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* Press release…

The following statement is from Speaker Madigan:

“The decision on the next speaker of the Illinois House will be made at a caucus, after a full discussion of the issues facing our state and the qualifications of the candidates. I plan to be a candidate for speaker, and today I confirmed that I continue to have support from a significant number of House Democratic caucus members.”

“Significant” isn’t “60.” And it’ll be tough to debate another candidate when there probably won’t be one.

*** UPDATE 1 *** Democratic Rep. Jonathan Carroll…

If the Speaker wants to caucus, I hope it’s to discuss the 101st General Assembly. We still have two months left to meet the needs of our state. If it’s for any other reason, he’s putting his own personal needs ahead of everything else. Any conversations about the next Speaker should be secondary to the current state of things.

*** UPDATE 2 *** Rachel Hinton…

Assistant Majority Leader Rep. William Davis said he had a “very short” conversation with Madigan Friday. The speaker asked for the Homewood Democrat’s vote, and Davis told him he’d have it come January, when House members will pick their leader.

“I have told speaker Madigan that I would support him, and I would not back away from that support,” Davis said, though he’s also made clear he has his eye on the speaker’s gavel — once Madigan is ready to relinquish it.

“What I have said is that I would like to be the next speaker of the House, but, prior to what’s happened, that’s always been a ‘when-Madigan-leaves’ conversation,” Davis said. “And, right now, that hasn’t changed. As this plays out a little bit more, and if he comes to the conclusion that he doesn’t have the votes, I hope there will be another conversation about making a smooth transition of leadership.”

Asked if Madigan backs him as a potential successor, Davis said he has asked for Madigan’s support should the time come, and the powerful Southwest Side Democrat, who’s held onto the gavel for nearly 40 years, said simply, “OK, I understand.”

Just saying, but if I was in the nearly all-white opposition, I’d seriously consider whomever the post-Madigan Black Caucus chooses.

…Adding… Just to clarify, I’m not saying the BC has or even soon will have a candidate. I’m just saying.