Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: IRMA, AG Raoul to file bill to tackle organized retail theft
Next Post: We’ll always have Paris
Posted in:
* From House Speaker Chris Welch…
February 7, 2022
Leader Jim Durkin
316 State House
Springfield, Illinois 62706Leader Durkin,
I was recently asked in a public radio interview if I was worried about the future of our democracy. While I truly believe our great American experiment will prevail, I am growing increasingly worried about the incivility and disrespect that has become near commonplace in political discourse.
Less than 5 hours after I answered that question about our democracy, another one of our Democratic colleagues was forced to close her office due to repeated death threats against her and her family after a radical and dangerous disinformation campaign seized on yet another chance to further divide our citizens. The situation was made worse when a member of your Republican caucus issued a statement fanning the flames of this vitriol with the same inaccurate information. I sincerely hope the representative is merely misinformed, in which I will call on you to set the record straight, because purposefully mischaracterizing the intentions of our colleagues for political gain must stop. If we are to restore public trust and faith in government, we must do it together with honesty, decency and respect for one another.
At least four of our Democratic colleagues have received threats against their lives, their loved ones or their place of worship in recent months. I know your caucus is no stranger to this unacceptable behavior, as we witnessed those who voted to end the Rauner budget impasse suffer a similar fate. We also saw this on full display at the national level when Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger was not only censured by his party for rightfully holding former President Donald Trump accountable for a deadly insurrection on our U.S. Capitol, but was also shunned by his family and met with hostility from far-right constituents. We’ve all watched this intolerant partisanship worsen each year poisoning our politics, and it is now seeping into the crevasses of our daily lives.
I write to you not to blame a single ideology or political party; we all share responsibility to ensure civility remains in our politics. But, it is time we take an active role in finding and being a part of the solution. If we are to restore common courtesy and civil disagreements that the very fabric of our democracy relies upon, it must start with us as leaders.
I say often, Illinois’ great strength is our diversity. But, it’s our unity that helps us forge a brighter path for tomorrow. I hope you can work with me to help heal our increasingly divided state by standing firm for our democratic values and always operating with mutual respect for all people. There are times when we will fundamentally disagree, but it’s our right and our responsibility to find solutions, areas of compromise and a common purpose in government.
Let’s make a conscious effort to bring civility back to Springfield. I hope you’ll join me. Sincerely,
Emanuel “Chris” Welch
Speaker of the House
I have asked Leader Durkin’s spokesperson for a response.
*** UPDATE *** Leader Durkin’s response…
February 7, 2022
House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch
Room 300 Illinois State Capitol
Springfield, IL 62706Speaker Welch,
As I reflect on the state of politics today, I firmly believe we are a better General Assembly and a better state when respectful voices are heard. As elected officials, we all share a great passion for the direction of Illinois, but when words and actions cross the line from disagreement to threats, I will always speak up as I have done on this issue. No one in a free society should ever be tolerant of threats.
I am not immune to the constant barrage of threats and harassment, nor are members of my caucus, but we can never let the fringe elements that neither party is immune from control the narrative. In an effort to be part of the solution, I encourage you to allow the voices of the minority party to be heard and not continue to be disregarded. Cooperation and civility is a two-way street. I will always commit to intellectual integrity, honesty and fair play – a better approach.
Sincerely,
Jim Durkin
House Republican Leader
82nd District
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 9:25 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: IRMA, AG Raoul to file bill to tackle organized retail theft
Next Post: We’ll always have Paris
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
Durkins response will probably be along the lines of this https://www.theonion.com/the-republican-party-cannot-stand-by-and-let-obamacare-1819594310
Comment by ItsMillerTime Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 9:32 am
It’s probably “legitimate political discourse” to Durkin and friends.
Comment by Google Is Your Friend Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 9:37 am
I don’t care which party, but if you want to “make a conscious effort to bring civility back” the best way to do that is to pick up the phone and have a direct discussion with the person to whom you are directing the ask; not release a letter to the media.
Comment by Inverted Pyramid Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 9:38 am
I like Speaker Welch, but this is truly disingenuous. He brings up no example of Democrats behaving badly, and there are plenty to choose from. Not defending bad behavior by Republicans at all, but this is not olive branch. It’s another cheap shot disguised as civility. Please.
Comment by phocion Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 9:39 am
===I don’t care which party, but if you want to “make a conscious effort to bring civility back” the best way to do that is to pick up the phone and have a direct discussion with the person to whom you are directing the ask; not release a letter to the media.===
I agree 100% with Inverted Pyramid.
This is a publicity stunt, not a serious proposal.
Comment by Bruce( no not him) Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 9:44 am
inverted pyramid: “not release a letter to the media”
It shows he’s trying to do something. And it puts the ball in Durkin’s court. Smart move, imo.
Comment by Steve Rogers Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 9:45 am
https://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/06/28/Fists-fly-again-on-Illinois-Senate-floor/6064362548800/
Senator Sam approach to stopping bad words…
Comment by Red Ketcher Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 9:48 am
==I don’t care which party, but if you want to “make a conscious effort to bring civility back” the best way to do that is to pick up the phone and have a direct discussion with the person to whom you are directing the ask; not release a letter to the media. ==
Counterpoint: it’s good for elected officials to have serious discussions in full view of the voters.
Comment by Arsenal Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 9:50 am
Writes a letter asking for civility - throws in a couple potshots about Rauner and Kinzinger. Lol, okay.
Comment by Hahaha Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 9:53 am
I don’t understand some commenters’ take that a private phone call would be more effective. Is the theory that Durkin would only be willing to tamp down the Conroy attacks if Welch asked nicely?
Durkin’s a fully functional adult with his own moral agency. He surely knows what’s been happening and hasn’t done anything to fix it. Governing in private has its value, but death threats against members isn’t an appropriate topic for negotiation. Durkin already has all of the information Welch would give him in a phone call, and it’s clearly not enough for him to act. So the Speaker has to do what he can to defend his members’ safety, including attempts to shame Republicans into knocking it off.
Comment by vern Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 9:58 am
None of you have any idea if this was the only way he communicated with Il Republicans.
Comment by Cheryl44 Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 10:01 am
==https://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/06/28/Fists-fly-again-on-Illinois-Senate-floor/6064362548800/
Senator Sam approach to stopping bad words…==
==”The diminutive Vadalabene, D-Edwardsville, said he hit Rhoads ‘right on the jaw.’ Rhoads, R-Western Springs, would not talk but was seen crying as he was led down the Capitol steps.”==
There shouldn’t be no crying in the General Assembly.
Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 10:04 am
=== have a direct discussion with the person to whom you are directing the ask ===
And how do you know that didn’t take place.
This looks more like a standard corporate escalation email CC, after your direct request has continually fallen on deaf ears.
The audience will expand until a response is received from the person not yet responding to the communication attempts.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 10:05 am
=the best way to do that is to pick up the phone and have a direct discussion with the person to whom you are directing the ask=
This assumes that Welch hasn’t done so. That may or may not be the case. But one thing is clear too me, Durkin has been way to silent on this type of behavior. Maybe he condones it in private maybe he doesn’t. But at some point his public silence should be called out. And this argument that “both sides are guilty” will have merit as soon as soon as I see the Democratic equivalent of Darren Bailey and Mary Miller.
Comment by Pundent Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 10:09 am
===Durkin has been way to silent on this type of behavior===
He did speak up the other day, but it was fairly vague and general https://twitter.com/MaryAnnAhernNBC/status/1489737006796136450
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 10:15 am
–Durkin’s a fully functional adult with his own moral agency. He surely knows what’s been happening and hasn’t done anything to fix it.–
This.
Durkin has watched his members indulge covid and election conspiracy theories and has done zippo as a ‘leader’ to curb any of it.
Comment by King Louis XVI Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 10:15 am
Maybe Welch, Harmon, and Pritzker shouldn’t redistrict Kinzinger if they really cared about “civility”. Maybe Pritzker shouldn’t prop up Bailey in campaign ad dollars in republican primaries?
Comment by 1st Ward Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 10:18 am
Steve - just going to point out that “…And it puts the ball in Durkin’s court. Smart move, imo.” implies this is a PR exercise.
Comment by Just Me 2 Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 10:20 am
===shouldn’t redistrict Kinzinger if they really cared about “civility”. Maybe Pritzker shouldn’t prop up Bailey in campaign ad dollars===
Totally agree with the second part, but that slick Kinzinger video which popped shortly after the remap came out kinda implies that his decision was already made.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 10:22 am
Who do Illinois Republicans stand with, Kinzinger or Trump? It should be a lay-up, but it’s all about that base, the majority of whom still supports the former president.
Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 10:24 am
They should all start picking up the phone and/or scheduling meetings with each other and begin the process of communication. Letters in this day and age? I guess that is a start but do better, and I mean both sides.
This is all completely out of control.
Government is by collaboration and consent of the governed. The past few years everyone on both sides of the fence has forgotten about that. The partisan gerrymandering is even being criticized by the New York Times in several recent articles, and another Federal Court (not one in our area) has declared partisanship unconstitutional.
At least the Speaker is reaching out. But pick up the phone. Everyone needs to make a stronger effort here. Stop the name calling and ridicule by both sides.
But that is just me, a lone voice crying out in the wilderness of modern politics.
Comment by Louis G Atsaves Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 10:29 am
=Maybe Pritzker shouldn’t prop up Bailey in campaign ad dollars in republican primaries?=
I wholeheartedly agree with this. But maybe Durkin could also acknowledge what is clear to Pritzker. The ILGOP will continue to be irrelevant statewide as long as the party is defined by Bailey and those like him.
Comment by Pundent Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 10:30 am
==Maybe Welch, Harmon, and Pritzker shouldn’t redistrict Kinzinger if they really cared about “civility”.==
Given the way every other Republican treats Kinzinger, they probably considered drawing him out as a favor.
Comment by Arsenal Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 10:34 am
To the post,
I’m old enough to remember (hey, I’m not *that* old, but… ) when it was bad to be a member of either chamber and not being collegial was not “great”, where disagreeing during the day and *publicly*, proudly, typically, those same members would share a meal, have a drink, and have friends, real true friends, not of the same party.
Why am I going this route? Easy.
The political posturing has now seeped into the public imagery of this need to be combative against anyone not of “your political tribe”, so much so… that Durkin (whom I do respect a great deal, truthfully) can’t really go after the racist thinkers, conspiracy theorists, even the apologists for insurrectionists… and a need to wedge himself against “the Democrat folks”
The “public” letter, as some here are questioning the idea of being public, as it were, is a stunt. Ok, a stunt, but sometimes signals need to be public too to ensure intentions are public as well.
So much good can be done with the use of civility.
The real crux has been… all back to back…
Rauner, Trump, pandemic, Griffin… some of it was money attached, others was the bad elements fearing empowered and emboldened… than politicizing a global pandemic… abd back to just plain ole cash…
It’s not that the GOP has lost its way, it’s that the GOO here in Illinois has lost its footing and direction by outside elements, welcomed or not (bad actors and pandemic specifically), taking away from.. realizing politics.. governing…
… it’s a people business… not a business of divisional rhetoric to keep tribes happy.
My hope is both Welch and Durkin hug it out… again… and this time realize… it’s important for themselves as much as it’s important for illinois
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 10:35 am
Yes, I agree this was a “smart move”.
A smart move “politically” for the Speaker’s true audience for this letter, in my opinion: the House Democratic Caucus and, to a lesser extent, base Democrats. At the same time of supposedly extending the olive branch, he backhands that branch across the face of the GOP with his words in the letter
The Speaker may have picked up the phone over the weekend and had a discussion with Leader Durkin. What I know of the relationship between these two, I doubt that took place. If the Speaker did have that discussion, then kudos to him. I believe, though, that would have been mentioned in the letter.
If the over/under line was 1 on phone calls Welch—>Durkin on this specific topic in advance of the letter, I would put money on the under.
Comment by Inverted Pyramid Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 10:35 am
===another Federal Court (not one in our area) has declared partisanship unconstitutional.===
Well George Washington will be pleased but my guess is that the judiciary won’t be dismantling the Democratic and Republican parties any time soon.
Comment by vern Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 10:38 am
speak up now, Republicans. from the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection, to the vile comments against Conroy, to the clearly U.S. coordinated truck blockade in Canada, there is a small number of violent extremists who are endangering lives. speak up.
Comment by Amalia Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 10:42 am
==another Federal Court (not one in our area) has declared partisanship unconstitutional==
That’s an…odd summary of the court’s opinion.
Comment by Arsenal Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 11:07 am
1981 was quite some time ago. Does anyone happen to know what the obscenity was?
===Sens. Sam Vadalabene, 66, and Mark Rhoads, 34, had to be pulled apart and physically restrained after tangling.===
I wonder if this experience influenced his book at all?
===My hope is both Welch and Durkin hug it out… again===
I don’t think this is a misplaced hope, but Minority Leader Durkin has already sided with the member of his caucus who declared war on the American people last year. Minority Leader Durkin can only remain in his position by towing the line of hatred, bigotry, and misinformation that the GOP is is relying in place of a platform based off of policy.
Durkin has had many opportunities to rebuke this behavior and has failed to do so on multiple accounts and failed to do so forcefully. At the end of the day, he and his caucus rallied behind Chris Miller instead of joining in their opportunity to send a clear message to him and the other Republicans that want to run for office while LARPing as domestic terrorists while pretending to have no connection with the actions their rhetoric inspires.
Comment by Candy Dogood Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 11:18 am
not sure the method of communication is nearly as important as the behavior that follows it now…
Comment by bored now Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 11:27 am
There should be no need for a letter, or a phone call… that need exists because leaving people to their own devices has failed. There should be a long line of republicans speaking out against the vitriol, hate, and threats directed last week at Deb Conroy. Where are they? And if you don’t do what is so obviously right, then having your inaction used against you should be expected. You don’t deserve the cover silence affords.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 11:44 am
===those same members would share a meal, have a drink, and have friends, real true friends, not of the same party===
The leaders need to encourage their members to re-engage in this practice. Invite a member from across the aisle to dinner. Catch a game with them. Break down barriers and build mutual respect by breaking bread with those you may disagree with. Maybe the leaders can find some funds to incentivize this. Free tickets to a U of I game, etc.
Comment by thechampaignlife Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 11:45 am
“In an effort to be part of the solution, I encourage you to allow the voices of the minority party to be heard and not continue to be disregarded.”
There it is.
Comment by NIU Grad Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 11:49 am
Durkin’s limp response rather validates doing this via letter.
Comment by Arsenal Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 12:01 pm
===I will always speak up as I have done===
So no chance for improvement? Sad.
Comment by Jibba Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 12:05 pm
I mean, neither one of them address the real elephant in the room: the people making these threats hate Jim Durkin, too.
Comment by SWSider Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 12:13 pm
-“In an effort to be part of the solution, I encourage you to allow the voices of the minority party to be heard and not continue to be disregarded.”-
What was the last contribution of the minority to the legislative conversation? No to a tax cut, no to paying down debt with federal money, no masks? The GOP goal seems to be obstruction instead of attempting to find and build on common ground. Bring reasonable ideas to the table and be heard and maybe even elected.
Comment by froganon Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 12:15 pm
===I encourage you to allow the voices of the minority party to be heard and not continue to be disregarded. Cooperation and civility is a two-way street.===
If that includes or exclusive *to*…
…racist thinkers, insurrectionists, and conspiracy theorists…
Then Durkin just failed in any responses to Welch.
Period.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 12:17 pm
“In an effort to be part of the solution, I encourage you to allow the voices of the minority party to be heard and not continue to be disregarded. Cooperation and civility is a two-way street.”
First, the word “cooperation” doesn’t appear in the Speaker’s letter. Durkin is introducing a linguistically similar but topically different concept in order to elide the distinctions between “civility” (no death threats) and “cooperation” (Republicans get more legislative input). Connecting the two in this way has the unfortunate and hopefully inadvertent effect of linking the two issues in a frightening way. Durkin’s letter amounts to this: “If you want the death threats to stop, give Republicans more power.”
Comment by vern Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 12:18 pm
===I am not immune to the constant barrage of threats and harassment, nor are members of my caucus===
Ok, Jimmy. Maybe y’all do get threats too, but they don’t come from mainstream Democratic voters. The people making the threats against Democrats are your base. Do better.
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 12:30 pm
===If you want the death threats to stop, give Republicans more power.===
Yep. The beatings will continue until morale improves.
Comment by thechampaignlife Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 12:38 pm
Durkin’s response is another example of how the Republican Party is lost as a reasonable, legitimate governing party in our system, in Illinois and nationwide. There may be a (very) few individual examples of legislators who are rational, but they’re the super minority.
Comment by Former Downstater Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 12:40 pm
- GoBullzzz -
You are wholly disingenuous.
===What I “want” is the majority of children to be able to attend in-person public school no matter what their parents decide about a COVID vaccine.===
Please don’t bring disingenuous arguments you made and then try to rewrite what you wrote to seem smart to a strategy of your want. You’ll be called on it.
You want kids, no matter the vaccination status in school.
That’s your want.
Now with the mask mandate situation, you want that pushed, big in a thoughtful way, but in your want.
It’s dangerous, given you have no worry about infection or others.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 12:42 pm
Sorry, my phone timed out. It was meant for the previous post I had up.
Apologies
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 12:43 pm
“ I like Speaker Welch, but this is truly disingenuous. He brings up no example of Democrats behaving badly, and there are plenty to choose from.”
You have no proof that the people making the death threats aren’t Democrats or Independents. Disinformation campaigns affect everyone, sorry to say.
Comment by Da big bad wolf Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 2:00 pm
Blaming the other side for our increasingly divided America is not the way to begin to work together.
There are many good people who are Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. Let’s start there.
Comment by Enviro Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 5:23 pm
= Blaming the other side for our increasingly divided America is not the way to begin to work together.=
I would generally agree. But I think it’s also important to recognize that some behavior is so out of bounds that it can’t be diminished by a “both sides” argument.
Comment by Pundent Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 6:21 pm
How many of you have actually listened to regular floor debates? The Republicans are told by Dem members to “shut up old white men” (check the record). It is so disrespectful listening to the majority party in floor debates. Further, how many minority party bills get to the floor in the last few years? Check the record on that, too. Just so you know, I am not a Republican. But there is no fair treatment on the floor in either Chamber. (check the record)
Comment by MaryLouise Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 7:41 pm