Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: The ideas that refuse to die
Next Post: Question of the day
Posted in:
* I didn’t include the ILGOP’s kabillion hyperlinks, but if you want to verify the info yourself click here for the original document…
“J.B. Pritzker is spineless. Even as top Illinois Democrats and two of Illinois’ leading newspapers call on Mike Madigan to resign his post as Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois for his mishandling of a sexual harassment scandal, Pritzker remains silent. Why? Because Mike Madigan is the man behind J.B. Pritzker’s campaign for governor.” - Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot
In what may be unprecedented editorials from two of Illinois’ top newspapers, the State Journal-Register and Chicago Tribune called on Illinois Democrats to force House Speaker Mike Madigan to resign his post as Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois in light of Madigan’s mishandling of sexual harassment complaints within his political organizations.
From the State Journal-Register editorial:
.
..But it took public complaints for Madigan and company to act — an illustration of how unimportant it was for them to have a legislative inspector general until it became politically unpopular for there not to be one.
And now, Madigan faces similar issues about how his political operation is run. Once again, it appears it took negative public attention to push Madigan into motion.
…Organizations reflect their leadership. Even if Madigan was not initially personally aware of these allegations in his political operation, he has allowed an environment to flourish that allowed harassment and bullying.
…The concentration of power that Madigan holds isn’t healthy for Illinois Democrats. They should no longer accept that the speaker can also be the party chairman. It’s time for the state’s Democrats to demand change. They can start by insisting Madigan step down as chairman.
From the Chicago Tribune editorial:
It’s proper that House Speaker Michael Madigan acknowledges his failure to be a leader in the fight against sexual harassment and bullying in Illinois government and politics. It’s also stunning, given his clenched grip on power and his reluctance to take responsibility for the state of this state. We can’t remember the last time Madigan publicly displayed such humility.
…Now we are witnessing a political uprising against Madigan by a force he cannot ignore and may not outmaneuver: Female Democratic politicians — at first disappointingly, almost deafeningly quiet — have begun telling Madigan his promises to change the culture in Illinois aren’t enough. State Rep. Kelly Cassidy of Chicago wants an independent investigation of Madigan’s organizations to “rip the Band-Aid off” mistreatment. So does state Sen. Melinda Bush of Grayslake. Other Democrats, some in the thick of the primary campaign, are chiming in. Candidate for governor Chris Kennedy wants Madigan to resign as party chairman. So does Marie Newman, running for Congress against Madigan ally Rep. Dan Lipinski.
…It’s on other Illinois Democrats — his caucus members, other officeholders but also voters — to force Madigan’s hand. At minimum here must be an independent investigation of his legislative offices and political operations to detail precisely how he handled allegations of harassment and bullying. Beyond that, Democrats have to decide whether, for the good and reputation of their party and the legislature, Madigan should shed some of his titles.
Top names in the Democratic Party of Illinois are joining the State Journal-Register and Chicago Tribune in calling for Madigan’s resignation as party chairman as well:
Chris Kennedy:“[Madigan] no longer can lead our party.”
State Sen. Daniel Biss: Sen. Daniel Biss has called for Madigan to step down from his dual position as chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois
State Sen. Kwame Raoul: “Is it time for new leadership in the party? Yea, I believe in passing the baton…”
State Sen. Melinda Bush: Madigan “should seriously consider” resigning as party chairman.
State Rep. Litesa Wallace: Rep. Litesa Wallace says that House Speaker Mike Madigan should resign as Chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party, and is also questioning whether he can remain as Speaker.
State Rep. Scott Drury: Democratic attorney general candidate Scott Drury doubled down on his previous call for Madigan to resign.
Sharon Fairley: “Speaker Madigan should step down as the chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois - and as House Speaker…”
Marie Newman: “It is time for Michael Madigan to resign as chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois.”
Noticeably absent from the Democratic chorus demanding Mike Madigan’s resignation is J.B. Pritzker, Madigan’s candidate for governor.When will J.B. Pritzker grow a spine and demand Madigan resign his post as party chairman? Most likely never because Madigan is the man behind Pritzker’s campaign for governor.
* That Kwame Raoul quote seemed like “new” news to me, so I checked. Here’s the full quote from an Illinois News Network (formerly Illinois Policy Institute) piece…
“Is it time for new leadership in the party,” state Sen. Kwame Raoul, D-Chicago, said Tuesday. “Yeah, I believe in passing the baton independent of scandal, right. I think it’s healthy for us to push a refresh button and bring new leadership.”
* I asked the Pritzker campaign for a response and they referred me to a statement they’d sent me earlier…
“I stand by Alaina and the women who have bravely come forward to share their story and as I’ve said, it’s clear that not enough was done and there needs to be a completely independent investigation to get to the bottom of what took place and hold the right people accountable. I agree with Rep. Kelly Cassidy and believe the people investigating Speaker Madigan’s operation should have no political or other ties to the Speaker. I am also glad that a task force has been set up and know that Congresswoman Bustos, Comptroller Mendoza and Representative Ammons will help make our party and our state stronger, just as they always have. In Juliana and my administration there will be zero tolerance for harassment of any kind and we will ensure there is an independent and external body to investigate all allegations in a timely fashion.”
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Feb 21, 18 @ 1:02 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: The ideas that refuse to die
Next Post: Question of the day
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
Why on earth do they think Pritzker or any other Democratic candidate cares what they think?
Comment by Cheryl44 Wednesday, Feb 21, 18 @ 1:06 pm
https://youtu.be/YPA7nJscUpI
Comment by Iggy Wednesday, Feb 21, 18 @ 1:08 pm
I suspect the GOP hysterics on Pritzker have long ventured into the territory of being counter-productive to their intent.
The latest only continue to re-affirm what has been obvious for some time: the Rauner crew fears Pritzker the most.
I’m thinking Democratic voters who want more than anything else to defeat Rauner can figure that out.
Seriously, how hard can it be? Rauner ain’t going after Biss or Kennedy. Not a heavy lift.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Feb 21, 18 @ 1:10 pm
Parroting Rauner for the GOP, are these the Rauner democrats the ILGOP will use to put on tv
Comment by Rabid Wednesday, Feb 21, 18 @ 1:12 pm
Pritzker camp, this one is free:
Until Bruce Rauner demands President Trump resign over the dozen-plus women who have accused him personally of inappropriate behavior, his campaign’s commentary on this issue is simply politicizing victims’ pain.
Comment by One hand //ing Wednesday, Feb 21, 18 @ 1:15 pm
Pritzker can shoot this back at Rauner for not demanding Trump resign.
Comment by Real Wednesday, Feb 21, 18 @ 1:20 pm
So Governor Rauner isn’t the real head of the ILGOP?
Comment by walker Wednesday, Feb 21, 18 @ 1:23 pm
=== Why on earth do they think Pritzker or any other Democratic candidate cares what they think? ===
They aren’t speaking to the candidates, they are trying to speak to voters. Whether or not its an effective message is another debate.
Comment by Just Observing Wednesday, Feb 21, 18 @ 1:23 pm
Has Bruce Rauner himself said anything about this situation? Seems like the perfect opportunity for him to personally stick the knife in Madigan once and for all.
Comment by Dance Band on the Titanic Wednesday, Feb 21, 18 @ 1:36 pm
Pritzker is spineless?
Rauner ducks for cover in the wake of the veterans Home scandal and Pritzker is spineless?
Everybody take a deep breath.
Comment by Winnin’ Wednesday, Feb 21, 18 @ 1:39 pm
Madigan’s ways have been the wrong ways to run the party and some people in leadership are finally seeing that he is detrimental to the party and politics as a whole. He built his party based on toeing a certain line and bullying people to stay in line, the original old boys club.
Comment by Stand Tall Wednesday, Feb 21, 18 @ 1:41 pm
The new pattern for success is Trump/Rauner.
Deny, lie, blame the media.
At least Madigan is constructive and Pritzker addresses the issue. They are not like the Trump/Rauner new way of governing.
Democrats, grow some…
Comment by Winnin’ Wednesday, Feb 21, 18 @ 1:42 pm
–Whether or not its an effective message is another debate.–
You mean likely Democratic voters won’t take Rauner’s advice on who to vote for in the primary?
Here’s another freebie for Pritzker. “If Bruce Rauner is against me — and only me — it’s because he knows I’m the only Democrat who can beat him. If you want to get rid of Rauenr, vote for me.” shoul.”
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Feb 21, 18 @ 1:48 pm
It is obvious the GOP and Chicago Tribune want to defeat Pritzker in March and assure a Rauner reelection in November. This is all nonsense.
Comment by Professor Wednesday, Feb 21, 18 @ 1:57 pm
If Madigan steps down as party chair it’s really not a big deal. He’s still the Speaker and will still be the most powerful person in the party. They need to call for him to resign his seat.
Do you think that the Tim Schneider who is the GOP state chair controls his party?
Comment by Scoot Wednesday, Feb 21, 18 @ 1:58 pm
In other news, the German High Command applauded the decision by Eisenhower to bench General Patton for slapping a suspected malingering soldier.
Comment by Last Bull Moose Wednesday, Feb 21, 18 @ 2:04 pm
Has the Illinois Republican Party, Governor Rauner, any of the Republican statewide candidates, or Mikey Straub commented on allegations involving President Trump, his attorney and Stormy Daniels or any of Trumps comments regarding women? I think it’s a fair question, since some had no problem commenting on his first 100 days.
“We now have a strong president who is willing to throw down the gauntlet,” said Tim Schneider, Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party.
“He is responding quickly and definitively and just liked he promised in the election,” said Trump supporter Mickey Straub.
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/trump-supporters-reflect-on-his-first-100-days-in-office/1930486/
Comment by Sigh Wednesday, Feb 21, 18 @ 2:20 pm
Madigan=Trump? That’s a winning argument in Illinois.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 21, 18 @ 2:33 pm
like the for free suggestions to help JB because his statement reads…words, words, sweat, words, fear, need more money, words. wordy response buries the name Madigan.
Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Feb 21, 18 @ 2:56 pm
Your blog would increase in ranking if you post more often.:~”*;
Comment by test1 Tuesday, Feb 27, 18 @ 6:18 am