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* The only other Republican to speak out publicly has been House Republican Leader Jim Durkin. The state party chair, Sen. Bailey’s caucus leader and everyone else has been silent. Press release…
Responding to comments made by Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey’s comments comparing abortion to the Holocaust, Representative Steve Reick (R-Woodstock) issued the following statement:
“Darren Bailey has crossed a line, a line which you just do not cross,” Reick said. “I’ve been to Dachau and even though it wasn’t one of the bigger death factories, it leaves no doubt as to the scale of what the Holocaust was, and once you’ve seen it, you can’t unsee it.”
Bailey’s comment, made 5 years ago on Facebook was that “the attempted extermination of the Jews of World War II doesn’t even compare on a shadow of the life that has been lost with abortion since its legalization.”
“The past 50 years of abortion politics have left this country scarred. We have the opportunity to begin healing those scars by giving the people of Illinois, for the first time in 50 years, the power to decide where we go from here with their votes.” Reick continued. “But there’s more to it than that. These comments are coming from someone who’s supposed to be the voice of our party, who’s supposed to be speaking for all of us. And whether he said it 5 years ago or the day before yesterday is no excuse. He’s using the greatest criminal act in human history to score political points. I’ll not be party to that and will not follow anyone down a path strewn with that type of rhetoric.”
*** UPDATE *** Another one…
Comparing abortion to the holocaust is, in essence, comparing those who had one or support it to nazis and the SS.
The reaction to Roe from my party, shows no compassion, but revels in cruelty and extremism. Darren Bailey should explain.
https://t.co/FTuArBiCov— Adam Kinzinger🇺🇦🇺🇸✌️ (@AdamKinzinger) August 3, 2022
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 3:08 pm
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Silence = Complicity. Kudos to Reick and Durkin for coming out against this, but shame to everyone else who has not.
Comment by Commissar Gritty Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 3:12 pm
Not the guy I’d expect to be out front on this, to be honest. It’s a strong statement, bordering on an endorsement withdrawal. It also doesn’t make any specific asks of Bailey as far as contrition. Hard to believe this will be the last Republican breaking with Bailey.
Comment by vern Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 3:19 pm
I can appreciate all that Reick is saying and even be glad Reick has said this in a release.
Take the names of Durkin and Reick out, just for a second.
The ILGOP, it’s leadership, its elected officials, the party as a whole…
… what should be is a discussion why there would be TWO holdouts NOT condemning Bailey…
… but what the ILGOP, it’s members, Chairman Tracy on down… only TWO have condemned.
Not a bug. It’s a feature.
The ILGOP welcomes racist and anti-Semitic thinkings… and as a whole and individually… see Bailey as acceptable and his words are acceptable too.
We’re two days out… only two condemn, and the party is silent too.
I appreciate Reick, it highlights too what the ILGOP is.
Two. Two people.
Whew.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 3:22 pm
Agree with @ OW, but also, where are the religious leaders?? Nada. Really reprehensible.
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 3:32 pm
“… but what the ILGOP, it’s members, Chairman Tracy on down… only TWO have condemned.
Not a bug. It’s a feature.”
56%. It’s the party.
Comment by New Day Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 3:36 pm
wow, one yesterday and one today. at this rate we may have condemnations from elected State Republican leadership in…. oh, wait….SLOW.
Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 3:41 pm
Definitely not the horse I would’ve bet on in this derby, but good on Reick
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 3:44 pm
I’m happy to see this from Reick. I really am.
It’s a sharp contrast to the “Taxpayers Lives Matter” sticker I saw on his office door.
Comment by Proud Papa Bear Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 3:49 pm
Can’t even post a comment in this patrolled board.
Comment by Real Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 3:50 pm
Anyone comes against abortion here will have there comment deleted.
Comment by Real Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 3:50 pm
I too agree with OW.
I too have been to Dachau. It was heart wrenching. Anyone who wants to use the the Holocaust to advance their political agenda should be required to go there on one of the extermination camps.
Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 3:57 pm
I think a fair inference is that Tracy agrees.
Comment by Big Dipper Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 3:57 pm
===I think a fair inference is that Tracy agrees.===
Chairman Tracy?
===“So, whatever your political leanings, wherever you live - if you want to fight corruption, restore fiscal sanity, grow our economy, and stand for law and order - you’re on our team. It’s time to suit up, work together, and bring home some wins for the people of Illinois.”===
Here it is, make no mistake;
“So, whatever your political leanings, wherever you live…”
Tracy’s silence isn’t the bug. The silence is the feature.
Appreciate the thoughts too. Thanks.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 4:02 pm
To criticize Sen. Bailey is to in essence criticize Trump and his supporters. These republicans fear the backlash will cost them support in an election. That’s where they are at. Silence to win an election but cost them their integrity.
Comment by Nagidam Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 4:14 pm
==He’s using the greatest criminal act in human history to score political points.==
It appears yesterday’s posters defending Bailey disagree with the above quote from Rep. Reick. At least to the use of the word ‘greatest’.
Comment by don the legend Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 4:14 pm
Two House GOP members criticized Bailey’s remarks. That’s about 1/3 of the caucus,
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 4:31 pm
- These republicans fear the backlash will cost them support -
Or they agree with the statement.
Comment by Excitable Boy Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 4:34 pm
=He’s using the greatest criminal act in human history to score political points.=
While I agree with the overall sentiment the comment is a bit off. Bailey isn’t scoring political points he’s losing them. Because nobody in their right mind thinks the way to expand your support is through Holocaust references. Now granted Bailey didn’t expect to be in this position when he made these comments in 2017, but the party also couldn’t muster the courage to criticize him when he made the original statement along with everything else he’s said in the last few years. The ILGOP needs to reflect on how much of this is on the party itself.
Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 4:34 pm
- I’ll not be party to that and will not follow anyone down a path strewn with that type of rhetoric. -
Did I miss his resignation?
He’s literally in the party.
And not even a peep from the usually verbose Batinick either.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 4:36 pm
I don’t know this guy Reick at all. Great statement Now if h says last election may have had the usual problems but not stolen he may have a future in a rebirth of the Republican Party after it crash’s and burns in November. We need a two party or even three One party rule is bad and one party rule because of her partly is wacky even worse
Comment by DuPage Saint Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 4:37 pm
=== - These republicans fear the backlash will cost them support -
Or they agree with the statement.===
Silence is acceptance when these type of items ooze from the mouths of others.
If you accept because you believe it… or are afraid… allowing it to be acceptable by one is one being silent when it matters.
Otherwise Reick and/or Durkin woulda stayed silent too.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 4:43 pm
Friend, These RINO Elites are showing their true colors. We Christian Nationalists will not be deterred. /S
Comment by PublicServant Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 4:50 pm
We have a third: U.S. Rep Kinzinger responds on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/AdamKinzinger/status/1554947315743465472
Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 4:57 pm
Looks like Reick’s statement is not longer on his website. Link no longer works.
Comment by Where did it go? Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 4:59 pm
=== Or they agree with the statement.===
No doubt there are members that agree with Bailey…unfortunately. But I bet there are others that look at the Rep. Welter defeat and think they may not want to rock the boat.
Comment by Nagidam Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 5:11 pm
Good on Kinzinger.
The link to Reick is now “broken”?
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 5:22 pm
=== they may not want to rock the boat.===
That’s quite cowardly, given this idea of comparing to the Holocaust is a dog whistle to some, and those too seemingly not understanding the total loss of life with inaccurate number to the Holocaust too.
Silence is not one who disagrees. Disagree means actually disagreeing, and agreement through silence because of fear is agreement.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 5:25 pm
My favorite people are boat rockers…America depends on them.
Comment by Dotnonymous Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 5:34 pm
Kinzinger is what the GOP should be. Unfortunately, he’s an outlier in today’s Republikan party.
Comment by danray Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 5:35 pm
Well, this thing could have wings. Let me see how Bailey tries to spin his way out of this.
Comment by Levois J Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 5:39 pm
“ Republikan”
Isn’t that spelled Repubiklan?
In part to differentiate them from the German right-wing Republikaner Party.
Comment by Chris Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 5:44 pm
Hey dad and mom what do you do when people say horrible and hateful things. We pretend I don’t hear them son that way I don’t have to take a stand and make these same people mad at me. Oh. Proud of you guys
Comment by Soyormsw7706 Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 6:15 pm
I’m so old I remember when everyone immediately knew when the line had been crossed…every one.
Comment by Dotnonymous Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 6:34 pm
Shame on Bailey. But also shame on the billionaire who spent $35 million dollars to make him the nominee and give him a platform.
Comment by Sweaty Freddy. Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 7:51 pm
The Illinois Republican Party exists exclusively south of I-80. They’re fed up having to live in a state that doesn’t reflect their values. Bailey selects their values.
Comment by filmmaker prof Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 8:49 pm
Reflects, not selects!
Comment by filmmaker prof Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 8:49 pm
It’s good that these three (that’s all?) are speaking out, but I have to ask: where were they back when Bailey first said this?
Comment by JoanP Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 9:55 pm
=== While I agree with the overall sentiment the comment is a bit off. Bailey isn’t scoring political points he’s losing them. ===
No, he was scoring political points with his base. As Kinzinger correctly points out, the dog whistle is to compare abortion rights supporters to Nazi’s. It is classic cult rhetoric - “Who are you with, us or the Nazis?”
@Sweaty Freddy - Pritzker presented the GOP base with a clear choice. 56% voted for Bailey, eyes wide open. He did that because the GOP’s 800 lb gorilla had a temper tantrum because people tried to touch his bananas and stopped making him feel special.
Party leaders could have/should have gone to Griffin and said “Hey buddy, we realize you can move yourself and your company anywhere you want, but the rest of us have families and ties here, so please do not pee in the pool with some cockamamie scheme to elect a sock puppet.”
Griffin prolly would have said no, but at least their hands would be bloodless.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Aug 3, 22 @ 9:55 pm
This is a scary thing. Bailey’s supporters believe it. They say it out loud on the radio. What does Dan Proft have to say about his candidate? https://youtu.be/D-ySiX05NaI
Comment by ste_with_a_v_en Thursday, Aug 4, 22 @ 3:19 am
The link that went to the statement on Reick’s website is now broken and his website no longer hosts his statement. Was he pressured to take it down?
Comment by Who took it down? Thursday, Aug 4, 22 @ 7:35 am
Baileys supporters would tell you why they agree with him but they would also have their comments deleted since anything against abortion here is not allowed.
Comment by Real Thursday, Aug 4, 22 @ 8:33 am
- anything against abortion here is not allowed. -
A lot of things are not allowed here. But only some people try to make themselves a victim.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Thursday, Aug 4, 22 @ 9:07 am
…but they would also have their comments deleted since anything against abortion here is not allowed.
Real, you posted this vile comment regarding pro-choice people, and it was not deleted. So please stop, again. Just stop.
- Real - Tuesday, Aug 2, 22 @ 2:30 pm:
-just stop-
You, just stop. Bailey stated a fact and you all have not been able to disprove it. The number of aborted babies is higher than the victims of other major events including the holocaust. You all are the ones bloodthirsty about wanting to abort babies rather than promoting birth control, condoms, or sex after marriage.
Comment by Baloneymous Thursday, Aug 4, 22 @ 9:16 am
Well stating a fact is now about wanting to be victim? Notice you will see no equal amount of pro choice and anti abortion on this board. It’s 99% pro choice bc most of the other sides comments are deleted. It happened to me.
Comment by Real Thursday, Aug 4, 22 @ 9:18 am
To the above guy. I posted other comments after and attempted to before that. None were posted or held up by the admin or deleted.
Comment by Real Thursday, Aug 4, 22 @ 9:20 am
No, you just stop. You must feel good knowing that only your views get posted and others are deleted if they don’t conform to being pro abortion.
Comment by Real Thursday, Aug 4, 22 @ 9:21 am
When you use words like bloodthirsty and attack people for their views no wonder your posts get deleted. Good grief. Get a grip.
Comment by Baloneymous Thursday, Aug 4, 22 @ 9:29 am
I love the immediate conclusions on the missing link - must be nefarious…link was probably taken down due to it being too political on the official state rep page…
Comment by NI You Thursday, Aug 4, 22 @ 10:00 am
NI You - Got it in one. It hadn’t crossed my mind when it was originally posted. My bad.
Comment by Steve Reick Thursday, Aug 4, 22 @ 10:03 am
==Notice you will see no equal amount of pro choice and anti abortion on this board.==
Illinois is not an equal pro-choice/pro-life state. I’m not sure why we would expect a blog about its politics to be so.
==It happened to me. ==
I’ve had posts deleted and rejected, too. It’s not about abortion.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Aug 4, 22 @ 10:37 am
- knowing that only your views get posted and others are deleted -
I’ve made comments in this very thread that were deleted or never showed up.
It isn’t about your views. This now ends the discussion on this distraction.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Thursday, Aug 4, 22 @ 11:23 am