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Rep. Walker on MJM: “I don’t believe he’ll be a viable candidate by January”

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* The Daily Herald contacted several suburban legislators to ask if they’d be supporting Speaker Madigan in January. This response was buried…

When asked if he’ll vote for Madigan, state Rep. Mark Walker of Arlington Heights said, “We’ll see.”

While praising Madigan for being “a superior operations manager,” Walker also said public servants must be held to a higher standard.

“I don’t believe he’ll be a viable candidate by January,” Walker said of Madigan.

Rep. Walker has been around a while and I’ve always found him to be pretty astute. Your thoughts?

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 9:41 am

Comments

He needs to go, an probably will next month.

And it won’t take the ILGOP a hot second to find a new boogey man to blame for their irrelavancy.

Comment by Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 9:46 am
Walker is a solid guy and one who knows how to recognize the 16 as solid. It will only take a few more members to join the 16 to kill any remaining appearance of “viability”.

Comment by Chad Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 9:48 am
Very disappointed the DH editors hacked all the “new directions” proposals that were leading some vote against the Speaker. They should be ashamed.

Comment by Annoin' Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 9:48 am
I agree. Too many in the caucus have given him the high hat–they cannot walk it back and get re-elected in 2022. I wonder how many Speakership votes it will take before Representative Madigan realizes he is not viable.

Comment by SAP Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 9:50 am
Until the breakaway caucus can produce a viable alternative, Madigan will remain viable. The caucus will not throw their weight behind Kifowit.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming that Jesse White, who has endorsed MJM’s re-election, will make a parliamentary ruling that allows nominations to be re-opened after the voting begins.

Comment by SpiDem Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 10:13 am
Walker is a hero. Guy served our country and has dedicated himself to public service. His words are very telling.

Comment by Gary Hart Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 10:14 am
=== Until the breakaway caucus can produce a viable alternative, Madigan will remain viable.===

LOL.

It’s about the 60 to deny.

Your lunacy is predicated on 7, 8, 9 maybe flipping off the 19 for Madigan.

The Raunerites ain’t voting Madigan. Nope.

=== Don’t make the mistake of assuming that Jesse White, who has endorsed MJM’s re-election, will make a parliamentary ruling that allows nominations to be re-opened after the voting begins.===

It’s early Monday, this is Thursday afternoon imbibing like thinking

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 10:15 am
To the post,

Can’t get a more astute take from “within” than from Walker.

I try to glean a great deal from the small nuggets he drops.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 10:17 am
Walker is smart and even.

Comment by Amalia Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 10:48 am
Also, to this;

===When asked if he’ll vote for Madigan, state Rep. Mark Walker of Arlington Heights said, “We’ll see.”===

It’s not a “19” no, but if you’re counting noses, “maybe” might be generous to his switch(?)

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 10:49 am
There needs to be an alternative, and it needs to come out of the black caucus. This will be very interesting as it plays out.

Comment by Lincoln Lad Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 10:49 am
@OW-

I would humbly suggest you take some time to actually read the rules of the chamber a bit more closely, and review the past precedents of Speaker election fights — particularly the 1975 transcripts. Perhaps you know it took 93 ballots, but what is also important was that they never re-opened the nominations. Mayor Daley and Dan Walker had to agree to settle on Redmond, in no small part because he was one of the nominated candidates. Even once they agreed, it still took 54 ballots. Not once over the whole period did anyone attempt to re-open the nominations.

Ultimately, because there is no provision in rules to re-open nominations. A motion could certainly be made to the presiding officer. As Jesse supports the Speaker’s nomination, it is not too much to assume he would both follow the precedent, and the best interests of the his preferred candidate, the Speaker, in ruling against such a motion.

Of course, the House could overrule the chair. All they need is 71 votes.

My “lunacy” is predicated on nothing more than the fact that the rules of the chamber make it highly unlikely that any new candidate can emerge unless they get in the race prior to January 13. And if the candidates are Madigan, Durkin, and Kifowit, I think Madigan’s chances of winning improve dramatically.

Now, if you disagree with that analysis, please explain why you think I’m misreading the rules, or the willingness of 60 House Democrats to vote for Stephanie Kifowit as Speaker.

Comment by SpiDem Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 11:04 am
- SpiDem -

(Sigh)

So you think Dems are gonna let Jesse White engineer a way to saddle the House chamber and Dems with Madigan as Speaker… and the 19 are going to break ranks?

Not enough tin foil… we’d have to steal tinsel from every tree in the Springfield area, LOL

Name which of the 8 of the 19 are breaking?

No. Name them. Actually name them.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 11:08 am
=== if you disagree with that analysis, please explain why you think I’m misreading the rules===

It’s predicated on the 19 breaking.

Lots and lot and LOTS of words… but which 8 of the 19?

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 11:10 am
The members, like Walker, who keep their powder dry and don’t legislate through press release or tweet, are the members who will decide Madigan’s fate — and ultimately who the next speaker is.

Comment by Roman Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 11:24 am
Also, - SpiDem -

shorturl.at/loGJQ

A quote;

=== Representative Carroll wondered “if there’s a loophole or something that he may or may not take advantage of.”

“We’re dealing with a person who knows these things inside and out,” Carroll said. “And he’s been in the statehouse longer than some members have even been alive.”

Some of the anti-Madigan Democrats have carefully pored over the law to evaluate all of Madigan’s possible moves, including a pause or delay in the election itself, which they fear might allow him to retain control of the gavel indefinitely.

“It said it would send a horrible message,” Carroll said. “It would send a message that we’re not legislating through democracy, we’re legislating through someone trying to be a dictator.”===

Hmm.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 11:25 am
===the rules of the chamber make it===

Show me in the rules where nominations cannot be reopened. This is mandated to happen every day: “As the first item of business each day before the election of the Speaker … If a quorum of members elected is present, the Secretary of State shall then call for nominations of members for the Office of Speaker.”

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 11:26 am
They better start looking for a more viable candidate because if he is re-elected he will reek his own kind of revenge on those who turned on him. It will be ugly. Prepare yourself.

Comment by Ginhouse Tommy Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 11:29 am
We still can’t be having the “you can’t be somebody with nobody debate” can we.

Comment by Nick Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 11:30 am
Rich –

I think its worth quoting the rule in full:

1. Election of the Speaker.
ARTICLE I ORGANIZATION
(a) At the first meeting of the House of each General Assembly, the Secretary of State shall convene the House at 12:00 noon, designate a Temporary Clerk of the House, and preside during the nomination and election of the Speaker. As the first item of business each day before the election of the Speaker, the Secretary of State shall order the Temporary Clerk to call the roll of the members to establish the presence of a quorum as required by the Constitution. If a majority of those elected are not present, the House shall stand adjourned until the next calendar day, excepting weekends, at the hour prescribed in Rule 29. If a quorum of members elected is present, the Secretary of State shall then call for nominations of members for the Office of Speaker. All nominations require a second. When the nominations are completed, the Secretary of State shall direct the Temporary Clerk to call the roll of the members to elect the Speaker.

With all due respect, I believe you are reading it wrong.

The opening clause is about organization, naming a temporary clerk, and establishing a quorum for the purpose of taking nominations. If there is no quorum, they adjourn until the next day. If there is a quorum, they proceed to nominations. Once nominations are complete, they proceed to voting.

In the prior elections that went more than one day, the Presiding Officer never re-named a Temporary Clerk, and never re-opened nominations. That and the plain reading of the text of the full rule indicate that there is a clear time for nominations, and its not every day, its after a quorum is established and prior to the casting of votes.

Comment by SpiDem Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 11:36 am
===In the prior elections===

Under different rules.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 11:42 am
What I do not understand is why nobody other than Kifowit has thrown their hat into the ring for Speaker if the consensus is that MJM should not be re-elected? Someone has to be Speaker but nobody wants to step up to the plate. Where is the leadership?

Comment by Powdered Whig Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 11:42 am
@Powdered Whig

They are biding their time. She is the Eugene McCarthy. Someone else or a few others will announce when they are ready.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 11:44 am
If they indicted and arrested Madigan on Christmas Eve or Christmas that would a decent way to reduce to immediate media impact.

Comment by Candy Dogood Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 11:47 am
@Powdered Whig

The real candidates are going to wait for Madigan himself to bow out, so as to not be seen as stepping on the black caucus or on labor.

I don’t think a ’serious’ candidate announces a bid unless Madigan himself has lost it and is refusing to concede even once it’s obvious he’ll never have the vote. Otherwise they’ll allow him to bow out as gracefully as he can.

Comment by Nick Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 11:48 am
I wish I could use an eye-roll emoji at this point.

I just posted the full current rule. Everything in the rule prior to any mention of nominations is about establishing the quorum necessary to open nominations, and the process in the event of a lack of quorum. Once a quorum is established, then nominations are made and seconded, and then “completed”, then the business of the house shifts to the actual call of the roll to elect the speaker.

Not only is there no provision in the rules to re-open nominations, Rule 1(a) specifically tells you when nominations are “completed”. Its after the establishment of the first quorum.

Further adjournments and quorum calls on future days, if needed, are covered by the other standing House rules, and have nothing to due with rule 1(a)

Comment by SpiDem Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 11:54 am
(Sigh)

Again…

=== “We’re dealing with a person who knows these things inside and out,” Carroll said. “And he’s been in the statehouse longer than some members have even been alive.”

Some of the anti-Madigan Democrats have carefully pored over the law to evaluate all of Madigan’s possible moves, including a pause or delay in the election itself, which they fear might allow him to retain control of the gavel indefinitely.

“It said it would send a horrible message,” Carroll said. “It would send a message that we’re not legislating through democracy, we’re legislating through someone trying to be a dictator.”===

Again…

To seemingly engineer or maneuver, first to help MJM, second to then flip from the 19 to be part of the 60 to elect Madigan… my gosh that’s some serious mental gymnastics and tone deaf, nay, wholly ignoring the politics to why the “no Madigan” 19 exist.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 12:00 pm
=== The real candidates are going to wait for Madigan himself to bow out, so as to not be seen as stepping on the black caucus or on labor. ===

Everyone needs to realize that he is never going to bow out. It just goes against his very nature. The only way he goes out is if he is beat and right now, the only person that has stepped up to the plate is Kifowit. I don’t think she has a chance in heck, but at least she is trying.

Comment by Powdered Whig Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 12:03 pm
===that he is never going to bow out===

You don’t know that.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 12:12 pm
This is the last comment I’m going to make, since I have work to do.

Bottom line, the election of the Speaker involves successful navigation of two things: Politics and Process. The politics are not currently in Madigan’s favor. And full disclosure, I hope we get a new speaker for the good of the Democratic Party.

But Madigan also knows the politics are not on his side, and that’s a dynamic he can’t change. So I would submit that he’s likely focusing on process to save himself. I mean, he’s obviously not giving up.

And based on the conversations in this forum, it doesn’t appear that many people are really looking closely at the actual process, how it works, and what it means to the eventual outcome. Everyone seems to think that the blocking coalition of the 19 is enough to carry the day. I wish that were true, but it’s not. It’s going to take a lot more, and I don’t see a lot of evidence that the 19 are really focused on this.

Comment by SpiDem Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 12:13 pm
If he *doesn’t* eventually bow out, then the rest of the caucus will move to drop him.

They aren’t going to settle for him taking the House hostage. He has enough power and good will that most of the caucus is going to avoid embarrassing him if possible, but that goodwill can and will run out.

Comment by Nick Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 12:13 pm
== She is the Eugene McCarthy. ==

Well played, @Ducky.

So who is Bobby Kennedy and who is Hubert Humphrey?

Comment by Roman Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 12:15 pm
Everyone seems to assume that if Madigan just holds out forever, that the pressure will will be on the 19 to come back into the fold.

And not *also* on the remaining 53, to, eventually, also start moving against him to bread the gridlock.

Comment by Nick Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 12:20 pm
will only*

break the*

Ugh.

Comment by Nick Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 12:21 pm
1. Election of the Speaker.

Having read the rule too many times I have concluded that they should start each day with “I Got you Babe”. that rule follow the plot of Groundhog Day.

Comment by Bigtwich Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 12:23 pm
MJM & allies will cut a deal (or 2), let Madigan be Speaker for spring session, through governor signing remap into law, then quietly decide to retire as Speaker at 79 after spring session. Then MJM leaves, and House Dems have all summer to decide successor. Backup plan, a loyal MJM man will be Speaker, but MJM will be real power.

Comment by John Lopez Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 12:23 pm
=== You don’t know that. ===

Knowing the man like I do, I would find it incredibly shocking if he did.

Comment by Powdered Whig Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 12:35 pm
=== the blocking coalition of the 19 is enough to carry the day.===

Math is like that. It’s stopping 60

=== MJM & allies will cut a deal (or 2), let Madigan be Speaker for spring session,===

Show me the 8 flipping.

Also, no Raunerite will agree to that deal.

Good try. No.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 12:42 pm
Willy [sigh], can’t show you the 8 because right now, they don’t know whom they are. Between now and Jan 13, the process, as SpiDem says, will inject itself and produce the 60 votes needed for MJM, through backroom deals. Come January 13, we’ll know whom they are.

Comment by John Lopez Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 12:52 pm
=== can’t show you the 8 because right now, they don’t know whom they are.

So, after signing a letter, 8 of those 19 are going to break ranks and decide “I can back Madigan”

My gosh… that’s comically out of touch to what’s at play by the 19 signatures on one letter.

=== Come January 13, we’ll know whom they are.===

… and yet you can’t name 1

This is like those phonies claiming “On July 8th it’s the end of the world. Well, you have to trust me and w as it until July 8th.”

Then… July 9th… July 10th.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 12:57 pm
The state went 2 whole years without a budget.

You think the chamber can’t wait this out?

The 19 sailed their ships, landed, burned them in port, and the 19 took the ashes left and decided to scatter them… as one.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 12:59 pm
Willy, [game show buzzer] you’re under the impression the 19 signed a binding legal contract. They didn’t, and the MJM people will apply the appropriate pressure, and enticements, to get to 60. I don’t believe all the 19 are that tough, and unlike the budget mess, the remap (particularly the congressional one) cannot wait, lest the courts take the lead to draw the new map. Dems could always push the 2022 primary back a few months if they need to (or if the courts don’t).

Comment by John Lopez Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 1:14 pm
I can see a portion of the 19 being able to change their vote by being able to report to constituents that “XXXX project in our district was preserved because of my supporting Mike Madigan. The X lives that have been impacted, because of the project, far outweigh who sits in which chair in Springfield.”

If I wasn’t in the 19, I’d offer MJM my support but ask him, for purposes of party unity, at what ballot number will he be willing to withdraw. MJM is looking for certainty. Put the “certainty” monkey on his back, as well.

Comment by Carol Stream Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 1:14 pm
“MJM people will apply the appropriate pressure, and enticements”

And remember that all calls are likely recorded…..

Comment by Carol Stream Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 1:15 pm
=== you’re under the impression the 19 signed a binding legal contract.===

Really? Where did I say that? That’s odd.

The political pressure to not cave and the politics to staying together… it’ll be either a primary fight with a new map or a Raunerite hammering in the flip flop.

They can’t go back.

===I don’t believe all the 19 are that tough===

Then name them. Otherwise your ignorance to honest is showing.

=== Dems could always push the 2022 primary back===

Dude, without a Speaker, nothing is getting done to… anything

My gosh, do you buy tin foil by the gross…

Name names makes of just stop.

Otherwise, pick another day for the end of the world tripe.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 1:21 pm
The question remains why would it only be on the 19 to hold strong or bow to pressure

Instead of the other 53 members of the House Caucus who will be asked to sign on to Madigan taking the House hostage for another term as speaker.

Comment by Nick Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 1:30 pm
I agree with OW on this one which is pretty rare. The 19 have absolutely nothing to gain by backing off their public stance. They’ve came for the king and if they stand strong together, they will have taken him out. If they back pedal and the king survives and rules again, he will rule with a heavy hand and they may as well resign as nothing good will come from what they do moving forward.

Comment by AD Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 1:30 pm
Willy is doing his Jeff N. Ward impression of demanding a silly $5K bet to talk about something, or in his case “name names”. Don’t have to. Human nature is human nature, and MJM and his people are old school bare knuckle politics. This ain’t gonna be a protracted fight, reality of the backroom “process” will get MJM his 60 votes by January 13. And the Courts can intervene if legislatures don’t get their acts together on redistricting, that’s why Ted Cruz is a U.S. Senator today due to court ordered delays of primaries on 2012 Texas congressional remap.

Comment by John Lopez Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 1:32 pm
I’ve SpiDem’s comments and the rule, and I can’t match them up. It looks pretty clear to me that nominations are opened up each day until a speaker is elected. That makes sense since it is not uncommon for a previously unnominated candidate to be selected as a compromiser between two opposing factions.

Comment by Pelonski Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 1:33 pm
===Everyone seems to assume that if Madigan just holds out forever, that the pressure will will be on the 19 to come back into the fold.

And not *also* on the remaining 53, to, eventually, also start moving against him to bread the gridlock.====
None of us know for sure how this will play out. As OW has pointed out it doesnt appear the 19 will back off and getting 8 to change their minds after signing a letter is small. But who out of the rest will break against Madigan? And even though I think it is a very long shot, SpiDems point that Madigan tries to hold out through process it technically could be an avenue. Most of the obvious contenders who will come out and be nominated are all solid Madigan as of now. If and/or when they make their move and start to make overtures to their fellow caucus members is the biggest unknown. If those conversations start before Jan 13th it will be interesting to see if they stay private. And we all know how well that works in Springfield. Basically we are just handicapping a horse race at this point. What are the odds of any of those scenarios? We would all have different opinions on that.
And back in the old days we would start to see some interesting horse trading going on. Judge appointments, backing for higher office, jobs, etc. But except for some finagling that Jesse could be a part of, the heavy hitters like Pritzker, Lightfoot and others I dont think they will wade into those waters.

Comment by Been There Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 1:35 pm
=== is doing his===

Yeah. I’m not. Either name the names or go back a write an blog post that you’ll try to link here about these silly members you won’t name caving or facing a primary or general election backlash that makes it easier to defeat.

=== reality of the backroom “process” will get MJM his 60 votes by January 13.===

… and you can’t name a soul.

=== And the Courts can intervene if legislatures don’t get their acts together on redistricting, that’s why Ted Cruz is a U.S. Senator today due to court ordered delays of primaries on 2012 Texas congressional remap.===

This is Illinois. How can any work get done with moving an election date without statute… here… in Illinois.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 1:37 pm
If this goes on long enough, they’ll solve it with paint guns. Time to vet the manufacturers.

Comment by A Guy Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 1:47 pm
==Show me in the rules where nominations cannot be reopened. This is mandated to happen every day: “As the first item of business each day before the election of the Speaker … If a quorum of members elected is present, the Secretary of State shall then call for nominations of members for the Office of Speaker.”==

I agree with this — and Pelonski — just based on reading the rule. It appears to me that the SoS can call for nominations each day of the process.

If this last happened 45 years ago, I’m skeptical that precedent would matter very much. Hard to see Lightfoot and Pritzker making a deal to decide this. And while he may prefer Madigan, White is also subject to political pressure.

It’s useful info from SpiDem though, and worth considering whether Dems might put forward more than one alternative.

And for what it’s worth, I find Kifowit rather impressive.

Comment by Anonanonsir Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 2:09 pm
Willy, this is Illinois won’t cut it with a federal judge, and just like Texas 2012 and elsewhere, a court order can push back the 2022 primary date. OK, you want some names, start with Maurice West of Rockford. In spite of Madigan not helping him, MJM people will wheel/deal with him to get his vote. Anne Stava-Murray? The same lady who lost it 2 years ago over political pressure and said she was going to primary Durbin? She’ll cave. I also see the House Black Caucus turning the opposition to MJM into a racial issue, and MJM’s 60 votes will fall into place. The process will win MJM his last session as Speaker.

Comment by John Lopez Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 2:19 pm
=== Anne Stava-Murray? The same lady who lost it 2 years ago over political pressure and said she was going to primary Durbin? She’ll cave.===

…

Did she vote for Madigan… last time?

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 2:21 pm
=== this is Illinois won’t cut it with a federal judge, and just like Texas 2012 and elsewhere, a court order can push back the 2022 primary date.===

You know we’re talking about the vote for Speaker, right?

Are you randomly choosing loony things to seem thoughtful to the simplicity of 60 Madigan doesn’t have, or further, why would changing a primary date be in any mix to dictating for the 73 Dems find 60?

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 2:23 pm
=== I also see the House Black Caucus turning the opposition to MJM into a racial issue, and MJM’s 60 votes will fall into place.===

So your political power play… if I get this right…

You have the Black Caucus calling out the rest of the House Democrats… on race… then, after using that leverage you expect a Dem Caucus, oh, led by Madigan, to then close ranks around both Madigan and ignore the racial underpinnings used as leverage as… working.

If the Illinois Senate Dems are any indication of how racial underpinnings work, or don’t work…

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 2:33 pm
==This ain’t gonna be a protracted fight, reality of the backroom “process” will get MJM his 60 votes by January 13.==

I’d like to bet the over please.

Comment by SAP Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 2:59 pm
Willy, this is power politics now, and a poker game where jacks-full or better needed to win the big pot, and MJM holding 3 jacks and most anyone else has is a pair. Like Sensei Kreese says on the Cobra Kai series, there is no right or wrong, just weak or strong. If the Black Caucus power play doesn’t work, MJM allies will go after members with strong union ties, dangling things like making worker classification use the ABC test to define an employee which unions pushing for, get unions to make calls to get Madigan to 60 votes. And if unions don’t work, health care or education juice-people will apply the poker-speak “short stack squeeze” to get to 60.

Comment by John Lopez Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 3:03 pm
===power politics now===

This ain’t a fight, it’s a siege.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 3:04 pm
=== MJM holding 3 jacks and most anyone else has is a pair.===

LOL… in practicality, Madigan has a pair of deuces, King high.

=== just weak or strong.===

You barely named ONE of the 19 that’ll flip, and you have Dem colleagues turning on each other… with a race card

I know with your strong support of Oberweis… and racial politics… that makes sense to you… but this ain’t no helicopter ad.

=== making worker classification use the ABC test to define an employee which unions pushing for===

So you want Madigan allies to… make this about jobs… and clouting…

You know what Madigan is being looked at for, right?

Clouting, jobs, and leverage to them.

Seriously. Stop. This is embarrassing.

You have this belief that these 19… all 19… decided to hang together, and by doing so already deny Madigan… will feel a need to flip against their conscience, beliefs or morals.

I mean, if *your* beliefs, morals, conscience is that easily swayed, lol

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 3:10 pm
I can just see it…

“Yeah, I’m getting calls to change my vote for Madigan or the unions will hurt other people’s jobs, like Madigan is allegedly being looked at as public official A, leveraging jobs for power”

You think that kind of leverage won’t backfire?

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 3:14 pm
Roman, I certainly hope no one is Bobby Kennedy. But I have been adamant that I would love to see Will Guzzardi as the next speaker. But if it has to be a Black Caucus member with AFSCME support I would love Jehan Gordon Booth as well. Just as long as one of them doesn’t get beat by a Nixon.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 3:14 pm
As it currently stands, House Dems are choosing between MJM, Durkin or Kifowit. For many that aren’t record of opposing MJM as Speaker, this puts them in a terrible bind without another viable candidate. Durkin’s still a Republican and has voiced no interest in a negotiated deal to support a new Democrat Speaker and it doesn’t appear Kifowit has any support from her Dem colleagues. Likely more bad news drops in future for MJM, but it’s unclear when…could be next month or could be deep into 2021 or following year. Perhaps a deal could be struck that’s contingent on a timeline and MJM not being indicted? Otherwise, a viable Dem candidate needs to step up and offer to avert this train wreck waiting to happen.

Comment by Veil of Ignorance Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 3:38 pm
=== bringing up Oberweis===

When it comes to racial politics and division…

=== May be a siege, but who is besieging who? It’s nowhere near a … standoff.===

You’re right, Madigan is denied 60. No standoff really. It’s math.

=== Madigan has 52 votes out of 73. That sounds like 3 jacks to me===

LOL… the number is 60, and as Rich and others pointed out, rightly, not all those that aren’t in the 19 are in for Madigan.

Ya got Walker in that 52, that might be news to Walker.

=== Public pressure will build to end the siege, and the deal will be struck I mentioned earlier===

LOL, the state went two years without a budget, you think waiting a month or 3 for a Speaker will be leverage? It’s the last 6 weeks of session where the lifts take place.

=== Madigan speaker for spring session including remap, he’ll step down mid 2021, after remap signed===

Show my your 8 flipping of the 19

This was the funniest tripe, it’s still insanely comical.

=== Anne Stava-Murray? The same lady who lost it 2 years ago over political pressure and said she was going to primary Durbin? She’ll cave.===

…

Did she vote for Madigan… last time?

You figure that out?

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 3:41 pm
=== But I have been adamant that I would love to see Will Guzzardi as the next speaker. ===

Will Guzzardi is too progressive to be the next Speaker. His agenda would alienate too many moderate members of the caucus and put them in a tough spot when it comes to their re-election efforts.

Comment by Powdered Whig Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 3:44 pm
This discussion will be more productive if folks discuss what the damage to people will be if Madigan continues holding out against this siege for weeks or even months. If he places his personal interests and those of his beneficiaries above the interests of the State, he might try to drag things out indefinitely. Do you think there would be crowds of protesters at the homes of the 19 demanding Madigan’s re-election? I think the only people who would walk those picket lines would be those currently on the FBI interview list. No, there is no groundswell of support for him now and there will be none in the coming months. The jacket would be worn by Madigan and any member perceived as supporting Madigan’s interests above those of a local district.

The 19 can easily continue this siege simply by not showing up. The local folks back in the district will become savage over any significant damage a selfish Madigan causes. Madigan will recognize strength and an unwinnable situation and cede his ground. He is, after all, no fool.

Comment by Chad Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 4:13 pm
For all the attacks that Madigan and DPI made on Trump over the last year it’s striking that just like Trump this guy just won’t move on and instead buries himself at the bunker on 65th and Pulaski hoping for a miracle

Comment by Etown Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 4:17 pm
=== Do you think there would be crowds of protesters at the homes of the 19 demanding Madigan’s re-election? I think the only people who would walk those picket lines would be those currently on the FBI interview list. No, there is no groundswell of support for him now and there will be none in the coming months.===

This is tasty good.

It’s what those thinking the 19 can be leveraged, especially in a way that can be framed as what Madigan is allegedly a part of as public official A

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 4:25 pm
When the leadership votes come in January, do you think House members, Mayor, Governor and maybe even the President are going to take arrows to preserve selfish privileges of people identified with Madigan? Just watch the supporters peel off and the demands for resignation multiply. Madigan will be hounded by the elderly folks needing their basic services. He will be hounded outside Saputo’s.

Comment by Chad Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 4:33 pm
===Actually it sounds more like 3 nine or tens. But if you are playing Jacks or Better, which is what getting to 60 would be, you would need to draw another pair to get a full house or another 10 for 4 of a kind. Back of envelope calculation approx less than 5%===

Oops! Obviously 3 Jacks satisfy getting Jacks or Better. Brain cramp

Comment by Been There Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 7:13 pm
Waiting for Guffman while waiting on the Feds

Comment by TJ Monday, Dec 21, 20 @ 7:35 pm