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*** UPDATED x2 - Durkin statement *** Sandack resigns

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* Riopell…

State Rep. Ron Sandack, a Downers Grove Republican and vocal legislative ally of Gov. Bruce Rauner, is resigning from the Illinois House after saying he’s had “cyber security issues” in recent days.

Sandack had been facing a re-election race in November and is well known in Illinois politics for his heavy use of Twitter and Facebook, as well as his role as a floor leader for Republicans in the Illinois House.

Sandack did not return requests for comment Sunday evening. But Illinois House Republicans provided a statement Sandack sent to political blog Capitol Fax, which broke the news.

* I talked to Sandack Sunday, so subscribers know lots more. Here’s the full statement…

It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to serve the people of the 81st district for the past four years in Springfield. But after some cyber security issues arose, I began to re-evaluate my continued public service.

I have always recognized there is no greater privilege than being a father and husband. My duties in Springfield has meant missing a lot of events in the lives of my children. I am no longer willing to miss important family events.

Therefore, I decided to resign from my seat effective today. I will work with my Republican replacement to ensure that she or he is successfully elected to the seat next November.

*** UPDATE 1 ***  From the House GOP…

“Ron Sandack is a dedicated and caring public servant. I want to thank him for his service to his constituents and the entire State of Illinois. I wish him well in his future endeavors,” said House Republican Leader Jim Durkin.

*** UPDATE 2 *** Durkin also sent this to his caucus members…

I spoke with Ron yesterday afternoon and respect his decision to resign. I am grateful for the work he has done collectively on behalf of our caucus and for his constituents. He will be missed.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:14 am

Comments

  1. Its Putins fault

    Comment by illinois manufacturer Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:18 am

  2. Hmmmmmm. Cyber-security issues. This could get juicy.

    Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:19 am

  3. “Its Putins fault” No, it’s Madigan’s fault of course.

    Comment by Skeptic Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:20 am

  4. Obviously, there’s more to it than this.

    This is just plain weird.

    Comment by Formerly Known as Frenchie M Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:22 am

  5. Great news!

    Comment by DHSJim Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:22 am

  6. I can see it now Madigan and the internet he controls

    Comment by illinois manufacturer Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:22 am

  7. I take Sandack at his word.

    I have no idea, and nothing factual has been put forward that would make me not take Sandack at his word so I’m leaving it with his statement and wishing him well.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:22 am

  8. I’m jealous. I’v never experience a life-changing epiphany driving home from a Sox game. (Subscribers know more.)

    Comment by Virtually Illiterate Collectivist Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:22 am

  9. It’s Madigan and the Putin he controls.

    Comment by Chungas revenge Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:23 am

  10. There has to be more to this, I wonder what the actual reason is. Perhaps he realized what he and Rauner have really done to the state.

    Comment by DuPage Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:23 am

  11. Is he being forced down because of something we don’t know yet?

    Comment by Jerry Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:24 am

  12. I’ve watched Sandack in his role as floor leader long enough to know that there’s much, much more to this story. He had a thirst for the job and enjoyed being a gladiator in that particular political arena. There is decidedly more to the story. I’m not a subscriber, but in my next life there’ll be money in my budget for the inside scoop. A girl can dream.

    Comment by Dome Gnome Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:27 am

  13. ===I’ve never experience a life-changing epiphany driving home from a Sox game.===

    I did once, but it was the seventies.

    Comment by Way Way Down Here Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:28 am

  14. He’s opening a practice in municipal bankruptcy law.

    Comment by Norseman Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:28 am

  15. This seems…..odd. Did the fake accounts contain threats of some kind? He seemed to greatly enjoy his role as the Govs attack dog, giving it up because of Twitter or Facebook impersonations is surprising. I wish him luck in his future endeavors.

    Comment by Lester Holt's Mustache Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:30 am

  16. Always a good guy to talk to and took a courageous vote on marriage equality. Wasn’t a huge fan of his ‘Ron LeFloor’ persona but he was filling a role and had to do what he had to do in that position.

    If there’s more to this, that kind of stuff always comes out eventually. If there’s not, let’s all be careful not to say or type things that we’ll regret.

    For now, just wish the guy the best of luck. He’ll be missed.

    Comment by LizPhairTax Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:30 am

  17. Rule #1: The internet is always watching.

    Comment by Way Way Down Here Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:31 am

  18. Wow!!

    Comment by Trolling Troll Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:34 am

  19. … unless the accounts weren’t fake.

    Comment by Formerly Known as Frenchie M Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:34 am

  20. So now who? Who?

    Comment by burbanite Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:37 am

  21. A fake account makes you realize you miss your kids? Ron’s no amateur. He knows fake accounts and time from family is part of the gig. If you don’t want the gig anymore you don’t run for reelection, you tone down your internet presence, and quietly serve the rest of your term. Plenty of people do it.

    There is way more here. Someone found something and he really doesn’t want people to know what it is.

    Comment by steward Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:37 am

  22. I will never blame someone for choosing what is better for their family over what is better for themselves. Not a huge fan of his but I can respect his decision on this.

    Best of luck in your future endeavors Mr. Sandack.

    Comment by Fixer Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:39 am

  23. No more calls to Big John at WLS.

    Comment by Rough Rider Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:39 am

  24. I’m still shocked about this. It’s concerning. Very concerning on a couple levels. I’m sure we’ll find out more as time goes on. What happens with the election? Is he replaced on the ballot? Does the Dem have a chance to steal the seat? wow, just wow.

    Comment by Honeybear Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:41 am

  25. What a strange and puzzling reason for a resignation by the politician formerly known as the “Mayator”.

    Comment by One of the 35 Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:41 am

  26. Which is it, cyber security or more time with the family?? It’s a weird statement.

    Comment by Flynn's mom Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:41 am

  27. I agree with Frenchie’s comment this morning.

    Comment by JKW Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:42 am

  28. ===Is he replaced on the ballot?===

    Yes.

    ===Does the Dem have a chance to steal the seat?===

    No. It’s pretty solid for the GOP. Surprised if it’s in more play then before.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:46 am

  29. I’m a Dem, so not much love for Rs. but did he do something illegal? if not, if he wants to move on, let him go. sometimes people just have enough of it and want to go.

    Comment by Amalia Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:47 am

  30. Gut says there is more to this than a social media accounts. The abruptness of this just smells fishy.

    Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:49 am

  31. I guess this proves the old adage “Those who live by the sword - die by the sword.” Waiting patiently for the other other shoe to drop.

    Comment by Stones Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:51 am

  32. Ron Sandack is another in that long line of “angry White men”, and I’m White and a Republican. Good riddance. There are too many of him that are standing as the face of the GOP. Things have to change. The party has to change or at best the GOP will age out as the base simply passes away.

    Comment by Former State Employee Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:51 am

  33. Rep. Sandack will be missed in Springfield. Interesting how he was treated here. He was considered a hero by most commentators for his vote on gay marriage and later surviving a concerted effort by a certain wing of the GOP to get rid of him during the following primary.

    Those same commentators later turned him into Public Enemy No. 1 for his loud and passionate support of Governor Rauner and acting as a passionate spokesman of the GOP on the House floor.

    Another good person leaves the political arena.

    Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:56 am

  34. Bye Felicia!

    Good riddance and never come back again

    Comment by Jay Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 9:58 am

  35. I know a rep that retired because a similar issue led to the realization that his time with his family was limited and they also shouldn’t have to deal with the nastiness that can come with both elections and holding public office in general. No one noticed because the decision came well after some of the incidents. Add the craziness of $$$ in this election cycle and it is easy to see how someone would want to leave now. I take Ron at his word. If there is more, we will know in time.

    Comment by Stan Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 10:00 am

  36. Of course Joe Walsh is being “classy” as usual….

    Comment by Highland Il Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 10:00 am

  37. ==No. It’s pretty solid for the GOP.==

    Don’t be so sure. If the GOP puts up a far right overly conservative choice the middle that carried Sandack may jump to the challenger. He (challenger) is a little more left than center, but much of the 81st is solidly in the middle. And many of the Dems that backed Ron last time feel abandoned. The GOP needs to pick wisely (which is not a strong suit for the Township Republicans).

    Comment by Surprised Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 10:01 am

  38. Wait. Do subscribers know the real reason why he resigned so abruptly? I get it…subscribe and get more info in general, but this resignation and the reasons given just don’t make sense.

    Comment by PublicServant Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 10:02 am

  39. ===Don’t be so sure.===

    I’m sure, thanks.

    It’s uphill, with winds in the face, in a blizzard, at best… even in a POTUS year.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 10:06 am

  40. I belive that Obana narrowly carried the 81st back in 2012. Under the right set of circumstances it could be competitive. It remains to be seen what those circumstances are however.

    Comment by train111 Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 10:12 am

  41. So, what’s the real story?

    Comment by Ryan Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 10:15 am

  42. - Louis G Atsaves -

    ===…acting as a passionate spokesman of the GOP on the House floor.===

    You want to bring up Sandack’s Floor antics?

    Rauner tainted many people.

    The Ron Sandack that voted for SSM was not the same Sandack that we all saw these past 16+ months.

    Nope. Sorry.

    Gotta call it like ya see it.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 10:17 am

  43. Wonder if anybody else got cyber attacked and will resign?

    Comment by the red baron Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 10:18 am

  44. If only others, like our esteemed Auditor General, had the same sense to resign in such situations.

    Comment by Frenchie M now Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 10:20 am

  45. “Frenchie M now” is not me. Please change your nick.

    Comment by Formerly Known as Frenchie M Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 10:21 am

  46. - train111 -

    With respect,

    Yep, but now Dems are trying to figure out best to handle the unlimited resources Raunerites will “bestow” on the GOP Caucuses.

    Dems are playing defense with an agreeable voting universe.

    Rauner will get to appoint. Rauner make sure it’s a Rauner appointment by saying “Pick my person or no money”

    Rauner, easily, can go 7 figures, won’t break a sweat.

    Is that seat worth another look? At 7 figures? With limited Dem resources?

    The differences in 2012 and 2016… I dunno.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 10:23 am

  47. Sandack loved the role he played. It is unfair to speculate but also very understandable. Although I worked for the other side of the aisle, Sandack was always fun and engaging.

    Comment by AlfondoGonz Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 10:23 am

  48. Oswego W

    I believe that you are correct in that the Dems will not spend any $$ running for that seat-especially with the Rauner cash onslaught they will be facing.

    It has the potential to be competitive given the right circumstances hoewever.

    Comment by train111 Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 10:26 am

  49. - train111 -

    ===It has the potential to be competitive given the right circumstances hoewever.===

    Yep, it absolutely could, and Labor could make some serious noise, but I’d have to see some serious polling after a candidate is chosen by Rauner and what a baseline looks like before Rauner drops $300K, for starters…

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 10:30 am

  50. Maybe I’ve missed it, but I haven’t seen any obligatory statements from Rauner, Durkin, etc. You know, the…”Illinois lost a great leader and legislator. He will be missed”….kinda stuff. That’s curious.

    And why no explanation for what exactly the security breach entailed. Were fake tweets being put out in his name? Did they commit some kind of identity theft? Did the hackers access personal email accounts? Why exactly was the experience so life-altering?

    Comment by Four and a half Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 10:31 am

  51. I really like Sandack. Very sorry to hear this.

    Comment by State worker Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 10:34 am

  52. The irony is just too much. Infamous Big Mouth gets flamed on social media and calls it quits on everything? Days after spending 10k on campaign materials? I believe he wants to spend more time with his family, because anyone who works ft wants to spend more time with their family, but I don’t think that is the reason for such an abrupt resignation.

    Comment by Politix Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 10:36 am

  53. Oswego W

    I think Rauner is on the hook for something here financially-as he has to introduce a new face to the district’s voters. However, he has plenty to spare.

    Comment by train111 Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 10:38 am

  54. I’m not a fan of Sandack, but I’m sorry he had to leave the stage like this. I hope it’s not personal, why he had to resign.

    Comment by Wensicia Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 10:41 am

  55. - train111 -

    My apologies,

    It’s a given Rauner will drop $300K, for starters, if it looks like the Dems wavy to play.

    Dems need to make sure polling with the new GOP nominee is favorable for their (Dem) nominee knowing Rauner will match, and then some.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 10:47 am

  56. ===It has the potential to be competitive given the right circumstances hoewever.===

    I’m with Willy here. There aren’t any circumstances that make this a competitive district for the other party. It will be a safe GOP hold.

    Comment by A guy Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 10:47 am

  57. This is a completely bizarre story. Part of me finds it hard to believe that Sandack, who seemed to love his job, would quit over hacking, no matter how annoying it was. But I’ve been on the receiving end of campaigns that got nasty, and it can wear you down. There’s something particularly insidious about cyberattacks, too. So I’ll take him at his word for now, and wish him well. Enjoy the family, and good luck with the Sox.

    Comment by Archiesmom Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 10:51 am

  58. ===who seemed to love his job===

    I’d disagree there.

    Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 10:54 am

  59. If he’s walking away to spend more time with his family, that would be great. I made a similar choice (backing off from long hours at the office, less money, but more time with my kids) and it has been a rewarding choice.

    Sandack once was one of the good guys. He was smart and thoughtful. He could be counted on for well reasoned positions. A few years ago, he became a far right flame thrower reciting his lines.

    It is very possible he looked in the mirror and didn’t like what he saw. The latest version of Ron is not the Ron that many of saw in court or in Springfield.

    Over the past year or do, Democrats have screamed nationally about Republicans repeating unsubstantiated charges against Hillary Clinton. Hopefully they will learn that and realize that if there is more to the Sandack story, it will play out.

    Until that happens, people should wish him well and avoid the tin foil hats.

    Comment by Gooner Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 10:59 am

  60. ===if there is more to the Sandack story, it will play out. Until that happens, people should… avoid the tin foil hats===

    Agreed.

    It just wasn’t possible to find out everything about this. If there’s more, we’ll hear about it. If there isn’t, some folks are gonna look pretty darned foolish.

    Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 11:01 am

  61. Four and a Half makes a great point. No statements on the resignation from the Governor or leaders yet. Telling.

    Comment by Stones Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 11:03 am

  62. ===No statements on the resignation from the Governor or leaders yet. Telling.===

    The only tell there is that there’s no statement yet.

    Take a breath.

    We only know 100% what we’ve been told in the direct statement.

    The rest is pure speculation.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 11:11 am

  63. I always admire the people who get in the ring. Best wishes to him.

    Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 11:19 am

  64. If the message was I’m leaving to spend time with my family I don’t think it would be raising as many eyebrows. Dan Duffy (who was also quite prolific on social media) did the same thing a few months ago and it didn’t seem to cause much of a stir.

    The “cyber security” issue is where this gets weird. Usually when we hear that it’s a prelude to embarrassing details that are about to emerge about on-line behavior. I’m not speculating, I’m simply acknowledging history.

    Comment by pundent Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 11:20 am

  65. One of my concerns is how cyber hacking is being politically weaponized. I can understand on a Fed level. But getting down to State Reps brings it to a whole new level. Makes me feel like nobody is safe from it. I know it’s probably always been a problem but I’m increasingly concerned in a kind of civil liberties/libertarian kind of way. Frankly if it was something like an affair or pervy, I don’t care. As much as I didn’t like the guy he was effective and an asset to his party. I was just reading about that Quote “They came for Sandack, and I did nothing”.

    Comment by Honeybear Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 11:21 am

  66. Maybe a good lesson would be that you be careful what you say, whether using a nickname or not. That would seem to be a good lesson in general.

    Comment by A guy Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 11:34 am

  67. I guess he really was frustrated.

    Comment by ChicagoVinny Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 11:35 am

  68. HorseHockey. I suspect His text msgs or e-mail were abt to be made public that would prove embarassing to him and disappointing for his wife… Hope it works out well for them.

    Comment by Union Man Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 11:38 am

  69. Has anybody who didn’t work in an IT department ever resigned over cyber security? Now we have two in one day if you count Wasserman Schultz.

    Comment by Cathartt Representative Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 11:41 am

  70. Madigan, when asked about State Rep. Ron Sandack’s sudden resignation. “I know nothing about that.”

    https://twitter.com/paschutz/status/757609174905843712

    Comment by Hamlet's Ghost Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 11:42 am

  71. It’s Jim Durkin’s fault!

    Comment by The Fool On The Hill Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 11:43 am

  72. Sandack was a decent Rep.
    While everyone is “guessing” maybe the thought of another brutal campaign cycle was just something he didn’t want. That primary in ‘14 was crazy.
    Maybe that was his moment of clarity.
    Good luck Rep. Sandack

    Comment by DuPage Bard Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 11:46 am

  73. OW @ 11:11 AM-

    Pure speculation - true but in my experience usually where there is smoke there is also fire. I don’t know Sandak personally but he strikes me as someone who enjoys the spotlight. Those who do don’t usually depart as abruptly as this giving cryptic explanations.

    So I’ll sit back and “take a breath” as you say and watch events unfold.

    Comment by Stones Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 11:52 am

  74. Rich Miller, has Ron Sandack filed the paperwork to resign his seat or is that something he says he intends to file?

    The IL Board of Elections still shows Sandack as an active candidate.

    Comment by Hamlet's Ghost Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 11:56 am

  75. Good riddance to a person who for the past 18 months has been comforting the comfortable and afflicting the already afflicted. Karma can be a Bit…….

    Comment by Groundhog Day Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 11:59 am

  76. - Stones -

    It’s all good, actually it’s not “you” it’s really the unfounded speculation overall.

    The man resigned.

    If there’s more, it could come out. We, collectively, have no factual accurate items to move beyond the statement.

    That’s all. With Respect - OW

    To Durkin,

    Solid statement given the facts we all have, and thanking Sandack, that’s probably as good as Dirkin can do, given the statement.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 12:04 pm

  77. Maybe he hit the lottery and doesn’t want to tell everyone. It could happen….

    Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 12:09 pm

  78. How many of The Governor’s allies have resigned since he took office? — His appointees as well as elected officials. Just seems like several. Anybody out there know?

    Comment by Ms. SHEESH Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 12:10 pm

  79. - Maybe he hit the lottery -

    Is that you, Mel?

    Comment by Daniel Plainview Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 12:19 pm

  80. Who? Forgotten already.

    Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 12:38 pm

  81. Rep Sandack was and is one of the good guys. You may not agree with him all the time but that’s politics. The rumor mill of Springfield is in full force and none of it fact based. He and his family hasn’t had a break since the ‘14 cycle and at some point enough is enough. It took courage and strength to put his family ahead of all else and for that, he should be comended.

    Thank you Representative Sandack for 7 years of ILGA service and dedication.

    Comment by Casper Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 12:57 pm

  82. ===The rumor mill of Springfield is in full force and none of it fact based===

    Ain’t that the truth.

    Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 1:07 pm

  83. Seriously, with all the things that have happened in Illinois politics, why do I still get surpised?

    Comment by Rhino Slider Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 1:33 pm

  84. “It is very possible he looked in the mirror and didn’t like what he saw. The latest version of Ron is not the Ron that many of saw in court or in Springfield.”

    If so, I really hope he stays vocal about that one issue, if nothing else. We could really use some more introspection at the Capitol.

    Comment by Threepwood Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 1:46 pm

  85. Rhino Slinger -

    Might have a few more surprises if Sandacks replacement is more conservative than Sandack himself as is being reported and already has a possible ethics violation on his record.

    Comment by Casper Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 1:51 pm

  86. When the truth is told nobody will be sorry to see him go. He is a hypocrite

    Comment by Willie Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 3:56 pm

  87. Played it like Boehner.

    This time it was a ball game, not the Pope.

    Is this a GOP trend? A GOP flaw?

    Both of these gentleman have exercised abrupt life pivots after moments of clarity and enlightenment when personal truths become too real to ignore….

    Comment by cdog Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 4:03 pm

  88. Cant believe that the Illinois Review still hasnt reported this hummm wonder why?

    Comment by Aces are wild Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 4:08 pm

  89. Maybe someone “posted” a picture of his Anthony Weiner.

    Comment by Woops Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 4:33 pm

  90. Trib just posted more on Sandack’s reasons for resignation.

    http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-ron-sandack-resigns-illinois-house-20160725-story.html

    Comment by Anon221 Monday, Jul 25, 16 @ 7:47 pm

  91. Ugly is as ugly does. A little “ownership” would have made the epiphany believable. Without it, it seems like a cover for some other reason.

    Comment by Johnnie F. Tuesday, Jul 26, 16 @ 6:26 am

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