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* Press release…
Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin released the following statement on the U.S. Attorney’s announcement of indictments against Speaker Madigan’s allies including Mike McClain, Anne Pramaggiore, John Hooker and Jay Doherty:
“Today’s news makes it abundantly clear that the Democratic Party of Illinois, chaired and controlled by Speaker Madigan also known as Public Official A, is a corrupt organization that has run its course. For the past many months and years, Madigan’s apologists from the Governor to the rank-and-file House Democrats have turned a blind eye to his corrupt practices. Speaker Madigan and his long list of defenders need to be removed from power, and that starts with Chairman Welch reconvening the Special Investigating Committee immediately.”
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Nov 18, 20 @ 8:08 pm
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Previous Post: *** UPDATED x1 *** McClain’s lawyer calls charges a ‘misapplication of the law driven by an obvious desire to find some way to criminally implicate’ Madigan
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Now that they’re indicted, Durkin’s witnesses will really talk! Not!
It won’t get asked by the press, but Durkin should be asked to explain why the federal court thinks it’s not safe to have trials, but that somehow it’s safe for the election stunt committee he had created to meet.
Comment by Precinct Captain Wednesday, Nov 18, 20 @ 8:17 pm
Rep. Durkin - I do not remember you calling for the resignation of James R. Thompson, Pate Philip, Jim Edgar, Lee Daniels, George Homer Ryan, Bill Cellini. Please explain.
Comment by Anyone Remember Wednesday, Nov 18, 20 @ 8:17 pm
Uh, Jimmy, you might want to read the indictment. You also might want to read a few statutes. Because if it’s a crime to ask for jobs or suggest companies hire your buddies, you might want to sit down and lawyer up.
Comment by STFD Wednesday, Nov 18, 20 @ 8:21 pm
I’ve said since July 18th, Madigan should resign, tonight changes zero of that, and I will be more amazed how long it continues.
While Durkin has a responsibility as leader of the Minority Caucus, and a legitimate concern, as Madigan being able to lead a chamber of the Illinois legislature, it’s going to be up to the 74 sitting or the 73 “to be sat” in January to make a decision if Madigan doesn’t choose himself.
Of all pressure points, with respect, Durkin stating the obvious position(s) and want(s) of the minority party, looking too political again then to a worry of governing, it’s going to be low to Madigan, and probably to Welch too.
That’s what happens when you designed this committee to save members like Wehrli, who lost anyway with this committee being sat.
Once Madigan is gone, the differences will be seismic, will Durkin be prepared for a new day?
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 18, 20 @ 8:27 pm
If only there were a competent opposition party with an ideological opposition to corruption.
Comment by Quizzical Wednesday, Nov 18, 20 @ 8:39 pm
How many votes did Jim put on FEJA? How much money did Jim take in contributions? Were there any jobs at Comed that had happened because of his ask? Did the Feds ever look at how a sister in law of the Minority Leader, who ran a furniture store but hadn’t worked in 15+ years, got an Engineering management job with the Tollway while former Dupage County Board President Schillerstrom was President of the Tollway? But hey it’s the Dems. Just saying glass houses best to not say anything.
Comment by Frank talks Wednesday, Nov 18, 20 @ 8:40 pm
“If only there were a competent opposition party with an ideological opposition to corruption.”
THAT would be “the nobody nobody sent!” …
Comment by Anyone Remember Wednesday, Nov 18, 20 @ 8:50 pm
Spot on STFD.
Legislator to corporate lobbyist “hey I need you take a look at Joe for a possible job with your company”. Was that statement in itself an illegal conversation? Been going on for years. It happens on both sides of the aisle. Those who benefit have promoted the culture and those who do not benefit are critical of it, that is until they benefit from it.
Comment by nadia Wednesday, Nov 18, 20 @ 8:54 pm
Couldn’t Rep Durkin’s statement apply with equal force to the national GOP and its chief of party, our current President? Sounds like the pot calling the kettle black, especially when hundreds of thousands of COVID deaths are being caused by GOP denial of community spread.
Comment by Ares Wednesday, Nov 18, 20 @ 9:05 pm
Not surprised Madigan won’t resign. The voters in the state continue to put in power Madigan and people that support him. We get the leaders we deserve. I have lived here my entire life, but I can’t wait to leave this state in a couple years once I retire.
Comment by AmazedinIL Wednesday, Nov 18, 20 @ 9:22 pm
“Because if it’s a crime to ask for jobs or suggest companies hire your buddies….”
Remember ComEd entered into the DPA over bribery allegations. Today, McClain is indicted as e-mails show McClain conspiring on said bribery. McClain indictment states Madigan and McClain on wire discussing ComEd board seat appointment and four months later McClain wiretap has ComEd CEO saying “You take good care of me and so does our friend and I will do the best that I can to, to take care of you.”
The Madigan indictment question comes down to do the Feds have a first-hand account of Madigan believing/acknowledging/wanting the board appointment as payment for friendly legislation thus finalizing the circle of the bribery scandal. They may have this already.
Comment by 1st Ward Wednesday, Nov 18, 20 @ 10:21 pm
Close associates of Mike Madigan who refer to him as “our friend” and a “friend of ours” indicted for non crime of bribery that forced Com Ed to pay a 200 million dollar fine.
Illinois Republicans hardest hit and told to lawyer up.
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Nov 18, 20 @ 10:30 pm
Durkin isn’t just throwing stones from a glass house, he’s demanding investigations into things he is implicated in as well.
The light of stars can be obstructed by the light of a brighter object, but that star is still there — shining away.
Now comes the news that Republican Attorney General William Barr acted to squash an investigation into crimes committed by Caterpillar which seem to have a similar scent.
Comment by Candy Dogood Wednesday, Nov 18, 20 @ 10:37 pm
Dang even Madigan can’t avoid 2020
Comment by California Guy Wednesday, Nov 18, 20 @ 11:26 pm
STFD- amazed if you are a lawyer? There is enough left to Honest Services Fraud to make this scheme multiple crimes. Unlike the recent S Ct cases money was paid. Don’t be shocked for at least 3 of the Defendants to reach plea deals. A year and a day or probation sentences are very compelling when you are facing serious time. As far as Madigan is concerned the jury is out in terms of whether he is ever charged but he would be a huge trophy for everyone at 219 S Dearborn and Durbin won’t touch Lausch while this case percolates
Comment by Sue Thursday, Nov 19, 20 @ 12:10 am
Don’t know why Durkin is making these statements. Madigan is a problem for the Democrats, and their struggles with this matter only help Durkin. No need to take a position - in other words - if it feels good - don’t say it
Comment by wilowglen Thursday, Nov 19, 20 @ 6:57 am
Agree that Durkin should let this play out. He’s plenty on record. Big changes are coming regardless.
Need to hear from Annonin’ on this.
GOPies fault.
Comment by Feldy Thursday, Nov 19, 20 @ 7:53 am
==Durbin won’t touch Lausch while this case percolates ==
Thank you, Sue, for providing a reason for the USA to bring this case right after the president lost re-election.
Comment by Socially DIstant Watcher Thursday, Nov 19, 20 @ 8:10 am
===… for the USA to bring this case right after the president lost re-election.===
(Sigh)
It was brought to indictments after the election, and also not before an election… due to tradition, not because someone needed a “feel good” or retaliation.
This coulda been set after Labor Day, as an example, but USAs don’t like to have Indictments or discussions of new indictments during a campaign season.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 19, 20 @ 8:15 am
Agree with O’W.
The timing and scope of these indictments were entirely predictable the day the DPA was reached.
Comment by walker Thursday, Nov 19, 20 @ 8:56 am
In 51 of 118 House rep races in 2020, leader Durkin’s party didn’t even run a candidate in 2021. If he really wants to offer an alternative, why not put candidates on the ballot?
Comment by someonehastosayit Thursday, Nov 19, 20 @ 9:08 am
scratch the “in 2021″ … too early in the morning.
Comment by someonehastosayit Thursday, Nov 19, 20 @ 9:09 am