* Former Speaker Madigan entered a “Not Guilty” plea today…
More here.
* Former Gov. Pat Quinn is asking the courts to impose electronic petition circulation so he can more easily get his reform proposal on the ballot. Madigan is mentioned (which is why I put it here) and Quinn is suing Gov. JB Pritzker. Not sure if I’ve ever seen a former governor sue a sitting governor, but PQ gonna PQ…
FROM: Pat Quinn, Former Illinois Governor and Attorney for 9 Illinois voters who are circulating an initiative petition for a statewide binding November voter referendum to clean up Illinois political corruption.
RE: Initial Court Hearing on a voting rights lawsuit filed by 9 Illinois voters against Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois State Board of Elections seeking the right to use electronic petition circulation to qualify an ethics reform referendum in the wake of last week’s bombshell 22-count racketeering conspiracy, bribery, wire fraud, and attempted extortion indictment against former House Speaker Michael Madigan.
WHEN: Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at 10am Before Judge Sophia Hall
Article XIV, Section 3 of the Illinois Constitution gives Illinois voters the initiative petition right to bypass the General Assembly to enact a legislative reform amendment by direct voter referendum. In 1980, Illinois voters collected 475,811 initiative petition signatures to win the passage by referendum of the Cutback Amendment, which reduced the number of Illinois House members from 177 to 118.
Attorney General Kwame Raoul is representing Gov. Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Elections in Wednesday’s voting rights case.
In 2020 and 2021, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued two executive orders allowing for the submission of initiative and referendum petitions electronically in order to “facilitate full participation in the electoral process which is essential to a strong democracy” and consistent with “social distancing and other public health measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.”
In 2021, the Attorney General of Virginia and the Virginia State Board of Elections negotiated a consent agreement to allow for a “safe and contactless” electronic method of petition circulation that was in “the best interests of health, safety, and constitutional rights of Virginia citizens and protect the public from exposure to COVID-19 during the pandemic.”
In 2021 and 2022, Illinois General Assembly members have accommodated themselves with a safe and contactless electronic voting option where members have been debating and voting on bills from sidewalks, cars, and their offices, rather than in the State Capitol. The current state budget was approved by electronic remote voting.
The nine plaintiffs in Wednesday’s hearing include a cancer survivor who is immunocompromised, a disabled person who is totally blind, four elderly persons including one who is 92 years old, a person who has recovered from COVID-19, and persons from communities of color who have suffered disparate impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Illinois voters must file 363,868 initiative petition signatures in one book with the Secretary of State by May 8, 2022 to place the Illinois Democracy Amendment on the November 8 ballot.
The Illinois Democracy Amendment reads as follows: “The purpose of the Amendment is to give Illinois voters the power by petition to require the General Assembly to take mandatory roll call votes on bills which propose stronger ethical standards for Illinois public officials.”
The online petition can be viewed at IllinoisDemocracy.org.
Setting aside the lawsuit, the ballot language seems pretty darned vague.
* House Republicans…
A week ago, federal prosecutors dropped a 22-count indictment against former Speaker Michael Madigan, following a string of investigations, indictments, arrests, and cover-ups. Madigan’s arraignment today begins a new chapter in Illinois’ story of political corruption, but House Democrats haven’t received the message that voters desire real change.
“After taking millions in campaign contributions, House Democrats have not only failed to pass meaningful ethics reform, many have not publicly denounced their former leader,” said Jayme Siemer, Executive Director of the House Republican Majority. “Keeping these tainted funds means Madigan’s influence will remain as their number one donor.”
Among some top races, House Democrats have a Madigan problem.
Mark Walker:
Accepted $1.9 million in campaign contributions from Madigan.
Supported Madigan for Speaker.
Terra Costa Howard:
Accepted $1.6 million in campaign contributions from Madigan.
Katie Stuart:
Accepted $1.5 million in campaign contributions from Madigan.
Supported Madigan for Speaker.
After a week, has not issued a public statement on Madigan’s indictment.
Suzanne Ness:
Accepted $1.2 million in campaign contributions from Madigan.
After 24 hours and a public shaming, issued a public statement on Madigan’s indictment.
Janet Yang Rohr:
Accepted $1.03 million in campaign contributions from Madigan.
Supported Madigan for Speaker.
Maura Hirschauer:
Accepted $523,000 in campaign contributions from Madigan.
Supported Madigan for Speaker.
Has not communicated directly with constituents regarding Madigan’s indictment.
Jay Hoffman:
Accepted $459,000 in campaign contributions from Madigan.
Helped pay for Madigan’s legal defense.
Supported Madigan for Speaker.
After a week, has not issued a public statement on Madigan’s indictment.
Dave Vella:
Accepted $325,000 in campaign contributions from Madigan.
Supported Madigan for Speaker.
After a week, has not issued a public statement on Madigan’s indictment.
Democrats have been silent on these tainted funds, with no indication members will donate these funds to charity, a practice often used by politicians to dispose of funds taken from undesirable sources.
* Richard Irvin campaign…
As former House Speaker Mike Madigan faces arraignment on a 22 count-federal indictment citing years-long bribery and extortion schemes, the criminal enterprise continues to expand with another company being named earlier this week. As the scope of corruption under Mike Madigan continues to grow, so do the questions facing JB Pritzker and his administration’s deafening silence on the matter.
“JB Pritzker was complicit by enabling Madigan’s criminal enterprise that resulted in one of the largest and longest corruption schemes in our state’s history,” Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin said. “We need leaders throughout Illinois government who will actually root out corrupt politicians, not sit silently while they take advantage of hard-working taxpayers across the state.”
According to the Chicago Tribune, “the indictment also alleged that Madigan met with then Gov-elect J.B. Pritzker in December 2018 in part to discuss a lucrative state board position for Solis, ostensibly as a reward for helping Madigan win law business.”
* ILGOP…
Former House Speaker and Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois, Michael J. Madigan, has been indicted on 22 counts of racketeering, bribery, wire fraud and extortion. Today, he is set to make his first court appearance after the charges were announced.
From WGN…
Democrats are trying desperately to move past Madigan.
“It’s important to focus on the work that this legislature is doing under new leadership,” House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch said.
Hilarious.
Given that the vast majority of House Democrats were elected because Mike Madigan showered them with campaign cash and they returned the favor by voting to make him Speaker, the idea that they can just “move past” him is top tier wishful thinking. They own Madigan just like he owned them for decades.
But as we know, one man - Governor JB Pritzker - went above and beyond in his fealty to Madigan.
Most of the time in politics, power is fueled by the ability to take out your opponents come election time. And one cannot do that unless they have a sizable warchest. Governor JB Pritzker is still avoiding accountability for giving Mike Madigan more corrupt power with his massive $10 million dollars in contributions to the Ex-Speaker over the years.
When will Pritzker answer for his personal support of Madigan’s corrupt enterprise?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 2:33 pm:
When Madigan fervor was likely at its zenith, Rauner won, the House was not veto-proof and Dunkin, Drury, and Franks allowed a whole General Assembly to be in budgetary gridlock.
Since then?
Dems have captured all statewide offices… picked up Congressional seats, held them too… went from the largest super majority in the Illinois House… to the second largest super majority in the House… the Illinois Senate is off the charts Dem… and the maps are Dem drawn, and “approved” by a judge to boot.
What new voters will “because Madigan” bring?
The GOP here in Illinois will get a big boost from sagging numbers from the president of the opposite party, as always in midterms, and the economy, foreign affairs, they all help.
But what exactly about the ILGOP platform is at all… popular… I mean, popular enough to sway those indies that are fearful of abortion being illegal, racist policing and targeting of persons of color as more a problem than bad cops and bad policing… social services as a whole and class warfare, regionalism, urban prejudices…
But… “because Madigan”
I’d be more worried about suburban women thinking Republicans are dangerous to my health while the GOP talks past them to point to Madigan… as an example.
Now is the time to build a plan that allows a statewide winning plan that regionally can play within it. Hearing only “because Madigan” ain’t that plan.
- Donnie Elgin - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 2:33 pm:
Be interesting to watch the reporting on MJM’s trial. His seniority, power, and influence will be of no help in a federal courtroom. The Velvet hammer will be treated as a regular Joe.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 2:41 pm:
“Democrats are trying desperately to move past Madigan.”
They literally have moved past Madigan. It’s Republicans who are desperately trying to drag them back. What do they really have but the same old outage and fear? Also, let’s see how this talk holds up if Trump comes to Illinois to campaign for any GOP, or endorses anyone.
Madigan is gone, and even more kudos to anyone who voted him out after taking campaign contributions.
- don the legend - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 2:43 pm:
To the ILGOP == the idea that they can just “move past” him is top tier wishful thinking. They own “Trump” just like he “owns them now”.
Fixed it for you.
- Demoralized - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 2:46 pm:
==one man - Governor JB Pritzker - went above and beyond in his fealty to Madigan==
I’d love for them to explain exactly how he did that because I don’t see any evidence of that.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 2:47 pm:
===Trump comes to Illinois===
Very highly unlikely. Doubtful is giving too much credit.
What the ILGOP fears?
Bailey, Rabine, any and all the Trumpkins winning in primaries, being vocal, and most of all being the ILGOP Republican Nominee for Governor.
The Griffin Slate is purposely designed to make Trump obsolete as the foundation of the nominees, while appealing to Trump policies that can be palatable… if you ignore the racist thinkers, insurrectionists, conspiracy theorists that are also needed to stick around, or otherwise know as… “the base”
If the Griffin Slate fails, Madigan or not, the reality of dooming all things Illinois Republican is all too real.
So… we get “because Madigan”… for now.
- Steve - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 2:48 pm:
- popular enough to sway those indies-
Those higher gas taxes at the pump from JB are kind of an issue if you drive a car.
- Donnie Elgin - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 2:49 pm:
=They literally have moved past Madigan=
Tell that to Michael Madigan the 3rd Congressional District rep of the Democratic State Central Committee. And before he can be replaced they should at least remove the “Hon.” part of his title. He lost his honor.
https://ildems.com/party-leadership/
- NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 2:50 pm:
Quinn, as many people have told you on here since 12:01 PM on Jan. 12, 2015–please go away and enjoy a well-earned retirement.
- Demoralized - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 2:51 pm:
==Those higher gas taxes at the pump from JB ==
Um, what?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 2:52 pm:
===Those higher gas taxes at the pump from JB are kind of an issue if you drive a car.===
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has done more to that than the economy by itself.
The same folks who think presidents can sway the stock market are the same ones that will wholly ignore a global conflict that are sending prices skyrocketing, not governors.
Good thing I listed gas prices as helping Republicans, but you must’ve missed that or lack reading comprehension
- TheInvisibleMan - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 2:52 pm:
Perhaps Richard Irvin can defend Madigan. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and deserves ‘the best defense possible according to the constitution’ after all.
Or is Irvin not the best possible?
This guy is gonna need a few more gallons of paint, if he insists on painting himself into corners like this.
- Anyone Remember - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 2:56 pm:
Quinn talking about “reform” is rich. In a state with relatively clean politics he’d be seen for the patronage hog he is. The money quote in the link is from Mike McClain.
https://www.lib.niu.edu/1980/ii800204.html
- NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 2:59 pm:
==Quinn talking about “reform” is rich. In a state with relatively clean politics he’d be seen for the patronage hog he is.==
He justifiably ridiculed Scott Walker while Governor, but yet earlier in life he idolized our own Gov. Dan Walker. And while Wisconsin had Scott Walker, Quinn brought us 6 more years of a pseudo Dan Walker administration.
- The Hills 60010 - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 3:00 pm:
- Oswego Willy -, Bingo!
“I’d be more worried about suburban women thinking Republicans are dangerous to my health while the GOP talks past them to point to Madigan… as an example.
Now is the time to build a plan that allows a statewide winning plan that regionally can play within it. Hearing only “because Madigan” ain’t that plan.”
The plague of the allowed, and in some places still in force, fifedom of Madiganism will plague the Illinois Dems for the next decade, YES IT WILL; but to be honest, the campaign donations granted to the listed above Dems, honest and good people, were from what should have been the Illinois House Political Pac. Foolish it was to allow the thing to remain under the name of the former speaker.
What a headache.
Time to reform. Time to bring in out of state nonaligned investigators and auditors to help right the Illinois Dems. No more. Time to take money out of political campaigns. Time to rebuild.
- Steve - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 3:08 pm:
-Um, what?-
Gas prices have been rising consistently since Biden’s election. JB’s higher taxes at the pump don’t help. Those selling out of the money calls probably know this by now.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 3:11 pm:
Don’t look now, but folks are countering about gas prices that “if it helps Ukraine”… it’s kind of a vibe… plus, isn’t there a whole industry that does t want a freeze of Illinois gas taxes… I read that somewhere
- Demoralized - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 3:12 pm:
==JB’s higher taxes at the pump don’t help==
What higher taxes are you talking about from JB.
I think on this subject you’re nothing more than a partisan hack.
- Steve - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 3:20 pm:
-What higher taxes are you talking about from JB-
The Illinois gas tax doubled from 19 cents to 38 cents in 2019 as part of a $45 billion infrastructure plan. Are you ready for the July 1 tax increase indexed to inflation?
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 3:31 pm:
The worst thing Democrats can do is live in fear of Republican narratives. They need to parry and deliver blows back. You don’t pass almost your entire agenda, with difficult things like marijuana legalization, minimum wage hike and green energy, only to cower at a super-minority party and a billionaire whose record in state politics is deliberate cruelty and destruction.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 3:37 pm:
===infrastructure plan===
Like the ad where Pritzker talks about fixing bridges, roads, you know, infrastructure?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 3:39 pm:
I knew I read it somewhere, silly me…
Looks like folks are opposed to halting a gas tax freeze.
Maybe your beef is with these folks?
https://capitolfax.com/2022/02/02/unions-biz-groups-oppose-governors-gas-tax-freeze/
- JS Mill - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 3:59 pm:
=Those higher gas taxes at the pump from JB are kind of an issue if you drive a car.=
You mean the Putin/Trump savvy, genius invasion bump?
=Gas prices have been rising consistently since Biden’s election.=
They started increasing when the world economy started to fire up. That happened at the tail end of the Trump admin. But I wouldn’t expect you to remember facts from as far back as 2020.
- Demoralized - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 4:00 pm:
@Steve:
That isn’t why gas prices are so high. So I guess I’m back at my criticism - partisan hack.
- Red Pill Me Bro - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 4:19 pm:
JS Mill, prices rose because of Biden’s constant assault on the oil and gas industry, at the exact same time he took office,
- Demoralized - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 4:21 pm:
==prices rose because of Biden’s constant assault on the oil and gas industry==
lol. You go with that.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 4:25 pm:
===prices rose because of Biden’s constant assault on the oil and gas industry===
Now do Russia’s invasion, and it’s “JB’s fault”
That’ll be fun
- Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 5:10 pm:
Rather than likening Pat Quinn’s request for electronic petition passing to GA voting, a better analogy is to what candidates have had to do to get on the primary ballot. Judging from my doorbell, in person petition passing is alive and well. If they can do it, you can do it, Pat. Warm up that clipboard. Or better yet, don’t and take your meaninglessly vague proposal back to the drawing board.
- low level - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 5:31 pm:
== Given that the vast majority of House Democrats were elected because Mike Madigan showered them with campaign cash ==
Nope. Most are from safe districts and raised their own money in first runs for a legislative seat. To suggest otherwise is laughable.
- JoanP - Wednesday, Mar 9, 22 @ 7:13 pm:
= Former Gov. Pat Quinn is asking the courts to impose electronic petition circulation so he can more easily get his reform proposal on the ballot. =
Aww, I’ll miss him at all those festivals and concerts trying to get me to sign a petition.