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* This is standard stuff in both chambers and in both parties. But Speaker Madigan is not exactly beloved, so top-down involvement becomes a story whenever it’s one of his chamber’s seats: “Filling Mautino seat ‘top-down’ process”…

The selection of state Rep. Frank Mautino’s replacement is a “top-down” process that involves the state Democratic Party, which has spoken with people interested in the position, a top La Salle County official said Tuesday. […]

So far, La Salle County Circuit Clerk Andrew Skoog, a Utica Democrat, is the only announced candidate.

County Board Chairman Jerry Hicks, D-Marseilles, said his understanding was the state party interviewed Skoog and others. He wasn’t sure about the others’ identities.

But he said it appeared Skoog was the state Democrats’ preferred choice, given that Skoog is publicly campaigning for the position.

Hicks said the state party becomes involved in legislative appointments so it can determine who it’s willing to back financially.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Oct 28, 15 @ 1:26 pm

Comments

Nothing to see, really.

No different than Rauner filling GOP seats because Rauner is holding the $20 million over Durkin and the SGOP, so Rauber has his stake.

Madigan and his Crew have a vested interest.

Same.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 28, 15 @ 1:40 pm
The tentacles of top-down touch every level of government.

That is the Madigan Way, quickly being copied by Rauner.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Wednesday, Oct 28, 15 @ 1:47 pm
Agreed Willy - that $20 million ILGOP fund to be disbursed at the discretion or whims of Governor Rauner is a very big factor in the stalemate we see in Illinois today.

Comment by illini Wednesday, Oct 28, 15 @ 1:48 pm
Mr. Skoog had been telling people that he only ran as a Democrat because he thought he couldn’t win in Mautino’s district if he ran as a Republican.

Comment by John Parnell Wednesday, Oct 28, 15 @ 2:05 pm
From chicken wing tycoon to the GA!!

Comment by Tuesday's Pizza Wednesday, Oct 28, 15 @ 2:14 pm
== That is the Madigan Way, quickly being copied by Rauner. ==

If you’re suggesting that Speaker Madigan invented this practice, you’re very much mistaken.

Comment by thunderspirit Wednesday, Oct 28, 15 @ 2:16 pm
John Parnell - “Mr. Skoog had been telling people that he only ran as a Democrat because he thought he couldn’t win in Mautino’s district if he ran as a Republican.”
Andy Skoog is a Democrat who was elected by a wide margin as LaSalle County Circuit Clerk. He was the largest vote recipient in LaSalle County. He is not and has never been a Republican.

Comment by nobody Wednesday, Oct 28, 15 @ 2:41 pm
Avery Bourne, anyone?

Comment by ChinaTown Wednesday, Oct 28, 15 @ 3:26 pm
==If you’re suggesting that Speaker Madigan invented this practice, you’re very much mistaken.==

Not that he invented it. Just that he mastered it.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Wednesday, Oct 28, 15 @ 3:33 pm
This has been the American way probably since Adams/Jefferson. Either the political parties get involved, and/ or the richest citizens do.

Comment by walker Wednesday, Oct 28, 15 @ 5:14 pm
You mean just an ordinary citizen can’t be elected? lol!

I think the top down endorsement is wrong - either party. Hope some of that changes with the backlash on the national scene with Trump, Carson and Fioretti - non-politicians leading the pack.

Comment by justacitizen Wednesday, Oct 28, 15 @ 7:34 pm
Any benefactors of illinoisgo shall be blacklisted by the party.

Comment by PENSIONS ARE OFF LIMITS Wednesday, Oct 28, 15 @ 8:02 pm