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* UPDATED x1 * Doing the Madigan dance

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* Democrats were asked during a Springfield candidates’ forum last night if they would vote to reelect Michael Madigan as House Speaker…

State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, said she was “totally focused on (her) own election” and that she would have to “look and see what (her) choices are.”

Dillon Clark, the Democratic challenger in the 95th District, said he would “fight for the people in (his) district” and against Bruce Rauner.

And according to [99th House District Democratic candidate Marc Bell], “we really don’t know who’s going to run.”

State Rep. Avery Bourne, R-Raymond, lit into the Democrats on stage for not directly answering the question.

“Every Democrat on this stage like to hem and haw and say they only want to represent their district,” said Bourne, who represents the 95th. “We know who’s running. Mike Madigan has said he’s running. Jim Durkin is running,” Bourne said. “If they’re not willing to nominate someone else for speaker, then the choice is clear. This isn’t a 90-second answer, this is a two-second answer. Are you voting for Madigan or not? Our constituents deserve to know that.”

Clark had the only “right” answer to this question. Everyone presumes Madigan is running again. So, if you’re gonna dodge the question, at least try to turn it on the other party.

*** UPDATE *** Democratic Party of Illinois Executive Director Rep. Christian Mitchell…

How much longer should he remain Speaker, a role he’s held – except for two years – since 1983?

“You’d have to ask him that question.”

* 50th House District Democratic candidate James Leslie, who is up against GOP Rep. Keith Wheeler…

Leslie, 41, an Aurora Democrat and firefighter/paramedic, says it’s laughable to suggest Madigan wields that much power over other lawmakers.

“You’re telling me all of those senators and representatives, and governors were just innocent bystanders? Or is it people that haven’t accomplished anything are looking to blame someone?” he said.

Leslie said he would vote for Madigan to continue on as speaker if there is no other, better candidate. He doesn’t support term limits for Madigan or House leaders.

“Term limits for legislative leaders makes me nervous because, in that scenario, it’s the lobbyists who become the knowledge brokers and they don’t face election,” he said.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 10:50 am

Comments

Bourne put those three democrats in their place.

Comment by weird Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 10:55 am
Why don’t the downstate democrats have a fake candidate who can lose to MJM? Then they could at least pretend they have an alternative.

Comment by Just Me Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 10:58 am
“If Speaker Madigan chooses to run again pledges support for our district, yes. He’s a powerful experienced legislator who could really deliver for us.”

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 10:58 am
Funny the GOPie was not this outspoken when it came to wreckin’ colleges, vets and Quincy and more recently GovJnuk’s poison plant.
Interestin’ time to get her voice back

Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 11:05 am
It seemed the whole time Bourne could only talk about madigan and term limits……. must be because she can’t run on her own record

Comment by Hawks123 Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 11:09 am
This stuff… this is part of the problem.

Comment by Exit 59 Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 11:10 am
Along the lines of what VM said but less cynical.
I’ll support those my commitment to fight for the people in my district and against policies that harm us. If that means supporting Speaker Madigan or working across the aisle to honor my commitment I’ll do it. Opposing Madigan for “fun” at the expense of our district is irresponsible and I will not act irresponsibly.

Comment by Duopoly Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 11:10 am
Interesting that Rep. Bourne has so much to allude to about Democrats being subject to Madigan’s whims, but I don’t recall her ever going against the Governor on anything major during the time he has near single-handedly funded large chunks of the House Republicans’ campaign organization. Huh, weird how she only sees people following directions in one party.

Comment by Stark Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 11:21 am
How many times did Bourne part ways with Rauner when it came to votes on his destructive agenda items? When it came to overriding his vetoes of budgets or other bills needed by the state, or that were important to her constituents?

Comment by Nick Name Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 11:25 am
Avery doesn’t say no to Rauner..be serious

Comment by Georgia O Keefe Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 11:32 am
Was it also asked if the gop members support Bruce Rauner and provide us with an agenda item he accomplished

Comment by Publius Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 11:51 am
@Publius nope

Comment by Hawks123 Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 11:56 am
Christian Mitchell:
*looks around to see if MJM is anywhere in sight*

“You would have to ask him that.”
__________________________________________

No one dare stand up to Madigan. Mitchell knows EXACTLY who he takes orders from.

Comment by Flat Bed Ford Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 11:57 am
Oh keep in mind after this statement Rep. Bourne said to vote for her on November 8th.

Comment by Jolietslammer16 Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 12:11 pm
Publius - you’re comparing apples to oranges. The voters can decide if they want to vote for Rauner or not. The voters don’t have that option with the Speaker.

Comment by Just Me Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 12:33 pm
==“You’d have to ask him that question.”==

Maybe we also want the opinion of those who actually have the power to give him that seat. Strange thought, I know

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 12:48 pm
=Bourne put those three democrats in their place.=

=Mitchell knows EXACTLY who he takes orders from.=

Of course, the GOP is owned by Rauner and Avery Bourne has been one of his most dependable employees.

Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 1:22 pm
Ms. Bourne I have a 2 second answer for you. You were bought) You have stayed bought. I live in the 95th district. You have done nothing except Rauner’s bidding. He is toast, so the money flow will stop, and I hope you go with him.

Comment by Retired Educator Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 1:58 pm
I kinda like Leslie’s answer in the Update.

Comment by G'Kar Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 2:02 pm
Absolutely legitimate question. In the debate in the 104th District the Dem candidate stumbled all over herself to not say Madigan out loud as well. It’s the nail in the coffin answer for a Downstate Dem.

Comment by Truthseeker Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 2:15 pm
Pretty sure that “reaction” to the question is very well rehearsed and sung in unison in about 110 districts around the state.

Comment by A guy Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 2:23 pm
==The voters can decide if they want to vote for Rauner or not. The voters don’t have that option with the Speaker.==

Yes, but only sort of. My representative, whom I vote for, will cast a ballot for MJM for speaker.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 2:24 pm
===My representative, whom I vote for, will cast a ballot for MJM for speaker.===

Rauner macro

Madigan micro

Dunno, if it’s a wave, Dems might be saved in some of these districts, Madigan or not.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 2:26 pm
Clark might actually pull this race off

Comment by Gertie68 Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 4:46 pm