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* UPDATED x1 * Durkin will not seek another term as House GOP Leader

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* Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin press release…

“The House Republicans ran on the message of fighting for lower taxes and safer communities for families and businesses across the state, and I am proud of all our campaigns who fought hard over the last year. I congratulate all of the Republicans who will now represent these important voices in the General Assembly and fight against the Democratic Party of Illinois. While I am not pleased with the results, I will accept them.

It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as Leader of the House Republican caucus, but it’s time for the Illinois Republican Party to rebuild with new leaders who can bring independents back to the party that are needed to bring change to the state. With that, I will not be seeking re-election as minority leader. I am proud of the work the House Republican caucus has accomplished under my tenure, and thank everyone who played a part along the way. I began this journey as a voice of moderation and conclude this journey the same way I started, a voice of moderation.

To the people of Illinois disappointed with these results, don’t give up hope. Tomorrow is a new day.”

*** UPDATE *** Gov. Pritzker was asked about Durkin’s decision today…

Q: Governor, Jim Durkin announced this morning that he will not seek another term as the House GOP Leader. What’s your reaction to that? And obviously, that’s someone that you’re used to working with. Are you concerned that someone who’s much more conservative, someone from the MAGA wing of the GOP might get that job?

A: I’m only concerned if someone takes the job who’s unwilling to sit down and actually talk about what we might do together. If they’re unwilling to talk, if they reject the idea of bipartisanship, that would not be good for the state of Illinois.

Q: Is Durkin a loss?

A: I obviously got to know the Minority Leader in my first year in office, when we worked together on so many issues, and again, passed a bipartisan budget together. I think someone who has served as many years as he has, admirably, honorably, is someone that is probably a loss for the Republicans because he’s decided not to run for leader again. And so, I look forward to whoever the new Minority Leader is sitting at the table and getting things done with them. I just remind you that everybody at that table has now changed since I’ve been in office. And so, you know, we’ve worked as best we could, together with the folks on the other side of the aisle. But we’ve gotten a whole lot done.

Please pardon all transcription errors.

posted by Isabel Miller
Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 7:04 am

Comments

Hope is exactly what defeated the GOP. They ran on anger, bigotry, hatred, intolerance, and lies.

People that any measure of hope don’t vote for fascists.

Comment by Candy Dogood Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 7:07 am
Gonna miss Durkin. My hope for him is he actually enjoys the time now away from all the toxicity he had to endure since 2013.

The “How” and “Who” will define if the ILGOP learned *anything* last night… or nothing

Good luck. My sincere best.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 7:12 am
Can’t blame him. Who wants to wrangle up all those folks now?

Comment by Ok Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 7:15 am
I’ll come out and say it for him: Time for the ILGOP to move on from Trumpism if they want to govern in Illinois again.

Comment by MoralMinority Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 7:17 am
This ending was probably written after the primaries. Durkin couldn’t get any of his preferred candidates nominated, so even if Republicans had a good night he was going to be in trouble. They did not have a good night, to put it mildly.

I know Marty McLaughlin has been talking about making a run for the spot, but he barely won his race last night. It’s very hard to be in leadership when your own races are competitive (This also has me wondering about McConchie’s future). Ozinga’s campaign for the spot has seemed pretty awkward and odd, at least from the outside. And their bench is deeply depleted now. Hard to think of anyone left who can confidently take the wheel.

Comment by vern Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 7:23 am
The one race that Proft cared most about.

After Dan’s performance yesterday, no one with any sense would allow him on to the bridge, let alone give him the helm.

I guess we’ll find out soon if Ozinga agrees.

But I agree with Rich, the GOP has to start offering solutions, and they also need to stop fielding cookiecutter pro-gun, anti-choice, anti-LGbTQA, anti-worker, anti-spending drones.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 7:28 am
Look around the country and you will see the Dems gambit to prop up the far right in then primary worked. Dems meddled in GOP elections from coast to coast and it worked. People like Leader Durkin are victims of the perversion of electoral interference by wealthy Democrats. Good bye democracy, hello socialism. It is tough to beat Santa Claus. No GOP operative or member can claim any sort of mandate now. No eastern bloccer can claim they know how to win a statewide race and they shouldn’t be let within an eyelash of leadership for the GOP. The extreme far right was demolished last night.

Comment by Trap Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 7:32 am
He’s not going to be the leader, but he’s planning on staying in the GA? That seems unusual? Not to mention awkward. After the primary fight I’d be slightly surprised if he retires right after winning though? IDK.

Comment by Perrid Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 7:35 am
===Look around the country and you will see the Dems gambit to prop up the far right in then primary worked. Dems meddled in GOP elections from coast to coast and it worked. People like Leader Durkin are victims of the perversion of electoral interference by wealthy Democrats.===

Narrator: 56+% of ILGOP voters voted for Bailey.

Just stop. No one is a victim, not even “Democracy”, lol

Bailey is *Exactly* who the ILGOP is… and that’s why Durkin is out… as Durkin appeased both Rauner and the Eastern Bloc

I know, you’re angry, aggrieved, and appalled.

The ILGOP base is racist thinkers, insurrection apologists and conspiracy theorists

Will that continue in 2023?

Oh. This?

===Good bye democracy, hello socialism===

We had an election. Democracy won. Because you lost doesn’t mean democracy lost. Keep up.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 7:36 am
Guess the first step towards moderation is calling it the “Democratic” Party.

Comment by West Side the Best Side Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 7:41 am
Oh Trap…

Comment by The Velvet Frog Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 7:46 am
Interesting take, Trap.
Not to be forgotten: Trump is the GOP Achilles heel. I think he will fade pretty soon, especially if he runs (and likely gets trounced), and they can evolve and recover. Durkin is where the Party and funders ought to be, and they wandered away in error.

Comment by Walker Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 7:51 am
=People like Leader Durkin are victims of the perversion of electoral interference by wealthy Democrats.=

No. There are no victims in this party. The ILGOP chose candidates that Republican voters overwhelmingly embraced. And those same candidates have now been overwhelmingly rejected by voters in Illinois. In this cycle purity and loyalty were more important than winning. And the results were predictable.

Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 7:54 am
I’m tired of hearing this whining about Democratic interference in Republican primaries. It’s not like the so called “interference” is based on spreading lies distorting candidates’ positions or impacts of legislation.

Was anything in JB’s commercials in the gop primary untrue? Or was it just amplifying the candidates own words and record?

Comment by Henry Francis Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 7:54 am
Shucks…Durkie was one our favorite GOPie piñatas’, but maybe the ConcreteGuy will be a suitable sub. Time will tell. Do we have a final count on the Zock yet? We are sure she will offer her vast expertise on every topic know to civilization to lead the GOPieGang.

Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 7:58 am
“Good bye democracy, hello socialism.”

Lol, sorry but this is ludicrous on many fronts. The greatest of which is that the overwhelming majority of Democrats support both democracy and capitalism. Socialism, which apparently some people need a refresher on, is when workers own the means of production rather than wealthy people (capitalists/investors), and unfortunately there’s not a lot of support for that, even in the Democratic Party.

On top of that, while they outpaced expectations overall, it’s not like they swept up all across the country and are suddenly going to get every policy they want passed.

Comment by Techie Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 8:00 am
“Good bye democracy, hello socialism.” Just keep saying that it has worked so well for you guys. Not sure you understand your talking points got your rear ends handed to you yesterday, but keep repeating them.

Comment by Give Me A Break Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 8:10 am
The ILGOP needs to figure out soon that they can’t be the party of Trump and compete in Illinois. They also got out worked, out fundraised, out campaigned, and the results showed.

Comment by Chicagonk Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 8:16 am
==The extreme far right was demolished last night. ==

And as a result, the green shoots of normalcy have a better chance of breaking through the soil of the former Party of Lincoln. Not a great chance, but a better one.

Comment by Dysfunction Junction Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 8:17 am
West Side the Best Side,

Yes, that leapt out at me, too. I was like, where has this man been?

Comment by cermak_rd Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 8:19 am
Hey annonin - how does it feel that your “mentor”has been indicted by the feds twice …. You’ll make a wonderful
defense witness at his sentencing . Kudos on your enabling of the criminal enterprise.

Comment by SB Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 8:21 am
=The extreme far right was demolished last night.=

Not at all. We still have the likes of Chris and Mary Miller, the collective Eastern Bloc, and a whole host of loyalists and grifters who won’t let that happen. After all well over 1M people voted for extremists. If 54% of the people prefer Coke over Pepsi it does not make the latter irrelevant. Just as there’s still plenty of opportunity to sell Pepsi there’s also opportunity to peddle grift. In fact you can argue that losing can be better particularly since there’s no expectation that you’ll have to govern. The risks for the extremists is that they win and being required to actually do something besides airing grievances as few if any have shown an interest or ability in governing.

Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 8:39 am
==and fight against the Democratic Party of Illinois==

How about work with to the extent we have mutual goals? Stay classy, Durks.

Comment by Big Dipper Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 8:42 am
The best thing I can say about Durkin is that he got caught in the conversion from the party that was to the MAGA GOP. He tried to wrangle-in the true converts to MAGA because he understood the harm they would cause to his ability to win seats. Today, he surrendered to the truth.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 8:44 am
Pundent, ouch. As a diehard Diet Pepsi drinker, I would have preferred a different analogy. /s

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 8:48 am
Illinois GOP has a choice. They can go back to the days of Thompson / Edgar / Philip type R’s and win some elections. They can try to sell their extreme right wing agenda with a softer touch (GW Bush style) or they can remain irrelevant.

Some people tried to argue with me and tell me that Bailey was going make this a close election. I knew that was nonsense. I keep thinking back to 2014. Dems ran Pat stinking Quinn for cry-eye, who happened to be Blagojech’s LT Governor. Rauner out spent Quinn like 3-1. Rauner only got 50.5% Perfect year for R’s and that was the result. Illinois is not buying what the R’s are selling. They need a reboot.

Comment by Madigan's Apple Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 8:50 am
Can anyone tell me what seats in the legislature
flipped? Thank you.

Comment by low level Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 8:56 am
Good luck to the Leader. Thank you for your service. I don’t blame him for moving on.

I have given up hope. Illinois will not see a Republican win statewide office for at least the next decade. I was no fan of Bailey or DeVore, and I recognize the party needs to put up moderates who can win. I vote for them in primaries. Even volunteer for them in primaries. But I see no hope in the near term. Many of my friends and family have moved to other states Tennessee, Missouri and Florida. And I stand here on our small acreage, not wanting or willing to leave. It is a gut wrenching, hopeless day for some of us.

To my friends on the left side of the aisle, enjoy your wins and congratulations.

Comment by Mr. Middle Ground Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 9:07 am
=- Mr. Middle Ground -=

So maybe not so much middle ground.

The overwhelming majority of voters reject the platform of your party and your candidates.

That should be instructive.

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 9:16 am
I’m sorry to see Durkin go. He was one of the few Republican leaders still willing to take a principled stand on issues like supporting an assault weapon ban, even if he knew he would take flak from his caucus for it. There isn’t enough of that in the Republican Party today.

If the caucus is wise they stay far away from Ozinga or any candidate he might back. The 15% cut he takes through his LLC is outrageous. Yet another grifter looking to make a dime is the last thing Republican politics in Illinois need. Not to mention, the million he gave himself this week could have made a huge difference in some of the closer suburban races like Chris Bos.

Comment by Sad Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 9:19 am
===And I stand here on our small acreage, not wanting or willing to leave. It is a gut wrenching, hopeless day for some of us.===

Folks who embrace racist thinkers, insurrection apologists and conspiracy theorists LOSE…

… and it’s… lemme get *this* right…

===a gut wrenching, hopeless day for some of us.===

You are one warped person.

It’s… “a gut wrenching, hopeless day for some of us” that democracy beat these folks?

Whew.

I think you missed the whole point of these losses.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 9:19 am
===It’s… “a gut wrenching, hopeless day for some of us” that democracy beat these folks?===

First, OW win with class. Your true colors are showing. But, I still respect you.

Finally, the post is about Durkin. I said I support moderates in the State and was no fan of Bailey. I’m mourning the loss of any future Republican chance in the state. It is one party rule for at least the next decade. So yes, it is a sad day for some of us.
M

Comment by Mr. Middle Ground Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 9:35 am
===Your true colors are showing===

But, but, but… you respect me. “Sure, Jan”

My true colors are anyone looking at a party who’s base is as vile and sick that Bailey gets 56+% in a 6-way and hoping they lose is… good for democracy?

Like I’ve been told, I haven’t changed.

Nope. The party base is not good for democracy, they lost.

===It is one party rule for at least the next decade. So yes, it is a sad day for some of us.===

The base GOP is the problem.

Please, don’t make me quote Chairman Tracy again, embracing the worst elements to a democracy.

The only way you could be sad is if you can’t recognize democracy won, and that’s good…

Warped thinking.

What, DeVore or Bailey win, it’s “good”… two party and all.

Please.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 9:43 am
==Illinois is not buying what the R’s are selling. They need a reboot.==

Agreed 100%. The problem is that all elections have become national since Trump came on the scene. ILGOP won’t win until he’s gone and they come up with a policy idea or two.

Comment by supplied_demand Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 9:45 am
***=The extreme far right was demolished last night.=***

Nope. They are still around blaming everyone else but themselves for being demolished. Just like the extreme far left of the Democratic Party. They too are still around.

Comment by Louis G Atsaves Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 9:45 am
===Just like the extreme far left of the Democratic Party.===

Really? I didn’t see that today or yesterday

You must’ve voted for Bailey?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 9:53 am
=== What, DeVore or Bailey win, it’s “good”… two party and all.===

No. Definitely not. Like I said, I’m not a fan of either.

Durkin winning house seats and staying on as leader would be “good.” Did you miss the subject of the post? Or Demmer and Brady winning would have also have been “good”.

And I do respect you because you seem like a decent person and obviously care greatly about the future of Illinois. I’m not sure why you struggle with that so much. You and I agree way more than you think and certainly more than you would with most Rs. But I suppose it is just a by-product of the hyper partisan times we live in that even in victory, you have no grace.

Comment by Mr. Middle Ground Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 10:04 am
===Durkin winning house seats and staying on as leader would be “good.” Did you miss the subject of the post? Or Demmer and Brady winning would have also have been “good”.===

Demmer stated that Bailey could be a good governor.

Brady says he voted for Trump.

Both Brady and Demmer aided and abetted Bruce Rauner to purposely hurt Illinois’ most vulnerable and needy.

I will NOT miss Brady and Demmer. Good riddance. Taking out the bad, including Raunerites.

Durkin lost to math, as the Old, Angry, White elements that now make up more of his caucus aren’t going to moderate, they want to embrace more of what the Eastern Bloc feels is “the party”

We’ll see, but Durkin ain’t being replaced by no moderate, but being “sad” Durkin is out ignores the worst elements that made it possible

===But I suppose it is just a by-product of the hyper partisan times we live in that even in victory, you have no grace.===

(Say we are alike, share a lot in common, then… end with a snide swipe)

You go on, “respect me”… lol

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 10:14 am
===You go on, respect me…lol===

Will do. If only we had more of that in the world…don’t you think? Congrats on your wins.

Comment by Mr. Middle Ground Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 10:29 am
Here’s the thing;

The folks that complain about “Edgar” and R_N_s… if that caucus chooses someone that has that same belief… what exactly would Durkin had done better?

Primaries gave Durkin his candidates. Like those winners or not, like those incumbents or not… voters rejected the ILGOP of today

Durkin pushed back, sure, but… here’s that thing I’m talking about… the party *wanted and embraced* extremists.

Durkin couldn’t push back too far publicly without a public rift.

Tracy needs to step down, or decide that embracing racist thinkers, insurrection apologists and conspiracy theorists should be heavily discouraged from now on. Same with the new HGOP leader, even as Durkin “tried”

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 10:34 am
===your wins===

This is why you fail.

Illinois won. It’s not a little difference.

If your losses are the worst elements… like how this began.

Good luck.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 10:36 am
After his incompetent leadership this election cycle, will the ILGOP wake up and dump Tracy?

Comment by Big Dipper Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 10:37 am
Big Dipper - what would you have done differently? And how would you have afforded that?

Comment by Just Me 2 Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 10:39 am
I guess I’d add this for context for first the new leader, whomever it is, and the ILGOP…

The HGOP needs more Rosemary Mulligans and Eileen Lyons… the problem is those type of candidates are not only Dems now, they are in Dem leadership positions… and… the ILGOP is fine with not trying to find moderate suburban pro-choice women, let alone have them run as Republicans

It’s not that Mulligans or Lyons type voters left, the GOP moved away from seeking big tent type candidates.

Now a new leader will look at a caucus in the eye that seems quite monolithic

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 10:47 am
==People like Leader Durkin are victims of the perversion of electoral interference by wealthy Democrats.==

Oh, get over yourself. Durkin supported Bailey, Irvin supported Bailey, Meijer supported Gibbs, etc. They all proved over and over that they are all willing to knife democracy in the back for power. The only difference is that some of these guys were weaker candidates than others. All Dems did was recognize that.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 10:48 am
Jim Durkin is a likable and seemingly good person. I know, I have met him personally numerous times. My issue with him is that once the campaign you were on is over, and you lost, he forgets that you existed. I don’t think it is intentional, I think he just does not know how to build a bench. For all the bad things said about Madigan, he recognized talent. If he saw that you could benefit the party in the future, he did not forget about you and made sure to keep you happy so that to keep you around.

Comment by Moved East Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 10:53 am
===perversion of electoral interference by wealthy Democrats===

Um, do you think Republicans are that stupid? They were told over and over, through millions of dollars in advertising, that Pritzker was propping up Bailey. A large majority chose Bailey anyway.

Also, remember when Rauner ran anti-Pritzker ads two months before the 2018 Democratic primary?

Look, I don’t like it, either, but you’re making a totally lame excuse.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 10:54 am
===Just like the extreme far left of the Democratic Party.===

The Democratic Party in the US doesn’t have an “extreme far left”. We have centrists and we have a few moderate left.

Comment by Scott Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 11:03 am
And this seat will go to the Dems next election cycle.

Comment by B Team Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 11:13 am
Thinking Republicans have to challenge the Eastern Bloc representatives (and others like them) in the Republican primary. But I’m not holding my breath that it will happen.

Comment by someonehastosayit Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 11:28 am
=Just like the extreme far left of the Democratic Party.=

Nice job of whataboutism. In GOP circles Adam Kinzinger is considered “extreme” so think on that a bit.

The GOP as currently constituted is defined by its extreme members who make up its majority. The same can not be said for the Democratic party. Acknowledging this fact, particularly at the state level, is the first step towards regaining any relevancy. If whataboutism is all that you have, then you can expect more results like we witnessed yesterday.

Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 11:58 am
Durkin’s brand should be more of a model
than a detriment for the GOP. His position on assault weapons and his vote in favor of ERA reflect the attitude that can revive the GOP. Sorry to see a McCain Republican move on.

Comment by Clay County or bust Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 12:03 pm
I mostly agree with CCOB.

Durkin is a decent moderate Republican who never imagined he’d have to defend the Donald.

I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Comment by Loop Lady Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 12:17 pm
Hang in there Middle Ground. It is the courage to continue that counts. There are other responsible republicans still here. Don’t let the echo chamber convince you otherwise.

Comment by My Thoughts Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 1:16 pm
Butler for HGOP leader? Who else makes sense right now? Ozinga doesn’t feel like a fit to me.

Comment by Osborne Smith III Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 1:31 pm
===is the courage to continue that counts. There are other responsible republicans still here.===

LOL

The victimhood.

How is supporting DeVore and Bailey being a responsible Republican Party? That’s what the party is.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 3:06 pm
And in other news Leader Durkin does his Scarlett O’Hara impersonation - Tomorrow is another day.

Comment by Manchester Wednesday, Nov 9, 22 @ 3:19 pm