* Statement from Speaker Welch…
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch released the following statement Thursday:
“I have worked tirelessly to serve this House Democratic Caucus. It is one that I love, and deeply respect.
I have always told the caucus that our time in this space is finite, but we are playing an infinite game.
Diversity is our strength, but unity is our power. Together, we passed historic legislation on transit, cannabis and energy, and secured greater investments in education. We defended vulnerable seats and
grew our majority in every election under my leadership, building a historic House Democratic majority. I am proud of this work, but I serve at the pleasure of the caucus, and I want our caucus to lead in unity and take on the mandate we received from voters this past election confidently.
With that, I look forward to joining the caucus as we usher in our next leader and take our party further into the future.”
- Oklahoma - Thursday, Nov 5, 26 @ 4:59 pm:
Let the circus begin
- Just Me 2 - Thursday, Nov 5, 26 @ 5:00 pm:
He’ll be fine.
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Nov 5, 26 @ 5:03 pm:
Say what you will, but to me that is a classy statement and a welcome transfer of power. Good on him for stepping aside without fighting the inevitable. It was not an easy decision given his resources, and I am sure some wanted him to fight. Fighting wouldn’t have changed the math.
- Norseman - Thursday, Nov 5, 26 @ 5:10 pm:
Forcing Speakers out of office is a new tradition for the Dem caucus.
- One Term Mayor - Thursday, Nov 5, 26 @ 5:14 pm:
Bye TaQuoy… I mean Felicia.
- NotRIch - Thursday, Nov 5, 26 @ 5:15 pm:
Chicago Cut’s profit margin will drop significantly.
- NIU Grad - Thursday, Nov 5, 26 @ 5:17 pm:
Props to those in the Caucus, especially Rep. Cassidy, who kept beating the drums and challenging each flimsy attempt at spin-control from the Speaker’s Office since the Benton scandal.
- Pundent - Thursday, Nov 5, 26 @ 5:18 pm:
The writing has been on the wall for some time now. The “letter” sealed his fate. And the good news for the caucus is that they now have the time to get this right.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Nov 5, 26 @ 5:27 pm:
===Forcing Speakers out of office===
lol
So dramatic.
Both of those guys did this to themselves.
- Miller Time (no relation) - Thursday, Nov 5, 26 @ 5:29 pm:
He had to go. This is a relief.
- Walker - Thursday, Nov 5, 26 @ 5:36 pm:
Quicker than I expected. Welch did the right thing
- DuPage Saint - Thursday, Nov 5, 26 @ 5:42 pm:
I will give him credit he knew he was done and accepted it gracefully. There are so many others that never did. And as said above it gives them time to get it right. Of course it depends on what “right” is
- Sue - Thursday, Nov 5, 26 @ 5:46 pm:
And now what about that unbalanced CPS budget