility like Rep. Morrison.
- Last Bull Moose - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 8:59 pm:
Steve, Rauner and Trump are driving Republicans like me out of the party. And my family has been in the party of Lincoln since Lincoln was a Whig.
Being against corruption is not enough. Republicans need to be for important things. I cannot say what Republicans would do if they had power.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 9:00 pm:
“I respectfully, and humbly, yield to - Nadigam -“
*All* deference… and respect, - Nadigam -
OW
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 9:10 pm:
(Tips cap to - Last Bull Moose - )
Good insight. It’s been tough since July, 2013.
- Quizzical - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 9:17 pm:
Four Republican reps calling for the Speaker’s resignation? I don’t see how Madigan survives this.
Multiple years of out and out war with two governors, a Republican Party devoted to his ouster for 20 years weren’t enough. This clever press release will clearly do the trick.
- Something's missing - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 9:29 pm:
OW - “All Republicans should just be Democrats.”
Fixed it.
- Rogermortimer - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 9:31 pm:
I could care less what four Republicans think about Madigan. Illinois is a financial train wreck, the worst in the nation, and the kindest thing to be said about Republicans in Illinois is that they have been inept in selling any alternative vision to the train wreck. And about that train wreck - will it get worse (hard to believe but likely so) when Madigan departs? Madigan is above all else shrewd and clever, far more than any of his likely successors. I would not bet on anything but a dismal future sans Madigan.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 9:39 pm:
=== “All Republicans should just be Democrats.”
Fixed it.===
Purity and Raunerism imploded the old ILGOP.
Thinking I didn’t agree 80% of the time before Raunerism, it’s nice living rent free in your head. Appreciate that.
Casting out “me” is what is shrinking the party. I’m fighting to not only help get this a two party state again, but relevant outside “because Madigan”
But, please, put in extra rooms, living in your head is a bit cramped.
- Steve - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 9:52 pm:
- Nadigam -
The GOP is in a bad situation. Their type of voters have/might move to other states. Only federal indictments of top political figures will produce the free publicity to get the word out because Bruce Rauner type money isn’t there. The GOP’s only hope is that voters will react like they did after the Ed Burke raid which helped someone like Lightfoot get elected.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 9:55 pm:
=== voters will react like they did after the Ed Burke raid===
Ed. Burke. Won.
- Nagidam - Tuesday, Dec 3, 19 @ 10:16 pm:
Steve,
===Only federal indictments of top political figures will produce the free publicity===
It’s called earned media. Hoping for the Feds to save the IGOP is not a platform. Also, what happens if these indictments don’t happen ala Dorothy Brown? What is a winning platform for the ILGOP?
===Their type of voters have/might move to other states===
The percent of the electorate that self identifies as Republican has shrunk. The main reason isn’t flight but change of parties as independents and soft Democrats has risen. This pace has quickened with the rise of the Trump Republican Party nationally.
- CookR - Wednesday, Dec 4, 19 @ 7:20 am:
=== What do they stand for, that’s my question. ===
OW and others who believe that the only problem is a lack of policy, what do you experts suggest? If you start naming policy points that fit in line with the R platform - lower taxes, less power to the government to reduce corruption, reduced regulation on business to encourage growth - you know these legislators and other R candidates have communicated them. The hurdle is the political machine that is Madigan, with his campaign war chest and power rationing.
=== I’m screaming in the wind to change course… to win.===
So what do you suggest is the magic platform to draw in the campaign contributions and the voters? Scream away.
- Laughable - Wednesday, Dec 4, 19 @ 7:22 am:
I call on every Republican who received 10,000 dollars or MORE from BRUCE RAUNER to Resign NOW. I think that would include Jeanne Ives and Tom Morrison.
- Hamlet's Ghost - Wednesday, Dec 4, 19 @ 7:36 am:
Last Bull Moose asks an important question. What would Republicans do if they had power in Illinois.
I fear one answer is “mandate that doctors re-implant ectopic pregnancies”
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Dec 4, 19 @ 7:42 am:
- Laughable -
My ask is that the Raunerites decide that publicly they denounce the Raunerite ways that hurt this state and pledge to be a party of Reagan, 80% Reagan rule members, and reject purity and the thought of party as a religion.
Otherwise, between Raunerism and the national narrative, the Raunerites that sunk this party will continue to stifle any chance of a comeback.
- CookR -
Use the google, I’ve gone chapter… and verse… ad nauseum.
There are folks who can do it. They choose not to. Raunerism stifled so much, including the possibly to think for themselves. They don’t wanna hear from me, but… it’s out there.
- CookR - Wednesday, Dec 4, 19 @ 7:55 am:
OW, I’ve read most of your posts. It is often telling the R legislators what not to do. I suppose I could do a google hunt through all your comments, but I’m a frequent lurker and sometimes poster here, and I don’t have a clear vision of your winning strategy for the R Party. Maybe I’m dense. Can you boil it down into a few sentences for me? I didn’t think you were averse to taking a little extra time to write on this board.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Dec 4, 19 @ 8:02 am:
- CookR -
I have, many times, discussed my thoughts;
Diversity of caucuses within the Reagan Rule (Maureen Murphys and Mark Beaubiens)
That’s the crux. Everything revolves around building caucuses that reflect the districts and best of the Reagan Rule to win, and a party not embracing purity for purity’s own sake, or a “51st state” mentality. Hurting folks purposely to drive an agenda isn’t policy, it’s cruelty and meanness disguised as policy.
Other than that, it’s out there.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Dec 4, 19 @ 8:07 am:
To this, alone…
===It is often telling the R legislators what not to do.===
If you keep doing the wrong and ridiculous thing, continually, it’s best to stop doing that before charging those same folks to do other things. If you can’t stop the “bad”, it’s not gonna matter what “good” could be done.
- Pundent - Wednesday, Dec 4, 19 @ 8:09 am:
=Only federal indictments of top political figures will produce the free publicity to get the word out because Bruce Rauner type money isn’t there.=
The Bill Brady for Governor campaign would like to have a word with you.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Dec 4, 19 @ 8:14 am:
Rauner was socially liberal but an anti-union, anti-tax zealot, so he had part of the equation for success in Illinois. If he was nicer toward unions and his political opponents, looked for consensus to pass critical legislation and accepted compromises, perhaps it would have boded much better for him and the ILGOP. Three years without a budget agreement. Four years of warfare with state workers and no contract. He scorned compromise offers as very inadequate. Gross unreasonableness.
In the end many voters just want their government to work and make progress. That can’t happen with such obstinacy and obstructionism as happened with the last governor.
- Rabid - Wednesday, Dec 4, 19 @ 8:52 am:
Maybe they could just sign a pledge not to vote for madigan
- Steve - Wednesday, Dec 4, 19 @ 8:53 am:
OW
As you know, Alderman Ed Burke is no longer Chairman of the Finance Committee or Chairman of the Cook County Democratic Judicial Slating Committee because of those raids.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Dec 4, 19 @ 8:56 am:
- Steve -
===… voters will react like they did after the Ed Burke raid===
Burke won. Capiche?
Maybe read what - Nagidam - wrote. Move on from me.
- Moving to Florida ASAP - Thursday, Dec 5, 19 @ 7:29 am:
Want Mautino to resign? He was confirmed with every Republican Senator voting in favor of his appointment. They should all resign too.