* Sen. Iris Martinez (D-Chicago)…
“I applaud the women who are calling for new leadership for the Democratic Party of Illinois. I agree with the powerful statements issued by State Senators Heather Steans and Melinda Bush. The time for change is now,” says Martinez.
Last year, I called on Madigan to resign after WBEZ reported that Mike McClain, who is directly tied to Madigan, sent an email in 2012 urging the administration of then-governor Quinn to be lenient in a disciplinary case against a state worker who kept quiet about “the rape in Champaign.”
Before that shocking email became public, I called on Madigan to explain himself or resign as chairman of the DPI following revelations about a culture of sexual harassment within DPI and Madigan’s political office. At the time, Madigan claimed he knew nothing about the claims of a female employee who said she’d been sexually harassed by a manager who worked directly for Madigan. He also claimed he knew nothing about payments his cronies made to the accused harasser.
Ten days ago, ComEd admitted in federal court filings to engaging in a decade-long scheme to bribe Madigan. The company agreed to pay a $200 million fine for its wrongdoing. Though Madigan again claims he did nothing wrong, his many controversies are too distracting for him to remain in leadership.
Defeating Donald Trump is a priority matter for all Democrats. Every day that Madigan remains chairman of DPI is another day we are focused on Madigan’s controversies instead of our critical electoral contests.
I am asking my fellow DPI members to come together, call for Madigan’s resignation, and hold a special meeting to elect a new leader. Our party and our state deserve better.
- Blue Dog Dem - Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 10:55 am:
I may have to call a ‘piling on’ penalty.
- Nagidam - Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 10:56 am:
===“I applaud the women who are calling for new leadership for the Democratic Party of Illinois…===
Subtle shot across the bow to the male members of the General Assembly. Deserved.
- Pundent - Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 11:01 am:
==“I applaud the women who are calling for new leadership for the Democratic Party of Illinois…===
It’s a powerful statement for so many reasons and is an effective bridge between Madigan’s past and present problems. Not a good look for the party at all if the voices of these women are not joined by their male colleagues.
- Amalia - Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 11:05 am:
Rock on, Sen. Martinez.
- SSL - Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 11:07 am:
Wait, so if Trump were to be reelected, it would be “because Madigan”. That’s a new one.
- hisgirlfriday - Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 11:07 am:
thank you Sen. Martinez.
- rentoria sanatoria - Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 11:23 am:
house dems are terrified of madigan. they think he will come back to haunt them from the grave. thank god we have these fearless women to do the work these coward male democrats are afraid to do. madigan must go.
- Derek Smalls - Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 11:25 am:
Thumbs up to Sen. Martinez and the other Democratic women who have stepped up to the plate. How many more Democratic women have to come forward until the first Democratic man decides to join? Women have seized the initiative on this and congratulations to them. Guys, get smart and start following.
- AD - Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 11:27 am:
Agreed. Bravo to the women. To the men, don’t think for a second that if the roles were reversed that you wouldn’t be left with tire marks from the Speaker’s bus.
- Let the year of the woman continue - Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 11:27 am:
Much, if not all, of the change/shake up that has happened in Springfield has been spearheaded by women. Like certain problems in politics, they are perpetuated and shoved under the rug by men protecting other men because they benefit from their power.
- Frumpy white guy - Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 11:36 am:
The reform movement is growing.
- Ostomie Wedgie - Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 11:42 am:
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could have a female and/or a minority elevated to Illinois Speaker of the House of Representatives?
- The Dude Abides - Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 11:47 am:
Bravo to these Democratic women. At the very least Democrats should elect a new Speaker and appoint a new party chairman.
- Lester Holt’s Mustache - Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 11:50 am:
== Much, if not all, of the change/shake up that has happened in Springfield has been spearheaded by women. ==
Agreed, which is why I would urge Ann Caprara to get JB on board here. Pritzker seems to be bending over backwards to avoid calling on MJM to step down, but perhaps his CoS can get him there. The writing is on the wall, Steans, Bush and Martinez recognize it - JB should too. It’ll be worth it for JB in the long run
- Fav human - Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 12:02 pm:
Of course it would be more effective if more of these women were from the house.
Interesting that the first one who did pretty much had to because they’ve got a tough re-election fight coming.
- revvedup - Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 12:18 pm:
As long as DPI continues to try ignoring the elephant in the room (Madigan), it continues to lose credibility. Quoting him doesn’t help matters either.