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Question of the day

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Illinois

* House Speaker Michael Madigan’s 70th birthday is today. What are your thoughts on this occasion?

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 10:35 am

Comments

RETIRE

Comment by Just Because Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 10:38 am
I hope he is around for another 70 years. Happy Birthday !

Comment by MOON Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 10:39 am
70? He doesn’t look a day over 70.

Comment by Homer J. Simpson Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 10:47 am
Move on!

Comment by Griz Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 10:49 am
retire.

Comment by Shore Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 10:53 am
We’ll look back on this someday as the midway point in his speakership. (If anyone other than MJM is still alive at that point.)

Comment by Boone Logan Square Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 10:54 am
MJM, give us a present on your birthday. RETIRE

Comment by Dan Shields, Springfield, IL Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 10:56 am
The Speaker deserves respect and regardless of what a person might think of him, he’s been an integral part of Illinois politics and the policy outcomes for the better part of four decades. Personally, I can’t be more diametrically different politically, but none the less, God Bless and Happy Birthday!

Comment by Captain Illini Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 10:56 am
Retire, please. Please. Please.

Comment by Lisa Madigan Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 11:00 am
Why don’t we have a mandatory retirement age?

Comment by Cheryl44 Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 11:00 am
Don’t retire yet. Don’t skip out on the pension and budget mess that you are partially responsible for. Use your power to implement hard decisons on both. Then retire.

Comment by Robert Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 11:04 am
What are your thoughts on this occasion?

That the true name of theLord of the Nazgûl was never revealed in any of J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings.

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 11:07 am
Happy Birthday!

Now fix the pension system before #71.

Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 11:09 am
When he starts calling for brains in Springfield, we will know the undeath has kicked in…

Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 11:10 am
I guess if you can’t beat them, you call on them to retire. You have to earn that prize, folks.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 11:21 am
He’s fifty years beyond useful, he should retire. Short of that maybe a lobotomy!

Comment by Bman Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 11:43 am
Mandatory retirement age!

Comment by frustrated GOP Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 11:45 am
Rumor has it that the Speaker will celebrate this momentous day by smiling in public.

Comment by NIref Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 11:46 am
I thought he was Speaker for 70 years…

Comment by Cincinnatus Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 11:51 am
Apple

Comment by The Captain Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 11:52 am
NIref, LOVE your post!! Maybe someone should put a whoopie cushion on his chair. Heck what’s the over/under on the number of times he smiles in a year? Vegas prolly set it at 9.5

Comment by 10th ward Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 12:08 pm
ILGOP CALLS FOR MANDATORY RETIREMENT AGE FOR GA

ILGOP GIVES MJM B-DAY GIFT; THE ILGOP LEADERSHIP

CROSS SPENDS MJM B-DAY GOLFING; NOTHING CHANGES

MJM’S BITHDAY DINNER? PIZZA WITH MUSHROOMS

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 12:29 pm
Wouldn’t suprise me if Madigan “forgot” it was his birthday, knowing how tirelessly Madigan works everyday.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 12:42 pm
=What are your thoughts on this occasion?=

*thinks*
Happy Birthday?
*giggles, hopes for a smile*
Uh oh.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 12:52 pm
- Oswego Willy “Wouldn’t suprise me if Madigan “forgot” it was his birthday, knowing how tirelessly Madigan works everyday. ”

It’s Madigan. He forgets nothing.

Comment by Miss Marie Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 12:57 pm
Dude looks fairly good for 70…

Too bad the state doesn’t have some sort of retirement program for legislators so he could just retire and enjoy his grandkids and Florida

Comment by OneMan Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 12:59 pm
He’s not the retiring type. Plus he’s in better physical shape than most men half his age.

Happy birthday Mr. Speaker.

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 12:59 pm
Please retire.

Comment by mokenavince Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 1:00 pm
- Miss Marie -

My mistake - apologies!

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 1:19 pm
How we are in the state we’re in and he’s been in charge for most of it.

Comment by OurMagician Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 1:22 pm
Here’s a photo from the Birthday Party: https://p.twimg.com/Aq3NNuKCIAAXfC_.jpg

Comment by Anon130 Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 1:30 pm
Maybe he lets his hair down and eats one and a half apples to celebrate the milestone. Who knows, he may even allow himself a brief peak at the SJR’s “funny pages”. He’s heard they’re quite a hoot—-if one has the time and inclination in engage in such things.

Comment by Phantom Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 1:35 pm
He is my age. If he had retired when I did the state would not be in the mess its in.

Comment by wishbone Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 1:55 pm
Mr. Madigan, sir: you should start a twitter account in celebration of your birthday.

No?

Comment by Freeman Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 1:55 pm
Happy Birthday Speaker Madigan. As I die-hard Republican acknowledge that you remain one of the greatest political minds in the history of our State.

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 2:08 pm
–As I die-hard –

Yippe-ki-yay, Louis, say it ain’t so!

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 2:20 pm
Happy Birthday! Start thinking about which building you want in your name after you are gone.

Comment by Objective Dem Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 2:26 pm
Also turning 70 today: Alan Price, founder and keyboardist for The Animals.

I’m not sure if “House of the Rising Son,” “We Gotta Get out of this Place,” or “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” is more appropriate.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 2:33 pm
Anon130 at 1:30PM wins Thursday.

Comment by NIref Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 2:43 pm
Even though you don’t like to smile…today is your day…smile.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 2:43 pm
Sorry Wordslinger, I’m typing one handed these days!

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 2:49 pm
–I’m not sure if “House of the Rising Son,” “We Gotta Get out of this Place,” or “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” is more appropriate.–

YDD, I don’t think he wants to get out of that place, I don’t think he cares if he’s misunderstood, but “House of the Rising Sun” makes the cut.

I’d add “It’s My Life” for consideration.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 3:14 pm
Just want to make sure you’re okay, Louis.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 3:15 pm
I bet he’s been planning this day for about…70 years.

Comment by Casual observer Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 3:26 pm
=I guess if you can’t beat them, you call on them to retire. You have to earn that prize, folks.=

Well, he did kick Daniels rear with a Republican map in the 90’s, but the other two decades of his rule, and the beginning of the third was decided by the draw out of a hat. So, while I agree he is one of the greatest political minds in the history of the state, let’s not forget that he has the luck of the Irish on his side as well.

Also, over the past 40 years, everytime the Dems have won the draw there has been a Democrat SOS, and the Repubs only won when Ryan was SOS. Now I’m not acusing…I’m just sayin……..

Comment by Jaded Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 3:50 pm
Sorry, meant beginning of the fourth.

Comment by Jaded Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 3:51 pm
===So, while I agree he is one of the greatest political minds in the history of the state, let’s not forget that he has the luck of the Irish on his side as well.===

He’s had an awfully long “lucky” streak …

Happy Birthday, Mr. Speaker.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 4:09 pm
Happy Birthday!

Don’t let up!

Comment by Sunshine Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 4:20 pm
Used to hate the man, then Blago came in with the silly idea he was going to run the show… and almost did. Madigan was the only leader to stand up to him and hold the line against Blago. Thank you, Mr. Madigan for that. Still don’t agree with some of the things he does, but you have to admire his control…Happy Birthday.

Comment by downsate commissioner Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 4:22 pm
===and the beginning of the third was decided by the draw out of a hat.===

I don’t think this last map was picked out of a hat …I think Quinn won, and signed MJM and Cullerton’s map. Am I wrong?

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 4:23 pm
At least he’s still working like most people his age, most because they have to, which I am sure is not his situation.

Comment by 3rd Generation Chicago Native Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 4:23 pm
–At least he’s still working like most people his age, most because they have to, which I am sure is not his situation.–

That didn’t look right. A little more than 16% of those 70-74 are working, according to the Census.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 4:44 pm
Wait people…isn’t everyone saying the GA should raise the retirement age for state workers? And doesn’t this provide exhibit one that our older workers can do so successfully? So, God Bless us everyone!

Comment by D.P. Gumby Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 5:01 pm
Are you sure it’s today? The Internet says that Emperor Palpatine’s birthday is in August.

http://www.wired.com/underwire/2009/08/happy-birthday-emperor-palpatine/

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 5:06 pm
Happy Birthday and thanks for many years of service. Now please resign.

Comment by DuPage Dave Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 6:39 pm
=== Retire. ===

LOL.

Yeah, tell me who we’d be better off with as Speaker.

Tom Cross was Rod’s jogging buddy, Rod’s biggest ally in the General Assembly after Emil, and criticized Madigan for suggesting Rod should be impeached.

I hope you’ve got a Plan C, friends.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 6:44 pm
seven decades of scaring people with a mere toss of the hands.

Comment by amalia Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 7:39 pm
The real question is who can do it better? No one has done so much for so little to help every part of this state. We should be thankful that MJM has dedicated his life to Illinois and this process. Shame on you for all these mean comments! He has been the best Speaker this state has ever had having to work with all those personalities of all those legislators and those Governors? The man deserves a medal!!!

Comment by Springfield watcher Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 9:54 pm
Steady hand, focused, hard-working- speaker, you are the best!

Comment by whatsit Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 9:59 pm
YDD - I think Lucky Man might be a better Alan Price tune to commemorate the occasion - my favorite Alan Price album and Lindsay Anderson movie.

Comment by In the Sticks Thursday, Apr 19, 12 @ 11:58 pm
Happy birthday! Continued blessings of health and longevity.

Comment by Cubbie Blue Friday, Apr 20, 12 @ 1:32 am