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Question of the day

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Illinois

* How would you rate your own state legislators (House and Senate)? Let’s rate them A through F. Explain.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 2:18 pm

Comments

Question, Rich. Do you want us to name them?

Comment by Ron Burgundy Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 2:25 pm
State Representative Tom Cross - “A” for his district;

There is very little he hasn’t been able to help his district with, and our interests are being looked after well by his district office and Springfield staff responding to District needs.

Always said, as my Rep, for Oswego, “A”.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 2:25 pm
Manar - A Known him for 15 years and he has always been true to his word even if you didn’t agree with him.

Scheer - D Barely knows how state government works and can’t articulate her basic stance on an issue

Comment by Spliff Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 2:27 pm
Cunningham and Hurley - Incomplete. If forced, I’d say a D. They live in the city and I don’t. Never hear a peep out of them out my way.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 2:30 pm
Cunningham - D
Hurley - F

Hypocracy and no representation of the desire of constituents.

Comment by Solved Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 2:35 pm
State Senator Andy Manar “A” for his district,
Covers all corners of the district and knows how things operate in State government. Took on the difficult task of parity in education funding

State Representative Wayne Rosenthall “C” for his district
Seems to be a nice guy but nothing to hang his hat on in terms of taking on important issues for his district.

Comment by Tough Guy Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 2:35 pm
Skip Saviano A+

Comment by Sbarro McArby's Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 2:36 pm
Sam McCann - B/B+

I remember thinking he would be horrible at his job when he was elected, but he’s presently surprised me. Being a democrat, I assumed the worst but he is reasonable, practical and listens well. And he reps his district very well. He’s come across the aisle to work with dems when he needs to. I’ve been impressed. He’s got my vote.

Comment by Corporate Thug Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 2:38 pm
Christian Mitchell: B+. Has stood up to unions and has shown some independence. Young and has a lot of potential. Would like to see him develop leadership, but given the way Springfield, he’s really not in a position to do so yet. The sky is the limit for this guy.

Kwame Raoul. B. Overall, I like Kwame, and he’s done a nice job on things like the death penalty. However, I was disappointed by his role in conceal carry. I don’t think he showed leadership that he could. Also, I question whether he understands that Illinois really does need a change of direction. He’s too willing to get along and to go from the typical Democratic playbook. The overall impression is of somebody who is uncomfortable standing out or doing things different. He’s done enough right to get the B, but unless he changes his approach, I can’t imagine giving him an A and he would not be my choice for a higher office.

Comment by Gooner Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 2:42 pm
===Skip Saviano A+===

I don’t think he’s in the GA anymore, but it might just be me.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 2:44 pm
Cunningham - B
He has brokered deals behind the scene to get some important things done for the district…not the kind of stuff you publicly take credit for. He’s smart and hard working.

Hurley-F. She was given the blessing to run so she could be told what to do and that’s what she’s doing…a back bencher. There were/are A LOT of people in the district that would have been a much better choice.
Both are there because the committeeman wanted them.

Comment by Because I say so... Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 2:45 pm
Cavaletto- D

He wants to cut spending but not in his area (Murray Center). Also does not respond to letters or emails.

McCarter-F

Way too partisan and voted against the school finance restructure that benefitted nearly all schools in his area. He seems to be in over his head at times when issues are discussed. Unfortunately it looks like he will be returning to Springfield again.

Comment by Fayette County Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 2:53 pm
Barrickman- B - He has tried to be a part of the solution not the problem with school funding. He also made an attempt to work with those across the aisle and I applaud him for a little statesmanship

Harms- C- just has not had a chance to do much and now he is getting out.

Comment by JS Mill Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 2:55 pm
House: Rich Brauer A+. Great constituent service, enjoys the job and it shows. Always accessible and a genuinely nice guy. Knows the issues that are important to his district and works them hard.
Senate: I miss Larry Bomke.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 2:57 pm
Harmon and Lilly

Harmon sometimes answers his mail but Lilly doesn’t, except once around election time. They show little interest in Oak Park, where I live, and Oak Park has a lot of problems.Crime, mediocre schools, astronomical property taxes, crumbling infrastructure, the list goes on. To be fair, they have a lot of non-OP constituents,but I wish OP could be gerrymandered somewhere else because these two legislators are just not interested.

Comment by Cassandra Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 2:59 pm
Fortner B Involved in several large issues such as pensions and fracking.

Oberweis C After he was first elected I would have given him an F solely because he was Jim Oberweis, but he has shown a whole lot more thoughtfulness than I would have ever given him credit for–eg his vote for medical marijuana.

Comment by train111 Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 3:00 pm
Kiffowit B — still early, but she seems to be all over the place, even is kind of interactive on Facebook

Linda Holmes F –The couple of times I tried (or others) tried to contact her about some school stuff she was really disengaged. Also was really impressed when the school group from her district I was with was visiting the senate and she could be bothered to look up from her blackberry when they were introduces (or take time to meet with us)

Comment by OneMan Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 3:01 pm
I forgot the grade. C for Harmon. F for Lilly.

Comment by Cassandra Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 3:01 pm
Brandon Phelps gets an A and Gary Forby gets an F. Phelps for his Conceal Carry work and Forby for doing a whole lot of nothing.

Comment by Nieva Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 3:03 pm
Fine and Biss. Fine - C+ (nice, but unremarkable in any area). Biss - A.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 3:08 pm
St. Rep. Sandra Pihos — B — She is practical, pragmatic and a good listener to constituents. She seems to work hard to learn about issues outside of her strengths — education and social services.

St. Sen. Kirk Dillard — B — I’m a 1980s type of Republican. Dillard fits that style more than most — which is one reason why New Conservative Republicans dislike him.

Comment by Diogenes in DuPage Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 3:09 pm
Hays - B as far as Republicans go, could be a lot worse
Frerichs - C reliable vote on Dem issues, but never has any interest in his current job. always looking for his next job.

Comment by Filmmaker Professor Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 3:09 pm
Rep. Durkin - B.
Sen. Rodogno - A-. Earlier this year, I wrote to her on an issue; received a favorable e-mail the next day.
These grades are as my local reps, not as Senate President or House Minority Leader.

Comment by Bogey Golfer Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 3:11 pm
Sen Tim Bivens and Rep Brian Stewart

Both B’s, since I probably wouldn’t like a Dem in the seat, but they are both a bit too “ex-cop” for my tastes on the “law and order”-continuum.

They seem nice…benefit of the doubt for the grade.

Comment by Carroll County Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 3:14 pm
train made me laugh

Comment by Wumpus Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 3:19 pm
Rep. Kay Hatcher, A-: Rep Hatcher is everywhere and is very in tune to the needs of the cities and villages of her district. Wish she was staying around next term.
Sen. Jim Oberweis, B: Only because he somehow managed to pass a Bill that allowed 70mph on interstates, to which I can not complain. I will be interested in seeing what he does in the future.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 3:19 pm
Costello: A- He workds hard to represent his district. Turns up everywhere, asks questions, and listens. On tough votes the speaker may hold his feet to the fire, that’s politics. But he votes his district.
Luechtefeld: B+ The Senator fights hard to be effective, but it is more difficult when you are in the minority. He listens well, has good perspective, and has a dignified, elder statesman take on issues. He explains things well, including messages you may not want to hear.

Comment by Motambe Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 3:25 pm
Cassidy- A. Very intelligent and well versed on a variety of issues, especially on restorative justice. Very engaged with her constituents and has a great office staff.

Steans- B+. Don’t know her as well but she seems to know her stuff. She’s able to explain the state’s problems very well in ways lay people can understand.

Comment by RoPo Ranger Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 3:33 pm
Prez Cullerton: B - Generally favorable, but I think he could do better as leader. Maybe not as the Senate fundraising/campaign head, but as a leader.

Greg Harris: A+. We don’t always agree on everything, but there are few in the legislature I respect as much and he does an outstanding job.

Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 3:37 pm
Cassidy F — lied and voted for the pension reform

Steans — D voted for the pension reform but did not lie about supporting it

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 3:38 pm
Manar: A. Politically savvy and knows how to get things done for the district. 1 word, “machine”.

Scherer: Can you give a kindergarten teacher an “F”? She is very nice, but no business being in the GA. 2 words, “space cadet”.

Comment by Home Front Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 3:39 pm
One Man…..you must be a neighbor. I only wrote to each one time, on different issues.

Ms. Kiffowit C — bonus as she walked the district prior to election. Still waiting on a return e-mail from quite some time ago. A position on extension of the income tax…of course she was not going to give a straight answer. But at least give me the courtesy of a reply.

Linda Holmes F – still waitin’ on an acknowledgement or response on a letter (and e-mail). Really surprised, because I heard good things about her.

My prior representation, always back in touch…and no, did not always agree with my position….but a civil exchange.

Is good constituent service a thing of the past? Mr. Foster and Mr. Kirk were both very slow to respond. Mr. Durbin…wow…holy smokes that team is fast (I know, State - not Federal, wanted to show I get around).

Comment by anonymoose Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 3:39 pm
House: Raymond Poe A-/A. Does a good job representing his district’s interests. Just don’t know him as well as I know my former Senator.

Senate: Like AA, I miss Larry Bomke. Sam McCann is doing a decent job but I don’t have the same personal relationship I did with Larry going back about 30 years. The few times I’ve talked to Sam, he was willing to listen and discuss issues. I’ve agreed with most of his votes this past session. Give Sam a B+/A-.

Comment by RNUG Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 3:42 pm
Cassandra’s on to something - too bad these districts can’t be rationally drawn. Oak Park & Berwyn together have just about the combined population of a state rep district - why not just do that? We don’t need computer-drawn maps, we need community-focused mapping

Comment by Sbarro McArby's Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 3:46 pm
Sen.Rrose and Rep. Mitchel. A/A they both defended the constitution by voting no on the illegal pension reform bill.

Comment by facts are stubborn things Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 3:46 pm
Same with River Forest & Leyden - put them together in a state Rep district - and combine it with the Oak Park/Berwyn district for a rational state senate district!

2 down, 116 to go!

Comment by Sbarro McArby's Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 3:48 pm
Mautino - A: knows his district well and responds to its needs; has been an able leader on downstate issues; has done a nice job balancing district and leadership needs.

Rezin - C/D: shows up all over the district, but often not responsive when district needs conflict with party line; that can be a tricky balancing act, and she has yet to master it.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 3:49 pm
House : Meier - Solid B, Excellent follow up with constituents inquiries. Totally non-partisan when it comes to issues impacting his constituents. Works hard even though I disagree with him on some of his positions.

Senate : McCarter - Solid F. Far too partisan. Lives in his own reality. Has done nothing to benefit his constituents ( other than promoting the talking points of the partisan fringe ).

Comment by illini67 Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 3:56 pm
Robyn Gabel - C. Does some good work but too much of a “go along, get along” with Madigan.
Dan Biss - F. A huge disappointment.

Comment by Eugene Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 3:59 pm
Interesting perspective, Cassie.

I don’t see any lack of infrastructure work going on in Oak Park right now. Half the village, it seems, is getting new water mains, and once that happens, you get new streets, curbs and sidewalks.

My block got ours last fall, two east-west blocks and the next north-south block that I csn see from my front porch are getting theirs now.

Harmon certainly gets an “A” for bringing home the bacon. Virtually every park and schoolyard has in recent years or is getting rehabbed with a big chunk of state money. I’m not sure how he pulled that off.

Don’t really know much about Lilly, so I’ll pass.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 4:02 pm
Rep: Scott Drury: B Not a complete boot-licking toady for Madigan, and he annoys people in a good way from time to time.

Sen: Julie Morison: C Along for the ride - I posted her push-poll on school funding reform a while back which also rubbed me the wrong way (not the bill, the push poll).

Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 4:06 pm
Kelly Cassidy and Heather Steans, C-: Both are hacks handed their positions by Carol Ronen. They’re partisan in the extreme, and nobody in Rogers Park knows who they are.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 4:09 pm
I honestly had no idea who would be my reps when I moved to uptown but I feel very lucky now that I live here.

Steans- A- her voting record is great but my only small complaint is she can be hard to talk to.

Harris- A+ one of the nicest legislators I’ve ever met on any level. He tries to be available for his constituents and he has gotten some really important legislation passed.

Comment by Bunson Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 4:19 pm
State Rep Dan Brady: A State Sen. Bill Brady: D

Comment by Mcleaniac Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 4:19 pm
Monique Davis, F - She’s an embarrassment to not only her district, but to the state of Illinois. Plus she’s rude to her own constituents. I’m hoping for the day she leaves office.

Comment by Taxpayer Tim Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 4:21 pm
Dan Burke::: A++. He is fun

Comment by Southside Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 4:25 pm
Mike McAuliffe - B+ - knows his district well, talks to constituents personally for feedback, listens and best “stair step” representative there is!

John Mulroe - C+ - cares about us but still feeling his way around - a little too timid but improving daily

Comment by Persnickety Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 4:25 pm
Whoops, I moved and mixed my new/previous address to come up with Cullerton/Harris. My Senator is actually Steans now - I’ll give her a B-. She’s always been a little standoffish and aloof to me. Can’t really comment on her district services just yet.

Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 4:39 pm
Reis - D - Very good at being negative. Very good at being partisan.

Comment by Anon Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 4:40 pm
Manar-A. Has a huge district and somehow seems to be in all of it all the time. He’s done a great job being a strong voice for downstate, especially with his education bill.

Rosenthal-D. Seems like a nice guy, but the only time I’ve ever seen him in the district is at the parade in my town every year. No notable legislation to date and the district really doesn’t have much to show for him.

Comment by Jimmy baseball Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 4:41 pm
Dan Kotowski - Solid A. Understands the budget, knows his district, works his butt off.

Marty Moylan - B. How do you judge a Freshman House Democratic Target? By his ability to get re-elected, and I figure Moylan is about 85% likely to be re-elected.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Friday, Jul 25, 14 @ 4:43 pm
Jeanne Ives
Extremist Tea party views + closed mind = Zero

Comment by DuPage Monday, Jul 28, 14 @ 9:45 am