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* Press release…
The following is a statement from State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, in response to recent news about Illinois Democratic House Speaker Michael J. Madigan and the federal investigation into ComEd:
“I have long been an outspoken critic of Speaker Madigan, but I have always stopped short of calling for his resignation, deferring to many of my colleagues’ concerns about due process. In fact, many have cited the so-called ‘Arroyo rule,’ referring to the Speaker’s own declaration that a colleague who was under indictment should resign or be removed. As a leader on criminal justice reform, I feel strongly about the principles of innocent until proven guilty and the right to due process. I also believe leadership must be held to a higher standard, and it is clear that the constant drip of corruption stories will interfere with our ability to advance a progressive agenda. Whether these investigations ultimately implicate him or continue to pick away at his inner circle, the damage is done.”
“We are heading into the most consequential election of my lifetime. Democrats are in serious races up and down the ballot. And thanks in large part to the bold, progressive leadership of Gov. Pritzker, we finally have a Fair Tax Amendment on the ballot–something I have worked toward for most of my adult life. I cannot pretend that we have another minute to wait and see, or look the other way and hope for the best. The stakes are too high. Speaker Madigan must step down from his leadership roles, both in the House and in our party.”
“Finally, I must note that I am following the lead of several of my colleagues–particularly first term women–who spoke up, despite the risk of political repercussions. In a truly democratic body, everyone should feel safe taking a principled stand without fear of retaliation. I plan to do everything in my power to make sure anyone who shares our values of equity and fairness is not left in the cold because they decided it was time for new leadership.”
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 3:22 pm
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I’ve been waiting for this one.
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 3:27 pm
That is leadership. Give praise to those that stuck their necks out first and a little farther. Brilliantly explained why she moved from “wait and see” to “time to go”.
Comment by Nagidam Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 3:28 pm
Would love to see Illinois’ first female Speaker.
Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 3:29 pm
The assault begins
““They have laid siege to the castle and it’s only a question of time when they assault.”
Comment by Donnie Elgin Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 3:29 pm
Where are the brave men of the House? Cowering in their basements? Come on boys, unpucker those sphincters and show some team spirit.
Comment by Captain Obvious Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 3:34 pm
He laid siege to his own castle.
Comment by Sonny Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 3:35 pm
thank you rep. cassidy.
keep it coming dems.
whatever he was to you in the past mjm is definitely a net-negative now.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 3:38 pm
yep. time to go.
Comment by Amalia Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 3:40 pm
That was noble of Kelly to mention the freshwomen. Gosh I like her.
Comment by Soccermom Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 3:43 pm
Is Rep. Cassidy the first to publicly tie the progressive income tax amendment to Speaker Madigan’s situation (as in being a negative)?
Comment by Eastside Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 3:44 pm
Paging Rep. Guzzardi
Paging Rep. Guzzardi
Please pick up…
Comment by Logan Square Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 3:44 pm
As Hawk would say
“He gone”
Comment by Donnie Elgin Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 3:49 pm
Encouraged to see my fellow women stepping up like this and leading the way. Reps Welch, Carroll, Guzzardi, Gabel, Hurley, Moeller and West where are you? (oops. banned punctuation fixed…)
Comment by Flat Bed Ford Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 3:51 pm
I guess the attempt to bully Rep. Cassidy by Tim Mapes as certainly authorized by the Speaker when she unilaterally stood up to him repeatedly a couple of years ago isn’t so clever now?
Comment by Upon Further Review Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 3:52 pm
===isn’t so clever now?===
Noted.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 3:53 pm
Resigning as speaker probably won’t change more than the name on the door. His power won’t stop that easily.
Comment by Abbey Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 3:54 pm
=== without fear of retaliation ===
And what would that look like? If he resigns as Speaker would she still expect his to pony up millions of dollars for House campaigns?
Comment by Powdered Whig Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 3:54 pm
I would respect Cassidy more if she stopped pretending to give a damn about anyone but herself and her political agenda. Her and the other female members calling for Madigan’s removal does not help the Democratic Party or the House democratic caucus.
Comment by sorry state Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 3:56 pm
=== In fact, many have cited the so-called ‘Arroyo rule,’ referring to the Speaker’s own declaration that a colleague who was under indictment should resign or be removed.===
As cited in the letter, the Arroyo Rule is one matrix, there’s another matrix to leadership.
The caucus will need to figure the matrix, I’m sure the phone calls are discussing such matrix issues?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 3:57 pm
===matrix issues===
Neo: “I know you’re out there. I can feel you now. I know that you’re afraid… you’re afraid of us. You’re afraid of change. I don’t know the future. I didn’t come here to tell you how this is going to end. I came here to tell you how it’s going to begin. I’m going to hang up this phone, and then I’m going to show these people what you don’t want them to see. I’m going to show them a world without you. A world without rules and controls, without borders or boundaries. A world where anything is possible. Where we go from there is a choice I leave to you…”
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 4:03 pm
- 47th Ward -
Madigan, upon hearing that?
“I think I got a recording thingy, you call it, ‘Voicemail’? I talk when they’re done or what’s next?”
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 4:06 pm
Apparently the Democratic men in the Legislature are following the lead of Sir Robin and very bravely running away.
Comment by Derek Smalls Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 4:07 pm
47th —
I’m gonna let Whitney say it for me
https://media3.giphy.com/media/wIdohfpyVbbJS/giphy.gif
Comment by Soccermom Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 4:07 pm
Kelly had to consult with Newt about how to best get a Speaker to resign in the middle of a scandal.
Comment by Thulene Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 4:10 pm
=As cited in the letter, the Arroyo Rule is one matrix, there’s another matrix to leadership.=
I think the Arroyo Rule establishes when you have to go but not necessarily when you should. MJM appears to be somewhere in between. But from my perspective should might be the better standard for leadership positions. At this point, until there’s resolution on the ComEd matter it will overshadow everything that the Speaker and party attempt to do. I’d never underestimate Madigan but I think we’re getting close to a tipping point.
Comment by Pundent Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 4:11 pm
How fitting that just like the Game of Thrones it was a woman who got the Knight King in the end.
Comment by Hard D Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 4:14 pm
=== I think the Arroyo Rule establishes when you have to go but not necessarily when you should.===
Ball game.
That’s the end of the line, no more outs, all cards played.
Doesn’t mean there’s a requirement to get to the Arroyo Rule.
The letter tells of that difference.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 4:14 pm
He stood up to Blago. Stood up to Carheart man. Carried the Dems for all these years. If you think he is gone, without a hell of a fight, I gotta bridge to sell you.
Comment by Teddy Salad Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 4:15 pm
=== I would respect Cassidy more if she stopped pretending to give a damn about anyone but herself and her political agenda. Her and the other female members calling for Madigan’s removal does not help the Democratic Party or the House democratic caucus. ===
Interesting how women speaking out is spun as political opportunism? And that is all I will say. Please do better #TimesUpOnThatRhetoric
Comment by The Failing New York Times Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 4:16 pm
===If you think he is gone, without a hell of a fight, I gotta bridge to sell you.===
It’s not a fight on want or an ethics question, it’s a math question.
Anything less than 60, he can fight all he wants, he needs 60, 59 plus him.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 4:16 pm
Cassidy always stands her ground and articulates her position, and I respect her for that. But Madigan hasn’t been charged with anything (possibly “yet”). Mind your own house for now
Comment by Leslie K Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 4:17 pm
=== calling for Madigan’s removal does not help the Democratic Party or the House democratic caucus. ===
Well this definitely comes from a current or former staffer or MJM ally. Kind of sad.
Comment by Feeling Reflective Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 4:21 pm
Any other Dem’s, time to get on the train, it’s only going one way, everyone in your district curses ComEd every month.
Comment by Rutro Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 4:26 pm
===Well this definitely comes from a current or former staffer or MJM ally. Kind of sad.===
How is people who actually know him sad?
Comment by Leslie K Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 4:27 pm
Left out in the cold? Like Yoni?
Comment by Centennial Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 4:41 pm
Leslie K: sad that the relationship blinds a person’s perception on things and in turn their decision making. The legislators aren’t wrong in saying public trust was violated due to the mere perception of wrong-doing. Distrust in government and people thinking all politicians are the same is one of the gravest issues facing our democracy. Disaffected voters, who are often voters of color, don’t turn out precisely because of this.
Comment by Feeling Reflective Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 4:44 pm
Leslie K: the distinction between Democrats and Republicans is as clear as day when it comes to policy, but scandals like these, blur that line for voters who aren’t in the comments section of political blogs
Comment by Feeling Reflective Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 4:47 pm
“Mind your own house for now”
It is her house.
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 5:07 pm
With respect, it’s not her House. It’s the people’s House.
Comment by Centennial Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 5:21 pm
Mr. JM and Centennial are both correct.
Comment by Soccermom Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 5:27 pm
His staying distracts from our campaign against Trump and tying Repubs to Trump. Several Suburban Dem freshman will have harder fights on their hands if he stays. They drag it out, the stories keep dripping as election day comes.
Comment by low level Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 5:44 pm
Just an observation….
There are still plenty of women legislators, including very prominent ones, who haven’t joined this chorus. Not just men legislators. Is the contempt the same for them?
It appears tenure has something to do with this.
Comment by A Guy Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 5:44 pm
“He stood up to Blago. Stood up to Carheart man. Carried the Dems for all these years. If you think he is gone, without a hell of a fight, I gotta bridge to sell you.”
That was before a $200,000,000 settlement by ComEd and numerous mentions of former staffers in the papers. And before 4 of his own caucus called on him to leave. Thats the difference.
Comment by low level Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 5:48 pm
How is that cannabis job working out for Cassidy’s spouse? Has the Representative ever recommended a lobbyist for a consulting job? {sigh}
I have to also say, those calling for his resignation need to look in the mirror … 1. Most are serving in the Illinois House bc of the Speaker‘s ability to execute a strong campaign plan and his field game. Some of these members had no experience, but Madigan took a chance on them and got them elected.
2. Never forget those who helped you along the way. While the investigations point to him, he hasn’t been charged yet. So, throwing someone under the bus to benefit ones self, says a lot about that person’s character. Innocent until proven guilty.
3. If one is going to talk ethics, they need to make sure they practice those very reforms that they are calling for.
Comment by {Sigh} Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 6:03 pm
**It appears tenure has something to do with this.**
Cassidy has been there 9 years.
TCH has been there 1.5 years.
Kifowit has been there 7 years.
ASM has been there 1.5 years.
What does tenure have to do with it?
Comment by SaulGoodman Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 6:05 pm
A guy - you are 100% correct that not all Democratic women legislators have stepped up to the plate, but 7 have put it out there. However, 100% of Democratic male legislators have been conspicuous in their absence. At this point not all Democratic women have demonstrated courage, but some have, with no “if true” qualifiers. Democratic men have thus far displayed the courage of … male Democratic legislators.
Comment by Derek Smalls Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 6:14 pm
The “No Clock Caucus” just got a new member.
Somewhere Scott Drury just smiled.
Comment by Scott Fawell's Cellmate Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 6:14 pm
MJM’s multiple war chests are vast. The old bulls of the house will be hesitant to move on him.
Comment by Donnie Elgin Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 6:27 pm
==I am following the lead of several of my colleagues–particularly first term women==
Who are free from the persuasions of a Tier 1 pension.
==I would respect Cassidy more if she stopped pretending to give a damn about anyone but herself and her political agenda.==
Kinda seems like those are what politics is about. Voters hope for a relative elevation of the agenda.
Comment by Anonanonsir Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 8:21 pm
“How is that cannabis job working out for Cassidy’s spouse?”
What in the hell does that have to do with ANYTHING?
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 9:09 pm
I doubt if the Speaker is going away until the maps are redrawn. And he may make some districts more competitive as a parting gift.
Comment by A Jack Thursday, Jul 30, 20 @ 11:03 pm
==what the hell does that have to do with ANYTHING?==At the very least it creates an appearance of impropriety that clashes with accusing another of using legislative position to get jobs for friends and relations.
Comment by SAP Friday, Jul 31, 20 @ 12:22 am
“How is that cannabis job working out for Cassidy’s spouse?”
What in the hell does that have to do with ANYTHING?
– MrJM
Comment by Miso Friday, Jul 31, 20 @ 7:53 am
“How is that cannabis job working out for Cassidy’s spouse?”
What in the hell does that have to do with ANYTHING?
– MrJM
Mr. JM
Of all people on this site you should know that that factoid does have something to do with something. This is all Ethics. The fact that her spouse benefitted from legislative action is fair commentary here. You know this. I like her too. But this is not an unfair discussion.
Comment by Miso Friday, Jul 31, 20 @ 7:56 am
“This is all Ethics. The fact that her spouse benefitted from legislative action is fair commentary here. You know this.”
I also know that Cassidy sought an ethics opinion regarding the job and the House ethics officer found no conflict of interest in her spouse accepting the post.
I also know that {sigh} tried and failed to make an issue of this previously — it was nothing then and it’s less than nothing now.
So unless Speaker Madigan had his multiple ethical/legal issues vetted by the House ethics officer, my question stands.
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Friday, Jul 31, 20 @ 3:14 pm