* The suit was filed today in Sangamon County. Defendants are the Hutsonville Community Unit School District #1, Families of Faith Christian Academy in Channahon and the Parkview Christian Academy in Yorkville…
Plaintiffs Governor JB Pritzker, in his official capacity; Dr. Ngozi Ezike, in her official capacity as Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health; and Dr. Carmen I. Ayala, in her official capacity as State Superintendent of Education (collectively, the “State”), bring this complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief against school systems in three Illinois counties (the “Schools”) that have announced their refusal to follow public health guidance that the Governor, the Illinois State Board of Education (“ISBE”), and the Illinois Department of Public Health (“IDPH”) are requiring schools to follow to allow public and nonpublic schools to resume in person instruction during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. […]
As directed in the Governor’s executive orders, IDPH and ISBE developed and issued the Transition Joint Guidance to make the reopening of Illinois schools for in-person instruction for the 2020–2021 school year as safe as possible. The Guidance includes mandatory health and safety protocols that public and nonpublic schools must implement in order to reopen, including requiring everyone over the age of two who is medically able to wear a face covering to do so at all times in a school facility.
Despite the ongoing health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the public health measures contained in the Guidance as part of the effort to combat that crisis, the Schools have announced their refusal to comply with the Governor’s executive orders and the Guidance.
The Defendant Schools are represented by the same attorney, Thomas G. DeVore, who sent Dr. Ezike and Dr. Ayala essentially the same form letter on behalf each of the Schools, contending that the Guidance is unlawful, is arbitrary and unreasonable, and was issued without legal authority. (The Letters on behalf of the Schools are attached as Group Exhibit 2.) In the Letter, the Schools announce their intention to refuse to comply with the Guidance.
The Letter states that the Schools alone will determine what, if any, health and safety protocols they might choose to add to their current guidelines for the upcoming school year.
* From the section on injunctive relief…
The Schools’ refusal to comply with the Governor’s executive orders and the Guidance will cause immediate and irreparable harm, including by undermining Plaintiffs’ ability to cohesively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
If the Schools are not enjoined from refusing to comply with the executive orders and Guidance, the result would undermine the Governor’s constitutional authority and statutory authority under the Act and ISBE’s and IDPH’s authority to assist the Governor, and would threaten the health of the students and families within the Schools, as well as every Illinoisan alike.
The State has no adequate remedy at law to prevent the Schools from refusing to comply with the executive orders and the Guidance.
The State has a likelihood of success on the merits because the Governor’s executive orders and the Guidance were issued under the Governor’s authority granted in the Illinois Constitution and the Act.
Based on this constitutional and statutory authority, the State has the right to the statewide unified implementation and enforcement of the Governor’s executive orders and the Guidance. The State also has a vital interest in regulating the response to COVID-19 and setting minimum public health standards.
The benefits of granting an injunction outweigh any possible injury the Schools might suffer as a result of the injunction. The executive orders and Guidance embody public health measures necessary to protect every person in the State and particularly students and school staff when they return to in-person instruction. An injunction would help support and protect the public interest by allowing the State to exercise the powers granted under the Illinois Constitution and the Act to cohesively address the health concerns faced by everyone within this State during public health emergencies.
* Prayer for relief…
A. Declare that the Governor lawfully issued EO5, EO40, and EO44.
B. Declare that IDPH and ISBE lawfully issued the Guidance.
C. Declare that the Schools, their officers, employees, agents, and all persons acting
in active concert with them, are not exempt from the public health measures
required under the executive orders and the Guidance.
D. Enjoin the Schools, their officers, employees, agents, and all persons acting in
active concert with them, from refusing to comply with the requirements of the
executive orders and the Guidance.
E. Grant such other relief as is warranted in the circumstances.
* Statement from Gov. Pritzker…
As a father, I would not send my children to a school where face coverings are not required because the science is clear: face coverings are critical to prevent the spread of coronavirus. From the CDC to the American Academy of Pediatrics, doctors and epidemiologists agree that in order to bring large groups of people together, especially indoors, a face covering is needed to stop the spread. As school districts finalize their fall operations plans, it is imperative that they understand these clear evidence-based requirements to wear face coverings need to be followed to keep our children, teachers and communities healthy and safe.
* In other DeVore lawsuit news…
…Adding… Meanwhile, in Opposite Land…
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* Press release…
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced 1,257 new confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 25 additional confirmed deaths.
Cook County – 1 male 30s, 1 male 50s, 1 female 60s, 2 females 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 female 90s
Cumberland County – 1 female 80s
Effingham County – 1 female 80s
Kane County – 1 female 60s, 1 male 80s
Lake County – 1 female 80s, 1 female 90s, 1 male 90s
McHenry County – 1 female 70s
Ogle County – 1 male 60s
St. Clair County – 1 female 90s, 1 male 90s
Union County – 1 female 80s, 1 female 90s
Whiteside County – 1 male 80s
Will County – 1 female 70s, 1 male 80s
Winnebago County – 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s
Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 157,950 cases, including 7,251 deaths, in 102 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years. Within the past 24 hours, laboratories have reported 43,006 specimens for a total of 2,122,607. The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total test from July 9–July 15 is 3.1%. As of last night, 1,434 people in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 311 patients were in the ICU and 127 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.
* Meanwhile, IDPH has posted an interactive map so you can check on your new region’s progress, or lack thereof. The latest numbers, however, are from three days ago, so they need to improve that now. Click here. The Metro East region had the state’s highest positivity rate, at 6.6 percent and rising. Hospital admissions had not yet increased yet, but hospital bed availability was at 33 percent, which was still above the 20 percent threshold. ICU availability was at 54 percent.
* This needs far more visibility…
Though some public health experts expected coronavirus transmission to wane in the summer as temperatures rise and the air becomes more humid, cases have actually skyrocketed in some of the hottest and stickiest parts of the country.
Engineers and ventilation experts said this may be in part because residents escape the heat by retreating indoors where heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems could exacerbate airborne transmission with unplanned air currents.
“The main way [air conditioning] can contribute to spreading coronavirus is by creating strong air currents that can move the droplets … and contribute to increase risk,” said William Bahnfleth, chair of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers’ Epidemic Task Force (ASHRAE) and professor at Penn State University.
Even in bars and restaurants where social distancing is observed, air ventilation can carry respiratory droplets or aerosols that contain virus, said Len Horovitz, pulmonary specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
* WSIL…
Thirteen new cases of COVID-19 were reported Wednesday among staff members at the Chester Mental Health Center.
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) says 31 total staff members have tested positive since the coronavirus pandemic began. Data from IDHS shows only four of the 31 have returned to work.
There are currently 259 patients at that Randolph County facility.
According to IDHS, two patients have tested positive for COVID-19; one has since recovered.
* From the Tribune’s live blog…
Cook County health system to help test antibody-based drug
Glenview Park District pool closes same day it reopened after three more lifeguards test positive for COVID-19
Cubs weekend night game plan for COVID-19 season advances, heads to full council
UK, US and Canada accuse Russian government’s ‘Cozy Bear’ of hacking coronavirus vaccine trials
Chicago Symphony Orchestra cancels 2020 performances
Abbott earnings top expectations, with $615M in sales from COVID-19 testing
Museum of Science and Industry to reopen August 1 — with food on the front lawn and the front doors open again
Remote learning must continue in Chicago Public Schools this fall, Chicago Teachers Union says
Should you dine out in Chicago? Health experts weigh in on risks, and how to reduce them.
* Sun-Times live blog…
American jobless claims surpass 1 million for 17th straight week
We asked parents and teachers if they’re OK with in-class instruction returning. Here’s what they said.
Chicago South Side Film Festival pivots to online with documentary on predatory contract home sales
Dart touts efforts, CDC study noting drastic drop in coronavirus cases at Cook County Jail
Once kids go back to school, it’s mask up or go home
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* Gov. Pritzker held a press conference at a farm near Rockford today. As he was answering a question, a donkey began to bray. The governor was addressing a serious topic so he kept right on going as if nothing was happening. Have a listen…
I dunno why exactly I posted this, but I started laughing out loud when I heard it today and kept playing it again and again and thought you might need a chuckle, too.
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Question of the day
Thursday, Jul 16, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Neal Earley at the Sun-Times…
In the crisis that followed the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, three members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus — Democratic state Representatives Kam Buckner, Curtis Tarver and Lamont Robinson — called on Madigan and state Senate President Don Harmon to call a special legislative session to address “the rebuilding of our communities and the pursuit of justice and equity.”
Madigan said he wasn’t ready to bring the Legislature back to Springfield, saying his caucus is still working on those bills internally.
“Once we come to some finality in terms of our discussion with the Illinois House Democratic Caucus then we’re going to move onto the remainder of the caucus,” Madigan said.
* The Question: Do you think the General Assembly will return to Springfield before the scheduled veto session in November? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please…
image polls
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* Oy…
As COVID-19 cases continue to climb across the U.S., the Labor Department reported this morning that 1.3 million more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week, the 16th week in a row that the figure has topped one million. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg had been expecting 1.5 million claims. The latest numbers reflect the continued strain on the economy caused by a pandemic wreaking havoc around the world. Almost 50 million people have now filed for unemployment benefits over the past 16 weeks, representing the biggest jobs loss in U.S. history.
* IDES…
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate fell -0.7 percentage point to 14.6 percent, while nonfarm payrolls added +142,800 jobs in June, a record monthly increase, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and released by IDES. The May monthly change in payrolls was revised downward from the preliminary report, from +62,200 to +59,600 jobs. The May unemployment rate was revised upward from the preliminary report, from 15.2 percent to 15.3 percent.
The June payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflects activity for the week including the 12th. The BLS has published FAQs for the June payroll jobs and the unemployment rate.
The state’s unemployment rate was +3.5 percentage points higher than the national unemployment rate reported for June, which was 11.1 percent, down -2.2 percentage points from the previous month. The Illinois unemployment rate was up +10.6 percentage points from a year ago when it was 4.0 percent.
In June, the three industry sectors with the largest over-the-month gains in employment were: Leisure and Hospitality (+58,700), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+40,800) and Education and Health Services (+24,600). The industry sectors with the largest payroll declines were: Government (-19,000), Financial Activities (-1,700) and Mining (-800).
“Safely and deliberately reopening our economy amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic remains a top priority for the administration. Governor Pritzker’s recently announced mitigation plan to prevent a resurgence of cases in Illinois not only aims to keep residents safe and healthy, but to also ensure our economy can continue on its path to recovery,” said Deputy Governor Dan Hynes. “We remain committed to providing tools for recovery to working families and small businesses as we navigate through the state’s reopening plan.”
“Today’s report shows that while Illinois has started to see positive indicators of a turnaround in unemployment and a return in jobs, we still have more work to do,” said Michael Negron, Acting Director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. “To get our economy back on track, the Pritzker administration is redoubling our commitment to programs that will help residents, small businesses, and communities hit hardest by the economic burdens of COVID-19. While the duration of the crisis cannot be known, the State importantly continues to prioritize public health and mitigation of the virus that will help enable a faster economic recovery, and help more Illinoisans return to work.”
Compared to a year ago, nonfarm payroll employment decreased by -598,300 jobs, with losses across all major industries. The industry groups with the largest jobs decreases were: Leisure and Hospitality (-221,800), Professional and Business Services (-88,100) and Government (-69,000). Illinois nonfarm payrolls were down -9.8 percent over-the-year as compared to the nation’s -8.6 percent over-the-year decline in June.
The number of unemployed workers fell from the prior month, a -2.1 percent decrease to 946,400 but was up +266.3 percent over the same month for the prior year. The labor force was up +2.9 percent over-the-month and +0.7 percent over-the-year. The unemployment rate identifies those individuals who are out of work and seeking employment. An individual who exhausts or is ineligible for benefits is still reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work.
221,800 leisure and hospitality jobs lost.
And while 946,400 people remain on unemployment here, Ohio, which has a similar population, has much less than half that: 429,638 continued claims.
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* Quite a bold statement back then…
Also, notice the hashtag. The Tribsters just love them some anti-Illinois propaganda. Makes ‘em all giddy.
* From that Dennis Byrne column…
Yeah sure, you know better, having confined your masses to a much more rigid, nearly universal lockdown. Never mind the restaurants that will go out of business. Never mind the people you treat like sheep who don’t know how to take care of themselves. Be satisfied with your self-assured virtue and wisdom.
When we moved to Florida from Illinois last year, I thought that we had distanced ourselves from the usual Chicago and Illinois nuttiness. Not so, as Lightfoot reached across the 863 miles that separates us to issue condemnations from on high: “I watched,” she intoned, “the governor of Florida, I think, fumble once again. His leadership has been wholly lacking in this pandemic, and then he reopened the beaches. God help us all.” […]
In general, Florida is ahead of Illinois in reopening. Holy Family Church, my parish, is reopening public Masses with some restrictions starting May 16. Major shopping destinations such as The St. Johns Town Center are reopening. And more. We’re living the life down here.
And it’s happening, so far, without the predicted COVID-19 slaughter that we were assured would happen. Illinois is worse off. As of Friday, 1,669 deaths were recorded in Florida. Illinois had recorded 3,241 deaths.
The death-count taunting was such a nice touch. Not to mention that May’s unemployment rate in Florida was 14.5 percent, just seven-tenths of a percent lower than the supposedly sheeplike Illinois [new numbers just came out and Illinois’ June unemployment rate is 14.6 percent - 37,626 new claims were filed here last week compared to 129,408 in Florida].
And we all know what has happened since then.
* One of the new Illinois mediation metrics is: “Reduction in hospital capacity threatening surge capabilities (ICU capacity or medical/surgical beds < 20%)."
Duval County, where Byrne lives, has an ICU bed availability of 21.64 percent, according to the state. The rest of Florida isn’t doing so well, either…
A total of 971 ICU beds were reported to be available across the state, nearly 16 percent of the state’s total number of ICU beds, as of Thursday.
More than a third (23) of Florida’s 67 counties were reported to have less than 10 ICU beds available.
Eight hospitals in Miami-Dade, the state’s most populous county, were reported to have hit full ICU bed capacity, with only around 15 percent of their total ICU beds available.
* Also…
Florida again shattered its single-day record for COVID-19 deaths, adding 156 fatalities and more than 13,000 new cases in Thursday’s daily report on the coronavirus pandemic.
Northeast Florida’s case count also surged, with 840 new cases in Duval County to lift the cumulative total there to 14,992. [Emphasis added]
Since Byrne wants to make this into a competition, I’d point out that Duval County has just under a million people. Illinois has 12.67 million people. Duval reported 840 new cases today. Illinois reported 1,187 new cases yesterday.
* Some of us dredged up the dated and foolish Tribune column Sunday night on Twitter. And then yesterday, the Tribune editorial board again turned its section over to Byrne. He began with yet another death-count taunt…
Florida’s population of 21.48 million is almost double of Illinois’ 12.67 million. Yet Illinois has suffered 2,809 more deaths than Florida. Maybe Florida has been doing something right.
Yeah. OK. 1) Deaths are a lagging indicator; 2) Doctors know lots more about this novel virus than they did in March, April and May, like, for instance, not relying solely on ventilators, putting patients on their stomachs and the advancement of some new treatments; 3) Mask usage might reduce the severity of virus symptoms; 4) Many, many people who’ve come down with the virus face years of painful recoveries; 5) Florida saw what happened up north in the spring, scoffed at us and claimed it could never happen there and now they’re getting thwacked hard. 6) And since he’s so into death-count taunting, Illinois reported 8 deaths yesterday to Florida’s 156 today. Spare me.
* More…
Truth is that no one knew from the start how to deal with the novel coronavirus. Not Trump. Not his Democratic, progressive or woke critics. And clearly not the epidemiologists who seem to have gotten so much wrong. Yet, they still want us to take their warnings as biblical. When they can’t accurately count the infected or calculate the fatality rate.
As John Amdor said: “It’s true, there is no way that humans could adequately respond to and deal with the coronavirus. That is why every country in the world is struggling as much as the United States.”
* More…
I could say that Miami’s troubling increase in new cases is the result of all those Democrats from New York and Chicago who fled their own epicenters and brought the disease (and their woke politics) with them. But I can’t; I don’t know.
That may well be and the CDC seems to agree. But those cases aren’t all non-Floridians by any means, so how did it spread there? Florida was and still is mostly open. If Florida had learned from New York’s and Chicago’s mistakes and followed their successes, the out-of-staters couldn’t have spread the virus so easily to residents. Instead, state leaders defiantly and proudly stuck their heads in their… beach sand.
* More…
Science, as demonstrated by our struggle to understand and deal with the unique coronavirus and COVID-19, sometimes is fouled by incomplete or poorly collected data, unproven hypotheses and, simply, wild guesses. Automatically accepting “science” findings as a done deal is a fool’s game.
Do you know what’s really a fool’s game? Following the advice of crackpots and cranks.
The Tribune has just gone so far off the rails.
* Related…
* Anne Caprara: I usually leave this stuff alone & I am not going to dignify the insane column I just (mistakenly) read in a local opinion section with a retweet. But it’s been a long few months & I ain’t just going to let this one go
* Florida Nurse Warns ‘Nursing Shortage’ About To Hit State As COVID-19 Puts Strain On Hospital Systems
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The many challenges to safely reopening schools
Thursday, Jul 16, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Center Square…
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday told school districts to follow safety guidelines in the fall or face consequences.
“Good people with good intentions can disagree on how and when kids should go back to school,” Pritzker said during a news conference in Chicago. “But let me be clear, I wouldn’t let my own children return to a school where masks are not mandatory and serious effort hasn’t been made to keep students distanced during the day. This should not be controversial.”
The governor said school districts that don’t follow state public health guidance could face lawsuits and other liabilities.
“Any district that intends to disregard this guidance is gambling with the lives of our children, teachers and families,” Pritzker said. “Districts that don’t live up to public health guidelines and standards and don’t make a genuine attempt to protect their communities from this virus could be held liable in the courts by community members who are ill-affected.”
A potentially target-rich environment for personal injury attorneys.
* From the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and the School Superintendents Association…
Local school leaders, public health experts, educators and parents must be at the center of decisions about how and when to reopen schools, taking into account the spread of COVID-19 in their communities and the capacities of school districts to adapt safety protocols to make in-person learning safe and feasible. For instance, schools in areas with high levels of COVID-19 community spread should not be compelled to reopen against the judgment of local experts. A one-size-fits-all approach is not appropriate for return to school decisions.
Reopening schools in a way that maximizes safety, learning, and the well-being of children, teachers, and staff will clearly require substantial new investments in our schools and campuses. We call on Congress and the administration to provide the federal resources needed to ensure that inadequate funding does not stand in the way of safely educating and caring for children in our schools. Withholding funding from schools that do not open in person fulltime would be a misguided approach, putting already financially strapped schools in an impossible position that would threaten the health of students and teachers.
The AAP had earlier claimed that people planning the reopening should start with the goal of “having students physically present in school.” Groups like the Illinois Policy Institute have repeatedly pointed to that statement and have ignored the newer one.
* The pediatricians have since put a price tag on a safe reopening…
The American Academy of Pediatrics said schools are going to need $200.5 billion to safely reopen. […]
The Association of School Business Officials International and the School Superintendents Association estimate it’s going to cost school districts on average an additional $1.7 million per school district for schools to open.
* Rep. Jonathan Carroll (D-Northbrook) looked at the costs and the consequences of reopening in a letter to constituents. One excerpt…
Before the American public even heard the term Novel Coronavirus, we were dealing with a teacher shortage. What’s perhaps even more challenging in the present reality is finding substitute teachers. To top that off, finding bus drivers is even harder than classroom staff. In other words, if individuals must self-quarantine, even under the best-case scenario finding replacements is going to be a HUGE struggle. The domino effect of even one individual testing positive in a school can be catastrophic to the educational process. We’re going to be dealing with an educational crisis.
* Tents may be fine for September and October, but what about January?…
School-aged children who are eating outdoors with their families on patios and sidewalks outside restaurants this summer may still be dining alfresco if and when they return to school next month.
Among the ways schools will try to keep students socially distant at lunchtime is by having them eat their meals in outdoor courtyards and large tents installed on campus, according to some suburban school districts’ preliminary reopening plans. […]
Some students will be allowed inside the traditional school cafeteria, but to prevent large gatherings of more than 50 people, officials plan to spread out students in a variety of places, such as hallways, available rooms, or “pop-up” locations scattered throughout buildings. In many cases, elementary school students will eat at their homeroom desks. […]
Districts such as Glenbrook plan to serve only prepackaged or “grab and go” items. In Palatine Township Elementary School District 15, meals will be delivered to classrooms.
Thoughts?
* Related…
* School reopening tracker: More Illinois districts release fall plans
* Chicago Teachers Union Pushes Against Return to In-Person Learning This Fall
* D308 Adjusts School Reopening Plan Amid Pandemic - Some changes include switching class times for junior high, elementary students and providing remote learning option for early childhood.
* D202 To Start School Year With Remote Learning Amid Pandemic - Superintendent Lane Abrell said the plan meets the district’s top priority — “health and safety” of students and staff members.
* Will South Suburban Conference Punt Fall High School Football? - “I hope it’s played, but I wouldn’t bet on it,” district superintendent says.
* At least 36 students at one Illinois high school test positive for COVID-19; infections traced to three sports camps
* Rockford Public Schools to unveil school reopening plans
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* Press release…
Betsy Dirksen Londrigan is continuing to show her strength by raising almost $300,000 more than incumbent Congressman Rodney Davis in the latest FEC fundraising quarter, which ended June 30. Dirksen Londrigan now has just under $2.25 million cash on hand, while Congressman Davis lags behind with $1.85 million. This is the third quarter in a row that Dirksen Londrigan has outraised Congressman Davis, a sign that momentum is on her side heading into November.
Betsy refuses to accept corporate PAC money during her campaign or when in Congress because she refuses to be beholden to any corporation, unlike Congressman Davis who has taken hundreds of thousands of dollars from the insurance and pharmaceutical industries and votes for their interests instead of the needs of his constituents.
“This campaign is powered by the people and I am beyond thankful for the support our campaign has received,” said Dirksen Londrigan. “While Congressman Davis puts politics and his allegiance to his big pharma funders first, I am refusing corporate PAC money and am committed to fighting for quality, affordable health care and lower prescription drug costs for Central Illinois families.”
* Press release…
Public records reveal that Democrat Betsy Londrigan formed a Joint Fundraising PAC with the Democratic Party of Illinois, whose longtime chairman is House Speaker Mike Madigan. Madigan uses his position as state party chairman to funnel campaign contributions to his chosen candidates and maintain his grip on power. Londrigan has remained silent on Madigan’s corruption for years, even as she benefits from his political machine.
“Londrigan benefits from Madigan’s political machine, yet remains silent on his corruption and failed leadership. She can’t have it both ways. It’s time for Londrigan to finally come clean about her close ties to Madigan and tell voters where she stands on Madigan’s disastrous agenda.” – Aaron DeGroot, Davis campaign spokesperson
Londrigan continues to remain silent on Madigan’s tax-and-spend agenda and longtime control over State government
Madigan has controlled the Illinois House for all but two years since the early 1970s. He has been called “the man behind the fiscal fiasco in Illinois.” Madigan has voted to raise income taxes multiple times, supported unbalanced budgets and disastrous pension holidays, and continues to push job-killing policies. Londrigan hasn’t said a word on Madigan’s failed leadership.
Londrigan is working hand-in-hand with Madigan’s political machine
In 2018, the Madigan-controlled Democratic Party of Illinois spent over $293,000 on behalf of Londrigan’s campaign for Congress. Also in 2018, the Londrigan-Madigan Joint Fundraising PAC contributed over $91,000 to the Madigan-controlled Democratic Party of Illinois and $5,400 to Londrigan’s campaign committee. Londrigan’s campaign will rely on significant support from Madigan again this year.
A corrupt Madigan associate and powerful lobbyist is funding Londrigan’s campaign
Madigan’s right-hand man, Mike McClain, has been involved in several scandals, including his knowledge of an unreported rape in Champaign. News reports reveal that McClain “lauded a state worker who ‘kept his mouth shut’ about an unspecified ‘rape in Champaign…’” McClain has made two financial contributions to Londrigan’s campaign for Congress.
* This is a good take by Politico, but it’s incomplete…
This race is a repeat of 2018, when Davis, now a four-term congressman, just barely edged out Londrigan. She has a much stronger ground game this time, but Covid-19 could play a role in the outcome. The 13th District includes the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus, and if left-leaning students aren’t available to vote, that could impact the race.
The district also includes, Illinois State University, Illinois Wesleyan, SIU Edwardsville, Millikin, Blackburn College and UIS.
Londrigan likely needs every student vote she can to win. A massive vote by mail/early vote push as soon as students arrive on their campuses is likely a must-do. And, even then, it may not be enough.
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Madigan points Republicans to Trump on ethics
Thursday, Jul 16, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tuesday…
With fewer than four months remaining until the general election, House Republicans said Tuesday they want to remind Illinoisans of Democratic lawmakers’ “failure” to address corruption in the General Assembly.
* Wednesday…
Meanwhile, Madigan, of Chicago and speaker of the Illinois House, responded to Republican criticism during a news conference Tuesday about a lack of General Assembly action on ethics reforms this spring.
“I would suggest that the Republicans that want to pursue ethics reform go out to Washington, follow up on President Trump’s promise to drain the swamp,” Madigan told reporters, mentioning names including Roger Stone, whose felony sentences were commuted by Trump. He also said ethics reforms continue to be under discussion.
* Neal Earley at the Sun-Times…
During the session that stretched over three days in May, lawmakers mostly voted on bills related to the state’s effort to deal with the public and economic crisis from the COVID-19 pandemic. Durkin said Madigan refused to take ethics reform seriously, saying the speaker excluded it from the list of bills to be voted on during the truncated session.
Durkin said Tuesday “I can’t recall” whether he pushed Madigan to put ethics reform on the agenda for the May session.
On Wednesday, Madigan contended that ethics reform “was on the table” during the session and will be in the future.
“It was on the table. It was under discussion. It continues to be under discussion. It will be under discussion when we reconvene whenever we’re able to do that,” Madigan told reporters.
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Open thread
Thursday, Jul 16, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Keep it local. Keep it polite. Thanks. Enjoy.
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