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Is the end near for Madigan?

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How much longer can Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan survive?

After months of slowly building charges involving sexual harassment and his organization’s alleged failure to deal with it, the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back may have arrived today in the form of charges from one Madigan staffer aimed at the speaker’s top aide and longtime confidant, chief of staff Tim Mapes.

* Tina Sfondeles…

The latest string of damning harassment allegations on Wednesday struck at the heart of House Speaker Mike Madigan and his organizations.

And it led to an obvious question: Will the longest serving statehouse speaker in the U.S. survive the #MeToo movement?

* Natasha Korecki…

How many more times can Madigan say he knew nothing about an incident, or pattern of incidents, in his political or government organizations and not be held accountable?

* Craig Wall and Eric Horng…

“I think he’s more vulnerable than he’s ever been before. The #MeToo movement has brought down many more powerful men than him,” said ABC7 Political Analyst Laura Washington.

* Jim Dey…

Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan has got trouble.

Lordy, does he have trouble.

Not so much that he’ll break a sweat in public.

But Madigan will at least purse his lips, because he just lost his second right-hand man within a week to another in a series of sexual-harassment allegations that continues to dog his political organization in Chicago and the speaker’s office in Springfield.

So far, none of his members are calling for his head and neither are his major funders. They’re the ones with the real power to decide. Until that happens, I don’t think he’s going anywhere.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 9:49 am

Comments

Until it’s shown that Madigan bullied/harassed someone or knew/covered up activities by his guy (good riddance) Mapes or others, no.

Comment by Ravenswood Right Winger Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 9:57 am
At some point, it is going to be advantageous for someone to point out since he has been in that position so long that he ‘owns’ the culture and even if he wasn’t a direct harasser he still has a responsibility.

I don’t know when or where that point comes, but I suspect it is coming.

Comment by OneMan Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 9:59 am
How could he not have known about Mapes’ behavior?

Comment by Leave a Light on George Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:00 am
==So far, none of his members are calling for his head and neither are his major funders.==

Not out loud or in public at least. For that to happen, they may need to start a #metoo, too movement.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:01 am
It won’t happen soon because no one (discounting folks like Drury) in the HDem caucus wants to be the first to call for it and stick their neck out. They will want to be darn sure he’s done before they risk taking that leap.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:02 am
Mike Madigan is a consummate gentleman who would not and has not acted as some of the accused purportedly have. Too bad he surrounded himself with a couple yamucks. People want him to go away and will use any angle to bring that effort to fruition.

Comment by flea Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:03 am
==How could he not have known about Mapes’ behavior?==

I don’t think it’s too far fetched to believe that people were too afraid of Mapes possible retribution to go around his back and tell the Speaker.

The Wizard of Oz sign on his wall speaks for itself.

Comment by So_Ill Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:04 am
The time has to come. But please let it be after it is certain Rauner is gone.

Comment by Matt Vernau Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:05 am
No one can really buy the idea that Madigan didn’t know Mapes was a legendary bully for several decades, right? We all understand that he isn’t that dumb?

Comment by PJ Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:05 am
I still say he’ll bail once Rauner is done. Leaving on his own terms. He knows his time is coming, but his ego will not allow him to leave prior to the destruction of his enemy.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:07 am
He has to outlast Rauner. It’s personal. It’s gonna take a heck of a lot more to force him out before Bruce is sipping Chianti.

Comment by Henry Francis Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:09 am
=== No one can really buy the idea that Madigan didn’t know Mapes was a legendary bully … ===

So was LaPaille. In addition to the power trip that infects too many pols and staffers, this is the environment in machine politics.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:12 am
The Tim Mapes MO was flippant and condescending. He was also very competent in everyday House operations having started out with Madigan in the mailroom. Former Chief of Staff, Gary LaPaille, took a liking to Mapes and he moved up.
I watched the Garret video. She reminds me of Springfield’s version of Linda Trip.
Bottom-line: Times changed … Mapes didn’t.

Comment by Louis Howe Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:15 am
It’s worth remembering history and how Lee Daniels finally went down. He had a public and embarrassing scandal and fired his Chief of Staff. Then one of his deputies announced he would challenge Daniels after the election. Later Daniels announced he would step down as Leader and attempted to get his buddy appointed Leader.

That is how we ended up with Tom Cross.

It will only take one brave member to step up and get the ball rolling. Unfortunately the best person is currently weakened with their own #MeToo scandal.

Comment by Not It Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:19 am
The idea of MJM “Leaving on his own terms” is laughable. To leave on one’s “own terms” implies that one may wish to leave while at the top. MJM is now a disgraced leader, he should have retired years ago. He may be playing for time, and trying to wait out Rauner. But that is a dangerous game as it exposes him to further disgrace the longer her stays in power.

Comment by Texas Red Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:20 am
Flea - a “consummate gentleman” would not have tolerated such a culture within his office. Especially from his right-hand man.

Comment by Exclamation Point Deleted Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:24 am
It’s probably a good thing for Madigan that this news broke after his members went home. It would be easier for a revolt to take root if they were all together in Springfield.

Comment by Roman Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:26 am
–I still say he’ll bail once Rauner is done. Leaving on his own terms. He knows his time is coming, but his ego will not allow him to leave prior to the destruction of his enemy–

But Madigan’s presence is certainly the best thing Rauner has going for him in his re-election bid.

I imagine Rauner’s TV wizards are right now crafting the #metoo spot linking Pritzker and Madigan.

If any more women come forward like Hampton, Cassidy and Garrett, Madigan could certainly sink Pritzker’s chances.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:28 am
“So far, none of his members are calling for his head and neither are his major funders. They’re the ones with the real power to decide.”

Now if only there were someone in the IL Democratic Party with more money than Madigan’s other funders combined, who’s also been seen hanging out with an increasingly visible Madigan critic from his own caucus….the Speaker’s vote next January could get very interesting.

As someone once said, “Your move, Mr. Speaker”

Comment by Doofman Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:32 am
Let me be clear: a lot of moving parts have to align perfectly. And as the political world knows, if you take a shot at the king, you better kill him. Wounding isn’t good enough here.

Comment by Colin O'Scopy Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:36 am
While there are many who are on their 3rd bag of popcorn watching this all play out, waiting for the inevitable MJM exit, there are others who realize that due to the events of the past year,(BFC’s retirement, Lou Lang’s accusations, Mapes’ downfall)what was once a nicely scaffolded House structure is now heading into the future with significant leadership gaps. The outcome of this series of #metoo events is proving to be so catastrophic to the MJM organization that one would think that it was a carefully choreographed attack from the GOP. The reality is that the current status of Illinois House Dems is not the result of a Sun Tzu Master, but instead is what happens when bullying is the standard operating system of an organization. When there were oh so few women in politics, using machine based power to strong arm men into doing the will of the party was just par for the course. However, when women are introduced into the environment, bullying quickly morphs into sexual harassment, and as pious as MJM may be personally when it comes to such things, the culture of strong arm bully tactics that has been SOP forever has become a cancer that has metastasized and manifested itself in what will be fatal to the MJM organization.
Will progressives organize and seize this opportunity? Has the fear been sufficiently reduced? I hope so, because nature abhors a vacuum and with Mapes’ departure, there is a pin sized hole in the monopoly on power that has been the Speaker’s office and it is growing.

Comment by Grasshopper Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:39 am
=Flea - a “consummate gentleman” would not have tolerated such a culture within his office=

Agreed. I’ve seen this sentiment expressed many times on this blog about others who engage in or enable horrible conduct at their state jobs, but they’re otherwise “nice people”.
What BS.

Comment by Duopoly Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:44 am
This toxic culture is rampant in any profession or industry where the critical mass of power belongs to white, over-40 males. It’s not unique to Springfield. Wall street; medicine; tech; law; private equity; sports. The under-40’s were educated differently and grew up in a more diverse world.
You can try to provide ’safe spaces’ and a sharper investigative process, but it’s not going to end until millennial males and women of all ages reach that critical mass.

Comment by Northsider (the original) Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:49 am
In old school politics, I think a fairly significant degree of bullying (or hard nosed, or bare knuckle) behavior was not just tolerated, but expected. Surviving that was a “badge of honor” or “earning your stripes” sort of thing in campaigns. I think everyone who has a long tenure in politics fully knows about the rampant bullying.

What may well be much less known to some of the old guard is how much sexual harassment was been going on. For example, many of the crude comments that would be made one to one (or even with same level colleagues present) would not be made in the presence of the Speaker.

Comment by titan Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:50 am
=== But Madigan’s presence is certainly the best thing Rauner has going for him in his re-election bid. ===

Have you seen anything in Madigan’s behavior and actions to lead you to believe he would bail early?

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:52 am
Any chance an independent candidate will be able to run against Mike Madigan?

Comment by Angry Republican Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:53 am
I see Madigan and the Democratic party in a similar position to Joe Paterno and Penn State. Lot’s of bad things going on that people knew about, but were overlooked and not reported on out of respect for the beloved coach. Once he retired - then the flood gates really opened up and Penn State is still suffering for it as a football team. Madigan is smart, and has always known what he is doing. He just might be trying to save the Democratic party in Illinois from a similar fate after he is gone.

Comment by What Would Joe Paterno Say? Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:58 am
===Penn State is still suffering for it as a football team.===

In many sad ways, they actually aren’t.

This past December 30th, they played in the Fiesta Bowl, a top tier bowl, and recruiting, it hasn’t suffered, the 2018 class of recruits is ranked 5th in the nation… and Beaver Stadium, seating over 100,000… still sells out.

If you want to equate pedophila and the surrounding decades of alleged Paterno’s blind eye to this… learn what your talking about… and you’d never equate it in any reasonable way.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:05 am
Penn State is still suffering? she’s Illinois’ Linda Trip? is there some bad acid going around?

Comment by Amalia Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:13 am
Doesn’t matter if Madigan knew or not, fact is he hurts the party a lot more than he helps it - and that was true before this year. Said it before and will say again here: Another example that it is past time for JB to push Madigan out the door. Demand the resignation already. If he refuses, demand the $1 million back, offer to fund house dems and back Cassidy or literally anyone else for speaker. Its not going to get any better, and the Pritzker team knows it.

Time for Pritzker team to “Think Big”

Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:17 am
Where is the Black Caucus when you need them.

Comment by Flat Bed Ford Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:24 am
“A consummate gentleman” wouldn’t have destroyed the state of IL.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:25 am
In geologic time.

Comment by walker Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:32 am
“You can try to provide ’safe spaces’ and a sharper investigative process, but it’s not going to end until millennial males and women of all ages reach that critical mass.”

I think the IT scene in San Francisco does not provide hope for the millennial changing the environment. Power tends to corrupt.

Comment by a drop in Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:40 am
Michael Madigan didn’t step aside to benefit his own child.

The prospect of him stepping aside to benefit his party or his party’s candidate seems unlikely.

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:48 am
This is why you look and read - @misterjayem -‘s comments.

===Michael Madigan didn’t step aside to benefit his own child.

The prospect of him stepping aside to benefit his party or his party’s candidate seems unlikely.===

That’s an angle I plum missed, and is there to remind, at least me, to put things in historic perspective.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:52 am
Quite sure Garrett wasn’t the only staffer harassed in Spfld, on both sides on the aisle.

Question is only will they now come forward?

Comment by Soapbox Derby Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:55 am
Step down? I agree, not going to happen.
Orchestrate a transfer of power to an approved replacement at the convening of the next GA? Absolutely. It is still a win for him. He leaves on his terms and doesn’t lose to the dissenters.

Comment by Grasshopper Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 11:57 am
Mr.JayM is correct: ===Michael Madigan didn’t step aside to benefit his own child.=

But, this is the first time that he is in jeopardy of being “put aside” by his own caucus, if they are brave enough to act. Actually, it only takes 9 members to set him aside.

Comment by Colin O'Scopy Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 12:07 pm
Pritzker working to bring down Madigan before Madigan’s past can bring down Pritzker’s bid for Governor would be poetic justice, wouldn’t it?

Comment by Stuntman Bob's Brother Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 12:27 pm
The time for Madigan to go came a long time ago. He’s had his time, and standing in the way of upcoming generations is very unbecoming. Even if he survives his, despite his power, his followers won’t look on him in quite the same way.

Comment by Visitor Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 12:39 pm
He will be in office until he dies. There are not enough democrats that place principle, even against sexual harassment to force his ouster.

He is there because he is always 2 steps ahead. Pritzker is not his best option for Governor. He was selected not only because he can self fund, he can fund legislative races.

Madigan saw this coming and needed a way to finance his legislative races without pressing loyal donors who may need to distance themselves.

He only cares about his money and his power. He could have bowed out a long time ago to catapult Lisa.

If you think anything done to any of these women matters to a man who placed his ego above his daughter’s career, you are a fool.

Comment by the Patriot Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 12:48 pm
Would it benefit his party if he resigned? I think every House Democrat in a fall contested race would see something to the effect of “Rep such and such voted for Madigan for speaker and therefore must be part of the culture that forced him to resign.”

That would be a Republican dream come true, possibly winning the House long enough to gerrymander their own legislative map. Madigan needs to stay right where he is until there can be a peaceful transition in power for the good of Illinois Democrats.

Comment by A Jack Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 12:50 pm
It all comes down to what did you know when did you know it and can someone prove it. The value of not using emails or texing is on full display or will be soon. My question is who pays the bill if someone sues ? Which is gonna happen.

Comment by theCardinal Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 12:54 pm
I applaud these women for speaking out. However, one has to wonder why these women are coming out now instead of when it happened?

Comment by Mama Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:22 pm
Madigan’s district loves him so he will be fine.

Comment by M Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:23 pm
You gotta wonder what JB is going to do. Sure, he’s rich, but I am sure he wants to win as much as anyone else would.

Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:37 pm
“However, one has to wonder why these women are coming out now instead of when it happened?”

1. Because it’s clearly still happening.

2. Because some trailblazers have now made this path far more open than it has been in US history. The dam has begun to burst.

Comment by liandro Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:51 pm
–He is there because he is always 2 steps ahead. –

So it’s all part of the Madigan master plan, his 21% approval rating and the growing #metoo scandal in his government and political offices?

That’s some 3D Chess.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:57 pm
Regardless of the policies or the political party involved, this speaker for life situation in all its complexity and facets is what political animals (and political science majors) groove on. How did this happen? What will he do? What will others do? To whom does he listen? Through what personal lens is he viewing the situation and making decisions? What will be the impact of this experience on the state both short and long term ? All verrry interrrresting questions.

Comment by Responsa Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:58 pm
Quite sure Garrett wasn’t the only staffer harassed in Spfld, on both sides on the aisle.

Question is only will they now come forward?

Good question. Is it just an election season coinkeedink?
Other (non-sexual) whistleblower claims against management have statutory limitations and are still subject to retaliation by the state

Comment by Duopoly Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 2:33 pm
hmmm… let’s see

Executions…
Lords & Ladies… and peasants
Court politics…

Yes, Trail by Ordeal… that would round things out nicely.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 2:46 pm
If MJM retires/resigns and the Janus case comes down as expected, labor in IL is going to find itself in a difficult spot. Do not discount the Speaker’s consideration of this.

Comment by Soothsayer Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 2:50 pm
===Madigan’s district loves him so he will be fine.===
His district ensures the votes will be there as state rep. They do not elect him as SotH, and he could be removed. Still wouldn’t bet on it, but the odds are probably as close as they have ever been.

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 3:01 pm
The Speaker-for-life is like Teflon,all the grease slides right off of him. I’ve been an observer for most of his career, I’ve seen him slide out of worse. Too many people owe him.

Comment by Irishwoman Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 3:02 pm
You hit the nail on the head, Wordslinger.
Also, as far as Mike is concerned, he IS the Party, he IS the house and he IS king. After all, he has controlled the purse stings for decades.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 3:09 pm
Madigan will go out Florsheims up. He just reminded us he was a “young 76.”

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 3:23 pm
If it were anything else but #MeToo, Madigan would be safe without question. But this movement is generational in nature, and a defining moment as evidenced by those power brokers that have already fallen. Madigan may still survive this, but if anything is going to knock the king off the throne, this is it.

Comment by SSL Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 3:28 pm
The biggest reason the Speaker’s in real trouble isn’t what he knew or didn’t know about the harassment, but rather these were some of his most trusted team members and they exhibited extremely poor judgment and character. So regardless of the Speaker’s intent, it’s clear he misplaced his trust, delegated power to those that would abuse it, and is ill-positioned to restore the public’s (let alone his caucus’) trust. Kind of like Mayor Emanuel and his CPD and CPS problems…sorry I digress.

Comment by Veil of Ignorance Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 4:03 pm
Madigan does intend to resign nor will his caucus revolt. The only way he could be forced out is if the other state elected officials and statewide candidates ask him step down. If Pritzker calls for his resignation, I think it is over for the Speaker. Doubt that will happen though.

Comment by "Old Timer Dem" Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 4:45 pm
To all urging him to resign for the good of the party, consider that he views most of what he does as good for the party. If he was open for advice about “good for the party strategies,” he’d be working more cooperatively with Cullerton.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 4:51 pm
Since the currant governor pretty much admitted that he is in fact a failed governor with no leadership skills, where would this state be right now without Madigan. No legislation passed, no budget of any kind, many Republicans bailing because of Rauner. Perhaps the chaos was caused by Madigan; but, Rauner said he himself wanted to bring this state down for no reason than he wanted to kill unions, spend less on vets, on the poor,on the weakest, on education from grade school to colleges, and that’s what he did. When leaders battle they are not the ones that become cannon fodder.

Comment by cc Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 7:03 pm
There is a new funder in town that dwarfs all of Madigans funders and he can take him out because all those profiles in courage will follow the most money and power.

Comment by Not a Billionaire Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 7:30 pm
MM’s days appear to be numbered. That’s a good step for IL.

Comment by justacitizen Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 9:56 pm
=== MM’s days appear to be numbered. ===

Yes, he’s 76. Although, he does eat a lot of apples.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 10:57 pm