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*** UPDATE *** I just talked to Dorgan. Sen. Mark Kirk called him today and he’s decided not to participate in the Brady vote. Kirk is supporting Brady’s retention.
That’s a class decision by Dorgan, much more than Brady deserves at this point.
In calling around, I’m told that there’s also a move afoot to cancel tomorrow’s meeting and give state central committee members some breathing room.
Stay tuned.
* The Sun-Times has a story up about tomorrow’s vote by the Republican Party that could oust chairman Pat Brady. I’m told there are three people who won’t say what they’ll do, and if all three vote against Brady, he’s out.
One of those three is Jack Dorgan, a Statehouse lobbyist whose partner is former House Majority Leader Jim McPike. Chairman Brady believes that Madigan is secretly pressuring Dorgan…
And while saying he has no direct proof, Brady believes Madigan or his minions are pressuring Dorgan to cast an anti-Brady vote as revenge for the “Fire Madigan” campaign Brady devised last year. That campaign included setting up a website last fall that sold an array of goods emblazoned with the “Fire Madigan” logo, including dog t-shirts.
“The math adds up,” Brady said of the possible Madigan link. “This is not an original thought by me. This is what a lot of people suspect is going on.
“No one has ever publicly taken him on,” Brady said of Madigan.
Wow. Interesting spin. Use the guy who beat you like a cheap rug last year to save your own hide by claiming that your enemies on the far right are actually his unwitting accomplices.
Dorgan’s response…
But Dorgan denied talking to Madigan or any of his emissaries about voting out Brady and called suggestions to the contrary “ludicrous.”
“Mike Madigan says as much to me as he says to anyone else, and that’s ‘Good morning,’” Dorgan said. “I got a text about this, and whoever’s saying this is making the most ridiculous statement I’ve ever heard in my life.
As with many Statehouse lobster partnerships, McPike handles the Democrats and Dorgan handles the Republicans. Dorgan is also extremely close to former state Rep. Skip Saviano, who was openly at war with Madigan until Madigan’s candidate beat him last November. Saviano and Madigan have since buried the hatchet.
Brady may have gone back to the “Fire Madigan” well one too many times with this one. Charging that one of his own state central committeemen is nothing more than a stooge for the other party is just way over the line.
I think I’ll keep comments open for a while.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Mar 8, 13 @ 4:45 pm
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Why in the world would Madigan have any interest in this issue? If I were him I would be more than happy to see Brady continue given his track record with elections and his circus-like musings such as the “Fire Madigan” debacle.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Mar 8, 13 @ 4:47 pm
===If I were him I would be more than happy to see Brady continue ====
From the piece…
Madigan spokesman Steve Brown sided with Dorgan and insisted the speaker and chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois has no interest in tampering with the GOP’s leadership structure, particularly when it failed miserably in stopping historic Democratic supermajorities from overtaking the Statehouse last fall.
“Brady should be there for at least two or three cycles. He’s done a great job for Republicans,” Brown said sarcastically.
Brown called Brady’s attempt to tie Madigan into the dispute a “desperate” measure and said the speaker carries no enmity toward Brady for the “Fire Madigan” campaign.
“Everybody from Democratic side of the ‘Fire Madigan’ thing thought it was a terrific waste of resources,” Brown said, “and we’re happy to see them waste their money.”
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Mar 8, 13 @ 4:53 pm
Then next thing you know, Pat Brady is going to ask “Who ate the Fresh Strawberries?”
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 8, 13 @ 4:54 pm
This whole, “let’s get Madigan” routine that Brady pounded was stupid and childish. DUMP HIM!!!!
Comment by downhereforyears Friday, Mar 8, 13 @ 4:58 pm
“Ahh, but the strawberries that’s, that’s where I had them. They laughed at me and made jokes but I proved beyond the shadow of a doubt and with geometric logic that a duplicate key to the wardroom icebox DID exist, and I’d have produced that key if they hadn’t of pulled the Caine out of action. I, I, I know now they were only trying to protect some fellow officers.”
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Mar 8, 13 @ 4:58 pm
Squirrel!
Comment by Wensicia Friday, Mar 8, 13 @ 4:58 pm
I don’t know. If Brady is out, who runs it? Someone ever worse at the job?
Comment by Cheryl44 Friday, Mar 8, 13 @ 5:06 pm
Who in their right mind …calls out the people wha can decide your fate, as working with your “enemy” … with zero proof?
You have Jim Oberweis on the “run”, backing off the SSM idea, and looking like a “chump” literally denying his accusations, and searching fevorishly for enough votes to oust you …
And Further, a Roberts Rules might be in your favor to make it out of this fiasco, and then …
You go after Dorgan?
You go after Dorgan because he is a Lobbyist? You go after the Personal Credibility…of Dorgan …with no proof, as YOU, PAT BRADY, said ….
Seriously? That is how you are going to call “Check” to Oberweis? That ishow you are going to convince others like maybe a Clarke or a Dawson you are … sane enough … to get through this Coup?
Do you cower at Shadows? Do you jump when your Cell Phone rings? Do you find these quotes in the Sun-Times … embarrassing … yet?
Pat Brady is signingn his ticket to the Gallows, and taking Oberweis “off the hook” with this utter insanity, based on no facts.
You owe Comptroller Topinka, Senator Kirk, and Leadrer Cross a huge apology! They have stuck their necks out, and you start looking for “Boogey Men” where none you can prove exist?
Are you stable?
Actually, that might not be snark … are you ok?
…
And Call Jack Dorgan and Apologize for questioning his integrity … with no proof, as he decides your fate.
“And… while… saying …he… has …no… direct proof,”
Where are those “Strawberrys” …Commander Queeg?
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 8, 13 @ 5:11 pm
“Caine Mutiny?” Don’t get me started. Maybe Bogie’s best, after “African Queen” “Maltese Falcon.”
And how about Fred MacMurray? It’s weird, but for a guy who made his name as such a nasty dude in “Caine,” “Double Indemnity” and “The Apartment,” he’s remembered as everybody’s Dad for “For My Three Sons.”
Geez, what was that? Saturday night or Sunday night after bathtime? With the shoes?
I didn’t know McPike was still around. Last time I talked to him 25 years ago, he was waiting for Madigan to retire.
To the issue, for whatever reasons, Pat Brady put down a marker on gay marriage and the 29% in Illinois who self-identify as Republicans are going to choose between him and Oberweis.
Learn the math.
Choose wisely.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Mar 8, 13 @ 5:18 pm
It just keeps getting weirder and weirder over there. Pat Brady should cling to Jack Dorgan like a drowning man clings to a life preserver. Dorgan is neither a Madigan stooge nor a right wing purist. He’s the kind of Republican that Brady needs more of in the party, not less.
And here is Pat Brady tossing Dorgan under the bus. Hint: Dorgan isn’t leading the charge against the Chairman. Dorgan is a natural ally against people like Oberweis and the Illinois Reveiw crowd. And it’s not like Dorgan wants Brady’s job either. Who in their right mind would?
It’s all so very weird.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Mar 8, 13 @ 5:23 pm
Group UP BRADY your acting like a little kid on a school playground. I dont like telling people iam a republican because of you and our nuttie ideas. Its time for you to hit the bricks. Your nothing but a big joke to the party.
Comment by quincy Friday, Mar 8, 13 @ 5:23 pm
Well, it’s all actually quite sad on the whole and seems to be somewhat steeped in paranoia on Mr. Brady’s part. We’ve all heard of the Biblical double-edged saying along the lines of one reaping what you sow–which, of course, can become a blessing or a curse. The “FMM” Campaign, albeit amusing for awhile, was a bit overdone and who knows, it may come back to bite him in the fanny…also, I’m just wondering if there is anything against GOP Rules to preclude Brady from merely seeking out those who are frittering on the edge as “undecided or unsure” vptes right now and arguing/asking for their continued support? Then at least his and their consciences would be clear that they talked it over, he made his case to stay, those voting pondered it, then voted, and let the chips fall where they may…
But, again, it just seems quite paranoid on the Chairman’s part to really believe that Madigan would be aggressively behind pursuing his ouster, particularly given what Mr. Dorgan insisted, and like REPUBLICANS dealing with their own sensitive, In-House matters would truly GIVE a hoot what mjM’s preferences (i.e. obviously a high level DEMocrat) are about this highly significant matter/vote having such a HUGE impact on the OTHER, Major Intra-Party! It just doesn’t add UP!! Yet interesting stuff to pick apart and opine on for a late Friday afternoon…!
Comment by Just The Way It Is One Friday, Mar 8, 13 @ 5:31 pm
I love that movie.
McMurray as a bad guy is so great.
Bogie on stand, with the ball bearings, “Old Yellow Streak”… & the Strawberries.
When it’s on, I try to watch.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 8, 13 @ 5:40 pm
I wish Christopher Guest would make his next mockumentary on Illinois GOP squabbles. This is approaching Spinal Tap levels of pathetic hilarity.
Comment by Boone Logan Square Friday, Mar 8, 13 @ 5:47 pm
Dorgan … IS … Class.
Far more… Than Brady deserves, indeed!
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 8, 13 @ 6:01 pm
“Dorgan is neither a Madigan stooge nor a right wing purist. He’s the kind of Republican that Brady needs more of in the party, not less.”
Jack “Rosemont” Dorgan is the kind of Republican that the state GOP needs?! Sheesh!
Bogart’s best? “In a Lonely Place.”
Comment by Esquire Friday, Mar 8, 13 @ 6:07 pm
Dorgan is one of the good guys
Comment by steve schnorf Friday, Mar 8, 13 @ 10:46 pm
This is the most asinine thing I’ve ever heard.
Pat Brady has jumped the shark.
Class move by Dorgan not to engage Brady by reacting.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Friday, Mar 8, 13 @ 10:59 pm
Don’t insult our intelligence. Does anyone think that Dorgan or any Statehouse lobbyist would admit to being pressured? Dorgan makes his money lobbying. Madigan doesn’t have to say a word to keep Jack in line.
Comment by truthteller Saturday, Mar 9, 13 @ 12:34 am
I noticed that Jim Oberweis did NOT sign the letter that canceled the meeting.
I find it strange that Jim Oberweis, the catalyst of this entire fiasco, and the linking to SSM is silent on the Illinois Senate floor when the bill was debated.
Again, Oberweis is silent as the SCC cancels AGAIN for the ouster of Pat Brady.
I hope someone close to Pat Brady advises him not to talk to any media, not talk with anyone who may ask him questions about his Chairmanship. There was an opportunity for Pat Brady to embrace this dailog and stand up for something, and actually take on the “bullies” of the litmus tests, but …
Brady decided to take on Jack Dorgan.
Why?
What runs through a person’s head to think it is a wise and politically smart move to attack someone deciding your fate, while admitting you have no proof? Ask anyone on both sides of the political spectrum and you will hear that Jack Dorgan is someone of integrity and honesty.
Look at Dorgan’s quotes to the Sun-times. Can Dorgan be any more honest and straight-forward? Is there venom in his words? Dorgan is trying to do what he thinks is right, and what he knows is best. Dorgan is not confused about the Pat Brady issue, and Dorgan is a team player, listening to both sides, and formulating the best way to resolve this embarrassing display of pettiness and paranoia that leaves My party with a stench.
Maybe the question is “If Pat Brady is Queeg, does that make Oberweis, Lt. Tom Keefer?”
I think I have misread this … ILGOP …as maybe some others have too. We are not on the Titanic, we are indeed on the Caine. While Queeg steers the ship, breaking the cable and dumping the dye to get the nickname “Old Yellow Streak”, the “Lt. Keefers”, the Litmus Testers and Blood Oathers may be right in “relieving” Queeg, but the reasons and rationale is pathetic, and not in the best interest of us all.
As Lt. Greenwald defends the Mutiny, his disgust for the the Mutineers and the climax of the film is what the ILGOP is going to face after the “deed” is done, whenever that may be.
A great novel, a wonderful film, Bogart’s last.
We Republicans are on the “Caine”, not the “Titanic”. Queeg needs to go, and asking Dorgan about the Strawberries is not helping Pat Brady. Jack Dorgan deserves better than this, and so does My party.
Comment by Oswego Willy Saturday, Mar 9, 13 @ 9:28 am
So Illinois just has the one main party then…
Comment by Ghost Saturday, Mar 9, 13 @ 10:07 am
I’ve gone Repub on occasion and had a good opinion of Brady because of his marriage equality stance but the Dump Madigan antics were too stupid and obviously didn’t work at all. Hope they do dump him and put another nut job there or someone good like Clark Pellet
Comment by 42nd Ward Reg Dem Saturday, Mar 9, 13 @ 11:26 am
So this is how Kirk Roskam Schock Cross Topinka etc all think a party is supposed to be run?
LOL.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Saturday, Mar 9, 13 @ 7:50 pm