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*** UPDATED x9 *** McConchie says violence at US Capitol a “disgrace to all Americans”

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Press release…

Senate GOP Leader-Designate McConchie on violence at U.S. Capitol

“The horrible violence at our nation’s Capitol is a disgrace to all Americans,” said Illinois Senate GOP Leader-Designate Dan McConchie. “This violence does not reflect the United States that generations of Americans have fought so hard to build. I stand with members of all parties in condemning these un-American acts of violence and treachery, and will do my part here in Illinois to repair the devastating divide that has been created in our country.”

* Meanwhile…

Protesters moving inside Kansas Statehouse https://t.co/RE2mOEfRdY

— Alexa O'Brien (@alexadobrien) January 6, 2021

Peaceful at last check. But I sure hope the Illinois State Police and the Secretary of State Police have a plan for the upcoming session.

*** UPDATE 1 *** Jordan Abudayyeh…

In light of the violence at our nation’s Capitol, and with protests mounting at other state capitols, Governor Pritzker has ordered the State Police to increase security around Illinois’ state Capitol, as well as the Bank of Springfield center.

The National Guard and State Police are in constant communication with their counterparts around Illinois and in other states to monitor activity and any threats.

The Governor and his administration are closely monitoring the violence in the nation’s Capitol and will make all needed state resources available to our partners.

The governor’s chief of staff has reportedly been in contact with the four legislative leaders’ chiefs of staff as well.

*** UPDATE 2 *** More…

Let’s check in with the Illinois Congressional delegation… pic.twitter.com/YJ0uewAka2

— A.D. Quig (@ad_quig) January 6, 2021

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood and his staff are safe and secure according to spokesman.

— Matt Hopf (@MHopfWHIG) January 6, 2021

Donald Trump has incited a violent coup attempt. And his enablers share responsibility for this, pure and simple.

— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) January 6, 2021

We hadn’t heard anything from GOP members of the delegation aside from Rep. Kinzinger until now. Darin LaHood and Mike Bost both call for peaceful protest. pic.twitter.com/GcXRK2eAR2

— A.D. Quig (@ad_quig) January 6, 2021

I am in disbelief with what is unfolding in D.C. right now. President Trump and his enablers incited this violence. Shame on every elected official in Congress and elsewhere who fomented this anti-democratic insurrection by extremists. This is not democracy. This is a disgrace.

— Mayor Lori Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) January 6, 2021

ILGOP Chairman Schneider:
"Republicans stand for law and order. To support what is happening in DC today is to violate that principle. Supporting violence and rioting is Anti-American. The ILGOP condemns any and all violence towards our government officials and law enforcement."

— IL Republican Party (@ILGOP) January 6, 2021

*** UPDATE 3 *** Press release…

Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) released the following statement on the ongoing protests and violence at the United States Capitol:

“The events unfolding at the United States Capitol today, and the inflammatory remarks by members of the Republican Party, are a disgrace to the core values and beliefs of our great nation. These actions do not represent our Republican party, and are against everything we stand for as Americans. I am sickened and deeply saddened by what I have witnessed today. Any public officials who condone these actions have no place in the Republican party or in our democracy.”

*** UPDATE 4 *** Henry Haupt on Secretary of State Police security…

Secretary of State Capitol Police are remaining vigilant to ensure the Capitol Complex is safe and secure. They continue to work with Illinois State Police and other law enforcement entities to make sure the complex and surrounding area remain safe.

*** UPDATE 5 *** Press release…

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon issued the following statement regarding the treacherous acts the country witnessed today in Washington, D.C.:

“I join with colleagues across the aisle and across the country in condemning the actions we have seen in our nation’s capital.

The peaceful transition of power is a hallmark of our great democracy. To disrupt that transition is an affront to the very fabric of the United States of America. The U.S. Capitol has stood strong in the face of attacks by confederates and terrorists. We will survive today’s sad acts to once again be a beacon of hope, change and equality for the world.”

*** UPDATE 6 *** IDCCA…

Americans and the world watched as Trump urged his gangs of supporters to violence. They stormed the United States Capitol in an attempt to stop the certification of the Electoral College and thus the will of the American people. There was no widespread electoral fraud as Trump’s own Departments of Justice and Homeland Security have confirmed. President Kristina Zahorik of the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association (IDCCA) released the following statement:

“This is an attack on our democracy. It is un-American. The actions of these riotous gangs are shameful, as is Trump’s silence on ending it. Trump and those attempting to stop the will of the American people must be held accountable. These actions, encouraged by Donald Trump, are nothing less than treasonous. This is an attempt at a coup d’etat, plain and simple. Republicans who have supported Donald Trump’s actions leading up today and their silence while our nation’s Capital is under siege are complicit. I look forward to the return of law and order, as well as the Electoral College votes being certified declaring rightfully Joe Biden President.”

*** UPDATE 7 *** Never thought I’d see something like this from the NAM…

This is what you would call "unprecedented" https://t.co/OqaGiL5cwD

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) January 6, 2021

I don’t make a statement like this lightly: Two weeks is too long for Donald Trump to remain in office, where he can continue to incite more untold violence.

Read my full statement calling on Congress to impeach and remove @realDonaldTrump: pic.twitter.com/DJ1KpyV1Z5

— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) January 6, 2021

*** UPDATE 8 *** Press release…

Attorney General Kwame Raoul today released the following statement condemning mob violence in and around the U.S. Capitol.

“I will always support the right of the people to express their opinions through peaceful protest, as guaranteed by the First Amendment, but let us be clear: what we have witnessed today at the U.S. Capitol is not peaceful, it is not constitutionally-protected, and it is not a ‘protest.’ This violence is a criminal attack on our democracy.

“The individuals who engaged in such criminal acts should not only be cleared from the Capitol so that Congress can resume its duties, but should be held fully accountable under the law.

“Regardless of one’s political ideology, we should all recognize as un-American this attack on our republic: the hate and divisiveness symbolized by the Confederate flag and the noose at the Capitol, and the shameful invocation of Adolf Hitler by a member of Illinois’ congressional delegation. From both sides of the aisle, we must unite to condemn what threatens our values, system of government, and the rule of law.”

*** UPDATE 8 *** The harshest one yet…

House Speaker Michael J. Madigan released the following statement Wednesday:

“What we witnessed today was nothing short of a coup at the hands of Donald Trump and his Republican enablers. What should have been a ceremonial event to mark the peaceful transition of power became an appalling and tragic day for our country. I stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to condemn these treasonous riots. Let’s be resolved to move past this dark chapter together as one nation.”

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Question of the day

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* I have to leave the office for a bit so I can go get tested before session begins. I’ve never been tested before, and I had a heck of a time this week finding a test in Springfield with a quick turn-around time. The fastest one I could find produces results in 3-4 days (rapid testing should not be used for individuals because of high rates of false negatives). The rest were 5 days and up. I also have to stop by the vet to pick up something for Oscar (he’s fine, but he’s out of his meds).

* The Question: What has been your recent COVID-19 testing experience?

…Adding… I’m back. Easy-peasy. Very fast. And they even said I may have results in 2 days.

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Protected: *** UPDATED x1 *** SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Update to today’s edition

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

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*** UPDATED x7 *** US Rep. Mary Miller at DC rally: “Hitler was right on one thing. He said ‘Whoever has the youth has the future’”

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Whoa…

Illinois’ newest member of Congress quoting Adolf Hitler outside the US Capitol. Not sure why anyone would ever need to reference a Nazi to make a point about educating children. https://t.co/SN6yr1qSBP

— Mark Maxwell (@MarkMaxwellTV) January 6, 2021

Mary Miller, who was just sworn in to rep Southern IL in Congress:

“If we win a few elections, we’re still going to be losing unless we win the hearts and minds of our children. This is the battle. Hitler was right on one thing. He said, ‘Whoever has the youth has the future.’” https://t.co/ZXsewI7CIU

— Hannah Meisel (@hannahmeisel) January 6, 2021

No relation.

I’ve asked the Illinois Republican Party for comment on this. Any bets on if they’ll respond?

*** UPDATE 1 *** First GOP response…

I outright condemn this garbage. https://t.co/297ihO6pe6

— Adam Kinzinger (@RepKinzinger) January 6, 2021

Still nothing from the ILGOP.

…Adding… The full video from Margot McGowan Staebler is here.

*** UPDATE 2 *** The full Hitler quote…

“In my great educative work I am beginning with the young. We older ones are used up. Yes, we are old already. We are rotten to the marrow. We have no unrestrained instincts left. We are cowardly and sentimental. We are bearing the burden of a humiliating past, and have in our blood the dull recollection of serfdom and servility. But my magnificent youngsters! Are there finer ones anywhere in the world? Look at these young men and boys! What material! With them I can make a new world…. My teaching is hard. Weakness has to be knocked out of them. In my Ordensburgen a youth will grow up before which the world will shrink back. A violently active dominating, intrepid, brutal youth - that is what I am after. Youth must be all those things. It must be indifferent to pain. There must be no weakness or tenderness in it. I want to see once more in its eyes the gleam of pride and independence of the beast of prey. Strong and handsome must my young men be. I will have them fully trained in all physical exercises. I intend to have an athletic youth - that is the first and the chief thing. In this way I shall eradicate the thousands of years of human domestication. Then I shall have in front of me the pure and noble natural material. With that I can create the new order.”

*** UPDATE 3 *** Gov. Pritzker told reporters today that he wanted to address “the unfathomable and disgusting remarks” by Rep. Miller…

Let me be clear. Hitler got nothing right. This reprehensible rhetoric has no place in our politics. Illinois Republicans cannot allow this to stand and must condemn this vile, evil streak in their party. If Representative Miller was the least bit interested in history, she would visit the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center to learn just how wrong Hitler really was.

*** UPDATE 4 *** The ILGOP says it will have something to say “at some point.” While they try to figure out what to do, here’s a GOP state Rep…

This is my father's Bronze Star he was awarded for fighting Hitler & Nazis in WWII as an infantryman in Europe.

Our elected officials must not normalize, validate, or support Hitler's memory, quotes, ideology, etc.

Hitler was most certainly not "right". #disgusted pic.twitter.com/4VUIvUeRVW

— Tim Butler (@RepTimButler) January 6, 2021

*** UPDATE 5 *** Press release…

ILGOP Chairman Tim Schneider released the following statement regarding Congresswoman Mary Miller’s comments referencing Adolph Hitler:

“That language is wrong and disgusting. We urge Congresswoman Miller to apologize.”

*** UPDATE 6 *** SGOP Leader-Designate Dan McConchie…

“These nonsense comments are some of the most ridiculous I’ve ever heard from an elected official. Hitler was the epitome of evil. Period.”

*** UPDATE 7 *** Press release…

The Illinois Legislative Jewish Caucus is releasing the following statement in response to remarks earlier today from U.S. Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL):

“U.S. Congressperson Mary Miller (R-IL) has demonstrated an act of blatant antisemitism and disrespect to the Jewish people and all those who perished at the hands of the Nazis.

“A sitting member of Congress who uses Hitler’s obscene methods for indoctrinating children with racism and fascism as a guidepost, igniting hate and violence, has no place in Congress.

“If Rep. Miller has any respect left for the role of a U.S. Congressperson or any shred of dignity in her, she will do what’s right and resign.”

98 Comments

Rep. Ann Williams announces bid for House Speaker

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Press release…

With a focus on the future, State Representative Ann Williams (D-Chicago) today announced her candidacy to become the first woman Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. In anticipation of the upcoming vote for Speaker of the 102nd General Assembly, Williams has been reaching out to colleagues regarding the work to be done to support working families, ensure access to healthcare, protect our environment, address systemic inequities and advance our Democratic priorities.

“I believe I am the right person to lead as we shape the next chapter of the House Democratic Caucus,” said Williams. “Our already significant fiscal challenges and economic disparities have only been amplified due to COVID and the economic fallout. We need an experienced, pragmatic leader who can unify our caucus and build a bridge to the future.”

“I will lead the House Democratic Caucus collaboratively - with integrity, open communication, and respect for the voices of all Illinoisans.”

Williams was first elected in 2010 over the opposition of Chicago machine politicians and built her career as an independent legislator. She currently serves as the Chair of the House Environment and Energy committee. Her priorities have included addressing the climate crisis, ensuring full access to reproductive healthcare, and fighting for equality for all Illinois families. Williams has been a strong advocate for the hospitality industry, which has served as a base for Illinois’ economic growth. An adoptee, Williams earned national recognition for her work to open adoption records, leading to the reunification of thousands of families, including her own.

“Illinois is at a crossroads. Working moms can’t afford childcare. The pandemic has highlighted the racial inequities in our healthcare and justice systems. Our small business community is devastated. Yet, the Illinois House hasn’t met since May. We need a leader that puts the people of Illinois first.”

“Throughout my career, I have been mentored by many trailblazing women. Today, they are lifting me up as I put in my name to become the first woman Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives,” said Williams. “I am ready to lead.”

…Adding… Meanwhile…

Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, is asking the Illinois Secretary of State to appoint a non-partisan provisional parliamentarian to oversee House proceedings when the new legislature is seated.

Proceedings in the House in the 101st General Assembly are managed by House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago. He’s held that role of speaker for all but two years since 1983. Last year, Madigan was implicated in a nine-year bribery scheme involving utility Commonwealth Edison.

While Madigan hasn’t been charged with a crime and maintains he’s done nothing wrong, the revelations ComEd admitted to that it paid $1.3 million in jobs and contracts to Madigan associates in an effort to influence the speaker has led to a loss of majority support among House Democrats poised to vote for the next speaker immediately after the 102nd General Assembly is seated Wednesday, Jan. 13.

In a letter to Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, Durkin said the selection of House Speaker for the 102nd General Assembly “is far from clear.” Some suggest without a clear leader, it could take dozens of ballots to come to a conclusion, taking time away from dealing with other issues the state is facing.

“As Presiding Officer, you have the authority to select individuals to serve as appointed Provisional Officers,” Durkin told White. “One such individual is the Provisional Parliamentarian.”

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*** UPDATED x1 *** Some Illinois angles on the Georgia runoffs

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Lynn Sweet…

Control of the Senate is at stake in the Tuesday Georgia runoff elections with Republican contender and Illinois native Sen. Kelly Loeffler having deep, formative ties to downstate Illinois and Chicago.

Loeffler was born in central Illinois, received her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her MBA from DePaul.

As a grad student and later as an adult in the business world, Loeffler lived in Lincoln Park and the Gold Coast, records show.

After she married Jeffrey Sprecher, the founder and CEO of Intercontinental Exchange Inc., a commodities exchange where Loeffler was an executive, the couple lived in Atlanta in 2008 and also owned high-end condos in the Palmolive Building, 159 E. Walton Place.

* Mark Brown…

As a veteran of Chicago’s political wars, Clem Balanoff has surely seen a little of everything that election campaigns have to offer.

So when Balanoff says, “I’ve never seen anything like this in my life,” that must count for something.

Balanoff was referring to the leave-no-stone-unturned campaign field organizations mounted on behalf of the two Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate in Georgia.

* As of late last night, both Democrats were ahead, prompting a tweet from the governor’s chief of staff that I added Illinois context to…

If the current GA trend holds up, the state's budget problems could very well become much less horrible https://t.co/puaZoVhVha

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) January 6, 2021

* Maxwell is also right if the current trend holds…

Senator Dick Durbin just got a lot more powerful.

— Mark Maxwell (@MarkMaxwellTV) January 6, 2021

* And…

Three of them were from Illinois https://t.co/2wItj2zxYk

— Dan Vock (@danvock) January 6, 2021

*** UPDATE *** Mayor Lightfoot…

The victories in Georgia last night may be 700 miles away, but they will have a major impact for us here in Chicago. This moves us all a crucial step closer to implementing the Biden Harris agenda–from COVID-19 relief and rebuilding our local economies to criminal justice reform and environmental protections. Let no one ever question the importance of investing in, organizing and mobilizing folks in Black, Latinx and Asian communities again. I congratulate Senators-Elect Warnock and Ossoff, and I salute other leaders and organizers on the ground in Georgia, including Stacey Abrams and my friend Mayor Bottoms, for the years of work they have done building to this moment. Democracy prevails

…Adding… Heh…

Watching Illinois Twitter wig out over the Georgia pronunciation of DeKalb County and waiting for them to learn that the county seat is … Decatur.

— David Heinzmann (@davidheinzmann) January 6, 2021

* Related…

* What’s left to count in Georgia’s Senate runoffs

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*** LIVE COVERAGE ***

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Follow along with ScribbleLive…

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