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* Reiter told me essentially the same thing as he told Fran Spielman yesterday…
Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter on Thursday voiced unwavering support for embattled Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, even though a new federal indictment plunges deeper into Madigan’s once impervious inner-circle.
Reiter reaffirmed the labor movement’s support for its Springfield champion one day after former lawmaker-turned-Commonwealth Edison lobbyist Michael McClain, one of the speaker’s closest confidants, was one of four people charged with participating in a bribery scheme.
“The people that you’ve worked with to help make everyday peoples’ lives better — you can’t just walk away from that situation. Especially in a situation like this where there’s this appearance that’s been created that may, in fact, be divorced from actual reality,” Reiter told the Sun-Times Thursday.
* I hear this a lot…
This is all fascinating to watch play out, but Madigan still has 55 votes and a very loyal base. No one else is remotely close. Madigan’s magic has been in uniting warring factions in the caucus, and I wouldn’t count him out until someone else can show they can do that too. https://t.co/EM7T7H4V8b
— Mark Maxwell (@MarkMaxwellTV) November 20, 2020
Others are out there, so saying he has 55 votes is incorrect. He needs 60 to win. And this ain’t no capital bill. The people he needs aren’t shrinking violets waiting for him to shower them with favors. They’ve made a very public commitment that will be almost impossible to break without losing all face.
Until Madigan can prove he can get to 60 by flipping five (and counting) members back into line, he cannot win. And the opposition so far isn’t a bunch of regular machine types who can be persuaded with jobs, or contracts or promotions to leadership. They also can’t be threatened with loss of committee assignments or whatever because if they stick together, he’s out and he can’t do anything to them and they can cut their own deal with the next person to help him or her get to 60.
As I detailed for subscribers this morning, Madigan could put the state through a very long and disastrous stalemate and declare war against a faction of his own members in an attempt to hold onto power. We’ll see whether he wants to go that far.
* From comments…
Until someone else announces they are running this just a fun party game.
This is not much different than Justice Kilbride’s retention race and his appointed replacement. The idea right now is to prevent the opposition from winning. Then, when that becomes clear, House Democrats can work on coalescing behind someone else.
* Tribune…
“I would not count him out,” said one previous Madigan political nemesis, former Republican Gov. Jim Edgar. “He’s the smartest guy in the Capitol building and very determined, and he’s not going to go easily.”
I chatted with Gov. Edgar this morning for a bit and asked if he’d seen that the count had moved to 18 declared opponents. He hadn’t, but he did see that it had advanced to 17 late last night.
“I don’t know,” Edgar said. “Maybe it is the end. We’ll see. But, again, my experience has been with Madigan is that he’s a smart guy.”
He is at that.
* I texted and emailed several House Democrats a question yesterday: “Howdy. Any comment on 16 House Democrats announcing they will not vote to reelect Speaker Madigan?” Here’s Rep. Jaime Andrade’s (D-Chicago) texted response. Don’t hold the typos against him because we all know the issues with texting (except for Speaker Madigan, of course)…
Hello Rich, there needs to be an immediate dem caucus meeting in order to move forward. We can not wait with redistricting around the corner. If the votes are not there they are not there. It is simple math.
So others can start making their moves but they can not wait too long because then it will look like they are asking for “permission”. We do not want the same thing happen when it took Hynes close or over 200 hundred times to be elected as president of the senate. The transition should not be done over night. And I suspect the 16 will grow in the next few days. And I suspect we will lose a few state reps that will leave the GA all together with change of leadership. One can never underestimate the speaker but I do not see where the 60 votes come from.
Who flips back to a yes. Are the unions actually going to make calls and ask members to vote for MM, I do not think so. One thing is to put out a letter but actively make phone calls…
At the end of the day what would the speaker expect of any member of his leadership to do?
*** UPDATE *** He’s been calling around for weeks, but it’s still notable…
Speaker Madigan is calling IL House members today checking to see if they still support him as the number increases to 18 Dems who do not. He’s currently 5 short of the 60 votes needed to remain Speaker #ILDems #Madigan
— Mary Ann Ahern (@MaryAnnAhernNBC) November 20, 2020
Stay tuned.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 10:20 am
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You think it’s bad when folks are labeled “Madigan” people?
Think what it would be like, after publicly stating their stances, they are now going to support Madigan.
It’s time for a statement, letter, document…
… signed by 18 and counting…
… that as a collective, they ain’t flipping, and call for Madigan to recognize this current term as Speaker… is his last.
Once it’s ball game to the 59 or lower, ships burned, new world collectively taken, then “that’s it”
We have yet to see such a public combining
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 10:31 am
This really seems like the ballgame…Like you said, it’s more of a question of if he tries to take everyone (and the state) down with him or if he tries to continue whatever agenda he might have (besides total power and control) with a preferred successor.
With so much cooking for the state, maybe he points to one of his leadership team and suggests they take over for only a term until things settle down a bit?
Comment by NIU Grad Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 10:34 am
== Who flips back to a yes. ==
That is THE question.
I see one possible scenario playing out. MJM promises to resign AFTER 2 more years. That would provide a limited amount of face saving for those who flip back.
With 2 years (or even 1), he could guide the remap and it would give him time to try to pass some fiscal reform bills, including tax hikes, letting him save face by exiting on a high of having directed the Democrat Party’s fate for 10 years and having saved the State’s sinking ship.
That’s my best case scenario. Everything else would be some version of a civil war within the D rank and file.
Comment by RNUG Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 10:35 am
I still think somewhere in the Plainview area Sam McCann is sitting back and laughing over this whole ordeal. After replying to Rauner during the 2018 gubernatorial debate that he was going to “take out” both the then-governor and Madigan.
Comment by Chatham Resident Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 10:37 am
===MJM promises to resign AFTER 2 more years===
I went over that with subscribers a couple days ago. It’s fraught with danger.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 10:38 am
Andrade is gently trying to persuade MJM to go. And he’s right, it shouldn’t happen abruptly. There’s a lot to think about. Managing the members. Staff. What happens if there’s a staff exodus? What’s hiring like? Redistricting. Whether it’s a partisan process or not, it’s a complicated legal and technical process.
The campaign side. You’ve got to have money and troops. Kifowit says she wants members raising all money on their own. Disaster. What do candidates hate most? Dialing for dollars. People might not think a lot about some of the Dem members, but the teachers, activists, etc. are a lot better than a caucus that’s all pinstripe lawyers. Lots of institutional money like unions does not want candidates calling them for amounts and such. Let leaders take care of that and those decisions, only call us when you want the endorsement and to say thanks. There’s a whole world Dems announced against MJM are not prepared to handle. They better hit the phones.
Comment by Precinct Captain Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 10:39 am
===maybe he points to one of his leadership team and suggests they take over for only a term===
That person would still have to get at least five (and counting) votes from the opposition to reach 60. Not as simple as you think.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 10:40 am
“MJM promises to resign AFTER 2 more years”
Speaker Pelosi made a similar promise two years ago, but added a few caveats. When she was reelected this week, she referenced those caveats to back out of that promise. I don’t doubt MJM would do the same thing in the hopes that this all going to blow over.
Comment by NIU Grad Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 10:41 am
It looks like Jesse White will be presiding over the House for this General Assembly.
Comment by Powdered Whig Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 10:42 am
===MJM promises to resign AFTER 2 more years===
Once a leader says they aren’t running again the campaign for their successor starts, and with each day the leader becomes more irrelevant. Once their successor is chosen the leader might as well resign.
Comment by Just Me 2 Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 10:43 am
- The people that you’ve worked with to help make everyday peoples’ lives better -
This is the laugh of the day. Good work union guy.
Comment by Kane County Cougar Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 10:43 am
How many legislative leaders has their been in the history of this country who were able to successfully manage their chamber when they were so weak they had trouble rounding up the votes to be the leader?
Comment by Just Me 2 Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 10:46 am
=== It looks like Jesse White will be presiding over the House for this General Assembly.===
(Sigh)
A brokered 60 will be cobbled, for the mere need of the governor to get a budget, and the 72 plus Madigan staving off cuts that can be hammered to the 45.
Plus the caucus knows, it’s in everyone’s interest to find a consensus in a map drawing year.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 10:48 am
If Madigan weren’t so toxic I’d say the pledge to have this be his last term would suffice.
But for House Democrats who have said explicitly, they will not be voting for him again? They haven’t exactly left themselves much wiggle room to agree to such a deal. Or would trust that he’d stick with his end of the bargain.
Comment by Nick Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 10:50 am
it’s in everyone’s interest to find a consensus in a map drawing year.
And I suspect MJM will use that to hang on. I do think he will go into scorched earth mode, if he must to hang on.
Comment by Fav Human Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 10:51 am
Andrade is right. This is over, the only question is how ugly will the ending be and how long will it take to get there.
Generally, we view the Dem caucus in three groups right now: Madigan loyalists, dissenters, and the uncommitted. But you can probably split the loyalists in two. Not all of them are dead-enders who are willing to climb into the speaker’s bunker. They are the realists. I’d keep an eye on them because they’ll bring this episode to an end and likely be very influential in choosing the next speaker.
Comment by Telly Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 10:52 am
I predict it will take Republican votes for a Democratic Rep to unseat the Speaker.
Comment by Powdered Whig Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 10:53 am
I would think Madigan would back one of his allies, but not on some only two year term nonsense. It would be easier to get five votes. Madigan still has DPI for now and his on fund. He can save a lot of power by stepping back. Tom Keane still ran a lot of City Council from prison after all.
Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 10:53 am
And the problem with going scorched earth is it goes both ways.
It forces his supporters to make the decision to stick by him, or to cut their losses to try and find someone who won’t blow up the caucus.
Do they *really* want the reputation of helping to hold the House hostage just to keep Mike in power?
He’s not a Governor in the middle of a set four-year term, he’s someone they can replace right then if comes down to it.
Comment by Nick Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 10:54 am
====That person would still have to get at least five (and counting) votes from the opposition to reach 60. Not as simple as you think.====
I dont even think Madigan can patch together a scheme to cut a deal for 2 more years. But just to speculate maybe they pick off Will or Cassidy and offer to support for Sec of State if they bring enough votes with them. This would take cooperation from many moving parts the first being Jesse. Probably also JB and then others that have been salivating waiting for Jesse to retire.
On the other hand MJM may have ideas none of us would even think were possible. Who saw his deal with Chuy coming?
Comment by Been There Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 10:54 am
“===MJM promises to resign AFTER 2 more years===
I went over that with subscribers a couple days ago. It’s fraught with danger.”
Yeah, like being perp walked out of the capitol building.
Comment by Leave a Light On George Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 10:54 am
=== I predict it will take Republican votes for a Democratic Rep to unseat the Speaker.===
I know weed is legal and all, but that doesn’t mean you use to delusions.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 10:55 am
“Madigan could put the state through a very long and disastrous stalemate and declare war against a faction of his own members in an attempt to hold onto power. We’ll see whether he wants to go that far.”
The man wouldn’t step aside so that his beloved daughter could run for governor.
I’d say he’ll go that far.
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 10:58 am
===It looks like Jesse White will be presiding over the House for this General Assembly===
Feel free to read my comment on Rich’s Delgado post regarding this issue.
SOS convenes House to elect Speaker.
That is his only power.
If something else was attempted with SOS White to “preside” over more than election of Speaker, most certainly someone would go to court and talk about separation of powers.
(But I’m not an attorney, nor do I play one on TV).
The policy and political damage of a dysfunctional Dem supermajority not being able to elect a Speaker only increases exponentially every day it continues (pandemic response, budget red ink, redistricting to name a few very large issues for 2021).
Comment by Inverted Pyramid Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 10:58 am
Maybe they could adopt rules to allow election of a Speaker for a term to end March 31 or May 31 or June 30, and use that time to pick a new speaker. Anything is possible, including devolving into chaos.
Comment by Socially DIstant Watcher Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:00 am
This is so unnecessary and such a bad look for Madigan. Time’s up. Everybody knows it now.
Comment by Responsa Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:01 am
Madigan doesn’t need to flip Democrats.
He just needs some of the Republicans to recognize that having him as Speaker makes it more likely for the Republicans to be able to pick up seats and state wide offices in 2 years and have some of them “defect.”
Madigan just needs Trojan Horse Republicans.
Comment by Candy Dogood Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:01 am
The 1977 Senate Transcripts for the Hynes votes Andrade mentioned make for great reading.
Among other entertaining things, a downstate senator started voting for Mickey Mouse to be Senate president
Comment by low level Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:02 am
SOS convenes House to elect Speaker.
That is his only power.
Do they vote via the electronic board? Or is it a roll call? I can see MJM using either to his advantage….
And does MJM preside over that vote?
Comment by Fav Human Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:05 am
Ok. Stop.
Hasn’t every single Raunerite seated or to be sat said they’d “never vote for Madigan” as Speaker?
Isn’t that their thing?
So… these Raunerites are first gonna go against their pledge, as the Dems won’t compromise… OR… these rabid “51st staters” are gonna back a She-Caw-Go type Dem to make *them* Speaker?
That’s the two theories?
Oh.
And a Dem will turn their back on the party and the caucus to accept Raunerite help… and then caucus with those same Dems?
Do I have all the tin foil ideas?
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:06 am
@-Fav Human
SOS presides.
Rules allowing electronic voting for a particular GA aren’t adopted at the time of Speaker vote.
It is the first thing members do after taking the oath.
Voice roll call by individual Member.
Temporary Clerk reads roll.
Member responds by voice with their vote.
Comment by Inverted Pyramid Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:09 am
===most certainly someone would go to court and talk about separation of powers.====
The courts here do NOT get involved with internal legislative disputes.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:10 am
Madigan just needs Trojan Horse Republicans.
I am extremely sure that MJM can find a few (maybe more than a few) who would be happy to channel their inner Andressen and vote for him for Speaker.
Especially for a safe district. And maybe another goodie or two.
And if I’m in the 18, am I willing to take the chance on that not being right??
Comment by Fav Human Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:13 am
The idea of some Hosue Republicans doing 4D chess and voting for Madigan is hilarious.
They’d lose their next primary instantaneously. They would be done in Illinois Republican politics forever.
Comment by Nick Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:15 am
Serious question: Could this drag into lake duck session? Would there even be a lame duck session if this isn’t settled? (Okay, I guess two questions)
Comment by fs Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:16 am
Any member claiming they cannot support Madigan because of the ComEd indictment is now on the record opposing public officials requesting favors. You can’t say you’re against the old way and hypocritically ask lobbyists, donors, or companies to do things for you because now you’ve publicly said you think that’s improper.
Want to take bets on how many of them will stick to their new found ethical code?
Every member claiming they cannot vote for Madigan
Comment by STFD Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:16 am
=== I am extremely sure that MJM can find a few (maybe more than a few) who would be happy to channel their inner Andressen and vote for him for Speaker.===
Who exactly would be in that list?
Hows about some context.
The last time Madigan reached across the aisle to Republicans and in turn gave chairmanships to show that bipartisanship… those GOP members were McAuliffe abd Saviano… both gone… and Jim Durkin
You see any McAuliffes or Savianos around?
Durkin gonna side with a Dem now, while trying to rebuild fundraising and recruiting?
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:17 am
===Who exactly would be in that list?===
That’s an excellent question.
It’s time to stop living in a fairy tale world.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:19 am
Which white male union leader (I apologize for the redundancy) is next to come to the defense of the machine?
Comment by Squints Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:19 am
@Fav Human
Maybe 4+ years ago you could find an Anderesson type to defect and support Madigan, but post Rauner that looks very difficult. That’s an automatic primary challenge where the challenger only has to say “My opponent claims he/she is a Republican but he/she voted for Madigan!”
Comment by low level Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:21 am
===The courts here do NOT get involved with internal legislative disputes==
Ah yes my friend, but there will always be Clay County.
Comment by Inverted Pyramid Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:23 am
“there needs to be an immediate dem caucus meeting”
I’m not sure what the rules are but this meeting better not be in person.
To the post: The failure of the CA and budget issues are forcing dems to be Rauner-lite (cuts they will be painful). Now potentially Madigan not peacefully transferring power (pun intended) would do what JB fears continue a political circus (as the super-majority) when Illinoisans need to see government work. The super majority needs to figure this out quickly and get back to the peoples work or JB risks turning into Quinn, Supreme Court shifting, and the super-minority dropping the super.
Comment by 1st Ward Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:24 am
=== Supreme Court shifting===
… which it didn’t with the temporary appointment, and with a new map, the odds of a shift in an actual race with two candidates…
Hmm.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:27 am
=== I predict it will take Republican votes for a Democratic Rep to unseat the Speaker.===
=== I know weed is legal and all, but that doesn’t mean you use to delusions. ===
You don’t think that there are Republicans willing to vote for a Democrat just to get rid of Madigan? I think it is you that is suffering from delusions.
Comment by Powdered Whig Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:29 am
Or an even more extreme possibility: some Democrats will side with the Republicans to elect a Speaker Durkin.
Comment by Powdered Whig Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:30 am
Though the election results don’t really reflect it due to structural Democratic advantages, Madigan is a liability to Democrats. He takes focus off of the issues, and that’s a drain. It’s time Madigan starts thinking about the good of the party instead of his power.
Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:33 am
===some Democrats will side with the Republicans to elect a Speaker Durkin===
There’s not enough weed on the planet to make me believe that.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:34 am
===some Democrats will side with the Republicans to elect a Speaker Durkin===
=== There’s not enough weed on the planet to make me believe that. ===
You’re probably right, but the world is being turned upside down. Anything is possible.
Comment by Powdered Whig Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:37 am
some Democrats will side with the Republicans to elect a Speaker Durkin
Who will promptly create a map that lets him have an iron grip on the house, the same way Lee Daniels did.
Oh, yeah…..
)))
Comment by Fav Human Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:38 am
-STFD-
“Want to take bets on how many of them will stick to their new found ethical code?”
I couldn’t think of a witty comeback, but I’ll just be earnest and naive and say the cynical mindset behind this comment is poisonous and corrupt.
Comment by State Sen. Clay Davis Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:51 am
“which it didn’t with the temporary appointment, and with a new map, the odds of a shift in an actual race with two candidates”
The new map doesn’t do much if you can’t govern and are infighting as the super-majority. How much hardball does Madigan want to play? Do dems really expect better turn-out in a mid-term when Voldemort isn’t in the white house?
Comment by 1st Ward Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:52 am
===You don’t think that there are Republicans willing to vote for a Democrat just to get rid of Madigan?===
I’m sure there are. But how do you get Democratic votes when you do that?
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:57 am
Also I’m sure the ‘rebels’ in this case are perfectly aware of the fact that the moment they make this about some sort of splinter candidate who might get Republican support, is the moment they give Madigan the leverage he needs to get to 60 votes.
Comment by Nick Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:01 pm
The anti-Madigan Democrats and the Republicans can join forces. The GOP has the power to get rid of Madigan now. But they don’t necessarily have much power to determine his replacement. So which will they choose, the path to better government, or the path to what they would consider better politics?
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:02 pm
=== I’m sure there are. But how do you get Democratic votes when you do that? ===
It would be seen as a means to an end.
Comment by Powdered Whig Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:03 pm
===Maybe 4+ years ago you could find an Anderesson type to defect and support Madigan, but post Rauner that looks very difficult. That’s an automatic primary challenge where the challenger only has to say “My opponent claims he/she is a Republican but he/she voted for Madigan!”===
And, that was for a budget. A creature unseen for a few years prior. Steve would not have crossed-over on a Speaker vote.
Comment by Proud Sucker Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:04 pm
===It would be seen===
It would be seen as partisan treason. And whoever won that way could never govern the chamber.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:04 pm
=== It would be seen as a means to an end.===
Nope.
Gotta actually *show* these wavering Dems and Republicans that are going to buck their said party.
Either name these members… or…
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:05 pm
All Republicans have to, and should do, in this case is sit pretty. Nothing else.
Comment by Nick Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:09 pm
=It would be seen as partisan treason. And whoever won that way could never govern the chamber.=
Truer words have never been spoken. This has happened repeatedly in Champaign County where the Dems can’t make it across the hallway to elect their Caucus candidate County Board Chair.
A rogue Dem or two vote with Republicans to make one of the Dems Chair. In every instance, the Dem becoming County Board Chair is defeated in the Dem primary the following election cycle.
Political suicide.
Comment by This Just In Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:13 pm
=== Either name these members… or… ===
I know who I would consider in that bucket, but I don’t see it as my place to put them on that list. That would have to be worked out by them, but you will owe me a beer if I turn out to be right.
Comment by Powdered Whig Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:18 pm
=== I know who I would consider in that bucket, but I don’t see it as my place to put them on that list.===
Because it’s ridiculous nonsense?
I’m guessing it’s because it’s ridiculous nonsense.
=== you will owe me a beer if I turn out to be right.===
Nope. No thank you.
I don’t see any need to think about “betting” on the absurd.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:22 pm
Repubs could vote to oust MJM for one very possible reason: His replacement would weld NONE of the power MJM built up over decades of Speakership. So while the Dems argue amongst themselves afterwards, the Repubs would know whoever replaced MJM would owe them a few favors, yet they wouldn’t bear the brunt of any fallout.
They could also claim to be “cleaning up Illinois government” and sell it to Repub voters that way.
Comment by thisjustinagain Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:33 pm
@This Just In
The same thing happened in New York. There was a component of the New York Senate Dems known as the IDC who caucused with Republicans and gave them control of the chamber.
The 2018 6/8 of them lost their primaries, even after having rejoined their Dem colleagues.
Comment by Nick Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:34 pm
Sometimes I forget to label a joke as snark, however in this instance the snark is technically a political possibility.
Also — I don’t take any pledge or promise a Republican candidate for public office makes seriously. I’ve seen too many goal posts get moved.
“I voted Madigan for Speaker to own the libs!”
Comment by Candy Dogood Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:42 pm
===The anti-Madigan Democrats and the Republicans can join forces. The GOP has the power to get rid of Madigan now.====
Ducky just having a caucus meeting or standing in front of the media with 60 members doesnt change a thing. The vote will still have to go to the floor and I dont see that happening just so a coup can happen.
Comment by Been There Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:56 pm
**But just to speculate maybe they pick off Will or Cassidy and offer to support for Sec of State if they bring enough votes with them. **
Oh man… this is funny. You’ve been around here way too long to seriously believe that Kelly Cassidy would take such a deal.
Comment by SaulGoodman Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 1:03 pm
- Nick - Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:34 pm:
And they only last as long as they did because they had the support of the Democratic governor. As soon the he dropped his support, which was only under the pressure of a primary from his left, they were goners.
Comment by Precinct Captain Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 1:32 pm
===You don’t think that there are Republicans willing to vote for a Democrat just to get rid of Madigan?===
Why do you think the Republicans want to get rid of Madigan? Lol, he’s the best thing they have going for them. They’re nothing without Madigan.
Also, whoever the next Speaker is should move back to the original Speaker’s Suite in the Capitol. Madigan let them get comfortable over there and it’s time they move back to where they belong.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 1:36 pm
== Madigan could put the state through a very long and disastrous stalemate and declare war against a faction of his own members in an attempt to hold onto power.==
lol, now that would be ironic. Could we then call him Speaker Michael J. Trump?
Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 1:37 pm
So the Speaker is calling members, but the big question is, are the members taking his calls? His die hard supporters will, but what about those who haven’t decided, or who may want to run themselves? Would love to know how those conversations are going.
Comment by Spfld Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 1:39 pm
are the members taking his calls
Not taking his call is a rather clear form of communication, in this instance.
Comment by Fav Human Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 1:52 pm
Scott Drury must be fuming right now. Did you know, he used to be a federal prosecutor?
Comment by Major Biden Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 1:59 pm
I’m sure there are several House Republicans who see the logic in keeping Madigan around as a boogeyman, but none of them will actually vote on that logic. You can’t be seen *supporting* the boogeyman.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 2:03 pm
Republicans need to learn from Biden right now and call a lid until they’re back in session. Like the Presidential election, you just let the other side continue blow up and get all the negative headlines while you sit quietly. Enjoy the holiday season and come back next year to find out what happened as nothing you could do would help you in the next election at this point.
Comment by AD Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 2:26 pm
If you think back to Nekritz and Biss–suburban canaries in the state’s fiscal coal mine ..when they wanted pension reform and it was rejected–that’s the problem with big labor–they never give an inch. If the Speaker would have put a pension amendment on the ballot with the fair tax we would be in a different place today. The Speaker was as much a hostage of big labor as all of the rest of the state. Dems have to get the state’s fiscal house in order to keep suburban seats and that wont happen under the Speaker.
Comment by Anon Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 2:28 pm
=== when they wanted pension reform and it was rejected===
Explain Tier 2 and the ILSC ruling pensions
Thanks.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 2:31 pm
===If the Speaker would have put a pension amendment on the ballot with the fair tax we would be in a different place today===
Yeah, labor would be joining with the dissidents.
lol
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 2:34 pm
The pension bill sent to the Supremes was designed to fail–there were other approaches that could have been tried. Tier 2 does nothing to the $180b in current unfunded liability–next year $10b to pensions–and last year labor rolled back the 6% cap; and that doesnt count the sweetners piled on top of local govt pensions–wait until you see the census numbers and you will find out what 20 years of dem fiscal policy has created. All because the dems wont take on the most powerful interest group in Spfld.
Comment by Anon Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 2:46 pm
=== The pension bill sent to the Supremes was designed to fail–there were other approaches that could have been tried.===
Show your 71 and 36 to pass it, then override the veto.
=== current unfunded liability–next year $10b to pensions–and last year labor rolled back the 6% cap; and that doesnt count the sweetners piled on top of local govt pensions–wait until you see the census numbers and you will find out what 20 years of dem fiscal policy has created.===
So you’re neglecting the ILSC ruling.
Ok.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 2:49 pm
=== 20 years of dem fiscal policy===
That would include Geo. Ryan… and the “fiscal policy” of Bruce Rauner which included a policy of no state budget for a whole General Assembly, (2 years)
Hmm.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 2:52 pm
It’s always fun to run into Tribune Editorial writers in the wild. Who else could seriously think the best way to pass the fair tax was by attaching it to something even *more* unpopular.
Comment by Nick Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 3:04 pm
I had a dream Boss Madigan was watching the Training Day movie and the scene where he says “You think you can do this to me”? “You all will be playing basketball in you know where when I get through with you” lol.
Comment by Mal Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 3:41 pm
Rich, how about this song as your playing into the weekend song:
https://youtu.be/yvrTmgHQoiE
Comment by Powdered Whig Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 3:56 pm
== The pension bill sent to the Supremes was designed to fail–there were other approaches that could have been tried. ==
Name one that doesn’t violate the IL SC rulings and/or Federal contract law.
Comment by RNUG Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 5:01 pm