Today’s quotable
Wednesday, Aug 14, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
* House Speaker Chris Welch to Politico…
“I do believe 78 is great, but that we can pick up more” in November, he said, referring to the 78 Democrats in the House. “We’re seeing districts in play that were not in play before. We’re seeing anywhere from four to six districts that are currently held by Republicans” that could pivot to Democrats in November, he said.
- TJ - Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 10:24 am:
The only thing better than a supermajority is a bigger supermajority.
And sorry, but absolutely clown-pounding this version of the GOP until they realize the need to moderate back to sanity is the only way to actually force them to do so, otherwise they’re going to keep doubling down on nonsense at best and treason at worst.
- Flyin'Elvis'-Utah Chapter - Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 10:31 am:
“moderate back to sanity”
Sorry, that train pulled out of the station in 2016 and the rails bringing it back have long since been removed.
Those believing there can be a return to Thompson and Edgar are simply whistling past the graveyard.
Don’t know what the next big political party will be in this state, but it won’t be the GOP.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 10:35 am:
“but that we can pick up more”
This is what happens when Republicans are led by MAGA/Uihlein or IPI/Griffin. Throw in the “Awake Illinois” types and electoral disaster is complete.
- Huh? - Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 10:38 am:
Dem to gop - you’ve had your say, now go away.
- Keyrock - Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 10:41 am:
Agree with TJ. I wish we had a 2-party system in this state. But until we get a second party that is capable of responsible government, what’s left of the GOP needs repeated, escalating defeats.
- MOE - Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 10:42 am:
Curious what districts the Speaker feels are in play??
- Oldtimer - Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 10:57 am:
Would it be better for the Speaker to have 80+ seats and a minority party of almost all downstate conservatives or a few less seats and a few more Republicans open to compromises?
I’m sure he’s not targeting any Freedom Caucus members.
- Downstate - Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:03 am:
With a super majority already in place, it’s the prime opportunity for Democrats to show the perfect prescription for delivering a level of taxation, safety, economic prosperity, and education in a way that keeps people from fleeing the state.
- Mason County - Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:03 am:
Increasingly a one party state. Not good for a democracy. Best when there is a check and balance with neither party having solid control.
- Mason County - Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:05 am:
The GOP in this state has dug its own grave on multiple fronts. They are totally leaderless and without a plan.
- Norseman - Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:11 am:
It’s good to be the (legislative) King. Yes, but caution is in order to prevent the hubris of a ridiculous supermajority leading to crazy legislation and actions that can create a backlash.
- thechampaignlife - Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:22 am:
===that train pulled out of the station===
Yep
===Best when there is a check and balance===
The check and balance is in elections. If you do not the powers that be, primary them or create a new party. It is not like being a member of a single party means they all think and vote alike.
- Demoralized - Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:32 am:
==that keeps people from fleeing the state.==
This commercial brought to you by the Illinois Policy Institute.
- Six Degrees of Separation - Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:34 am:
===Don’t know what the next big political party will be in this state, but it won’t be the GOP.===
For now, the different factions within the dominant party will have to make do for “competition”.
- JS Mill - Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:35 am:
=and education in a way that keeps people from fleeing the state.=
Education is delivering in Illinois. Bigly. Maybe work on parents.
People are not “fleeing” Illinois. Maybe you didn’t get the memo.
Also…@Norseman +1
- Victor - Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:36 am:
Would a jungle primary help to weed out the crazies from both right and left?
- Rahm's Parking Meter - Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:39 am:
I would be curious if Brad Stephens district is in play..
- Give Us Barrabbas - Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:58 am:
I’m hoping we do switch to multiple choice primaries.
A supermajority is not always monolithic: it tends to factionalize internally, between progressive and centrist in the dems case. And also along racial lines, as communities fight for more representation and equity.