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Drury contemplates bid for House Speaker

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Illinois

* I heard this was a possibility a couple of weeks ago, so I checked in with Rep. Nekritz, who asked if the Republicans were smoking medical marijuana. She wasn’t interested.

The Drury thing is fascinating only in the fact that the man actually thinks he could find eight Democrats to vote for him for Speaker…

There are 51 Republicans in the incoming House, and if all of them decided to throw their weight behind a Democrat who wasn’t Madigan, they’d have to find only nine Democrats to defect from Madigan to unseat him. Sources in the Illinois General Assembly tell Chicago Tonight that this indeed is the governor’s plan, and they have floated State Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-Des Plaines) as a potential challenger.

Nekritz told Chicago Tonight, however, that she was not interested in the position. […]

Another Democratic lawmaker who has voted against the speaker on several issues says he is keeping all options open, including whether or not to throw his own name into the mix.

“I want to understand all the rules of how the nomination works, who can be nominated and how they can be nominated,” said State Rep. Scott Drury (D-Highwood). “When I have a thorough understanding of who can put their name forward and who can get by the challenges of voting for them, I’ll come to a decision.

“I’m convinced I’m the only person really studying this issue closely, and come Jan. 11, I’ll be prepared to do the right thing for the state of Illinois and my constituents.”

I swear to you this is not fake news. Well, it’s from a reputable source, anyway.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:12 am

Comments

He was a federal prosecutor, you know.

Comment by Marty Funkhouser Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:13 am
Once he explains to his colleagues just how superior he is to all of them, how could he not win?

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:14 am
But if Madigan wins they will be on the Bossmadigan list too.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:15 am
===and come Jan. 11, I’ll be prepared to do the right thing for the state of Illinois and my constituents.”===
I wonder if he knows the doing the right thing would include resigning.

Comment by Been There Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:16 am
Well, Trump won.

Comment by phocion Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:16 am
He jumped the shark when he said he’s keeping his options open.

Comment by Politix Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:16 am
Ok. Madigans not speaker, then what? Doubtful the rest of the House Dems are gonna fall in step with Rauners yesmen in the House.

Comment by Rogue Roni Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:17 am
He consulted with another MIT law professor who outlined the path to victory!

Comment by Springfieldish Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:18 am
==I’m convinced I’m the only person really studying this issue closely,== There’s an attitude that will get people to rally around you.

Comment by SAP Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:20 am
===Ok. Madigans not speaker, then what?===

Boss Drury and the democrats he controls!

Comment by Anon Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:21 am
Maybe I should go grab the BossDrury.com domain.

Comment by MSIX Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:22 am
The absolute last thing in the world that the GOP house wants is to lose Madigan as Speaker. Period. They need someone to constantly campaign against. Without Madigan, they have nothing.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:22 am
Has someone claimed the “Bossdrury.com” yet?

Bruce means to growing our economy one website at a time.

Comment by Jocko Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:22 am
What I want in a leader is someone who, less than a month before the election, is trying to figure out how the whole election thing works.

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:23 am
If Julie Hamos were still around, she would definitely be interested in this plot.

Comment by Davos Seaworth Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:23 am
It’s entertaining to kibitz about to be sure, but however slight…it is a crack.

Comment by A guy Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:23 am
Maybe he should help Rauner stage a North Carolina style coup!

Wait let me get a product placement in

The most interesting legislator on the world.

“I don’t often act as the patsy in a legislative coup. But when I do, I put on Perfidy, the scent of deciept.

Comment by Honeybear Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:23 am
Actually, if all the Republicans vote for Durkin, and if Drury can find those 8 Dems, even if everyone else still votes for Madigan, then DURKIN BECOMES SPEAKER!

Comment by Not It Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:24 am
You broke my heart Fredo.

-Fake MJM

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:25 am
Its not the person its the process. Rauner is way over the top-republicans voting for a dem speaker. Rauner is to infatuated with Mike Madigan. Can we take care of some state business please?

Comment by Magic carpet ride Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:26 am
…and Rep. Drury’s glorious path to relevance fizzled out for lack of a person to actually nominate him.

Comment by Suburban Hillbilly Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:27 am
😂😂😂

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:27 am
Anybody but Madigan at this point.

Comment by Please Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:27 am
I know this seems insane but the GOP in Oregon was able to pull this off in both houses. Granted the in no one with acumen of Madigan there.

How would committee assignments work under this plot?

Comment by Come on Man! Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:29 am
Welp, I said Drury would caucus with the Raunerites… it was mostly snark

The t-shirt I had made up with his quote is going to jump in value after this fiasco.

Drury is worse than Ken Dunkin.

Drury is willing to force his own “Grandiose Idea” as Drury sacrificing for the greater good.

Scott Dury is arguably the most unaware narcosis currently seated in either chamber of the General Assembly.

A pathetic loner that refuses to see no one follows him anywhere.

Speaks volumes sbout Drury’s lack of character and how unaware he is… about how professionally he is off the charts unlikeable.

“You know I am a former federal prosecutor, right?”

You know, Mr. Drury, you professional acumen is ridiculously low about your understanding about your received, right?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:29 am
Not it- That is not true you need a majority not a plurality to become speaker. It would go to a second ballot.

Comment by Come on Man! Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:31 am
Good for him.

It’s going to take creative steps like this to solve Illinois’ terrible problems. Good effort, and I wish him great success.

(I hope Rauner is out in 2018, too. I have never in my life been this close to personally observe two more destructively minded individuals.)

Comment by cdog Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:31 am
Rauner found a new Ken Dunkin. Should work out well for all parties involved.

Comment by Signal and Noise Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:33 am
So Drury, weren’t you one of the three that voted with Dunkin and Franks against the AFSCME arbitration bill? With those two gone, do you really thing you have anyone on the Democrats side that will vote for you?

Comment by A Jack Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:34 am
Under that scenario, as the second largest vote getter, wouldn’t Madigan become Minority Leader?

Comment by The Other Anonymous Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:34 am
“I’m convinced I’m the only person really studying this issue closely….”

That right there is Drury in a nutshell.

Comment by Conn Smythe Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:34 am
Drury is NOT Fredo…

Drury is Carlo…

Carlo thought he was smarter, more entitled, crafty, overtly tactical against the family, disrespectful, and like Carlo, when butting heads against the Family, Carlo and Drury get weaker and weaker by their or lack of character, and their complete lack of self-awareness

Drury ain’t Fredo.

Drury IS Carlo…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:35 am
Someone get Not It a copy of the Rules

Comment by Signal and Noise Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:35 am
The ultimate double cross? Can you have the majority and minority from the same party?

Comment by Rabid Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:38 am
Other Anon, you can borrow the copy after Not it is done. Stop making things up as you go along people. Mediocre.

Comment by Signal and Noise Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:38 am
Long game for Madigan, Let drury do his thing.
Madigan wins, but the GOP all vote for a D.

House is unanimous in backing Democrats for leadership. Madigan uses it as another whipping post against Rauner, Postcards start showing up come Feb. 1.

#ItNeverEnds

Comment by Dee Lay Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:39 am
HAHAHAHAHAHAH!!! HAHA…HA. Sorry about that. I didn’t HAHAHAHA…again, sorry. I didn’t expect to lose it like that. Whoa…hahaha. ha.

Comment by Anon Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:40 am
Boss Drury 2018

Comment by Braidwood Billy Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:40 am
Given how smart he is and all, you’d think it might occur to Drury that there must be a reason Rauner doesn’t want Madigan to be the Speaker anymore, and it might have something to do with it enabling Rauner to enact an agenda that guts everything for which Democrats stand.

Comment by Moe Berg Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:40 am
My understanding is that Speaker candidates have to be nominated by the respective caucuses, which Madigan received last week. Can Drury even be nominated at this point?

Comment by Former Downstater Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:40 am
–“I’m convinced I’m the only person really studying this issue closely, and come Jan. 11, I’ll be prepared to do the right thing for the state of Illinois and my constituents.”–

Takes weeks of close study, does it, how that whole Speaker election process works, for the Berkely and Northwestern Law grad?

Must be a real brain-teaser for him. That explains a lot.

If nothing else, this puts him in line for Rauner network campaign money, maybe even some law business from Rauner friends.

His district isn’t bedrock Dem, like Dunkin’s was. It’s a lot safer for him to flip to Rauner.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:41 am
Drury is from the Republican side of the Democratic party.

Comment by Obamas Puppy Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:41 am
===but however slight…it is a crack.===

Lol. Not sure what you’re seeing A guy, but I wouldn’t get my hopes up if I were you.

Of course, you’ve spent the past two years trying to convince everybody that Madigan had a veto-proof majority and could do anything he wanted, ignoring the independence of guys like Drury. Meanwhile, those of us familiar with reality knew Drury was a flake, just like Dunkin and Franks, someone to be counted on only to save his own skin. Drury was never a reliable vote for Madigan and everyone except you and Governor Rauner knows it.

Now with Drury going all Drury on us, you claim to see a crack in the Madigan coalition? LOL! Either your plumber needs to pull up his pants, or you need to put down the pipe.

You crack me up.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:42 am
I think this says as much about the Governor as it does about Drury.

There are a number of members who have historically not been all that enthralled with the Speaker’s style of leadership, especially those who are more progressive within the caucus. Yet the only “ally” the Governor has been able to find is Drury? This goes back to the post from the other day of how much opportunity was wasted with the Governor’s Randian tour upon taking office.

Comment by Juice Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:43 am
==The absolute last thing in the world that the GOP house wants is to lose Madigan as Speaker.==

Yup.

And that Team Rauner is floating this plan indicates they’re still getting high on their own supply. A different Dem Speaker, especially one who won on such a compromised caucus, doesn’t get you 60 votes for the Turnaround Agenda.

Comment by Arsenal Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:44 am
===Drury IS Carlo…===

If this is for real, Drury is Paulie.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:44 am
Many people may find this hard to believe, but I prefer Speaker Madigan.

I’m sure this would provide comedic value, but not at the expense of our state. This would be akin to Gomer Pyle leading a group of Recon Marines

Comment by Todd Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:45 am
===…but however slight…it is a crack.===

It’s a crack as much as a self-serving narcissist can be a crack.

It’s not the message, it’s the messenger.

Ken Dunkin is the original Raunerite.

Drury voted with Dunkin EVERY chance he could, and with Rauner.

It’s not a crack, it’s Carlo plotting against The Family.

Character counts, even from former federal prosecutors.

Drury lacks.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:46 am
===If this is for real, Drury is Paulie.===

Respectfully, that was my very 1st thought, but Carlo was so brazen for a power grab, Pailie was a driver doing his bit for cash in his pocket, maybe get his button.

Carlo wanted the power only found in running a Family.

Thoughts?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:48 am
Suspending disbelief for a minute, what would Drury as speaker actually mean?

He may vote with Rauner but the other what, 66 members of the Democratic caucus now simply roll over?

We are NOT in the situation we are in because of one man. The house Democratic caucus is far more complex than the house or senate GOP caucus.

Drury as speaker or even Durkie doesn’t really mean things will be all that different.

Maybe weirder.

Comment by JS Mill Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:54 am
== His district isn’t bedrock Dem, like Dunkin’s was. It’s a lot safer for him to flip to Rauner. ==

True, very different districts. But a Democratic primary is still a Democratic primary. Being viewed as a Raunerite could potentially put him in jeopardy in March of ‘18.

Then again, I doubt Madigan is very popular among Dems on the North Shore.

Comment by Roman Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:54 am
What is the “reward” for Drury doing this?

Comment by Steam cleaner Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:55 am
==It’s not a crack, it’s Carlo plotting against The Family.==

I think I agree that the difference between this and, say, Nekritz voting against the Rules Package is a difference of degree, not of kind.

But I also won’t argue that the Dem caucus is getting more restless with Mike Madigan as he becomes more of a political albatross.

What I would disagree with is that this would accrue to Rauner’s benefit. I don’t see any Speaker who can deliver a House majority for the Turnaround Agenda, while just about any House Speaker not named Madigan would take away Rauner’s biggest talking point.

Comment by Arsenal Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:58 am
===Carlo wanted the power only found in running a Family.===

You’re giving Drury too much credit. Drury is an errand boy, a driver, a nobody. And if he puts his caucus on the spot with this stunt, well, “you won’t see him no more.”

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 10:01 am
Oswego Willy - Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 9:35 am:

Drury is NOT Fredo…

Drury is Carlo…

I’d say more like Carlos Danger..

Comment by Mouthy Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 10:03 am
This must be a bad dream. I’m going back to bed.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 10:05 am
===You’re giving Drury too much credit.===

Maybe, but the image as I describe, that’s what Drury thinks. Drury thinks he can run the Family. As delusional as that is, both Drury and Carlo believed their delusions…

Pailie wasn’t delusional, Paulie just didn’t show up for work.

Great takes - 47th Ward -, appreciate your feedback and what I’m missing.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 10:07 am
–Many people may find this hard to believe, but I prefer Speaker Madigan.–

Todd, a veto-proof, “shall” CC bill with no home-rule that went far beyond what the courts have let stand in states like New York and New Jersey?

No, I don’t find it hard to believe at all.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 10:11 am
- 47th Ward -

And Paulie and Carlo met the same “fate”… Drury may not be able to escape his fate, we’ll have to see if this even percolated and then the aftermath come September 2017 (petitions).

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 10:14 am
===What is the “reward” for Drury doing this?===

Entertainment, drama for everyone.

Comment by justacitizen Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 10:15 am
===Paulie just didn’t show up for work.===

Paulie called in “sick,” so Fredo had to drive. Paulie was both a coward and a traitor. I think it’s a better analogy.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 10:15 am
On my to do list for today:

Call and email my state rep. and ask her to support Madigan for Speaker.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 10:21 am
===Paulie was both a coward and a traitor. I think it’s a better analogy.===

Isn’t Drury stating, publicly, his intent to take Madigan out? Brazenly, with ego and bravado?

I totally see your angle, truthfully. It’s the bravado and the traitorous way Carlo and Drury think their delusions are real.

The Paulie angle is there, putting the Don in trouble and in harms way by making a vulnerable situation possible (Drury giving an option, a Democratic option).

Yep. It’s there too.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 10:22 am
Come on Man! - The Constitution is silent on how many votes you need to be Speaker. It only says that the Speaker and Minority Leader must be from different parties.

Comment by Not It Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 10:23 am
Dems need to step up and give Madigan a full-throated endorsement. All of these back-stepping, fumbling, wishy washy answers hurt them dreadfully, and allow the onslaught on the leader of their party to continue. Whether or not they personally want Madigan to be the Speaker, they need to understand what the GOP, both in Illinois and nationwide, already does: you must be proud of your party’s stances, you must argue for the stances your party takes and against those of the other party. There is no winning if Dems are timid about their Speaker or their positions. Get some guts and own your positions. The correct answer, when asked if they are supporting the Speaker, is “yes I am- the governor is harming middle class families. Every governor in Illinois’ history has proposed and passed a budget. But those other governors didn’t hold a budget hostage until they got corporate giveaways for their rich friends.”

Comment by chi Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 10:25 am
Step One: Convince 9 Democrats to jump ship.
Step Two: PROFIT!

But when I woke up this morning, the first thing that came to my mind was “You know what this state needs? Three warring parties in the House.”

Whoever thought up this plan must also put a few thousand into upgrading a rented apartment too.

Comment by From the 'Dale to HP Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 10:27 am
Dunkin won the Century Club trophy about half a dozen times. Has Drury gotten the award yet?

Comment by Anon Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 10:27 am
On whether or not this is a “crack”…I think it’s of a piece with long-time Madigan discontent/personal ambition. If it’s something different, it’s only different in degree, not kind.

That being said, I think the House Dem caucus is more restless with Madigan than it used to be, but mostly because he’s becoming more of a political problem for them. I still don’t see too many Dems who agree with the Turnaround Agenda.

Comment by Arsenal Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 10:29 am
===with ego and bravado?===

Ego? Yes. Bravado? Nope.

Drury wanted a better answer than Yingling’s. He thinks he found one, and hopes it will save his skin. He isn’t running to win the gavel, he’s running to avoid being on the BossMadigan list. He wants the benefits of being in the majority party without paying any price for that membership. He isn’t running for Speaker to help the Democrats, he’s doing it to save his own political behind.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 10:31 am
And so it begins.

I predict Madigan will win another term as his Caucus’ leader and will again be Speaker … but not without more of this kind of stuff. There is no reason to believe more of this type of discussion is not happening. It is.

The inmates are growing restless and their restlessness will only compound when Rauner, et al. continually pounds them throughout the non-stop, continuing campaign for 2018.

Comment by Deft Wing Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 10:37 am
===Bravado? Nope.===

- 47th Ward -, my sole intent here is for gratuitous snarky comedy, not in any way a “shot” at you. I’d hope you’d laugh along with me, I’ts not directed at you.

It’s there, I haveta…

(Clears throat)

===Bravado? Nope.===

“Have you met Scott Drury?”

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 10:40 am
I was having fun with this too, not trying to argue with you. But Drury drives me nuts, so maybe that’s coming through unintentionally.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 10:46 am
===Actually, if all the Republicans vote for Durkin, and if Drury can find those 8 Dems, even if everyone else still votes for Madigan, then DURKIN BECOMES SPEAKER! ====

Actually not how it works but just for this scenario I would definitely take Durkin over Drury

Comment by Been There Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 10:48 am
===But Drury drives me nuts, so maybe that’s coming through unintentionally.===

As the “kids” say out on that Intertubes

“Same”

Drury helps no one.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 10:53 am
=== Come on Man! - The Constitution is silent on how many votes you need to be Speaker. It only says that the Speaker and Minority Leader must be from different parties. ===

But the Supreme Court hasn’t been silent. It ruled that the Senate President required the majority vote of those elected. This was in response to the 1981 effort to elect Doc Shapiro (a real GOP leader). Doc had the votes of a majority in attendance. Phil Rock (another real leader) and the Dems sued and obtained the court ruling. That standard will be applied to the House.

Plus, House Rule 1 states:

(b) The election of the Speaker requires the affirmative vote of a majority of those elected. …

Comment by Norseman Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 11:19 am
Can play Jack Frankenstein role all day long. Wasn’t he an actor in high school too?

Comment by walker Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 11:27 am
Is Madigan the man behind the curtain? I don’t think he has been touchable in 40 years. These guys should dream on.

Comment by Mokenavince Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 11:29 am
He wants the benefits of being in the majority party without paying any price for that membership.

Yes. All day yes.

Comment by LYO Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 11:36 am
Never confuse education with intelligence.

Comment by Cubs in '16 Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 11:56 am
Drury is the rep in my neighboring district. He would be a huge improvement over Madigan.

Comment by Mockingjay Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 11:58 am
===- 47th Ward - Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 10:46 am:

I was having fun with this too, not trying to argue with you. But Drury drives me nuts, so maybe that’s coming through unintentionally===

But, but, but, you’re right all the time; every time. I know because you said so.

Has he brazenly taken this step before. Why, no, he hasn’t. But he is now. Publicly. Like I said, however slight…it’s a crack.

Comment by A guy Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 2:39 pm
- A Guy -

That remark you grabbed was directed towards me and our discussion on “Paulie vs. Carlo”

Please go back and reread that part the exchange between - 47th Ward - and myself.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 2:48 pm
===it’s a crack===

It’s a crock.

Did you miss his budget/heroin speech last June? IIRC, that was about as brazen and public as they come, don’t you think?

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Dec 16, 16 @ 2:50 pm