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57 House members vote to condemn Rep. Chris Miller

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Illinois

The Illinois House Thursday censured downstate Republican Rep. Chris Miller for attending the Jan. 6 “Save America” rally that preceded the fatal insurrection of the Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump.

Miller was in Washington, D.C., with his newly elected congresswoman wife, U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, and told Facebook followers after the Trump rally he was devoted to waging “a great cultural war” to avert “the tyranny of socialism and communism under the dangerous Democrat terrorists that are trying to destroy our country.”

Images of the state lawmaker’s pickup truck, parked at the Capitol that day, also circulated on social media and showed a rear-window decal with the emblem of the Three Percenters, a far-right anti-government militia group implicated in the insurrection.

The resolution by Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield, condemning Miller alleged his words and actions violated his oath of office and “created an environment that potentially threatens not only the sanctity of the Illinois General Assembly but also the safety of the members and their staff.”

The measure was adopted by the House on a partisan 57-36 vote, with five members voting present and 19 others not voting. It carries symbolic weight but doesn’t impose consequential penalties against Miller, like expulsion.

The full resolution is here. Roll call is here.

* Tribune…

During House debate on the resolution Thursday, Miller said he went to his wife’s congressional office after the rally on Jan. 6 and remained there throughout the lockdown that occurred when Trump supporters stormed the Capitol.

“I had no part in the violent events at the Capitol that day, and I condemn any and all violence,” Miller said. “I can assure you that my dedication to the safety and security of our state and our country’s citizens is second to none.”

Many Democrats continued to be unswayed by Miller’s explanations.

“How many times do we have to hear Rep. Miller call Democrats ‘terrorists’ or ‘the enemy’ before we can start taking his words seriously?” state Rep. Daniel Didech of Buffalo Grove said. “How many times does Rep. Miller have to ‘accidentally’ find himself supporting the overthrow of the United States government before we can stop pretending we don’t see what’s going on here?”

* Sun-Times…

Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin rose to oppose Miller’s condemnation, saying that the resolution’s “bold, broad claims, and conclusions” could not be supported and that it was the role of the legislative inspector general to investigate Miller. […]

After the vote, state Rep. Deanne Mazzochi, R-Elmhurst, accused the Democratic majority of “libel” for condemning Miller.

“You uttered a lot of the words you did today precisely because you know that Chris Miller has enough grace that he is not going to retaliate against you. He’s not going to try to do you harm, which, of course, undermines the whole theory of the motion,” she said.

“How many of you have the courage to go say what you said today to Chris Miller, in his home on his farm? Where maybe the consequences of your words would actually have consequences.”

Rep. Mazzochi seems to be developing a knack for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 10:14 am

Comments

Calling out and condemning his words - calling democratic members of the house terrorists - is libel.

Calling democratic members of the house terrorists - not libel.

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 10:23 am
Jim Durkin doesn’t support the overthrow of the United States. But he won’t disavow anyone’s support for it. Pretty sick how many Republicans are prochoice on the overthrow of the government.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 10:25 am
It can’t be helped, the ignorance and classless ways of both Millers, their idea that an election is stolen, the racial thinking they harbor, the signaling to others… stickers on a expensive truck that magically no one seems to know what they mean?

Dangers to our fragile democracy are racists, insurrectionists, and conspiracy theorists… even those who have video of them “around” the want to dismantle our Republic.

These folks call themselves “patriots”… and when you think about that, and the gaslighting to all this country strives to be and falls short, they cheer our warts, they applaud where we fail, they want fascist type thinking.

The ILGOP still… not only welcomes the Millers… they see no reason to make an example of them.

Really take a hard look at that, the vote in the House is important, but the critical takeaway is… the Millers… they are welcome… and that is not something that should be ignored.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 10:27 am
Waiting to hear what that “moderate” Republican who has yet to announce their candidacy for Governor has to say.

Comment by Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 10:31 am
I’m relatively new here. (Didn’t know who the Millers were until the past couple of months.) Is this Rep Mazzochi worth my time to try to learn about/understand? She’s making my head spin with this whole “defense”.

Comment by EssentialWorkingMom Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 10:31 am
Some of the no votes were cast by members of the house whose staff were participating in the events in DC on Jan 6th.

There seems to be an unofficial caucus developing on the republican side of the isle.

It’s past time to call it out for what it is.

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 10:41 am
That’s a fascinating roll call (subscribers know more.) I was surprised to see a handful of Republican “P” and “NV” votes. Maybe they can join up with the Democrats’ moderate caucus on some things? An old centrist like me can dream, can’t I?

Comment by Telly Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 10:46 am
I guess when it came time to vote they forgot their pledge to not be the party of “no.”

Comment by Pundent Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 10:56 am
The ILGQP continues it’s tradition of saying “No”.

As long as the party continues to embrace the Millers, the Bailey’s … It will be easy to say no to their election.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 11:00 am
===surprised to see a handful of Republican “P” and “NV” votes===

Two of the three presents are on the ethics committee.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 11:04 am
===Calling out and condemning his words - calling democratic members of the house terrorists - is libel.
Calling democratic members of the house terrorists - not libel.===

Technically, neither are libel because they are oral (slander) not written. Funnily enough, only condemning his words is protected under legislative immunity by the IL Constitution. Miller’s “not-libel” has no such protection.

Comment by thechampaignlife Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 11:15 am
I am confused here. Rep. Mazzochist is saying that Rep. Miller is such a graceful, peaceful man, but then says if anyone said these things about him on his farm, there would be consequences. From who, the cows?

Comment by Henry Francis Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 11:15 am
Rep. Mazzochi is the *primary* sponsor of 103 bills, one resolution and two constitutional amendments.

No single member could come remotely close to working 103 bills. So, such sponsorships are primarily about staking positions on various issues.

Her remarks last night, very reminiscent of former Republican DuPage County Rep. Jeanne Ives inflammatory rhetorical style, sounded campaign-like.

I’d at least consider the possibility that Rep. Mazzochi is interested in a statewide bid.

Also of note, she is a member of *Republican leadership* making allusions of violence were a Democrat opposed to Miller’s actions and statements to “have the courage” go to Rep. Miller’s farm.

That’s dangerous and has no place in floor debate. It deserves condemnation in its own right.

Comment by Moe Berg Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 11:18 am
===Where maybe the consequences of your words would actually have consequences.===

This very obvious threat which should in of itself result in a censure vote has an interesting implication. Does Rep Mazzochi think there is some kind of exemption for lawless behavior on a persons farm?

I’ll call Rep. Chris Miller a traitor to his face, and I’d be happy to call him that on his property. What does Rep. Mazzochi think Chris Miller would do if I called him a traitor to his face, on his property?

Does Rep. Mazzochi believe that the traitor, Chris Miller’s, actions on his own property would be less restrained by laws against violence?

I would like a full explanation of what Rep. Mazzochi thinks would happen, and I will happily volunteer to tell Chris Miller that he is a traitor to the American people and a stain upon the party of Lincoln, and that if he had any measure of dignity he would resign from office rather than bring shame to his family, his children, his grandchildren, and the People of Illinois.

I am not afraid of threats of violence from cowards and traitors. The Illinois GOP needs to stop letting it’s members cosplay as terrorists.

Comment by Candy Dogood Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 11:21 am
Zock is a priceless GOPie…almost like CommandoIves, but without free education and European tour on the resume….but Zock is a lawyer. The EasternBlocHeads really established their place in IL history. Gomer tried to cover his tracks with the suggestion that he just left the farm truck parked at Capitol for four day..guessin’ he Uber’d around DC? and walked from rally site (past the riot) to the office building and did not stop…hmmm

Comment by Annonin' Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 11:24 am
No vaccine is 100%.

Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 11:29 am
Go Candy - You said it Good

Comment by Red Ketcher Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 11:40 am
=== From who, the cows? ===

Cows packing heat.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 11:44 am
This is epic about Mazzochi

===Rep. Mazzochi seems to be developing a knack for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.===

That’s the lede to anything Mazzochi

“Why?”

The ILGOP won’t condemn either of the Millers.

It’s not who they want to be as a party.

Mazzochi’s own ridiculousness and existence to this defending,… she’s really small to the discussion, inserting her ignorance to the narrative is Mazzochi, again, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 11:45 am
Henry Francis — I believe what the rep was getting at is if those reps made the same comments in front of his guests or others they would not have the protection from suit for their slanderous words. Since she referenced a law suit in other comments.

Moe Berg — you seem to have forgotten Tom :I have an idea that needs a bill” Dart from years gone by and the number of bills he filed.

Comment by Todd Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 11:48 am
===I believe what the rep was getting at===

I think the heat-packing cows is a much better explanation, Todd.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 11:58 am
===“I can assure you that my dedication to the safety and security of our state and our country’s citizens is second to none.”===

This isn’t a refutation. This isn’t an acknowledgement that he was in the wrong. This doesn’t apologize for his words, or clarify that he was caught up in the moment and said the wrong thing. He still believes he is in a a war against Democrat Terrorists. He hasn’t disavowed his previous statement.

This statement has so many qualifiers that it in of itself should be a red flag. He has already stated he believes that “Democrat Terrorists” are threatening the safety and security of our country when he was participating in the events that lead up to a violent coup attempt.

The resolution is not enough. The Public needs a detailed account of how Chris Miller spent the rest of his day.

Comment by Candy Dogood Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 12:02 pm
=I believe what the rep was getting at is if those reps made the same comments in front of his guests or others they would not have the protection from suit for their slanderous words.=

These words were Miller’s own:

=…he was devoted to waging “a great cultural war” to avert “the tyranny of socialism and communism under the dangerous Democrat terrorists that are trying to destroy our country.”=

Comment by Pundent Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 12:11 pm
=== From who, the cows? ===

=Cows packing heat.=

As God intended. How else are we supposed to protect ourselves from the Soviets? Have you seen the documentary, Red Dawn?

Comment by thechampaignlife Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 12:13 pm
Chris Miller has … grace

That’s a good one.

Comment by Sir Reel Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 12:15 pm
I’m surprised nobody called out the Republican hypocrisy on the LIG. On one hand they claim that LIG is a weak and toothless option for investigating members, but when it comes to their own insurrectionist, apparently that is just fine.

Comment by Precinct Captain Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 12:20 pm
=== From who, the cows? ===

What you really have to watch out for are the chickens in choppers.

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 12:31 pm
heat-packing cows

Ah, “Cows with Guns” by Dana Lyons. I first heard it on Dr. Demento. It’s on youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQMbXvn2RNI

Comment by cermak_rd Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 12:31 pm
=That’s a fascinating roll call (subscribers know more.) I was surprised to see a handful of Republican “P” and “NV” votes.=

Interesting how one of those “NV” Votes was Sue Scherer. Considering the current makeup of her district (mostly Decatur plus the east side of Springfield).

Comment by EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 12:39 pm
=heat-packing cows=

I used to read Click, Clack, Moo to the kids. Those were cows that could type.

I think we need a reboot.

Click, Gat, Moo?
Click, Shoot, Moo?
Lock, Load, Moo?
Ready, Aim, Moo?

Comment by Cool Papa Bell Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 1:01 pm
It can’t be libel if it’s true…and threats of violence don’t diminish battery as a crime. Who are these people? How can they be elected officials? When did it become ok to be a racist seditionist? Geez.

Comment by Lincoln Lad Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 1:07 pm
Mazzochi‘s idiotic comments notwithstanding, it was a mistake to vote on this. It makes Miller a martyr. Introduce the resolution and leave it at that.

Comment by low level Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 1:11 pm
I’m with Candy - I’ll go with her to call the terrorist a terrorist on his own property, which incidentally, he uses to collect government welfare.

Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 1:13 pm
@henry Francis

I think her implication regarding “consequences” is that he would be in the right to shoot them because they’re… *checks notes* quoting him.

Mazzochi seems to share George Zimmerman’s understanding of what you can do on your property. No Representative, quoting your own words back at you is not grounds for justifiable homicide. But I’m very worried that you seem to believe this is true.

Comment by Commisar Gritty Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 1:27 pm
=It makes Miller a martyr.=

For claiming that Democrats are dangerous terrorists? I’m not sure you entirely understand the meaning of the word. Miller is certainly not a martyr.

Comment by Pundent Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 2:03 pm
Thanks for the Cows with Guns Dana Lyons clip. Fun.

Comment by Da Big Bag Wolf Friday, Mar 19, 21 @ 3:39 pm