Embattled Madigan to make his case before supportive House Black caucus on Saturday

[TexasTowelie]

Embattled House Speaker Michael Madigan, his bid for reelection to the post in jeopardy, will appear Saturday at a “candidate’s forum” hosted by one of his most loyal constituencies — the House Black caucus.

With 19 of the projected 73 Democrats who will sit in the next session of the House opposing Madigan’s reelection — leaving him six short of approval — the move by the nation’s longest-serving speaker is aimed at both shoring up and demonstrating support from a highly active caucus of House Democrats.

So far, of the Black caucus’ 22 members, only Rep. Maurice West of Rockford has said he will not vote for Madigan’s reelection as speaker, a post the Southwest Side Democrat has held since 1983 with the exception of two years in the mid-1990s when Republicans controlled the chamber.

Steve Brown, a spokesman for Madigan, said the speaker would attend the virtual candidate’s forum. Asked if the event had been organized on behalf of the speaker, Brown referred questions to the leaders of the caucus, which is chaired by Rep. Camille Lilly, D-Chicago.

Read more: https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-michael-madigan-black-caucus-20201204-vwlki5t7hrchxmeclul2va35my-story.html

[Thekaspervote]

1. Madigan has done good things for IL. The permanent gop minority would luv to see him fall

I hope he wins his bid

[live love laugh]

4. I'm angry that our side succumbed to the incessant attacks on Madigan.

He’s been unfairly demonized by the IL GOP for years. During and after Rauner’s failed term, incessant political ads with Madigan’s worst pictures were used— darkened and in black and white —accompanied by narration in a booming voice calling his name “MIKE MADIGAN” ... “IN A WORLD... “. 🙄

I heard Dem radio host Joan Esposito and a visiting Dem IL Rep on WCPT say that the Comed scandal was the main factor in Madigan’s demise. Every time the scandal is mentioned even on local news they’ve said Madigan was not charged with any wrongdoing. Yet the representative and radio host agreed that even if no charges are made the simple “appearance” of Madigan in association with the actual wrongdoers is enough for him to step down.

So it’s come to a point where no actual wrongdoing is necessary—accusing someone is sufficient to withdraw support.

It’s sickening that it takes so little to change the minds of so many.

[mopinko]

2. it's time for him to step down.

he has been a good speaker, but his ass is showing.
he has no moral authority any more,

[murielm99]

3. He worked best when he worked

behind the scenes. Another Rauner disaster was forcing Madigan out into the open.

There are a lot of things I like about Madigan. There are other things I don't like. I try to discuss those in person, rather than airing them on a message board.

I will say this: Like Mayor Daley (the real Mayor Daley, not Richie), Madigan does not seem to have named a successor. This is not good. We do not need disarray while Democrats scramble for position.