Funny how this works
Wednesday, Aug 2, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Crain’s…
In a metaphor of sorts for the state of the party — and, for that matter, the nation — Illinois Republicans are all over the map in their reaction to the indictment of former President Donald Trump for allegedly conspiring to nullify the results of the 2020 presidential election and claim a second term in the White House.
Leading conservatives in the Illinois GOP, mostly downstate, are blasting the indictment on four felony counts as a rigged political action aimed at hurting Trump’s chances in 2024. More moderate party figures, mostly in the Chicago area, are ripping Trump and his allies for abetting an effort to overturn American democracy. Solid swaths of other Republicans are keeping mum, issuing no tweets or press statements.
All the “moderate party figures” quoted in the piece are out of power, like former US Reps. Joe Walsh and Adam Kinzinger.
* As for those still in positions of power…
Among those saying nothing at all so far are the state Republican Party, Illinois GOP Chairman Don Tracy and Cook County Republican Party Chair Sean Morrison.
* The Illinois Republican Party isn’t completely silent about corruption, though. The party issued a press release today about a Chicago alderperson who resigned four years ago…
Welcome to another edition of Continuing Corruption, where we dig deep into the actions of politicians embroiled in controversies that erode public confidence. Today, we shift our focus to Illinois Democrat Willie Cochran, a former alderman whose troubling actions have left a stain on the state’s political landscape.
Before his corruption came to light, Willie Cochran was a prominent figure in Chicago politics and served as the alderman of the 20th Ward in Chicago, Illinois. The 20th Ward, in particular, has had a dismal track record, with Cochran becoming the third alderman in the last four to be indicted while in office.
So, what exactly did he do?
Cochran was charged in December 2016 with one count of felony wire fraud. The case revealed his involvement in stealing a staggering $14,000 from a charity he had created to support vulnerable children and seniors in his South Side ward. Instead of fulfilling the noble purpose of the charity, Cochran shamelessly misused the funds for personal gain, indulging in lavish dinners, splurging on Mercedes-Benz accessories, funding his daughter’s college education, and feeding a dangerous gambling habit.
Let me repeat that: he stole from a charity for children and elderly to fund a gambling habit.
Cochran resigned from his position as alderman of the 20th Ward in Chicago on March 1, 2019. His resignation came after he was re-elected to his position in February 2019 while facing the pending charges of wire fraud.
In June 2019, Cochran was sentenced to one year in prison on one count of felony wire fraud.
The Illinois Democratic Party’s persistent series of corruption scandals has cast a dark shadow on the state’s political landscape. Time and again, prominent figures within the party have faced allegations of unethical conduct, abuse of power, and misuse of public funds. From former aldermen and city officials to high-ranking state politicians, the list of individuals embroiled in controversies seems unending. These scandals not only erode public trust in the party but also undermine faith in the state’s governance. It’s a troubling pattern that demands a thorough examination of the party’s internal mechanisms and a renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership.
But of course, we’ll see you back next week when we discuss yet another member of the Illinois Democrat Party who abused their power as an elected official at the expense of the public they were supposed to serve.
…Adding… Sean Morrison issued a statement on crime today…
At some point Cook County’s elected officials should acknowledge that the enacted prosecutorial, bail and judicial sentencing “reform” policies are failing our community. More precisely, they are failing the innocent hard-working families in Cook County and beyond.
* Meanwhile, Darren Bailey said this in March of last year…
“Today’s indictment of the former Speaker and leader of the @IllinoisDems is no surprise. As Governor, I’ll root out corruption and ensure those who engage in illegal activity are prosecuted and pay a steep price for violating public trust. It’s time to reform Springfield. #twill,” Bailey posted on Twitter
Contrast that with yesterday…
* Bailey’s primary opponent Mike Bost issued a press release cheering on the feds last year, then tweeted this yesterday…
OK, I’ve broken the seal. Take some deep breaths before commenting, please.
