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* Hilarious…
Rep. Drury, who voted present for Speaker Madigan leadership, says he's faced "repercussions." Like he didn't get a Dem gift bag w/ a clock.
— Tina Sfondeles (@TinaSfon) January 26, 2017
* From his district office director…
To Whom it May Concern:
Earlier today, State Rep. Scott Drury outlined the repercussions he has thus far faced for representing his district and not voting for Michael J. Madigan for Speaker of the House. Rep. Drury believes that only by shining a light on the use of fear and punishment to drive decisions in Illinois government can needed change come about.
* Here’s the press release…
Stating that the only way to reform the fundamental flaws in Illinois government is to expose them, earlier today, State Representative Scott Drury (D-Highwood) outlined the repercussions he has thus far experienced for heeding the will of his constituents and not voting for Michael J. Madigan for Speaker of the House. According to Drury, the repercussions are an overt warning to his colleagues – “choose to represent your district at your own risk.”
Ranging from petty to poor policy, the punishments began almost immediately after Drury cast his vote. Indeed, the next day, Democratic House staff handed out on the House floor a gift bag to members of the Democratic caucus. Inside was an engraved desk clock. Drury did not get one.
That small act was only the beginning. Since then, Drury became the only third-term representative, outside of legislative leaders, to be bypassed for a House committee chairmanship. Further, Drury, a former federal prosecutor, not only lost his vice-chairmanship on the House Judiciary-Criminal Committee, but was removed from the committee altogether. Drury received no explanation for his removal.
In drawing attention to the retribution he has faced, Drury made clear that this is not about him but about shining a light on the very real use of fear and punishment in Illinois government to drive important decisions. “No elected official should fear being punished for representing his or her district, and no one should remain silent when it happens,” said Drury. “History is littered with the awful consequences that follow from people remaining silent, when speaking up and taking action is the proper course.”
Classic.
He voted against the Speaker then he voted against the House rules and now he’s complaining that he didn’t get a clock and wasn’t appointed chairman of a committee.
What did he expect?
*** UPDATE *** From an e-mail to his constituents entitled “The retribution has begun”…
Friends:
Thank you for the overwhelming support with respect to my decision to not vote for Michael J. Madigan for Speaker of the House. As expected, the retribution has begun. Here are some examples:
I did not receive a committee chairmanship (I am the only third-term representative without a chairmanship);
My Vice-Chairmanship position on the Judiciary-Criminal Committee was taken away;
I have been removed from the Judiciary-Criminal Committee;
In a petty maneuver, the day after the Speaker vote, Speaker Madigan’s staff provided Democratic caucus members with an engraved clock as a gift — I did not receive one.WHY THIS MATTERS
The actions described above are intended to make members fearful of “stepping out of line.” This leads to decision-making based on self-interest, not public interest. For instance, I recently learned a colleague felt compelled to vote for Mr. Madigan for Speaker out of fear of losing a chairmanship position and the $10,000 stipend that comes with it.THE SPRINGFIELD REACTION
The disparity between the feedback I have received from real people versus “Springfield types” has truly been amazing. While the public has universally applauded my recent actions, Springfield has resorted to grade-school intimidation techniques — such as name-calling. Springfield has also criticized me for not “going along, to get along.” History has shown that this old way of doing business leads to dismal results.We will keep you posted on this issue and our other efforts to reform Illinois. As always, thank you for the privilege of allowing me to represent you.
–Scott
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:26 pm
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Where is his seat on the Floor now? Where is his parking spot?
Comment by Fan Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:29 pm
===Further, Drury, a former federal prosecutor, not only lost his vice-chairmanship on the House Judiciary-Criminal Committee, but was removed from the committee altogether.===
He’s a former federal prosecutor? Who knew?
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:29 pm
I hear he’s a formal federal prosecutor. Is that correct?
Comment by Former Downstater Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:30 pm
I think in the ethics test that all state employees take, that would be considered job harrassment
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:31 pm
===Further, Drury, a former federal prosecutor,…===
“This, is why you failed.”
Dear Rep. Drury
The GOP Members that didn’t vote for Speaker Madigan also didn’t get gift bags or chairmanships…
Capiche?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:32 pm
===Where is his seat on the Floor now?===
Directly in front of Speaker Madigan and right next to Rep. Guzzardi.
lol
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:33 pm
why did S-T reporter focus on the trivial — the clock, which Drew described as a small thing, instead of focusing on the significant, stripping Drury of his position on a committee clearly related to his area of expertise. do the Democratic comments on this site as well as the reporter at the S-T really think Madigan’s autocracy is in the state’s best interests?
Comment by jim Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:33 pm
“Drury made clear that this is not about him”
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!! — Ok, ahem, sorry. The thing is Scott, you’re in either the caucus or your not. You didn’t vote for the caucus leader. Quit whining.
Comment by Signal and Noise Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:33 pm
This guy again.
It’s “not about him,” though.
If I was a constituent, I would be furious.
Comment by Politix Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:35 pm
I want my clock!!! Wahhhhhh
Comment by hockey fan Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:36 pm
===In drawing attention to the retribution he has faced, Drury made clear that this is not about him…===
Geez, Louise, who wrote this?
“…this is not about him…”
Hmm.
===…State Representative Scott Drury (D-Highwood) outlined the repercussions he has thus far experienced…===
The premise of the release IS all about him.
Are you ignorant to word meanings or just hope if you type “former federal prosecutor” enough no one giggle at Drury?
I woulda sat Drury on the GOP side, like stop the chamber business and ask Drury to move, but I like “theatrics”… lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:36 pm
===Directly in front of Speaker Madigan and right next to Rep. Guzzardi.===
Welp, that might be a more sophisticated way of mocking Drury, lol
Good stuff.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:38 pm
No clock? NO CLOCK???? Madigan even controls TIME!!!! It’s worse than we though. Madigan & the time he controls.
Comment by Get a Job!! Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:38 pm
Representative Drury, do you feel the treatment you are receiving is worse, better, or about the same as Senator McCann’s?
Comment by Earnest Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:39 pm
Hey Scott, look at it this way, maybe the clock is bugged!
Comment by Amalia Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:39 pm
- jim - Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:33 pm:
Try reading for comprehension. Drury’s release mentions the clock before the committee assignment.
Comment by Precinct Captain Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:40 pm
I thought Republicans are about individual responsibility? Take ownership of your own life and stop blaming the government for your circumstances.
You did this. own it.
Are you surprised? I think a lot of state house observers are expecting worse than “no clock”
Comment by hockey fan Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:40 pm
===to members of the Democratic caucus. Inside was an engraved desk clock. Drury did not get one.===
So Rep. Drury WANTS gifts? By not getting a gift, Drury feels “alone”?
It’s a gift. Gifts are given at the discretion of the giver.
You didn’t back the giver. Why would you even expect one, let alone harp on not getting one?
Is Rep. Drury saying he is “entitled”?
That’s what it sounds like.
I could send Rep. Drury one of the shirts I had made up with his favorite quote, if it will make him feel better, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:41 pm
You probably don’t know anything about this, Rich…in school wasn’t the kid who misbehaved seated right in front of the teacher’s desk?!
Comment by Fan Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:42 pm
Think about what the rest of the House Dem caucus would want. They’ve got the same kind of pressure, and they all chose to stand together, while that guy decided to turn his back on the team. If I was in that caucus, I would definitely want him to feel the hurt. I think Madigan is doing what he does - responding to his members.
Comment by Miss(ing) Summer Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:45 pm
Shouldn’t expect any less from Madigan, and that in s sense proves Rep. Drury’s point.
Comment by Saluki Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:47 pm
Sounds like he’s a republican’t wanna be. Maybe he should start caucussing with them.
Comment by Huh? Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:48 pm
===Shouldn’t expect any less from Madigan, and that in s sense proves Rep. Drury’s point.===
Here’s how it works…
“Vote Present, No Present”
Ok, that would make a swell short
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:49 pm
I dedicate this song to little Scotty.Videos of me and god are watching scotty grow
bing.com/videos
Comment by Pouty Face Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:49 pm
He strikes me as one of those “I said ‘all due respect’” guys.
Comment by The Captain Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:50 pm
Pretty standard. As someone else mentioned, the entire caucus probably feels he turned his back on them and there’s no reason for them to have his back.
What about staff support? Or had that been taken away before this term even began?
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:55 pm
I would have given him a gift bag with a cuckoo clock. Or as someone else suggested a clock with a bug in it. Might remind him of his days with the Feds.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:56 pm
Can I have his clock? My mantle clock conked out on me.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:56 pm
Maybe, to get perspective, Rep. Drury should ask Leader Durkin how it was HE got to be a committee chairman as Republican during a time Madigan was Speaker.
Fees-Fees hurt then?
Ask Leader Drurkin…
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:59 pm
Doesn’t need a clock. He clearly can’t tell time anyway. Know what time it is? Time to get in line, dude…
Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 2:00 pm
Maybe next they’ll treat him like a state employee and double his insurance payments and threaten to outsource his job…
Comment by HangingOn Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 2:01 pm
-jim- you’re helplessly naive if you can’t figure out why Tina would use that in her lead.
Comment by Conn Smythe Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 2:05 pm
I also think it’s cute that he thinks those are repercussions. Those aren’t repercussions, they are the appetizer.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 2:09 pm
Actually if I were Rep Drury I would be more worried about the fact that none of the members of the Assembly are being paid due to being at the end of the line of past due bills, than about the missing gift bag.
Comment by Rod Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 2:15 pm
Mr. Burgundy is correct. Mr. Drury, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet!
Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 2:16 pm
Elections have Consequences.
This is no different. This is a proportional response too.
“How?”
You don’t back the leader, why would you think you’d have the leader thinking you’re a team player.
It IS about Drury. Both ways. Drury has been lucky so far, he just doesn’t realize it.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 2:24 pm
==Drury made clear that this is not about him==
As a formal federal prosecutor, you’d think his skills at deduction would be sharper.
Comment by Jocko Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 2:25 pm
What makes Drury think his treatment is only due to that one vote? No one has forgot about the arbitration bill.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 2:26 pm
It actually make sense to deny him the clock. Drury’s gift ban prohibits him from accepting gifts funded by lobbyists and his campaign hasn’t taken any party money since his first election. Wondering who paid for them?
Comment by former something Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 2:33 pm
Almost reminiscent of Red Buttons giving the after dinner speech about great historical figures who “Never got a dinner.” — But not as funny.
Comment by Politically Incorrect Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 2:36 pm
Didn’t Leader Rodogno hand out some punishments last session too? She had some detractors didn’t see?
Comment by Scott Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 2:37 pm
In lieu of a clock inside a gift bag, Drury received a small clown in the image of the Speaker, that told him, “
Comment by AlfondoGonz Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 2:37 pm
Fat fingers ruin my joke. To finish:
“In lieu of a clock inside a gift bag, Drury received a small clown in the image of the Speaker, that told him, “I want to play a game.”
Comment by AlfondoGonz Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 2:38 pm
Hey, did you guys hear he was a Federal Prosecutor?
Tell a friend!
Comment by illini97 Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 3:16 pm
He’s lucky that’s the only thing that ticks that the Speaker might have sent him.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 3:16 pm
It probably should not be a natural, expected consequence for him to be removed from the Committee — especially as it is an expertise of him. We should not normalize and laugh it off.
Comment by Just Observing Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 3:21 pm
Who knew former federal prosecutors are so whiny.
Comment by Northsider Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 3:22 pm
Ahem, did you guys know Scott Drury is a former federal prosecutor?
Comment by Stark Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 3:24 pm
This is completely expected, and will also involve some difficulties with credit for bill sponsorship.
Yet, why should Madigan really care if a goof like Drury wants to vote Present on Rules and Leadership? By trivial punishments, Madigan risks being seen as stooping to his level. A couple of non-votes are no risk to his Speakership or processes. Being overly sensitive is not a sign of strength.
Now if Drury pushed for specific rules changes, a different story. If he were seen as effective in generating real interest in legitimate alternatives, Madigan would promote him.
Comment by walker Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 3:33 pm
Oh, oh, man, he’s gonna get clocked alright.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 3:41 pm
===…grade-school intimidation…===
Is he mocking real bullying kids get in school or…
It seems like he’s mocking the real bullying that occurs.
Mr. Drury,
You didn’t get a clock, you lost you level of rank, due to your own choices.
The children being bullied are real victims, not you.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 3:52 pm
To the update:
Dear constituents, because of my actions I am now less influential in representing you in Springfield. Vote accordingly. XOXO.
Rep. Drury. (Former Federal Prosecutor)
Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 4:01 pm
Zeesh, reading the comments of the Madigan genuflectors, you’d think this wasn’t a two-way street: that Madigan will never need Drury’s vote on anything and can afford to be so petty. Do you see Nancy Pelosi doing this to the 1/3 of the House Dems who didn’t support her for minority leader? Anyway, I don’t know if “bully” is the word for being the Dem party leader and punishing the constituents of a Dem house member because they didn’t vote for you personally. But it sure reminds me of a certain POTUS.
Comment by lake county democrat Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 4:04 pm
Ron:
So in your world there are no independent or reform minded voters who might be offended that their Dem rep is made less influential by a Dem speaker for showing a soupcon of independence and think that should make them vote for a Madigan toady instead? Or are you saying they should “vote accordingly” by simply switching parties?
Comment by lake county democrat Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 4:06 pm
Words matter, Mr. Drury. Your vice-chairmanship wasn’t “taken away” and you weren’t “removed” from the judiciary committee. You didn’t own these things. Both of those positions were a privilege of membership in your caucus. You voted for the rules that allowed the Speaker to give and “take away” chair positions. Those rules didn’t change this year.
Grow up.
Comment by WWSDD Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 4:08 pm
Words matter, Mr. Drury. Your vice-chairmanship wasn’t “taken away” and you weren’t “removed” from the judiciary committee. You didn’t own these things. Both of those positions were a privilege of membership in your caucus. You voted for the rules that allowed the Speaker to give and “take away” chair positions. Those rules didn’t change this year.
Grow up.
Comment by stop Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 4:08 pm
Mr. Drury, in light of your gift of “hope to the hopeless,” the Speaker presents a clue to the clueless.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 4:10 pm
Irony. Drury filed HB 322 that seeks to further restrict gifts including eliminating the exemption that allows for gifts based on personal friendship.
I guess the Speaker was just allowing Mr. Drury to practice what he preaches. No more gifts despite our “friendship.”
Comment by 4 percent Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 4:10 pm
Lake Co Dem: Option 3, I just like a good laugh.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 4:11 pm
Durkin should take him to dinner and talk. He’s more likely to get more out of Durkin and have a better chance of remaining in the House than if he rides this out with the Speaker. He need only look as far as Ken Dunkin to see what’s in store.
Comment by LessAnon? Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 4:17 pm
Said it last year, said after the election, saying it again.
Drury should just caucus with Durkin and the other side and be done with it.
Drury already is disliked. Maybe Durkin can help Drury seem… palatable, seat him with Ives, make Drury “comfortable”…
This email isn’t helping Drury, especially the mocking of bullying children face daily. Bad form.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 4:25 pm
I am soo going to miss our chats in Criminal law. . .
Comment by Todd Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 4:36 pm
The clock incident reveals how petty and small-minded Madigan must be. Drury is not complaining so much as he is revealing what happened to him. Posters on this blog who ridicule Drury and defend Madigan are part of the problem in Illinois - forces for more of the same. The Democrats, both nationally and in Illinois, now represent the discredited status quo, while the GOP is the revolutionary change party. Change will win eventually.
Comment by Formerpol Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 4:37 pm
===Drury is not complaining so much as he is revealing what happened to him.===
Nah. Good try thou.
Drury had an expectation and his actions negated his opportunities. Drury is complaining and whining, actually.
===Posters on this blog who ridicule Drury and defend Madigan are part of the problem in Illinois - forces for more of the same.===
Nah. Drury isn’t a “victim” of “commenters” here, Drury is who we thought he’s been; embarrassingly self-granulizing, and oblivious to trust, teamwork, and we being stronger than me. That’s how a Caucus works. K? K.
===…while the GOP is the revolutionary change party. Change will win eventually.===
You should tell that to Rauner, he won’t even say the “word” Trump, LOL!
Your placing victimhood on Drury, Illinois, and politics.
That’s fun.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 4:45 pm
As silly as this sounds, the clock thing might actually be the thing that garners the public’s attention. Most of us can’t really understand the role Madigan plays in the state, but the pettiness of not giving one member of his caucus a gift may gain some traction. ILGOP should start a clock donation campaign to get Representative Drury some clocks.
Comment by Swift Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 4:51 pm
I think Drury is trying to be pro-active, before the attacks inside his district start. As the polling showed across the state, being seen as opposing Madigan ain’t the worst thing in the world in your own district. His district, while Democrat, is also made up of highly educated voters who make decent money and are likely pretty disgusted with state government as a whole. He could use this all as a reason to switch parties if he could stomach it and have as good a chance to hang on to the seat as a liberal Republican who stood up to Madigan as he would keeping it in the inevitable primary against the Speaker’s candidate.
Comment by LessAnon? Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 4:53 pm
If these ‘gifts’ were purchased with state money, then that is outrageous and probably illegal. If they were purchased with private money, then that is outrageous and probably an illegal gratuity.
Either way, it’s evident that Illinois will be far better off after Madigan. OW - your conceptions on government are indeed part of the problem!
Comment by Formerpol Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 4:55 pm
Can’t Drury just buy his own clock with some of the $2,000 Blair Hull gave him.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 4:55 pm
===Change will win eventually.===
I think that was Obama’s call to action
Keep dreaming big!
Comment by Under Influenced... Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 4:57 pm
===If these ‘gifts’ were purchased with state money, then that is outrageous and probably illegal===
Now it’s the “illegal” angle? The kitchen sink is heavy, lift with your legs…
Then, let’s try the “well, if they whee”, lol…
===If they were purchased with private money, then that is outrageous and probably an illegal gratuity.===
If you know, then know, otherwise…
===Either way, it’s evident that Illinois will be far better off after Madigan.===
Evident?
How so? Because of Caucus discipline and working. What about McCann and Radogno?
===your conceptions on government are indeed part of the problem!===
Nah. Your ignorance to Caucus inter workings is embarrassing.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 5:02 pm
#PrayForScott
Comment by Cletus Purcell Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 5:34 pm
He didn’t get a clock, but if he had, it would’ve been cleaned for him.
Comment by Anon Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 5:37 pm
“- Get a Job!! - Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 1:38 pm:
No clock? NO CLOCK???? Madigan even controls TIME!!!! It’s worse than we though. Madigan & the time he controls.”
Madigan doesn’t control time - there are those of us that remember that only Big Jim Thompson can control time within the legislature.
Comment by Lt Guv Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 6:12 pm
I have a busted desk clock in the basement that Drury is welcome to have. Like the Rep, it’s right twice a day.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 6:27 pm
Guys a real genius
Comment by JDuc Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 6:56 pm
Chairmanships, vice-chairmanships are not entitlements, Scott.
Moreover, your colleagues - from both sides of the aisle -,are relieved you won’t have the gavel in your hand over the next two years.
Let me remind you that committee assignments are not a privilege either. Ask former State Rep Tim Johnson, who was stripped of his committee assignments by Lee Daniels.
Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time. Spend your next two years in the woodshed - it is what you asked for. You can spend those to years watching, listening, learning, and if you can muster it, being kind and helpful to your colleagues. Who knows, you might earn time off for good behavior.
Or, you can spend those two years whining about clocks. Because if there is definitely one thing more petty than not buying someone a present you cannot stand, it is whining that someone you have publicly belittled and attacked didn’t buy you a present for Valentine’s Day.
Comment by Free Set of Steak Knives Thursday, Jan 26, 17 @ 11:01 pm
Oh, pleeeze. IL has More than enough whining by our Failed Governor, our Its-Not-My-Fault, I’m an Innocent Bystander, Raunner.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 8:31 am
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only use the web for that reason, and obtain the most recent news.
Comment by Jual Selempang Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 8:54 am