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Giannoulias on Madigan legacy: ‘I think people are sick and tired of scandal, corruption’

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* From Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ news media availability today…

Q: What lessons do you think Democrats have learned from the Madigan saga? We’ve got the Mapes trial ongoing, but that still kind of hangs over with Madigan facing trial next year.

Giannoulias: I will tell you that within our office and being in Springfield, we don’t talk about Mike Madigan. It doesn’t really come up. I’m focused on what we’ve been able to do. And as all of you know very well, Mike Madigan was never a fan of mine. He did everything he could to make sure I never got into office. So I’m proud of the leadership we have in place. We have great leaders in the Illinois Senate, in the House, and an amazing governor.

Q: But are there any lessons to be learned that you think the Democrats should pick up?

Giannoulias: Yeah, I think people are sick and tired of scandal, corruption. Anything we can do to increase transparency and let people know exactly what happens at every level is important. We’re doing that on our side with lobbyist registration. We want to know if you can increase transparency from the Secretary of State’s standpoint.

Please pardon all transcription errors. Thanks.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 1:49 pm

Comments

“He did everything he could to make sure I never got into office.”

The question wasn’t about you, Alexi. I understand that’s a difficult concept for you to grasp.

Comment by AlfondoGonz Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 1:53 pm
“Giannoulias on Madigan legacy: ‘I think people are sick and tired of scandal, corruption”

MJM, Broadway Bank… all that scandal is so yesterday.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 1:54 pm
=== But are there any lessons to be learned that you think the Democrats should pick up?===

“Alexi, the commercial about yourself didn’t answer the question, here’s another chance”

These are the softball questions

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 1:56 pm
Whatever Madigan’s many faults, it was his single minded focus that brought Illinois Democrats back from the brink in the mid ‘90s.

Today state government is run completely by Dems. Back then, the GOP had every constitutional office as well as the IL House and Senate. Madigan and team’s efforts helped lay the groundwork for where we are today.

Comment by low level Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 2:34 pm
“Yeah, I think people are sick and tired of scandal, corruption.”

*with the exception of forgiving Alexi’s brothers, of course.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 4:21 pm
This guy. The privilege he’s enjoyed is astonishing.

Comment by Shytown Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 4:30 pm
Most of the Madigan connected Director’s left or retired when Alexi came in to SOS. However, Alexi recently gave a Madigan connected former Vehicle Services Director a nice hourly rate increase as a contract employee.

Comment by SEIU Retired Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 5:12 pm
low level -

After 1994 the national Democrats were equivocating, the only two people to stand up to the Newtoids were … Mike Madigan (who won 4 of 5 elections under a GOP map) & Willie Brown (got “elected” Speaker w/ term limits [race baited in] and a 39-41 minority).

Comment by Anyone Remember Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 9:16 pm