* From the House floor today…
Rep. Chris Welch: I still see that there are some folks on the floor that do not have their masks on. I’d like to ask that those who are not in compliance with this rule that was passed in a bipartisan way that they’d come into compliance with the rules of the House.
Rep. Jay Hoffman in the Speaker’s chair: So we’ll take a moment for compliance, please everyone.
Rep. Welch: Mr Speaker, I see that one member is not in compliance with the rules of the House. And I’d like to ask Representative Bailey if he would come into compliance with the rules that have been passed in a bipartisan matter here this afternoon.
Rep. Hoffman: Representative Bailey, will you comply with the House rules?
Rep. Darren Bailey: I will not. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Rep. Welch: Representative Bailey has noted for the record, that he does not intend to come into compliance with the House rules. This is not something that I want to do that I must to enforce the rules of the House. So at this time I’m making a motion to remove Representative Bailey from the House floor until such time that he is willing to come into compliance with the House rules.
Rep. Hoffman: Representative Welch has made a motion to remove Representative Bailey from the House floor for non compliance with the House rules. Is there any discussion?
Rep. Dan Caulkins: You know, I’ve lived 73 years, I’ve been through a lot of things. And this is probably one of the most, and then let me just, let me put it this way, every person in this room is free of COVID-19. We’ve all taken a test. There wasn’t any person in here that’s the fact that this is the safest building, public space in the state of Illinois. We are social distancing, we’re maintaining our space. And if someone chooses to exercise their right. I don’t think that we should take punitive action against them. I think this is a mistake. I would ask you to withdraw your motion. I think this sets sets us up for the environment. None of us are threatened. None of our families here here. I have no fear of any of you. And I don’t think any of you should have any fear of me. So I would request that you please withdraw your motion. Thank you.
Rep. Mark Batinick: I’m as frustrated as everybody that we’re wearing masks right now. I know everybody wants to see my cheery smile. But frankly if it made everybody feel comfortable that I had to, you know, tap my head 10 times above my belly at the same time to make everybody feel comfortable about going about their business, I would do it because I’m about, you know, this is for some, this is symbolic. And I understand the symbolism of it. But I think there’s more important things that we are doing with their time right now so I just urge all of our members to comply for the rest of the week, and and get on with people’s business. Thank you.
Rep. Mike Zalewski: If you’re not going to do it for your own personal volition, please do it for the staff that work incredibly hard to stand up, a temporary House chamber for three straight days, of important workers, the first responders here. We have staff here that are [garbled] the building. We have our staff here. And none of us can guarantee we’re COVID negative over the course of the next three days. And none of us can guarantee that we’re going to be safe when really added to. So if you’re not going to do it for yourself if you’re not going to do it for your colleagues, respectfully, as a matter of course, please do it for your staff, and those that are very hard to give up the people’s business. I support the gentleman’s motion.
Rep. Dan Brady: Mr. Speaker, ladies and gentlemen, the House. Just a point to make to the earlier comment. So one of my colleagues said this may be the safest building that there is because of all the safety precautions we’re taking. I think the purpose of the House rules change is to ensure that keep this building that way. I think the people that sent us here to represent them today and all this turmoil that’s going on … whatever district you represent. But those people intended for us to focus our time. … Ladies and gentlemen of the House, we hear it all the time, we’re all in this together. So let’s be together. Let’s show the people there in the light. We’re here to get things moving and open across the state.
This is a rush transcript, so please pardon all transcription errors.
* The roll call on Rep. Welch’s motion…
* Escorted from the House…
…Adding… The rule was adopted earlier today 97-12. So some folks flip-flopped when it came to actually enforcing it.
…Adding… From the pool report…
Prior to session reconvening after caucus on Wednesday, House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, who was wearing a mask spoke for several minutes with unmasked Rep. Darren Bailey.
When the House returned to session, Durkin urged all members to comply with the new rules.
“We cannot ignore nor compromise the health and safety of every member of the General Assembly, their family members, every one of our staffers who works tirelessly for us,” Durkin said.
*** UPDATE *** This guy…
- Token Conservative - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:16 pm:
Now how do I escort him from my party?
- Southwest Sider - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:18 pm:
Vote should have been 80-1
- NIU Grad - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:19 pm:
He’s going to be a congressman one day, isn’t he? Ugh.
- filmmaker prof - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:19 pm:
Counting down until phone call from Sean Hannity’s producer in 3, 2, 1.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:20 pm:
To the Republican members who voted in favor of the rule… then voted against removing Rep. Bailey…
… you can’t seem thoughtful… and then decide to be a coward in enforcing.
Mr. Bailey is, and continues to be, a disappointment of a legislator and a foolish Covidiot to science.
Those who voted for the rule, but felt he should still remain…
… your support of Mr. Bailey is as silly as he is.
- Buford - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:21 pm:
Just what he wanted, now he can have a bunch of TV and radio interviews about how mean Madigan is to him.
- Linus - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:22 pm:
“Think about not (just) yourselves. Think about others, think about your families.” — Leader Durkin, wisely commenting earlier on the adoption of the new rules governing the House’s work (face masks, social distancing, etc).
The Leader’s overall point is a good one for Rep. Bailey and others to consider. Can’t we all, just for a period of time, please take the extra step to safeguard the health of those around us? At least during a global pandemic?
- Cubs in '16 - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:22 pm:
Bailey accomplished what he went to Springfield to do.
- Demoralized - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:22 pm:
Well, his constituents will eat it up. He set out to be a martyr and that’s what he thinks he has done.
He isn’t a serious person or he wouldn’t have died on this hill. It’s silly. Good riddance. He’s not fit to be a representative of anyone.
- slow down - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:23 pm:
People reveal who they are in times of crisis and there is no better example of that than Bailey.
We are in the midst of a once in a lifetime crisis, and Bailey resorts to cheap political stunts rather than actually doing the job he was elected to do in the legislature. This is who he is and it’s embarrassing.
- Precinct Captain - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:24 pm:
Will he be on Tucker, Hannity, or Ingraham tonight?
- So Blue - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:25 pm:
People in Bailey’s district should be embarrassed.
- Bruce (no not him) - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:25 pm:
More important to keep his image than represent his constituents. Thanks for the confirmation.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:25 pm:
Rep. Bailey should watch news footage of relatives who lost their loved ones to COVID-19, like the woman who lost her parents within hours of each other, reportedly of the virus, and the woman who was phoned by the hospital and told her father or other relative would pass away in 30 minutes.
- filmmaker prof - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:26 pm:
“Rep. Bailey, there is an Amy Jacobson on the phone for you.”
- OneMan - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:26 pm:
Thanks for the continuing reminders on why I no longer identify as being a Republican…
Good on Blatnik for his point.
I would be a lot more impressed if the ’safest building a public space in the state of Illinois’ wasn’t where the legislature is meeting and was a Vets home or a state-run medical facility. Also, why don’t you ask the White House how the ‘we test everyone’ thing worked for them?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:27 pm:
Leader Durkin, again, shows here why I believe in him when he shows his leadership, and when he chooses to what’s right.
Thank you to the Republican legislators who knew doing right was first voting for the rule, and second being “bright green” on removal of Mr. Bailey.
That’s how the GOP can get past both Rauner and Trump after 2020.
Not surprised seeing “Some” downstate Raunerites voting for the rule… then of course deciding that enforcing it, because safety and health shouldn’t be the mitigating factor… for the rule they voted for… no, it’s them being phony… again.
- Wensicia - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:28 pm:
Bailey’s agenda is not in the interest of his constituents or his colleagues, rather it puts everyone in jeopardy of the virus.
Currently, there’s only one person more selfish and careless of others than himself.
- DEE - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:30 pm:
He took all his legal briefs with him for his court appearance Friday. He may also ask the judge for an order compelling the allowance of his re-entry sans mask to the House floor Friday afternoon, which that judge will surely grant him.
- Former Downstater - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:30 pm:
Bailey said he hadn’t taken a test so the statements about everyone having taken one aren’t true.
- Demoralized - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:32 pm:
==Bailey said he hadn’t taken a test==
That would not surprise me. He isn’t going to let anyone tell him what to do. He’s a selfish buffoon who shouldn’t be taken seriously.
- Stones - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:34 pm:
Anyone who would allow him / herself to be ejected from the floor based on non-compliance of a bipartisan rule is doing their constituents a disservice. They guy should be ashamed of himself. I don’t like wearing masks myself but it’s a small concession.
- Token Conservative - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:34 pm:
==And this is probably one of the most, and then let me just, let me put it this way, every person in this room is free of COVID-19. We’ve all taken a test. There wasn’t any person in here that’s the fact that this is the safest building, a public space in the state of Illinois.==
That was actually Caulkins who said that. And Bailey told reporters afterward that he hadn’t taken a test.
- Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:35 pm:
–He may also ask the judge for an order compelling the allowance of his re-entry sans mask to the House floor Friday afternoon, which that judge will surely grant him.–
A good judge would recognize that they don’t have that power to order the legislative branch to do such a thing, or the jurisdiction to order something like that outside their county. Note I said a good judge.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:36 pm:
“Leader Durkin, again, shows here why I believe in him when he shows his leadership, and when he chooses to what’s right.“
Good for Leader Durkin and great job today, again.
- Huh? - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:37 pm:
“And if someone chooses to exercise their right. I don’t think that we should take punitive action against them.”
The “rights” that beetle sought to excerise were lost when the House passed rules requiring certain attire that include wearing a mask.
Beetle chose to violate House rules and was escorted from the floor. Those representatives defending beetle’s silly, grandstanding behavior should be ashamed of themselves.
As a result of beetle’s silliness, the citizens of his district are unrepresented during this critical period.
Two bits says beetle will repeat his stunt again tomorrow.
- Medvale School for the Gifted - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:39 pm:
Bailey does not want to be confused by facts.
While some see him as a martyr or tactician, the reality is that he is the epitome of how Chicago views all downstate legislators.
Mike Royko would call them “rubes.”
- Mr. K. - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:41 pm:
—
Mike Royko would call them “rubes.”
—
Well, in this case, Royko would be right.
And in all my years of reading Royko — he was seldom wrong.
- Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:42 pm:
Here’s why Bailey would (should) lose if he went to court to challenge his removal.
Illinois Constitution, Article IV, Section 6(d): Each house shall determine the rules of its proceedings, judge the elections, returns and qualifications of its members and choose its officers…
- Al - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:43 pm:
Maybe Bailey knows his district?
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:44 pm:
“Maybe Bailey knows his district?”
He might be a good guesser. But I doubt he really knows anything.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:46 pm:
What if today is the last session day Bailey spends as a “present” member of the Illinois House of Representatives?
Can’t see the House lifting masks for… “a while”
- Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:47 pm:
“Maybe Bailey knows his district?”
Frighteningly, he might. Most everywhere else would probably prefer — call me crazy — to have their legislators, you know, voting on bills and doing their job instead of being the lone remaining grandstander walking out all alone.
- Way down yonder - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:51 pm:
To be fair when Bailey said he hadn’t taken a test, I am pretty sure he meant IQ.
- Pundent - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:52 pm:
=At some point many of us will be returning to offices and other places of employment with new sets of rules. Having our temperature checked and wearing masks will be the norm. We’ll either comply or we’ll be asked to leave and/or terminated. Compliance won’t be an option nor should it be.
I am disappointed in the 27 that opposed this rule. It says a lot about them and their attitudes toward public health. Why would their workplace rules be any different than mine or anyone else who has adopted this simple measure of protection? Perhaps they felt the rule was misplaced or other items were more worthy of debate. There are other mechanisms for advancing that argument. I’m not sure how you defend being “anti-health.”
- XonXoff - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:52 pm:
I still think Bailey is shooting for the Presidential re-tweet.
- Glengarry - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:53 pm:
Bailey needs to be expelled from the House
- Don't Bloc Me In - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:53 pm:
Most of the people voted for Bailey here because he would “stand up to Chicago,” “fight” for 2nd Amendment rights, vote to remove abortion, and support the Trump agenda.
They got what they wanted, but not what they need.
The rest of us get to be embarrassed.
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:55 pm:
Darren Bailey has finally broken me…. I am now in favor of partisan legislative maps. How many of these mopes can we draw into one district???
- Anon221 - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:56 pm:
Bailey’s Anthem- (adapted from Green Day)
Come together like a foot in a shoe
Only this time I think I stuck my foot in my mouth.
Thinking out loud and acting in vain.
Knocking over anyone that stands in my way.
Sometimes I need to apologize.
Sometimes I need to admit that I ain’t right.
Sometimes I should just keep my mouth shut, or only say hello.
Sometimes I still feel I’m walking alone.
Walk on eggshells on my old stomping ground,
Yet there’s really no one left, that’s hanging around.
Isn’t that another familiar face?
Too drunk(on my own perceived power)to figure out they’re fading away.
- DuPage Saint - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:57 pm:
I wonder if he had his temperature taken before he went in? Shows even more hypocrisy if he did. Takes it to get in to be thrown out
- Candy Dogood - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:59 pm:
===let me put it this way, every person in this room is free of COVID-19===
Someone should take the time to explain to Representative Caulkins how the transmission of COVID-19 works from person to person and make sure he has enough information to understand that a test performed several business days ago that indicated negative does not mean that every person in that room is currently free of COVID-19 — and if anyone is going to have the highest risk of possibility it’s going to be the d-bag that is making a point of defiance by not wearing a mask because we have somehow managed to stuff a representation of all of the cumulative failures of our civil society into an ill-fitting blue blazer.
I understand the political divide. I understand the concept of “It’s my right to infect you with a deadly virus” as arguments, but what Representative Caulkins is saying in this statement is that he thinks that it’s safe in that room for folks to not wear masks because they’ve all tested negative several days ago and that means Representative Caulkins and perhaps several of his colleagues don’t really understand what’s going on here.
It’s important that we make sure that they do — or it’s important that we make sure the public understands that they may be grossly incompetent when it comes to making informed decisions of public health.
This isn’t a problem that can be ignored on account of white male privilege like so many other cake walks some of these folks have had in their careers.
- The Way I See It - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 5:01 pm:
Well, no one is going to miss his legislative contributions.
- Amalia - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 5:02 pm:
well, it exposed some folks for what they are.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 5:05 pm:
Which members flipped? They need to be called out.
- MyTwoCents - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 5:07 pm:
Ducky LaMoore, it will be really interesting to see how the Eastern Bloc districts get re-drawn. Plus, don’t the people down there want fair maps that are drawn without regard to where legislators live? If some Eastern Bloc members end up in the same district that’s just complying with their wishes.
- Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 5:10 pm:
To the update, what a… [fill in the blank with something really bad]
I would entertain a motion to punish the representative for potentially willfully endangering the members and staff.
- Mongo - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 5:10 pm:
Great to see that the three that represent the southern part of the state voted no. No surprise from Bryant since she Is ready to stand shoulder to shoulder in church.
- Dome Gnome - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 5:11 pm:
Bailey is a “Rebel Without A Gauze.”
- Mongo - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 5:15 pm:
E Pluribus Unum used to mean something. No it’s out of many, only I matter.
- JoanP - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 5:16 pm:
Rep. Zalewski had it right. “So if you’re not going to do it for yourself if you’re not going to do it for your colleagues, respectfully, as a matter of course, please do it for your staff, and those that are very hard to give up the people’s business.”
But Bailey? No, he cares only about himself.
- Failing New York Times - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 5:16 pm:
The king of the deplorables
- JoanP - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 5:18 pm:
To the update:
Rep. Caulkins: “We’ve all taken a test.”
Want to change your vote now?
- Lefty Lefty - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 5:19 pm:
Anyone have any insight why Rep. Ugaste voted Present?
- Pundent - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 5:22 pm:
=Representative Caulkins and perhaps several of his colleagues don’t really understand what’s going on here.=
And if they don’t understand this fundamental issue how can they be entrusted to “safely” reopen their communities?
- Jocko - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 5:23 pm:
“Insisting on your rights without acknowledging your responsibilities isn’t freedom, it’s adolescence.”
- Huh? - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 5:24 pm:
I second the motion by the Honorable Gelngarry to expel beetle from the House.
- Muddy Trail - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 5:24 pm:
== Not only did Rep. Darren Bailey show up to today’s General Assembly meeting without a mask he told reporters he did not get a coronavirus test.==
Anyone surprised? This is a guy who thinks vaccines are made with aborted babies.
- Huh? - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 5:26 pm:
If beetle did get a covid19 test, he should have been stopped at the door and not allowed onto the floor.
- ajjacksson - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 5:28 pm:
Even if one believes we should be opening up quicker, there is little to no reason to not wear a mask. It’s just not that much to give,
- Huh? - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 5:29 pm:
Freaking fat fingers and autocorrect - … didn’t get a covid19 test …
- Precinct Captain - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 5:34 pm:
Do we think Bailey washes his hands?
- Solarpanelsue - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 5:37 pm:
It was good to see Republican Leadership voting against their own caucus member (builds trust). Lol
- Downstater - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 5:41 pm:
The ignorance in Rep Caulkins statement is astonishing. Not trying to pick on him, I don’t doubt he really believes what he said. But he is clearly uninformed and/or not accepting of science. “We are not threatened. Our families are not here. I don’t fear you and you shouldn’t fear me.” Great strategy man.
- Boots - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 5:43 pm:
If Bailey is going to assert his right not to wear a mask then he should assert his right not to wear pants and show everyone what he’s overcompensating for.
- MaryLouise - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 6:08 pm:
Did Rep Ammons bring her new free Coach purse today?
What color is it?
- Token Conservative - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 6:16 pm:
==The ignorance in Rep Caulkins statement is astonishing.==
Have you met him?
- Scott Cross for President - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 6:29 pm:
To: Representative Bailey
From: Speaker Madigan
The revised House Rules require a temperature check.
There is more than one way to take your temperature.
See you tomorrow.
- Esq - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 6:35 pm:
I think he wanted to be removed. He is not interest in legislating or leading; he is more interested in being a martyr; an alt-right hero.
- thoughts matter - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 6:42 pm:
So he didn’t take the test and he didn’t wear a mask and he willingly violated the new rule. He traveled from his area of the state to the state Capitol. A metropolitan area of 100,000. This is a highly contagious often a symptomatic virus. If he doesn’t have it, he might by the time he leaves to go back.
I work in the Capitol complex, currently working from home. June 1st I will have to go back and wear a mask to do so. What makes Bailey better than me? What makes Rep. Butler think he is ok with voting to allow Bailey to break the rules, when his constituents (Me) can’t? Is Butler going to ask that the state employees be allowed to go without a mask?
- Elliott Ness - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 6:44 pm:
Bailey has watched one tin(hat) soldier too many times, he is NOT Billy Jack but he is a childish and selfish person…in many ways.
- JS Mill - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 6:54 pm:
Not wearing a mask is not a “right”. In this case it is a ticket out of the chamber and temporary forfeiture of legislative authority.
- The Dude Abides - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 6:56 pm:
Bailey is just an irresponsible and selfish person.
- Da Big Bad Wolf - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 7:07 pm:
Didn’t Bailey’s own plan require masks for workers? What changed his mind in 13 days?
- Leigh John-Ella - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 7:15 pm:
“Maybe Bailey knows his district?”
I’d want to be around the process when the capital reapprop is being decided. Then again, maybe his district likes roads about as much as they like masks.
- Eastern Block Mitigation - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 7:19 pm:
I see the rest of the Bloc chickened out on not wearing masks and left Bailey all alone…LOL
- Levois J - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 7:28 pm:
It’s his choice whether or not to wear a mask - and I don’t know if this was the rules for conducting business in the state house chamber - however, at least be responsible and insure that you’re negative for coronavirus. I may not like the many measures in place, but this “bug” isn’t to be trifled with..
- So Blue - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 7:34 pm:
And Bailey claims to be a Christian.
- Blue Dog Dem - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 7:41 pm:
despite some peoples interpretation of earlier posts, I wear a mask in public when I can’t socially distance. For no other reason than to put others minds at ease.
- Kinda sad rally.. - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 8:06 pm:
It is so sad that our representatives have fallen so short of the lofty standards our founders set, that when a politician just acts like a normal rational adult with a triple digit IQ it is met with such words of praise normally reserved for someone standing up against the likes of McCarthyism..
- Jibba - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 8:19 pm:
I don’t know if this was the rules for conducting business in the state house chamber
Levois, this is exactly the case. The House approved the rules, he refused to comply.
Funny that there are actually very few supporting comments here. There are usually comments supporting both sides here, no matter the topic. Perhaps this is so clear cut?
- Nobody Sent - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 8:45 pm:
If he gets sick with Covid-19, he doesn’t deserve any medical help - save it for someone who tried to protect themselves and others and still had the bad luck to get sick.
- Really - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 8:52 pm:
They should have docked his pay as well.
- Mama - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 8:54 pm:
I feel sorry for his voters. They were short changed.
- Excitable Boy - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 8:56 pm:
Where I’m from in Western IL there are several hog confinements.
I’m not sure about all, but at least at some workers have to shower and change clothes on the way in and out, and abide by strict rules of sanitation while working, to protect the hogs from the spread of disease. The hogs.
I’m sure there are a few of these in Bailey’s district. Think about that.
- West Side the Best Side - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 9:03 pm:
Jibba - You’re right. It is clear cut. I agree with every negative description of that rube Bailey and would add numerous banned nouns and adjectives.
- Huh? - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 9:20 pm:
“What changed his mind in 13 days?”
Madigan. /s
- truthtopower - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 9:22 pm:
If people in Bailey’s District don’t like this, you’d think somebody would run against him?
- Langhorne - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 9:22 pm:
Excitable boy nailed it, Even before the hog jokes
- Huh? - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 9:27 pm:
“The hogs.”
Same with chickens.
- Holding Back - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 9:33 pm:
As the gov said, Clay county is Clay County. Johnny Bob Harrell would be proud that his legacy continues.
- Southern Illinois Infrastructure - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 9:59 pm:
Bailey is governing for Eastern Bloc Facebook likes over the actual needs and economic development of his district. Then again, he hasn’t tried to do any actual legislating in his time in Springfield. When he seeks to go to the state Senate, it’s time his district deny him and send actual representation for their communities.
- Flexible One - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 10:10 pm:
I see many folks are missing what’s really happening here. The man is a true coward. He’s afraid to be put in a position to vote. He says he’s there to stand up to Chicago but the reality is he’s afraid to actually do that. He knew his actions will get him removed from the floor. If he’s removed he won’t have to take any tough votes. He won’t have to actually vote against Chicago. He’s now safely out of harms way and thinks no one will see what he’s really doing. Yep, a coward
- Anonymous - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 10:19 pm:
Wise old Caulkins doesn’t get that recent infections may not be detected and such things as false negatives exist. Is he this uninformed on every issue or just this one?
- Nologic - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 10:23 pm:
It seems odd that some reps voted for the rule to wear the mask but didn’t vote to have Bailey removed.
- Cool Papa Bell - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 10:41 pm:
To the point of others here. Leader Durkin showed what being a leader is about. Confronted a woman with a hateful sign on the way to work, stood up and gave an insightful and honest speech about why you would and should wear a mask.
He’s what the GOP needs more of. Those other guys - aren’t here to lead or legislate.
- James - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 11:33 pm:
His vote didn’t matter, wasn’t needed. He did what the minority needed someone to do, exemplify the party of “no”. No “serious” legislator (Brady, Durkin) would jeopardize their reputation.
This is his career week. Friday the Clay County judge will give him an actual win. He’ll look back on this week fondly, for the rest of his life.
- TheUpperRoom - Thursday, May 21, 20 @ 1:11 am:
So not only did he look like an idiot, Caulkins looks like one too for defending him without knowing he hadn’t had a test.
He was out in close contact with others too. If I worked for him, I’d be asking to staff a different rep.
- Huh? - Thursday, May 21, 20 @ 5:18 am:
“Friday the Clay County judge will give him an actual win.”
Until it is overturned on appeal and confirmed by the ILSC.
- The Dude - Thursday, May 21, 20 @ 6:23 am:
I wonder if his lack of test and refusal to mask could be enough to get a restraining order against him from any other representative.
- Holding Back - Thursday, May 21, 20 @ 6:43 am:
Court records show that the judge cannot figure out zoom. So get ready for another show
- Frumpy white guy - Thursday, May 21, 20 @ 7:00 am:
Saw this guy eating at a downtown Restaurant couple years back. He was loud and eating like there was no tomorrow. Food articles were flying everywhere. I almost got the sense that this was the first time he had ever been out.
- 17% Solution - Thursday, May 21, 20 @ 8:34 am:
Darren Bailey has no opponent for the senate seat. Maybe Jeff Fleming should have a write in campaign. Normally write in campaigns are long shots. In this case, if Bailey insists on continuing to not wear a mask, the voters will have no representation in the Illinois senate.
- Grandson of Man - Thursday, May 21, 20 @ 8:58 am:
Bailey detractors are being unfair. Maybe he injected Lysol, popped hydroxy and is good to go. Did anybody consider that?
- PeoriaDem - Thursday, May 21, 20 @ 9:05 am:
“Darren Bailey has no opponent for the senate seat. Maybe Jeff Fleming should have a write in campaign. Normally write in campaigns are long shots. In this case, if Bailey insists on continuing to not wear a mask, the voters will have no representation in the Illinois senate.”
It’s my understanding that local Democrats have slated someone to run. They just need to get the signatures.
- Tommydanger - Thursday, May 21, 20 @ 9:06 am:
My State Rep. voted for the first resolution and then voted against the motion for removal.
Rep. Keicher, aka Brave Sir Robin
- LBJ - Thursday, May 21, 20 @ 9:21 am:
Some old footage of Representative Bailey:
Enjoy.
https://youtu.be/m9SrXRNPRCA
- JS Mill - Thursday, May 21, 20 @ 9:53 am:
@LBJ- Golden.
I see Rep Bourne was one of the flip-floppers. Hmm..
A few other things that Rep. Bailey has decided he doesn’t “do” because of his “freedoms”:
Stop at stops signs or railroad crossings.
Yield to emergency vehicles
Help little old ladies across the street.
- low level - Thursday, May 21, 20 @ 10:14 am:
This is coming from representatives who at least on the surface believes in being responsible, personal accountability and the rest.
Thats for everyone else but them I suppose
- btowntruth from forgottonia - Thursday, May 21, 20 @ 11:47 am:
Flexible One - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 10:10 pm:
“… He says he’s there to stand up to Chicago but the reality is he’s afraid to actually do that. He knew his actions will get him removed from the floor. If he’s removed he won’t have to take any tough votes. He won’t have to actually vote against Chicago. He’s now safely out of harms way….”
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Flexible makes a point here.
He goes back to his district and tell his fans “Look at what those Chicago politicians did to keep me from fighting against them.”
Nevermind the facts.
- Erin - Sunday, May 24, 20 @ 10:55 am:
It’s my right to do anything i please even if it could hurt others? 😳
- Rosa Parks - Wednesday, May 27, 20 @ 5:04 pm:
I support Rep Bailey. He is a FREE THINKER and made the CORRECT CHOICE based on his own FREE WILL.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 27, 20 @ 5:07 pm:
=== I support Rep Bailey. He is a FREE THINKER and made the CORRECT CHOICE based on his own FREE WILL.===
Narrator: The next day, Mr. Bailey wore a mask, and wore it the rest of session.