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* Getting a bit heated out there…
ICYMI: Speaker Welch stabs 2016 Rep. Welch in the back
Last Friday at 7:30 PM, Illinois Democrats unveiled the Microsoft Paint version of their proposed remake of our state legislative maps. Late Sunday, they released a Google Map version with more detail. Still missing is any shred of data that could help the public understand why the maps look as ridiculous as they do.
The idea of an independent map commission determining new redistricting lines - a proposal previously championed by dozens of Democrat legislators - has been abandoned. Instead, this wholly partisan process conducted behind locked doors in the Stratton Building has been led by a former independent map commission supporter, new Speaker Chris Welch.
Specifically, Welch wrote an op-ed in support of such a commission and stated the following:
1. An independent map commission would “protect minority representation.” And that it would “ensure that Illinois meets federal requirements under the Voting Rights Act to protect minority representation.”
2. “[T]his measure will make the redistricting process more transparent and take the process out of the hands of elected officials, which many of my constituents and residents across Illinois strongly support.”At any point since becoming Speaker of the House, Chris Welch could have followed through on what is clear were hollow words of politician-speak.
ILGOP Spokesman Joe Hackler responded, saying, “When given the opportunity to protect minority representation and take the mapmaking process out of the hands of partisan politicians, Speaker Welch crumbled. His word meant nothing in 2016 and it certainly means nothing now. The only Democrat left who has the opportunity to live up to their promises, is Governor JB Pritzker. The people of Illinois demand that the Governor follow through on his pledge to veto any new map drawn by politicians.”
I asked Speaker Welch’s campaign spokesperson for comment.
*** UPDATE *** Alexandra Sims…
We don’t need to take advice from a party that knows nothing about diversity. Let’s compare the Speaker’s leadership team versus Leader Durkin’s leadership team and Candace Owens doesn’t count.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, May 24, 21 @ 11:59 am
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In short… “Rep. Welch… ‘because Speaker Welch’”
The ILGOP can’t find 4 nickels to rub together so now they’re gonna go full “because the Speaker”… again, but with a twist?
It’s all they got. They’ll need all the free media they can muster.
At least Hackler isn’t heckling people wearing masks this time.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 24, 21 @ 12:09 pm
=The people of Illinois demand=
Kind of funny that the super minority party thinks it speaks for the “people of Illinois” when the people have clearly indicated, with prejudice, that they do not.
Other than that the ICYMI release is standard gotch with your own words stuff.
Meh.
Comment by JS Mill Monday, May 24, 21 @ 12:17 pm
As they say, the job changes you. Welch Is now the leader. Long live the king.
Comment by Norseman Monday, May 24, 21 @ 12:17 pm
Both parties got to agree to this map from 2003. That doesn’t make it any better.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:United_States_Congressional_Districts_in_Illinois,_2003_%E2%80%93_2013.tif
https://paulsimoninstitute.siu.edu/_common/documents/simon-review/redistricting.pdf
Comment by Publius Monday, May 24, 21 @ 12:22 pm
The Speaker was fer it before he were agin it.
Comment by Huh? Monday, May 24, 21 @ 12:39 pm
So we are to believe the republicans are now for protecting minority representation? Oh, they want to protect superminority representation, now I get it.
Comment by What's in a name? Monday, May 24, 21 @ 12:51 pm
=== “When given the opportunity to protect minority representation…”===
If Hackler would give a clear example how the VRA is being violated, I’d be very interested in that.
No one is stopping Hackler.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 24, 21 @ 12:54 pm
=== Let’s compare the Speaker’s leadership team versus Leader Durkin’s leadership team and Candace Owens doesn’t count.===
Gotta be *real* honest.
A point is being made, but it reeks of Chapa LaVia nonsense.
A far better point… no need to compare.
“One only needs to look at Speaker Welch’s leadership team to understand the real commitment Speaker Welch makes to diversity”
Going “Chapa LaVia” isn’t a great counterpoint.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 24, 21 @ 1:01 pm
Sims should’ve stopped after the first sentence and her response would’ve been perfect.
But, why wouldn’t Candace Owens not count? Because you disagree with her, so she shouldn’t count? Bizarre rookie mistake.
Comment by AD Monday, May 24, 21 @ 1:03 pm
Besides the bizarre shoehorn of Candace Owens into the response, I guess Sims is saying that even though Owens is black, her voice “doesn’t count” because it’s not from the left. I bet that’s how they feel about Tim Scott too. Yikes.
Comment by Hahaha Monday, May 24, 21 @ 1:08 pm
===Owens is black, her voice “doesn’t count” because it’s not from the left===
You wanna claim Candice Owens?
Welp…
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 24, 21 @ 1:14 pm
They apparently don’t train spokespeople like they used to. The main point of their job is to clarify and neutralize situations, not pour gas on the fire. Sims must have forgotten that when she responded like she thought was being cute on twitter. Disappointing.
Comment by Responsa Monday, May 24, 21 @ 1:17 pm
Terrible response from Welch’s person. Are they even trying these days?
Comment by ;) Monday, May 24, 21 @ 1:20 pm
bizarre shoehorn of Candace Owens
I am reasonably sure she is not in the IL House.
Comment by Fav Human Monday, May 24, 21 @ 1:21 pm
OW - No one is claiming anyone. As you can see by the comments here, some of us are trying to understand exactly what Sims meant by “doesn’t count.” Why doesn’t Owens, a black women, voice “count” when talking about diversity. I’d like to know. Do you?
Comment by Hahaha Monday, May 24, 21 @ 1:24 pm
Oh - HaHaHa -
===I guess Sims is saying that even though Owens is black, her voice “doesn’t count” because it’s not from the left. I bet that’s how they feel about Tim Scott too===
So you want Candice Owens to count.
You say so… right here.
You wanna claim Candice Owens?…. Welp…
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 24, 21 @ 1:26 pm
===Why doesn’t Owens, a black women, voice “count” when talking about diversity. I’d like to know. Do you?===
I’m not the spokesperson for the Illinois House Speaker.
Why would I claim *anyone* of *any color* who continues to pursue and propagates conspiracy theories as someone I’d want in my political party… ever…
It might be too big of a thought for you, so I tried to use smaller words, if that helps.
Candice Owens is no better or worse, “diversity” or not, than any of the folks pushing conspiracy theories.
But, if you want to claim her…
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 24, 21 @ 1:30 pm
OW, We don’t get to decide what political party other people choose to affiliate themselves with. Rod Blagojevich is a Democrat, do you claim him? Welp.
Comment by AD Monday, May 24, 21 @ 1:31 pm
=== We don’t get to decide what political party other people choose to affiliate themselves with.===
Welcoming insurrectionists, racists, and conspiracy theorists, that’s different than condoning them, which the new Chairman has not done.
I can pull up the quote where the ILGOP Chsir does not condone those folks.
I mean… it’s sounds like the cult is right up your alley.
===Rod Blagojevich is a Democrat, do you claim him?===
Rod is a Trumpkin. I’m not a Trumpkin. Please keep up.
I’m also not a Democrat, but what’s cool about your mouth breathing is since I am not a Trumpkin, I “must” be a Democrat.
Anything else?
To the post,
The response by the spokesperson isn’t at all helpful to Welch.
Think it might be is a messaging problem.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 24, 21 @ 1:35 pm
OW - “It might be too big of a thought for you, so I tried to use smaller words, if that helps.”
My lord you are a sad individual. Are you as big a jerk in real life as you are on an internet chat board?
Comment by Hahaha Monday, May 24, 21 @ 1:36 pm
Welp
Democrats are perfectly fine smearing a strong, smart young woman of color who dares to be Republican and telling her she doesn’t count.
Heads would be exploding on this blog if someone dared tell Alexandra Sims her voice doesn’t count
Comment by Lucky Pierre Monday, May 24, 21 @ 1:37 pm
I take exception that it’s “kool” that the party I use to have a clear connection to has individuals who see that my not buying into an individual, any individual, who perpetuates ridiculous conspiracy theories as a litmus test.
It’s not being a jerk… it’s pointing out small thinking individuals who find being part of a party means joining a cult is “normal”, pushing back on that is how Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger find themselves marginalized. I’m fighting for those willing to push back too.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 24, 21 @ 1:40 pm
Here is a suggestion for a new, never tried, tactic: Show us your map. If the Republicans have a map that is so much better, let’s see it. That should be the #1 question from the press (and the public). Show us this better map…
And, while you are at it, show us that awesome budget you have been hiding for the past decade.
If the Republicans have better ideas, they should show them so we can all benefit.
(Also, this would have been a better response from Speaker Welch’s office.)
Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, May 24, 21 @ 1:41 pm
Agree with others, there was no need to “shoehorn” Candace Adams into the response. It undermines what was *intended* to be the message. Not the best spokespersonin’
Comment by Anon1 Monday, May 24, 21 @ 1:43 pm
Hahaha - word to the wise, arguing with OW is a lost cause. And you lost.
Comment by Huh? Monday, May 24, 21 @ 1:43 pm
- If the Republicans have better ideas, they should show them so we can all benefit.
Here’s a map of Illinois Congressional seats drawn to maximize the number of majority minority districts. https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/redistricting-maps/illinois/#MajMin
Implement it.
Comment by Just Another Anon Monday, May 24, 21 @ 1:46 pm
“Democrats are perfectly fine smearing a strong, smart young woman of color who dares to be Republican and telling her she doesn’t count.”
I don’t care who you are, when your opinion is that it is okay for the police to kill George Floyd because he “isn’t the best of his race,” you don’t count as far as my opinion is concerned. I’m not the best of my race, either. Doesn’t mean I deserve to be murdered.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Monday, May 24, 21 @ 1:49 pm
Reliable sources confirm LEGIS IG, SIP and IL National Guard are going door to door look for the $500K the GOPies took for remap. Durkie admits they have no maps …. plus they are looking for the GOPies’ lock
Comment by Annonin' Monday, May 24, 21 @ 1:52 pm
=== Democrats are perfectly fine smearing a strong, smart young woman of color who dares to be Republican and telling her she doesn’t count.===
You see Candice Owens as an asset to the Trumpkins?
I’ve said many times now, that inserting of that was terrible, but now this going further to “claim” Candice Owens is… wow.
But, you are a Trumpkin so it’s on brand for you.
Both can and are true here;
That response by Welch’s spokesperson… not at all great. It is not at all the messaging needed in a response to Hackler.
Candice Owens being welcomed is also terrible and should be called out too.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 24, 21 @ 1:52 pm
==Here’s a map of Illinois Congressional seats drawn to maximize the number of majority minority districts.==
Not a Republican-drawn map, and not presented by the Republicans as a map they would support.
The Republicans want us to believe they would respect the results of a non-partisan map commission. Something which does not exist under the Illinois constitution.
There is nothing to stop the Republicans from recruiting a group of folks to craft a non-partisan map and then presenting it. I would love to see this map. If they have one, they should share it. If they don’t, why not? It would make for a much stronger argument.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, May 24, 21 @ 1:56 pm
It’s all so angry and lacking civility. From both sides. It’s exhausting.
Comment by Just Can't Monday, May 24, 21 @ 2:07 pm
“Because Welch” campaign slogan beginning to take shape.
Comment by PublicServant Monday, May 24, 21 @ 2:26 pm
The Owens comment was gratuitous. On the other hand, the topic was Leader Durkin’s Leadership Team. Only legislators serve on that team, and Owens isn’t a legislator. Ergo, she doesn’t count any more than, say, Rich does.
Comment by anon2 Monday, May 24, 21 @ 2:30 pm
=== “Because Welch” campaign slogan beginning to take shape.===
Jelly or grape juice?
:)
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 24, 21 @ 2:37 pm
==Show us your map.==
The GOP would say they need census data to draw a map.
Comment by Anonanonsir Monday, May 24, 21 @ 2:50 pm
Did Candace Owens interview Mayor Lightfoot?
Comment by Plano Pride Monday, May 24, 21 @ 2:55 pm
“And Candace Owens doesn’t count.”
That’s not a mic drop, that’s taking the whole microphone podium, lifting it above one’s head in a show of dominance, then chucking it at the reporter asking the question.
11 out of 10 response from Alexandra. Absolutely amazed by that.
Comment by Commisar Gritty Monday, May 24, 21 @ 3:06 pm
- Commisar Gritty -
You do know Candice Owens isn’t in the House, or in the entirety of the General Assembly.
It’s like something someone would put on Facebook… when losing an argument.
With respect.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 24, 21 @ 3:09 pm
Candace Owens is on Jim Durkin’s leadership team? How did I miss that?
Comment by Soccermom Monday, May 24, 21 @ 3:11 pm
The reference to Candace Owens is a trap. A prudent media response to that comment would be none. Regardless of what we might feel about Candace Owens she is not a member of the general assembly and does not count and if someone doesn’t appreciate the accusation of tokenism drafting a response that refers to Candace Owens is a mistake.
It also makes the story of Candance Owens attending the fund raiser fresh — something that the GOP was already criticized about and helps drive home that she was the featured speaker. Incidentally I presume she was paid or asked for an honorarium?
In a serious note, I do wonder what the Illinois GOP’s candidate recruitment process looks like and whether or not they’re actively attempting to recruit people of color to run in their primaries or offering them support if they’d consider it.
It’s a bad idea for the GOP to make anything about the grifter they put on stage who is married to the new CEO of Parler. But Cap Fax commenters can’t help themselves.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/parler-names-george-farmer-as-ceo-as-it-returns-to-apples-app-store-11621268630
Comment by Candy Dogood Monday, May 24, 21 @ 3:30 pm
=== It also makes the story of Candance Owens attending the fund raiser fresh — something that the GOP was already criticized about and helps drive home that she was the featured speaker. Incidentally I presume she was paid or asked for an honorarium?===
So say something ignorant to the fact that Candice Owens isn’t in the House, let alone the GA… to “own the Trumpkins”
It failed miserably
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 24, 21 @ 3:36 pm
=== … telling her she doesn’t count.===
Her Winston Smith-esque memory hole is why she doesn’t count. April 9, 2019, before the US House Judiciary Committee: “The Southern strategy is a ‘myth’ that ‘never happened’.”
Comment by Anyone Remember Monday, May 24, 21 @ 4:18 pm
“Stabbing in the back”.
We’re talking about partisan mapmaking, not warfare.
Comment by low level Monday, May 24, 21 @ 5:49 pm
Wonder what year total % of OW comments are on this blog…?
Hope he at least pays as a subscriber for his pontificating
Comment by Mad Hatter Monday, May 24, 21 @ 5:50 pm
- Mad Hatter -
I’ll send you a rent check. Living rent free in your head doesn’t seem right.
*Your* only addition to this post. Congratulations.
To the post,
Maybe someone can send a list of all 118 members of the Illinois House to the Speaker’s Press Shop. They might be surprised to find Candice Owens is still not on the list.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, May 24, 21 @ 6:01 pm