* Media advisory earlier today…
Will Springfield’s #MeToo Reckoning Change Illinois’ Political Culture?
Chicago, Illinois, June 11, 2018– State Representatives Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton), formerly the conservative reform Republican challenger for Governor, will join Ammie Kessem, a new candidate for State Representative in House District 19, and State Representatives Tom Morrison (R-Palatine), Margo McDermed (R-Frankfort), and Allen Skillicorn (R-East Dundee), whistleblower Denise Rotheimer, and a coalition of conservative reform candidates and legislators in a joint press conference to lay out a vision for culture change in the wake of mounting accusations of sexual harassment and abuse.
When: Monday, June 11, 1:00 p.m.
Where: Mezzanine-Level Conference Room, 70 W Madison, Chicago, IL
* Among today’s speakers were Ammie Kessem, who is running against Rep. Rob Martwick (D-Chicago) with backing from Dan Proft. I expect him to spend big money in that race, even though it’s a Democratic district.
Everyone else who spoke before the video stream conked out were also Proft candidates. Marilyn Smolenski (vs. Rep. Marty Moylan), Tonia Khouri (backed by Proft in the GOP primary) and Darren Bailey (backed by Proft against GOP Rep. David Reis). Jillian Rose Bernas was scheduled to speak, but the video died. Bernas is up against Rep. Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg) after defeating Char Kegarise in the GOP primary with help from Proft.
* Kessem compared Madigan’s machine to the “Mafia.” The general tone was summed up in this tweet…
…Adding… Illinois Review…
Among the GOP candidates on November’s ballot calling for Madigan’s resignation was Darren Bailey, GOP candidate in downstate 109th House district.
“What will it take for politicians to finally stand up to Mike Madigan? What we are witnessing is the abuse of power by one man. There is a culture of corruption in Illinois and as long as Mike Madigan is in power, we will not see the end of abuse of power in Springfield,” Bailey said.
“The first step is for Democrats to demand that Mike Madigan resign as Speaker of the House and as head of the Democrat Party in Illinois. If members of his own caucus refuse to do this, then this is a sure-tale sign that the Democrat Party is certainly not interested in reform in Illinois. I and my colleagues here today are very serious about the integrity of Illinois.” […]
“You thought I was a strong person, look at these candidates committed to a culture of change, and I’m sure they’re going to get it done,” Ives, who is not on the General ballot after losing the GOP gubernatorial primary bid by 3 points, said before taking questions from reporters.
