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Durbin finds a way around the Madigan question

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Illinois

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, said Wednesday that he’s not sure that Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, can do his job leading the House and the Democratic Party of Illinois, given an ongoing federal investigation. […]

Asked if the investigation hurts the party, Durbin said, “Of course, the cloud of suspicion is going to be raised, as you just did.”

“You start with the presumption of innocence,” Durbin added. “Then comes other questions. Can you do your job? What impact does your legal problem have on other people, innocent people in the process? That’s why I think, as this progresses, if it progresses before the election, other questions will be raised.”

Asked if Madigan can now do the jobs of speaker and party leader, Durbin said, “I don’t know the answer about that at this moment.”

Go read the rest.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 9:04 am

Comments

I guess Bernie needed to use the stick so he wouldn’t get in the way when the Senator was spinning.

Comment by Keyrock Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 9:16 am
He offers a non-answer as he waits till there is no political risk in sinking a doomed MJM. A real profile in courage by the esteemed Senator.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 9:22 am
Durbin said, “I don’t know the answer about that at this moment.”

That’s a real profile in courage moment.

Comment by thatbikedude Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 9:31 am
Sigh. Couldn’t even muster up the minimal “if true” line.

Comment by Derek Smalls Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 9:48 am
=== Can you do your job? What impact does your legal problem have on other people, innocent people in the process? That’s why I think, as this progresses, if it progresses before the election, other questions will be raised.”===

It’s an answer…

The “can you do the job” covers many sins.

Which of all the jobs, and the onus is on both Madigan and others to agree the job(s) isn’t/aren’t getting done.

It’s an answer of assessment and process not really an answer to a solution… so there’s that I guess.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 9:50 am
“He has the gift of compressing the largest amount of words into the smallest amount of thoughts.” - Winston Churchill

Comment by Angry Republican Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 9:54 am
“I don’t know” is as valid an answer as any other answer. Too many people are dishonest and pretend they are so smart when they should just admit they don’t know. Some times you just don’t know.

Comment by Two to tango Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 9:59 am
Senator Durbin’s comments say all you need to know about Illinois Democratic Party.

Too bad the convention is virtual, it would be very awkward for every elected Democrat to line up behind Mike Madigan as he announces the Illinois votes for Joe Biden

Comment by Lucky Pierre Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 9:59 am
Here’s the soundtrack for this thread.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU0NG2cQwo0

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 10:00 am
Typical of Durbin, been a fence sitter his whole life. He is useless.

Comment by Retired 126 Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 10:08 am
=== Too bad the convention is virtual, it would be very awkward for every elected Democrat to line up behind Mike Madigan as he announces the Illinois votes for Joe Biden===

Sigh.

“Too bad the convention is probably going full virtual, it would be very awkward for every elected Raunerite to line up behind someone like Oberweis or Ives as they announce the Illinois votes for Donald Trump”

Geez, Louise.

I’d be more… concerned… that Curran is the Raunerite nominee at this point and can’t make any hay unless he’s with Bailey telling folks to stop wearing masks.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 10:22 am
You start with the presumption of innocence

Really? Brett Kavanaugh says hello. Senator, you are a hypocritical coward.

Comment by Birds on the Bat Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 10:22 am
Career politicians stick together.

Comment by HighSox Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 10:26 am
Durbin makes extremely lame attempt to get around the Madigan question. Fixed headline. No charge. You are welcome.

Comment by Captain Obvious Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 10:30 am
== Brett Kavanaugh says hello.==
Durbin wanted the FBI to do some research into Kavanaugh. But the feds are already looking at Madigan, so what would Durbin ask for exactly?

Comment by Fly like an eagle Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 10:38 am
Durbin skills as a politician were honed by representing Spfld in his earlier offices. (He knows how to navigate politics). Wait & see is probably a better response to the Madigan question.

Comment by Top of the State Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 10:42 am
Durbin is machine career politician. He does what he is told and nothing nothing more. His resume shows it. A complete waste of time and taxpayer dollars.

Comment by cannon649 Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 10:57 am
Senator Worthless.

Comment by Arock Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 10:59 am
Senator Dick Durbin, profile in courage. /s

Comment by Colin O'Scopy Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 11:10 am
^^seconded.

Comment by Tynie Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 11:10 am
More than one politician is being careful in their denouncing Madigan. Still, there are enough cracks that a handful more might tip the scales against him.

Comment by Southwest Sider Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 12:26 pm
Let me say this about that…and let me begin by saying I want to be perfectly clear…it’s a three part answer,let me start with the third answer first…what was the question…again?

Pete and Repeat were sittin’ on a fence…?

Comment by Dotnonymous Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 12:27 pm
==He does what he is told==
Passive voice is the call of the weasel.
Who is doing the telling?

Comment by 17% Solution Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 12:34 pm
The senator stands squarely on top of the fence.

Comment by no_antonio Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 2:08 pm