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* The setup…

Emil was the South Sider who rose from being just another member of the legislature’s black caucus to being the leader of all Democrats in the Senate in 1993. Ten years later, when Democrats gained control of the entire Legislature, Jones became the president.

That urban background caused the suburban and rural types to snipe about him. I personally recall one legislative aide (a staffer who worked for then Illinois House Minority Leader Lee Daniels of Elmhurst) who would routinely belittle Jones as “a waste of oxygen” any time Jones and the other three legislative leaders would meet.

I also remember broadcasters who covered news activity at the Statehouse in Springfield who would claim that Jones was worthless for interviews because his rough, gravelly voice was “incomprehensible” to their listeners, they would say.

* The Question: A whole lot of negative stuff has been written about Emil Jones lately, here and everywhere else. So… Come up with something positive to say about the retiring Senate President. Explain.

No snark, please. Thanks.

…Adding… I know it’s difficult for some of you to remain positive, and being completely positive is as dishonest as being completely negative. But the negativity out there about EJ2 is so intense and overwhelming that I figured a bit of tonic was required. So try your best to stick with the question, please. Thanks much.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 11:43 am

Comments

I’ve never had a problem meeting with Emil. His door has always been open. I can’t say the same about the Irish guy in the House.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 11:48 am
After watching interviews with him Emil seems to have a genuine quality about him. I have never met the man, but it seems that he beleives in himself and the policies that he pushes.

In short, he thinks he is doing the right thing for people.

Comment by Speaking At Will Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 11:48 am
Over the years, I have found him to be a very good and very patient strategist. I’ve seen him wait things out until the time was right when it must have been unbearable to do so - and he prevailed in the end. A smart cookie who used some people’s impression of him as a sub-par hack to his advantage.

Comment by Eubie Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 11:52 am
I’m sure Emil is very well liked in the northern part of the State. He has done tremendous things for them. The reason he isn’t liked as well downstate is because our needs are different from Chicago’s needs and Emil does not totally understand us south of I-80. But this is not meant to be a personal attack against him; it’s just Illinois politics. I wish him and his family all the best and thank him for all of his years of service to Illinois.

Comment by Jechislo Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 11:57 am
Emil rose to him position in the state senate from the south side of Chicago. I will give him credit for that. I hope another person from the south side will get that same opportunity.

Comment by Levois Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 12:02 pm
He was always very kind to me.

Comment by Dr. Daniel Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 12:03 pm
I was in an elevator with him recently and accidentally dropped some papers on the floor. He helped me pick them up. That was nice.

Comment by Bill S. Preston, Esq. Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 12:04 pm
Compared to Phil Rock, Emil was good for downstate. Vince Demuzio was a big loss for Emil and for all Downstaters. Rock couldn’t win difficult races and at least Emil put together a super majority. God’s speed for a well earned retirement.

Comment by Louis Howe Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 12:05 pm
He is the most underrated politician in the Statehouse. He has kept the peace in the Senate Democratic caucus longer and better than any predecessor in the past 30 years (at least). He’s tough as nails, but has a big heart and a kindly manner. Even when it was obvious that Senate Prez Pate Philip was dissing his importance partly because of his race, he refused to make that an issue and dealt with Pate anyway. He has a sense of humor that is often misunderstood (food stamps, anyone?). He was one of the best Senate Minority Leaders in Illinois history. He came from nothing, with no political family, and a job at the Sewer Dept., and rose to the top. He doesn’t back down. He has an uncanny eye for choosing very good staff and for spotting up-and-coming legislators. He is patient and rarely loses his cool. He is willing to forgive transgressions against his authority (DeLeo & Cullerton come to mind). He won more legislative races in more unlikely places than anybody ever expected. He has tied MJM in knots.

More here

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 12:09 pm
Probably the most important thing about Jones is that he felt that ALL citizen’s of the state had rights and value.

Two specific things illustrate this. His opposition to the U of I Chief and his persistence in pointing out the racial bias in our criminal justice system. He will be missed.

Comment by Balance Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 12:11 pm
President Jones was a dedicated public servant who always kept the citizens of his district’s best interests as his number one priority. He brought home the bacon. He helped not only his own district but those that surrounded his.
He was such an improvement over his bigoted, right wing predecessor that it is hard to believe that Illinois survived during that era.
Personally, he was a really nice guy but could be tough as nails when he felt it was necessary. He didn’t take any mess from anybody.
I’ll miss him a lot and so will the people of Illinois. Who knows what will happen now?

Comment by Bill Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 12:16 pm
He maintained power, that says soemthing. Police interogations and he mentored Barack Obama…although I don’t like him.

Comment by Wumpus Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 12:18 pm
His retiring is a positive thing…ask any retired person (assuming he’s honest about retiring and “spending more time with the grandchildren” - how old are they anyway?)

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 12:18 pm
He stood up to Mike Madigan, made the Senate an equal partner (or obstructor) with the House, and most importantly, identified and nurtured a talented young politician who may become our next president. Most political leaders would have tried to stamp out an independent-minded talent like Barack Obama. Look at Madigan on the other side-only lemmings need apply for leadership opportunities. Jones put Obama in a position to lead on numerous important issues, which is a credit to his wisdom and his personal confidence.

Comment by Chicago Guy Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 12:20 pm
I spent time with him and his current wife. They seemed to genuinely care for each other, and were kind to me.

I attended the wake for his first wife Pat, and never saw a man look more lost and sad.

I wish he and his wife a long healthy retirement.

Comment by Loop Lady Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 12:22 pm
== He was such an improvement over his bigoted, right wing predecessor ==

?

Comment by Speaking At Will Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 12:29 pm
When he was Minority Leader under Pate’s iron dominion, he gave some quite stirring speeches during bill debates that were inspirational and said everything I wanted to say about being a Democrat. He fought for great and important issues.

However, I was saddened to see how quickly he turned around into being the very thing he’d railed against. I wish he could look up some of those old speeches and be the Old Emil that made them, one more time. Meet the new boss; same as the old boss. Maybe worse.

Comment by Half-hearted Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 12:31 pm
So what part of that didn’t you understand?

Comment by Bill Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 12:41 pm
I got to know Emil in the 1980s chatting over the press box. He’s smart, kind, funny, and has a smile and laugh that light up a room. He’s approachable. Too bad more people haven’t taken the time to get to know him. He’s loyal — a great trait unless you pick people who are undeserving of that loyalty. I don’t always agree with him and his allegiance to the Gov has been both puzzling and troubling. He does seem to be attacked for actions others get a pass on. I’m tired of all the attack politics and press. Can’t we all just get along? I will miss you Emil.

Comment by I Love Emil Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 12:42 pm
Jones was the true crafty politician playing chess when others foolishly dimsissed him as toying about with checkers. He helped to groom and mentor a number of potential canidates, not the least of which is Obama, and has launched many succesful carreers. he had a deft hand and was great with working a sublte approach behind the scnes with his left hand while he distarcted people with his right. He was a consumate politician who strived to improve the lives of the people of Illinois. He moved forward at times when others were more interested in talking about issues then trying on solutions.

Comment by Ghost Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 12:43 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 Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 12:43 pm
Hmmm….Do I detect “snark”?

Comment by Jechislo Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 12:45 pm
He had Vince DeMuzio as a good friend and that says a lot.

Comment by Disgusted Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 12:53 pm
Everyone I’ve spoken to who knows him and has worked with him respects him. They may not always (or ever) agree with him, but they acknowledge that by and large he’s a man of his word and would stick to his guns when he felt he needed to.

As someone said to me the other day, not a bad career for a guy from the water department.

Comment by Rob_N Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 12:58 pm
Tough. Smart. You’d want him on your side.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 12:59 pm
I was a state employment staying in the Hilton about 7 years ago. Emil and I were in the elevator and I took the opportunity to talk to him. I said “pardon me are you Senator Jones?” He smiled and with a twinkle in his eye replied, ” No I’m Pate Phillips.” We both laughed out loud and went our way.

Comment by JOHNNIE c Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 1:09 pm
Emil knew ONE WORD very well L-O-Y-A-L-T-Y…….. he NEVER forgot his friends,and he stuck to his word. All roads to Springfield are littered with bodies of those who underestimated the PRez as a leader and politician..

Comment by ivoted4judy Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 1:11 pm
He demanded equity with other state universities for Chicago State University in his district. He’s been able to move it dramatically in that direction.

He was honest enough to change his views, publicly, about civil rights for non-heterosexual people, and then to twist arms to get the essential 30 votes to send the bill to the governor’s desk after no one else had been able to get it there for over 30 years.

Comment by been there Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 1:14 pm
Couple of years ago I was randomly asked to volunteer for his downstate operations during an election cycle, I did. I did not then nor have I ever worked for the Legislature. Everyone was nice easy to get along with and on the few occasions I met him not only did he impress me with his knowledege of the operation but how sincerely he cared about his staff. He treated the volunteers like gold. I have not heard that about his brethern in the House.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 1:16 pm
President Jones deserves (and has not received) credit for death penalty reform and mandatory recording of homicide interrogations. Although Senators Cullerton and Obama were hands-on and in the room, Jones’s election as president gave their efforts the green light. The Tribune refers to this legislation package as the national model.

Comment by Former Hill Staffer Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 1:16 pm
“Come up with something positive to say about the retiring Senate President.”

I once waved at him in the Thompson Center and he greeted me warmly. I’m sure he thought I must be someone who thought he was supposed to know me, but he could’a responded with a “Who are you?!?” look.

Other politicians have.

– SCAM
so-called “Austin Mayor”
http://austinmayor.blogspot.com

Comment by so-called "Austin Mayor" Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 1:25 pm
Emil Jones played his hand strongly in the 2006 elections–a strong cycle for Democrats. The Democrats went from a slim majority to a 2/3 majority.

Jones’ counterpart in the Illinois House did not make as large gains even though all the House seats were up for election and less than all the Senate seats were up for election.

Comment by Carl Nyberg Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 1:35 pm
It has been said that there are three kinds of people: “Those who make things happen, Those who watch things happen, and Those who don’t know what the hell’s happening! Emil Jones made things happen.

Comment by Justice Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 1:49 pm
He did an excellent job of keeping ComEd solvent … and that helped keep our lights on.

Comment by Mr. Cub Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 1:52 pm
Purposefully much funnier than Pate the Not so Great.

More personable than MJM……but then again so is a rabid rottweiler.

Astute, clever and has a great face and voice for character acting. I suggest that as a new part time career.

Comment by IrishPirate Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 1:55 pm
He was approachable and accessible. He never forgot his roots. He let you think you were smarter than him. Thats why he got along so well with Blagojevich.

Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 2:24 pm
Chicago State would be a broken down campus were it not for Emil. I think he procured about a gazillion dollars for that campus over his career.

Also, somehow or another he kept that caucus together in some tough times. The Speaker always gets kudos for keeping his caucus together, however the Senate dem Caucus is just as diverse, with a lot more attitude. Nobody can take away the fact that he was an extremely effective legislative leader.

Comment by Jaded Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 2:42 pm
Senate President Emil Jones, Jr. is one of the most effective political strategists and tacticians I have ever known (especially when threatened or pushed up against a wall). Machiavellian to the core.

His heart always belonged to his district and other districts like his.

Besides, you can’t hate on a man whose cell phone ringer is set to the theme song for “The Godfather.”

Comment by Black Ivy Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 2:44 pm
He had a long political career and he has not been indicted.

Comment by Captain America Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 2:45 pm
== He was such an improvement over his bigoted, right wing predecessor ==

Here is what I didnt get…

Was he a bigot because he was “right wing” or did those two descriptions just happen to be juxtaposed.

Comment by Speaking At Will Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 3:17 pm
I am glad he was from Chicago.

Comment by Ken Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 3:46 pm
For me, President Jones is a bit of an enigma. His rise to power, both Minority Leader and Senate President, was done by putting together often differing groups of people and getting them focused in one direction. That was nearly breathtaking for many of us under the dome…we didn’t think he could pull it off. Then, for some reason, he seemingly hid behind Rod Blagojevich for some sort of largess that, other then his family, never materialized. My point isn’t to belittle the President; far from it. It’s just that I truly believe Emil Jones is as talented as any politico I’ve seen in my 30 years here. Why he didn’t ride herd on Blagojevich and really drive an agenda escapes me. And by the way, President Jones always was available, even when we disagreed. I can’t say that about most other leaders on either the 3rd or 2nd floors of the Capitol.

Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 4:00 pm
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 12:09 pm:

“He is the most underrated politician in the Statehouse.”

His most powerful weapon, and his largest alkalis heel.

For Emil to keep “that” caucus together for as long as he has, with no uprising (unless you call DeLeos little coup in the 90’s an uprising) is a feet in itself. Not to mention the fact the caucus has almost always bent to his will with little to no retribution (unless it was given by him). Just ask the Latino caucus and Senator Viverito if they agree.

Comment by Moderate Repub Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 4:03 pm
President Jones’ legacy must include his tremendous leadership on early childhood. He knows that learning begins at birth and that early childhood programs are essential to closing the achievement gap (one of his major interests). Many states are finally catching on to this idea; President Jones understood it long ago. In addition to his ongoing support of preschool, he was also the initial sponsor of legislation to create Healthy Families, nationally recognized program that works with young parents to improve outcomes for their babies and also helps prevent child abuse and neglect.

Several years ago, at an event, I heard him speak in reaction to a number of tragic infant deaths due to abuse or neglect. It was so clear that he was deeply affected by these events and that he felt an obligation to use his office to make a difference.

Several years ago, at an event, I heard him speak in reaction to a number of terrible, tragic infant deaths due to abuse or neglect. It was so clear that he was deeply affected by these events and that he felt an obligation to use his office to make a difference.

Comment by Nancy S. Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 4:06 pm
===Just ask the Latino caucus and Senator Viverito if they agree.===

Viverito was never kicked out of leadership and still sits on Rules Committee and is back in leadership meetings.

Two of the Latino Caucus members ran and financed a candidatea against a third member. When you go to that extreme, stuff happens.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 4:07 pm
Viverito was never kicked out of leadership and still sits on Rules Committee and is back in leadership meetings.

True, but he wasn’t feeling the love last year, he got a pretty public slap on the wrist, I think we can both agree on that

Comment by Moderate Repub Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 4:10 pm
Sure, but he stood accused of spying for MJM.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 4:12 pm
Two of the Latino Caucus members ran and financed a candidatea against a third member. When you go to that extreme, stuff happens.

This was in retaliation (ran and financed a canidate against Iris) because Emil didn’t pick Munoz for leadership (which I think is a great example of how smart Emil is).

Comment by Moderate Repub Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 4:12 pm
Rich Miller - Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 4:12 pm:

Sure, but he stood accused of spying for MJM.

no doubt

Comment by Moderate Repub Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 4:13 pm
oops - didn’t mean for that paragraph to post twice - not sure what happened…

Comment by Nancy S. Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 4:16 pm
My point, MR, is that the retribution, such as it was, was pretty darned mild.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 4:18 pm
He’s incredibly smart, he’s even more cunning and I’m sure before to long we will see why he carried the cross for Blagojevich. He is a good and decent man ( probably the best thing that can be said about any man)

Comment by downhereforyears Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 6:20 pm
One of the most genuine and down to earth politicians I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. I can’t say I always agreed with him but I have always liked him and his sense of humor. There’s a real warmth about him that many politicians lack.

Comment by Laura Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 6:45 pm
Some memorires of EJ—

Emil Jones used to eat his breakfast at the Springfield Hilton (before the place was Benniganized) directly after a workout, still wearing his sweats. He was a funny guy with a good sense of humor. He would threaten to raise the waitress’s taxes if she got his order wrong.
Or he would tell her that if her boyfriend mistreated her, he’d “make the guy disappear”. All in good fun.

He did appear at breakfaast in a suit and tie around the time of the 2004 Dem primary, working the room, shaking everyone’s hand and saying “Vote for my man, Barack Obama. Obama for Senator! Don’t forget that name!”.

Well, thanks in part to Emil J, no one will forget Obama’s name. And no one will forget Emil.

Comment by DuPage Dave Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 7:20 pm
Big man, big heart, great sense of humor, great judge of talent.

Average Joe Taxpayer will never realize most of his positive contributions. EJJJr won’t give a rat’s behind about that. In contrast to Pate’s final march off the Senate floor, Emil should just exit stage right in his usual fashion to a soft rendition of “My Way.”

Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 10:18 pm
He’s an adept politician and enjoyable person to be around.

Comment by Quizzical Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 10:23 pm
Amazing strategist and — with Demuzio — cornered his sparring partners more than a few times. Fondly remember the time the Speaker came to the floor and spoke to a number of members, gladhanding all the way (if you can call his style that). Emil watched him like a hawk, figured out which of his caucus were now inclined to take a walk on a key bill, and deployed Demuzio and a couple of staff to flip another Senator to pass the bill anyway.

Comment by Onetime floor jockey Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 11:33 pm
He was and continues to be really really good at getting family and friends state jobs and contracts.

Comment by Sweet Polly Purebred Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 1:20 am