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House resolution condemns Rep. Chris Miller (no relation)

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Illinois House Democrats have introduced a resolution condemning state Rep. Chris Miller, R-Oakland, after a decal of a far-right wing militia group was displayed on the back of his pickup truck as it was parked near the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 insurrection.

The resolution, filed Monday, states that Miller “violated his oath to the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the State of Illinois by actively and publicly promoting the actions of an internationally recognized para-military hate group.”

The resolution, introduced by state Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Highland Park, has already garnered more than two dozen co-sponsors, including House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and members of his leadership team. No Republicans have signed on so far. […]

“Supporting and participating in insurrection against the government is way beyond the pale and violates our oath of office,” Morgan wrote in an email. “The State of Illinois deserves to know what role Rep. Miller had in the riot of January 6 in Washington D.C., and that is why I referred this matter to the Legislative Inspector General for proper investigation.”

Click here to read the resolution before commenting, please.

I reached out to Rep. Miller’s spokesperson yesterday and didn’t hear back. From Speaker Welch’s spokesperson…

The insurrection on January 6 at the U.S. Capitol was sickening. It was deliberately planned and orchestrated by white supremacists. The fact that Rep. Chris Miller was involved amounts to a violation of his oath of office. Speaker Welch strongly condemns his actions and wants accountability.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 9:37 am

Comments

Republican caucus needs to address this. Time for Durkin to step up..

Comment by Wow Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 9:39 am
Serious question: What does a resolution to condemn accomplish? Is it removal from office, slap on the wrist, public ’shaming’, etc.?

Comment by Cardinal Fan Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 9:49 am
- Wow - Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 9:39 am:

We’ll have a Martian colony first.

Comment by Precinct Captain Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 9:49 am
Let’s all keep in mind how Chairman Don Tracy sees racists, insurrectionists, and conspiracy theorists;

February 6th Capitol Fax

===“My number one priority is to give every Republican a seat at the table and give every Republican a voice. Regardless of our differences, Republicans are the only hope for turning Illinois around and keeping it from becoming…

…

So, whatever your political leanings, wherever you live - if you want to fight … It’s time to suit up, work together, and bring home some wins for the people of Illinois.”===

It’s clear.

Miller is accepted by the ILGOP.

Food for thought.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 9:50 am
The resolution is very narrowly written, but seems accurate to me. What is less clear is what Miller’s role was at the Capitol on January 6. Other than we know his car was parked in the lot, I haven’t seen evidence of his participation in the insurrection. His public comments lead me to believe he was on the side of the insurrectionists, but if there is evidence that he acted on January 6th, I haven’t seen it.

Maybe he was helping his wife move to DC and that’s why his truck was there. Maybe he came to help overthrow the government. The sticker on his truck makes me think (or want to believe) he was involved, but the rational side of my brain says there’s not enough here to punish him for violating his oath.

But it’s enough to have a hearing and ask him more questions.

Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 9:52 am
Would this be stronger if done after the Inspector General finishes?

Don’t disagree with the timing on this or the thought behind it, but just wonder if waiting would be a better approach.

Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 9:57 am
“What does a resolution to condemn accomplish?”

It does little of substance to Miller (R-No Relation), but it puts the other members on the record as either disapproving of his actions or as having failed to disapprove of his actions.

And that ain’t nothing.

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 9:58 am
Minority leader Durkin is busy drafting his next speech which calls for inclusivity of the ILGOP.

He has no time for this frivolity.

Comment by Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 9:58 am
=== Republican caucus needs to address this. ===

They already have. Just not in the way rational people would have preferred. Staff for some of the republican house members were participating in the events in DC.

County and local board members need to take actions like this against any sitting members who were participating in this and proudly bragging about it for about a day, before realizing the general public found their behavior abhorrent and tried to scrub their previously bragged about actions in DC off social media.

There is no being silent on this. Silence by any board with a member who participated in these events is being complicit.

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 9:59 am
Is Chris Miller going to be Darien Bailey’s campaign manager?

Comment by Frumpy White Guy Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 10:04 am
Rep. Miller will win his reelection bid by an amount similar to his 2020 race. Those old,angry white men in the 110th are out of touch.

Comment by Blue Dog Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 10:12 am
And if anyone doesn’t think this is orchestrated political theater and an overreach look at the date in the resolution as to when the complaint was filed with the Legislative Inspector General, March 3rd, tomorrow.

Comment by Nagidam Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 10:15 am
===…but it puts the other members on the record as either disapproving of his actions or as having failed to disapprove of his actions.===

This.

This is as important as *anything* right now.

Illinois found that LaHood, Bost, Mary Miller… Rodney Davis…

They cowardly refused to impeach Trump, that vote is *exactly*…

It is exactly who they are.

If you can’t impeach a President who incited an insurrection, you are…. you are siding with the racists, the conspiracy theorists… and those who participated in that insurrection

This vote… I wanna KNOW.

I want to know… where everyone stands on not only Miller, but what the vote means to the party.

It’s important. It’s important to me.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 10:15 am
The riot at the capitol on the 6th was sickening to see, the people the broke into the building should be prosecuted.

But both the ADL SPLC have their heads buried up their 4th point of contact and Rep Morgan knows less than they do about the “whole” 3% movement. The problem with the 2A movement is that they keep getting infiltrated by the dregs of society who think its fertile recruiting territory. And because of it the minute they are spotted at any event, the media and self proclaimed experts try to tag everyone at the as some sort of racist.

Make no mistake, I hate the klan, skinheads and any of those groups or their members. I won’t be around them and don’t want to be near them. I would prefer they crawl under what ever rock they came out from under.

what is the next image or decal that gets someone a resolution of denouncing? The answer to speech you don’t like is more speech and better ideas. If we were to hold up support for the Constitution, maybe we should censure for their lack of support for things like the Second Amendment to the constitution. Or maybe the question that should be asked is why there are so many Americans who think there is a need for a like the 3%ers?

Comment by Todd Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 10:16 am
I don’t know what Rep. Miller did on January 6. I do know that he had a giant sticker of a recognized hate group on his truck window. That’s enough for me for this HR. He may as well have had a swastika on his truck. I’m sure Mary would approve.

Comment by Steve Rogers Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 10:16 am
===Staff for some of the republican house members were participating in the events in DC.===

Who? Link? Proof?

Comment by Sweet N Sour Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 10:16 am
The campaign side to this is interesting.
Maybe not in Southern Illinois but in Cook and the collars it could leave a mark.

Comment by Frank talks Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 10:31 am
=== Who? Link? Proof? ===

Legislative director for state rep Mark Batinick, Debbie Kraulidis who is also now a Will county board member.

She is the VP of Moms for America, and was running the stage in DC in front of the capitol that introduced Mary Miller to discuss.

She posted a video of herself in DC after returning to her hotel after the event, then immediately removed it when she realized it placed her at the event.

Calls for her resignation have been coming ever since her participation and actions have come to light.

https://patch.com/illinois/plainfield/will-county-board-member-debbie-kraulidis-must-resign

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 10:33 am
Honestly, and I understand the concern with Rep. Miller’s decal, I think that these resolutions are fairly pointless and probably counterproductive. I think it’ll probably just solidify radical support for Miller and others like him by giving them ammo to say “See these Pinko Commie Dems are trying to cancel us.” I’m not sure what you do situations like this though.

Comment by CMZ Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 10:33 am
I hope Rep. Miller cleared his Jan. 6, 2021 “field trip”, a date which will live in ‘infamy,’ with Leader Durkin. If not, he’s has some explaining to do.

Interestingly, the caucus has received the memo on the resolution as no member is signing on.

Comment by Pizza Man Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 10:39 am
===I think that these resolutions are fairly pointless and probably counterproductive. I think it’ll probably just solidify radical support for Miller and others like him by giving them ammo to say “See these Pinko Commie Dems are trying to cancel us.” I’m not sure what you do situations like this though.===

The point of the exercise is to see which House members are going to dismiss it.

That’s the point. On the record, who votes “red”.

Also, the cowardly way to address issues of this nature is to first ignore it then hope it goes away and doesn’t grow “because of inaction”

I’ve yet to see any time appeasing has tamped down these groups or thoughts.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 10:39 am
Exactly how do we know this creature is “no relation” have we climbed the family tree?
There seem to be some concurrent traits coarsing through both …. tee hee

Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 10:44 am
===The point of the exercise is to see which House members are going to dismiss it.===

===That’s the point. On the record, who votes “red”.===

I’ll admit that I overlooked that fact. This isn’t a counterpoint but more of a question. Will this be all that effective though in turning people against the red votes? Maybe up in the collar counties but I can’t see it really in other parts of the state short of a handful of districts.

Comment by CMZ Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 10:44 am
In no way defending Rep. Miller, but will Speaker Welch be as accommodating to Rep. Miller as he was to Rep. Madigan?

Comment by Joe Schmoe Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 10:49 am
- The problem with the 2A movement is that they keep getting infiltrated by the dregs of society who think its fertile recruiting territory. -

Well Todd, maybe the problem is that those dregs are right about it’s fertility.

I’m a gun owner and support the 2A, but y’all have been so over the top sowing the seeds of lunacy, I find it disingenuous that you’re surprised that they sprouted.

Comment by Excitable Boy Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 10:49 am
===The problem with the 2A movement is that they keep getting infiltrated by the dregs of society who think its fertile recruiting territory. And because of it the minute they are spotted at any event, the media and self proclaimed experts try to tag everyone at the as some sort of racist.===

If I threw a regular backyard BBQ and Nazis kept showing up to my party, I think it would be pretty reasonable of my neighbors to assume I might be a wee bit racist.

Instead of bemoaning being painted with a broad brush or arguing that your movement isn’t tinged with racism because “so many Americans” find it necessary, it might be time to take a long hard look at why Nazis feel so comfortable at your party.

Comment by Moira Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 10:54 am
=I think it’ll probably just solidify radical support for Miller and others like him by giving them ammo to say “See these Pinko Commie Dems are trying to cancel us.” I’m not sure what you do situations like this though.=

There is a litmus test being used in the Republican party right now. You either support the former President fully; violent insurrections, election fraud claims and all, or you’re not a Republican. Those are the rules of the party leader. You can’t blame the Democratic party for having Republicans go on record showing exactly where they stand when their leader demands no less.

The real question for the ILGOP is do they want to be a shrinking regional party led by the likes of Chris Miller, or do they want to grow their party by denouncing his behavior.

Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 10:58 am
While I appreciate this resolution as an overall measure a vote in favor of this resolution does not address that Representative Chris Miller will continue to serve in the legislature. The resolution in the current form without any measurable or real consequences, or any real investigation it punts the entire issue to the Inspector General’s office.

This resolution will likely raise Representative Chris Miller’s profile and turn into something that helps with fund raising for any of the Illinois GOP that are savvy enough to pick up the ball and run with it. The only catch is that raising Representative Chris Miller’s profile for this specific issue might also encourage other authorities to examine his whereabouts and actions that day.

There are no teeth to this resolution. Representative Chris Miller’s colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus need to understand that when he was speaking of the “Dangerous Democrat Terrorists” that he was talking about them specifically.

Comment by Candy Dogood Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 11:03 am
===will likely raise Representative Chris Miller’s profile===

There is a distinct strand of liberalism which demands the media and others ignore radical behavior on the Right. That belief both ignores the role of the media and counts on everything always working out fine.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 11:05 am
Folks get condemned now for placing an emblem on their truck now?

What’s next?

Comment by Soapbox Derby Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 11:09 am
=== and turn into something that helps with fund raising for any of the Illinois GOP that are savvy enough to pick up the ball and run with it.===

Don Tracy has already made clear racists, insurrectionists and conspiracy theorists are welcome in the ILGOP.

That horse left the barn February 6th.

Ignoring, appeasing, hoping it goes away never works.

Raising a profile of Miller marginalizes him (and his wife) every time the media and coverage of them exists.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 11:12 am
Are the Illinois House Democrats also going to introduce a resolution to condemn Speaker Welches past behavior against women to continue to ignore it?

Comment by me Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 11:13 am
@Soapbox So would it be ok for a state representative to put any emblem at all on a vehicle that also bears his legislative license plate? What about a swastika? A Klan sticker?

Here’s how Miller defended his sticker: “Miller, responding to The Daily Beast on Friday, acknowledged it was his truck but said he was unaware of the meaning behind the decal, saying that an Army buddy gave it to him and that was he “never was (a) member” of the group.”

Really? Wow. You’re going to put something on a truck that you evidently drive for your official duties without investigating what it stands for? That’s a load of organic fertilizer.

I sincerely hope that for ‘22 this guy gets thrown into the same district without about three or four of his Eastern Bloc buddies.

Comment by The Ford Lawyer Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 11:22 am
===Ignoring, appeasing, hoping it goes away never works.===

We’re in agreement here. While I encourage the legislature doing something to address Representative Chris Miller’s statements and behaviors on 01/06/2021, because this resolution lacks any teeth or real consequences associated with it might simply serve to “help” the Illinois GOP in the short run.

I’m not against the resolution, it’s just not enough.

Comment by Candy Dogood Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 11:26 am
EB — For whatever reason, the anti-government racist’s think that all small/limited government types somehow can be talked into their positions or there point of view no matter how nutty or troll like it is.

I don’t like seeing my union use the IRON cross from the Germans on t-shirts. I didn’t like it when some of the chopper companies used it either. I just refuse to buy and wear those things due to my beliefs about WW2 and my fathers service.

I know its enticing for those who don’t like the gun guys to try and paint everyone of them as a racist klansman to demonize them for their positions. All the gun guys I know rebuke those positions from those groups.

Comment by Todd Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 11:29 am
==Folks get condemned now for placing an emblem on their truck now?==

They get judged. If that judgment reaches a conclusion that the owner of the truck supports racists positions and insurrectionist actions, condemnation just might follow.

Duh.

Comment by don the legend Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 11:31 am
The collar counties want to know who doesn’t believe the 3 Percenters is an anti-government, radical organization rich with white supremacists. That’s both republicans and democrats living iin those counties. Take a vote… go on the record. We had an insurrection seeking to bring down our government and democracy.

Comment by Lincoln Lad Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 11:36 am
Whoa. The Capitol Hill siege was not “deliberately planned and orchestrated by white supremacists”. Other groups were involved. Check out the preliminary report by George Washington University’s Program on Extremism. By the way, the FBI doesn’t even keep a list of domestic terrorist groups nor is there a domestic terrorism designation.

Comment by Cricket Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 11:46 am
- All the gun guys I know rebuke those positions from those groups. -

Dude, come on, we aren’t children here.

Comment by Excitable Boy Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 11:47 am
=== Will this be all that effective though in turning people against the red votes? Maybe up in the collar counties but I can’t see it really in other parts of the state short of a handful of districts.===

(Sigh)

Not everything is truly about “every election”

This type of vote is a vote of character.

This type of vote us about the courage to do right.

This type of vote is to show those watching that honesty and understanding to what makes this country great is bigger than a party now devolved to a cult.

What makes Kinzinger righteous and a patriot, a hero to the country is that a loud minority is angered that someone is against their un-American thoughts and beliefs.

If it were easy to vote here on Miller than the cult of personality wouldn’t exist, and racist, conspiracy theorists, and insurrectionists would feel less emboldened.

Could it be important come election time? “Maybe”

Should one worry that their own character and support of racists, conspiracy theorists, and insurrectionists might tarnish them more than any vote against Miller…

…

That’s the character question Trumpkin/Raunerites should be wrestling with… if they aren’t, they are already lost well beyond any vote on any resolution.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 11:47 am
@The Ford Lawyer

Do you support a weekly walk through of the Capitol parking lot for stickers you find objectionable? Should we start a Legislative Committee to do it? Let’s call it the Committee on Un-American Activities. Members of the Committee could be called McCarthyites.

Any good lawyer knows it’s not the government’s job to condemn (or judge) Free Speech, but to protect it. Especially the speech many folks like me don’t agree with.

Comment by Soapbox Derby Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 11:57 am
@don the Legend

Government shouldn’t be in the judging business. Someday it might judge YOU. See comment to Ford Lawyer above.

Comment by Soapbox Derby Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 11:59 am
=== Do you support a weekly walk through of the Capitol parking lot for stickers you find objectionable?===

This *only* makes sense if you already know Miller’s sticker is objectionable.

The dorm room thinking to have racist type flagging is… wow.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 12:02 pm
@Soapbox Derby Nope. But when you get noticed for your sticker, you get called out for it. How about that? You put a sticker on your car in order for your message to get noticed. When said car/truck also bears a legislative license plate, I don’t think the other legislators are too far out of line in saying something about it.

Comment by The Ford Lawyer Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 12:03 pm
To play the “libertarianist” advocate, this is an odd resolution.

It begins by stating Mr. Miller violated his oath, but doesn’t really demonstrate actions that go against his “oath” (e.g., decals on a truck are somewhat of a free-speech issue). In addition, it does recommend any sanctions against Mr. Miller for what is claimed to be violations of the oath of office - rather, it simply resolves to condemn what his decal represents.

The resolution is sort of like a paper tiger. It looks good, but doesn’t bite. And in the end, it may be just enough to anger the 10s of 1000s of Illinoisans who also support Trump.

I do not see how this resolution is anything other than blustering.

Comment by H-W Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 12:11 pm
===it may be just enough to anger … anything other than blustering===

You would certainly know.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 12:12 pm
===When said car/truck also bears a legislative license plate, I don’t think the other legislators are too far out of line in saying something about it.===

The legislative process is being used to call out a Legislator in the name of the constitution for what I personally see as protected speech under that same constitution. Show me acts of sedition January 6th. Show me cooperation with the 3%er group. Lets see what the Legislative Inspector General has to say once, according to the very resolution we are discussing, is filed tomorrow.
What I see is unsavory conduct by a legislator. I’m all for the media highlighting his actions. This resolution is the legislative and constitutional process for political gain.

Comment by Nagidam Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 12:13 pm
=You would certainly know+

True. I have blustered before.

Comment by H-W Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 12:19 pm
==Do you support a weekly walk through of the Capitol parking lot==

If it gives me a clue into your anti-american beliefs, then yes. Next you’ll be complaining that your ‘Female Body Inspector’ T-shirt is appropriate work attire.

Comment by Jocko Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 12:21 pm
==Government shouldn’t be in the judging business. Someday it might judge YOU. See comment to Ford Lawyer above.==

Any elected rep can introduce a resolution. Big whoop.

But me and anyone else isn’t wrong to conclude Representative Miller just might be a racist and support the overthrow of our legitimately elected president by the symbols he displays on his government plated truck.

Comment by don the legend Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 12:28 pm
@Jocko

I nominate you to the General Assembly’s Committee on Un-American activities. That is if you can elected to the GA. You are responsible for supplying your virtue signaling halo.

As to my work attire, my employer decides what is appropriate. Not you, or the government.

Comment by Soapbox Derby Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 12:30 pm
=== I nominate you to…===

Take your time, get that nomination right.

Meanwhile the adults will discuss the issue.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 12:32 pm
I can’t nominate you, you’re already the Committee Chair.

Comment by Soapbox Derby Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 12:36 pm
=== I can’t nominate you===

“Ok… “

LOL

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 12:37 pm
@Nagidam “what I see as” …and other people see it completely differently. That’s why we have legislative processes. We agree that it is unsavory. I agree with you that there has been no demonstration of active participation in an insurrection by Miller. The resolution will likely have no effect and the ultimate decision will be up to the constituents in his (and his wife’s) new districts. Truth be told, he will probably wear the resolution like a badge of honor in his home district, which went about 75% for Trump.

@Jocko careful throwing around words like “anti-American”. Sounds a bit like a certain Senator from Wisconsin a few years back.

Comment by The Ford Lawyer Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 12:50 pm
Actually, if I decided to board bus to go to work sans pants, a person who works for the government would probably show up and escort me from the bus.

Comment by Cheryl44 Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 1:00 pm
@The Ford Lawyer

===That’s why we have legislative processes===

My point this whole day on this post is the legislative process is being corrupted for political gain. Show actual acts of sedition, show an actual link to the 3%er group, let the Legislative Inspector General follow up on the presumed complaint, that the resolution that has already been filed, says will be filed tomorrow.

Comment by Nagidam Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 1:33 pm
=== show an actual link to the 3%er group===

Exactly.

I mean, I constantly put stickers on my vehicle of vile groups with no context, then take them off because “free speech” means touting ridiculous and inflammatory stickers to then remove them instead of proudly keeping them on and defending me having them on my vehicle… amirite?

Ugh.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 1:36 pm
=The legislative process is being used to call out a Legislator in the name of the constitution for what I personally see as protected speech under that same constitution.=

The 3% are an antigovernment organization. Miller took an oath to uphold the constitution. It seems that the goals of this organization are directly at odds with his oath of office. That at least deserves an explanation and/or an understanding of whether or not he and the party as a whole are now embracing antigovernment organizations.

Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Mar 2, 21 @ 1:57 pm