* Two high-level House Democrats have confirmed rampant rumors that House Speaker Michael Madigan is suspending his reelection campaign so that he’s not standing in the way of someone else trying to get to 60. More in a bit.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Press release…
House Speaker Michael J. Madigan released the following statement Monday:
“This is not a withdrawal.
“I have suspended my campaign for Speaker.
“As I have said many times in the past, I have always put the best interest of the House Democratic Caucus and our members first.
“The House Democratic Caucus can work to find someone, other than me, to get 60 votes for Speaker.”
…Adding… Tribune…
By stepping aside, albeit temporarily, Madigan may be aiming to show the fractured caucus that no one else can muster the necessary support.
I think that’s a big part of this, but I don’t see more than a tiny handful of the members who voted against him yesterday crawling back and asking him to save them. The harsh reality is, he can’t get to 60. This isn’t like a campaign where the person with the most votes wins. For Madigan, this is like passing a bill. And 60 is the magic number.
* Back to the article…
As Madigan waits to see if an alternative can gather 60 votes from a very diverse caucus, it also opens up the door to new candidates, including from the House Black and Latinx caucuses whose members overwhelmingly endorsed the speaker’s reelection.
And women. Don’t forget women.
The list of groups demanding the House elect a woman Speaker now includes: Illinois Democratic Women, We Will, Vote Mama, She Votes, Illinois NOW, Lake County Democratic Women, Northwest/North NOW, McHenry NOW, Resistor SisterHood, Democratic Women of McDonough County, Illinois Handmaids, Peoria NOW, Indivisible Oak Park, Friends Who March, Indivisible Illinois, Chicago NOW and Women’s March Chicago.
…Adding… Press release…
Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) released the following statement on the latest updates of the Speaker’s election:
“With 36 hours left before the swearing-in of a new General Assembly, Michael Madigan continues to create uncertainty and misdirection. His latest statement about suspending his bid for Speaker, but not withdrawing, is typical of his style and appears to be another ploy or a head fake. For the sake of the institution, his caucus must demand that he be direct and honest about his intentions – in or out.”
Good point.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Press release…
Following is a statement from State Rep. Kelly Cassidy in reaction to the news that Speaker Madigan is suspending his campaign for speaker.
“This is truly a historic moment for our caucus and our state. Speaker Madigan’s decision to suspend his campaign is an opportunity for us to come together as Democrats and carve a new path forward. Our caucus’ growing diversity is our strength, and we need to respect that as we decide what our leadership team looks like going forward. I anticipate that this debate will be robust and impassioned, but in the end, we are all Democrats, and we will come together to turn the page and fight for new solutions for the people of Illinois.
“This news came as a shock to a lot of the caucus, so I expect the race will change dramatically as a result. This is a time to hear what all of our colleagues have to say about their visions for a new leadership team. I have nothing to announce right now, but will keep everyone apprised if that should change.”
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:14 am:
Math.
Undefeated.
- Nagidam - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:14 am:
The Wild West is upon us. Saddle up campers.
- Boone's is Back - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:14 am:
whoa
- TNR - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:15 am:
Translation: “Okay, guys. Someone else land the plane. When you can’t, I’ll come back.”
- Rich Miller - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:16 am:
===When you can’t===
He may think that, but the elbows are gonna be out now
- Norseman - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:17 am:
Translation: Now that my powerplay failed and I have to depart, I want time to work on an acceptable successor.
- Fav Human - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:18 am:
I never expected he would give up until after dozens of votes on Wed.
- Anon y mouse - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:18 am:
Look for several new candidates to emerge, particularly from the black caucus. Can anyone get to 60? We’ll see soon enough.
- Colin O'Scopy - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:19 am:
If the House chooses another, will he stay in the House as a back-bencher?
- Pizza Man - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:20 am:
The Madigan Titanic is sinking fast…to senior staff: “I would start packing”
- Been There - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:20 am:
There was going to be a lot of horse trading the next few days on the Black Caucus agenda bills. Well tgh
- MG85 - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:21 am:
This may be the biggest political gambit I have ever seen.
- Been There - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:21 am:
There was going to be a lot of horse trading the next few days on the Black Caucus agenda bills. Well tThere was going to be a lot of horse trading the next few days on the Black Caucus agenda bills. Well those conversations just took a new turn
- Pizza Man - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:22 am:
to Colin…”will he stay in the House as a back-bencher”
I just don’t think so…MJM either he ‘runs the House or leaves the House’ (no pun intended)
- Ok - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:22 am:
Welch vs. Williams.
Either one is a winner. Let’s go.
- Colin O'Scopy - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:23 am:
Does Madigan drop down to Majority Leader?
- NIU Grad - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:23 am:
It’s a big risk…let’s see how the plan plays out.
- Left of the Lake - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:23 am:
One word: Floored
- Friendly Bob Adams - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:24 am:
Madigan has been a master parliamentarian for many years, but he didn’t seem to think that the 19 really meant what they said until now.
- TNR - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:26 am:
== He may think that, but the elbows are gonna be out now ==
Agreed. Don’t think it’ll work, but that’s the strategy.
- Chambanalyst - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:26 am:
So what happens if we can’t come to 60 votes for another candidate? Are we all assuming that someone else will get voters to coalesce around them? Genuinely ignorant of the process so bear with me please
- Pizza Man - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:27 am:
MJM joined as a member of the House when Nixon was president and assumed the speakership during Reagan’s term…it has come to an end in 2021. wowzers.
- Anonymous - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:28 am:
Maybe Alexi thinks he can swoop in somehow from being out of it for years and become speaker (and not even being a state rep).
- Anonymous - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:28 am:
Meant to include SNARK
- Perrid - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:29 am:
Whew. I’m a bit surprised, but then I assume he’ll still be moving around some.
- Pass the Butter - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:30 am:
IDES is trending more prominently right now than Speaker Madigan. Instead of a game of musical chairs, the people care about the safety-net programs their representative democracy was supposed to setup for times like these. Speaker could not mount a campaign that showed he could get checks out. How ironic.
- Dirty Red - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:30 am:
“Mr. Daniels, I know how you feel.”
- Amalia - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:30 am:
and…..scene.
- JJJJJJJJJJ - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:31 am:
Is this strategic or about his legacy? As he said, he always maintained he has had the caucus as his greatest priority. A prolonged fight would have harmed the caucus and his reputation amongst democratic diehards. Strategy or legacy? Or a bit of a both?
- Nagidam - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:31 am:
To the update:
Kind of a smart move. Play the long game. When things get a little crazy after Wednesday with no speaker he will not be blamed for the impasse. This is also a teaching moment the Speaker is known for.
- SuburbanWoman - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:33 am:
Kelly Burke would be my pick. She is smart, she is good at reading people, she is a listener, willing to put in the time and work to understand all sides of things, she runs the chamber well when in the Chair, she is compassionate, thoughtful - and she is not vengeful or petty.
- Ducky LaMoore - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:33 am:
Should I pop the Champagne now?
- ddp76 - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:35 am:
“It’s a bold strategy Cotton. Let’s see if it pays off for him.”
- Pass the Butter - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:35 am:
= Should I pop the Champagne now? =
60?
- SAP - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:36 am:
Suspending, not ending. Looks like he’s hoping to draw an inside straight.
- TKMH - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:37 am:
Somewhere, Scott Drury and Chris Kennedy are celebrating…
- Norseman - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:37 am:
Twitter throws out the names of Hoffman and Welch. Welch was a little ham handed in dealing with the COM ED committee. I will always associate Hoffman with his role as floor leader for Blago.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:38 am:
===hoping to draw an inside straight===
Inside royal flush.
- Shytown - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:38 am:
You gotta give Madigan credit for being able to play this game better than anyone else. What a move.
- SpiDem - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:38 am:
I suspect MJM will continue to hold enough votes in his pocket to prevent anyone else from getting 60. He’s playing for chaos in the hope that it pressures people to return to him.
It’s a really big risk, and I think its unlikely to work
- Swampy Corn - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:40 am:
Sacrificial speaker. I’m not convinced whoever emerges is the speaker for more than one term. Maps plus 2-years of new posturing will put an incredible strain on whoever is chosen.
- northside reformer - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:43 am:
I don’t know about y’all, but this victory belongs to Daniel Biss and his principled campaign to end MJM’s reign. [ 😄]
- Toothpicks and Ice Cream - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:44 am:
Smart move. Should be interesting to see who jumps in now and how many of the 51 move. My guess is the 22 split (even more) and the 51 stay together, knowing Madigan is still an option.
- Illinifan - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:45 am:
Let’s sing King George’s song from Hamilton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti8xeyaSwCI
- Eire17 - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:46 am:
Kelly Burke would awesome. But she has declared for Mayor of Evergreen Park. State Rep and Mayor? Fine. Speaker and Mayor—no way.
- Nieva - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:47 am:
I expect him to resign in the next few days and return to his law practice.
- CCapilla - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:49 am:
Illinifan absolutely nailed it. That is the exact song I had ringing in my head, Jonathan Groff’s spittle and all…
- Tommydanger - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:50 am:
If someone other than Madigan can put together the 60 votes, then they will have clearly earned the title of Speaker. I’m less sure if the IOUs could ever be repaid.
- Colin O'Scopy - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:51 am:
New chess move: The King’s Gambit.
- OneMan - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:52 am:
Is there a paper version of that release? I think it will end up framed in various closets in the Springfield area.
- Lunchbox - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:53 am:
WOW
- thefutureisfemale - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:54 am:
Time for a woman to lead. Check out the academic research:
https://hbr.org/2020/12/research-women-are-better-leaders-during-a-crisis
- The Future is Female - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:55 am:
@Norseman - Jay Hoffman voted against the Reproductive Health Act last year. I am baffled as to why anyone would consider an anti-choice, white man for leadership…
- Chicago Cynic - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:56 am:
“I suspect MJM will continue to hold enough votes in his pocket to prevent anyone else from getting 60. He’s playing for chaos in the hope that it pressures people to return to him.”
Ding. Ding. Ding.
- phenom_Anon - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:57 am:
We’ll know what his game is when we see what new candidates emerge now.
- NIU Grad - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:57 am:
The Breaking News bar has been pulled out of internet storage. Now we know it’s serious.
- JoanP - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:59 am:
This is getting interesting. I’m breaking out the popcorn and settling in.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 11:59 am:
=== has been pulled out of internet storage===
LOL
I forgot I had it.
- SouthSide Chirish - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:00 pm:
Let’s not forget how things went down on the Senate side when Cullerton stepped down - it was a bit messy but then Harmon brokered a deal and resolved it pretty quickly. My guess is Welch, Williams, Hernandez/Crespo, and a few others will work something out in the next 10 days.
- Veil of Ignorance - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:01 pm:
Having had convos with one of the 19, I knew they weren’t budging. Speaker will need to negotiate his terms as his best-case scenario.
- thefutureisfemale - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:03 pm:
Time for a woman to lead. Check out Harvard Business Review, December 30, 2020, “Women Are Better Leaders During a Crisis”
by Jack Zenger and Joseph Folkman
- Scott Cross for President - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:04 pm:
Rich, what posting holds the record for most comments ? (Blago arrest ?) What is the # ? This may be a contender.
- Emerging lurker - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:06 pm:
A moment where the profanity ban on CapFax is a hinderance, not out of anger but out of shock.
But good news for the state, as it is less likely there is a long delay before legislating can begin in the new session
- OneMan - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:06 pm:
It seems the coverage of this should start with Rich saying “Lets get ready to rumble” and then this playing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPOmFUid3vA
- Justin - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:06 pm:
Hopefully the Madigan era is over in Illinois.
- Pizza Man - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:08 pm:
In his statement, MJM indicates that the House Democratic Caucus ‘can work to find someone, other than me, to get 60 votes for Speaker.’ Throwing the hot potatoes back to the caucus and speaker candidates like Rep. Williams…
And no MJM…does not put the best interest for the Caucus first. If he did, he wouldn’t be running.
- Broken Sunglasses - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:10 pm:
Maybe the real Speaker of The House was the friend’s we made along the way?
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:10 pm:
“ Don’t wait for it to happen. Don’t even want it to happen. Just watch what does happen.”
- Tommydanger - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:11 pm:
Suffice it to say, Rich breaks out his “Breaking News” banner a whole let less frequently than his competition at CNN
- Nick - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:12 pm:
Myself and others have said for weeks this is probably how it would happen
It wasn’t about another candidate getting 60 votes, it was about denying him a majority
Now the actual hard politicking begins
- thisjustinagain - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:13 pm:
Madigan is playing poker, but he’s bluffing since he knows there is ZERO way he’ll remain Speaker. The 19 guarantee his removal no matter what. The deal-making after removal is a different discussion, with lots of plots to get Madigan’s annointed successor in by various caucuses.
- 47th Ward - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:14 pm:
The speaker’s race just got real. Hang on to your backsides, this is going to be a bumpy ride.
- Rich Hill - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:15 pm:
Curious if we’ll effectively know who will succeed him by the end of business today.
- Glengarry - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:15 pm:
Hail Mary attempt.
- JS Mill - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:17 pm:
I don’t know, maybe I have been conditioned/jaded by the years of MJM’s alleged demise, but I just don’t think this means what some (most of us) would like it to mean.
NEVER count him out.
- Flexible One - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:18 pm:
So you say Madigan’s Speakership is over? Hmmm… let’s continue watching
- Rich Hill - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:25 pm:
Songs like People Get Ready, Keep on Pushing, and Move On Up might be getting a lot of play in the near future.
- Essential State Employee - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:26 pm:
==I don’t know about y’all, but this victory belongs to Daniel Biss and his principled campaign to end MJM’s reign. ==
Alaina Hampton might have something to say about that, starting with her charges of sexual harrassment against Mapes. That started to get the ball rolling toward the Speaker’s downfall, in my opinon.
- Chicagonk - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:28 pm:
@EssentialStateEmployee - I think the victory belongs to the Feds.
- Mouthy - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:28 pm:
He doesn’t want to be Clyde Choate. That didn’t work. Don’t count him out..
- Astonished - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:29 pm:
The 19 should send the message that are not showing up again for an actual vote until the Speaker formally bows out.
They don’t have to get to 60 votes. They only have to block the Madigan candidacy.
- frustrated GOP - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:31 pm:
Here is the real question, is it a real suspension where he lets it be known that anyone following him be allowed to build a 60 vote, or is it a suspension with the velvet hammer on the process?
If it’s the first, then kudos and the most appropriate way to leave. if the latter, unfortunate.
Nature abhors a vacuum and his departure will create a vacuum. The question will be is it now, or in the future.
- Cyprian - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:31 pm:
You have to think Linda Chapa LaVia is watching this and wishing she had stayed in the House. She would have been someone the whole caucus could have agreed on.
- Grandson of Man - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:32 pm:
This seems to breathe life into our democracy at a time that fealty to one leader has led us to where we are now. Hoping there’s a new Speaker who represents the diversity of today’s DPI. Hope the legislators’ eyes are on the significance of what this means to voters and supporters.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:33 pm:
=== You have to think Linda Chapa LaVia is watching this and wishing she had stayed in the House. She would have been someone the whole caucus could have agreed on.===
No.
Only… half…
- Frumpy White Guy - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:33 pm:
Be assured that the possibility exists that at least some of the key Madigan representatives are going to be hiding their hand in a conserved effort to make it impossible for there to be a consensus candidate.
- @misterjayem - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:35 pm:
Shorter Madigan: Après moi, le déluge.
– MrJM
- Perrid - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:36 pm:
A more honest Durkin: “I don’t want my nemesis to have any chance of winning, I want his unconditional surrender, and I want it right now, and if I don’t get it it’s only because he’s a bad guy.”
I can recognize I’m being more snippy than normal these past few days, but my tolerance for those who claim to lead us lying or distorting reality for their own purposes is at an all time low right now. How hard is it to NOT try to manipulate people? Really, how hard is it to just be honest and not try to play games? I’m tired of it.
- Mouthy - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:41 pm:
Will it happen again?
” Over a week after the election for Speaker began; newly elected Republican Lee A. Daniels crossed party lines to vote for Redmond. After Daniels vote, a weekend recess was called. On Monday, Daniels and a small group of Republicans cast their votes for Redmond. This block included five Chicagoans, Daniels and Gene A. Hoffman; the latter two of whom were from Redmond’s district.”
They said Daniels was finished at that time. Nope.
I watched it all on the House floor..
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:44 pm:
- Mouthy -
The Redmond times are over. The “GOP” exists to be against Madigan, 24/7, even their own release today for applicants to run the state party took a swipe at Madigan…. and then you need 9 of them.
With respect.
- Kayak - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:50 pm:
It would be interesting if he drops qualified immunity in exchange for 9 Republican votes.
- Pizza Man - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:52 pm:
Then again the Feds hold the final wild card….um, we are in session, aren’t we? just sayin
- Rich Miller - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:54 pm:
===in exchange for 9 Republican votes===
I don’t know what you’re smoking, but please don’t pass it to me. C’mon. Get outta your fantasy world.
- Mouthy - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:55 pm:
_Oswego Willy_
With due respect sir I wasn’t suggesting that republicans were going to support Madigan. Clyde Choate had the embattled 17. It was after, I think, seventy something votes that they took to get to the point they crossed over. So lets see how many votes are taken with the 60 vote threshold not being broken and what happens thereafter. Nevertheless, this will be something to watch..
- Precinct Captain - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:55 pm:
- Essential State Employee - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:26 pm:
Alexa, what is sarcasm?
- California Guy - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 12:57 pm:
Dang - him and the Ed Burke types are really the last bastion of old school machine politicians. End of an era.
- TheUpperRoom - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 1:01 pm:
Come on, Durkin. This sounds more like getting shots in at the only thing that unites the Republican caucus… having MJM as their arch-nemesis. Just stay out of it until at least Wednesday, for crying out loud.
- Norseman - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 1:04 pm:
=== And no MJM…does not put the best interest for the Caucus first. If he did, he wouldn’t be running. ===
MJM thinks he is in the best interest of the caucus. Apparently a lot of folks share this belief.
- JS Mill - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 1:10 pm:
my question, and it is rhetorical- will the different constituencies “purity test” themselves out of power? The cynical side of me wonders if it is intentional. Just noting some of the requirements being stated by the different caucuses and does that make it impossible for enough people to unite behind one speaker candidate?
- @misterjayem - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 1:34 pm:
“I can recognize I’m being more snippy than normal these past few days”
Same.
And I may have been just a little snippy to start with.
– MrJM
- "Old Timer Dem" - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 1:44 pm:
He should vote present for all subsequent votes.
- Streator Curmudgeon - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 1:46 pm:
When candidates for president of the U.S. “suspend” their campaign, it means nobody except their wife and mother recognized their name.
But the meaning of words, and everything else, is different in Illinois politics.
- TKMH - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 1:47 pm:
==I don’t know about y’all, but this victory belongs to Daniel Biss and his principled campaign to end MJM’s reign.==
Is this the same Biss who voted for Madigan in the House and then rolled over when Mendoza announced for Comptroller?
- SouthSide Markie - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 1:50 pm:
Was it Henry Clay who said that a good compromise leaves everyone dissatisfied? Or was that just Larry David making the quote up. Regardless, in that spirit, I say Bob Rita for Speaker. Hey, laugh a little. We could use it after the past week.
- "Old Timer Dem" - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 2:02 pm:
Someone once said dealing with the Democratic House Caucus is like herding cats. Madigan has pretty much done everything the past 40 years for the Democratic caucus. These members are like birds leaving their Mother’s nest for the first time. Not real sure about themselves and their ability to exist without their Mother.
- SAP - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 2:34 pm:
==Curious if we’ll effectively know who will succeed him by the end of business today.==
I’ll take the over.
- Ares - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 2:40 pm:
Perhaps this will work out the issue of House Speaker succession, without the chaos of a sudden event.
- LongTime Anon - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 2:44 pm:
Thomas DeVore posted to his facebook “MADIGAN IS NO LONGER SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE!!” This guys as accurate in his fb posts as he is in his legal filings.
- thechampaignlife - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 2:56 pm:
illinifan@11:45a:
I was thinking more this King George refrain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mE5WiG9Ckec
- Blue Dog Dem - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 2:58 pm:
Ya had me going on the Jay Hoffman joke for a bit…
- IS - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 3:23 pm:
Game is long from over; Look for a retirement speech if MM decides he can’t win. MM is just going to let everyone sit and spin for a while…
- thechampaignlife - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 3:24 pm:
===I’ll take the over.===
Careful, or DraftKings will want in on political gambling too.
- Doc Anonymous - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 3:28 pm:
My guess is 90% he’s done, 10% he’s still available if they can’t come up with someone else. But MJM may hope the odds are the other way around; no doubt his pals are telling him that, while also attempting to edge him off the stage.
- Mal - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 3:32 pm:
King Kong ain’t got nothin on Boss Madigan.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 3:44 pm:
===King Kong===
Remember how that movie ended?
- Thank Trump - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 3:45 pm:
Thank Trump and his US Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.
- Louis G Atsaves - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 4:22 pm:
What is with all this demise talk. He is still an elected member of the House of Representatives. His institutional knowledge and past accomplishments will still carry a ton of weight in that chamber, far more than other members.
Right now most of the Democratic caucus is still voting for him. Time to seriously ask them why.
- anon2 - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 6:36 pm:
The last speaker spent a final term as a back bencher. Would MJM would do the same?
- S. Side - Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 7:49 pm:
He’s willing to make a deal. He said that.