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Not a dry eye in the House

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* This Sun-Times piece was read on the House floor earlier today…

On tougher days, a friend or colleague would get him there.

Other times, he’d try to make it, but by the time his chemotherapy treatment had ended, he’d be too late for the day’s session.

Over the last roughly six months that state Rep. Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley, has battled esophageal cancer, he’s missed at most three days of legislative session, he says.

This week, in the midst of preparing for surgery later this month related to his illness, Mautino said Democrats could again count on him driving the 150 miles to the state Capitol to cast what’s likely to be a critical vote.

They’ll need him.

“Absolutely, I will be there,” Mautino said on Tuesday. “I’m looking forward to it. I hope that we pass it. I hope that the governor chooses to sign it.”

* After a rousing ovation, Rep. Mautino rose to speak. It’s today’s must-watch video…

Stay strong, Frankie.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:10 pm

Comments

I have the privledge of calling him friend. He truely is one of the class acts in Springfield.

Comment by Todd Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:16 pm
We love you Frank.

Comment by Murph Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:19 pm
He’s as good as they come.

Comment by Miami Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:20 pm
And yet the Workers Compensation Committee chair couldn’t be bothered to attend a committee hearing.

Comment by Defeated Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:20 pm
Rep. Mautino is tops.

Wishing you well. Stay strong.

Most sincerely,

OW

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:20 pm
Regardless his politics Frank Mautino is a good person. Rauner could learn something about humility from this outstanding public servant.

Comment by Send an angel Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:22 pm
Definition of true bravery and leadership. Stay strong and take care!

Comment by wrangler Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:26 pm
One of the really good guys

Comment by steve schnorf Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:34 pm
Not sure if I’ve met many nicer guys than Frank. And his speech is a reminder that if you do spend enough time in the GA, your colleagues do become extended family. You get to know their trials and tribulations, their idiosyncrasies, and there’s the occasional sibling who you may not agree with on much but they’re still family.

Comment by Hon. John Fritchey Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:34 pm
Just like his dad…..tough and determined. Good luck Frankie

Comment by scott aster Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:38 pm
Reminds me so much of his Dad. Not a better person anywhere.

Comment by Bob Hicks Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:39 pm
Best wishes to Rep Mautino. I hope his surgery and recovery goes well.

Comment by Belle Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:41 pm
God bless you, Frankie! We all hope to see you back in five or six weeks with a clean bill of health. Take care - our thoughts and prayers will be with you.

Comment by Archiesmom Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:46 pm
God speed your recovery Frankie.

Comment by lasalledemocrat Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:46 pm
Love him! God Bless Frank!

Comment by 4 percent Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:48 pm
When I worked in LaSalle - Peru, Mendota and Ottawa, Mautino was always available to talk with the press. A true fighter for the people he represents and friend to Veterans. A speedy recovery to him!

Comment by Nick Gale Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:51 pm
I worked with Frank and with his father before him. True class all. I’m sorry bad things happen to good people. Good luck Frank and I hope you get your wish that session will be done by the time you complete your recovery.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:52 pm
Wishing you the very best You are a breathe of fresh air

Comment by Earl Shumaker Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:54 pm
I don’t know Rep. Mautino all that well, but based on his reputation amongst my friends and business associates, he sounds like a great guy to sit down and break bread with. Good luck.

Comment by Jake From Elwood Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 12:58 pm
I don’t know Representative Mautino, but I admire his determination and his tenacity. Kudos to him.

Comment by thunderspirit Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 1:12 pm
thank you for posting this Rich

To the video — God bless you and keep you, Frank. We’ll keep praying. Love from a former row mate.

Comment by Not quite a majority Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 1:17 pm
Down to earth, honest, strong.

Comment by walker Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 1:22 pm
In the Ottawa/Streator Times last week, he said he’d like to be Speaker some day.

That might be something to look forward to.

Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 1:23 pm
I had the honor to meet with Representative Mautino to speak about some legislation important to our group. Even though I was a then (and stll!) nobody in Illinois politics, he was was gracious and attentive. I was impressed by his thoughtfulness. Thank you Rich for a forum to wish him well.

Comment by anono Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 1:29 pm
Decency. Something we just don’t see enough of. Godspeed sir.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 1:29 pm
Frank is truly one of the most human of humans under the dome. As others have said: an all-around good guy and class act. Godspeed to him in his continuing treatment and recovery.

Comment by Linus Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 2:05 pm
Mensch.

Comment by Albany Park Patriot Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 2:13 pm
A class act, a gentleman, one of the smartest legislators in either chamber. He’s the definition of a Statesman.

Comment by horse w/ no name Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 2:54 pm
In light of his own suffering he chose to mention Rep. Poe and his illness. Class act all the way!

Comment by Small Town Girl Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 3:34 pm
Frank is a true gentleman and statesman.

Hope he comes back 100percent after
The surgery

Comment by Fdr democrat Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 3:46 pm
They simply don’t come any better than Frank. Getter better my friend, prayers to you.

Comment by Give Me A Break Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 4:10 pm
choking up as he refers to the religious items he received, including the Koran. wow. kick cancer’s ass, Frank!

Comment by Amalia Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 6:34 pm
Who doesn’t love Rep Mautino. He is a class act and a strong leader. We can count on him to do what is best for the people of Illinois. Thank you.

Comment by Diane Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 9:18 pm
Frank is truly on of the best.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 10:41 pm
Rich I would like to thank you and your readers for their kind words thoughts and prayers. I have always drawn strength from those around me and today was an honor beyond measure it should more than carry the day. God bless you and keep you.

Comment by Frank Mautino Thursday, Jul 9, 15 @ 11:25 pm
When I started my career in 1977, I had the privilege of knowing Frank’s dad, Dick Mautino. Dick was taken from us far too soon, and Frank has always done a great job representing the interests of his district - among the best in my opinion. Frank knows the value of friendship and I’m as privileged to call him my friend, as I was his father.

Be better…stay strong!

Comment by Jim Nelson Friday, Jul 10, 15 @ 9:36 am