Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Today’s quotable

Posted in:

Illinois

* House Speaker Chris Welch to Politico…

“I do believe 78 is great, but that we can pick up more” in November, he said, referring to the 78 Democrats in the House. “We’re seeing districts in play that were not in play before. We’re seeing anywhere from four to six districts that are currently held by Republicans” that could pivot to Democrats in November, he said.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 10:16 am

Comments

The only thing better than a supermajority is a bigger supermajority.

And sorry, but absolutely clown-pounding this version of the GOP until they realize the need to moderate back to sanity is the only way to actually force them to do so, otherwise they’re going to keep doubling down on nonsense at best and treason at worst.

Comment by TJ Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 10:24 am
“moderate back to sanity”

Sorry, that train pulled out of the station in 2016 and the rails bringing it back have long since been removed.

Those believing there can be a return to Thompson and Edgar are simply whistling past the graveyard.

Don’t know what the next big political party will be in this state, but it won’t be the GOP.

Comment by Flyin'Elvis'-Utah Chapter Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 10:31 am
“but that we can pick up more”

This is what happens when Republicans are led by MAGA/Uihlein or IPI/Griffin. Throw in the “Awake Illinois” types and electoral disaster is complete.

Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 10:35 am
Dem to gop - you’ve had your say, now go away.

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 10:38 am
Agree with TJ. I wish we had a 2-party system in this state. But until we get a second party that is capable of responsible government, what’s left of the GOP needs repeated, escalating defeats.

Comment by Keyrock Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 10:41 am
Curious what districts the Speaker feels are in play??

Comment by MOE Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 10:42 am
Would it be better for the Speaker to have 80+ seats and a minority party of almost all downstate conservatives or a few less seats and a few more Republicans open to compromises?

I’m sure he’s not targeting any Freedom Caucus members.

Comment by Oldtimer Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 10:57 am
Until you can win back Latoya Greenwood’s District I would be highly skeptical of the Speaker’s statement.

Comment by James Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:02 am
With a super majority already in place, it’s the prime opportunity for Democrats to show the perfect prescription for delivering a level of taxation, safety, economic prosperity, and education in a way that keeps people from fleeing the state.

Comment by Downstate Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:03 am
“Republicans open to compromises”

That is an oxymoron.

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:03 am
Increasingly a one party state. Not good for a democracy. Best when there is a check and balance with neither party having solid control.

Comment by Mason County Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:03 am
The GOP in this state has dug its own grave on multiple fronts. They are totally leaderless and without a plan.

Comment by Mason County Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:05 am
It’s good to be the (legislative) King. Yes, but caution is in order to prevent the hubris of a ridiculous supermajority leading to crazy legislation and actions that can create a backlash.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:11 am
===that train pulled out of the station===

Yep

===Best when there is a check and balance===

The check and balance is in elections. If you do not the powers that be, primary them or create a new party. It is not like being a member of a single party means they all think and vote alike.

Comment by thechampaignlife Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:22 am
No doubt the House Dems are poised to pick up a couple of seats. Not sure that’s such a good thing. Seems like the caucus is already too big to manage.

Comment by Felix Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:25 am
The Speaker is dreaming. With Trump at the head of the ticket all the collar counties will be Republican and the women will be out in droves to pull him over the top. The Democrats will go down in flames. Boy it is really early to be this drunk. As was said there is no Republican Party I hope when Trump loses it doesn’t fall to Abbot or Cruz to carry on

Comment by DuPage Saint Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:25 am
==that keeps people from fleeing the state.==

This commercial brought to you by the Illinois Policy Institute.

Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:32 am
===Don’t know what the next big political party will be in this state, but it won’t be the GOP.===

For now, the different factions within the dominant party will have to make do for “competition”.

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:34 am
=and education in a way that keeps people from fleeing the state.=

Education is delivering in Illinois. Bigly. Maybe work on parents.

People are not “fleeing” Illinois. Maybe you didn’t get the memo.

Also…@Norseman +1

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:35 am
Would a jungle primary help to weed out the crazies from both right and left?

Comment by Victor Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:36 am
I would be curious if Brad Stephens district is in play..

Comment by Rahm's Parking Meter Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:39 am
== Increasingly a one party state. Not good for a democracy. Best when there is a check and balance with neither party having solid control. ==

I agree. But the reason why Illinois is a one-party state is because the GOP has alienated huge swaths of Illinoisans with their inanity and insanity. Gotta be functional before you can be a functional counterbalance.

Comment by TJ Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:43 am
=== I would be curious if Brad Stephens district is in play.. ===

It is not. Look at the historical vote returns for Rosemont. You can’t overcome those types of numbers in that district.

Comment by Barrister's Lectern Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:52 am
I’m hoping we do switch to multiple choice primaries.

A supermajority is not always monolithic: it tends to factionalize internally, between progressive and centrist in the dems case. And also along racial lines, as communities fight for more representation and equity.

Comment by Give Us Barrabbas Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 11:58 am
Honestly the gaslighting here is at record levels and that is saying something

https://www.craincurrency.com/compliance-legal-and-regulation/illinois-ranks-last-keeping-rich-people-moving-out

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 12:18 pm
==I would be curious if Brad Stephens district is in play..==

He’s unopposed.

Comment by Bob Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 12:20 pm
Where’s the Dem majority when property taxes continue to climb? Despite their hammerlock on Illinois they refuse to address the issue when they could easily get a bill through and signed by J.P.

Comment by thisjustinagain Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 12:24 pm
I’d sure like to focus on quality over quantity at this point. Having an entire chamber of Democrats means little to me if members of that party are busy playing footsie with the right on social and economic policy. Get me a solid pro-choice, pro-LGBTQ majority in both chambers who get that you have to raise revenue to pay for things you like before you get me an even larger super-majority in either.

Comment by Who else Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 12:25 pm
===Honestly the gaslighting here is at record levels and that is saying something===

Says the person peddling references from a two-year-old website with a paltry 85 Google search results.

Comment by thechampaignlife Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 12:37 pm
=== who get that you have to raise revenue to pay for things you like ===

So you are basically asking for a unicorn.

Comment by Barrister's Lectern Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 12:39 pm
===Where’s the Dem majority when property taxes continue to climb?===

It is almost as if a supermajority does not make a monolithic voting block to tackle complex century-old issues in a fiscally-responsible and equitable way.

Comment by thechampaignlife Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 12:40 pm
=when property taxes continue to climb? =

Tell me you do not understand property tax and who levies is without telling me.

Also, just say “you kids get off my lawn”.

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 12:45 pm
“This commercial brought to you by the Illinois Policy Institute.”

Always nice to throw in a “red herring”.
Illinois was one of only 8 states that lost population last year.

The long term trajectory is most evident in NW IN and NE IL. Along the border, one state can’t build schools fast enough, while on the other side, consolidation is the rule of the day.

Schools that are losing enrollment are the canary in the coal mine offering a picture of the future holds.

Comment by Downstate Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 12:52 pm
Thanks for the clarification, Bob.

Comment by Rahm's Parking Meter Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 1:17 pm
==Having an entire chamber of Democrats means little to me if members of that party are busy playing footsie with the right ==

What on earth are you talking about? You would have loved the mid to late 90’s.

Comment by low level Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 1:22 pm
“Schools that are losing enrollment are the canary in the coal mine offering a picture of the future holds.”

And my kid’s school in suburban Chicago is overcrowded.
What is your suggestion to keep people from moving from rural IL to rural IN?

Comment by Larry Bowa Jr. Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 1:59 pm
“Increasingly a one party state. Not good for a democracy.”

The party that made itself unelectable by backing wildly unpopular programs and revolting bigots is bad for democracy.

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 2:03 pm
===Illinois was one of only 8 states that lost population last year.===

Based on the many-times-proven-wrong American Community Survey?

===one state can’t build schools fast enough, while on the other side, consolidation is the rule of the day===

So you are all for increased government spending, and against fiscally-responsible consolidation of government services? Maybe we can add a few hundred more school districts and townships to make you happy.

Comment by thechampaignlife Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 2:43 pm
Rural areas are having to consolidate schools due to the number of ag jobs needed is shrinking due to technology.

I live in Union County and go to Missouri often. If you think the bootheel is somehow growing, you may need to adjust your meds.

Comment by Flyin'Elvis'-Utah Chapter Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 3:13 pm
Who cares - President Harmon is still in charge/s

Comment by Drive By Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 3:14 pm
=And my kid’s school in suburban Chicago is overcrowded.
What is your suggestion to keep people from moving from rural IL to rural IN?=

Yep

=Rural areas are having to consolidate schools due to the number of ag jobs needed is shrinking due to technology.=

I am not sure ag jobs is the reason anymore. That has really levelled out and kind of stopped 10-15 years ago. Rural America is fooled by the “low taxes” myth. People move to places where they have stuff. When you don’t offer any services and let your town run down people leave.

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 3:46 pm
==they could easily get a bill through==

What tax would you like to see increased to replace that lost revenue?

Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Aug 14, 24 @ 5:10 pm
“Based on the many-times-proven-wrong American Community Survey?”

The American Community Survey is what the Dems used to make the maps. So the Survey is many-times-proven-wrong but good enough for the super majority to slam through maps? Got it.

This session was a train wreck in the House the last few days. Especially over the budget. I don’t know if adding more members makes that any easier.
Dems from the suburbs need to be hit over the head that JB and crew will be raising taxes and fees to bail out CPS and give CTU massive raises. Especially when Brandon fires Pedro and gives SDG and JP everything they want.

Comment by Frida's boss Thursday, Aug 15, 24 @ 12:12 pm