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* Tribune…
With less than three days to shore up the votes needed to claim another term as House speaker, Michael Madigan on Sunday was confronted with the reality that he lacks support from nearly a third of his 73-member Democratic caucus.
In the first closed-door ballot cast by divided House Democrats, Madigan received 51 votes, sources said, short of the 60 he needs to lengthen a tenure as speaker that stretches back to 1983, save two years of Republican control in the mid-1990s.
Rep. Ann Williams of Chicago has rallied the most support of Madigan’s challengers, garnering 18 votes in the first ballot on Sunday, according to sources. Rep. Stephanie Kifowit of Oswego received three votes and one member voted present. […]
Earlier Sunday, the 19 House Democrats who have publicly opposed Madigan hardened their opposition Sunday and pledged to stay united, issuing a statement declaring they will not support Madigan “at any stage of the voting process.”
* WCIA…
Due to the public nature of the campaign to unseat Madigan, few expected the first round of balloting to yield a clear winner. Instead, the highly anticipated voice vote put every member on the record, and tested the strength and potential limits of the Speaker’s political support.
Madigan’s coalition of supporters includes the Legislative Black Caucus, the Latinx Caucus, downstate and moderate Democrats, and organized labor unions, many of whom say they’re prepared to dig in and defend his claim to the gavel against more inexperienced challengers.
And what happens if Madigan can’t get to 60 votes?
“Oh, he’ll get to 60 votes,” a confident Rep. Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan) replied on her way out.
* WBEZ…
After the vote, Madigan’s spokesman said the incumbent speaker is continuing to work to be reelected. […]
Two incoming House Democrats also voted against Madigan: Rep.-elect Denyse Wang Stoneback, D-Skokie, and Rep.-elect Suzanne Ness, D-Crystal Lake. State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, voted present
While Madigan hasn’t been charged, federal prosecutors have identified him repeatedly in court filings as “Public Official A” in the government’s probe of ComEd’s Springfield lobbying practices between 2011 and 2019. The company admitted to showering Madigan precinct captains and other associates with no-work jobs and contracts to curry favor with the speaker to help advance its legislative agenda.
Madigan has denied knowing about ComEd’s efforts to bribe him.
* WUIS…
State Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago), who has been one of Madigan’s most vocal critics for the past three years, voted present.
“I voted present because I just don’t think we’re there yet,” Cassidy told reporters after caucus adjourned Sunday night. “I don’t think we’re at a viable place yet.”
“What we learned tonight is that Speaker Madigan doesn’t have enough votes [said Rep. Kelly Cassidy] … I’m pretty certain that there are folks who are going to suggest that that means that a good Democrat would make that switch; I would argue that a good Democrat would argue that you’re not capable of uniting your caucus and step out of the way to let someone who can, do so.”
There’s more in all those stories, so click the links.
* Blog coverage…
* House Speaker election updates - Madigan is 9 votes short of 60, opposition grows from 19 to 22
* Rep. Williams: Vote makes it clear that “House Democratic Caucus is ready for a change in leadership” (updated)
* Fireworks before vote on House Speaker (newly updated with comments from Rep. Mary Flowers and Rep. André Thapedi)
* Women’s groups urge vote for woman as new House Speaker - All 19 MJM opponents say they are still together (updated x5)
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 3:22 am
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Previous Post: When gradually reducing state funding for municipalities because of non-compliance with a state law is called “defunding the police”
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The misogyny toward Rep. Williams and other female members of the 19 by the mod squad has been off the charts on here and in the BOS Center these past few days.
Comment by Ok Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 8:40 am
Rita Mayfield’s comment to WCIA tipped the hand that will bring Mike Madigan to 60 votes. Deal is in the works. Ness voting against Madigan was a surprise.
Comment by John Lopez Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 9:06 am
=== Rita Mayfield’s comment to WCIA tipped the hand that will bring Mike Madigan to 60 votes. Deal is in the works.===
Tell that to the 19
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 9:08 am
Let me know when Richard Mell is standing on a chair.
Comment by 14th ward Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 9:09 am
Plan B will be a compromise choice the Speaker believes he’ll be able to control from behind the scenes. Not ready to roll Plan B yet, but it’s likely already planned
Comment by Lincoln Lad Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 9:18 am
“Rita Mayfields’ comment to WCIA tipped the hand”
Or, just a good ole’ case of whistling past the graveyard.
Comment by Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 9:48 am
MJM is everything that is wrong with Illinois.
Comment by Rutro Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 9:59 am
==Rita Mayfield’s comment to WCIA tipped the hand that will bring Mike Madigan to 60 votes. ==
It’s tempting to think this, but legislators don’t always have some secret knowledge.
Comment by Arsenal Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 10:18 am
I just can’t with Kelly Cassidy…
Comment by Disgruntled IL Democrat Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 10:22 am
So when is the second round of voting?
Comment by IL Resident Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 10:28 am
None of the other candidates can get to 60 (yet), but that only means that Madigan should fold? Only Madigan is being a bad Democrat and splitting the party? Madigan’s a big boy, I don’t really care about people being “unfair” to him, but like the sexism accusation yesterday, it just feels insulting that these people think their obviously self serving logic is convincing. I’m not that dumb.
And sure, if Madigan folds a whole lot of things change, more so than if all the other candidates fold, so there’s a tiny, tiny glimmer of logic there, but it always sounds hollow when you blame the other guy for the fight that you both are participating in. Always.
Comment by Perrid Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 10:47 am
=== None of the other candidates can get to 60 (yet), but that only means that Madigan should fold? … it just feels insulting that these people think their obviously self serving logic is convincing. I’m not that dumb.===
In the context of MJM, it’s a referendum of his leadership, Madigan unable to secure 60 votes in a caucus of 73 after being Speaker all these years… yeah… it is different… yeah… it’s on Madigan and not the others to show a Vote of Confidence should mean securing the necessary 60 votes… easily.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 10:52 am
Rita Mayfield’s comment might also be for the benefit of a few dozen Madigan backers who might vote for a compromise candidate named Rita Mayfield.
Comment by Rich Hill Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 1:28 pm
@RichHill—- Thank you but I’m rooting for Rep Cassidy, or Rep Welch
Comment by RitaMayfield Monday, Jan 11, 21 @ 2:40 pm