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* 5:26 pm - And here we go…
State Sen. Suzi Schmidt will stay in office and seek re-election, she announced today, despite a recent controversy over her 911 call to request special treatment in a marital dispute.
“I believe I can and will continue to serve the citizens of Lake County with the same dedication and energy I’ve had for the past 25 years, and the issues in my personal life will not prohibit me from doing the job they elected me to do,” she said. “I am continuing to circulate petitions to run for re-election in 2012, and I hope I continue to earn the support of the citizens of the 31st District.”
Schmidt, a Republican from Lake Villa, again apologized for her “wrong” behavior,” and said she has begun counseling “to help in resolving the issues in my personal life.”
On Sept. 26, Schmidt called Lake County Sheriff’s police, identified herself as the former county board chairman, and asked them to “ignore” her husband if he called during a marital dispute, adding that he might be afraid of her because of her “connections.”
*** UPDATE *** From Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno…
“After a period of reflection, Sen. Schmidt has announced her decision to continue to serve the constituents of the 31st District. Most importantly, she has clearly accepted responsibility for her inappropriate behavior in dealing with a very difficult personal situation. She has acknowledged that her actions were wrong and has asked for the forgiveness of her constituents. She assures me she is taking the appropriate measures to continue to address these issues while maintaining her focus on the needs of the district.”
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Oct 5, 11 @ 5:27 pm
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The biggest issue really is using her car as a deadly weapon. I also heard she told law enforcement a different story as to why there was damage. If that is true the issue is lying to law enforcement. I think people can forgive her for many things especially in light of the husbands behavior. But lying to law enforcement to cover up a crime is a whole other thing.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Oct 5, 11 @ 5:41 pm
The problem with so many politicians is that their whole life’s identity seems to get so wrapped up in being an “office holder” that they lose perspective and the ability to self monitor. They just seem not to retain the ability to see the same reality other people do when looking at the exact same situation.
Sad. After 25 years Suzi probably just can’t even imagine herself not being in politics– so she presses on.
Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Oct 5, 11 @ 5:52 pm
I’m willing to over look an unfortunate moment that involves a fight with her cheating husband. We’ve all had moments like that, it is just that hers was recorded and played on the news. It isn’t like she is refusing to pay child support while at the same time loaning her campaign fund tens of thousands of dollars.
Just don’t disappoint me, Suzi.
Comment by Just Me Wednesday, Oct 5, 11 @ 5:55 pm
If her conduct and attempted influence with the Lake County Sheriff’s Dept. was inappropriate, let the voters decide whether she should remain in office. I hope her marital problems are handled privately in the future, she really can’t afford another public incident.
Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Oct 5, 11 @ 6:08 pm
Boy, can you imagine the folks up there with Scchmidt and Walsh signs?
Property value will go down in a hurry.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 5, 11 @ 6:42 pm
Good for her. good luck Senator!
Comment by sad Wednesday, Oct 5, 11 @ 6:59 pm
I am sure she is kicking herself for the way she handled the situation. However wrong though it was she really wasn’t without cause. Good luck to her.
Comment by Lulabell Wednesday, Oct 5, 11 @ 7:30 pm
This should be a fun campaign. Will a Republican primary her?
Comment by Boone Logan Square Wednesday, Oct 5, 11 @ 7:54 pm
Good for her. And give your husband a frying pan whack for me.
Comment by park Wednesday, Oct 5, 11 @ 8:30 pm
Under the circumstances, I think it is possible for her to weather this if she sincerely owns up to it and draws a clear line between her private train wreak and her public performance
Comment by titan Wednesday, Oct 5, 11 @ 9:21 pm
It is good to see Senator Schmidt move forward, but it was also good to see Republican leaders call it like they saw it and publicly criticize the good Senator for some very unsenatorial behavior.
I second the frying pan suggestion, but don’t call 911.
Comment by Old Milwaukee Wednesday, Oct 5, 11 @ 9:45 pm
I always preferred the threat of a solid marble rolling pin. It seems more traditional…and effective than a frying pan. Good luck, Senator Schmidt.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 5, 11 @ 11:55 pm
The whole premise around justified action because of a cheating husband is absurd. Did her husband really cheat on her, or that the narrative to garner pity?
Comment by DMAC57 Thursday, Oct 6, 11 @ 7:38 am
I’m guessing if this was “Senator Stan Schmidt” who had attacked his wife with a cordless phone, admitted to biting his wife while she was on the phone with police, drove his vehicle into her vehicle repeatedly, then tried to cover it up by telling police dispatch “I’m Mr. Big Shot so-and-so, ignore HER 911 calls” these hucksters would be all over “Stan”. But since it’s Senator SUZIE Schmidt, it’s all “Oh Poor Suzie, she’s such a nice lady” and rolling pin jokes.
Maybe it’s because you folks here know her personally, but you guys are acting in really poor taste. That includes you as well, Mr. Miller.
Comment by Lester Holt's Mustache Thursday, Oct 6, 11 @ 8:02 am
Best chance in a long time for a Democrat to make “Mrs. Connections” a haus frau
Comment by Plutocrat03 Thursday, Oct 6, 11 @ 8:34 am
Lake County sure seems to elect some winners.
Comment by Stones Thursday, Oct 6, 11 @ 8:39 am
It’s been said before and I’ll say it again. If this were a man the tone would be COMPLETELY different. What she did is inexcusable and she should most definitely step down.
Comment by Matt Thursday, Oct 6, 11 @ 9:09 am
I don’t know who is more disgusting, Radogno or Schmidt.
The Republicans are just as bad as the Democrats in this state.
This is why Radogno will never lead the majority.
Comment by just sayin' Thursday, Oct 6, 11 @ 9:12 am
Rich’s previous musing about new age political types who have not lead perfect, scripted lives certainly applies here. The Schmidts have obviously had some issues and Suzi did a dumb thing. However, I’m sure Senator Schmidt is not the first elected (or appointed) official in Illinois to “pull rank” and remind someone who he or she is - she just got caught. And I understand why Leader Radogno wouldn’t try and push her out. She and her caucus spent loads of cash in 2006 and 2010 to vie for that seat. Why give it up it Senator Schmidt has a fighting chance? If she can raise enough money and if the SRCC is willing to shell out cash and workers to help her, she can certainly win if she frames the incident the “right” way.
Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Oct 6, 11 @ 9:24 am
Radogno is making a serious misstep here. She should publicaly condone this loon. Smashing your husband’s car, then lying about it to the police? Yeeaaahh… nice.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Oct 6, 11 @ 9:25 am
Lots more violent imagery here and yukking up about it than we are used to seeing on Cap Fax. Que pasa?
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Oct 6, 11 @ 9:29 am
Sure are a lot of judges, juries and executioners in this world! Best of luck to you all!
Comment by bdogg Thursday, Oct 6, 11 @ 9:30 am
One quick clarification, Schmidt did not use her car as a deadly weapon. She smashed it into an empty car that she was also part owner of, thus the reason she was not charged with a crime.
That being said, I also think it is time to step aside for Ms. Schmidt. Her conduct towards public entities is unacceptable.
Comment by Lake County Thursday, Oct 6, 11 @ 9:32 am
Can she win? If she does not get a primary opponent, she certainly will have an opponent in the general election. Conservatives may not vote for the Democrat, but they very well may sit her race out. That could cost her 3 to 5 points and the GOP the seat.
Comment by One Repub Thursday, Oct 6, 11 @ 9:33 am
So what was the problem with Blagojevich? How was he different?
Comment by too obvious Thursday, Oct 6, 11 @ 9:36 am
Yeah, I’m slightly appalled at the frying pans/rolling pins jokes. Domestic abuse no matter what provoked it is unjustifiable. Toss the jerk out on his ear. Let him freeze his cold buns out in the snow bank…that’s all fair game. Asking for police to ignore 9-11 calls and ramming vehicles goes way beyond a ‘hee-hee sssshhh, the jerk cheated so he has it coming, and by the way, I’m so and so’.
For Pete’s sake, divorce the guy and move on with your life. If she’s trashed her career over her own stupid actions so be it. Where is all the same outrage shown when people were having hissy fits and shoving matches on the floor? What? It’s ok to physically fight at home, just not on the state floor? These are the same folks who make the laws against such actions for citizens, but when it’s them, uh move along, nothing to see here.
Comment by Cindy Lou Thursday, Oct 6, 11 @ 9:36 am
I second Lester Holt’s Mustache.
If this were as simple as domestic calls to the house, I tend to agree that personal failings could, emphasize could, be overlooked. No one is perfect and if we expect perfect in politicians, we do ourselves a disservice.
But this is about more. This is about attempting to use her political influence to direct the Sheriff’s office - something Justice Heiple nearly got impeached for. It’s about using a 2 ton vehicle as a battering ram - a deadly weapon. And most importantly, it’s about lying to the police about using said car as a battering ram. If it’d been the feds rather than the counties, she’d already have been arrested.
Finally, I can’t help but agree that if Suzie were a man, she’d already be gone. I certainly hope the domestic violence advocates put their money where their mouths are during this election.
Comment by Thoughts... Thursday, Oct 6, 11 @ 9:41 am
And we have another uplifting post from the angry world of “just sayin”.
Comment by Old Milwaukee Thursday, Oct 6, 11 @ 9:52 am
I don’t condone domestic abuse. But let’s keep in mind that Mr. Schmidt admitted to the dispatcher that he “had to subdue” his wife physically — which led to the biting. Sounds like there was real fault on both sides.
I don’t think frying pans or rolling pins are the way to respond here. But if she wants the name of a couple really good divorce attorneys….
Comment by soccermom Thursday, Oct 6, 11 @ 9:52 am
The Daily Herald reports that Schmidt will be primaried. ABC News reports that Pat Brady says he may support Schmidt’s opponent.
Comment by reformer Thursday, Oct 6, 11 @ 9:58 am
Mr. Mustache, FYI, I have never met Senator Schmidt. Ever. And with regard to the “double standard”, how many MEN who have cheated on, and abused their wives (even if “ONLY” emotionally through “mind games”, often with their “other” significant others) are in office today, without usually a peep from the general public?
(And BTW, I did NOT condone domestic violence. I referenced the THREAT of a rolling pin. Detente, if you will.)
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Oct 6, 11 @ 3:00 pm
“…even if “ONLY” emotionally through HIGHLY-SOPHISTICATED “mind games”….
Are we done yet?
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Oct 6, 11 @ 3:16 pm
I’ll add, too, that Responsa’s commment regarding the ability of our elected officials to “self monitor” should probably be more of a concern to citizens than what is currently going on in the Schmidt household.
It’d be interesting to find out, from Responsa, WHO then is “monitoring” our elected officials for us and HOW–and whether same translates into our representatives actually representing us–or is those who are “monitoring them”, possibly resulting in a shift of “power” from one to another that seems “unpalatable”. The comment seems very “controlling”.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Oct 6, 11 @ 3:57 pm