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Illinois

* Amy Elik press release…

Today, State Representative Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) announced her intention to seek the Democratic nomination for Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, posing a new challenge to Speaker Mike Madigan’s nearly 40-year reign.

House Democrats will now have a choice when they vote for Speaker for the 102nd General Assembly, and Amy Elik (R-111th), candidate for State Representative, is calling for transparency in Rep. Bristow’s choice.

“Democrats like my opponent, Monica Bristow, can no longer say they are supporting the Democratic nominee for Speaker,” said Amy Elik. “Who is she supporting? Is she again voting for Speaker Mike Madigan, who has been funding her campaign, or is she supporting Rep. Kifowit, a supporter of the Reproductive Health Act that allows abortion up until the moment of birth? Now is the time to answer.”

Bristow has taken over a million dollars from Madigan and his closest allies, including some of the most pro-abortion and anti-Second Amendment legislators in the General Assembly. She has also refused to sign the “No Madigan Pledge,” recently stating in a WBGZ “Let’s Talk” interview, “I’ll vote for the Democratic nominee” for Speaker. Later in that same interview, Bristow said, “You don’t come in and lead the charge to audit the State of Illinois or lead the charge to get rid of Madigan. I know my place.”

House Republicans have been united behind a change in leadership for the House of Representatives, and have called on Speaker Madigan to testify to explain his role in the ComEd bribery scandal that has rocked the Capitol. Elik has repeatedly called on Madigan to resign and for Bristow to return tainted funds she has received from the embattled Speaker.

* Mark Brown…

Kifowit said she has been making calls to her colleagues asking for their support but would not reveal how many commitments she has received.

She said she also believes there could be more candidates seeking the speakership.

“I believe firmly there should be a choice, and now there’s a choice,” she said.

* The Question: Do you believe Kifowit’s announcement will smoke out other candidates against Speaker Madigan? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please…

online survey

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 12:53 pm

Comments

Yes — For two specific reasons.

First, it provides cover for someone else to do it.

Second, it’s technically a smart political move to divide the opposition to Madigan.

Comment by Candy Dogood Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 1:01 pm
I voted yes (though I don’t anticipate any of them being successful until/unless something more surfaces involving Speaker Madigan).

I actually expect there will be four or five candidates, making a majority impossible on first call, and then, one by one, the other Dem candidates will pull back until the choice is Durkin or Madigan, and then “I’ll vote for the Democratic nominee” comes into play.

That’s politics.

Comment by thunderspirit Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 1:06 pm
It will take more than one wildebeest crossing the crocodile infested Mara River before others feel its safe enough to make an attempt.

Comment by Tommydanger Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 1:07 pm
Yes. Bill Clinton didn’t get elected president by playing it safe.

Leaders need to lead.

Comment by Fav Human Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 1:07 pm
I voted No - not at this time. IF more evidence comes out, then you may see more candidates come out publicly. Some may now be working very quietly in the (socially distanced, of course) backrooms to gather intel & support.

Comment by Interim Retiree Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 1:13 pm
I voted no. I think there are still too many Democrats benefiting from their relationship to Madigan. I hope I’m wrong.

Comment by The Dude Abides Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 1:16 pm
I voted yes, but I don’t think it will happen before the general election.

Comment by Montrose Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 1:16 pm
No, tens of millions of reasons why.

Comment by Southsider Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 1:19 pm
Yes there will be others - MJM will pull a
“Jason Gonzales” move and encourage a sham candidate to pull support form his strongest opponent.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 1:19 pm
Yes and successful if Governor JB Pritzker supports the challenger. This is critical because Madigan will throw everything including the kitchen sink at the house members to keep his kingdom. The weak kneed state reps will be very nervous throughout this process and will need a powerhouse to keep the safe from the wrath of Madigan.

Comment by Frumpy White Guy Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 1:21 pm
@thunderspirit: Why do you assume that Durkin wouldn’t withdraw sooner? Suppose the House Republicans decide to support the other Democrat; then what?

Comment by Socially DIstant Watcher Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 1:21 pm
more candidates means more likely he gets elected. but it also gives cover for those who don’t want to answer for whom they will vote.

Comment by Amalia Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 1:21 pm
=== Suppose the House Republicans decide to support the other Democrat; then what?===

(Sigh)

The Dems will coalesce around ONE person who can get 60 votes.

Why?

Because the politics of making a super minority irrelevant is never allowing the collective 74 (probably like 77 or more after November) to keep the 40 or so at a point of barely noticeable.

Thanks, Bruce Rauner

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 1:25 pm
It’s a yes for me. I agree with frumpy white guy.

Comment by Nummy yummy Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 1:26 pm
I voted “No”

My comment above foreshadows…

The goal of the exercise is to ensure victory, to secure the 59 (minimum, plus the challenger, “60”) and to line up, not only labor, but other special interests that the Democratic Party see as partners in not only politics but policy and governing.

Other will look to get the 60, talk behind the scenes, even posture I bet to raise more of a profile.

Smoke out like Kifowit did? Today? Like that?

Nope. No way. Not today.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 1:29 pm
yes.
There’s always unfounded personal ambition in the political world. It will emerge, as long as there’s some sort of cover.

Comment by walker Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 1:31 pm
=== Yes and successful if Governor JB Pritzker supports the challenger.===

You mean like Lightford?

Hmm.

That play only works if any ONE challenger can point to 60, then the governor can come out and decide to comment.

How does that go? Once bitten, twice shy?

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 1:31 pm
No. Politically savvy candidates will know to keep their powder dry until a more appropriate time. Now ain’t it.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 1:34 pm
No. Because the immediate objective is to win in November and allow the ILGOP to tie themselves in knots given a very unpopular President. Anything else is a distraction. And many of the seats that Democrats hold are uncontested. What benefit does it serve to speak out against Madigan when you’re running unopposed. Part of the reason that Chris Welch is able to do Madigan’s bidding is that he doesn’t have any opposition. Making the case for the Republican party that Madigan has to go serves no purpose for most Democratic reps.

Comment by Pundent Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 1:41 pm
i voted no because i don’t think people take her seriously.

Comment by rentoria sanatoria Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 1:46 pm
Yes, other candidates will be smoked out to try for speaker. There has been internal frustration for a long while that the way up in IL politics has been blocked and controlled by one man. That man is not down yet but the appearance that he is appreciably weakened is palpable. Someone has bravely waded in the water and others will want to take advantage. Even fans of Madigan recognize that 40 years is long enough.

Comment by Responsa Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 1:47 pm
Time for leadership is now. Elections for speaker are likely in January. Lots of leaders leading now, including (banned reference)

Comment by Ok Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 1:53 pm
= Yes and successful if Governor JB Pritzker supports the challenger=

The Governor took some seriously poor advice and supported the unsuccessful candidate in the Senate. Not a good look for him.

Better judgement suggests that a) he will rely on individuals with more savvy advice if the situation arises, and b) it is wwaaaayyyy to early for a serious contender to announce publicly any interest at all. Kifowit is a Caucus of one.

Comment by Bear Down Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 1:56 pm
Voted no. There may be other candidates, but not because she smoked them out.

Comment by SSL Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 2:01 pm
No. Only folks who don’t like committee service and don’t want their bills to move will oppose the Speaker.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 2:01 pm
Voted no. Most Dems are not going to risk offending Madigan until he’s gone. Gone. Period.

Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 2:04 pm
No, until you know the outcome of the elections, why would you commit to anything? Just stay quiet on names but be a team Dem player. If you really need that Madigan money then you might have some tough choices.

Comment by zatoichi Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 2:13 pm
There’s another step that’s at play here. After the election the HDems-elect will caucus to determine who they will put forward as their candidate for Speaker. This can be a binding caucus, so that the members are bound to vote for the winner within their caucus. The loser(s) within the caucus aren’t presented to the whole House for consideration. A successful challenge to the caucus leader would have to be able to break the binding caucus rules to bring the challenger’s name to the full House.

Comment by muon Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 2:13 pm
“Do you believe Kifowit’s announcement will smoke out other candidates against Speaker Madigan?”

No.

Others may throw their hat into the ring, but Kifowit’s announcement will not be a factor in their decision.

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 2:14 pm
What does Kifowit know about bill assignments? Negotiating bills at high levels? Raising money? The Black caucus? The Latino Caucus? The downstate caucus? Isn’t this a remap year? Do Democrats want a rookie Speaker overseeing that process? She will be lucky to get one vote other than her own.

Comment by Wondering Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 2:29 pm
“Suppose the House Republicans decide to support the other Democrat; then what?”

So … Durkin is taking a page from the Willie Brown election for Speaker playbook (1980 version)? That is exactly how Willie Brown beat Howard Berman (later a Congressman). Is there anyone in House Democrats with the talent of Willie Brown?

Comment by Anyone Remember Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 2:51 pm
I think an open challenge to the Speaker in the wake of the ComEd rolling scandal was always inevitable. And no one thinks Kifowit is enough of a power player to make this serious.

I think she’s probably a stalking horse for someone else, and strategically makes room for members to hedge their bets with their commitments.

Comment by ILPundit Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 2:56 pm
If the Speaker decides to step aside ( which he won’t), he will most likely give a nod to his successor.

Comment by Rudy’s teeth Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 3:02 pm
Lots of folks want to contend for the title but not many have the ability. No matter how much they think they do.

Comment by Frank talks Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 3:09 pm
Voted no. To quote Omar Little from The Wire:
“You come at the king, you best not miss.”

Comment by don the legend Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 3:11 pm
Nope. Madigan still has all the campaign cash and his members know it.

Comment by Illinois Refugee Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 3:17 pm
They’ll be “smoked out” only if and when MJM exits the race for Speaker. And if that happens, the heir apparent would be smoked out. Alone.

Comment by A Guy Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 3:18 pm
Voted “yes”, wishful thinking I am certain. It would be nice to see some pressure on MJM.

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 3:33 pm
I think others will emerge for different reasons. A sham candidate will emerge to prevent it from being an either or question to help The Speaker and other may emerge because what if another shoe drops in the COMED investigation and JB needs to help anoint an alternative

Comment by levivotedforjudy Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 4:02 pm
Kifowit is not the answer. When people start examining her record, and her past acceptance of Madigan’s support, they will just see she is just seeking attention.

Comment by Take a closer look Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 5:06 pm
My rep has come out against Stephen Douglas. I figure in about 150 years he might come out against Madigan.

Comment by midway gardens Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 5:11 pm
=== her past acceptance of Madigan’s support===

(Sigh)

Which of the other 72 currently seated HDems hasn’t accepted Madigan support at some time.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 5:13 pm
I don’t think they’ll win, but there have got to be at least a couple other reps who’ll figure it’s worth it over the long run to stand out from the crowd.

Comment by Gerard2 Thursday, Oct 1, 20 @ 8:47 pm