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Question of the day

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Illinois

* The setup…

MADIGAN’S SOIREE — Speaker Mike Madigan spent the evening at the Island Bay Yacht Club for his annual fundraising event in Springfield. It’s one of two major events he holds every year. For all the anti-Madigan ads on TV, behind closed doors there was an outpouring of support for him, we’re told. Attendees were telling Madigan things like: “Don’t pay attention to TV ads.” “It’s just rhetoric,” and “Stay strong!”

* The Question: What would you tell Speaker Madigan if you could? No matter which side you’re on, you should probably take a very deep breath before answering.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 10:05 am

Comments

I generally find it best to Say Good Evening Mr. Speaker, and move on

Comment by Someone you should know Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 10:12 am
I would tell him thank you. Whether I agree or disagree with his position on many things, I have a lot of respect for someone that is willing to dedicate the better part of four decades to public service. That’s a lot of strain on an individual and on a family.

Comment by Fixer Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 10:13 am
Do better at working with Cullerton on a unified Dem legislative strategy.

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 10:20 am
I’d point out that despite being the leader of the Democratic Party, he must have the thick hide of an elephant, the GOP mascot, in order to cope with the slings and arrows directed at him.

Comment by anon2 Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 10:21 am
two words: transition plan.

Comment by baberaham lincoln Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 10:22 am
Mr. Speaker, though you most assuredly share responsibility for the State’s dire predicament, you are a master politician whose skills are a bulwark against further damage from the Governor’s destructive agenda and utter ineptitude. Stay strong in that fight.

Comment by Flapdoodle Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 10:23 am
Most visitors thanked him for standin’ up to GovJunk and urged him to keep doin’ what he has been doing.
We would urge the same

Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 10:24 am
Mr. Speaker - At the end of this session do what was suggested the U.S. should have done in Viet Nam, declare victory and leave. Thank you for your service.

Comment by West Side the Best Side Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 10:26 am
You’re going to be fine…

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 10:27 am
Pay attention to “some” of the TV ads. Think about spending more time with your grandchildren. There’s more to this thing called life than this. You hold every record there is. Consider a new chapter.

Comment by A guy Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 10:27 am
Honestly, thank you for standing up to Bruce Rauner and taking a stand against the turn around agenda.

Comment by Springfield_hack Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 10:27 am
One really doesn’t have to say anything. Just showing up is all the “words” he needs. It’s why he stands outside and personally greets everyone.

But to answer the QOTD, Good evening, Mr. Speaker. I’m hopeful we can work together on (your issue here). I think we can find common ground.

Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 10:27 am
“Speaker Madigan had a 21 percent approval rate with 18 percent who somewhat approve and 3 percent who strongly approve. Madigan is 68 percent total disapprove with 49 percent who strongly disapprove and 19 percent who somewhat disapprove.”

Keep up the good work Speaker Madigan! Parties that ignore the will of the voters usually disappear and the 3% of Illinois residents who strongly approve of you are all that matter. It’s just the ads, not your long record of obstruction that voters are influenced by.

https://news.siu.edu/2018/03/030218-psppi-job-approval-poll.php

Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 10:33 am
“Don’t vacuum the lawn.”

Comment by walker Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 10:35 am
What’s your email address and cell phone number?

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 10:37 am
May I have Drury’s clock?

Comment by Cubs in '16 Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 10:39 am
“Thank you for your long service, but it’s time for you to leave.”

Comment by Ken_in_Aurora Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 10:46 am
Wow! I’m stunned at all the supporters this man has. I would very politely tell him that I think he should strongly consider retiring as it seems obvious that his agenda is to reign power over Illinois, with no regard to how the decisions he makes impacts the people of Illinois.

Comment by Former State Worker Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 10:48 am
Can you take a look at my property tax bill and let me know your thoughts?

Comment by Henry Francis Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 10:51 am
Speaker, there’s no one like you. You’ve surpassed the idea of the cliches - broke the mold, no one ever, last of a - any and any cliche that acknowledges the uniqueness of you, you can’t even be pigeonholed there either.

You’ve fought to win, and as an accomplished white collar career man, you fought and worked with a blue collar work ethic that gave little time to enjoy, I feel, all you’ve accomplished.

You’re not always at the forefront, but you always took the next steps when you’ve felt consensus was there, and the political advantages showed themselves too, and the timing made the best sense for the larger goals.

You allowed a mythical aura to permiate, but you’ve lost control of your own mythology, and that mythology is the prism others now see you, for better or worse, and often it lets the negative be unchallenged. Your own mythology, hijacked, allowed yourself to become far more polarizing than even you could’ve imagined. The hijacked mythology is so ingrained that your failure to stay current in PR and messaging allowed an archaic image of yourself to seem logical, and your silence to that… only helped the packaging.

Your record on legislation and the history of working with governors has been checkered now in warped historical contexts that “the lazy” message against you, uninhibited. While “the miles” are cataloged as the negative, what happened in those miles are often twisted.

The reality is your legacy will be measured by two governors, Blagojevich and Rauner. One of your party, the other not. Both felt the need to take you on, both felt the sting of miscalculation.

Rauner has taken the fight to you as only Blagojevich dreamed. They both knew the path, Rauner was able to bankroll it. Those two will be the foils other may measure you now, often very unfairly.

There is a big difference between respect and admiration. My respect for you is large, you are a giant that was impactful and left your mark on Illinois, many times, doing the doable, and working to make it possible.

My admiration is framed by your legislative accomplishments and shepherding things that others couldn’t hope to get done.

Your stances to take on Blagojevich, and that history clouded at times partisanly, in the end, you knew and did what needed to be done.

Your battle with Rauner could very well come down to the voters this November, as Rauner will face the voters with the hand he dealt himself by how he thought he should handle you.

I hope, come January, election results no matter, you push abd allow your own positives and accomplishments to be brought forward to remind others of a whole package you’re willing to inject into the conversation, not to secure a legacy or rehabilitate an image, but to allow a real measure of your significance to Illinois, not just the measure of longevity

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 10:54 am
You’ve done some great things for the State of Illinois. You’ve also done great things for its people. I applaud you for your longevity and for your leadership. However, there comes a time when we all must reflect on what we’ve done and what we need to do. Now is time for you to do that. You didn’t ask (and you probably wouldn’t), but I believe it’s time to seriously consider stepping down and allowing the Democratic party to plan for a smooth succession to a new leader and a new brand. Please, have a serious talk with Mike McClain, Steve Brown, and your family. More importantly, listen to what they say and then decide what to do. And, please don’t listen to that little voice in your head telling you to maintain your thirst for power. And, don’t listen to the sycophants, parasites, and bootlickers, that care more about their own personal advantage than the future of the state or the party. You’re a wise man with great experience. Use it to make a wise decision. Good luck and God bless!

Comment by Anon Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 10:56 am
Mr. Speaker, people hate you because they can’t beat you. All of the talk of “corruption” and “reign of power” is just angry talk because you out-work, out-smart, and out-maneuver everyone who opposes you. They want to beat you without putting in the work that you have.

You stood alone in fighting Gov. Blagojevich. You have beaten back a well-funded conservative ideologue who would bring Kansas style supply-side nonsense to Illinois, and you’ve secured your legacy forever.

As a wise man once said “Don’t hate the player… Hate the game”.

Comment by Try-4-Truth Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 11:01 am
Kudos for your lengthy career, but it is time to address the issues that Illinois faces with a real plan to pay our debts and improve Illinois. If you are not genuinely interested in that then it is time to step down.

Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 11:09 am
“Mr. Speaker, with all due respect, it happened on your watch.”

Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 11:09 am
“You like apples?”

Comment by Flat Bed Ford Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 11:10 am
Henry Francis for the win.

Comment by Cheryl44 Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 11:10 am
I would thank him for his service and then suggest it is definitely time for him to retire.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 11:16 am
I would tell him I support him.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 11:16 am
The State’s credit rating was AAA when you came into office and by the time you retire, you will leave the State’s credit rating in “Junk” status. The worst in the nation. Well done, Sir. Was it worth it?

Comment by Occam Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 11:18 am
Retire.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 11:27 am
Lucky Pierre: As long as he gets elected in his district (which I do not see ceasing) it matters not what the other approval ratings are.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 11:28 am
I like apples, too.

Comment by Flynn's Mom Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 11:32 am
Absolutely what OW said at 10:54, but what came out of my mouth last night was, “Good evening Mr. Speaker”

Comment by Columbo Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 11:39 am
Congrats, you have a worse approval rating than the Worst Governor in America and POTUS.

Yet you have a cohort of CapFax minions to defend you.

Comment by Trumpet Boy Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 11:43 am
===Congrats, you have a worse approval rating than the Worst Governor in America and POTUS.

Yet you have a cohort of CapFax minions to defend you.===

(Sigh)

For me, for example, if I were tasked, same question, but the subject was GHR, I’m sure the line would be “blind partisan that supported Ryan and all his… “

My point? If you’re thinking Madigan or Edgar, or Ryan, or even Rauner is simplistic to this question, and the lone response, for both sides, must be overtly partisan… that’s really on you.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 11:47 am
“You are indeed a very young 76.”

Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 11:59 am
===…your writing style… . It’s incoherent drivel.===

Everyone’s a critic. Like anything, not everyone likes every thing.

I do appreciate the feedback. You may not think so, but…

(Hat tip to - Columbo - )

===Keep up the good work Speaker Madigan! Parties that ignore the will of the voters usually disappear and the 3% of Illinois residents who strongly approve of you are all that matter. It’s just the ads, not your long record of obstruction that voters are influenced by.===

Madigan will win his district, he’s running unopposed.

You can’t worry for the Dems expectations of existence if Raunerites won’t run against Dems.

Mathematically, the Illinois Senate will stay in Democratic hands come 2019, Madigan will be seated in the House…

Can’t beat someone with no one.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 12:08 pm
I honestly would want to ask Madigan why he doesn’t bother voting on more bills. His voting record is dismal.

Comment by Dome Gnome Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 12:31 pm
I would ask him to fight back and say to him that he has an opponent (Rauner) who uses him as a scapegoat and trashes him nonstop, but is arguably per-capita the worst politician and has caused the most damage in Illinois history.

Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 12:54 pm
Thanks for sticking around Mike. I love to see the Raunerbots heads explode every time they think about you thwarting Rauner at every turn.

Comment by PublicServant Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 1:05 pm
Pay the pensions. If you have to negotiate with Rauner’s demand for local schools to pay future pensions, go for 50/50 split phased in over 10 years.

Comment by DuPage Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 1:34 pm
It’s family time. Your grandkids need their grandpa, your kids need their dad, and all of your family would like to spend time with you, laughing, loving and enjoying the retirement you have so richly earned.

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 1:46 pm
Thank you, sir. May I have another?

Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 1:47 pm
LP:

You absolutely crack me up when you bring up approval ratings in any argument you make. Clueless doesn’t even begin to describe you.

Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 1:52 pm
I would concur with those who would give the advice to go spend time with family.

Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 1:54 pm
Demoralized, why is approval rating relevant for the Governor and every other politician in America and not the leader of the Democratic party in Illinois?

Aren’t the elected Democrats who blindly support him, allowing him to set the legislative agenda, against their constituents wishes clueless?

Is the Speaker remarking that parties that don’t pay attention to voters go away clueless?

Only the super smart people like you get it I guess. This nasty ads have unfairly maligned Mike Madigan, not his 30 year record.

Once gain mistaking holding onto political power as

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 2:04 pm
===why is approval rating relevant for the Governor and every other politician in America and not the leader of the Democratic party in Illinois?===

Madigan doesn’t run statewide, governors do. Keep up.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 2:08 pm
Tried not to read the preceding comments, but couldn’t help myself.

I understand there are strong naysayers to MJM’s decades as Speaker, but there’s a reason he’s held the position so long: he’s a masterful politician - certainly the most masterful our state has seen in the past 40 years, and arguably the most politically gifted state speaker in the U.S. He just does it better than anybody else - part of this being hard work, and part of it being, well, native gifts.

I’ve been thinking for a while that if JB’s elected and the Dems take both the House and Senate again, then MJM might decide to retire early in 2019.Just a thought of course.

I’d like to see him support a woman as successor, and depart on a high note.

Comment by dbk Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 2:12 pm
==why is approval rating relevant for the Governor and every other politician in America and not the leader of the Democratic party in Illinois==

I didn’t say it wasn’t. What I find funny are the cluless deflections that generally come with it when pointing out the Governor’s abysmal approval rating. Both stink.

==Only the super smart people like you get it I guess. ==

Stop being a victim.

Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 2:15 pm
==Aren’t the elected Democrats who blindly support him, allowing him to set the legislative agenda, against their constituents wishes clueless?==

The Democrats keep getting elected so I’d say no. If they were that upset about it they wouldn’t vote for them now would they?

Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 2:17 pm
Republicans have not been able to beat you, except for the two-year Daniels Speakership, and they won’t beat you this year. You will be re-elected as Speaker in January. Now they offer you advice that you should leave voluntarily. Consider the source.

Comment by anon2 Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 2:24 pm
Stay the course.

Comment by Big foot Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 2:33 pm
Congratulations on your complete destruction of a once great state. By the way, the Grim Reaper wants his face back.

Comment by Southside Lou Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 2:43 pm
You adjust all the time with purpose and when needed. You always read the room to win. Do not change and only compromise for the better of the end result of the issue.

Comment by bear3 Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 3:28 pm
What is the secret to your power? How do you stay so composed?

Comment by Caracious Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 3:44 pm
-Congratulations on your complete destruction of a once great state. By the way, the Grim Reaper wants his face back.

That was AFTER the deep breathe?

Comment by Morty Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 5:20 pm
What I would say to Speaker Madigan: Thank you for protecting the working class people.

Comment by Mama Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 5:21 pm
I’m no fan, but you are leading the fight that is important right now

Comment by Morty Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 5:26 pm
As the last buffer between Raunerism and the pain it has inflicted. I say beat Rauner then retire happily.

Comment by Jaxon Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 8:14 pm
You are a young 76 and I truly hope you live to a ripe old age. But if you ever decide to do funeral pre-planning, I have one piece of advice: choose a headstone material that is highly resistant to uric acid.

And yes, that was after the deep breath.

Comment by Stuntman Bob's Brother Tuesday, May 15, 18 @ 9:49 pm
I’m sorry, sir. I’ll stay off your lawn.

Comment by Keyrock Thursday, May 17, 18 @ 8:06 am
I am a life long Dem and Chicagoan, born in Hyde Park and educated in Chicago public schools. Illinois is in deep financial trouble under your watch, almost the worst of any State in the country. You have been in power too long. You are now the problem, nor longer the solution.

Comment by FreddyBoy Monday, May 21, 18 @ 6:38 pm