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* ILGOP…
Departure of Madigan’s Respected Second-in-Command is a Bad Omen for House Democrats
Democrats know Madigan is toxic, yet they are poised to nominate an equally-toxic, Madigan-sanctioned candidate for governor“Leader Currie garnered respect from both sides of the aisle throughout her groundbreaking career. As Speaker Madigan’s second-in-command, her departure is a bad omen for House Democrats. Mike Madigan is toxic, yet Democrats continue to embrace his leadership. Now, Democrats are poised to nominate an equally-toxic, Madigan-sanctioned candidate for governor.” - Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot
Last night, news outlets reported Barbara Flynn Currie, Speaker Madigan’s second-in-command, announced she will not be seeking re-election in 2018.
Leader Currie, who entered the Illinois House of Representatives in 1979, garnered respect from both sides of the aisle throughout her career, but her shocking departure is a bad omen for Democrats.
Currie was thought of as a possible successor to Mike Madigan’s record-breaking Speakership. Everyone, particularly House Democrats, knows Speaker Madigan is toxic. That is why vulnerable members like Sam Yingling refuse to even say his name.
But it seems the Democrats will never learn.
The Democrats are poised to nominate an equally-toxic, Madigan-sanctioned candidate for governor in J.B. Pritzker. Democrat lawmakers and the establishment seem to have no qualms with Madigan as he tears their party apart and steamrolls all opposition for Pritzker.
Will Democrats ever realize Madigan is dragging them down?
* ILGOP…
Lisa Madigan’s Shocking Exit From Illinois politics is Further Proof that the Madigan Brand is Toxic
Beginning of the end of the Madigan Family’s disastrous reign over Illinois“Thanks to her father, Lisa Madigan knew her days as Attorney General were numbered. The Madigan brand is toxic for every single Illinois Democrat. This should be the beginning of the end of the Madigan Family’s disastrous reign over Illinois.” - Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot
In another shocking development on the toxicity of the Madigan brand, Capitol Fax is reporting that longtime Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, the daughter of House Speaker Mike Madigan, will not be seeking re-election.
Lisa Madigan’s announcement comes on the heels of the departure of Mike Madigan’s second-in-command, House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie.
In 2013, Lisa Madigan floated her name as a potential candidate for governor, but took her name out of consideration because of looming questions about her closeness to her father and the possibility of so much concentrated political power in one family.
There can only be one conclusion from the departure of Leader Curry and Attorney General Madigan - the Madigan brand is toxic and Illinois Democrats know it.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 11:54 am
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Toxic like Brit
Comment by John Rawlssss Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 11:57 am
They Spelled Curry wrong in the last paragraph
Julie has been gone for years 
Comment by Someone you should know Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 11:57 am
Always classy
Comment by Anon E. Moose Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 11:59 am
This would make sense if the Raunerites weren’t leaving as fast as anyone…
… but they are.
Rauner is at 63% disapproval and has yet to show a slate of statewides willing to run with him and Slip and Sue leading the ticket.
So… lots of words.. but…
63% Rauner disapproval…
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 11:59 am
It’d be political malpractice for ILGOP to say anything else, but Willy’s right that the claim doesn’t hold up to much scrutiny.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:01 pm
It doesn’t make sense to attribute Rep. Curry’s retirement — after 40 years — to the Speaker’s purported “toxicity.” One might argue that she stayed so long because she was second in command.
Comment by anon2 Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:01 pm
And now the GOPies can serve up Jumpin’Jsson to big foot Erika out of the AG race so we can see his legal genius on full display. Too bad GovJunk half a world a way or he could offer his genius too.
Comment by Annonin' Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:03 pm
It’s the “exit from Illinois politics” that makes me chuckle.
That’s a (T)rumped-up claim if ever I saw one.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:03 pm
Geez, what took them so long to put these out? That same pot of mush is just sitting there on the stove, ready to go at all times. Step lively.
By the “logic” exhibited here by the ILGOP, apparently Lisa Madigan and Currie retired because the “toxicity” would make them vulnerable to GOP candidates.
I guess that’s why they attracted such a long line of GOP challengers.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:05 pm
What a classless bunch the ILGOP is.
Comment by MSIX Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:05 pm
Aaron and the IL GOP staying classy as usual…
she did a lot for the state and just kept winning. Celebrate all ya want but there are other even MORE toxic names- and they’re on your side.
(And yes, my dear rep and friend Julie CURRY has been departed for years. Hey Aaron? Maybe check the web, or if thats not possible grab one of the Blue Books? Its CURRIE. Didnt realize you were so out of touch, bro)
Comment by low level Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:07 pm
- Annonin’ -
Only in a Rauneristic view of things does Mr. Barickman seem like a better choice than Ms. Harold.
The “Senate Owl” can’t even remember what deal is where and who said what.
But, he’s a “possible”…
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:07 pm
This will trigger a domino effect. I believe Dart will run for AG and Ed Burke’s kid will run for Sherriff.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:10 pm
THESE RELEASES are toxic — they’re toxic to our politics. No class - none.
Comment by Moist von Lipwig Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:10 pm
“Rauner is at 63% disapproval”
You know that it out of date right?
Comment by ste_with_a_v_en Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:11 pm
Definitely classless and baseless too. I’m supposed to believe that a woman whose been second in command under Madigan for 20 years now finds him toxic? If anything, look towards the governors office since that is what’s changed about the equation. Or just recognize the fact the a 77 year old whose been in the job for years might have something else to do with her time.
ILGOP - you stopped representing me quite a while ago.
Comment by Thoughts Matter Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:12 pm
===You know that it out of date right?===
You think it’s gotten better? LOL
Rauner “As a white male” might be polling worse.
I’d try to enjoy that 63% disapproval before it gets any lower, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:13 pm
This is a big story. Lisa Madigan is a popular politician in Illinois.
Comment by Steve Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:14 pm
Julie CURRY- from Decatur, 1995-2003 roughly
Barbara Flynn CURRIE- from Hyde Park (uh, a part of CHICAGO, Aaron)
Man do I miss the other very capable staff that were on the other side back in the day.
Where did this deGroot come from, anyway?
Comment by low level Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:14 pm
In July it was 49%, and since then we had a school funding overhaul…so no. You’re wrong
Comment by ste_with_a_v_en Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:15 pm
===You’re wrong===
… and yet, you forget the purge, the “as a white male”, the Bret Baier…
I’d take the 63% disapproval if I were you, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:16 pm
“There can only be one conclusion from the departure of Leader Curry and Attorney General Madigan - the Madigan brand is toxic and Illinois Democrats know it.” I don’t know if they are being, frankly, stupid or just being disingenuous and deceitful, but no, that is not the only possible reason. The shoe could also go on the other foot, and say so many legislators are leaving because they absolutely can not stand working with Rauner. I have just as much evidence to back up my claim.
Comment by Perrid Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:18 pm
If you’re looking for sentences that make sense, don’t read ILGOP news releases.
Comment by DuPage Dave Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:18 pm
===Where did this deGroot come from, anyway? ===
Groot?
And try to move past the typo, people. It’s a low form of insult.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:19 pm
“and yet, you forget the purge, the “as a white male”, the Bret Baier…”
Then he signed the TRUST Act and school funding, I’ll take my chances.
Comment by ste_with_a_v_en Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:19 pm
===Then he signed the TRUST Act and school funding, I’ll take my chances.===
LOL…
HB40 is still out there.
That social agenda thingy might take a shot or 3, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:20 pm
The ILGOP calling Madigan toxic is as the saying goes the skillet calling the kettle black. Rauner isn’t toxic? Really? Rauner and his wrecking crew and caused a mass exodus of retirements among members of the GA. I am probably wrong but I have never seen this kind of mass turnover at the State Capitol. Turmoil and confusion in the Goverors Ofc., backstabbing even among members of his own party and Madigan is toxic. Do me a favor and find another dead horse to beat will ya. Drop the Madigan thing and try something new like trying to govern and start to rebuild the party you people destroyed. What a circus.
Comment by Ginhouse Tommy Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:21 pm
===…school funding…===
A compromise that included a “Chicago Bailout”?
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:22 pm
Why limit things to illinois politics? Forest fires in Montana — Mike Madigan. Hurricanes — Mike Madigan. Water main rupture in Toronto — Mike Madigan.
Comment by Quizzical Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:27 pm
Precisely, Rich. It was meant to be, given DeGroot’s low form of insult.
As you wish. Done. Thank you.
Comment by low level Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:32 pm
The rumor earlier this year was that John Cullerton would retire. I wonder if it might actually come to pass.
Comment by Grand Avenue Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:38 pm
It’s like Yaffe never left.
Comment by Fixer Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 12:52 pm
As many times as Asron used the word “toxic”, I almost felt the need to call the Poison Control Hotline after reading those two releases.
Comment by Anon221 Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 1:04 pm
Aaron… Darn small touch pad.
Comment by Anon221 Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 1:04 pm
These two retirements are quite different - Currie is well over 70 (b. 1940) and has had an honorable and long career. She’s actually, well, retiring.
Madigan is 51 and her political career isn’t over by a long shot.
I dunno - very puzzling - where is she aiming for? Have there been discussions (probably)? How will the Dem major-player chess pieces be moved between now and 2020? We need to wait to see what happens with the Chicago/Rahm/Amazon thing … other possibilities for Rahm if Chicago gets it–and for Madigan.
Anyway, the whole toxicity argument collapses when one considers that the “toxic element” the ILGOP is aiming at has been around 34 years and hadn’t been characterized thus before - but that there’s a certain R gov who’s been around 2.5 years, and around whom toxicity seems to congregate.
The comments on the IPI’s FB page are practically writing themselves as we speak, sigh.
Comment by dbk Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 1:09 pm
tl;dr
Given their level of civility, I’m surprised they didn’t write, “Good Riddance. Take daddy with you.”
Comment by Jocko Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 1:14 pm
Hear the flush Governor Rauner and the superstars? Your money going down the toilet because now there is not a Madigan on the ballot.
Comment by Captain Ed Smith Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 1:15 pm
Lisa Madigan was an easy winner this cycle. Without her there, the stronger GOP candidates will now choose to run.
Best wishes to her. Always had her tagged as Durbin’s eventual replacement. Now, haven’t a clue.
Comment by walker Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 1:25 pm
Drury’s available. /s
Comment by walker Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 1:26 pm
ILGOP are so hilariously funny. I suppose if BFC had died instead of retired, they would have said she died of embarrassment over Madigan.
Comment by Norseman Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 1:56 pm
Does the IPI write the press releases for the ILGOP?
Comment by Honeybadger Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 2:05 pm
ILGOP not only claims that these departures show Madigan as toxic, they also claim that Rauner knows what he’s doing.
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 2:14 pm
Big Brain GOP staffers who attended Medvale School for the Gifted.
Comment by Winnin' Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 2:17 pm
Does their dictionary have any other words? I didn’t count but that was a lot of the use of the word toxic. BTIA, you need to hire some better writers. That one has a one word block.
Comment by Retired Educator Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 2:32 pm
Is this public overconfidence by the ILGOP a smart idea at this point?
Comment by Dance Band on the Titanic Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 2:36 pm
His 63% disapproval ratings are less significant if he runs against an equally unpopular opponent: Pritzker. Race will be much closer than expected. Rauner will most likely lose. And yes, the Madigan brand is toxic.
Comment by Rauner's Disapproval Ratings Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 2:40 pm
===His 63% disapproval ratings are less significant if he runs against an equally unpopular opponent===
“Pat Quinn fails”
That’s really what Rauner is up against.
They are either in denial or think the 63% disapproval with Trump in the White House in a state Clinton won be 17 points is “nothing” now…
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 2:47 pm
Is ‘Madigan’ the only argument the GOP can ever come up with? Get some new material. LM’s last election was not even close. She may just want to walk away from the mess in Springfield for awhile. Unless there are filing deadlines looming she can change any time she wishes.
Comment by zatoichi Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 3:09 pm
Vanilla you need to ask this question If Rauner knows what he’s doing why did he hire a crisis mgt. consultant? Not disagreeing with you, just saying.
Comment by Ginhouse Tommy Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 3:12 pm
This way, Rauner can blame his crisis on his crisis manager.
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 15, 17 @ 3:37 pm