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* The “buzz” on this was mainly generated by Democratic candidates seeking to obfuscate their past Madigan ties. The #MeToo controversies intensified it, but two things Madigan does better than most are count heads and manipulate that count in his favor…
All indications are that, when leaders of the Illinois Democratic Party meet soon, they’ll once again elect Madigan to be their state chairman, a position he holds in addition to serving as speaker of the state House.
A meeting date has not yet been set, but Madigan spokesman Steve Brown confirms one will be held shortly after results from the March 21 primary are certified, and that Madigan indeed will be a candidate for a new term. “He thinks he’s created good leadership for the party,” said Brown. “Why leave?”
There have been more rumors than usual this year about an oust-Madigan movement, buzz that seemed to gain currency when two of the three major Democratic candidates for governor, Daniel Biss and Chris Kennedy, called on Madigan to relinquish his chairmanship.
But both lost in the primary to J.B. Pritzker, who’s carefully declined to criticize Madigan or call for a leadership change. And the two names that were being mentioned as possible replacements—U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly and state Comptroller Susana Mendoza—are not interested, say sources close to them.
No way would Mendoza directly challenge Madigan (also, as rightly noted in comments, she’s not even a member of the state central committee) and Kelly just got elected to a central committee seat and isn’t well known outside her district.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Apr 3, 18 @ 1:25 pm
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First, a question. Doesn’t the chair have to be a member of the State Central Committee? If so, doesn’t that alone eliminate Mendoza from contention?
Second, a point. Kelly did run for statewide office before. Granted she would be known best within her district, but its not like folks outside have never heard of her nor seen her name on a ballot. (I highly don’t she would have any desire to challenge Madigan for the spot, just making the one point.)
Comment by Juice Tuesday, Apr 3, 18 @ 1:33 pm
“When you come at the King, you best not miss”
Omar Little - the Wire
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 3, 18 @ 1:35 pm
I know the Speaker thinks that yielding one inch is a sign of weakness and something to be avoided at all costs, but couldn’t one make the argument that he would be better off giving the Chairmanship up and installing someone he controls? Heck, it could even be frame like JB is taking control of the party to help him look more independent of Madigan.
I know, wishful thinking on my part.
Comment by Roman Tuesday, Apr 3, 18 @ 1:36 pm
What a wonderful state we live in. So much progress being had in Illinois.
Better pray the NYTimes doesn’t come sneaking around over the summer. They’ve friend bigger fishes than Saint Madigan.
Comment by Ole General Tuesday, Apr 3, 18 @ 1:42 pm
MM needs to realize the baggage he brings is not in the Party’s best interest. That’s why leave Mr. Brown.
Comment by Rutro Tuesday, Apr 3, 18 @ 1:44 pm
10 ILCS 5/7-8(a) - Alternative B
Since the Dem Party does Option B of Electing a Committeeman and a Committeewoman from each district, the Chairman has to be on the Committee.
Since the Republicans only have one Committee Member per Congressional District (Alternative A), they are allowed to have a non-Committeeman as Chairman per the Election Code.
If push came to shove however, the Dems could argue that Supreme Court Precedent on the First Amendment would allow them to select whomever they choose as Chairman regardless of State law
Comment by Grand Avenue Tuesday, Apr 3, 18 @ 1:44 pm
Is anyone really shocked?
Comment by DuPage Bard Tuesday, Apr 3, 18 @ 1:45 pm
Slightly more interesting is the race for Cook County Party Chairman, although all indications are that Preckwinkle has it locked up. The only other person to declare is Rep Arroyo, but Latino turnout is so low, there can’t be much weighted vote behind him.
Comment by Grand Avenue Tuesday, Apr 3, 18 @ 1:53 pm
Madigan and the nothing and nobody he controls, am I right? Eh?
Comment by JB13 Tuesday, Apr 3, 18 @ 2:06 pm
Why wouldn’t they re-elect Madigan? He wins elections. That’s the bottom line.
Comment by JoanP Tuesday, Apr 3, 18 @ 2:50 pm
Although nominally a R, I am apparently one of the few people in the state who thinks that Mr. Madigan is our best defense against incomepetent governors, so I don’t care what he is chairman of. But Joan P. @ 2:50 has an excellent point- Results count….
Comment by downstate commissioner Tuesday, Apr 3, 18 @ 5:07 pm
== I am apparently one of the few people in the state who thinks that Mr. Madigan is our best defense against incomepetent governors ==
You are not the only one who feels that way …
Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Apr 3, 18 @ 5:36 pm
–Better pray the NYTimes doesn’t come sneaking around over the summer. They’ve friend bigger fishes than Saint Madigan.–
I assume you tried to write “fried.” Unless you meant the NYT is friending large fishes named after fictional saints.
St. Patrick of Fitzgerald was U.S. Attorney for ten years. I hear he did some damage.
Why do you think he was in the tank for Madigan, and all those other corrupt types Rauner claims to have the skinny on?
Was Fitzgerald part of The Double-Secret-Probation Combine, maybe?
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Apr 3, 18 @ 6:15 pm
–“When you come at the King, you best not miss”
Omar Little - the Wire–
Ralph Waldo Emerson beat Omar by about 100 years on that one.
http://www.bartleby.com/344/157.html
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Apr 3, 18 @ 6:18 pm
He owns the election data files, party insiders know this, its a no brainer. Move along nothing here to see here.
Comment by NorthsideNoMore Tuesday, Apr 3, 18 @ 10:24 pm