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* Rebecca Anzel at Capitol News Illinois…
With fewer than four months remaining until the general election, House Republicans said Tuesday they want to remind Illinoisans of Democratic lawmakers’ “failure” to address corruption in the General Assembly.
It has been 260 days since former Chicago Democratic Rep. Louis Arroyo was charged by federal officials with bribery, House Minority Leader Jim Durkin said during a virtual news conference. Arroyo’s case remains pending.
Durkin, of Western Springs, also mentioned the case of former Sen. Martin Sandoval, a Chicago Democrat who pleaded guilty in January to federal charges of bribery and tax fraud.
Democratic representatives “appeared sickened and dismayed” by those ethics violations before the novel coronavirus pandemic hit, Durkin said, but “cannot be found nor heard from today.”
“The only way to stop the cycle of corruption from continuing is for the taxpayers of our state to show up at the voting booths in November, and earlier these days, and vote them out of office. All of them,” exclaimed Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield). […]
The Republicans also emphasized their disappointment with the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying. The group spent months listening to testimony about changes needed in Springfield, but missed the deadline for a final report to lawmakers.
“This is not a priority for the leadership of the Democratic party. They do not believe ethics reform is a priority,” said Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis). “The things that are a priority for them they move, and they move quickly. Things that are not a priority take forever.”
Windhorst wants the Commission to finish their report so the General Assembly can begin passing reforms. House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) says rank and file members never challenge their leaders due to “the culture of corruption.”
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 9:40 am
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“New leadership” in the Illinois House — specifically, installing Durkin as speaker — would end the “cycle of corruption,” Rep. Mark Batinick, a Republican from Plainfield, said Tuesday.
Go big or go home,I guess.
Comment by Tom Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 9:50 am
=== Democratic representatives “appeared sickened and dismayed” by those ethics violations before the novel coronavirus pandemic hit, Durkin said, but “cannot be found nor heard from today.”===
Prolly because dealing with… IDES/Unemployment issues with constituents, dealing with schools, social services, all effected with a global pandemic… dunno where “corruption” fits in as a thoughtful “ask” to policy.
We can all chew gum and walk at the same time, but this comes off as “besides a global pandemic going on, we think the Dems are ignoring… “
You’d haveta have real easy “first world problems” right now if “corruption” is a game changer as a voter.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 9:51 am
It’s kinda cute and nostalgic.
Trying to localize an election (something we used to do, youngsters, in the before times) that’s been a national referendum on Trump from jump.
I don’t envy IL GOPers trying to convince voters how much they care about ethics while their party’s standard bearer, the most corrupt and incompetent president in the last 100 years, presides over a twin economic and public health catastrophe.
Comment by Moe Berg Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 9:55 am
All we have to do is look to Marks home district to see how much he has worked to enact ethics reforms.
You know, where the local village board member was appointed to a director level position in the school district, when her husband was president of the school board.
Please Mark, tell us all about your involvement in that group.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 9:55 am
Ethics reform at the state level is a good pivot point for the GOP to use when the topic turns to Washington.
Comment by bogey golfer Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 9:56 am
This, plus Rep. Bourne’s call yesterday for audits and hearings on the Governor’s COVID response, show that the House GOP is trying to find a clear message to carry with them to the fall. The problem? Their message is still being set by Rep. Bailey at the moment…and President Trump overall.
Comment by NIU Grad Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 9:56 am
Windhorst, you’re my rep, and appear to be a decent one.
As long as your party remains a super minority, with members flogging secession and fighting best efforts to stem a pandemic, you will remain such.
Meaning the other side can fast-track whatever they wish.
Them’s the rules. Ask John Bolton.
Comment by efudd Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 9:57 am
=We can all chew gum and walk at the same time…=
I beg to differ. I don’t chew gum because I have to walk.
Comment by MSIX Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 9:59 am
He’s right, it isn’t a priority at the moment given where we are with COVID-19. Waste, fraud, and abuse ILGOP enablers will have to wait a bit or show the votes to get something moving.
Comment by Fixer Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 10:00 am
=== This, plus Rep. Bourne’s call yesterday for audits and hearings on the Governor’s COVID response===
Hopefully Ms. Bourne will call Mr. Bailey and ask why he’s fighting any COVID responses.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 10:00 am
Gotta find something to rally the troops.
Comment by zatoichi Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 10:00 am
=== This, plus Rep. Bourne’s call yesterday for audits and hearings on the Governor’s COVID response===
Note: Ms. Bourne voted *against* removing Mr. Bailey… for *not* wearing a mask.
If Ms. Bourne is a phony to safety and responses to COVID that would truly be on brand for the Raunerite.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 10:03 am
Still waiting for the first suggestion that Durkin is wrong.
It always goes away. Yes, the crisis this time is major. Usually it isn’t. The attention span on corruption is short. Sadly, just kind of accepted as baked into Illinois dysfunction.
Comment by Say What? Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 10:04 am
=== Still waiting for the first suggestion that Durkin is wrong.===
You can be 100% right and the politics and timing to it can be 100% wrong and tone deaf.
Someone trying 60+ times a day and still can’t get thru to IDES, are they going to be moved that the HRaunerites are pushing “reform”?
It’s a pivot, sure…
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 10:06 am
“vote them out of office. All of them”
Was this said with a straight face, in the Trump era and after complicity with Rauner’s sabotage? Things don’t exist in a vacuum or bubble.
Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 10:07 am
Shocked Trippbies played Durkie skipping Trump fest over this important reversal
Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 10:14 am
===vote them out of office. All of them===
Did Mr. Batinick vote for any budget in the 99th General Assembly?
“Mr. Batinick purposely hurt the state, should we vote him out for the damage?”
Every single time we *all* ignore first the purposeful damage of the Rauner years (especially the 99th GA Raunerites) and never apologizing… while these same Raunerites talk ethics… the voters have said…
Vote em out, all of them
Mr. Batinick has to save himself last time.
It’s ridiculousness like this… how can I take this any more serious than a political pivot, which it is, which is fine, but…
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 10:14 am
Simply suggesting that the “timing” is never right on this subject matter as it is treated like an acceptable shiny object by the public and media.
Temporarily appalled. Thirty seconds later on to the next dynamic.
Legitimate pause on the subject matter this time around? Yes. Point conceded.
Inexcusable as an acceptable mode of operation in our State? Yes. Baked into the dysfunction of Illinois. Most certainly.
It is perpetually in the rear view mirror.
Comment by Say What? Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 10:15 am
=== is never right===
Yeah, I never said that.
I did say…
===Someone trying 60+ times a day and still can’t get thru to IDES, are they going to be moved that the HRaunerites are pushing “reform”?===
… I mean in the middle of a global pandemic and economic crisis brought on by that pandemic is tone deaf to those out of work, sick or with sick family, or closed businesses owners are dealing with too.
How’s that? Better?
=== Inexcusable as an acceptable mode of operation in our State? Yes.===
The Feds seem to be cleaning up a great deal… it’s not like there’s a commuting of people pleading guilty, or releasing former Illinois governors from prison happening… amirite?
===Baked into the dysfunction of Illinois. Most certainly.===
… and yet the state GOP still can’t win elections based on corruption, and Ald. Burke is seated in the city council. Something to consider with all that baking.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 10:23 am
Anything to get session days, perhaps. But the last time the GA was met, the Republicans wasted time with Bailey’s mask-wearing protest. How did that advance the party? Or ethics? Or anything, really?
They had an opportunity in May. What’ll be different next time, and why should the majority give them that opportunity?
Comment by Socially DIstant Watcher Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 10:24 am
Excuse me if I ignore deflections from the party of COVID-19 Trump/Bailey enablers. I’m looking forward to doing my part in addressing the pandemic: wearing a face mask, keeping socially distant, washing my hands and voting against Republicans this fall.
Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 10:33 am
Not really speaking with you personally Willy. It simply appears so as you are motivated to respond to nearly every post.
Republicans are clearly rudderless with the Eastern Bloc fringe element taking up space. A mass exodus from the party is silently happening currently.
My point about corruption being perpetually in the rear view mirror in Springfield is the gospel truth. I have those receipts.
Comment by Say What? Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 10:33 am
=== Not really speaking with you personally===
… but you questioned my idea of “timing”. So I responded.
Good try.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 10:36 am
A legend in your own mind.
Comment by Say What? Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 10:41 am
=House Republicans said Tuesday they want to remind Illinoisans of Democratic lawmakers’ “failure” to address corruption in the General Assembly.=
Sorry but your reminder is going to fall on deaf ears. Darren Bailey is the standard bearer for the ILGOP right now. He’s sucked all of the oxygen out of the room all the while without a mask on.
Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 10:42 am
For the sake of taxpayers, on both sides of the aisle, I hope Illinois’ resources are managed for the greater good, not for the good of a few insiders that may still be operating unchecked.
Comment by in the weeds Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 11:00 am
=== A legend in your own mind.===
That’s perfectly timed
To the post,
How is this push/call growing the base of the Raunerites?
Don’t they already have the “anti-corruption” vote… and still are in the super-minority?
Reinforcing a depleted base is what’s going on nationally and not moving numbers there either.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 11:01 am
>rank and file members never challenge their leader
That was only part of this message that resonates with me at this time. Show those Democrats how this is done by urging people to wear a mask and social distance.
Comment by Earnest Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 11:18 am
Thinking OW is right on timing issue.
Unless the R’s and D reformers know something that is not showing up in Newspaper headlines, it may be a better idea to wait for the USDA offices to start getting convictions.
Once the headlines start on what the Feds are finding the pressure will increase on Pritzker and Springfield folks to start doing something on corruption.
Right now most of us are just thinking about the virus.
Comment by Back to the Future Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 11:27 am
I see a lot of deflecting, excuses and not any real sound arguments of why corruption is not considered a major issue by the commenters or by the Democratic Party. What has been brought forward so far is probably just scratching at the surface of the corruption that has been going on for decades. There are probably a lot of people that should be sitting in jail. You whine about every little thing that a person with an R by their name says or does but turn a blind eye to the corruption that hurts the people of the State or possibly silences voters wishes . Basically like fair maps, corruption seems to be alright as long it is being done by the party that one favors.
Comment by Arock Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 11:42 am
===…not any real sound arguments of why corruption is not considered a major issue by the commenters or by the Democratic Party.===
Timing and real concerns during a pandemic and an economic crisis seem to be pretty sound arguments, given someone trying to certify with IDES or a business that might not open… or a person, who they may, themselves, or family are infected with coronavirus… this “call to corruption reform” is quite tone deaf to the challenges of people wearing masks… as Raunerites voted against expelling Mr. Bailey for not wearing a mask.
It’s not deflecting by me, I see this as “ok, it’s a political position, they want hay, hopefully the sick or worse and the unemployed in their districts see this as a good thing”
===Basically like fair maps===
I support fair maps, I don’t support term limits.
Fair map or not, the ILGOP as an entity isn’t a party seen as one welcoming, but seen as an angry white, regional party that supports a racist president. That’s not a popular take in a majority of Illinois, even after Rauner failed.
In what ways does this push for corruption expand the ILGOP base as Trump commuted Blago’s prison term… convicted of corruption?
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 12:22 pm
- Say What? -
Amen to your reply observation……
Comment by SIU Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 12:43 pm
Trump’s kleptocracy eclipses Republican nattering about corruption. When the public sees Republican leaders effectively confronting corruption in places they have influence, the Rs might get some traction with voters. Of course, they’ll have to come up with effective policies and a committment to serving the public good too. As a recovering Republican, the Dems have my vote for the forseeable future based on policy and competence.
Comment by Froganon Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 1:08 pm
The Republicans in this state are a collection of whining children. They run bad candidates who have no chance of winning. Look at Helene Walsh? Who’s idea was that? If you wanna attack Dems in this state, maybe you should look in the mirror and start running better candidates.
Comment by Wire Tap Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 2:06 pm
If you don’t think corruption in politics and especially the magnitude that it seems has occurred in Illinois as a major issue then yes you can hide because it doesn’t fit your agenda. But very little to nothing was done on this issue or the fair map(that was a campaign issue supported by Pritzker) long before we even knew about the pandemic. But nice coverup try OW.
Comment by Arock Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 2:45 pm
=== If you don’t think corruption in politics and especially the magnitude that it seems has occurred in Illinois as a major issue then yes you can hide because it doesn’t fit your agenda.===
No.
I don’t think people are voting that way, and in a global pandemic, with unemployment as high as it is, and family or friends possibly sick, how many voters are thinking “gee, with all that’s happening, corruption will be my final straw”
Ald. Burke won while under indictment.
Someone trying to access IDES to eat or pay a mortgage or rent is prolly not too focused on a corruption bill.
=== the fair map===
Why?
The pandemic. The possible window to get something passed… yeah, the priority of safety to get a vote on it never transpired.
Please keep up, thanks.
=== But nice coverup===
lol, oh yeah, it’s a conspiracy, it *all* is, a big coverup.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 2:52 pm
“Windhorst wants the Commission to finish their report so the General Assembly can begin passing reforms.” Rep. Windhorst as a former prosecutor. He should understand that Illinois government lacks checks and balances. The legislature cannot investigate itself, any more than police can police themselves. Illinois residents are forced to wait for thirty year periods of time until the U.S. Attorney or FBI become involved. It’s been that way since Eliot Ness arrived in Chicago in 1930.
Windhorst should sponsor legislation empowering statewide grand juries for corrupt politicians and cops who break the law. Running corruption prosecutions through local county State’s Attorneys is absurd. With a weak AG in Kwame Raoul, the party bosses have things in Illinois just the way they want them.
Comment by Payback Wednesday, Jul 15, 20 @ 3:30 pm