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Question of the day (with a twist)

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Illinois

* Politico does a name dump…

New parlor game: If not Madigan, who can get 60 Democratic votes to become speaker? Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, chairperson of the State Government Administration committee, has already put her hat in the ring. Other names: Majority Leader Greg Harris, Assistant Majority Leader Kelly Burke, Appropriations-Public Safety Chairperson Kelly Cassidy, Assistant Majority Leader Will Davis, Deputy Majority Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth, Assistant Majority Leader Jay Hoffman, Executive Committee Chairperson Emanuel “Chris” Welch, and Energy and Environment Chairperson Ann Williams.

NBC 5 also mentioned some of the same folks.

OK, we’re going to try something different that was suggested by a reader yesterday, so please pay attention.

* The Question: Who will be the next House Speaker? Wrong answers only, please. And make sure to explain why those are “wrong” answers.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:07 am

Comments

Marty Moylan. First in. Last idea.

Comment by Amalia Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:09 am
Jonathan Carroll. Close enough to a Republican to draw in the GOP votes.

Comment by Dance Band on the Titanic Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:12 am
I think Speaker of the House Skillicorn would offer a significant change to the House of Representatives. And we all want change, right?

Comment by Bob Morgan Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:12 am
LaShawn Ford. He is pretty good at thinking he has a good idea despite all the evidence around him.

Comment by Montrose Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:13 am
Aaron Ammons

Comment by Not again Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:13 am
Scott Drury, obviously. Did you know he was a former federal prosecutor?

Comment by CookCo Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:15 am
Carol Ammons. a downstate minority female who won’t be charged with shoplifting by the special prosecutor.

Comment by Little Dreamer Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:15 am
Was already beaten with the Scott Drury idea.

Comment by NIU Grad Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:15 am
Jim Oberweiss

Madigan resigns. Jim moves in, offers Free ice cream, wins the seat, and ice creams his way to 60 votes!

You said WRONG answers!

Comment by Mason born Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:15 am
The person appointed to take Madigan’s seat after he resigns. Newest member, presumably appointed with Madigan’s blessing…what could go wrong?

Comment by Pot calling kettle Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:16 am
I’d also have to go with Scott Drury. He will figure out a way to return to the House and win!

Comment by Keyrock Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:16 am
Anna Stava- Murray. ’nuff said

Comment by 10th Ward Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:17 am
Oops, didn’t see the twist part. Rich can you delete my earlier comment. I’d like to change my answer to:

Delgado - because her experience working with utility companies to get people into jobs is what we need.

Comment by Just Me 2 Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:19 am
Donald Trump. He’s going to be without a job soon.
So, he’ll have time.

Comment by Bruce( no not him) Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:19 am
Jay Hoffman. Support from his fellow Downstate Dem members means he only needs another 50 votes to be Speaker.

Comment by Oldtimer Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:19 am
Darren Bailey returns to the House as Speaker. He can truly unite both Republicans and Democrats… in throwing him out of the chamber.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:20 am
Ken Durkin. He really knows how to work up the Democratic Caucus.

Comment by Current Lurker Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:22 am
Dunkin. Darned autocorrect.

Comment by Current Lurker Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:22 am
Jack Franks…if he is allowed back in the building…and can somehow get appointed to a seat.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:24 am
Will Davis…the almighty uniter

Comment by hot chocolate Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:24 am
Jerry Reinsdorf. The House, being run by Madigan all these years, obviously needs someone who can be all powerful and flip the bird to everyone, yet they will still line up behind because they don’t have a better alternative. Chris Welch can be his Rick Hahn.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:26 am
Ned Mitchell, former Mayor of Sesser.

Comment by Gravy Bond Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:27 am
In a power move no one saw coming, Ann Williams resigns from the General Assembly and joins the Pritzker administration as their head lobbyist, and her vacancy is filled by Rahm Emmanuel. He yells and swears at members so much they capitulate and he takes the gavel in January.

Comment by karmic intervention Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:27 am
Obviously it’s Kifowit. She announced her candidacy and members started defecting from MJM en masse. Momentum(banned punctuation)

Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:27 am
===Oops, didn’t see the twist part===

lol

Four mentions that this was a different sort of question and you still missed it?

Maybe it’s time for a nap.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:27 am
Bruce Rauner. The long con finally pays off…

Comment by TaxTheMemes Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:28 am
Suzanne Ness resigns, Jack Frank is appointed to fill her vacancy and becomes the next Speaker.

Comment by karmic intervention Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:28 am
Tony LaRussa. In case he needs another job after his DUI investigation.

Comment by Chatham Resident Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:29 am
Jesse White (subscribers know why)

Comment by Marquee Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:30 am
How dare y’all deny me the chance to nominate Scot Drury.

I’ll go with Pat Quinn - not sure what he would need to do to get the job, but he’ll do anything.

Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:30 am
Blago. As revenge for impeachment.

Comment by Chatham Resident Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:30 am
Amy Grant. And she will name Will Davis, her good buddy, the Majority Leader.

Comment by Take a Closer Look Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:31 am
Dunkin: Illinois will run on dunkin

Comment by Joey Twoshoes Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:31 am
Jim Durkin. Ever.

Comment by Put the fun in unfunded Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:31 am
Longevity and taciturnity being the most important qualifications, Keith Sommer is the natural choice.

Comment by The Opinions Bureau Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:32 am
Bradley Stephens…

The re-emerging of the Northside truce, and labor seeing this as an opening too… Durkin is then named Majority Leader, makes peace with the trial lawyers…

Everything old is new again?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:33 am
==Dunkin: Illinois will run on dunkin==

In response many Springfield Ds nominate the Mel-O-Cream CEO.

Comment by Chatham Resident Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:33 am
Whoever Russ Stewart predicts

Comment by Marquee Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:34 am
Marquee wins /s

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:35 am
Hoffman not only wins over his 3 or so downstate Dems but also wins everyone over w tantrums and such.

Comment by low level Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:35 am
Blaine Wilhour…

No one can do Facebook Live like Wilhour, and the state needs a Speaker that’s a Facebook phenomenon

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:37 am
Lou Lang. In a triumphant return. Already has the nominating committee assembled. Same quartet who wept as he left. Oh, the joy.

Comment by A Guy Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:38 am
Christian Mitchell. Legislative experience and he’s made such an impression on his former colleagues since joining the Pritzker Administration.

Comment by Bored Chairman Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:38 am
Speaka (Bob) Rita. Why not roll the dice?

Comment by John Proctor Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:39 am
Scott Drury, former Federal Prosecutor

Comment by Morty Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:42 am
Chris Miller…

“You go to congress… fine… I’m speaker of the Illinois House”

Watch out Ed and Anne Burke.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:43 am
The late Bill Redmond, the last Democratic Speaker before Madigan. Nicest guy you ever met, an unlikely Speaker, who became the compromise choice of a contested election and needed Republican votes (led by future Speaker and freshman Rep. Lee Daniels) to become Speaker. Is there anyone in the House today who could fulfill that same unlikely role?

Comment by Suburbanon Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:45 am
The ghost of Len Small.

Comment by new kid on the block Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:47 am
Jonathan Carroll. Appointed to his seat. Ran unopposed. Will now be the unanimous choice for speaker. Clearly no one dares challenge him.

Comment by JJJJJJJJJJ Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:49 am
Tom DeVore. No one else can get things done quite the way he can!

Comment by thunderspirit Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:49 am
Tom DeVore. No one else can get things done quite the way he can (banned punctuation)

Comment by thunderspirit Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:50 am
Miller Time?

The ageless and priceless Chief Justice Anne Burke was lunching in a hush-hush location with her husband, the powerful, former finance chairman and currently indicted Alderman Ed Burke when they found out the *new* Illinois power couple got a little bit more powerful

Upshot - Chris Miller was unanimously elected Speaker of the Illinois House.

Downshot - This gives downstate some serious power in the coming years.

Backshot - Back in DC, his wife, Mary Miller, the newly minted Congresswoman, was all smiles dethroning the Burke’s power couple status.

Buckshot - The Millers buck the system and now are bucking reality.

Sneedless to say, this is a mere fantasy.

Natch.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:50 am
Lou Lang!!!

Oh….wait.

Comment by LBJ Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:50 am
Steve Brown. He’s been spokesman so long, might as well promote him to the big chair.

Comment by Chatham Resident Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:51 am
Jack Franks is looking for something to do. If he can get back in the building (without an escort), he could have a shot.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:53 am
Ron Sandack - with an “on my honor” promise to keep his junk off of the internet. . . . . .

Comment by This Just In Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:54 am
Lance Yednock. His support of the Second Amendment and vote against the Reproductive Health Act will help him expand the base of the Democratic Party downstate.

Comment by Earnest Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:57 am
Bob Fioretti. He’s due for a breakthrough.

Comment by Stone Cold Steve Austin Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 11:59 am
(Marquee’s been winning a lot lately. Wish I knew who he/she is.)

Comment by walker Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:01 pm
Rod Bla………nkenship gives up his career as the kicker for the Colts, and moves to Illinois to take over as Speaker.

What? Who did you think I was going to say?

Comment by fs Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:02 pm
ComEd cuts out the middleman: Reddy Kilowatt.

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:02 pm
Greg Harris running as under the “MiniMike” label.

Comment by Back to the Future Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:02 pm
Speaker Jack Franks makes his return as he is welcomed with open arms by the countless lobbyist, staffers and agency legislative liaisons who he treated with respect over the years.

Comment by Give Me A Break Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:03 pm
Lisa Madigan. In a bold move, the Soeaker resigns, appoints his daughter to his seat, who is immediately elected Speaker. How better to replace a Madigan than with a Madigan?

Comment by Boomerang Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:03 pm
==Keith Sommer==

Only if he can run the operation from the back row with no one looking directly at him. (He only recognizes his colleagues from the backs of their heads.)

Comment by Pot calling kettle Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:04 pm
Tom Shafer. He has delighted Springfield talk radio listeners for years with his regular call-ins, insights, and tall tales on all local Springfield talk shows, day and night. From Sam Madonia to Jim Leach and everyone in between.

Comment by Chatham Resident Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:07 pm
Scott Fawell. Someone had to mention a Fawell.

Comment by Proud Sucker Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:10 pm
Jim Oberweis. He is looking for a job in Springfield and is someone everyone dislikes.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:12 pm
Former Chatham mayor Tom Gray. In case an added requirement for the Speaker’s job is “use of finger gestures.”

https://www.sj-r.com/news/20161227/chatham-trustees-reprimand-mayor-for-middle-finger-gesture

Comment by Chatham Resident Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:16 pm
Sue Scherer. She doesn’t answer questions either.

Comment by Misrepresented 96th Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:21 pm
Jim Durkin.

The reason it won’t happen is there are enough HGOPers who would vote for Madigan before making him Speaker /s

Comment by kj Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:22 pm
Speaker Pritzker. I mean, why can’t he do two jobs.

Comment by Southern Skeptic Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:24 pm
Theo Epstein. “look, I can turn it around, but you’ll lose all your good lawmakers after a year or two”

Comment by Swampy Corn Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:27 pm
Expect “Paws” Anthony to be easy first rounder choice to grab the spot === so to speak

Comment by Annonin' Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:33 pm
Jay Hoffman’s dog.

He’s a good dog that would never eat your plan.

Comment by Candy Dogood Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:35 pm
Everyone forgetting the obvious winner:

Kanye!

Comment by Chris Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:38 pm
Tim Mapes, I’ve heard he is very popular in Springfiled.

Comment by Just Moi Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:39 pm
Durkin Speaker
Dunkin Majority Leader

Editors throughout the state get miserable

Comment by low level Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:39 pm
Those of us who read John Kass’ column know whomever Jim DeLeo picks will be the next speaker. He’s the guy who really runs Springfield.

Comment by Roman Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:39 pm
Lee Daniels. 2 years of Speaker Daniels was just not enough for Illinois.

Comment by 61462 Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:44 pm
George Ryan, last Speaker before the current (not considering the two years of Daniels.), and has already done his time.

So has the experience for the job, and the experience for what comes after. (And if I had to guess has probably voted mostly Dem since he’s been back if we’re being honest.)

Comment by Juice Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:51 pm
Scott Drury is too good of an answer to not throw out there again

Comment by Fresh ideas Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:55 pm
Rep. Tom Morrison because Illinois House members want a leader who isn’t getting a public pension.

Comment by Walking Man Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 12:57 pm
Former Chicago Alderman Proco Joe Moreno because he’s available right now.

Comment by Ghost of Irma Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 1:02 pm
Willie Wilson….wait, what’s that? The people want Rickey Hendon? Because they got the pulse to da street

Comment by Hickey Rendon Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 1:07 pm
Scott Lee Cohen

He vowed he’d be back.

Comment by ChiefM Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 1:10 pm
Kirk Dillard because House members haven’t heard about him being Chief of Staff for Jim Edgar.

Comment by Covid Free Biden Society Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 1:16 pm
Luis Gutierrez because he looks good in photos with Danny Solis.

Comment by Rod's Sports Book Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 1:22 pm
Loretta Durbin she’ll cut other middlemen.

Comment by JB's Walking Partner Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 1:28 pm
In a triumphant return thanks to voter fraud…Grant Wherli (because someone else took sandack).

Comment by JS Mill Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 1:29 pm
Sue Scherer she lives down there anyway easy commute.

Comment by Frank talks Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 1:33 pm
Barack Obama because he’s trying to broaden his resume before the next memoir .

Comment by George Ryan's Cellmate Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 1:33 pm
=Tim Mapes, I’ve heard he is very popular in Springfield.=

No-ted.

Comment by Colin O'Scopy Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 1:40 pm
Shia Kapos, she knows everything about everything

Comment by Trib Editorial Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 1:44 pm
When it comes to speakers, you CANNOT beat the JBL HDI-3800. High definition quality coming out of three 8″ Advanced Aluminum Matrix cone woofers, a frequency response rate between 37 and 30,000 hz, all in a tasteful design that will fit in any home. It’s a steal at $2500!

Comment by Commisar Gritty Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 1:45 pm
Lobbyist extraordinaire John Kelly. Since he invented lobbying, he can re-invent the Speaker’s role.

Comment by John Lee Pettimore, III Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 1:47 pm
Speaker Flowers brings her fellow members to their feet as she announces her first act as Speaker is repeal of the no popcorn on the House Floor rule.

Members are moved to tears as she says pay no attention the rumor Mapes is watching them from the gallery.

Comment by Give Me A Break Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 1:50 pm
==Sue Scherer she lives down there anyway easy commute.==

And the Capitol Complex is currently (at least for 2 more years) in her 96th District to begin with.

Comment by Chatham Resident Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 1:57 pm
Chef Higgins from Maldaner’s. Under his Speakership, articles of impeachment will be filed against any member who dares to eat at Saputo’s.

Comment by Chatham Resident Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 2:02 pm
In a strange twist of fate, Mike Jacobs returns to Springfield and acquires the job. On the first order of business, he moved all hearings to the Globe Tavern.

Comment by Carbondale Chronicle Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 2:03 pm
Not the exact twist as Rich asked for, but an interesting twist for sure.

What if we cut a deal. Sue retires and Art Turner replaces her and becomes Speaker. Speaker turn back in the chair. Only in 2020 could this happen.

Comment by Only in 2020 Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 2:18 pm
=To my post above=
Speaker Turner back in the chair.

Comment by Only in 2020 Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 2:29 pm
Don Moffitt. He gets his old seat back and wows the rest of the House by telling them that he has his own overpass.

Comment by Downstate Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 2:34 pm
I hear Tony LaRussa may be available.
Veteran leadership. Free beer Wednesdays.

Comment by Boomerang Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 2:49 pm
Really?
Nobody mention Pat Quinn? really - I mean come on Pat Quinn

Comment by Drake Mallard Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 2:50 pm
Emily McAsey she was right there until she moved !

Comment by TheCardinal Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 2:51 pm
Kifowit will be Speaker- wrong answers - the incredible show of force and support at her announcement speech as well as her masterful ability to muster coalitions, while being tempered in her floor arguments, Breen, lead me to believe she’s got the strongest hand.

Comment by Frank talks Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 2:58 pm
Mark Batinick. His widely respected smartest guy in the room act is sure to woo everyone.

Comment by Precinct Captain Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 3:11 pm
In a surprise plot twist, John Cullerton is appointed back to the House. And he gets to remove the “Pro Tempore” from his old Speaker Pro Tempore title.

Comment by Inconceivable Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 3:12 pm
Lou Lang comes out of retirement for the job he coveted all those years. (He needs to get his patsy to resign)

Comment by Unionman Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 3:39 pm
Mike Zalewski. Because it’s too obvious.

Comment by Periodic watcher Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 3:45 pm
Carlos Ramirez Rosa, he’s looking to level up

Comment by Danny B Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 3:50 pm
Terry Parke - because we’re not creeped out enough in 2020.

Comment by dupage progressive Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 3:57 pm
Larry Walsh Jr.

A lot of room for full size fridges and there’s a bathroom for all the pops being drank.

Comment by Les Nesman Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 4:05 pm
The only true spotless, ethical, bipartisan deal maker in Springfield resurrects his political career and distances himself from Mike McClain fast enough to fill the shoes of his idol and mentor. The one and only David McSweeney cuts one last deal with Madigan, the Speaker appoints him as his replacement, and he rides in on a white horse and saves the day. HDems would love it because the new Speaker would never show up for caucus.

Comment by B Spectacle Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 4:21 pm
HAL 9000. He’ll get the job done, no matter what.

Comment by Steve Rogers Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 4:32 pm
Squeezy.

Comment by Justin Idea Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 4:39 pm
Gritty. He’ll fight for the people by fighting other reps.

Comment by BilboSwaggins Friday, Nov 20, 20 @ 4:51 pm