Today’s quotable
Tuesday, Sep 16, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The Wednesday Journal published a story about the numerous endorsements House Speaker Chris Welch has rounded up in his race for Democratic state central committeeman. Senate President Don Harmon, another candidate in that same race, issued this statement in response…
In a statement Monday, Harmon said, “A constituent in our community was killed by an ICE agent on Friday under questionable circumstances. There will be plenty of time for politics, and I trust Democrats will give their attention when that time comes. For now, I’m evaluating the race, and paying attention to elected officials who have voiced their preference. I’m focusing on the pressing issues before us, not spending my time asking my friends to choose between the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate.”
Background on that ICE shooting is here.
Discuss.
- City Zen - Tuesday, Sep 16, 25 @ 11:22 am:
My vote is for the unnamed “westside politico” who seems to know everything.
- Google Is Your Friend - Tuesday, Sep 16, 25 @ 11:28 am:
The day that constituent was killed by ICE, Friday, Harmon had plenty of time to issue a second statement in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death. And that wasn’t just a solo statement, it was a joint statement that required coordination with Republican Senate leader John Curran. But I suppose Harmon would retort, “that’s not politics,” even though it is.
https://capitolfax.com/2025/09/12/reader-comments-closed-for-the-weekend-678/
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Sep 16, 25 @ 11:30 am:
===“that’s not politics,” even though it is===
That proves that people will complain about absolutely everything.
- Three Dimensional Checkers - Tuesday, Sep 16, 25 @ 11:43 am:
Kind of sounds like Harmon thought they agreed to not seek endorsements, then got double crossed.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Sep 16, 25 @ 11:57 am:
===Kind of sounds like Harmon thought they agreed===
lol
No.
- Excitable Boy - Tuesday, Sep 16, 25 @ 11:58 am:
- The day that constituent was killed by ICE, Friday, Harmon had plenty of time to issue a second statement -
Come on, the day it happened no one really knew what went down. The standard that every politician needs to immediately comment on every incident is ludicrous.
- Really? - Tuesday, Sep 16, 25 @ 12:16 pm:
The entire dynamic is counter productive. Knowing which battles to expend capital on is important. Harmon has the juice in Springfield.
He should drop out of this - not worth the wrestling match.
- JS Mill - Tuesday, Sep 16, 25 @ 12:17 pm:
=Come on, the day it happened no one really knew what went down. The standard that every politician needs to immediately comment on every incident is ludicrous.=
I cannot agree more. I would extend that to every celebrity/public figure.
My Mom taught me that patience is a virtue.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Sep 16, 25 @ 12:21 pm:
=== not worth the wrestling match===
I would only say that it may be worth it if we have yet another House Speaker who wants to become state party chair. And you can’t be state party chair here unless you’re a member of the state central committee.
- ArchPundit - Tuesday, Sep 16, 25 @ 12:24 pm:
===I would only say that it may be worth it if we have yet another House Speaker who wants to become state party chair.
Groan, we don’t need either leader as State Party Chair. That was a disaster for the party infrastructure. While Welch nor Harmon are not Madigan, let’s keep it that way.
- Pot calling kettle - Tuesday, Sep 16, 25 @ 1:02 pm:
==Groan, we don’t need either leader as State Party Chair.==
My thoughts, exactly. I wonder if one or both is/are trying to block the other. I would rather neither run, each already has a seat at the table. If this is about having a vote, 1/34 is all you get. If it’s a p***ing contest, it’s a disappointing display.
- Here we go again - Tuesday, Sep 16, 25 @ 1:13 pm:
There seems to be a false narrative out there that Speaker Welch wants to be the State Party Chair. I haven’t heard the Speaker say that nor has he demonstrated anything other than support for Chair Hernandez. At the end of the day, if the white man Harmon can defeat the first Black Speaker in a predominantly black seat, then he should stop evaluating and announce he will run or step aside and support a fellow leader like countless others appear to be doing on a daily basis.
- Oak Parker - Tuesday, Sep 16, 25 @ 1:24 pm:
I’m an Oak Park resident, and the legislative leader that cares more about our community from a policy perspective has been the Speaker. At our neighborhood meetings, we tell people often how thankful we are for this Speaker. If those two end up running for the same position, the Speaker will win hands down. Harmon is not who he pretends to be and the people are on to him.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Sep 16, 25 @ 1:25 pm:
===haven’t heard the Speaker say that===
He won’t deny it.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Sep 16, 25 @ 1:29 pm:
===I’m an Oak Park resident, and the legislative leader that cares more about our community===
I’m not doubting your belief, but according to the Cook County Clerk’s website, Reps. Ford and Lilly represent Oak Park Township.
- H-W - Tuesday, Sep 16, 25 @ 2:09 pm:
My son in Chicago was telling me about this last weekend. He said folks there are quite upset.
At the very least, this calls into question the wisdom of the U.S. Supreme Court green-lighting the authority of ICE and CBP to forcible detain people suspected of being Hispanic origin.
The imagery in these photos and the video evidence as reported in the story seem to contradict the officer claims that one of those officers was dragged and injured significantly.
- Sal - Tuesday, Sep 16, 25 @ 2:34 pm:
It seems to me that Harmon is telegraphing that if the Speaker publicly announces he will not seek the chairmanship that he (Harmon) will fold his candidacy. Or am I missing something?