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Fresh Emil Jones retirement thread * UPDATED x10 * Jones personally confirms retirement, son’s appointment * Hendon plays super-nice * Jones issues statement ***

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*** 11:58 am *** That other post was getting too long, so let’s start anew, shall we?

* According to officials at the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, Senate President Emil Jones had $577,605.04 in his personal campaign account as of June 30th, 1998. That’s the cutoff date for being allowed to legally withdraw funds from an account. Money accumulated above and beyond that 6/30/98 date cannot be used for personal stuff.

As of the end of June this year, Jones had $1.6 million in his campaign account. He still owes his campaign fund almost $25,000 for no interest loans.

No word yet about whether he intends to withdraw that $577K (minus the loan repayment) instead of spending it on candidates, but some Tier One targets (Linda Holmes and Gary Forby) may be a bit nervous right now. The Republicans may also be breathing just a wee bit easier, depending on what Jones says today.

By the way, we may not get a press conference. Last night we were told the announcement would take place at two o’clock today, but it might be done via a simple press release. We dont’ know anything because Jones’ spokesperson and his staff aren’t returning phone calls and e-mails.

My former intern, Paul Richardson, is hanging around downtown waiting for word. We’ll have full coverage if there’s a press conference.

*** UPDATE 1 - 12:08 pm *** From Lee Newspapers…

[Sen. Deanna Demuzio (D-Carlinville)] said Senate Democrats from downstate have already been on the phone with each other, forming a plan to have influence in the selection of a replacement for Jones.

‘’We anticipate playing a major role in that,'’ she said. ‘’We’ll be sticking together.'’

They’re sticking together now, but we’ll see how long that lasts. Sen. Clayborne is a Downstater, remember, and a member of the Black Caucus. There’s gonna be a big effort to slice and dice all of the sub-caucuses up, and it won’t be easy to have complete solidarity for any delegation.

*** UPDATE 2 - 12:22 pm *** From ICPR’s blog…

Senate President Jones’ main campaign account is Citizens for Emil Jones. Formed in 1974, it has State ID 188; one of the lowest of the currently active PAC numbers. The committee reported $577,605.04 in cash on hand as of June 30, 1998. That report listed no investments, but it did claim outstanding loans of $3,300, which may be in addition to the cash balance. State law bars candidates from using campaign funds for personal use, but grandfathers funds raised prior to June 30, 1998. So, that’s the amount that President Jones could take from his campaign fund for personal use (provided that he pays income taxes on it).

It’s worth noting that Sen. Jones is not required to take any money from the PAC for personal use; it’s strictly up to him. Nor does he have to take any action any time soon; he has until the committee dissolves, whenever that may be.

*** UPDATE 3 - 1:09 pm *** Sen. Rickey Hendon is having a press conference right about now. Paul is in a cab on his way. Hopefully we’ll have some audio or notes.

*** UPDATE 4 - 1:31 pm *** It sounds like we’re just going to get a written statement from Jones sometime after 2 o’clock.

*** UPDATE 5 - 1:36 pm *** Crain’s scores an exclusive interview…

Illinois Senate President Emil Jones Jr. is confirming that he will step down when his current term expires in November.

In an interview over his cell phone, Mr. Jones said he’s wanted to retire for a long time but had been restrained by friends and allies. […]

“I’ve never run away from a fight,” Mr. Jones said, adding that he wanted to retire three years ago but “friends and family” convinced him to reconsider.

And here’s the son stuff…

Mr. Jones confirmed that he’d like his son to succeed him in Springfield. “That would be nice,” he said. But he declined to elaborate, saying only that, “more than likely,” he would resign his [ballot] position and be replaced on the November ballot by his son. [All emphasis added]

*** UPDATE 6 - 1:40 pm *** Press release from Sen. Jeff Schoenberg…

The unanticipated news that Senate President Emil Jones will announce his retirement later today provides an opportunity for Illinois Senate Democrats to have a fresh start in setting the state’s agenda. Senate Democrats need leadership that is more open and transparent and which works toward consensus in solving the state’s most pressing problems.

I hope to be a major part of the that effort. Thanks to your support and encouragement, I will continue to fight for those priorities and the values we share.

*** UPDATE 7 - 2:32 pm *** Sen. Hendon’s press conference sounded like a pretty staid affair. Hendon lavished praise on Senate President Jones and said he was qualified to succeed Jones because of his position as chairman of the Rules Committee, his being “faithful” to Jones for all these years and his work on behalf of the mass transit bailout, among other stuff.

Hendon said he could work with all of the “eight or nine” other candidates for the Senate presidency, including Sen. John Cullerton, whom Hendon denied was too close to House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Hendon said he would continue to “loyally” serve Jones until he’s gone and then see what might happen.

*** UPDATE 8 - 3:05 pm *** Senate President Jones has issued his statement.

There’s not much to it, but here’s the complete text…

PRESIDENT JONES WILL NOT SEEK ANOTHER SENATE TERM

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, Jr. said today that he will retire at the end of his current term in the Illinois Senate. President Jones is the longest serving Democratic Caucus leader since the 1970 Illinois Constitution. He has served as Senate President since 2003.

“I want to thank the many people throughout the years who have honored me by sending me to Springfield to represent them, as well as the members of the Democratic Caucus who have elected me their leader for the past 15 years. This has been a great privilege to work on behalf of the people of Illinois for over 35 years,” President Jones said.

“I want to thank my leadership team and my colleagues in the Senate who worked with me side-by-side to accomplish many things for the people of Illinois,” President Jones said. “My staff has also provided incredible support and an extraordinary effort on behalf of all of the members.”

President Jones was first elected to the Illinois House in 1972 and to the Illinois Senate in 1983. He was elected Senate Minority Leader in 1993 when Democrats had 27 members. In 2007 as Senate President he led Senate Democrats to capture 37 seats – an unprecedented gain of five seats for a veto proof majority in a non-redistricting year. The 95th General Assembly marks the first time in 70 years, and the first time since the implementation of the 1970 State Constitution, that Democrats hold a veto-proof majority in the Illinois Senate.

Under President Jones’ leadership in Fiscal Year 2008 education received the largest one-year increase in per student funding in the history of the state — $400 per student — $600 million overall in education funding. From 2003 to present, a $196 million increase was provided to early childhood education funding.

President Jones also shepherded the passage of one of the most comprehensive reform measures of the criminal justice system in the history of the State through the Illinois Senate. Among the many substantive changes to the criminal justice system spearheaded by Senator Jones was legislation to videotape interrogations in capital cases. This single piece of legislation put Illinois at the forefront of the nation as the first state to require that interrogations in capital cases be videotaped.

Additional significant legislation that President Jones sponsored or guided through the General Assembly during his 35 year legislative career includes legislation to require state law enforcement officials to collect data on racial profiling; a bill to require equal pay for equal work; a prescription drug discount program for senior and disabled citizens; two increases in the minimum wage; legislation that directed millions of state dollars for disadvantaged public school students to classroom needs, rather than administrative needs; legislation to double the personal exemption on the state income tax in 1998 to benefit working families who had not received an increase since 1969; and an effort to secure an individual’s right to choose a clinical social worker over a psychiatrist.

*** UPDATE 9 - 3:42 pm *** Statement from Gov. Rod Blagojevich…

“Over the last five and a half years as governor, I have had the opportunity to work closely with Senate President Emil Jones.

The accomplishments I am most proud of – making Illinois the first state in the nation to provide access to health care to all children, access to pre-school for all three and four-year-olds, and investing a record amount of money in education without raising taxes on people – would not have happened without the leadership and support of Emil Jones.

Emil Jones used his position as Senate President to give those without a voice better health care, better funded schools and increases in the minimum wage.

Emil Jones is a man with a big heart and a man of action. He is a true champion of the people. He didn’t just do the talk, he did the walk. All of us in Illinois owe him a great debt of gratitude.”

*** UPDATE 10 - 5:02 pm *** Statement from Justin DeJong, Illinois Director of Communications, Obama for America…

“Senator Jones has been a passionate advocate who has fought for working families and the underprivileged for more than three decades, and Senator Obama is confident he will continue to serve the people of Illinois in retirement.”

Notice, this was not from BHO himself.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 11:59 am

Comments

Considering Linda got out-raised 2-1 in the last reporting period and didn’t seem to get a single reportable gift from a carbon based life form in her district during the last reporting cycle I would suspect she is getting a bit nervous…

Comment by OneMan Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 12:11 pm
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Pingback by Emil Jones to Retire - A Chicago Blog Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 12:12 pm
Is there anyway an IL con-con could fix the problem of officeholders attempting to “bequeath” their spots to handpicked successors? It’s getting repetitive now and really does seem to be subverting the whole concept of democracy.

Comment by cermak_rd Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 12:29 pm
I am not sure you could write a book of political fiction that would have all the stuff happening in Illinois right now. Jones retirment, coupled with his role as critical support for the Gov, makes this little piece of Illinois politics a substantial historical moment for the State. it is going to be very interesting to see whats in Play in Illinois when the dust settles.

Comment by Ghost Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 12:31 pm
===I am not sure you could write a book of political fiction that would have all the stuff happening in Illinois right now.===

Yeah. Too complicated and unbelievable.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 12:33 pm
I suspect one way or the other, Pat Fitz will write the final chapter.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 12:40 pm
$577,605 for personal use. Only in Illinois.

Comment by Reformer Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 12:45 pm
===$577,605 for personal use. Only in Illinois.===

You forgot the four cents.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 12:55 pm
Besides Holmes who else will be in big trouble with Jones retirement?

Comment by needtoknow Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 12:56 pm
There will be a full report in tomorrow’s Capitol Fax.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 12:58 pm
IMHO Jones was helping to prop up Hendon and Trotter, they are just not anywhere near Jones level. I specualte they may be in more trouble then they realise without Jones. But then again, even in retirment Jones may not be completly gone.

Comment by Ghost Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 1:03 pm
I also agree Silverstein could be in the race. He should be able to pull from all the different caucus including a few republicans if needed. Being the chairman of the Executive committee he had to work well with all of them.

Comment by needtoknow Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 1:05 pm
Need to Know - who besides Holmes??
Noland - his hole is so deep - no way can he recover in two years from this………….

Comment by kane repub Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 1:14 pm
You know, it’s very hard to walk away from 500K+ UNLESS you know you have something as lucrative lined up.

I know I would not.

Comment by Pat Collins Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 1:17 pm
==Paul is in a cab on his way. ==

You can tell he is a former intern….current ones have to use the CapFax 10-speed.

Comment by Vote Quimby! Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 1:20 pm
Good luck to you President Jones.

Comment by Scooby Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 1:21 pm
Frank Watson has a better shot at becoming Senate President that Rickey Hendon. No way no how!

Comment by Anon Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 1:22 pm
===current ones have to use the CapFax 10-speed.===

Nah. K-Fan had a sweet Mercedes.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 1:23 pm
Well, Emil said he wants to get paid. I guess that $577,605.04 consitutes getting paid - in the grossest sense (literally and figuratively).

Cermak is dead-on. Someone has to be done to stop the “bequeathing” in state politics.

Comment by Team Sleep Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 1:24 pm
Everyone take a deep breath or at least a “time-out” and go back to work. This will shake out in the backrooms or on the blackberries. It will be better the a roller coaster at the State Fair!

Comment by Anon Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 1:28 pm
The bequeathing did stop in 1998-as Rich has reported.

Comment by My Opinion Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 1:29 pm
==K-Fan had a sweet Mercedes.==

Can’t help but notice the past tense….was that considered a ‘tuition expense’ and is now sitting in your garage or, more likely, sold with proceeds going to the CapFax retirement vineyard fund?
I’ll leave you alone now; sounds very busy up there and I do appreciate the breaking news…

Comment by Vote Quimby! Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 1:30 pm
“had,” meaning he’s not doing the internship beyond the MS.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 1:32 pm
Whatever you think about him, you can’t deny Jones is one tough dude. Doesn’t get rattled, doesn’t back down. And smarter than the average bear, to boot.

I remember one time back in the early 90s when there was some issue of racetrack “reform,” which was really a battle between Duchoissis (sp) and Stormy Bidwill and the other tracks.

I don’t remember details of the beef, but I do remember a Senate hearing where Jones and Frank Savickas almost went street in the Capitol. Savickas was no pushover, but my money was on Jones.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 1:37 pm
Whew, thanks. I must escape this conspiracy frame of mind.

==Is there anyway an IL con-con could fix the problem of officeholders attempting to “bequeath” their spots to handpicked successors?==

That is a good question, and I guess the answer would have to be yes…at least in theory. But any election system will always have some people trying to control it. That’s one of the reasons why I like term limits and the ‘up or out’ theory. In my goo-goo world, I believe that would give candidates the ‘testicular virility’ to make the hard decisions without fear of getting hammered for it the next campaign. In reality, though, it would probably just encourage them to make short-term, flavor-of-the-month decisions hoping to make a name for themselves to move up the ladder. I think a con-con can address many issues, but keeping the hogs from lining up at the trough is not one of them.

Comment by Vote Quimby! Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 1:44 pm
A typo or the truth? The last line of the Crains article:
“A statement about his departure will be released later Monday, Mr. Jones said in the earning afternoon.”
Emphasis one earning not added due to my lack of knowledge of how to do it…

Comment by Vote Quimby! Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 1:48 pm
That should be one hell of a special session day Tuesday. Think the Senators will show up.

Comment by Cougar Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 2:01 pm
The way all this “bequeathing” is going on, I think that the folks in the House of Lords … uhm, I mean, “Senate” … should start wearing powdered wigs as they sneer down upon the commoners.

Comment by Snidely Whiplash Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 2:05 pm
The NCAA should investigate K-Fan’s Mercedes.

Was his office nerf ball jump-shot worth this massive recruiting violation?

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 2:06 pm
Speaking of Schoenberg, won’t it be fun trying to find him when Meeks shows up at New Trier with the busloads of kids the first day of school.
Has Jeff commented on this stunt yet?

Comment by Swing Town Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 2:07 pm
===Cermak is dead-on. Someone has to be done to stop the “bequeathing” in state politics.===

Usually someone must be done in order to have a “bequeathee.”

Comment by Fan of the Game Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 2:08 pm
swingtown - I think New Trier is in the Lang/Silverstein district, and for now, Silverstein appears to be laying low.

Comment by Capitol View Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 2:14 pm
Don’t tell me even Jones wants to be on the friends and family plan and appoint his son in his place as Senate President.

Comment by Levois Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 2:36 pm
Politics is a family business in Illinois, in the truest meanings of those words. But we also had the Adams family (John and John Q.) and the Bushes in the White House, and the Kennedys in everything. The latter examples not so much bequeathments, but certainly the grooming was there.

Though the Joneses, the Madigans, the Jacobses, the Strogers, et al, may seem to subvert democracy as legacies, it is their constituents who put and keep them in office in the general elections.

Comment by Captain Flume Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 2:36 pm
Finally something fun to watch after all the nastiness lately at the Capitol. Not saying it won’t be nasty, but it will be nasty in a fun sort of way.

Comment by Jaded Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 2:41 pm
I would put the Adams, the Bushes, the Kennedys and even the Madigans in a different league than the Lipinskis, the Strogers and now possibly the Joneses (if he actually does it). It’s one thing to trade on the family’s name and the family’s wealth and friends and go out there and run and win. It’s quite another thing to retire after a ballot deadline and therefore have your choice be given to the voters as a fait accompli in order to avoid that whole messy primary business. In most districts in IL, the real democracy is at the primary with the general election simply a formality that puts whatever party is dominant in that district into power.

Comment by cermak_rd Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 2:46 pm
As of late last night Emil was still trying to figure out how you go about getting your kid to take your place. I think they have it worked out but here is some analysis. If the weighted vote is based on the last primary for his seat then no committeman has 50%. The city wards make up 77% of the vote with Emil’s own ward (34th Carrie Austin) with 33%. Brookins 21st has 22%, Joyce / Matt O’Shea 19th has 9% and Beals 9th has 13.5%. Most if not all of the suburban township committemen will stick together with their combined 23% of the vote. They will weigh whether to go with whoever Brookins supports or Carrie Austin’s 34th ward supporting Emil, Jr. They won’t support Brookins so their only choice, along with the 19th ward, is to go with Emils son. Even if the suburbans and the 19th team up with Beals, they only get to 46%. Not enough. Welcome Senator Emil Jones, Jr.

Comment by Been There Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 2:52 pm
Flam,

I am at a loss to understand your point about legacy. If a man drives a milk truck his boy will likely want to drive a milk truck. If a man runs a shop his boy will generally take over when dad retires. What’s your beef with family working in public service? Everyone person you named as an example won open and fair election. Is it your point that voters are stupid? That you are somehow somehow smarter than John Q. Public?

Dream on Flamer, as voters are smarter than you think!

Comment by Doggone Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 2:55 pm
BT, very good analysis. Thanks for the numbers.

One minor quibble. Emil Jones, Jr. is already Senate Prez. The son is Emil III.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 2:59 pm
I am so SICK of politicians who want to be replaced by their children and who do this sort of “stuff” to enable it to happen.
I’ve never had much use for Jones, and this thing is the exact sort of thing that I would expect.
Sleeze to the end. The Emil way.

Comment by Skeeter Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 3:00 pm
==Everyone person you named as an example won open and fair election. Is it your point that voters are stupid?==

We did elect RRB. Twice. By a wide margin. Check and mate.

Comment by Vote Quimby! Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 3:02 pm
President Hendon? I know hubris and disregard for public opinion runs amuck in Springfield these days. But the Illinois Senate wouldn’t dream of putting Hollywood in that chair? Would they?

Comment by phocion Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 3:11 pm
Been There,
The suburban committeemen supported Brookins for States Attorney. Don’t assume they are in Emil’s corner. Using your numbers, Brookins + Suburbs = 45%. If they cut a deal with Beals Emil III is out. Not likely, but not impossible. Beals will do whatever the Congressman( who is not exactly a big Emil fan) says.
Its time for some good old fashioned political horsetrading!

Comment by Bill Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 3:15 pm
I see no reason a child should not replace a parent in politics as a general proposition. Ultimatly you want people who will be good or are competetn at the job.

I had very little knoweledge of politics growing uo because we were not exposed to it in our family. Almost every kind in the house went into a prefssion related to what our parents did, because thats what we were exposed to. A kid in a politicial houehold is going to grow up in politics. I see nothing inherently bad about them following along with what they know or have been exposed to. It actually makes a lot of sense; they would have had tons of experience observing the political process behind the scenes, would have a good handle on who are the players and how to conduct themselves etc. Knowing nothing other then the person is a child of another politician tells me nothing other then that they are well posied and proably have more experience for the job then others.

I know nothing about Emill III, but if he is as bright an savy as his dad I welcome him to the political arena and think it will be a good fit for him.

Comment by Ghost Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 3:19 pm
Doggone: so opposing public nepotism = believing voters are stupid. Huh?

Comment by Greg Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 3:20 pm
I have no beef with any family businesses. They are the backbone of the economy in my mind. “Public service” is a loaded term, though. I have no doubt that voters are smart enough to elect the people whom they think will best represent them. But that’s the voters in MY district. (He said with a wink.)

Comment by Captain Flume Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 3:22 pm
Ghost, I think the objection relates more to the style of the seat’s hand-off, not III’s qualifications or right to run for the seat.

All of this could have been settled in a normal primary. For as qualified as the recipient might be, he’s still gaining the incredible power of incumbency through the evasion around actual voting.

Comment by Greg Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 3:26 pm
Thank you, Mr. President. It’s been fun.

Comment by Sarbanharble Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 3:28 pm
I’m pretty sick of politicians who want to be replaced by their children as well. We should have stopped with Bush 41.

Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 3:28 pm
Thank you, Fan. What I said was a bit, um, awkward. My internal spell check must be broken.

Comment by Team Sleep Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 3:38 pm
Doggone, say what? Speaking of being at a loss…I’d say your premise/analogy is not really logical. You’re statement about smart voters is laughable. They are what they are, but smart is not an accurate description. Granting elected offices to ones’ spouses our off-spring may be as old as the hills but it makes for lousy governance. See the current example in WH, Congress and our own legislature. The idea that junior may want to follow in daddy’s foot steps is a warm and fuzzy but they ought to earn it against other legit candidates.

Comment by Smack-o-cratic Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 3:38 pm
Don’t you think the campaigning starts Tuesday in Spfld? When they all get face to face they will be calling in past favors. Also who has the biggest war chest to help out for election day that will be the next President of the Senate.

Comment by allout Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 3:41 pm
Schoenberg has New Trier High School District and Garrett has a small portion (northern part of the township.

Comment by Reality Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 3:44 pm
===One minor quibble. Emil Jones, Jr. is already Senate Prez. The son is Emil III.===
For as many times I have seen or written that you would think I would have caught that. Sorry.

Comment by Been There Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 3:44 pm
Do you think Jones is retiring in hopes of getting a post with Obama (if he wins in November)?

Comment by fight corruption Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 3:44 pm
Doubtful.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 3:45 pm
All my experiences with President Jones were through the late Senator Adeline J. Geo-Karis. I found President Jones to be very warm and caring and loyal to his friends and others who treated him well.

When Senator Geo-Karis was on the “outs” with the GOP leadership, Jones repeatedly stepped into the void and arranged for plane rides for her to travel to Springfield, office space, allowed her to co-chair a committee, and even visited her in her Zion home. And that is just the short list.

From a political standpoint, he didn’t have to do any of it. From a personal stand point, it showed the quality of the man.
Good deeds show a quality in a person that we generally do not read about in a newspaper.

Although I am of a different political philosophy and different political party, the man earned my respect.

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 3:51 pm
You left out the best part of the Campaign for Political reform post:

The Senate has an opportunity that does not come along very often, and we hope they not only find a leader capable of guiding the upper chamber to thoughtful, reasoned, and wise decisions, but also one who is committed to democratizing the caucus, reforming campaign finance, and ensuring far more openness in the process.

Pretty saucy for a non-partisan, apolitical group.

My guess is they ain’t rooting for Hendon.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 3:52 pm
===The suburban committeemen supported Brookins for States Attorney. Don’t assume they are in Emil’s corner===
Bill, the only committeeman from that area who “may” have supported Brookins is Zucharelli from Thorton. He has one tenth of one percent of the weighted vote. I believe they were all for either Allen or Milan. Bremen may have played both sides of the fence depending on where they were passing out palm cards. I will also give you Calumet Township which just saw Committeman John Rita pass away and I don’t know who they plan to replace him with. But Worth (7.5%), Orland (2.5%) and Palos (2%) didn’t and won’t be for a Brookins candidate.

Comment by Been There Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 3:54 pm
How Senators do you think will show up on Tuesday to let the games to begin?

Comment by allout Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 3:55 pm
Rich, I was joking (obviously) earlier, but I bet Jones will get appointed to some position..perhaps an ambasadorship if Obama manages to win. Something under the radar, perhaps in a nice tropical environment

Comment by Wumpus Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 3:59 pm
Greg, I somewhat see that point. But if part of the plan in placing a name on the ballott by the dems is to try and make sure they get a Dem elected; then I think the analysis should not focus on ability and electability. The family relationship comes into play but seems pertinent only to the extent it shows an ability to get votes, or alternatively is being posited as a hinderance to getting votes.

Comment by Ghost Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 4:02 pm
Why did Jones go with Crain’s for the exclusive interview?

Comment by Downstater Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 4:12 pm
Greg called him and he answered. Oops. lol

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 4:13 pm
AA could be terribly mistaken, but I sense that most of that $577 large may end up accruing to the benefit of members of the bar, not members of the Jones family.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 4:15 pm
BTW, do not even consider Sen Hendon for the position of Senate President. His awful behavior toward women is legendary even to his own peers. His temperment and crassness does not suit the position.

Who knows what about Cullerton and his relationship with the Gov and Meeks?

Comment by Gameplan Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 4:21 pm
Been There,
You’re probably right. I’m just saying that it is not a done deal yet and there will have to be some trading. Emil will have to put up. Don’t underestimate the influence of the other players regardless of their weighted vote in the district. Emil hasn’t exactly gone out of his way to make friends, especially in the suburbs. It may just come back to haunt him. Out with the old, in with the new.

Comment by Bill Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 4:48 pm
EJJr. has very little to trade right now. Once you make that announcement, the world passes you by.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 4:51 pm
Rich,If the pay raises had gone into effect, would Jones’s increase in salary effected his pension?

Comment by connie Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 4:57 pm
Pay raise would’ve been next term. So the answer is no.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 5:06 pm
Well Rich, don’t you think if he could have approved the pay raises he would have stayed just long enough for it to have boosted his pension and then resigned?

Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 5:26 pm
Is this heir to the throne the same Emil the Third who had to be rousted out of his bed to begin his first day under a hefty contract with the State of IL for his IT work? Can’t show up the first day on time? Show him the door. What nerve. There is not hope for the government of this state.

Comment by Disgusted Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 5:30 pm
CC, woulda, coulda, shoulda. HeckifIknow.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 5:33 pm
On this question of government service as a “family business”, I think most of the posters today are missing the point. There’s a big difference between politicians like Lipinski and Stroger, who manipulated the system, and those like Dan Hynes and Lisa Madigan who competed in hotly contested primaries and general elections to win.

Sure, Hynes and Madigan would not be where they are if their names were Smith and Brown, but at least they had to fight hard to get there.

For Stroger, Lipinski, Jones and the like, they view public offices as an entitlement to pass down to their children like their cars or their houses. It’s outrageous and it leads to disasters like you see now in Cook County.

From what I hear from folks who work with him, EJ3 , well (trying to avoid banning language), let’s just say he’s not the hardest working man at DCEO. Something about the inability to be fired leading to a lack of motivation.

This is the problem.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 5:43 pm
Disgusted, that’s exactly what I heard from someone who was there.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 5:44 pm
===”Senator Obama is confident he will continue to serve the people of Illinois in retirement.”===

Is that a slap or a compliment? Nice ambiguous statement from Sen. Obama’s Illinois communications guru. *LOL*

Comment by Fan of the Game Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 6:45 pm
So when does the “Gary Forby for Senate President” movement begin? I’m on board! Him and Rob would serve well together and then at least he’d have a reason to be aligned with Chicago politics and their politicos.

Comment by SouthernIllinoisan Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 8:14 pm
Can we start calling him “Threemil” now? Or should we wait until he’s sworn in?

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 8:37 pm
Wow, and I thought Emil needed to stick around for the pay raise.

Seriously, what is Rod going to do? It sure is going to make it harder than before for him to get what he wants. Plus it will be interesting to see who gets the Senate President spot when Emil goes.

OK Illinois Republicans, lets see how you react to this opportunity.

Comment by Concerned Voter Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 8:51 pm
I think Emil has been campaigning for a Presidency or chancellorship or something similar at Chicago State for years now; it would explain a lot of the largesse he’s rained down upon them out of all proportion in recent years.

Comment by Gregor Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 9:14 pm
So, Gregor, he may have been creating his own golden parachute with the taxpayers money, interesting.

Comment by Concerned Voter Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 9:20 pm
It’s sad that Emil’s legacy will be “The Biggest Supporter” of the soon to be indicted Governor.

Comment by Sad Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 9:37 pm
They just hired a new President at Chicago State. Seems to be very qualified. The board is not going to dump him for Jones, especially after the board got such bad PR due to the prior President.

Comment by Silent Majority Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 11:05 pm
When One is an ex-lege, One would not have to be a University President to hit the Pension Lotto.
Ask Carol Ronen.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 11:11 pm
JONES, JR., EMIL
11357 SOUTH LOWE AVENUE
CHICAGO, IL 60628 14TH SENATE
DEMOCRATIC Withdrawn
8/18/2008 3:57 PM

Comment by Been There Monday, Aug 18, 08 @ 11:38 pm
Somewhere in all this, there’s bound to be ‘exit’ interviews of him in the papers. And somewhere, the question of his secret to longevity may come up: “How do you do manage to work in the Legislature for 35+ years? How do you manage to look so spry after living for 72 years?…”, etc.

And I pray, fervently, that his answer in no way resembles Ernest Borgnine’s.

Comment by Frank Sobotka Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 2:11 am
“And I pray, fervently, that his answer in no way resembles Ernest Borgnine’s.”

Frank,

That was the funniest, even if most inappropriate, comment about a retiring politician I have ever read. I had to take a trip to the water cooler to avoid disturbing co-workers with my chuckles.

Comment by South Side Mike Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 7:26 am
[…] After a week of sparse posting, the Pork Report should soon be back to full strength. What’s happened since we posted last? Well, Emil Jones announced his retirement. Jones, pork broker extraordinaire and subject of a pork spending lawsuit, has announced that his son, Emil Jones III, will take his place on the fall ballot (and in all likelihood fill his Senate seat next Spring). […]

Pingback by Pork Report is back. Sen Jones is leaving. | The Pork Report Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 2:14 pm
I’d like to see a Jones successor with the following qualifications:
1. Is a bridge-builder, can facilitate dialogue on both sides of the aisle
2. Is humble, but an eloquent speaker
3. Has above-average intellect, especially understands BUDGET, PUBLIC FINANCE, & MACROECONOMICS
4. Is squeaky, squeaky clean
5. Is respected upstate & downstate, and across all racial and ethnic constituencies

Which Dems in the Senate fit that criteria?

Comment by observer Friday, Aug 22, 08 @ 12:59 am