* From DPI…
Michael J. Madigan today announced he will resign as the Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois (DPI), and Vice Chair Karen Yarbrough will be appointed as interim chair of the party until a new chair is named.
First elected in 1998, under Madigan’s leadership, Democrats have held steady as the ‘blue wall’ in the Midwest, held supermajorities in the legislature, passed landmark legislation that has made Illinois a leader in progressive policy, and significantly increased the numbers of women, people of color and members of the LGBTQ community serving in state elected office.
“Over the last two decades, we have elected a diverse array of Democrats across Illinois and helped send a hometown Chicago leader to the White House, turning Illinois into a Democratic stronghold in the Midwest,” Madigan said. “Together, we faced conservative extremism and stood up for working men and women. I’m confident the Democratic Party of Illinois will continue to cement our place as a beacon of progressive values. My work would not have been possible without the support of my family, Shirley, Lisa, Tiffany, Nicole and Andrew. I thank each of them for their unwavering love and support that has allowed me to do this work for so long.”
Karen Yarbrough will move into her new role as interim chair after most recently serving as vice chair of DPI.
“One thing everyone knows about Illinois is that it’s a reliably blue state in the Midwest and throughout the country, and that’s in large part because of the leadership of Mike Madigan,” Yarbrough said. “Democrats across Illinois owe Chairman Madigan a huge debt of gratitude for the support, resources and time he’s dedicated to candidates and races at every level. While our party enters a transition and looks to the future, I hope we don’t lose sight of the extraordinary contributions he has made. I thank him for his leadership and wish him the best in his next chapter.”
Madigan’s resignation as chairman is effective immediately. Madigan’s current four-year term as state central committeeman ends following the March primary in 2022. Pursuant to the Illinois Election Code, the 36 members of the Democratic State Central Committee will meet within 30 days to select a new chair to serve for the remainder of the term.
* Speaker Welch…
“I thank Michael Madigan for his 20+ years of service as the chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois, which has left us with a supermajority in both chambers of the General Assembly. I have full confidence in the state central committee’s ability to select a new chair. The Illinois Democratic party remains strong, and we will continue our work to create a more equitable state.”
…Adding… From Madigan to party members…
Dear Friends,
I am writing you today to inform you that I am stepping down as the Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois. Vice Chair Karen Yarbrough will serve as interim chair until the Democratic State Central Committee meets to choose a new chair.
I want to use this opportunity to express how honored I have been to lead Illinois Democrats through both challenging and rewarding times. Over the last two decades, we’ve increased the number of women, people of color and members of the LGBTQ community serving in elected office in Illinois and helped send a hometown Chicago leader to the White House. We’ve faced conservative extremism and always stood up for the hardworking women and men of Illinois. Together we’ve held steady as the ‘blue wall’ in the Midwest, held supermajorities in the legislature and passed landmark legislation that has made Illinois a leader in progressive policy.
On a personal note, I’ve enjoyed working alongside all of you. Your commitment to Democratic ideals and progressive values has helped make our tent even bigger and put Illinois at the forefront on the most critical issues facing our country.
I’m confident the Democratic Party of Illinois will continue to cement our place as a beacon of progressive values and defender of hardworking men and women.
Of course none of this work would have been possible without the support and sacrifice of my family, Shirley, Lisa, Tiffany, Nicole and Andrew. I thank each of them for their unwavering love and support that has allowed me to do this work for so long.
With kindest personal regards, I remain
Sincerely yours,
Mike
*** UPDATE *** Notice, US Sen. Durbin is not on this list…
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, Illinois Governor today announced their support for Alderman Michelle Harris to be the next Chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois:
“As our nation moves on from the chaos of the Trump years and our state begins charting a brighter path forward under new legislative leadership, the next leader of the Democratic Party of Illinois must continue the progress we’ve made by supporting Democratic candidates who will help working families at the local, state and federal levels equally. We believe Alderman Michelle Harris is best qualified to lead our party forward in the years ahead and are hopeful the State Central Committee will select her to serve as the next Party Chair.”
Durbin has wanted to control the state party for a very long time. Stay tuned, but I doubt he can win this one.
…Adding… I was asked to remove the reference to Lightfoot from the release. Apparently, the statement hadn’t been approved yet by her.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Press release…
Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-2) Announces run for Chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois
“Today I am announcing my intention to run for Chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois. With democracy under siege, it’s more important than ever that we have leaders of our party that can appeal to the broad sector of our electorate that represent all 102 counties of our state. The Congressional district I represent is urban, suburban and rural which is a microcosm of the State and gives me a unique perspective and understanding to lead our party forward. I’ve been a strong leader in the party, I have the voice to move Illinois forward. As Chair, I will bring a fresh approach that includes my collaborative and inclusive work ethic. In the coming days, I look forward to sharing my vision about the future of the Democratic Party of Illinois with the members of the State Central Committee. I want to thank Mike Madigan for his service to the Democratic Party.”
*** UPDATE 3 *** Sen. Durbin…
“Democrats in Illinois are in our strongest position ever. We cannot rest on our laurels, and we must take this opportunity to look honestly at where we are now, as well as look to the future and lead by example. That is why I am supporting my friend, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, to be the next Chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois.
“Robin spent twenty years in Peoria. She’s traveled to every corner of Illinois as a statewide candidate. And she represents a district that’s urban, suburban, and rural. Her experience in Congress, the state legislature, and managing an Illinois constitutional office afford her a breadth of important experience and skill sets. I cannot think of a better person to lead Democrats moving forward in Illinois.
“Alderwoman Michelle Harris is a friend, and she’s a proven leader — clearly evidenced by the trust the Mayor of Chicago has placed in her as City Council floor leader. I want to thank her for her candidacy, and know that whoever is Chair, our party will be in good hands.”
*** UPDATE 4 *** A member of the State Central Committee…
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- Oswego Willy - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 5:34 pm:
“… and like that … ‘poof’ … he was gone”
- Nearly Normal - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 5:37 pm:
Wow! Was not expecting this so soon after resigning his House seat. He will leave a void and the leadership of the party has to step up.
Waiting for Republican state chair snarky response.
- Huh? - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 5:39 pm:
Will Madigan remain a power behind the throne? Or is he out to pasture as a relic of a former time.
- 47th Ward - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 5:39 pm:
Bob Raica is interested in being appointed to his state central committee seat.
- Three Dimensional Checkers - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 5:42 pm:
A gentleman should know when to leave the party.
- SpiDem - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 5:45 pm:
People need to stop suggesting that Madigan will remain as a hidden “power behind the throne”
His power flowed from the rules of the House. Those powers no longer belong to him.
His control over the DPI postage discount flowed from the rules and bylaws of DPI. Those powers no longer belong to him.
He’s exiting the stage, likely trying to do so systematically to ensure his loyal troops are well cared for. I fully expect that, in time, Marty Quinn will ascend to chairmanship of the 13th ward.
Hall of Fame players don’t spend their twilight years playing A-ball
- JoanP - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 5:46 pm:
He probably read all the responses to your Question of the Day, and that convinced him.
- Pundent - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 5:56 pm:
=Will Madigan remain a power behind the throne?=
Only to those who have allowed him to live rent free in their heads for all these years. Heck he’ll remain a power to those even after he passes on. Because they don’t know what to do without him.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 5:57 pm:
===Only to those who have allowed him to live rent free===
I think this means that Lisa will run for governor now. /s
- Rich Miller - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 6:02 pm:
JoanP, that was my original thought. lol
- Keyrock - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 6:03 pm:
Will he now tell us the secret location of his treasure?
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 6:08 pm:
Durbin doesn’t have the juice or the firepower to repel what’s rolling ahead.
Durbin has a national presence. Durbin tends to his own garden at home to keep that.
Durbin is not the builder of an empire, that’s not a slight, it’s that train and train of thought to get there left far too long ago.
- Pundent - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 6:10 pm:
To the update. Sounds pre-emptive. Probably not a battle Durbin wants at this stage of his career. And arguing for an old white guy to replace another old white guy isn’t the best look either. Harris would be a good contrast to the ILGOP chair.
- Amalia - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 6:11 pm:
From Mike Madigan to a Chicago Alderman. By the numbers the party should be fine with that. Still will cue the outrage machine.
- JS Mill - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 6:14 pm:
Durbin just does not have the juice within the ILDP to become a power broker at the state level. The young turks are in form control now. Those with a strong Madigan relationship will likely look to him for advice from time to time, but as others have stated he is done with the day to day.
Why would he want to try and remain in control at this point anyway, they pushed him out.
- Ok - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 6:17 pm:
The Real Speaker of Illinois Mike Madigan will join the Real Governor of Illinois Jimmy DeLeo in remote governing from someplace warm and/or tropical.
- Ok - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 6:18 pm:
Also… Michelle Harris? As in, can’t beat Dorothy Brown Michelle Harris?
- retired 126 - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 6:18 pm:
OK, one last step, resign as 13th Ward Committeman
- Former Downstater - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 6:23 pm:
I’m hearing Robin Kelly’s name is in the mix.
- Precinct Captain - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 6:24 pm:
Not sure why the hate against Durbin in some of these comments. He’s a done lot of party building the collar counties. Does that mean his pick should get to be state chair? No, but don’t distort the record.
- Frank talks - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 6:25 pm:
Michelle Harris guessing she knows how to win the suburbs and downstate? Which probably doesn’t matter because all those smart commenters on the criminal justice reform post said suburban Dems are done anyway with that bill being signed.
- Been There - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 6:25 pm:
=== Probably not a battle Durbin wants at this stage of his career. And arguing for an old white guy to replace another old white guy isn’t the best look either.===
Can Durbin even can run as Dem Party Chair? Pretty sure you have to be a state central committeeman to be elected. Now if you are talking about just controlling the party by having Bill Houlihan elected then I get it. (Still an older white guy though)
- Been There - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 6:28 pm:
==== OK, one last step, resign as 13th Ward Committeman===
Did he resign as a state central committeeman yet? If not that’s another spot.
- Friendly Bob Adams - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 6:36 pm:
One more hurrah for The 19 who stood together against a ton of pressure to make this possible.
And kudos to Willy for the apt quote as usual
- Beverly Bob - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 6:38 pm:
This is NOT the Democratic party of the eighties or before.
Let’s look at the elected Dem lineup and top 12 elected positions in my opinion.
Governor–white male
Mayor of Chicago–black female and gay
Two US Senators–mixed race female and white male
Cook County Bd Prez–black female
Speaker of House–black male
Senate Prez–White male
Cook County Sheriff–white male
Cook County States Atty–black female
State Sec of State–black male
State AG–black male
Lt Gov–black female
Now by my count that’s
Four white men.
Four black females–one gay
One mixed race female.
Three black males.
If I were a hispanic officeholder or wannabee I’d be pointing out the general lack of hispanic faces/names in this arguably top tier position grouping.
If we’re going to relegate old white guys such as myself to the dustbin of electoral history then my fellow dems should be searching for hispanics to run for some of these offices. I could add State Party Chair to that grouping, but I suspect that much of the power of that position was more about the officeholder than the innate powers of the position.
- Ok - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 6:46 pm:
==== OK, one last step, resign as 13th Ward Committeman===
Got a few more news cycles to dominate before he goes.
- Socially DIstant watcher - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 6:49 pm:
@Beverly: you’re working from an outdated list. Sure, those positions have lots of employees, but with Shakman, jobs aren’t the measure of power they used to be.
- Mal - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 6:51 pm:
Thank you for your strong leadership Speaker Madigan, especially during the Rauner years. We appreciate you not backing down even though Rauner spent millions in his smear campaign. You will be missed.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 6:53 pm:
==== OK, one last step, resign as 13th Ward Committeman===
I can almost guarantee that will never happen.
- Blue Dog - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 7:14 pm:
I wonder if union membership in Illinois will continue to decline under the new chair like it has under the last 20 yrs of Madiigan control.
- Southsider - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 7:16 pm:
An Alderman? How many votes to get elected? This is for real the best the party has to offer? My how the mighty have fallen.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 7:19 pm:
=== An Alderman? How many votes to get elected?===
How many Illinois counties are larger than a Chicago ward in population?
Asked and answered by this blog many a time.
- Hard D - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 7:23 pm:
One has to wonder if he’s doing this to calm the waters with the Feds? Walk away Mr Speaker and let’s call this a tie game with no OT. Or did they give him a polite heads up that the gavel is about to come down. Lots happened in the last 10 days. JMO
- Roman - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 7:32 pm:
I know Madigan leaving the stage is newsworthy, but otherwise, isn’t this much ado about nothing? This is a battle over a postage account. I realize many want the state party to mean more than that, but when you control everything, is that really necessary?
- PublicServant - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 7:39 pm:
These latest Madigan moves make me wonder if one of two, or both of these machinations of my imagination have occurred. One: The feds have something on him, he realizes this, and seeks to limit their zest for prosecution. Two, he’s got something occurring on the medical front that is making him want to use the rest of his life to the fullest, and that doesn’t include continued public service.
Or, as Rich will likely agree, I’m full of it…Just sayin.
- Pundent - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 7:58 pm:
Or the answer is staring everyone in the face and there is no Jedi mind trick being played. Many of us said months ago that this was the inevitable outcome once the 19 made their intentions known. From that point on, and given their resolve, this has all been fairly predictable. Everybody’s time ends at some point.
- Been There - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 8:06 pm:
==== This is a battle over a postage account.====
Or the $1.9 million that was in the account at the end of the year. Not huge but worth noting.
Also interesting is the Committee just changed their P.O Box to Chicago from Springfield about a week ago.
- cc - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 8:24 pm:
For a while the state may just be worse off.
Like having Rauner who knew nothing about the actual legal process of the duties of his own office.
- Blue Dog - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 8:47 pm:
Cc. Worse off than what? New Jersey?
- HonestAbeLives - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 8:54 pm:
Giannoulias pal Rep. Robin Kelly doesn’t have much of a chance with only Durbin backing her. Ald. Harris has the experience and the right backing. Illinois will be in good hands with her.
- bob the plumber - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 9:01 pm:
Rich
who has the weighted vote?
- markg8 - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 9:01 pm:
There’s a reason all those bills got passed in June. And the reason was Madigan. Say what you want but he was a good traffic cop of all that legislation.
- Huh? - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 9:05 pm:
“stop suggesting that Madigan will remain as a hidden “power behind the throne”
Disagree. Madigan has been in power for a very long time. To use a trite cliché, “He knows where the bodies are buried.” Furthermore, he knows how to pull the levers of power. Oh, to be able to mine that knowledge to advance the Illinois Democratic Party and wrangle a rambunctious caucus.
Madigan is Vito. The question is “who is smart enough to be Michael?”
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 9:09 pm:
=== Furthermore, he knows how to pull the levers of power. Oh, to be able to mine that knowledge to advance the Illinois Democratic Party and wrangle a rambunctious caucus.===
You’re not asking the right question.
Why would Madigan want to do it?
It’s time to grow tomatoes in the backyard. It’s over.
- Been There - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 9:39 pm:
=== It’s time to grow tomatoes in the backyard. It’s over.===
While I can’t disagree with your post, the way the tomato garden ended up for Vito made that a little
harsh
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 10:00 pm:
- Been There -
It was years of retirement.
Years. Years and years.
- Fly Away Robin - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 10:18 pm:
Rumor has it that Robin Kelly doesn’t even support her own Committeeman in her Township. After her people lose, the question is, will the winners start running people against her from the city and her local community? We’ll soon find out and see if the Robin flies away ……
- Central Illinois Dem - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 11:07 pm:
Robin Kelly is a unique public leader: ethical, hardworking, knowledgeable of what it takes to get things done in the real world. She has what it takes to bring integrity back to the DPI chair’s office. She’s a Chicago Dem who can relate to those of us south of I-80/ If the party is smart, it’ll go with Robin.
- Fly Away Robin - Monday, Feb 22, 21 @ 11:18 pm:
What has Robin Kelly done in office besides advocate (never pass) gun legislation? She can barely man a polling location. But for Bloomberg money, because God knows she couldn’t raise it herself, Toi Hutchinson would have been in Washington.
- RNUG - Tuesday, Feb 23, 21 @ 12:19 am:
== Durbin doesn’t have the juice or the firepower to repel what’s rolling ahead. ==
Back home here, Durbin has been mostly coasting on name recognition for years while he worked on national party issues. One of my many gripes with him.
- Candy Dogood - Tuesday, Feb 23, 21 @ 12:29 am:
===How many Illinois counties are larger than a Chicago ward in population?===
That’d be only about 25 or 26 counties. I don’t care to get more specific but I wanted to point out that a Chicago Ward has a larger population than 3/4ths of the 102 counties in the State of Illinois.
I didn’t want people to think OW was just picking on Pope or Hardin County. He’s making a very good point, and a point that a lot of people in politics forget about when they’re looking at maps.
- ETown60120 - Tuesday, Feb 23, 21 @ 8:16 am:
Senator Castro will be a great chair to lead the Democratic Party of Illinois she is a State Central Committee already. This is an opportunity to select the best candidate that represents everyone.
- Chicago - Tuesday, Feb 23, 21 @ 8:19 am:
We need more Latino representation enough is enough.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Feb 23, 21 @ 8:26 am:
=== We need more Latino representation===
Not denying it, but aren’t Latinos the largest minority group that supported Trump?
Just asking about that thought too.
- "Old Timer Dem" - Tuesday, Feb 23, 21 @ 8:28 am:
MJM will likely remain as 13th Ward Democratic Committeeman. Madigan loves the 13th Ward and the 13th Ward loves him.
- Back to the Future - Tuesday, Feb 23, 21 @ 8:44 am:
It appears Pritzker has a deal with Harris so my first thought was - - anybody but Harris.
Now that Congresswoman Kelly has announced it seems that Illinois Democrats have a very good alternative to the Team Pritzker pick. She is very bright and thoughtful. I also think she would have more of big tent approach to the party than Pritzker does.
- frustrated GOP - Tuesday, Feb 23, 21 @ 8:48 am:
I would point out that for all the progressive talk we still have a tax system that keeps rich communities rich and poor ill funded. When property tax is still the majority of two schools are funded, we don’t get to be really progressive. do we ?
and as I recall it was a Republican Gov. that signed in EBF.
- Chicago - Tuesday, Feb 23, 21 @ 9:00 am:
@OSWEGO Willy- Not in Illinois, Latinos supported Biden and the Latino voting block is just growing. The lack of Latino representation at top tier positions need to increase NOW! We are organizing to ensure there is a strong coalitions of Latinos statewide to move our voting block when needed.
- ZC - Tuesday, Feb 23, 21 @ 9:00 am:
I just want someone who can keep the state party a meaningful institution.
We sort of take that for granted in IL, and whatever you think of him, credit that to Madigan. But in most states, nobody really cares who heads the state Democratic party. It’s not a meaningful power player in many places (admitted there are some exceptions, Nevada comes to mind).
- Donnie Elgin - Tuesday, Feb 23, 21 @ 9:17 am:
=Durbin doesn’t have the juice or the firepower to repel what’s rolling ahead…Durbin tends to his own garden=
He is also a 76-year-old politician from a by-gone era.
- Candy Dogood - Tuesday, Feb 23, 21 @ 9:18 am:
All of these posts talking about how nice and intelligent U.S. Representative Robin Kelly is make me inclined to point out I also think she’s very competent and intelligent.
I just don’t think a member of congress has the kind of time available to them that would allow them to actually focus on running a state party. I also have my doubts about a member of congress being the best person to be focusing on candidate recruitment and party building in the parts of Illinois where there are a lot of precinct committee person vacancies and the there weren’t challengers on the ballot for multiple county and state legislature races.
A member of the U.S. House or U.S. Senate probably isn’t the best person to be trying to twist an arm of a local activist to run for a countywide position on the off chance it helps a competitive legislative race while being hopeful that both wins.
If the intent is to set oneself up for a statewide run I can think of more than a few better ways to do that that don’t come along with an additional burden or expectation of running a party that even though it is winning needs to be revamped.
But that might be a bridge too far this time.
- Lake Effect - Tuesday, Feb 23, 21 @ 9:41 am:
Fly Away Robin- Robin raised more money than Toi. Robin’s team knocked on more doors than Toi. Robin ran a much better campaign than Toi. Which is why she was beating Toi by more than the margin or error and Bloomberg decided to point his ads towards Toi. The race was already over. Oh, and that 2010 questionaire where Toi earned her A rating didn’t help at all.
- walker - Tuesday, Feb 23, 21 @ 9:52 am:
Candy DG You make some good points (like always), about how and why a Congress member might not have time and focus to succeed operationally. But one can hire, build, and motivate good staff. And as far as encouraging local candidates, activists, and precinct captains, the DPI head hasn’t ever gotten involved at that level beyond a fairly narrow scope.
On a purely symbolic level, I cannot think of a worse look for statewide political leadership than Chicago Alderman.
- Redditor - Tuesday, Feb 23, 21 @ 9:53 am:
==Not denying it, but aren’t Latinos the largest minority group that supported Trump?
Just asking about that thought too.==
OW usually on the money, not sure what you’re trying to imply with that statement. Latinos are not a monolithic bloc. Cuban American issues in Miami Dade County are not the same as Mexican-American issues in southwest Cook County. Latino voters pushed in Georgia (and Arizona) put those state over the 50% marker for Democrats last primary.
- Ferris Wheeler - Tuesday, Feb 23, 21 @ 10:02 am:
Robin Kelly is smart, intelligent, hard-working, Progressive, and universally liked.
The elephant in the room is that she was found guilty of ghost payrolling by the Inspector General while she was running for statewide office and worked for Alexi, and she was never held accountable.
That did not matter when she was running for a safe Congressional seat.
It is almost certain to be dredged up if she is party chair, particularly because Alexi is running for Secretary of State.
Picking a party chair is like picking a Vice-President. The #1 rule is “First, do no harm.” In the end, it’s a move that does not seem good for Kelly, Alexi or Durbin.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Feb 23, 21 @ 10:10 am:
=== not sure what you’re trying to imply with that statement. Latinos are not a monolithic bloc.===
My point is a simple one.
If ethnic “qualifications” need be addressed, and loyalty too is a qualifier, what stake does the Latino community have that is greater than any other ethnicity, given, even as you say, Latinos are not monolithic?
I’m just curious to that reconciling. Nothing more.
- Redditor - Tuesday, Feb 23, 21 @ 10:39 am:
==If ethnic “qualifications” need be addressed, and loyalty too is a qualifier, what stake does the Latino community have that is greater than any other ethnicity, given, even as you say, Latinos are not monolithic?==
Well, to start, Latinos make up (at least) 20% of the state population. If the group voted tighter as a bloc (and increased turnout) the number of electeds would grow more rapidly. This is true nationwide and here locally. With that being said, here in Illinois the number of Latinos in office is growing and one theory is due to the consolidation of Mexican-American issues and the rise of a nationally respected local leader. The fact that Cuban Americans in dade county voted for Trump does not take away from the fact that the Latino community in Illinois is more organized now than ever before and they’re on their way to greater positions of leadership. If not in this instance, my money says it will be soon down the road.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Feb 23, 21 @ 10:55 am:
=== With that being said, here in Illinois the number of Latinos in office is growing and one theory is due to the consolidation of Mexican-American issues and the rise of a nationally respected local leader.===
… and yet…
WBEZ…
http://alturl.com/4zhab
=== Sylvia Puente heads the Chicago-based Latino Policy Forum. She said she’s surprised at the controversy about the number of Latinos who voted for President Trump. Each presidential election cycle, about 30% of Latinos vote Republican.
Puente said this shows the lack of understanding that pundits have about the Latino vote. She sat down with WBEZ to explain.
On what comes to mind when Puente hears “Latino vote”: I’m surprised the people are surprised at how diverse the Latino vote is because we, of course, know that the Latino vote is not monolithic. Consistently, between 25% and 30% of the Latino electorate has voted Republican. The high-water mark being in the [George W.] Bush era 40% of Latinos voted for him since he was a governor of Texas and had a pretty solid relationship with many Latinos and predominantly Mexican Americans from that area.===
Does that sound like a reliable overall voting block, insofar as maybe that consolidation to an overall may need to be seen?
I’m not a Dem, but if the criteria of ethnicity is a mitigating factor, shouldn’t overall results also dictate, and how as a coalition those groups vote?
With respect, I’m actually watching with curiosity how this will play out.
- McGuppin - Tuesday, Feb 23, 21 @ 10:58 am:
Interesting that Team JB has sent its people out to bash Durbin, who has done more for candidates up and down the ballot than any Democrat that I can think of. Great….
- Hannibal Lecter - Tuesday, Feb 23, 21 @ 12:37 pm:
Let the cannibalism within the Democratic Party begin.
- Shytown - Tuesday, Feb 23, 21 @ 12:40 pm:
I frankly don’t understand why Durbin wants this fight. We’re going to be entering a midterm election where the president party does not do well. We have a governor who has the means to build and support a real state democratic party for like the first time ever. Durbin, while he is a wonderful national statesman and deserves lots of respect, does not have the ability to do this. And now he’s making this an incredibly messy situation and handing a bunch of redmeat over to Republicans and potentially fracturing party activists. It makes no sense. Michelle Harris will do a perfectly good job. It’s a time to unite and not let your ego or the ego of those surrounding you to go before the party when we have a historic opportunity here before us.