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* From Galia Slayen at the Pritzker campaign…
JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton are calling on Tim Mapes to be suspended without pay from all roles within the Democratic Party of Illinois and the Speaker’s Office as an immediate and thorough independent investigation takes place.
Upon completion of the investigation, JB and Juliana believe Tim Mapes should be fired from the Speaker’s Office and step down from any roles within the Democratic Party. It’s clear our state government needs to take concrete steps to make women feel safe when coming forward with stories of sexual harassment and without fear of retaliation.
…Adding… I received an early, texted version of the campaign statement ahead of everyone else. The formal statement has been revised to say this…
Upon completion of the investigation, if the allegations are proven true, JB and Juliana believe Tim Mapes should be fired from the Speaker’s Office and step down from any roles within the Democratic Party.
That makes more sense.
* Also…
Representative Sam Yingling (D-Grayslake) issued the following statement:
“I am calling on Tim Mapes to step down while an independent investigation takes place. I believe Sherri Garrett and have great respect for the courage it took for her to come forward to report the harassment and bullying she has experienced.”
…Adding… This was mentioned in comments earlier. Since Pritzker is a big contributor, he will therefore have a lot of say in this matter…
Pritzker just gave Madigan’s Democratic Majority fund $1M a few days ago. Mapes is the Treasurer of that committee. https://t.co/VOF7hMz8ax
— Mark Maxwell (@WCIA3Mark) June 6, 2018
…Adding… Press release…
REPRESENTATIVE SCOTT DRURY’S STATEMENT REGARDING SHERRI GARRETT’S ALLEGATIONS
I commend Ms. Garrett for having the courage to come forward with her detailed allegations against Mr. Mapes. While repeated calls for a truly independent investigation into the steady-flow of sexual harassment/abuse allegations continue to be made, they are met with relative silence. On November 8, 2017, I filed legislation (HB 4156) that provides for an independent – Bob Mueller-type – special counsel to conduct a thorough investigation into these allegations. Speaker Madigan killed the legislation. Had Speaker Madigan allowed the legislation to move forward - and had an investigation begun in 2017 - instead of learning of new allegations on a weekly basis, we already could be addressing them and implementing real ways change the culture of harassment and abuse long-condoned in Springfield. If Speaker Madigan will not allow HB 4156 or similar legislation proposed by others to move forward, I call on him to step down so we can elect a House Speaker who shows through actions that he or she truly values all people within our State.
…Adding… Press release excerpt…
Today, State Representative Jeanne Ives called for House Speaker Michael J. Madigan’s Chief of Staff Tim Mapes to step down over allegations of sexual harassment. Ives additionally advocates for a transparent reporting process in Springfield.
“The office of House Speaker is powerful and carries with it a great deal of responsibility. Tim Mapes, like Kevin Quinn, abused that power,” said Ives.
“And it is because of Speaker Madigan’s failure to carry out the responsibility of his leadership position that we’re at this point. He failed to do his job and ensure that a Legislative Inspector General was in place and that complaints were handled in a timely manner.”
…Adding… Illinois Say No More…
First and foremost, we want to acknowledge Ms. Garrett’s bravery in coming forward. Her experience further underscores the deep pervasiveness of sexual harassment throughout our collective political systems. There is no arguing that we are long overdue for systemic change so that women can do their job in safe and supportive environments.
Eight months ago more than 300 women and allies signed the Illinois Say No More letter in a show of solidarity to shine a bright light on sexual harassment in Illinois politics. And while some progress has been made since then, much, much more needs to be done. Culture and behavior cannot change unless the masses rise up and demand better from everyone in the system. That means more women having a seat at the table. And it means that these kinds of behaviors can no longer be tolerated.
To all the women who have spoken up publicly or have endured these experiences in silence, we hear you, we see you and we stand with you.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 12:51 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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Ok, put on the popcorn. My sense is that, anytime now, we will see the appointment of a new, female chief of staff.
Comment by Colin O'Scopy Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 12:54 pm
It’s interesting seeing Pritzker take ‘little stands’ so to speak.
He won’t call out Madigan directly, but he’ll call for his Chief of Staff to be fired.
Comment by Nick Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 12:59 pm
He doesn’t need to just get out in front of it, he really needs to get out in front of it. This is more or less just an acknowledgement.
Comment by DaleyMail Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:00 pm
And no one, not Madigan or Pritzker, knew anything about this stuff to investigate or take action until it was made public. Riiiiiiight
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:04 pm
I’m not one to quote myself, but I think I called this earlier on the first post.
“My guess is that we get a comment from Galia on his position. I don’t think they’ve even put out anything attributable to him on any of this.”
I guess you could say the sentiment is attributable here, as in Galia says they are “calling on”. But still, not even a quote of actual words from him.
=It’s interesting seeing Pritzker take ‘little stands’ so to speak.=
Indeed.
Maybe Pritzger can find a podium and learn to pronounce “Madigan”, or just start slow and say “Mapes”?
Comment by m Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:05 pm
Pritzker’s biggest issue may yet just take care of itself if this keeps up.
Comment by A guy Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:05 pm
“Upon completion of the investigation, JB and Juliana believe Tim Mapes should be fired from the Speaker’s Office and step down from any roles within the Democratic Party.”
What is the point for calling for an investigation when you already have your sentence in mind? If the investigation finds him innocent does JB still think he should be fired?
Comment by BucknIrish Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:05 pm
If the MJM team meets about this…who in the he!! is left to be in that meeting?
Comment by A guy Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:08 pm
The most disheartening thing about the situation is that the people around him would have known about his behavior and not be surprised.
Comment by NoGifts Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:09 pm
=Maybe Pritzger can find a podium and learn to pronounce “Madigan”, or just start slow and say “Mapes”?=
I wonder if there might come a time when Pritzker might actually be willing to call on Madigan to step down.
It’s almost useless speculation really, but it occurs to me that between his funding and the *need* to defeat Rauner, Pritkzer is perhaps the one person with the power/sway to actually force Madigan out.
Comment by Nick Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:09 pm
BucknIrish, don’t be silly now, obviously they are assuming that the allegations will hold up under scrutiny. If by some miracle the allegations don’t then obviously they wouldn’t want him fired.
Comment by Perrid Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:09 pm
What’s the point of calling for an investigation, and then firing immediately afterward? It doesn’t say “if the investigation finds cause…” Sounds like he should just be fired, and spare the expense of an investigation that everyone knows will lead to his firing.
Comment by Moist von Lipwig Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:11 pm
==Pritzker calls on Mapes to be suspended, fired==
I call on Pritzker to put a “Stop Payment” on his check.
Does calling on someone matter?
Comment by A guy Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:11 pm
Aaaaaand I commented just before the update. Got it.
Comment by Moist von Lipwig Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:11 pm
==The most disheartening thing about the situation is that the people around him would have known about his behavior and not be surprised.==
Of course that’s true. But we haven’t, and likely won’t, hear anything from the JB camp about holding people accountable who knew but did nothing.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:13 pm
Good for him and it’s the right thing to do.
Comment by Shytown Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:13 pm
Mr. Pritzker could possibly have more to do with today’s events than meets the eye. The press conference was conducted today in the foundation office of one of his staunchest House allies. I doubt that is a coincidence.
Comment by Violet Seepage Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:13 pm
Ms. Garrett and others have said the culture is pervasive within the Speaker’s office. My question is whether Mapes will go down alone or drag others with him.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:14 pm
And by the way, Mr. Rauner: Fire Ken Dunkin. Now.
Comment by Violet Seepage Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:14 pm
=Pritzker’s biggest issue may yet just take care of itself if this keeps up.=
Madigan steps down = Good for JB’s poll numbers.
JB stands against Madigan = Good for JB’s poll numbers.
JB stays silent and continues to let Galia tell us how he feels and what he “wants” = Bad for JB’s poll numbers as the drip continues.
This isn’t rocket science.
=I wonder if there might come a time when Pritzker might actually be willing to call on Madigan to step down.=
Seems like that time is now.
Does Madigan have something on him? Or is JB spineless?
Remember this when you watch his ad about how he is going to stand up for everyone.
Comment by m Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:15 pm
The issue here is harassment, not that you’d know it from all the drooling for Mapes’ (and Madigan’s) scalp.
Garret wants fundamental change, an improved culture, and expressly does not want a quick fix.
Many commenters are getting far ahead of things. Keep your eyes on the ball, people. The ball is harassment, not leadership change.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:16 pm
Pritzker should not call for Madigan to leave. That kind of in-fighting is exactly what the Rauner campaign would love to see, and it’s not clear how Pritzker’s interests would be served by doing it. Recent Illinois history can be divided into “Mike Madigan” and “people who have tried to defeat him and failed.” No reason to be part of the second camp until Pritzker wins the election.
Comment by Chris Widger Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:18 pm
When Madigan says ‘JB you need to say that I, Mike Madigan needs to step down”
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:18 pm
I think the issue is if he jumps on calling for Madigan to go now, there wouldn’t be enough support among Illinois Democrats to actually do it. Madigan’s hold/sway with actual legislators/committee members is that solid, I think.
Though I’m actually not sure how much worse you can get than your Chief of Staff going under…
Comment by Nick Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:20 pm
===Keep your eyes on the ball, people. The ball is harassment, not leadership change.===
You can’t have one without the other, it would appear. See Ms. Garrett’s statement about “sex training” & the blue suit.
Comment by Anon 62704 Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:26 pm
== The ball is harassment, not leadership change.==
The part of the ball you’re ignoring is allowing “leaders” who clearly failed to lead on this issue, to continue in the position they’ve failed in. Repeatedly.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:26 pm
Good to see JB stepping it up
Comment by Thomas Zane Stepp Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:27 pm
=it’s not clear how Pritzker’s interests would be served by doing it.=
Are you serious?
I’d lay money that a JB presser calling on the Speaker to step down would be followed by a 10-point bump in the polls.
Madigan polls a 70%+ disapproval. If people actually believed Rauner could get rid of him, he would be re-elected. The entire Rauner strategy is tying Pritzker to Madigan and tying him to blago/corruption. JB could take half of the ammo away from them.
Comment by m Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:27 pm
–You can’t have one without the other, it would appear. See Ms. Garrett’s statement about “sex training” & the blue suit.–
Exactly. The tone seems to be: “Reform? Yeah, we’re not doing that.” And both of those alleged comments were THIS YEAR.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:29 pm
=== I’d lay money that a JB presser calling on the Speaker to step down would be followed by a 10-point bump in the polls.
Madigan polls a 70%+ disapproval. If people actually believed Rauner could get rid of him, he would be re-elected. The entire Rauner strategy is tying Pritzker to Madigan and tying him to blago/corruption. JB could take half of the ammo away from them.===
That is most certainly true but we do have to remember that JB doesn’t want to count Madigan out altogether. If he can keep the speaker on his side, then this makes for an easier governing strategy. Voters do want someone who will govern more than they want Madigan out.
Comment by Thomas Zane Stepp Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:34 pm
I began lobbying in 1989. Retired four years ago. This is not surprising. It is welcome news.
Comment by Steelerfan Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:35 pm
=== I’d lay money that a JB presser calling on the Speaker to step down would be followed by a 10-point bump in the polls. ===
That may be true but certainly JB discounting the speaker altogether may make for a disorganized government being that he isn’t going away any time soon, and voters had enough of a Springfield in chaos.
Comment by Thomas Zane Stepp Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:36 pm
When organizational insiders start coming forward the chaos really begins. Everybody starts looking at everyone else a little funny. Madigan had some sketchy people on his team. Loyal, but very sketchy. Suddenly our country found its moral compass, and you can’t remake a team quick enough to avoid getting caught up in it. Madigan knew these guts were lacking character in so many ways, but their loyalty made up for it. Who’s sorry now?
Comment by SSL Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:41 pm
Where are all the legislators that wore black on this one? It would be nice to see some solidarity when it counts.
Comment by Realist Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:45 pm
Totally shocked that Chief Madigoon Exemplar is not an upstanding citizen. Totally floored. That organization is usually such a cut above.
Comment by Tip of the iceberg Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:48 pm
=Pritzker should not call for Madigan to leave. That kind of in-fighting is exactly what the Rauner campaign would love to see, and it’s not clear how Pritzker’s interests would be served by doing it. Recent Illinois history can be divided into “Mike Madigan” and “people who have tried to defeat him and failed.” No reason to be part of the second camp until Pritzker wins the election.=
For Pritzker the time to deal with the Madigan issue is not now, at east politically speaking. I suspect he is simply whittling away at MJM’s organization while allowing his financial support to strengthen others who may have the desire but not the backing to move up and push MJM out from one or all of his positions of authority. Or he may already know something the rest of us do not know, MJM may be willing to leave if Rauner is defeated.
Either way, starting an open battle with MJM at this time would be, from a political standpoint, unwise. Keep the battle with Rauner. His schtick is old, the Madigan broken record has probably impacted numbers as much as they are going to at this point.
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:49 pm
I just don’t see Madigan stepping down until Rauner is out of office.
Comment by Because I said so.... Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:51 pm
Three hours after the allegations were made, hour plus after the Democratic candidate for governor, and $1+ Million donor calls for Mapes suspension, and still nothing from the Speaker’s Office?
Lang resigned his leadership position and other perks within a couple of hours after pretty spurious charges. What is the idiom about deafening silence?
Comment by Swift Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:57 pm
I think we are approaching it…
Comment by End of the line for MJM Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 1:59 pm
This seems like a day for Lisa to invite Mom and Dad to dinner to talk things over honestly and privately as a family.
Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:04 pm
I would like to see comments requested from all those who stood w Lang.
Comment by Langhorne Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:05 pm
==This seems like a day for Lisa to invite Mom and Dad to dinner to talk things over honestly and privately as a family.==
Lisa who? Haven’t heard from a Lisa lately.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:05 pm
I am glad that the statement was revised. The original Pritzker statment suffered from clumsy phrasing. As worded, it sounds as if Mapes ought to receive a fair trial followed by a prompt hanging. Clearly, an investigation is warranted, but the statement presumes that the outcome is preordained. Not good.
What if Mapes denies the allegations and presents a series of supporting witnesses? I am not saying this will happen, but it is a possibility. The revision is better. Let the investigation conclude before demanding an outcome (unless Mapes chooses to resign rather than be investigated).
The toxic culture needs to be changed. No longer can someone be exempted from condemnation for bad behavior solely because he or she is good at precinct work or campaign organizing. This is where Madigan needs to be held to account. He seemed to condone some bad apples.
Comment by Practical Politics Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:08 pm
has he been fired yet? resigned? get it done. if you care at all about Mr. Madigan, you will leave, Mapes.
Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:08 pm
===I would like to see comments requested from all those who stood w Lang.===
Why? They haven’t done anything wrong until it’s proven we’re comparing apples to apples.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:12 pm
Bump in the polls for JB??? Rauner will get the bump, he has been screaming from the mountain tops about how corrupt that office is and here is a prime example.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:19 pm
The legislators who all wore black have been spending hours on sexual harassment task forces, drafting legislation and doing their jobs while being chased around the building by every reporter asking what they think of sexual harassment. A question that nearly none of the male legislators get asked. Funny how that works.
Comment by Sideline Watcher Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:21 pm
===Bump in the polls for JB??? Rauner will get the bump, he has been screaming from the mountain tops about how corrupt that office is and here is a prime example.===
What happened at 11 am again?
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:22 pm
===I would like to see comments requested from all those who stood w Lang.===
===Why? They haven’t done anything wrong until it’s proven we’re comparing apples to apples.===
Because they are experienced insiders. They have likely seen similar behavior, or can attest it was an exception
Comment by Langhorne Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:32 pm
The Blue Wave just hit low tide.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:39 pm
Some of you are dreaming. Madigan is similar to Charlton Heston in the NRA commercial. He won’t let anyone take the Speakership from his cold wrung hands
Comment by Sue Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:42 pm
Please step down Mr. Speaker…please take ownership of the culture that you have created through your years of inaction. You are not the sole source of the inaction, but you have as much to do with it as anyone being in the position you are in.
Comment by Mod Dem Wednesday, Jun 6, 18 @ 2:57 pm