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* Which Democratic Senator would you most like to see become the next Senate President? Please explain why and try not to be snarky about it. Your choice doesn’t have to be someone who has a chance of winning, it just has to be someone you’d most like to see in the job.
*** UPDATE *** Press release…
Forward Illinois released this statement following the news of Illinois Senate President John Cullerton’s retirement in January 2020:
“Forward Illinois thanks President Cullerton for his long record of public service and commitment to moving Illinois forward. Working together with Forward Illinois member organizations, Illinois has made significant progress under President Cullerton’s leadership, including marriage equality, raising the minimum wage to $15 for working families, enacting strong legal protections for immigrants and refugees, ensuring access to reproductive healthcare, jumpstarting Illinois’ clean energy economy, and implementing measures to prevent gun violence. Best wishes, President Cullerton.
“But Illinois must keep moving forward. As the Illinois Senate moves forward with selecting its next president, we urge and call on all senators interested in the post to commit to a bold agenda of economic, social, and environmental justice, ensuring public safety from gun violence and climate change, and protecting and advancing the rights of people of color, women, LGBTQ people, immigrants, and refugees. Forward Illinois will hold the next Senate President accountable to this bold agenda and to the values of the Land of Lincoln, including fairness, equality, opportunity, and the dignity of each person in Illinois.”
A historic coalition of Illinois progressive organizations united around a bold agenda, Forward Illinois includes Sierra Club Illinois, Planned Parenthood of Illinois, SEIU, Equality Illinois, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence, Chicago Votes, Citizen Action/Illinois, and Local 881 UFCW.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:11 pm
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Senator Manar. Not only is he a great asset as a legislator, his knowledge of the job is second to none. CoS to Cullerton, senate legislative super star, pol who knows how to cut a deal and survive in a district he shouldn’t have a chance in? Go ahead and just name him Pres, no election needed.
Comment by ILLannoyed Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:21 pm
Lightford, she earned it as assist leader since 2009.
Comment by Donnie Elgin Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:22 pm
Lightford. Strong history of leadership. Able to work across the aisle. Represents women and people color. Strong on education.
Comment by Ed Equity Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:24 pm
Many of the candidates could do the job. I hope whoever wins it will follow Cullerton’s good example of not being excessively partisan, of respecting the minority party, of listening and not threatening.
Comment by anon2 Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:26 pm
Don Harmon. Smart, principled, understands politics, and can raise money.
Comment by Anon Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:26 pm
Patrick Joyce. Because he hasn’t been there long enough to be ensconced in the broken milieu of “what’s in it for me” politics.
More seriously, Elgie Sims, for similar reasons.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:28 pm
Dave Koehler. He is probably the most approachable and nicest politician I have met. But he is probably as old as Cullerton and has more sanity. So undoubtedly he would not want the job.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:30 pm
My votes would be Manar or Lightford. They’re both principled, pragmatic legislators with strong reputations and virtuous characters.
Comment by OutOfState Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:31 pm
Senator Lightford—she has leadership credentials, government experience, and works toward equitable policy
Comment by Two Cents Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:31 pm
Lightford. We need a strong leader who will do what is right not just what is popular. Politics seems so reactionary these days and everyone runs to the far left or the far right with the most wild proposals in order to win points they think the voters want, but I really believe most are sick of it
Comment by chicagocold Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:31 pm
Senator Andy Manar .. he’s a survivor and manages to (sometimes eventually) get things done
Comment by RNUG Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:31 pm
Kim Lightford. She is the grown up in the room, always. Grit and grace.
Comment by Nova Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:32 pm
People, no snark. I’ve had to delete a few already. Stop it.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:33 pm
Manar seems very effective & a solid fit for districts that aren’t Safe D.
Comment by 62656 Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:36 pm
Manar or Lightford. KL- clearly has the leadership qualities needed to lead this chamber. AM- Clearly an intelligent fella and having a downstate senator would do a lot good in ending the portrayal of partisan politics.
Comment by Spectre Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:36 pm
Cunningham or someone else of his vein, though a few mentions above are close and pretty good. I’m of the belief you want a boring person in charge to keep the ship steady.
Comment by Anon For Now Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:37 pm
Steans. I’m pretty sure she won’t end up indicted.
Comment by truth Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:39 pm
In all seriousness…
Hard to see another white man getting this job.
Sen. Lightford seems like a solid choice.
Though, Lightford vs. Lightfoot sounds like a battle that would have to bring out the light sabres.
Comment by Ok Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:39 pm
I see no reason why the Majority Leader isn’t capable, able, and ready to take 1 step up and be the first female Leader in GA history
Comment by NotRich Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:39 pm
“you want a boring person in charge to keep the ship steady.”
Harmon and Manar : Vote for me. I’m the boring one.
Comment by Ok Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:40 pm
I would have liked to see John Mulroe not leave the Senate and get the spot. Why be a judge?
Comment by Cirion Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:40 pm
Sen. Bush because half the battle with ethics is culture. Having her as pres would be a top down approach to a higher standard in the Senate. It also would help the Dems growing numbers in the suburbs.
Comment by twowaystreet Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:43 pm
Kim Lightford would be my top pick, for reasons already stated: Principled, experienced, trusted, proven, a hard worker.
Manar would do extremely well, for many of these same reasons. And Harmon would be a solid choice. But I’d give the edge to Leader Lightford.
Comment by Linus Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:45 pm
Manar. Smart, hard working, from downstate. Coalition builder.
Comment by CubsFan16 Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:46 pm
Toi Hutchinson would have been an interesting pick if she hadn’t quit. She is smart and liberal, but had experience winning elections in a more mixed district.
Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:47 pm
Senator Cunningham, he is thoughtful, honest, principled and hard working. He is someone who could lead the caucus with a great deal of care to the needs of the individual districts and members. He would be the best candidate by far to bridge the racial and geographic complexities we share as Illinoisans and work to make our state a better place for everyone
Comment by prairiestatedem Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:49 pm
Hastings. He’s honest, hard working, former officer in the military, and well liked by his peers. Would make a great Senate President.
Comment by Les Nesman Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:50 pm
Munoz - simply a good guy, balanced in his approach, gets along well with people from both parties & would be first Hispanic to lead one of the chambers.
Comment by Wilson Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:50 pm
Senator Bill Cunningham would bring a Senate President Tom Hynes like calm and work ethic to the chamber. He is a above board politician with a demeanor that is perfect for the job.
Comment by Southsider Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:52 pm
My “If I Had a Time Machine” Pick would be Toi Hutchinson. Smart, friendly, and tough. She got great reviews as NCSL president and did excellent work as Revenue Chair.
Like Harmon and Lightford. Think Hastings is an interesting dark horse.
Comment by Moe Berg Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 1:53 pm
Manar for the above stated reasons, Cunningham would be good for the caucus as he understands who is up against what.
Comment by Rutro Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 2:02 pm
Tony Munoz has a steady hand, hard woking and can raise money he also works with just about anyone to resolve issues. Maybe Lightford of Maynar if not Tony.
Comment by theCardinal Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 2:02 pm
Harmon: He is a pragmatic, progressive, skilled politician with the energy, drive and ability to lead a diverse caucus in a very challenging time for Illinois Democrats.
Comment by Over-Under Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 2:06 pm
Harmon - best choice by far. Smart, ethical, capable, knows how to protect and defend his members.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 2:09 pm
Steans
She’s fair, knowledgable, collaborative and can work across the aisle.
Comment by Bad Politician Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 2:10 pm
I vote for Manar. Why? Because he is miles away from the expanding investigation in Chicago. He understands the operations side of the job & he gets the political side. Another reason- to my knowledge he doesn’t have a family member working for PACE, Metra, RTA, ComEd… OR the cannabis industry and doesn’t work for a hospital.
Some of the previous posts have referred to him as boring, but I view it as no baggage. He isn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves and work on the complex issues- school funding, insulin pricing, etc.
The senate dems need a leader who can stay calm (light a fire when needed) and unite the caucus.
Comment by {Sigh} Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 2:11 pm
I think Manar because of his experience and the fact that he represents a downstate, Republican leaning area will bring a unique perspective when it comes to cutting deals and compromise.
Comment by Powdered Whig Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 2:16 pm
My choices in order Steans, Bush, Manar/Harmon (tie), Lightford.
Steans and Bush have done more to build coalitions than the others combined. IMHO, Lightford and Manar have too often let bipartisan causes become far more partisan than they should be. But Manar probably has far more institutional knowledge. Harmon has the demeanor but may be too far left for a chamber leader.
Comment by phenom_Anon Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 2:18 pm
I don’t know if he wants the job…but Senator Manar is a very reasonable candidate…if you ask me.
Comment by Dotnonymous Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 2:20 pm
Steans. She has a wide range of experience in numerous topics, budget chops, she doesn’t take any bull and she is incredibly intelligent.
Comment by mocking jay Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 2:31 pm
Manar would be my first choice for every reason stated above. Two major problems though. 1. I’d be shocked if he actually wanted the job. 2. Would it be wise to have a president in the most swingable district in the state? I don’t think so.
Wishful thinking, I guess…
Comment by A bored guy Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 2:33 pm
Harmon has what it takes lead the SDEMS under the dome and on the campaign trail.
Comment by estubborn Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 2:36 pm
I would pick Lightford, because I think it would be good to have a woman in the top spot. And she has experience as Majority Leader. Manar would be good as the new Majority Leader.
Comment by A Jack Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 2:50 pm
Sen. Lightford - She was the first name that came to my mind when I heard the news this morning - for all of the reasons stated above.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 2:54 pm
If you want to continue the J. Cullterston leadership style, I would go with Sen.Don Harmon: focused; team-player; intelligent; an attorney; and has the experience to work closely with Speaker Madigan. Lastly, he has served as the Senate’s Pro Temp.
Comment by Billy Sunday Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 3:13 pm
Andy Manar. For balance, need one of the state’s top pols operating in Springfield to be from downstate. With Gov Pritzker and Mike Madigan both from the Chicago metro area that suggests Manar is the correct balance at this time.
Comment by Responsa Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 3:21 pm
My choice would also be someone no longer there.
Donne Trotter. While he was a Chicago area Senator, he never forgot, and never stopped working for the Southern Illinois where he came from. He would work for the entire State, and stand against the Regional bickering. Would help to Unite, against those who keep seeking to divide us based on geography.
Comment by SOIL M Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 3:22 pm
Can we ask Greg Harris to move a few blocks, be appointed Senator, and then be Senate President?
Comment by Just Me 2 Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 3:25 pm
Harmon by a mile. Only one who can improve the SDEMS terrible fundraising program and navigate redistricting. Think he will also make very smart choices about who he surrounds himself with and create a very impressive leadership team.
Comment by SYSK Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 3:26 pm
This is an easy one. Lightford has earned the right to make history here, and she would be great in that job. Steans, Harmon and Manar all would be too, but they should not jump over the majority leader. I think someone like Sims should be disqualified because he is also a lobbyist like Cullerton. Isn’t that one of the problems the legislature needs to address? Legislators who are lobbyists?
Comment by Watcher Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 3:26 pm
Harmon and the Gov don’t really see eye to eye. Manar has the RHA vote against him. I’m thinking Lightford is the choice.
Comment by Glengarry Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 3:27 pm
Harmon by far. His door is always open (unlike Manar, Munoz and Lightford’s). He’s ALWAYS around and a tireless wiener. Harmon understands anything that is thrown at him and if he doesn’t, he learns it (unlike others). He is a thoughtful, fair member and it’s his time. Steans would be my second choice, only because I don’t believe she wants it. She is happy doing what she is doing.
Comment by Fantasma Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 3:35 pm
@ Quibbler - when I set down at the table with my family, RHA never comes up. It would be political suicidal to let RHA to be the lone issue in selecting the Senate President. Families care about education, cost of pharmaceuticals & jobs, etc.
And that white guy you reference REPRESENTS a diverse district and is respected by those that do not look like him. In fact I’m certain that his district does NOT refer to him as a white guy! They view him as a friend & continue to elect him to be their voice in Springfield.
Comment by {Sigh} Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 3:38 pm
OK “tireless wiener” has me curious.
Comment by Responsa Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 3:39 pm
Andy Manar is a front runner. He’s well liked and respected. Bridge builder. Scandal free. Knows the process inside and out. The RHA is not relevant here. Dems understand that vote.
Comment by Shytown Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 3:40 pm
I have a ton of respect for a number of the names out there, but I would just argue that you want your leader to be in a safer seat so they can focus on the rest of the caucus. Manar is one of the most effective communicators, but I fear he’d be even more of a target if he’s the Senate President. I’m also not sure Steans wants this role as opposed to continuing to focus on the nitty gritty substance of policy change where she’s been able to move some pretty big items, so I’d narrow it to Lightford or Harmon. I don’t have enough info to form an opinion on Lightford, but Harmon’s definitely sharp, strategic and is very safe with the Oak Park crowd.
Comment by Veil of Ignorance Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 3:42 pm
I would have loved to see John Sullivan stick around for this. The most fair, down to earth politician I think I’ve ever known.
Comment by Former Merit Comp Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 3:44 pm
==== @Quibbler - I’d recheck that roll call on the RHA. Manar wasn’t the only one. The final vote only had 34 in the Senate and 64 in the House. Doesn’t seem like it was just Manar.===
There were a few Dem present votes if I recall
Comment by Been There Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 3:47 pm
Don Harmon hands down, he is a proven leader. Manar would be a nightmare. Bush has a problem relating to minorities. Lughtford cant even lead the Black Caucus effectively, she is a non-starter. Steans is great for fundraising but may be too far left to gain consensus on key votes with Republicans.
Comment by getreal2019 Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 3:47 pm
I would like Munoz. Reason? I know him the best. Not the best reason but that was the question.
But also you basically have two main jobs as senate president. One is to deal with your members and the legislative agenda. The other is to get yourself and your fellow members elected or re-elected. The later is almost more important because if you screw that up you can’t take care of the former.
Munoz obviously has the political chops. Lightfoot, Harmon and Manar do too. Hastings is up and coming. Cunningham has the probably the best political sense but fundraising is a bigger and bigger part now a days and that is not his strong suit.
So I will stick with Munoz
Comment by Been There Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 3:55 pm
Manar is the most qualified, diplomatic Senator in the Chamber. He brings with them strong relationships with the Governors Office, organized labor, education groups to name a few. He has it what it takes to make tough choices and stand up to statehouse goons. Harmon is more is the same. He undermined the Senate President at every step and was constantly working behind his back. Also he was huge Biss supporter.
Comment by TimesUP Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 3:55 pm
== The RHA is not relevant here. Dems understand that vote. ==
Agreed. Might be a problem in a statewide primary (although Manar did vote for HB 40,) but not a problem among his fellow senators.
Comment by Telly Friday, Nov 15, 19 @ 4:00 pm